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Car camping at the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico from our Chevy Equinox
Ever dreamt of exploring the outdoors but felt intimidated by traditional camping? Car camping offers a great solution! With your car as your basecamp, you can experience the wonders of nature comfortably and conveniently.
There are two main ways to car camp:
- Sleeping in your car: This involves using your car’s interior as your primary shelter for sleeping.
- Tent camping near your car: This involves setting up a tent near your parked car and utilizing the car for transportation, storage, and potentially cooking.
With a vehicle, campers can bring more gear and equipment, such as larger tents, comfortable sleeping pads or air mattresses, portable stoves, and even camping chairs or hammocks. It is also a great entry way to get outdoors because you can use things from home without buying new camping gear. This allows for a more comfortable camping experience and can make it easier to spend more time enjoying the beauty of nature.
Ultimately, the best car camping definition depends on your individual preferences and desired experience. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite car camping gear to help get you started and will make your outdoor adventure enjoyable and comfortable!
Contents of Camping Made Easy: Gear Recommendations for Car Camping
COOK SYSTEMS
Cooking style plays a crucial role in choosing the right car camping stove. Don’t be afraid of using your backpacking gear you already have. A backpacking stove is a great option if your car camping meals primarily involve boiling water, basic simmering (think pasta or rice), and quick cooking (sauteing vegetables).
For those who enjoy preparing diverse dishes, frying, and precise heat control, a stove with higher BTU output, around 10,000 BTUs, or a double burner is recommended. An induction stove is another great option that can be connected to an inverter on your car battery.
OliCamp Ion Micro Titanium Stove
This is the stove we use for backpacking. It is a great option to be able to double gear that you already use for backpacking for car camping. The OliCamp Stove It is known for being one of the smallest and lightest stoves available, weighing only 45 grams (1.5 oz). This stove can handle basic cooking needs like boiling water and preparing simple meals.
The Coleman Backpacking Stove is a great budget friendly option as well!
TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot
Overall, the TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot is a popular choice for backpackers and car campers seeking a lightweight and versatile cooking pot. It can be used for boiling water, preparing meals, or even serving as a mug. A fuel cannister with a backpacking stove can easily sit nestled inside. Its simple design, durability, and compact size make it a valuable addition to any outdoor gear collection.
Here is a video of Gator using the OliCamp stove and Toaks Pot with some creative cooking!
Jetboil HalfGen Base Camp Cooking System
The Jetboil HalfGen is a single burner system that has a 10,000 BTU burner that boils a liter of water in just over 3 minutes. The system comes with a 9-inch ceramic-coated fry pan for non-stick cooking of various meals. The HalfGen functions as a standalone camp stove but can also connect to other JetBoil compatible stoves to create a larger outdoor cooking station.
Coleman Cascade 222 Camping Stove—2 Burner Camping Stove
This portable propane stove features two burners, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Its compact design folds for easy transport and storage. It has 22,000 total BTUS of cooking power.
Budget Option: Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove
Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop
The Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop utilizes induction technology, heating the cookware directly for increased safety and energy efficiency. It offers precise temperature control, adjustable from 100°F to 500°F in 10-degree increments, along with three power settings (600W, 900W, and 1300W).
Cooking on a Coleman Stove with a gorgeous water view
Photo by @emily.wanders
KITCHEN GEAR
Pupopik 9 Inches Unbreakable Wheat Straw Plates – Reusable Plate 4 Set
Pupopik 24oz Plastic Bowls – Reusable Bowls 4 set
These plates and bowls are made from a blend of wheat straw fiber, starch, and food-grade PP material this makes them lightweight and environmentally friendly. Each comes with a set of 4.
Quatish Portable Silverware Set
This set is compact and convenient way to bring your own utensils with you wherever you go. The set includes a fork, spoon, knife, and even chopsticks, all made from a durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel. These utensils fold neatly and store in a slim, protective carrying case.
MalloMe Telescoping Skewers – set of 5
These skewers are extendable from 12″ to 32″, making them a perfect option to bring car camping. They can be used for roasting marshmallows, hotdogs, kabobs and more.
Coleman 316 Series Insulated Cooler
This cooler is available in a range of sizes from 52 quarts to 150 quarts, making it good for individuals or large gatherings. Any cooler you get, make sure it has a drain plug to allow for easy draining of melted ice water without tilting the cooler.
HOTLOGIC Portable Electric Lunch Box (12V)
The HotLogic is a portable electric oven that reheats or cooks food on the go. It plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter (12V), using your car’s battery power. This makes it a great car camping option to enjoy a warm, home-cooked style meal.
It also comes in a plug in style that runs at 120V: HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Electric Lunch Box (120V)
Gator cooking from the tailgate in Guanajuato, Mexico
SLEEPING GEAR
INVOKER Camping Sleeping Pad 3”
Car camping shouldn’t mean sacrificing a good night’s sleep. The INVOKER Sleeping Pad offers comfort with a 3 inch self-inflating sleeping pad, designed specifically for car camping comfort. While not ultralight, it packs down to a nice manageable size for car camping storage.
Rumpl Blanket
I literally use this blanket everyday. The Rumpl is a synthetic puffy blanket, designed for outdoor adventures and everyday use. It packs down into a compact size for easy transport, is machine washable, and comes in a wide variety of designs making it a great option for car camping.
NEMO Fillo Pillow
For an alternative to a regular pillow, the Nemo Fillo really packs a punch. At only 9 ounces, the Fillo combines an inflatable air core with a layer of memory foam, offering a balance of soft, supportive cushioning that feels much like your pillow at home.
Don’t be afraid to use gear you already have for car camping
ELECTRONICS
Inverter
Inverters can be resourceful tools for car camping, offering a way to power various appliances and devices even when disconnected from the grid. Inverters can be used to charge laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other USB devices through their AC outlets or built-in USB ports. This is particularly helpful for longer camping trips where battery life becomes a concern.
Inverters can also be connected to your car battery to operate small appliances: Depending on the inverter’s wattage capacity, you can power small appliances like coffee makers, portable blenders, or electric fans.
If you just need to charge electronics like a cell phone or laptop, we recommend:
If you want to use appliances like an electric stove, we recommend:
Select an inverter with a wattage capacity that meets your needs. Check the wattage requirements of your devices and choose an inverter with enough headroom to handle the combined load.
Closely monitor your car battery voltage while using the inverter. Avoid draining the battery below safe levels to prevent starting issues. Some experts recommend keeping the car engine running while using the inverter to prevent excessive battery drain.
Anker Power Bank 10,000mAh Portable Charger
We’ve been using Anker power bank for years for backpacking. This charger is 10,000mAh of charging capacity, which translates to roughly 2-3 full charges for a typical smartphone depending on the model’s battery size. This power bank has 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C port.
If you need a little more power the Anker 20,000mAh Power Bank is a great option, and can fully charge a phone up to 5 times. This is the one we use when Gator and I are backpacking together.
TriPole Small Desk Fan USB Powered Portable Fan
This USB fan helps circulate air within a tent or vehicle, preventing stuffiness and aiding in a more comfortable sleeping environment. The USB operation allows for various powering options. You can use a power bank, a car charger, or even a solar panel with a USB output, making them adaptable to different car camping setups.
NEXPOW Car Battery Starter Portable,12V Car Battery Jump Starter Power Pack
A Portable Car Battery Starter can be a valuable tool for car camping. Its primary function is to jump-start a car battery in case it dies while car camping. This can be a lifesaver, especially in remote locations where finding help might be challenging. This device also has USB ports which can be useful for charging devices.
Car camping set up in our Chevy Equinox
LIGHTING
Lepro LED Rechargeable Flashlight
This is a small but powerful little flashlight at a brightness up to 1,000 lumens. It is rechargeable, and has 5 different lighting modes: high, medium, low, flash and SOS mode. We place this in the storage organizer for quick access.
OUTISAN LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern
This is another great lighting alternative. Boasting a large capacity battery (often around 5000mAh), it provides extended illumination on a single charge, essential for multi-day camping trips. It has a magnetic base and hanging hook for various placement.
Ariceleo Led Fairy Lights Battery Operated
These battery-powered string lights are lightweight and portable, making them easy to pack. They are a fun way to add a bit of soft lighting. We wrapped them around a clothes hanger bar for an easy hanging solution.
ORGANIZATION
Lebogner Car Storage Organizer
The Lebogner Car Storage Organizer can be a helpful tool for keeping your car interior organized and clutter-free. They are designed to hang from the headrest or attach to the backseat or trunk with adjustable straps or clips for secure placement. We use them for items like keys, flashlight, chapstick and other things that need to be accessed quickly when camping.
Qualizzi XL/Car Windows Sun Shades
Made from stretchy mesh fabric, the Qualizzi shades allow for air circulation, help to block sunlight, a bit of privacy, and keep bugs out. They come in various sizes to fit most SUV and large car window dimensions and utilize elastic edges for a snug fit. We have used the XL for our Chevy Equinox and Kia Sportage.
CX BLACK & YELLOW 17-Gallon Heavy Duty Tough Storage Container
The CX BLACK & YELLOW® 17-gallon is our favorite size, but these crates range from 12 to 27 gallon capacity. They are a sturdy, stackable, weather-resistant solution to help organize your camping gear. We love multipurpose items, and an unexpected bonus: it doubles as a stable table for providing a flat surface for preparing food, playing games, or simply setting down drinks.
Amazon Basics 4 Piece Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are game-changers for car camping! They come in various sizes to categorize your gear, from clothes to cooking supplies. The mesh top allows you to easily see what’s inside each cube, saving you time digging through your trunk.
Coleman Outdoor Compact Folding Table
The Coleman Outdoor Compact Folding Table is a lifesaver for car camping. It folds up small and light, easily fitting into your car trunk without taking up precious space. The Coleman table is easy to assemble and can comfortably seat four people.
Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair
This is a classic and affordable option – Coleman is known for its durability and comfort. It features a breathable mesh back and seat, a cup holder, and adjustable armrests.
VaygWay Expandable Car Clothes Hanger Bar
The VaygWay Expandable Car Clothes Hanger Bar can be a handy tool for car camping. It goes beyond hanging clothes, offering space for fairy lights, drying clothes, or creating a divider in your car. This rod width can be adjusted from 34 Inches to 62 Inches.
Merci and Atlas looking out at the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
FOR THE DOGS
Hero Dog Bed Crate Pad
I swear by this bed. It is soft, light weight and lightly padded. It is also machine washable which makes it a great option for car camping.
If your dog needs a little more cushion, the Hero Dog Crate Pad – Cute Paw is a little over 1” thick and is also machine washable. We use both for Merci.
Sea to Summit X Bowl
These are my favorite collapsible bowls to use for Merci for camping. It can hold 22 fluid ounces or 650mL, and packs down nicely.
XiaZ Dog Tie Out Cable – 20ft
Perfect for car camping, this lightweight cable comes in various lengths (15ft, 20ft, 30ft) for easy transport. The 2 swivel clasps allow you to secure two dogs to trees or poles at your campsite, and it even includes a 3.3ft leash for added convenience. A 3.3ft leash is included but can be attached to another leash for longer length.
If you have a larger dog, puller, or heavy chewer this is a great option Tumbo Store 75 ft Travel Trolley
Chuckit! Paraflight Frisbee
Merci would be so upset at me if I forgot this one. The Chuckit Paralight frisbee is a must-have for car camping. This travel friendly frisbee is soft which makes it safe for playing in close quarters like campgrounds.
Despite its softness, it maintains enough structure to achieve decent distance when thrown. It’s also buoyant and floats in water, adding another dimension of fun for water-loving pups like Merci.
Car camping spot in Baja Norte, Mexico
TOILETRIES
Norwex Body Cloth
This handy microfiber cloth is designed to cleanse your face and body with just water, ditching the need for bulky soaps and cleansers. It’s perfect for car camping when space is limited and showers might be scarce. We take one every time traveling or backpacking to help take a ‘bath’ to feel cleaner when showering isn’t an option.
Sea to Summit Drylite Towel
This ultra-lightweight and packable towel takes up minimal space in your car trunk, perfect for car camping. Made from super-absorbent microfiber, it dries in a flash, meaning you can use it after a swim or wash up for dinner without waiting forever. No more damp towels hanging around your campsite!
DivaCup – BPA-Free Reusable Menstrual Cup
The DivaCup is a reusable menstrual cup that collects your period flow instead of absorbing it like tampons or pads. It’s made of soft medical-grade silicone and is inserted and removed like a tampon. Once inserted, the DivaCup is comfortable and creates a light seal, allowing you to enjoy your camping activities worry-free. I used one while thru hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, and continue to use it today.
Kula Cloth
The Kula Cloth is a reusable, machine-washable pee cloth. It’s made from advanced silver-infused antimicrobial fabric, designed for backpackers and campers to hygienically pat dry after using the restroom in the wilderness. This eliminates the need for bulky toilet paper or wasteful wipes, keeping your pack light and reducing waste left behind. The double snap closure allows the cloth to hang conveniently while folded in half.
MyFak Mini First Aid Kit
The My Medic MYFAK MINI is a compact and portable option designed to address minor injuries and emergencies. This first aid kit contains over 62 essential items including bandages and antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, topical treatments for bites and stings, and emergency preparedness items like a whistle and compass. It also comes with a first-aid guide for quick reference. Measuring just 4 x 6 x 8.5 inches, the MYFAK MINI easily fits in backpacks or glove compartments making it a convenient option to bring car camping.
The My Medic Hiker Medic is also another great option for a more streamlined first aid kit.
Our Chevy Equinox with window shades and homemade mosquito net on tailgate
MISCELLANEOUS
Inflame Fire Starters
Take one or two Inflame firestarter from the box. Place starter under the wood or charcoal, and light each firestarter on the side of the piece. What we love about the Inflame firestarters are they are made of wood fiber, and organic Dutch beeswax. And since they’re made of natural materials it leaves no odor or impact on food.
Skeeta Mosquito No-See-um Netting – 54″ Wide X 10 Yards Material
I made a mosquito net to allow the tailgate to be open to allow more airflow using this material. The ultra-fine mesh effectively blocks not just mosquitoes but also those pesky no-see-ums and other tiny insects. If you are up for a DIY, cut the netting to fit the specific area around your trunk, drape it over supports like poles or tent stakes, and enjoy a worry-free tailgate without the constant swatting and itching.
Frost King G636W Vinyl Snap-In Gutter Screen
The Frost King G636W Vinyl Snap-In Gutter Screens, originally designed to prevent leaves and debris from clogging gutters, can be creatively repurposed as custom window screens! These were the first window screens I made for our 4 month trip car camping in Mexico. There are so many good videos on YouTube for ideas of how to make them – here is a good one to start:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ-rMQmiaHo&t=91s
Amazon Basics UV Reflecting Foldable Front Windshield Sun Shade
A windshield sun shade is a car camper’s secret weapon! It reflects sunlight, keeping your car cooler on hot days and making it more comfortable when you return. The shade also provides privacy, which is ideal for campsites where people come and go. Choose a size specifically for your windshield and consider reflective materials for maximum heat defense.
UNIUP 70% Aluminet Shade Cloth
An aluminet shade cloth can be a great option for car camping, especially in hot weather. It is made of a knitted mesh that allows air to circulate, and is durable for various weather. You’ll need ropes, bungee cords, or poles (depending on your setup) to attach it to your car or surrounding objects. This aluminet shade cloth comes in a variety of sides to allow you a custom setup.
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