The best part about car camping unlike backpacking is that you can pretty much take whatever fits in your car. If you want a huge setup with a barbecue grill or even a couch you can do that. It allows you to bring a lot more comforts and a lot more activities but still take advantage of the outdoors. It's also a great way to practice skills and test gear before you attempt a more remote backpacking trip.
SHELTER
Your tent can be as posh as you want. If you want three blankets and five pillows just stuff them in the car. It really depends on whether or not you're camping out of a tiny hatchback or a full-size pickup truck. We will just cover the basics.
Sleeping bags
Sleeping bag liners
Sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress and pump
Hammock and straps
Camping blanket
Pillows
Camp chairs
Tent and footprint
Lantern
Headlamps or flashlights with extra batteries
Sunshade, tarp or screen house
Camp rug
Camp table (if no picnic table)
TOOLS
No need to rely solely on your Swiss army knife as your only tool. Having a trunk gives you the option to bring lots of useful items.
First Aid Kit
Lighter
Scissors
Bushcraft Knife
Multi-tool
Mallet or hammer
Axe and Gloves
Paracord
Water Filter
Duct Tape
Pad/Mattress repair kit
Small broom and dustpan
Clothesline with clips
CAMP KITCHEN
Probably one of the best things about car camping versus minimal camping is the ability to cook amazing meals outdoors. you don't have to survive on boil-in-the-bag hiker meals and trail mix. When setting up an outdoor kitchen it can be extremely elaborate or very simple.
Stove/grill and fuel
Grill rack
Griddle
Dutch oven
Charcoal
Matches/lighter/firestarter
Cook pots
Potholder
Frying pan
Eating utensils
Cooking utensils
Bottle opener
Can opener
Corkscrew
Sharp chef's knife
Plates/bowls
Mugs/cups
Cutting board
Cooler
Ice
Water bottles
Camp sink or wash bins
Biodegradable soap
Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
Trash/recycling bags
Dishtowel
Portable coffee/tea maker
Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
Small food-storage containers/bags/foil
Large water jugs
Large, clear plastic bins to store kitchen gear
Fire extinguisher
CLOTHING
Hiking clothes are going to vary depending on the time of year and climate you live in but again you now have the ability to bring various outfits and layers you wouldn't normally be able to bring out into the remote wild. So go ahead and grab that big bulky sweater that you want to sit next to the fire wearing but here are the essentials you'll need.
Moisture-wicking underwear
Moisture-wicking T-shirts
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
Lightweight fleece or jacket
Socks (synthetic or wool)
Sleepwear
Rainwear (jacket and pants)
Warm insulated jacket or vest
Gloves or mittens
Warm hat
Swimsuits
Water sandals or shoes
Sandals or crocs
Hiking boots
TOILETRIES
What you bring here really depends on what type of campground you are staying at. We tend to camp a lot of places that are considered primitive camping. Which means outhouses and no running water and absolutely no electricity. With that in mind here's what we recommend.
Shampoo or an all-purpose soap
Toilet Paper
Baby wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Hairbrush
Quick-dry towel
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Lip balm
Hand sanitizer
Deodorant
Earplugs
Sleep mask
Portable camp shower
EXTRAS AND PERSONAL ITEMS
Leave room for these or put that roof rack to use.
Camera
Portable charger
Binoculars
Navigation tools
Field guides (flowers, insects)
Star chart/night-sky identifier
Book/reading material
Musical instrument
Frisbee
Journal and writing device
Camp Games
Day pack
Dry bags
Music player with headphones
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Solar and portable power
Credit card and/or cash
ID
Cellphone
The campsite reservation confirmation (if required)
And now you're ready to go. With your car stuff to the gills, you are ready for adventure. Obviously you can modify this list to suit your needs but we hope that this will give you an idea of what's possible. You don't have to sacrifice comfort to be out in the woods. So get out there.
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