All-inclusive packing list for your next car camping adventure!
Sections
7
Sleeping
Camp Kitchen
Games
Miscellaneous
Clothing
Food
Sleeping
Everything you need to sleep comfortably while car camping!
I keep a Rumpl blanket and Everywhere Mat in my car at all times. Love how durable, sustainable, warm, and cute they are!
Rumpl | Blankets For Everywhere
You're car camping, which means you have plenty of room for a little luxury. Pack yourself an air mattress if you want a little more cushion between you and the ground.
Air Mattress & Inflatable Airbeds - Target
When it comes to roof top tents, Tepui is superior. Sleeping above the ground feels safe (from animals and people) and the tent packs up nicely for transport too!
Tepui Ruggedized Kukenam Rooftop Tent
An awesome, all-around lightweight sleeping bag for more than just car camping!
Big Agnes Torchlight UL 20 Sleeping Bag - Moosejaw
Love how comfortable and super lightweight this sleeping pad is. It packs down small and lets me sleep on my stomach or side too!
Insulated Static V Lite - Klymit
I don't always pack a pillow, but this is an awesome option if you're looking for a little portable and luxe neck support!
Aeros Ultralight Deluxe Pillow - Sea to Summit
Camp Kitchen
Yeti coolers are the best in my opinion! When you're car camping and you have all the space, pack one of these to keep your food and drinks cold for your entire trip!
Durable, High-Performance Coolers - YETI
I bring my MSR Camp Stove Kit EVERYWHERE. Car camping, backpacking, day hiking for some peak hot chocolate, you name it. It's small, light, packable, and works extremely well!
Backpacking & Camping Stove Kits - MSR
When I discovered camp spoons with an extended handle, my life changed forever. The other ones were always too short and when I dipped it into my backpacking or camp meals, I'd always get food or sauce on my knuckles. These ones are actually long eno...
Extended Camp Spoon
I will NOT under any circumstances go a day without coffee, camping or not. I actually use this Aeropress at home everyday too I love it so much! It's a simple way to pull fresh espresso shots or brew drip wherever you are. All you need is ground cof...
Aeropress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press Kit
A portable camp table is a must when car camping! You'll want somewhere to prep your meal, set a drink, etc. And when you're done, you'll want it to fold up super small for easy travel!
VILLEY Portable Camping Side Table
Okay, so it looks like a dog bowl, but these collapsible silicone bowls are sweet when it comes to car camping!
ColorCoral Silicone Camping Bowl with Lid
Always bring a reusable water bottle and cut down on your plastic use.
Hydro Flask | Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Bring an earth-friendly, biodegradable dish soap and wash all dishes at least 200' away from a water source.
Biodegradable Dish Soap
Pack out everything you bring! Leave no trace!
Amazon.com: Trash Bags
Games
Cornhole is my all-time favorite car camping game!
Cornhole
Kanjam is another fun car camping game! If you're a fan of frisbee but want a little more competition, this game is for you.
Kan Jam Sets & Accessories | Kan Jam
Not sure where the name Polish Horseshoes came from, but this game is super fun for those who love a little frisbee and drinking beer.
Polish Horseshoes
Self explanatory :)
Playing Cards
Miscellaneous
One of the 10 essentials for every adventure, never forget to bring a first aid kit! My rec? Keep one in your car at all times, just in case!
First Aid Kit
My FAVE sunscreen–natural, non-oily, and it smells good too.
Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35
Navigation is so important on the trail. Use it offline by getting Pro! Here's 30% off!
AllTrails | Get 30% Off Pro!
Bring a little lighter to ignite your camp stove or fire.
Lighter
For fixing random things! You'd be surprised what you may end up using it for. Fixing tent tears, making a rope, taping containers shut, fixing a chair, etc.
Duct Tape
Another safety item! Always bring paracord. You may need to tie up a side of a tent, fasten something to your car, need a clothesline, etc.!
Paracord
Useful for all animals (and people).
Bear Spray
LOVE my Eno Hammock–being suspended in the air feels so dang good. I bring one on every car camping trip!
Eagles Nest Outfitters: ENO Hammocks & Accessories
Clothing
LOVE love love this pullover. It's super toasty, packs down incredible small, is water resistant, and looks cute too. I bring this on every adventure!
Women's Pinion Down Pullover - Stio
One of my all time favorite adventure leggings. They're super durable and comfy, and hug me in all the right places.
Essent High-Rise Legging 28" Women's - Arc'teryx
I wear this baby everywhere. It's Goretex and relatively affordable, and it kept me dry throughout so many Pacific Northwest downpours! And the color is cute too!
GORE-TEX Women's Rain Jackets | REI Co-op
Smartwool is easily my favorite wool sock brand! They're moisture-wicking, odor resistant, and comfortable! Perfect for every outdoor adventure, and cozying up on the couch at home too.
The perfect base layer for layering or wearing by itself. It uses hi-tech heating and moisture wicking technology, and it's half-zip in case you need to cool down a little.
Women's Bliss Ascent™ Half Zip Shirt
My current beanie obsession: It's a little heavier, sits light on your head (I have a big head and beanies always fit me too snug. Not this one!) and goes with everything. I can wear it with any bright color!
City Trek™ Heavyweight Beanie
My all-time favorite hiking boots!! I wear these on every adventure. They had zero break-in time, are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof with great traction. Highly recommend.
Danner Mountain 600s
Bring a pair of slip-on sandals to wear around camp! I love these because I can wear them with socks too!
LM Women's Adjustable EVA Double Buckle Sandals
Food
Loveeee me some hot chocolate at the end of a car camping night!
Hot Chocolate Packets
No car camping trip is complete without a few brewskies. These are my all time FAVES right now!
Icicle Brewing Co. Enchantments Hazy IPA Series (4PKC 16 OZ)
Gear
If your car campsite doesn't have a fire pit, the Solo Stove comes in super clutch!
Solo Stove - Smokeless. Stainless Steel. Portable. | Solo Stove
Non negotiable. A multi tool has, well, multiple purposes–you never know what you might need it for! If nothing else, make sure you bring a knife!
Leatherman Multi Tool
SUPER lightweight, and keeps my booty happy on those dirty or rocky surfaces while camping! I put off getting a chair for so long, and after purchasing this, I'm never going back.
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair
I love my Black Diamond headlamp! I bring it on every outdoor adventure.