Car camping means you can pack a little heavier, bring comfort items, and enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing good sleep or tasty meals. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend with the family or a solo road trip to the mountains, the right gear makes all the difference.
This guide highlights the best car camping gear of 2025—with affordable, practical picks available at MyCampingStore.shop.
Car Camping Gear Checklist
Shelter & Sleeping
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Spacious tent (2–6 person)
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Cot or thick inflatable mattress
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Pillow, blanket, or sleeping bag
Camp Comfort
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Folding chairs (lounge optional)
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Camp table
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Privacy tent for toilet/shower
Cooking & Food
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Multi-piece cookware set
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Portable stove & fuel
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Cooler, utensils, mugs
Power & Lighting
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Solar lantern/fan combo
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Headlamps or string lights
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Power bank
Water & Safety
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Water filter/purifier
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First aid kit
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Bug spray, sunscreen
Shelter: Space to Stretch Out
Pop-Up Toilet/Shower Privacy Tent
No campground restroom? No problem. This quick-set privacy shelter works as a changing room, toilet station, or portable shower space. ~$37.90.
1-Person Waterproof Dome Tent (Quick Pitch)
Perfect for solo trips or as a kids’ tent alongside a larger family tent. Lightweight, waterproof, and easy to pitch in seconds. ~$28.90.
Sleeping: Car-Camping Comfort
Heavy-Duty Folding Camping Cot
Skip the thin roll pad—this cot feels more like a real bed, and it doubles as a guest bed at home. Great for those who want comfort above all. ~$58.12.
Inflatable Camping Mattress w/ Pillow + Built-In Pump
Fits perfectly in a tent or even inside an SUV. Built-in pump and pillow make setup painless. ~$52.99.
Pro Tip: Bring real blankets or comforters from home. With car camping, you don’t need to pack ultralight—comfort wins.
Camp Comfort: Sit, Lounge & Eat Well
Heavy-Duty Folding Chair w/ Cooler Pocket
Sturdy, padded, and rated up to 350 lb. Includes side storage and a cooler pouch for your favorite drink. ~$50.15.
Adjustable Lounge Chair w/ Footrest
Reclines for stargazing or afternoon naps, with a detachable footrest. ~$74.53.
Camping Dining Table (Folding w/ Storage Net)
Lightweight aluminum table for group meals or game nights. Easy to pack in the trunk.
Cooking & Food Prep
12-Piece Camping Cookware Set
Includes pot, pan, kettle, utensils, cups, and more—everything nests together into a compact bag. ~$44.66.
Pair it with a 2-burner portable stove (or your own trunk setup), a cooler, and coffee supplies for the ultimate roadside kitchen.
Power & Lighting
Rechargeable Solar Fan + LED Lantern (10,000 mAh)
Car camping often means warm nights inside tents or SUVs. This fan keeps air moving, lights up camp, and doubles as a phone charger. ~$37.61.
Add string lights or headlamps for extra ambient glow.
Water & Safety
Survival Water Filter Purification Straw Kit
Even at established campgrounds, a backup filter is smart. This kit removes common pathogens and works with the included bag for pumping or gravity filtering.
Always pack a first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, and duct tape for quick fixes.
Sample Weekend Car Camping Packing List (2 Adults + 1–2 Kids)
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Shelter: 4–6 person tent + privacy tent
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Sleep: 2 cots or 1 inflatable queen pad + blankets
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Seating: 2 folding chairs + 1 lounge chair
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Cooking: 12-piece cookware kit, stove + fuel, cooler w/ food
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Power/Light: solar fan/lantern, headlamps, string lights
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Water/Safety: 1 filter, 10–15L water jugs, first aid kit, bug repellent
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Extras: picnic blanket, games, marshmallow sticks
FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is the difference between camping and car camping?
Traditional camping often means hiking in with ultralight gear. Car camping means driving to a campsite and unloading gear directly from your vehicle—so you can bring bigger tents, real bedding, and extra comfort items.
What is the most important car camping gear?
The essentials: a spacious tent, sleeping system (cot or inflatable pad), chairs, table, cookware, lighting, and water supplies.
How do I pack my car for car camping?
Keep heavy items (water, cooler, stove) low and toward the center. Pack sleeping bags and pads last so they’re easy to grab at setup time.
Shop Car Camping Gear at MyCampingStore.shop
Car camping gives you freedom to pack comfort, safety, and convenience. At MyCampingStore.shop, you’ll find:
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Spacious tents and privacy shelters
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Heavy-duty cots and inflatable mattresses
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Folding chairs, lounge chairs, and dining tables
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Complete cookware kits
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Solar-powered lanterns/fans
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Portable water filters
Explore our car camping collection today and gear up for your next road trip under the stars.