Short answer: for car camping you need five groups of gear: shelter, sleep, kitchen, campsite comfort and safety. Because the car carries everything, you can bring a little more comfort than backpackers do. Just don't forget the small things, like a lighter, a trash bag or a way to get the tent stakes out.
Use this checklist before your next trip. We link the items we sell; everything else is standard gear you may already own.
Shelter
- Tent, poles, stakes and rainfly
- Footprint or tarp to go under the tent
- Camping mallet with stake puller: hammers stakes in and hooks them out
- Canopy or tarp for shade, plus weight bags for the legs
Sleep
- Sleeping pad: ours has a built-in foot pump and an attached pillow, and packs to about 10.6 x 3.9 in
- Sleeping bag rated for the night-time temperature where you're going
- Sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean (4.5 oz)
- Pillow, if your pad doesn't have one
- Warm layer and dry socks for sleeping
See our tips for sleeping better when camping.
Camp kitchen
- Stove and fuel: a mini camping stove plus a screw-on gas canister (sold separately)
- Lighter or matches, as a backup
- Folding pan (fits two steaks) and a small pot
- Grill plate for bacon, sausages and eggs on the stove
- Campfire tripod kit, if fires are allowed
- Cooler and ice
- Plates, cups, utensils, a knife and a cutting board
- Water jug
- Biodegradable soap, a sponge and a small towel
- Trash bags (pack out what you pack in)
Campsite comfort
- Folding table for the stove and coffee
- Camp chairs
- Lantern and a headlamp for each person
- Clip hooks to hang the lantern and gear
- Folding saw for firewood, where gathering wood is allowed
- Rechargeable camp shower to rinse off before bed
Safety and basics
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Rain jacket
- Phone charger or power bank
- Campsite reservation and a paper map (cell service can drop out)
- Check the local fire rules before you go
Easy-to-forget items
- Lighter
- Can opener or bottle opener
- Paper towels
- Extra stakes
- A bag for dirty clothes
FAQ
What is car camping?
Car camping means you drive to a campsite and set up next to your car, so you don't have to carry your gear far. It's the easiest way to start camping.
What should I buy first for car camping?
A tent, a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag. A good pad makes the biggest difference to how well you sleep.
Do I need a camp stove?
Many campsites have fire rings, but fire bans are common in dry seasons. A small gas stove lets you cook and make coffee either way.
Build your kit: browse Camp Kitchen, Sleep Better Outdoors and Campsite Setup. Every order ships free to the US, and 3 or more items get 15% off, applied automatically at checkout. Most orders arrive in 7–15 business days, so order a few weeks before your trip.