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15 Must-Have Items For Your Next Car Camping Trip

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Car camping isn’t defined by sleeping in your car, rather just loading things in your vehicle and driving to your site. Usually, there is very limited room for camping gear, so things need to be compact and absolutely essential or else they’re not worth bringing. To help you get the most out of your next trip, we found 15 of the best car camping accessories that are both useful and versatile.

1. A folding table with cup holders

A folding table will give you that much-needed space to set things down, especially if your campsite doesn’t have a picnic table. These portable tables only take 30 seconds to fold out and give you a sturdy extra surface for dining or cooking. You can find them on Amazon here.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
2. A comfy portable pillow

Pillows are needed for a good night’s sleep but they can be big and bulky. To save space, pack a portable pillow instead, like these soft ones from Teton Sports. They measure 18 x 12 inches but compactly fold down to about 7 x 4 to fit in their own storage pouch. They’re offered in a variety of patterns.

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car camping
Photo: Amazon
3. A portable showerhead

With these portable showerheads, you can rinse off anywhere. They draw water from any bucket, sink, or water receptacle and turn it into a gentle stream. On the back, an S-style hook allows them to be hung overhead.

The showerheads last for about an hour and can be recharged by plugging them into your car’s 12-volt outlet. If needed you can also use them to clean off dishes or pets. They’re about $36 on Amazon.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
4. Truck bed (or SUV) tents

For truck owners who love camping but hate sleeping on the ground, these tents are an ideal solution. They’re made with straps and buckles, which take out the hassle of dealing with tarps and stakes.

The floorless design is easy to set up and take down without removing things already in your truck bed. Find them on Amazon here, or check out these ones made for SUVs.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
5. Rechargeable lantern/flashlights

These portable lights have a sleek, creative design: with built-in lights on two sides and detachable flashlights on the other two sides. To charge them, you can either plug the lights into your car’s 12-volt outlet or use three D batteries. Get them online here.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
6. Portable 12-volt stove

Instead of roasting hot dogs over the fire (again), pack a portable camping stove for more variety. These RoadPro stoves plug into your car’s 12-volt outlet and warm up everything from beans to sandwiches. They’re about $32 on Amazon.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
7. A quality portable cooler

Up to 44 drinks stay chilled in Coleman’s 40-quart PowerChill coolers. They plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and come with a shelf to keep the contents organized. Check them out here.

car camping

8. A cloud-like camping chair

You may not be able to bring a recliner camping but these adjustable chairs offer the next best thing. They recline back and have cozy arm rests as well as insulated cup holders. The chairs also come with their own carrying bag for easy transport. Check them out here.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
9. A fully stocked First Aid kit

As they say, “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” Ideally you will never have to open your First Aid kit. But when anything like a scraped knee or blister comes up, you’ll be glad to have it.

This First Aid kit is packed with medical grade items you’ll need for basic injuries, including bandages of various sizes, gauze, an instant ice pack, anti-septic wipes, and moleskin. Read more about these emergency kits.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
10. Portable coffee brewer

Like a Keurig machine but portable, these Primula Coffee Brewers will make just one cup at a time. They’re easy to use: put them on your mug, add one or two scoops of coffee grounds, and pour hot water over. They’re only $6 on Amazon.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
11. Folding organizer

Trunk organizers can hold everything from camping supplies to groceries. The folding TrunkCratePro has three large compartments and pockets on the side for smaller items. They’re available online here.

Photo: Amazon
Photo: Amazon
12. An inflatable mattress

Inflatable air mattresses will give you more back and neck support than sleeping on the cold hard ground. These air beds fit in most mainstream models of cars and come with two air pillows. More details.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
13. A 12-volt heated blanket

Cold night? Pull out one of these cozy fleece blankets and plug it into your car’s 12-volt adapter. They’re large enough to share and will automatically turn off after 30 or 45 minutes. The blankets are offered in red plaid and navy blue.

car camping
Photo: Amazon
14. An awning/canopy for shade

Awnings will give you some nice, cool shade during the summer. These canopies fit most SUVs, trucks, teardrops, hatchbacks, and sedans. You can also set them up with metal poles as their own stand-alone shelter. More details.

car camping

15. A multi-purpose folding washbasin

These folding washbasins are super versatile. You can use them to wash dishes or just store ice and drinks. They also come with a small mesh bag to hold things like towels and sponges. They’re only $13 from Amazon.

car camping
Photo: Amazon


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