The Ultimate Car Camping Guide
Pictured is our Space Trailer for easy cargo storage and our Mercedes Metris Weekender van, retrofitted by Peace Vans to include a popup bed.
Covering all the basics, plus our top recommendations, to get you started.
Car camping is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while still enjoying the comforts of home. Whether you're an experienced camper looking to improve your set up or are new to car camping altogether, this guide will provide you with the information you need to have an amazing car camping experience.
Understanding Car Camping
What is Car Camping?
In brief, car camping is pretty much what it sounds like: you drive your vehicle to a campsite and set up your camp there. 🏕️ Car camping usually takes place at established campgrounds (state and regional parks, national parks and forests, etc.) though the campground you pick will determine the range of amenities available to you.
Why Car Camping?
There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors. The reason car camping is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and beginners alike usually comes down to a combination of convenience, comfort, and accessibility.
Compared to backpacking, car camping allows you to pack more items, such as larger tents, coolers with a variety of foods, chairs, and grills/camping stoves. Car camping sites are also typically more accessible than backcountry sites since you can drive right up to your camping spot. This makes it easier for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it a great option for families, older adults, or those who aren't ready or able to embark on a strenuous backpacking trip. Lastly, having your car nearby can be reassuring if you are concerned about bad weather, emergencies, or simply changing your mind about being out there in the first place.
Another bonus: regardless of the type of camping you do, camping is significantly cheaper than paying for hotel stays. Even taking into account the one-time cost of camping gear, you can take many camping mini-vacations throughout the year at a fraction of the cost of the same number of hotel stays.
Essential Car Camping Gear
Thinking carefully through your gear can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From choosing the right tent and sleeping bags to figuring out your cooking equipment and bathroom set up, here are some essential items to consider [check out our GearMeUp tool for our full recommendations list and customizable packing list!].
Choosing the Right Tent
One of the most important gear choices for car camping is your tent. When selecting a tent, there are a few factors to consider.
First, think about the number of individuals camping. If you plan on sharing a tent with friends or your family (or pets), you'll need a spacious tent that can accommodate everyone comfortably. On the other hand, if you're camping solo or with a partner, a smaller tent might be more suitable. Decide how much space you want - including if you’d like to be able to stand upright in your tent.
Another crucial consideration is the expected weather conditions. Purchase a rain fly (cover) for your tent if it doesn’t come with one, as well as a ground sheet to protect the bottom of the tent from damage and to give you one more layer of protection from the elements. Ventilation is also key, especially in warmer climates, as it helps prevent condensation and keeps the interior of the tent cool and comfortable.
Look for a tent that is quick and straightforward to setup, especially if you're new to camping or prefer to spend less time setting up and more time enjoying the great outdoors. We recommend setting up your tent at home if you have the room (or watching a YouTube video of someone setting up the exact same tent) so you’re not surprised at camp.
Last year we upgraded to a Springbar Traveler tent (similar to the Springbar Highline 6 tent) for longer trips and LOVE it.
Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Pads
A good night's sleep is essential for an enjoyable camping trip. Start with a comfortable sleeping bag that suits the climate of your camping destination. Look for a bag with a temperature rating that matches the expected nighttime temperatures.
Our top pick is the Nemo Forte Women’s and Nemo Forte Men’s sleeping bags, with a solid budget pick being the Nemo Tempo Women’s and Nemo Tempo Men’s sleeping bags. A really great unisex bag is the Nemo Jazz sleeping bag. It’s feels closest to sleeping in a bed when paired with the Nemo Roamer Sleeping Pad XL.
A sleeping pad or air mattress will provide cushioning and insulation from the ground so make sure to bring one. Sleeping pads come in various thicknesses and materials, so choose one that suits your preferences and provides the desired level of comfort. Aside from the Nemo Roamer mentioned above, the REI Camp Bed Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is one of our top picks.
Don't forget to bring a pillow! We prefer inflatable pillows for packing space purposes. Our pick is the Nemo Fillo Luxury, with the Nemo Fillo King as an upgrade pick.
Our tent set up for longer trips (4+ days): shown here is our Springbar Traveler tent (similar to the Springbar Highline 6) with Nemo Roamer Sleeping Pad XL on Helinox cots with Rumpl blankets and Nemo Fillo Luxury pillows. We use a Baby Bjorn travel crib for our young toddler (our older kids sleep separately). Note: this is our most comfy setup and we usually reserve it for slightly longer trips (4+ days). For short weekend trips/one-nighters, we usually opt for faster and lighter setups.
Want to know more about what gear we recommend? Our GearMeUp tool has our top, budget, and upgrade pick for most gear categories, as well as add-on kits.
Check it out and pack with confidence!
Cooking Equipment for Car Camping
One of the joys of car camping is being able to prepare delicious meals in the great outdoors. To make the most of your culinary adventures, it's important to have the right cooking equipment on hand.
A portable camping stove is a must-have item for car camping. Look for a stove that is easy to use, lightweight, and fuel-efficient. There are various options available, from compact backpacking stoves to larger freestanding models with multiple burners. We like to bring a single burner stove (great for quickly boiling water for pasta or reheating food) as well as our portable gas grill.
When packing food for your camping trip, don't forget a cooler or consider investing in a portable refrigerator (we love this one by Dometic). It is important to keep your food cool and prevent it from spoiling. Always follow campground rules about food storage and use bear lockers/bins where available.
Lastly, don't overlook the basics: cooking utensils such as spatulas, tongs, and stirring spoons; durable pots and pans that can withstand the heat of the stove and are easy to clean; plates, cups, and cutlery for enjoying your meals. Opt for durable, lightweight options that are easy to clean and pack away. Click to see all our recommendations.
Selecting the Perfect Campsite
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Campsite
Choosing the right campsite is important for a memorable car camping experience. Consider factors such as proximity to water sources, restroom facilities, and recreational activities. If you’re interested in hiking, look for campsites with well-maintained trails and beautiful scenic views to fully enjoy the surroundings. If it’s going to be hot, look for campsites with good tree coverage and/or camp near a lake, creek, or the ocean.
🚰 Water sources - Having easy access to clean water is essential for cooking, cleaning, and staying hydrated during your camping trip. Most campgrounds have potable water but some don’t so always check before you go. Alternatively, look for campsites near lakes, rivers, or streams, where you can easily fetch water to filter for your needs. For car camping (where space and weight are less of an issue), we like the Berkey gravity water filter; just fill it up when at camp and wait for it to filter on its own.
🚽 Restroom facilities - Some campgrounds offer flush toilets and showers, while others may only have pit toilets or no facilities at all. Which you choose is completely up to your comfort level. Remember, car camping gives you options! During COVID, we purchased this Porta Potti portable toilet (check out the handy carrying bag). We set it up inside this Nemo Heliopolis Privacy Shelter et voilà - we have our own bathroom! 🧻
Our Joolca sink set up. All pics © Outdoorithm
Want a shower, too? We love the Joolca Hottap Kit along with their privacy shelter (the Nemo privacy shelter used for the bathroom can pull double duty as long as you don’t mind removing the toilet during shower time). Joolca also sells a kitchen sink option. Set them all up and you now have a bathroom, shower, and a kitchen all at your own campsite.
🥾 Recreational activities - Do a little bit of research before you go so you can be prepared to enjoy all that is available near your campground. Look for opportunities to hike, bike, fish, lay by the beach, visit lighthouses or museums, or explore caves and tide pools.
✨ Not sure where to start? Outdoorithm’s campground recommendations are divided into camping types (rustic, traditional, and premium), with information on facilities, campground quality, nearby amenities and more.
Making a Campground Reservation
There are countless camping destinations to suit every camper's preferences, from National Parks and National Forests to State Parks and the at-times-forgotten wealth of local regional parks. Parks offer scenic beauty and a diversity of landscapes to explore (oceans, lakes, forests, meadows, rock formations, and more), as well as a wide range of campsite options, from developed campgrounds with well-maintained amenities to more remote and primitive sites for those seeking solitude.
The most popular campgrounds and peak-season camping require planning well in advance - often as much as 6 months. We frequently here people express frustration at the reservation process so we created Outdoorithm’s EarlyBird Campsite Advanced Booking Calculator to quickly generate a customized plan to help you secure those high-demand campsites. Simply input the dates you want to camp, some information about where you want to camp, and we’ll tell you know what day to reserve, how to do a sliding modification, and how to trim your reservation to your desired dates.
Camping Safety Tips
Wildlife Safety
While car camping, it's important to be aware of the wildlife in the area and take necessary precautions. Store food securely to prevent attracting animals, and dispose of garbage properly. Avoid feeding or approaching wild animals and be cautious of any signs of their presence. Familiarize yourself with any local wildlife guidelines or warnings beforehand.
Fire Safety
Campfires are a quintessential part of camping, but it's essential to prioritize fire safety. Follow the campground's fire regulations and make sure your fire is in a designated fire ring or pit. Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby and always fully extinguish the fire before leaving the campsite or going to sleep.
Leave No Trace Principles
The Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines that promote ethical outdoor behavior. These include leaving the campsite as you found it, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated trails. By sticking to these principles, you can help preserve the beauty of nature for future generations.
Are you ready to camp? How can we help? Check out our tools (including our EarlyBird Advanced Campsite Booking Calculator and our GearMeUp gear recommendations and packing lists) and feel free to reach out with questions or feedback. We’re a new company and are always looking to improve. We’d love to hear from you!