Imagine this: You pull up to a beautiful campsite. The sun is setting, the air smells fresh, and you’re ready for an amazing night under the stars. But then comes the hard part: setting up camp. Do you have the right tent? Is your sleeping bag warm enough? Choosing the perfect car camping gear can feel like a huge puzzle. There are so many tents, stoves, and chairs out there!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you see all the choices. You want gear that keeps you comfortable and safe, but you don’t want to buy things you’ll never use. Spending your hard-earned money on the wrong sleeping pad is no fun. That’s why we put together this guide. We cut through the noise to bring you the best, most essential car camping gear.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly what gear you need for a cozy, hassle-free trip. Get ready to stop guessing and start packing like a pro. Let’s dive into the gear that makes car camping truly unforgettable!
Top Car Camping Gear Recommendations
No. 1
Kaskawise Upgrade Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket,31.5"x21.6" Double-Layer Car Roof Storage Organizer,Overhead Net for Truck,SUV & Van Camping,Travel Road Trips,Van Life Essentials
- 【Upgraded Car Ceiling Cargo Net】4th generation car ceiling cargo net,engineered for storage and organization during car camping, road trips, and daily van life.Featuring 9 reinforced straps,an added pocket within the double-layer mesh,and a dual-end zipper design,this overhead storage net allows easy access and secure item placement.Perfect as a truck or SUV roof storage solution.Note: Installation may vary by vehicle model. For the best fit, please measure the space on your car roof before purchase
- 【Extended fixed rope & suitable for vehicles with 4 handles】 Kaskawise car ceiling storage net comes with extended 66cm (25.98 inch) fixing ropes,designed to fit most vehicles with four roof handles—including cars, Jeeps, and SUVs. Measuring 31.5 x 21.6 inches, this car organizer is ideal for long-distance travel, camping trips, and van life essentials. It’s the go-to car ceiling storage solution for a clutter-free cabin Note: Ensure your vehicle has four handles before ordering
- 【Save Space & Large Capacity】The upgrade SUV car ceiling storage net pocket has 4 fixing buckles,baby quilts, children's toys,paper towels and other lightweight sundries can be placed in the SUV ceiling storage net the design can help to place many irregularly shaped objects, transparent mesh design, then you can find your things easily instead of crawling to the car rear seats, looking for them in the trunk
- 【Easy to install & Need Car with four handles】 The Kaskawise ceiling storage bag has 4 fixing buckles,which can be used to fix the car storage organizer.You only need to hold the fixed buckle and fasten the belt.The car storage manager is on the top of the head. In addition, it is strong enough to support ordinary items without damage.(Note:Three Handles Car Ceiling Cargo Net-ASIN:B0CQRBZNY5)
- 【Durable double mesh bag& Ideal Gift】The car ceiling cargo net mesh bag is made of high-quality polyester mesh fabric that is both durable and easy to carry.This Cargo net pocket is very suitable as a gift for your friend and family .Perfect car accessory for long road trip during camping and vacation
No. 2
Car Window Shades, 2 Pack Breathable Mesh Side Sun Stretch Screens for Baby/Camping Heat Block UV Protection, Back Covers Car, Truck, SUV, Van-(Large 49"x22")
- Sun/UV Protection： Double nylon mesh car window shades, thicker for blocking sun glare and heat, protect back seat baby, family, or passenger from getting sunburned, reducing car temperature.
- Window Still Roll Down：The window shades for the car are designed to cover the whole exterior window frame without the help of any adhesive, ensuring free window rolling up/down. Plus the breathable mesh, you can enjoy the cool and fresh air inside your car without enduring the sun heat or some foreign objects disturbing
- Easy Installation：Highly stretchy nylon mesh, tear-resistant. You can easily pull open the car window screen and install them in just seconds. They are also very light, foldable, and storable in a pouch or your car as a backup when not in use.
- Privacy Protection：A safer privacy space can be created because of these car shades, making it hard to see the inside from the outside, great for some situations like working, baby sleeping, long-way traveling, baby-feeding for moms, or just when parked. Your valuables can be hard to be coveted by some bad people.
- Suits for Most Cars：Our car window shades fit most cars, such as most Vehicles, Cars, Sedans, SUVs, MPVs, Hatchbacks, and Vans with cured/ rectangular windows.((rear window only). Please make sure you measure your windows including the door frame before buying.
No. 3
Wowza Powah 4 in 1 Camping String Lights 32.8FT Outdoor Quick Storage Camping Lights String & Lanterns, 8 Modes Retractable Camping Essentials Waterproof Camp Lights for Tent Gear
- Upgraded Camping String Lights: Introducing our ultimate camping essential; A perfect fusion of camping lantern and string lights; With a 32.8' string of warm white lights; This light string can provide 250lm 3100k illumination brightness; Whether you're setting up camp or relaxing under the stars; it's a must-have companion for any outdoor adventure
- 8 Modes Warm-to-RGB Transition : The Retractable Camp Light offers 8 Lighting Modes : 1.String Lights Warm Light 2.String Lights RGB Alternate Flashing 3.String Lights RGB Breathing 4.SMD Warm White+String Lights Warm Light 5.SMD Strong Light; Press and hold the button for three seconds to enter the XTE light mode: 1. XTE Strong Light; 2. XTE Weak Light; 3. XTE Flash; Press and hold to turn off
- Convenient & Waterproof : Rotate the handle for 30 seconds to retract the strip; The camping rechargeable string lights are lightweight at only 0.46 lb 7.4 oz ; With a compact design diameter: 4.3 inches; height: 1.4 inches ; The portable lantern string lights adds romance to gardens yards tents and more
- 12+ Hrs Runtime : Equipped with a 2000mAh battery; it can last for over 9 hours on a full charge; It supports simultaneous charging and usage; and offers convenient linking with its included Type-C cable; Crafted from copper wire and transparent PVC material; the LED light strip boasts an IP44 waterproof rating; Its ABS construction yields a matte translucent texture; ensuring a comfortable touch and emitting a gentle diffused light
- Magnetic Base & After-Sales Service : The lamp base has magnetic suction; allowing it to be attached to any metal surface for illumination; It's a precious for birthdays Mother's Day Father's Day Christmas and New Year's making it an ideal choice for individuals of all ages and genders
No. 4
200W Car Power Inverter, FOVAL 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverte with 4 USB Ports Car Outlet Adapter, Power Inverter for Vehicles, Car Plug Adapter Outlet for Laptop Computer Charger (Gray)
- 【200W CAR POWER INVERTER】Car power converter featured with 2 X US standard AC sockets 4 X USB charging ports, DC 12V to AC 110V converter provides power up to 180W great for charging laptop, tablets, cell phone, Christmas gift,string lights, breast pump, CPAP machine, nebulizer, game console, kindle, TV, DVD players, lights, iPad, and other electronic devices.
- 【TRAVEL KIT】Just about credit card size - 3. 2 x 2. 5 x 1. 5 inches, space-saving and easy storage, Extremely portable and lightweight at only 8 oz.+
- 【MULTI-PROTECTION & SMART COOLING FAN】 Built-in multi-protection system provides full-protection with short-circuit , low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load, over temperature protection, built-in fuse. Smart cooling fan makes the car power inverter silent when operating, and it runs faster when it gets warmer.
- 【WARM TIPS】Only for DC 12V and car, not applied for DC 24V and airplane use. Do not use to power high-power electrical equipment, such as hair dryers, electric heaters, which may blow the fuse.
- 【PROFESSIONAL SERVICE】 Choose FOVAL car power inverter adapter. We provide 24 months warranty and after-sale customer service support to make you 100% satisfied. If our product did not meet your expectation, please be free to contact us anytime.
No. 5
RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow.
- AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED - Join the Rhino USA Family and Support a Father/Son Business With the Best USA-Based Customer Support.
- 3-IN-1 MULTIPURPOSE - Features a Versatile Design With a 180-Degree Shovel, 90-Degree Pickaxe, and 90-Degree Pick hoe, Allowing you to Tackle Various Tasks With a Single Tool.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE - Measures a Full 22" Long When Extended, but Folds Down to Just 9" x 6" for Easy Storage in the Included Heavy-Duty Carry Case; Weighs Only 2 lbs for Effortless Portability.
- CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Engineered From Carbon Steel with a Black Powder-Coated Finish for Enhanced Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and a Sleek, Durable Appearance.
- REAL LIFETIME REPLACEMENT - All Rhino USA Products Come With a Lifetime Replacement. If you Encounter any Issues, We'll Ensure You're 100% Satisfied With a Replacement or Refund.
No. 6
YEEKORO Car Rear Seat Mattress Extension Plate, Foldable Car Back Seat Extender，Portable Mattress for Sleeping, Increase Travel Trunk Space and Car Bed Camping Space for Cars, SUV, Model Y/3
- ✔ LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE DESIGN: With a gross weight of 2.5 lbs, fully expanded dimensions of 48.03 x 16.14 x 0.78in, and stowed dimensions of 16.14 x 11.81in, it ensures ultimate portability. Whether loaded in a vehicle or hand-carried to a campsite, its lightweight and easy to fold features are portable and easy to store.
- ✔ ECO-FRIENDLY AND DURABLE: This car rear seat extension plate is made of PP board as the core, supplemented by EVA fabric, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also odorless and friendly to children and pets. The wear-resistant and easy-to-clean surface material ensures a long service life and always looks brand new.
- ✔IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY: The car extension board well fills the gap in the middle of the rear discharge of SUVs, and the design cleverly connects the trunk mattress with the rear seats, effectively expanding the mattress space and sleeping area, and also preventing items from falling out of the gap, which is convenient for people to sleep and use in the outdoors or on long trips, and makes outdoor travel rest more enjoyable. Perfect combination with YEEKORO car air mattress (not included).
- ✔EASY INSTALLATION: The non-destructive installation realized by the Velcro on the back is fast and no need to worry about damaging your car. Its wide compatibility means it can seamlessly fit into a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, BMW X5, DODGE JCUV, RAV4, CRV and Tesla Model Y/3, to meet the needs of different users.
- ✔GENERAL PURPOSE: Whether it's a daily commute in the city or an adventurous trip in the wilderness, this extension plate provides extra comfort and practical functionality. Its diverse uses make it ideal for self-driving enthusiasts, wherever and whenever they want to enjoy the convenience it offers.
No. 7
Pop Up Pod - Privacy Shower Tent, Dressing Room, or Portable Toilet Stall with Carry Bag for Camping, Beach, or Tailgate by Wakeman Outdoors (Black)
- MULTIPURPOSE PRIVACY TENT - This versatile shelter with a removable bottom can be used as an outdoor shower enclosure, changing room, portable bathroom, or pop up privacy tent for sporting events, conventions, camping, or road trips.
- POP UP INSTALLATION - This tent automatically pops open in seconds with no assembly required. The dual-sided zippered door of this portable shower tent can be shut for privacy or rolled and held open with the attached loop and toggles.
- EASY TO SECURE - The camping toilet tent is easy to anchor, regardless of the terrain. You can secure the portable changing room with the 4 included stakes and guy lines, or you can place sandbags (not included) in the 2 sewn-in pockets for stability.
- CONVENIENT CARRY BAG - This pop up shower tent comes with a zippered carrying case for easy portability and convenient storage. This collapsible camp shower tent can fit under the seat of a truck, in a car trunk, or in a beach tote when you’re on the go.
- PRODUCT DETAILS - Material: 190T Polyester. Dimensions: (L) 3.3ft x (W) 3.3ft x (H) 6.2ft; Door Opening: (W) 2.5ft x (H) 4.1ft. Includes: Camp Shower Tent, 1.8ft Diameter Carry Bag, 4 Stakes, and Guy Lines. Color: Black.
No. 8
Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan - Hurricane Emergency
- Why you need this great camping gear: Spending a night outdoors is something everyone should experience. So you want something to help you see at night. A lantern is super useful for camping so you can make your way around the campsite and your tent easily in the dark.
- Versatile light/fan: Ultra Bright 18 individual low powered LED bulbs. The fan has high and low settings to provide nice air circulation and lit up the tent nicely. You can orient in so many positions.
- Powerful fan speed and bright lighting: High quality brushless motor for whisper operation, max wind speed 10ft/s, strong airflow and 2 setting speeds, it's great to fresh the air and keep you cool.
- The extremely lightweight build allows you to take your lantern on the go with ease. When not in use collapse the lantern to a smaller size; store it effortlessly, taking little space.
- Light up to 37 hours of regular, continuous use with enough battery capacity. 2 D batteries can keep the fan work for 5 hrs in high speed mode, and 15 hrs in low speed mode, 20 hrs for led light (Battery is not included).
The Ultimate Car Camping Gear Buying Guide
Car camping means you drive right up to your campsite. You do not need to carry heavy packs far. This lets you bring bigger, comfier gear. This guide helps you choose the best gear for your next roadside adventure.
Key Features to Look For
Good car camping gear makes your trip easier and more fun. Focus on these main features:
Space and Capacity
- Tent Size: Always buy a tent rated for one or two more people than you actually have. A “4-person” tent is often comfy for two adults and gear.
- Storage Pockets: Look for lots of internal pockets in tents and chairs. These hold small items like phones and headlamps.
Comfort and Setup
- Easy Setup: Look for color-coded poles or instant-setup designs. Simple setup means more time relaxing.
- Sleeping Pad Thickness: Since you are car camping, prioritize thicker sleeping pads or air mattresses (4 inches or more). Comfort matters when you are not backpacking.
Durability and Weatherproofing
- Rainfly Coverage: Ensure the tent rainfly covers the entire tent, especially near the zippers. This keeps water out during a storm.
- Sturdy Poles: Aluminum poles usually last longer than cheaper fiberglass poles.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how long your gear lasts and how well it protects you.
For Tents and Shelters
- Polyester vs. Nylon: Polyester resists UV rays better than nylon, meaning it won’t break down as fast in the sun.
- Denier (D): This number tells you how thick the fabric is. Higher denier (like 70D or 150D for floors) means tougher, more puncture-resistant material.
For Sleeping Gear
- Insulation Fill: For car camping pads, foam or self-inflating materials offer great support.
- Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating: Match the bag rating to the coldest temperature you expect. A 30°F bag is safe for three-season camping.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Smart shoppers know what separates good gear from great gear.
Quality Boosters
- Seam Taping: High-quality tents have factory-taped seams. This seals the stitching holes against rain.
- Heavy-Duty Zippers: Large, sturdy zippers (like YKK brand) open and close smoothly, even when you are tired.
- Integrated Storage Bags: Gear that packs neatly into its own attached bag is easier to manage.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid)
- Plastic Buckles: Cheap plastic buckles break easily when cold or stressed.
- Thin Floor Material: If the tent floor feels thin, you will need to buy a separate footprint (ground cloth) to prevent rips.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the gear.
The Weekend Warrior (Short Trips)
You need quick setup and teardown. Focus on large vestibules (covered porch areas) for storing muddy boots or cooking supplies out of the rain. A simple two-burner stove works perfectly here.
The Extended Stay Camper (Long Trips)
Comfort is key for longer trips. Invest in a proper camp cot or a thick air mattress. Consider a screen house or canopy to create a bug-free outdoor living room separate from the tent.
Family Camping
Prioritize safety and space. Look for tents with multiple rooms or dividers. Brightly colored gear helps kids spot their bags easily around the campsite.
Car Camping Gear FAQs
Q: What is the most important item for car camping comfort?
A: The sleeping system. Since weight is not an issue, a thick air mattress or foam pad makes a huge difference in how well you sleep.
Q: Should I buy a footprint for my new tent?
A: Yes, almost always. A footprint protects the tent floor from sharp sticks and moisture, which significantly extends your tent’s life.
Q: How can I keep my camp cooler colder for longer?
A: Pre-chill your cooler before packing it. Use large blocks of ice instead of small cubes, as blocks melt much slower. Pack it full, as air space melts ice faster.
Q: What is the difference between a tarp and a rainfly?
A: A rainfly comes with your tent and is custom-shaped to cover the top. A tarp is a large, flat sheet you use separately to create extra shade or a dry cooking area over picnic tables.
Q: Do I need a special car rooftop tent?
A: No. Rooftop tents are great, but for basic car camping, a traditional ground tent is much cheaper and easier to set up.
Q: What size camp stove should I get?
A: For two people, a standard two-burner propane stove offers enough cooking space. Families might want a larger model with a built-in griddle.
Q: How do I stop bugs from getting into my tent?
A: Always zip the inner tent door shut immediately after entering or exiting. Make sure the mesh panels are intact and fully zipped closed before dark.
Q: Is it okay to use indoor extension cords outside?
A: No. You must use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords. These cords handle moisture and temperature changes better, keeping you safe.
Q: When should I choose a cabin tent over an dome tent?
A: Choose a cabin tent if you want high ceilings so you can stand up inside. Dome tents are usually more stable in high winds but require you to crouch.
Q: How should I store my gear after the trip?
A: Always let your tent and sleeping bags dry completely before packing them away. Storing them wet causes mildew, which ruins the fabric.