Ultimate Car Camping Checklist
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The Ultimate Car Camping Checklist (Updated 05/22/2025)
You’re in the midst of an epic adventure and realize you forgot a critical piece of gear at home…yikes!
We’ve all been there.
Save this checklist so you can do a quick run through before hitting the road on your next car camping trip!
- Sleeping System (platform, sleeping bag, pad, etc.)
- Charged Flashlight/Lantern
- Water
- Food/Cooler/Ice/Coffee
- Blanket/Sleeping bag
- Fire starter/wood/axe
- Portable air compressors & fix-a-flat
- Tool Kit
- Stove/BBQ/Propane
- Portable Heater (winter camping)
- Cooking Gear (pan, kettle, pot, etc.)
- Plates/utensils
- Sponge for dishes
- Soap (body & dishes)
- Bug Repellent
- Drying towel (body & dishes)
- Toilet Paper
- Hand shovel
- Camping chair
- Charging cables/device
- Beer,whisky, other beverage of choice
- Bear spray/animal deterrent
- Human deterrent! (pepper spray, etc.)
- Toothbrush & paste
- Route mapped w/ ETAs
- Offline maps downloaded
- Camping/Overlanding apps (here’s a list of our favorites)
- Gas!
- Medications
- Window coverings
- Tow rope
- Recovery tracks
- Jackery, Goal Zero, solar panels or other power station/bank
- Rain gear
- Sunscreen
- Old towels
- Playing cards
- First Aid Kit
- Multi-tool(leather men)
- Sharp knife
- Compass & map (useful if navigation devices fail)
- Satellite Messenger (new iphones now provide SOS service!)
- Shovel (compact or full size)
- Make sure to let a trusted family member/friend know where you are going and for how long
What do you bring on your car camping trip that we didn’t mention here? We want to make this interactive. Please keep the comments coming below so we can add it to this list!
This list is as comprehensive possible to act as a helpful reminder/memory jog for those about to hit the road. By no means do you need all of these items to enjoy a car camping trip :)
Got all the gear, but don’t know where to go? Check out our article on How to find dispersed car camping spots
Looking for more helpful content focused around car camping? Check out our full car camping guide!
Happy camping :)
10 comments
A small 12 volt fridge really ups comfort and convenience when car camping. It’s amazing what you can fit in even the smallest of car fridges with judicious packing and repackaging of goods. I use a soft hiking carafe to chill wine, as it will so easily fit in narrow gaps. I have a set of containers that fit my tiny fridge perfectly for storing meats or decanting dips. I use grated cheese, as it will squish into negative space. My micro fridge actually holds enough food for a week, if I am careful how I pack it.
I like having copious lighters and mylar blankets. Battery operated fan. Ziplock bags in numerous sizes
A shovel is one of the most important recovery tools; even a small compact one is better then no shovel. I prefer a half size handle shovel with a full size head. The shorter handle to make it easier to pack away and a full size head to make the work easier; but that said, even a military compact folding shovel is going to allow the ability to dig out of almost any bad soil condition. It just takes time to dig.
Satellite messenger like Spot, InReach, or a recent iPhone.
A compass and map is a must. So when all else fails you can find your way.