Car camping is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors without giving up the comforts of home. You can pack more gear since you’re not carrying it on your back, and that opens up a world of possibilities for a more comfortable and enjoyable camping trip.
Whether you’re a camping newbie or an experienced camper, the right gear can make a big difference.
We want to focus on the best gear for car camping, which includes tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and other essentials.
A good car camping tent should be roomy and easy to set up. Sleeping bags should be warm yet not bulky, taking up too much car space is a no-go! Cooking equipment completes the setup—you wouldn’t want to miss a chance of enjoying a warm meal under the stars.
Several factors come into play when deciding what gear to buy. It’s important to think about material durability, ease of setup, and portability.
Larger tents are great for space, but consider ease of assembly. Carrying too many items can fill up your vehicle quickly, so choose gear that balances comfort and convenience.
We’ve gone through and tested a variety of car camping products to find the ones that combine comfort, practicality, and value for money.
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Best Gear for Car Camping
We’ve camped under the stars more times than we can count, and we’ve learned that having great gear makes the trip a lot more enjoyable. Whether you’re a newbie or an expert looking to up your game, we’ve rounded up our favorite finds. Get ready to pack up, because here’s our list of the best car camping gear!
Abpir 318 PCS Survival Kit
This survival kit is essential for anyone looking to be prepared while car camping, with plenty of items packed into a small, easy-to-carry package.
Pros
- Comes with a variety of emergency tools
- Compact and easy to carry around
- High-quality materials for durability
Cons
- Some tools may be slightly generic
- Takes time to familiarize with 318 pieces
- Can feel a bit heavy for some users
The Abpir 318 PCS Survival Kit is our go-to for car camping emergencies. It’s hard to find a kit with so many useful items bundled together.
From a handy survival bracelet to a solid flashlight, this kit certainly comes prepared. We appreciate that it’s light enough to attach to a backpack and easy to store in the car.
During our last trip, having a well-organized kit was a huge plus. Every component has its place, making it easy to find what you need without rummaging. It made handling an unexpected rain shower straightforward, thanks to the compact poncho and waterproof matches. Safe to say, we felt ready for just about anything.
While it’s filled with great tools, keep in mind that it includes many pieces, some of which might not see frequent use. If you’re into compact and highly prepared camping, though, this won’t be a deal-breaker. Just give yourself some time to explore what’s inside and familiarize yourself with the lesser-known items. There’s a lot packed in, but that just means more preparedness!
Bespeur Car Ceiling Cargo Net
This cargo net is a smart choice for anyone looking to free up storage space in their car for road trips and camping adventures.
Pros
- Easy to install, fits most SUVs and vans
- Comes with double mesh pockets for extra storage
- Durable and strong, made from quality polyester
Cons
- May not fit all vehicle models perfectly
- Can obstruct rear view if overloaded
- Headroom may be an issue for taller drivers
We’ve all been there—trying to find more room in the car for those random road trip essentials. Enter the Bespeur Car Ceiling Cargo Net.
This nifty gadget takes advantage of the often-unused space above our heads. We found it incredibly easy to set up, especially with its adjustable D-shaped buckles.
The added mesh pockets are a bonus, letting us stash smaller items like sunglasses and snacks, keeping them just within reach and out of the chaos that typical trunk storage brings. Thanks to its strong material, it held up well during our recent adventure.
One thing we noticed was that the net can droop slightly if packed with heavy objects, which might block the rear view mirror. Taller folks in our group mentioned the net brushing against their heads while driving.
Despite these minor issues, its usefulness in maximizing storage space is undeniable. We think it’s a great investment for regular campers or any big road trip enthusiasts.
AMACOOL Portable Camping Fan
A must-have for any car camper looking for a blend of functionality and convenience.
Pros
- Doubles as a fan and light
- Long battery life
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- May not be bright enough for large spaces
- Small size might limit airflow in bigger tents
We recently tried out the AMACOOL Portable Camping Fan on our latest camping adventure, and we were quite impressed. The fan is incredibly versatile; it gave us both gentle airflow and illuminated our small tent with ease. Its size and weight made it simple to pack without sacrificing any other gear.
A standout feature is the multiple mounting options. We could hang it from branches or place it on our camping table. The hook functionality is incredibly handy, and being able to adjust the fan’s direction was a useful addition.
The battery life was extraordinary. It comfortably lasted through two full nights without recharge on moderate settings. The fast USB charging was a lifesaver, although we missed having a waterproof design on damp nights.
Despite this, the AMACOOL fan became a steadfast companion for our trip, enhancing our camping comfort significantly.
Oasser Trunk Organizer
Perfect choice for those who need a versatile and sturdy organizer for car camping trips.
Pros
- Robust and holds shape even when fully loaded
- Offers custom space with removable dividers
- Has a waterproof exterior, making it durable
Cons
- Requires some setup time with dividers
- Might be bulky for smaller cars
- Velcro strips sometimes lose grip
The Oasser Trunk Organizer is quite the game-changer for organizing our car trunks. Just last weekend, we took it on a camping trip and it held all our gear without losing shape.
The sturdy build, thanks to its density board, meant we didn’t have to worry about the usual sagging or awkward bends under heavy loads. It’s amazing how much can fit into this organizer.
Most of us appreciate the flexibility of the removable dividers. They’re easy to adjust and kept our items in order. Though setting up takes a bit of time, once in place, it’s convenient. The outer waterproof fabric is a significant plus, especially when dealing with damp or muddy gear. Cleaning is as easy as a quick wipe.
Though great, some things could be better. For instance, the Velcro strips, designed to prevent sliding, sometimes fail on particular surfaces. It’s not a major hiccup, but worth noting. Additionally, if you own a smaller car, this may take up considerable trunk space. All in all, it brought peace of mind and order to our gear-chaos, making it a worthy addition to car camping essentials.
Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan
A fantastic gadget for car camping that blends a fan and light in one compact device!
Pros
- Built-in fan for airflow
- Bright LED light
- Easy to carry and hang
Cons
- Needs D batteries
- Limited battery life
- Not waterproof
When we’re out in the wild, having the Odoland Lantern with Fan is handy. It lit up our tent with its bright LEDs, which made nighttime navigation a breeze. The fan was a welcome relief during hot evenings—it kept the air moving nicely.
Buying Guide
When it comes to car camping, choosing the right gear can make all the difference.
We want our outdoor adventures to be enjoyable, so let’s explore what features we should prioritize.
Start by thinking about the weather.
We need gear that suits different weather conditions. A good tent should handle rain and wind well, while sleeping bags and pads need to keep us warm on chilly nights.
Size matters!
A bigger tent means more space, but it might also be heavier and harder to set up. Think about how many people will join the camping trip and plan accordingly.
Lighting is another important factor.
Lanterns and headlamps provide brightness when it’s dark, allowing us to navigate around the campsite easily.
Cooking in the wild should be fun, not a headache.
Look for stoves that are easy to use and clean. Plus, sturdy cookware will last longer even if used over open flames.
Last but not least, let’s talk comfort.
Camping chairs and inflatable pillows may seem extra, but trust us—your back will thank you!
Here’s a quick checklist:
- 🏕️ Weather-resistant tent
- 🛌 Cozy sleeping bag
- 🔦 Reliable lighting
- 🍳 Sturdy cookware
- 🚗 Portable gear
Happy camping! 😊
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