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Wether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or taking long drive through the outdoors, I’ve got the perfect list for all the things that make car camping simple, efficient and save you money on the open road. In 2020, like many, I took a long road trip to get out of the house and explore the California and Oregon coast line. We rented a mini van and converted and used a plastic storage shale to create a bed in the back (after removing thee seats) and using a memory foam mattress topper as the bed. Under weather the bed we could fit plastic storage totes with all the things we needed. We recently got a truck with a camper shell and now have an even better set up, using many of the items below.
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1. Truck | SUV Camper Tent
This tent attachment is amazing for sleeping in the back of a truck with a camper shell or an SUV. Simply open up the back of your car and attach this baby and immediately enjoy the open breeze! Its water proof and attached securely to your vehicle in case of winds.
2. Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers are cheap and can be cut to fit any vehicle. Most SUV and trucks with camper shells can fit a full size mattress topper. But if you’re traveling in a smaller vehicle, don’t be afraid to cut it into the exact shade you need. You can use left over pieces to make for back support for the drive.
3. Plastic Storage Totes (Clear)
Instead of duffle bags or luggage I use these plastic storage totes for EVERYTHING. Each person gets one to use for their clothes and toiletries, one is for kitchen supplies, one is food, ect. Having them clear allows you to see what’s in what and easily grab the correct one. They come in a variety of sizes, depending what you can fit in your car.
4. Folding Table (Mini)
If you have a truck or SUV I would opt for this 4 foot folding table. If you have a car, I’d suggest a 2 foot version. LINK HERE. Having a folding table while out on the road is a must. Its perfect to put your camp stove on, prepare food, work on a laptop, hang your water jug off of, so many options. When we find a camp spot for a few days, I usually just leave the table outside near the truck. The biggest use is preparing meals on the road so you have a working space.
5. Camp Stove
Road trips and car camping meals you’ll need to way to make some meals, unless you plan on eating every meal out, which I don’t recommend. But I’m frugal af, ha. Now that you have a table top, these camp stoves are prefect to heat up water for coffee in the morning, or cook quick and simple meals. Always bring along extra propane too !
6. Stainless Steel French Press
If you drink coffee, no explanation needed. If you don’t drink coffee, keep scrolling.
7. Kitchen Utensils + Gadgets
So I went to the Dollar Store and bought all kinds of random kitchen things I needed. Little did I realize they have a kit perfect for this already and pretty much mostly what I use, maybe some extra. But the travel case is lovely and stores nicely in my clear kitchen tote. It’s nice to dedicate one set of utensils for all camping and road trip car camping instead of using the ones in your kitchen. Trust me.
8. Stock Pot + Skillet
a. carbon steel 12″ frying pan skillet : this pan can take a beating. Its durable, can handle open flame and is toxic free. Bring along olive oil in a Misto oil sprayer and solid metal scrubber along – and this pan can cook EVERYTHING.
b. 6 quart enamel stock pot : perfect to cook up simple one pot meals, heat up water for coffee, and mixing salads.
9. Water Storage Cube
I love these collapsible water cubes. They hold 5.5 gallons and are easy to fill and store in your car/truck. They are BPA free and the plastic is super thick, you can throw it in the back or your car with zero worry on leaking, and the spot is very durable. I ordered two because its nice to have a good amount of water on hand, especially if going pretty far out into nature.
10. Folding Chairs
One time I forgot a chair road trip car camping and I’ll never ever do it again. Sure you can sit in your car, or on the tail gate, but after an hour .. you need to sit somewhere else. And if the ground below its the best for a blanket, you’re SOL. These small folding chairs storage perfect in one of the misc. plastic storage bins, They are quick to assemble and hold a lot of weight.
11. Car Window Sun Shades
Privacy is key while car camping and road trips. These black out shades are lovely when you find a spot to sleep in your car overnight, or taking a break out on the open road in the sun. I also use these every time I go into a store so no one can peek in and see all my camp things and be enticed to break in. I’ve made my own several times with black sheets and cutting them to shape, but once I found these – they are universal and do really well for the cost!
12. Mini Fan
Sleeping in a car at night can get hot. Especially if you don’t want to roll the windows down for safety reasons. This mini fan is fantastic because you can attach it to so many things in your car. The overhead handles are usually the best and it hangs upside down. Another great feature it has a night light – which is perfect if needed in the middle of the night in the back seat.
13. Solar Portable Battery Charger
You can charge it in the window… while driving … Enough said.
14. Portable Speaker | Noise Machine
a. Portable Speaker : perfect for listening to music when camp is set up. No need to keep the car running. Overall great sound quality, comes with a clip to easily attach to anywhere and waterproof – perfect for raining camp days.
b: Noise Machine : if you end up camping in a noisy location, a portable sound machine is perfect to drown out the neighbors.
15. String Lights
String fairy lights and the perfect mood for car camping when you’re out in the middle of no where. String then through your car, truck bed, suv and instantly feel the relaxation.
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