Camping is a great way to go beyond simply hiking to really inundating oneself in the wilderness. Whether you’re planning to pitch a tent as a ‘base camp’ for a few nights or are opting to camp in addition to backpacking (which may involve establishing a new camp site every night), camping with the use of a tent can be an exciting experience. Those who aren’t quite ready to forego the luxuries of the modern world may find themselves dabbling in car camping instead.
Car camping simply means that you load up all of your gear for the trip in your car, pull into your campsite, and set up your tent on a designated tent pad. This experience can be called “base camping” as well, and the benefits of car camping are most felt by the amount of gear one can take, as you aren’t restricted to what you can carry. Car camping requires forethought and preparation in order to ensure a safe and comfortable trip, so be sure to review this checklist for all of your essentials.
Click here to download a printable PDF shopping list.
Car Camping Essentials
As we’ve stated before, those who partake in car camping get the luxury of bringing more gear than a tent camper or backpacker, as they’re only restricted by what they can safely fit in their car. Depending on how much ‘roughing it’ you want to do, you may end up bringing more gear (and simply keeping the extra stored in your vehicle for times when you’re near your car).
Item | Why You Need It |
Battery Jumper Cables | Jump Your Vehicle in Case of Breakdown |
Hydraulic System | Lift Heaviest Tire for Your Vehicle |
Tire Pressure Gauge | Test Tire Pressure |
Shelter that Attaches to Vehicle | |
Added Protection for Tent Bottom | |
Repair Structural Integrity of Tent | |
Additional Protection from the Elements | |
Transport Gear for Quick Day Hiking Trips | |
Comfortable Sleeping Base | |
Repair Minor Damage to Air Mattress | |
Inflate Your Air Mattress | |
Additional Sleeping Comfort | |
Head Support for Sleeping Comfort | |
Secure Stakes into the Ground | |
Hammock or Cots | |
Private Toiletry Needs | |
Private Showering Space | |
Pet Tent, Bed, and Supplies | For Those Bringing Their Pets |
Cooking Gear
When camping, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed the appropriate items in order to sustain yourself. While trail mix and other snacks are good for day hiking trips, longer camping trips will likely require more preparation for hot, sustaining meals.
Item | Why You Need It |
Freeze-Dried and Prepared Food Items | Larger Meals for Sustenance |
Portable Cooking Equipment | |
Portable Food Containers | |
Purify Water On-the-Go | |
Keep Flames Protected from Wind | |
Charcoal or Firewood | Fuel Source |
Grill Food Items Atop Cooking Source | |
Cook Soups and Large Batch Items | |
Make Coffee/Espresso On-the-Go | |
Keep Drinks at Regulated Temperature | |
Open Bottles | |
Easily Open Cans | |
Clean Up Your Campsite | |
Store Cooled Items | |
Ice | Keep Cold Items Chilled |
Sanitary Cutting Surface for Foods | |
Foil | Useful for Cooking and Food Storage |
Dishwashing/Handwashing Needs |
Car Camping Basic Gear
Beyond the essentials, many will also opt to stock for a variety of additional hiking activities that may happen along the route. When venturing out from the base camp of your car, you can divvy up the items so that each member of your party is carrying their fair share of items for the excursion. If you’re just using your car as a storage area and only really plan to camp in your tent (not participating in many other hiking or outdoor activities), then you can simply keep most of the heavier goods in your vehicle until you need them.
Item | Why You Need It |
Adding Traction to Help with Mobility | |
Portable Energy Source | |
Communication with Traveling Partners | |
Keep Extremities Warm in Cool Conditions | |
Energy Food/Snacks | |
Track Fitness, Progress, Location | |
Lantern (with Mantle if Needed) | |
Lantern Fuel or Batteries | Energy Supply for Lantern |
Dry Gear and Yourself | |
Camera | Capture Images and Memories |
Navigational Tools | |
Keeps Lips Hydrated | |
Essential Tool | |
Light Source and Energy Source | |
Portable Seating and Relaxing Arrangements | |
Spare Glasses/Contacts | In Case of Loss or Damage |
Shower Water Bag | Easily Carry Items in Shower |
Car Bin | Organization of Camp Items in Vehicle |
Gear for Activities
Some people simply camp as an essential to sustaining long backpacking trips, but many others opt to participate in car camping as a way to establish a base camp as a springboard to other outdoor activities. This is where the benefit to having your car comes in hand, as you can store many heavier items like kayaks, canoes, skis, snowboards, and bikes on the exterior of your vehicle while storing smaller items inside. Here are some additional items to consider in your tent camping stash.
Item | Why You Need It |
Transport Large Items on Exterior of Car | |
Transport Small Children Securely | |
Rolling Jogger | Transport Children During Jogging Activities |
For ‘Down Times’ |
Clothing
Car camping can occur in a variety of situations and weather conditions, so your attire truly needs to match your needs. Keep in mind that there can be drastic temperature swings, especially when one is camping at different altitudes. Seek shelter in your vehicle if the weather gets too intense.
Item | Why You Need It |
Warm Weather Attire | |
Sun Protection | |
Light Torso Protection | |
Jacket or Insulated Vest | Keep Warm in Cool Conditions |
Bandana or Buff | Keep Hair Off of Face |
Keeps the Insects at Bay | |
Insulation for Head | |
Shield Yourself from the Elements | |
Light Torso Protection | |
Boot Gaiters |
First Aid/Emergency Gear
As with any outdoor activity, you’ll want to ensure that you always bring your first aid essentials along for the trip. Hiking, backpacking, and camping in general can expose adventurers to the elements as well as unfamiliar territory, so pack to prepare for accidents or emergencies that may occur.
A good rule of thumb is to leave your trip itinerary with a friend as well as in your vehicle (under your car seat) in case you become disoriented, lost, or injured. In this manner, not only will your friends have your information, but emergency personnel can also have quick access to documents should they come across your vehicle.
Item | Why You Need It |
Necessary Insulation When Stranded | |
Light Fires in Survival Situations | |
Insect Repellant/Candle | Keep Bugs at Bay |
Combats Itchiness from Brush | |
Useful When out in Wilderness | |
Bear Spray | Detract Bears |
Biodegradable Soap | Sanitation for Persons |