A Customizable Car Camping Checklist
Currently, I spend most of my time car camping. I love the intersection between convenience and nature, where you can bring more amenities than if you were downright backpacking, but you also don't have the same level of comfort as an RV or camper.
Your car camping setup can be customized in any way you'd like, from setting up an outdoor house with a bed, kitchen, and lounging area, to simply sleeping in your car and cooking over the campfire. Renting a car and camping instead of staying in a hotel is also a great way to save money when traveling abroad.
Whether staying at a state park or going to a music festival, it's important to tell someone about your plans and have a baseline understanding of what to bring. Want to ensure you have the essentials? Here's my car camping checklist to go over when planning your next adventure!
Shelter and Bedding
These are the basic shelter items for a camping trip. Many people who go car camping still use a tent, and mainly use their car for storage. I like to reduce the amount of gear that I bring so that I can cozy up in my car with the windows cracked. This is helpful for events like Freezer Burn where you are camping in the cold and any extra barrier against the outdoors will be appreciated. Consider the weather and landscape where you will be camping - you may want to bring a canopy for shade, bug netting, or heavy duty stakes for windy areas.
Tent and footprint with stakes
Extra stakes
Tarp, ground cloth or camp rug
Sleeping bag(s)
Sheets/blankets
Sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress and pump
Hammock and straps
Shade structure
Camping pillow or normal pillow
Gear
Your gear will change depending on your location and planned activities, but for the most part, you need safety equipment, sanitation, lighting, a way to charge your electronics, and a way to stay warm or cool. Once you have these basics, add the gear for your planned activities, such as hiking, painting, or fishing.
Hiking backpack or day pack
Fanny pack
Extra batteries/bulbs
Compass/GPS/ physical map
Lighter and/or headlamp
Portable charger - I invested in a Jackery and I absolutely love it
Any necessary fuel or batteries
Bear spray if needed
Dry bags, stuff sacs, or plastic bins for storage
Urinary products (pee funnel or kula cloth)
Sanitation trowel (if no toilets)
First aid kit
Kitchen
If you’re camping with a group it can be fun to plan an elaborate potluck, and when camping by yourself no one will judge you for living off of protein bars and jerky for a few days (I've been there). No matter what you will be eating, make sure to plan ahead and bring every tool and ingredient you need, including ice, fuel, oil, spices and containers. If you are camping in an area with bears or other wild animals, look up the regulations on how to properly store your food.
Cooking utensils: skewers, spoons, tongs, spatula, etc
Plates, bowls, cups, and eating utensils
Cooking utentsils - spatula, knife, tongs, etc
Knife and cutting board
Can opener if needed
Kitchen towels
Potholders/oven mitts
Reusable water bottle
Water filter
Water storage
Bucket or camping sink
Pot and pan
Coffee or tea appliances
Containers for food storage
Cooler with ice
Aluminum Foil- can be used for cooking as well as storing food
Biodegradable soap such as Dr. Bronner's
Reusable sponge or dish towel
Fold up table if campsite has no table
Trash bags
Camp stove and fuel
Matches/lighter
Firewood - may need to be bought onsite
Firestarters/charcoal
Bear box or bag if necessary
Clothing
Try to pack seasonally and activity-appropriate clothing by researching the weather and terrain before you go. Some areas can be very hot during the day only to have the temperature plunge at night, and during tick season it is a good idea to wear long pants and sleeves when hiking on trails. A raincoat is always a good idea, even if it is not supposed to rain during your time camping. Don't forget your swimsuit if there is water near your campsite or your costumes for the upcoming music festival!
Shoes/boots
Sandals, crocs or other camp shoes
Shady hat
Bandana, bonnet, or do-rag
Sleep clothes
Moisture-wicking underwear
Moisture-wicking T-shirts
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Sweater or jacket
Boots or shoes suited to the terrain
Socks with extras
Underwear
Sleepwear
Raincoat/ rain gear
Potentially:
Long underwear for layering
Warm insulated jacket or vest
Gloves or mittens
Warm hat
Swimsuit and towel
Toiletries
It is important to take care of your body in order to enjoy your outdoor experience. When I camp at a primitive campsite, I simply pack extra water to use for toiletries and dishwashing and a bucket with a seal to store the greywater in (which you can buy from most hardware stores). While some people prefer baby wipes, it is much more refreshing and better for the environment to use a makeshift sink and shower.
Hair care products- shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, etc
Skin care products- lotion, reef-safe sunscreen, etc
Menstrual products
Prescription medication
Toilet Paper
Toothbrush and toothpaste - toothpaste tablets can be a better alternative, especially when trying to watch out for waste, as they are easy to count out and store for the length of your trip.
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Hand sanitizer
Deodorant
Lip balm
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Camping With a Dog
Dogs can enhance any experience, but it's important to make sure your pup is also having fun. Make sure to keep an eye out for the weather conditions, your dog's breed and their experience being outside for long periods. Some dogs simply don't like camping and would have more fun staying with a friend or family member. Much of this gear can also be used when backpacking with your dog, so investing in quality gear is a good idea
Dog food and extra water
Collapsible food and water bowls
Poop bags
Leash
Cable tie out or other system- most campsites don't allow loose leash dogs
Flea and tick protection
Microchip and/or electronic tracking collar
Outdoor safe toys
A current photo, vet records and medical information: important if your dog gets lost or in a confrontation with another dog
Potentially:
Booties for cold weather or thorny terrain
Grooming equipment
An outdoor harness
A swim-safe leash and lifejacket
A doggy daypack
Dog bed and/or sleeping bag (get affiliate link)
A dog rain jacket
Battery-powered fan or cooling mat
Kennel: for dogs who get easily overstimulated or struggle to sleep outside of the house, it can be worth it to give them their own space by bringing their kennel (if already kennel trained)
Tool Kit
From fixing a torn tent to cutting firewood, having the right tools on hand is important to getting tasks done.
Duct Tape
Extra lighter or matches
Scissors or knife
Small sewing kit
Multi-tool
Axe and gloves (if you plan to cut your own wood)
Mallet for tent stakes
Radio
Paracord
Bungee cords
Broom and dustpan or hand vac
Extra water purification
First aid kit
Small shovel
Car Camping Extras
Once you have the basics, you can get creative about making your camping trip fun! If you are going to a music festival or Burning Man, you will likely want to consider adding a few extra things to your list. Similarly, if you are going to be camping for a long period or in a remote area, it is important to ensure you have everything you need. But if you are going to a normal campground with a bathroom nearby and stores within driving distance, you can focus more on bringing things that will make your campsite comfy and fun.
Camp chairs
Lights to decorate the campsite
Camera
Musical instruments
Book or tablet
Journal and pen/pencil
Camp games- board or card games, ball, frisbee, etc
Folding table if your site doesn't have one
Speaker
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