Car camping is a thrilling way to connect with nature without leaving behind the comfort of modern life. It allows us to pack up everything we might need and drive straight to our outdoor destination.
Unlike backpacking, we’re not restricted by weight, so we can bring along those extra conveniences that turn a normal camping trip into a luxurious retreat.
From cozy sleeping bags to portable stoves, the right equipment is key to an enjoyable experience.
Car camping gear ranges from essentials to luxury items. Tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and lighting solutions are a few of the basics we consider.
These items not only make our stay in the great outdoors more comfortable but can also enhance safety.
Brands often boast durability, ease of use, and weather resistance, so understanding what suits our needs helps make an informed choice.
When choosing car camping gear, consider factors like size, ease of setup, and durability.
Nobody wants to struggle with a complicated tent setup when there’s marshmallows to be roasted. It’s also wise to check if the gear is weather-resistant, since we never know what Mother Nature might throw at us.
We spent countless hours researching and testing the top items to find the gear that offers the best comfort and convenience for our adventures.
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Best Gear for Car Camping
Get ready to hit the road with our ultimate car camping list! 🏕️ From cozy sleeping bags to handy cooking gear, we’ve handpicked the best stuff for the perfect camping trip.
Let’s explore our top picks and make your next outdoor adventure a blast!
AMACOOL Portable Camping Fan
This fan is a must-have for anyone who enjoys camping but can’t stand the heat.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Long battery life
- Silent operation
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- The light is not very bright
- Limited color options
When we took the AMACOOL Camping Fan on a recent trip, it was like having a portable comfort zone. The air circulation was delightful, perfect for stuffy tents.
Despite being pint-sized, it offered a refreshing breeze throughout our camping adventure.
The built-in light was like having a portable star. It’s not bright enough to light up the whole camp, but it was just right for inside the tent.
We were thrilled by the fan’s weight—or lack of it. It tucked into our bag without a fuss, barely noticeable.
Let’s not be shy about it—the fan isn’t without its quirks.
Rainy nights? We’ll have to admit, it’s not built for handling the wet outdoors. We found ourselves wishing for a bit more illumination during late-night card games.
The sturdy hook, however, saved us from any fan-placement woes, making it practical to set up nearly anywhere.
With a rechargeable battery lasting hours, it became our trusted companion. Whether clipped to a chair or hung inside the tent, it made our camping nights much more pleasant.
This nifty gadget might not shine around water, but it sure makes every other aspect of camp life breezier.
Abpir 318 PCS Emergency Survival Kit
This survival kit is a solid choice for campers who want a well-stocked emergency pack when heading into the great outdoors.
Pros
- Comprehensive set of tools and medical supplies.
- Compact design is easy to carry.
- Offers good value for the price.
Cons
- Some tools feel generic.
- Might be a bit bulky for minimalists.
- Flashlight might require frequent battery changes
Unpacking the Abpir 318 PCS Emergency Survival Kit felt like gearing up for an epic adventure.
With 318 items tucked neatly into a sturdy MOLLE bag, the kit ensures we’re ready for whatever comes our way. This system has everything we might need, right down to a versatile 14-in-1 hatchet.
We particularly appreciated its organization. Each item, from emergency blankets to tactical flashlights, is well-arranged.
The MOLLE pouch, though packed, remains surprisingly light and attaches easily to backpacks. Running through its contents, there’s a mix of survival tools and medical supplies, which is ideal when camping or hiking.
It’s not all perfect, though. Some tools are quite standard, similar to what we’ve seen in other kits.
The flashlight, for instance, won’t replace our main camping light, as it seems to need quite a bit of juice.
Despite these few quirks, the overall utility makes this kit a strong contender for any car camping trip.
Oasser Car Trunk Organizer
This is a great choice for organizing your car’s trunk space because of its durability and versatility.
Pros
- High-quality waterproof material
- Spacious with adjustable compartments
- Stays securely in place
Cons
- May be too large for small trunks
- Handles might feel bulky
- Not meant for heavy-duty hauling
We recently tried out the Oasser Car Trunk Organizer on a camping trip, and it was a game-changer.
The organizer has a large capacity and can hold up to 110 pounds, which was more than enough for our camping gear. We loved the durable waterproof Oxford cloth. It handled a bit of rain without any issue, keeping our items dry and clean.
The reinforced aluminium handles made transporting the organizer to and from the car a simple task, although they can feel a bit bulky.
What truly impressed us were the customizable compartments. With two removable dividers, we adjusted the space to fit both large and small items — like juggling our clothes and random camping supplies.
The nonslip strips are a smart feature. They kept everything from shifting as we drove, making sure our neatly organized car stayed that way!
Though spacious, this organizer might be overkill for smaller trunk spaces, and it’s not designed for super heavy-duty use — keep that in mind if you’re planning to haul bricks.
The reflective strip is a nice touch too, adding a bit of safety in case of emergency stops.
Coghlan’s Multi-Grill Spice Shaker
This spice shaker packs all the spice essentials, making it a must-have for our camping trips.
Pros
- Compact and easy to pack
- Includes six different spices
- Flip-top lids for each compartment
Cons
- Not refillable without tools
- Some spices run out quicker
- Lids may open accidentally
Coghlan’s Multi-Grill Spice Shaker is a handy addition to our camping collection. We love its slim design, perfect for stashing in our camping box.
It has a mix of spices like paprika and cayenne, all in one holder, which saves space. Those flip-top lids make it easy to sprinkle just the spice we need without a hassle.
One issue we noticed is with refilling. We can’t just pop open the top to refill empty compartments. This could be a bit of a pain when we’re on longer trips and run out of common spices like salt or pepper.
We’ve also found that if not stored upright, the lids may pop open. No one wants a surprise sprinkle of pepper in their morning coffee!
This spice shaker is really ideal for quick camping meals. Each compartment works without a hitch, and we loved the ease of having everything in one spot. If only it could be refilled more gently, it would definitely earn a perfect spot in our camping gear.
Rhino USA Survival Shovel
This tool is perfect for those who need a reliable, versatile shovel that’s compact and built to last.
Pros
- Sturdy carbon steel build
- Compact and easy to store
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
Cons
- Might be too small for large tasks
- Can feel a bit heavy over time
- Complex for beginners to assemble
We recently took the Rhino USA Survival Shovel on a camping trip and were impressed.
Built from carbon steel, this shovel means business. It’s rugged enough to tackle digging projects, yet small enough to stash in a backpack.
Setting it up was straightforward. The shovel transforms into a pickaxe and pick hoe, which was quite handy when we needed different tools for different campsites.
The 180-degree angle feature helped a lot with tasks beyond just digging.
Though the shovel is compact, we did feel its weight during long hikes. Carrying it for extended periods could tire you out if you’re not used to hefting gear.
Keep this in mind if you’re planning a long adventure.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right gear for car camping can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
What do we really need for a great camping experience? Let’s cut to the chase and figure it out.
First, let’s talk tents.
Space and durability are key. A tent should comfortably house everyone, with room for you to stretch your legs.
Look for waterproof materials—because nobody likes waking up to soggy socks! 🏕
Next up: sleeping bags and pads.
Comfort is king here! Aim for bags that are rated for the coldest temperature you might face. Softness helps too.
A good sleeping pad is like the icing on a cake, offering support and warmth.
When it comes to cooking, think about portability and ease of use.
A compact stove that packs a punch will serve us well. Don’t forget utensils and a cooler to keep everything fresh. 🍳🥤
A flashlight or lantern should be on the list.
Bright but portable options work best. Some even come with USB chargers, which can save our bacon if phones run out of juice. 🔦
Check out chairs and tables.
We look for folding options that are easy on the back. Sitting on a rock the whole time just sounds painful!
| Item | Considerations | Bonus Tips |
| Tent | Space and waterproofing | Check weight if you need to carry it! |
| Sleeping Bag | Temperature rating | Go for comfort |
| Stove | Portability and fuel type | Test it before you go |
| Lighting | Brightness and size | USB charging is a plus |
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