One of the most fun parts about car camping is researching all the cool ways people do it and finding out what works best for you. YouTube is a valuable resource in learning how to set up your vehicle with whatever space you may have.
Visiting and supporting local gear stores will help you learn about the gear you may need, like a camp stove.
Joining Facebook groups and Reddit forums gives you access to people within the car camping community. They also offer used gear deals and answers to questions you didn’t know you had.
Buy and outfit your car
Your vehicle is the most important part of car camping. A car you already own will most likely suffice for your car camping needs. Just make sure it’s reliable and spacious enough for you to sleep and store gear.
You’ll need appropriate gear for camping, roadside essentials, and anything else you intend to use outside, like a hiking pack, running shoes, or fishing gear.
Explore local
Before you start planning a cross-country itinerary, consider using your first car camping trip as an opportunity to learn more about your local area. Start in a nearby park or campground. State parks are a good choice as they offer activities, amenities, and other resources to help ease you into a new kind of camping.
How to pick a car for camping
What makes a vehicle ideal for car camping? The best cars to sleep in have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive capabilities. You should look for a vehicle with plenty of cargo space and weight capacity.
The best vehicle to sleep in is one that’s reliable, safe, and secure on and off the road. It’s also worth considering vehicles with good gas mileage or even electric cars, which are becoming more popular for car camping.
- Jeep Wrangler
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota 4Runner
- Hyundai Kona Electric
Regardless of what vehicle you drive, don’t let it stop you from car camping. Even a small car like a Toyota Prius can be suitable with the right setup.
Car camping essentials
Car camping essentials vary widely based on the person, weather, and destination, but here is a list of necessities to get you started.
Cooler
Coolers are not only crucial for preserving food but they also can be used as a table, camp chair, or beer fridge. Features to look for in a cooler are ice life, insulation, durability, and size. Look to Yeti, Pelican, and Canyon Coolers, which offer viable options depending on your needs and budget.
Lighting
You’ll quickly find that navigating around the campground by phone flashlight or firelight won’t cut it. It’s worth investing in lighting for utility and ambiance purposes. Headlamps, lanterns, or even solar string lights will do the trick.
Organizers
Organization is key for keeping everything orderly while car camping in a small space. Invest in inexpensive bins to separate your kitchen supplies, toiletries, clothing, outdoor gear, and other belongings. You can even designate areas of your car for specific items so you can quickly find, pack, and unpack everything you need.
Sleeping pad
Aside from the vehicle, your sleep system is crucial. There are several ways to approach how you want to set up your car for sleeping. Do you want a system that easily folds up for day use? Are you traveling solo or with a partner? You can even build a sleeping platform to create more space and organization.
To keep things simple, start by investing in a quality sleeping pad. A sleeping pad can be anything from a self-inflating pad to a luxurious mattress topper.
Other items to consider for your sleep system are pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, and quilts. You may also want to bring a tent for nights when you want to switch things up.
Stove
A variety of stoves work for car camping. A popular and affordable option is the classic two-burner Coleman stove. If you’re traveling solo, a backpacking stove like the MSR PocketRocket is sufficient enough and saves space. Other items to add to your camp kitchen are a cast iron skillet, sharp knife, camp sink, utensils, and a folding table.
Water storage
You’ll need water for drinking, cleaning, and washing. Always have plenty of water in a storage container. If you know you will be camping near water sources, consider investing in a water filter.
Car camping tips and tricks
- Crack open opposite windows when you sleep for a cross breeze and to avoid moisture build-up in the car.
- Purchase a GPS and satellite communicator for off-the-grid contact, and let someone know your plans.
- Boil water, pour it into a heat-safe water bottle, and place it in your sleeping bag for more warmth on cold nights.
- Bring pre-packaged foods, like overnight oats or pancakes, or plan one-pot recipes for when you need an easy meal with minimal cleanup.
- Carry cash for local shops and campgrounds that might not accept credit cards.
- Download maps, movies, music, and podcasts to make sure you can access them even without cell phone service.
How to plan a car camping trip
Traveling on a whim without a plan can be freeing, but for beginner car campers, plan your trip ahead of time. This will ease stress and help avoid some unforeseeable circumstances.
Here is a list of apps and websites to help plan a car camping trip:
- Roadtrippers features everything from campgrounds to things to do, places to eat, and road services along the way.
- Campendium helps you find places to camp, with in-depth reviews from other Campendium users. The app features boondocking sites, free campgrounds, RV parks, and more.
- iOverlander features places to camp off-the-beaten-path. It’s useful in finding places to stealth camp in urban places, like Walmart and Cracker Barrel.
- Overnight RV Parking is another resource for finding stealth camping options.
- Recreation.gov is a great resource for finding federal campgrounds, like Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service sites. You can also make reservations through this site.
- GasBuddy is an app to help you find the cheapest gas on your road trip.
Other resources that are popular with car campers include Google Maps and AllTrails. It’s also worth checking with gear stores in your destination as these will often share local recommendations and current conditions.
