The ultimate guide to camping in your car

There are a thousand and one ways to enjoy the great outdoors—and not all of them involve a six-person tent. Many people (present company included) are taking advantage of the mobile accommodation currently parked in their driveway, i.e., car camping. Unlike a traditional tent-and-pole campsite, camping à la automobile is more convenient, great for last-minute adventures, and allows you to pack as heavy or as light as you'd like. While you could, in theory, hit the road with nothing but a toothbrush and a case for wanderlust, I've found that there are a few specialty items that make sleeping on the road a little more comfortable.

I’ve been on my fair share of car camping trips, including a 5-week jaunt around the U.S in a tiny Honda Civic, to National Park-centric road trips during which I car camped the entire time. I’ve spent plenty of time packing and unpacking my vehicle, folding down the seats, and setting up a makeshift bed and kitchen in the back. Here are some car camping essentials I recommend.

Our picks for the best car camping essentials

Just like moving into a new home, temporarily living in your vehicle requires a few basics. I've broken down those essentials into seven categories: sleep, kitchen, maintenance, safety, hygiene, entertainment, and other miscellaneous camping gear.

(Get ready to hit the road with these road trip essentials)

Car camping sleep setup

Car camping tent

Buy it now at Tuff Stuff Overland

Many car campers choose to snooze within the confines of their four-door. But if you want more of a sleep-underneath-the-stars experience, this two-person rooftop tent is the next best thing. It's just like any high-quality tent you'd stake into the ground—waterproof material, multiple mosquito net windows, and a built-in shoe bag—only it mounts to your car's roof rack and can only be accessed via a ladder.

Car camping mattress

Buy it now on Amazon

Sleeping on top of your folded-down backseat will result in a symphony of aching muscles come morning time. Beat the back pain with this two-person cushioned air mattress designed specifically to fit in an SUV. It only takes 10 minutes to inflate and comes with two pillows for extra coziness.

Car camping sleeping pad

Buy it now on Amazon

If you're a solo traveler like me, a compact sleeping pad will maximize space. I've used this one while car camping in national parks like the Badlands, the Smoky Mountains, and Zion and was happily surprised by how thick and cushioned it was. It's also affordable, comes with a built-in pillow, and is super easy to inflate—no air pump or mouth-blowing required.

(The best camping gear, according to National Geographic staff)

Car camping window covers

Buy it now on Amazon

Whether you're trying to shield yourself from morning light or nosy fellow travelers, window covers are something you don't think you need until you don't have them. These polyester and spandex ones work with most cars, are easy to install, and help keep your vehicle ventilated. Plus, you can still roll and raise your windows while they're on, so if you want a nighttime breeze in the car, but don’t want to let in mosquitoes, these covers do the trick.

Sleeping bag and pillow

Buy it now on Amazon

No mobile bedroom is complete without a dedicated covering. This flannel option is cozy and versatile, with the ability to zip up into a one-person sleeping bag or unzip into a large quilt. You can even zip two bags together to form a double-person sleeping bag.

Camping kitchen

Camping cooler

Buy it now on Amazon

Storing all the sandwiches, snacks, and beverages your heart desires is a non-issue thanks to this 30-quart cooler. It can work as both a mobile refrigerator to keep your food fresh or as a freezer to preserve any perishables for longer trips. It's also energy-efficient and has a built-in battery protection system to prevent draining your car's battery.

Cooking stove with supplies

Buy it now on Amazon

You're probably not whipping up five-course meals on the road, but having a portable stove handy is always a good idea. This portable kit comes with everything you need—a mini stove, two non-stick pots, a spoon, a fork, a knife, a 16-ounce cup, and a carrying bag—to make a simple yet satisfying meal. Plus, it can all be folded together to save space.

(The best backpacking stoves for your outdoor adventure)

Camping table

Buy it now on Amazon

If you thought a table was too bulky to squeeze into your already stuffed trunk, this compact setup will prove you wrong. Though it's only 5 pounds and folds down flat, it has adjustable height options and can hold up to 77 pounds of weight. There are other sizes and heights available, but I found this 2-foot one to be the most versatile during my 5-week road trip from Pennsylvania to California and back.

Water storage

Buy it now on Amazon

This collapsible water container is a much more efficient use of space (not to mention better for the environment) than lugging around multiple single-use bottles. It can hold up to 5.3 gallons of H2O, depending on what size you get, and comes with a spigot for easy pouring. The fact that it's BPA-free and folds up flat for easy storage is just a bonus.

Camping coffee maker

Buy it now on Amazon

There are some luxuries we can't live without—and freshly brewed coffee is one of them. This cordless (yep, you read that right) coffee maker takes up minimal space and can be charged with your car battery.  It can make up to three 5-ounce cups of coffee per charge and works with both single-serve packs and grounds.

Car maintenance supplies

Roadside emergency kit

Buy it now on Amazon

While you'll hopefully never have to use it, investing in a fully loaded roadside emergency kit is a must for any car camper. This one includes a whopping 124 essentials, such as jumper cables, repair tools, a survival whistle, and gloves. There's even a handy shovel that can be used for anything from digging out tires from snow and mud to breaking glass.

Air compressor

Buy it now on Amazon

The last thing you want to deal with on the open road is a flat. Having this portable air compressor on hand will help you stay prepared for any unexpected changes in tire pressure. It's compact, has a built-in LED light for nighttime use, and comes with three attachments to fit different tire valves.

(The essential camping checklist for beginners)

Jump start battery

Buy it now on Amazon

No more waiting for a Good Samaritan to save you when your car battery dies. This compact jump starter can jump-start up to 4-liter gasoline engines in seconds and can be recharged with any USB port within three hours. As someone who's always afraid of accidentally zapping myself, I also love that it has built-in safety features that protect against sparking and reverse polarity.

Personal safety items for camping

First aid kit

Buy it now on Amazon

You never want to be without some basic medical supplies when you're on the open road. Johnson & Johnson's All-Purpose First Aid Kit comes with 160 essentials to help with everything from minor cuts and headaches to burns and sprains. The small size and compact carrying case make it easy to throw in your glove compartment, and it's refillable for future trips.

Flashlight

Buy it now on Amazon

While some road kits come with flashlights, it's a good idea to grab one with a little more power. This battery-powered S1000 LED flashlight may be small, but its zoomable beam can reach a lot farther than you'd expect. It also has five different modes, is water-resistant, and can survive drops from as high as 10 feet.

Pocket knife

Buy it now at REI

Beyond the obvious reasons for self-defense, having a pocket knife on hand can be useful for all the unexpected tasks you can encounter on a road trip. This multi-tool from Leatherman is a popular choice because it has not only a 2.6-inch blade but also a screwdriver, a bottle opener, pliers, and a wire cutter. I love how small and lightweight it is, too.

(Everyone needs a multi-tool. Here are 10 we love)

Bear spray

Buy it now on Amazon

If you're cautious of leaving out food and considerate of wildlife, your chances of a real-life grizzly encounter are slim. But it's always better to be safe than sorry. So grab a can of this SABRE Frontiersman deterrent and sleep peacefully, knowing that it has a range of 30 feet and a holster for even quicker access.

Toiletries and hygiene products for camping

Antiseptic wipes

Buy it now on Amazon

When a shower is needed but isn't possible, you'll be glad you packed these HyperGo rinse-free full-body wipes. They're made of decomposed vegetable fibers (making them 100% biodegradable and hypoallergenic) and natural ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, and oatmeal. While nothing can replace the feeling of a long, hot shower, these moisturizing wipes are a close second.

Quick dry towel

Buy it now on Amazon

Traveling with wet laundry is one smelly annoyance no one prepares you for. A quick-drying towel like this one from Rainleaf is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your bag and car fresh. I love how it has built-in hanging loops and comes in an array of bright, unique colors, limiting the potential of an awkward towel mix-up at the communal campsite.

Toiletry kit

Buy it now on Amazon

If you don't want to go through the trouble of curating your own portable bathroom cabinet, this one from Convenience Kits covers all the basics. Hair, skin, and tooth care essentials are all included in travel-friendly sizes, and they come in a reusable pouch. Plus, the products are from your well-known brands like Herbal Essences and Olay.

Car camping entertainment

Camp chair

Buy it now at REI

I had the NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair during my recent car camping trips to Zion, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and Grand Canyon national parks, and let me tell you: it is a relaxation game-changer. The unique, swingable design gives you the feel of being in a hammock without the tedious setup, and it packs away in a cinch. This chair is so comfy you'll even break it out at home.

Camping hammock

Buy it now on Amazon

I know I just hated hammocks a little bit, but this one from Wise Owl Outfitters is the exception. The set-up is about as simple as it gets, and they've got an upgraded size that's spacious enough for two people. You get everything you need to hang it up—tree straps and carabiners—and the whole thing can be rolled up into its built-in pocket.

(10 of the best hammocks for camping and backpacking)

Firestarter

Buy it now on Amazon

A roaring campfire is the ultimate form of camping entertainment. And to enjoy it, you need a quality fire starter. This waterproof and weather-resistant ferrocerium rod (a type of alloy) can get a spark going in any condition, and it comes with an attached scraper for convenience.

Other gear for camping and activities 

Saw

Buy it now on Amazon

Most saws are a little too big and awkwardly shaped to pack. But the Sven Saw's compact, foldable design makes it a no-brainer for a camping trip. Its 15-inch blade is plenty big enough to take on fallen branches and saplings, and the fact that it folds up to only 17 inches in length means it'll fit nicely in a car trunk.

Bug spray

Buy it now on Amazon

I can't stress enough how important it is to have a good bug spray. This CDC-recommended one from Murphy's Naturals uses lemon eucalyptus oil as its active ingredient to repel mosquitos for up to six hours and deer ticks for up to four. The smell is much better than traditional bug spray, and it actually feels nice on your skin.

(The best mosquito repellents, from sprays to lotions)