This is a list of my top 10 Car Camping Essentials. I take these things with me every single time. I love being in the outdoors but I am also a city girl who enjoys some of the more luxurious items.
Car camping is an excellent way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience. With a car as your basecamp, you can explore more remote locations and stay comfortable while doing it. However, to make the most of your car camping experience, you need to have the right gear. In this blog, I'll go over some of the essential items that l make sure I have while car camping.
A tent or camping shelter
Even if you're camping out of your car, you'll still need some type of shelter to keep you dry and protected from the elements. A good quality tent or camping shelter is a must-have for any car camping trip. When selecting a tent, consider the size and weight of the tent, the number of people you'll be camping with, and the type of weather conditions you'll likely
encounter. I use the Woods Creekside 6 person tent. It will fit the queen size air mattress and still have room to walk around. I also have the Coleman 10 person camping cabin for when my niece and nephew decide to join me. The 10 person tent will fit the queen air mattress as well as 2 twin mattress for the kids.
Sleeping bags and Air mattress
This is where I become boujie. I love camping and I love being outdoors, but I also want a good night sleep. A comfortable sleeping bag and air mattress are essential! I use the Coleman Double High Queen Mattress. As for the sleeping bag, it should be rated for the temperature conditions you'll be camping in. I use 2 single sleeping bags and zip them together to make one big sleeping bag for Rosie and I to cuddle.
Portable camping stove and cookware
Having a portable camping stove and cookware will allow you to prepare your meals on-site. I use a Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal BBQ for all the things I want to grill. It is small and light weight and easy to grill up a great steak or burger. I also use the BioLite Campstove 2. This is super light weight and the stove fits nicely inside the kettle.
The coolest part about the Biolite stove is when you put your sticks in it and make fire, it charges the fan that has a usb port attached to it. So even if I was off the grid camping, I would still be able to keep my cell phone and head lamps charged. BioLite has some incredible technology for backpackers. I use a few of their product actually that we will get into later.
Cooler
A cooler is essential to keep food fresh and drinks cold! There are a TON of coolers out there on the market. You want to make sure you purchase one that is going to last the duration of your trip. I have a few different coolers for a few different items. I use the YETI Hauler for all of my perishable food items. When packed correctly and using Yeti ice, this cooler will keep things cold for up to 7 days.
Trust me I've tried it! I also use a Coleman Cooler for beverages. It doesn't stay as cold as long but I also think that has a lot to do with how many times it gets opened in a day. And last but not least, I have a Woods collapsible cooler that I use for uncut veggies. The Woods cooler is great for beach days. Its small and holds the things you need but I would not rely on it for a long term camping trip.
Headlamp or flashlight
A reliable source of light is a must-have for any camping trip. This is where I use more BioLite products. The flashlight and head lamps are amazing. I also use the SiteLites around the campsite. The lights all plug into each other and can be charged using the camp stove. Another thing that are a must have for me are dollar store solar lights. I put these around the tent where the guy lines are. There is nothing worse than getting up to pee in the middle of the night and tripping over one of the lines. If you are using traditional flashlights, make sure to pack extra batteries. You don't want to be stuck out there in the dark!
First aid kit
Accidents happen, even when camping. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you manage minor injuries and keep you prepared for any emergencies. I like to keep Polysporin, band-aids and peroxide in my first aid kit. I also have a few pills like Advil and Benadryl.
Comfortable camping chairs
A comfortable camping chair can make all the difference when it comes to relaxing around the campfire or enjoying a meal. Again this is where I become super boujie.
A few Christmas's a go I was gifted the Kuma Heated Bear Buddy. Yes, you read that right, HEATED! This chair is a game changer for me. It is powered by 2 USB battery packs and has 3 different heat settings. Being cozy next to the fire with a warm bum is great for those chilly nights that you're not expecting.
Insect repellent and Sunscreen
When camping, you'll be spending a lot of time outside, exposing yourself to the sun and insects. Make sure to pack insect repellent and sunscreen to protect yourself from bites and sunburns. I make sure that the insect repellant that I use has deet in it. And for Miss Rosie, I use Avon Skin so Soft mixed with water to make sure she is protected as well.
Water
I pack a water jug that I fill up in the campground. I use it for washing dishes and washing my hands and even drinking water for Rosie. For me, I make sure I pack at least a case of bottled water. Water purifiers are also a great thing to take along with you. I haven't tried it myself, but I am very interested in the LifeStraw.
Clothes and Shoes
Packing enough and the right things is crucial. Having a warm sweater on the chilly nights and extra socks are my top 2 things I make sure I have in my suitcase. I'm sure you have heard before, you can always take it off but you can't put on what you don't have. As for shoes, I make sure I have a pair of sneakers, flip flops (for the beach and around the campsite), Rubber boots (one year, every trip I went on it rained) and good Hiking boots.
Car camping is an excellent way to experience the outdoors while maintaining some of the comforts of home. By bringing along these essential items, you'll be well-prepared for your next car camping adventure. Remember to pack smart, stay safe, and have fun!
Happy Camping!
Love,
Liz
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