Gear Up for Camping: My (Possibly Too) Detailed Car Camping Packing List

New to camping and unsure of what to pack? This article might help. I’m a somewhat obsessive planner and I’ve spent a fair bit of time identifying what works for my family when we go frontcountry camping. (I have a standalone list for our backcountry trips.)

The following represents a bit of trial and error. I expect it to evolve more over time. Is this list right for you? Probably not. Your setup will likely be different from mine (a truck, sauna trailer, and two rooftop tents). These items can however serve as a starting point. Skim the notes, see what works for you, and adjust as suitable to meet your needs.

For what it’s worth, this is a very long article. Part of that is because I don’t want to just toss a list at you without any context. Instead, I’m going to note each item we’ve chosen and why we opted for it. I’ll offer (not affiliate) links to certain items when that seems helpful. My hope is that this provides information that makes your decisions easier. I will also link extensively to our camping glossary as this will help define any terms that you might be unfamiliar with.

Our little camping rig

My wife and I work full time and our sons are in high school. This means that our camping trips (like so many others’) tend to be limited to weekends. Additionally, we live in a small townhouse with underground parking. This means that our camping vehicle can’t exceed 6'6", or we’ll tear the top off of it. These constraints affect how we camp.

Those with better parking options than ours can opt for an RV or campervan that sits loaded with gear. This is an optimal setup as you can leave it packed, and roll out whenever you’d like. Most of us aren’t this fortunate. When we started to take our kids camping, we had to collect our camping gear anew for each trip. I then had to organize it (Tetris-style) in the back of a minivan. I don’t miss doing so even one little bit.

👆This is our pretty lightweight camping setup.

Our current approach is somewhere in between the minivan and a dedicated rig. We drive a pick-up with a drawer system in the truck bed. These drawers are loaded with essentials year-round. (I consider this a safety measure, as it allows us to melt snow, cook ramen, or jump-start the truck in an emergency.) The nice part about a mid-size truck is that you can use it as a daily driver, head out for easy day trips, or take it on longer camping trips.

As noted earlier we also pull a portable sauna. (Who wouldn’t?) It’s a small utility trailer that’s light, easy to maneuver, and expands our carrying capacity significantly. It also does double-duty as a storage locker for our camping gear when we’re back home.

Determining which rig is suitable

There’s no one “right” camping setup. Determining yours involves some questions. Where do you want to camp? Will you camp at developed campgrounds or go boondocking? How long will you be camping for? Which seasons will you camp? Do you have room to store a trailer? What’s your budget?

Considering these points will help you determine which camping setup is right for you. Also, your configuration will likely change over time. If you’re single and adventurous you could toss a few essentials in a 4x4 and go explore. If you have small kids you’ll probably stick to developed campgrounds. Once the kids move out, you could end up traveling around the country in a tent-trailer. Plan to winter camp at ski resorts? A tricked-out RV might be in order.

There are countless forums, blog posts, and videos in which campers talk through the pros and cons of various camping setups. I don’t want to dwell on that in this article. That said, your chosen camping rig impacts what you can pack. Car camping with a hatchback? You might leave the Dutch oven at home. Do you have a massive fifth wheel? Well, you can probably bring a big-screen TV with you.

For the sake of this article, I’ll assume that most readers are planning to go car camping with a reasonably simple setup. Let’s say a minivan and a ground tent. As such, this post will mostly speak to most new campers. Those with smaller or larger rigs can adapt their packing list accordingly.

Packing philosophy and documentation

I dislike camping preparation. I find unpacking equally unappealing. So, I put in a lot of effort to set up our camping gear in a way that minimizes packing time before individual trips. When the opportunity to camp presents itself, I like to get on the road as simply and quickly as possible.

The first part of my approach involves a packing list. I maintain one spreadsheet that lists all of our camping items. This is grouped into sections that can easily be reviewed. I regularly add items to this list when we realize we’re missing something useful. I also prune items from the list when I see that they’re unnecessary. This last part is important as having too much gear with you becomes a nuisance.

At the beginning of the season, I check our truck and trailer and load up any standard gear. These items will stay in place for the entire season—so they don’t need to be packed again. (Some items stay in place year-round). Other than clothes and food, most of our camping gear is packed and ready to go, all season long.

Every object we take camping has a “home”. The axe is behind the driver-side wheel well. Toothbrushes are in the first drawer on the left. Bear spray is in the second. Whether we’re setting up camp, or heading out on a day hike, I don’t waste any time searching for essentials. They’re just there and ready to use when we need them.

Consider your camping budget

The beauty of camping is that it can be reasonably affordable. You can pick up used gear for next to nothing, or even find camping gear that others are giving away. Odds are that someone you know has some old camping gear sitting in storage that they’ll lend to you or happily be rid of.

Getting the right camping gear can improve your camping experience significantly. On one of our first family trips, we stuffed 4 people and our labrador retriever into a 3 person tent. (I eventually left and slept in the driver’s seat of our minivan as I was so uncomfortable). Good camping gear doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be appropriate to your needs.

If you camp just once a year, you could borrow or rent camping gear. However, as you camp more you might treat yourself to higher-priced items. I’ve done this over the years as I prefer to buy quality items once, and use them for as long as possible. Also, we use a lot of our camping gear for backcountry trips, in which weight is a key concern.

I’ve shared links to some of the items I’ve purchased, but that doesn’t make them necessary, or right for you. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget. Let those factors steer your purchase choices.

Storage

Your camping storage approach is probably more important than you realize. On our first big trip (from B.C. to Southern Ontario) I put all of our gear in tall Rubbermaid Roughneck totes. These weren’t great as the lids kept popping off. Plus, they were too deep. Invariably, the item I needed would be at the bottom of the hardest-to-reach box. So, pull out every box just to reach the corkscrew. Blarg!

In time, I replaced these with Plano Sportsman storage trunks. (Frontrunner Wolfpacks would probably work equally well.) These have locking lids and can be stacked. The 53-liter ones hold plenty and are easy to rummage through. I also use these as stools at the campsite. On our most recent trip, I packed clothing in these (one for my wife and me, the other for our two sons). We found them easier to manage in than individual duffle bags.

Pro-tip: Get some green painter’s tape and a Sharpie, to label each box. This will help immensely when you need to find something in a rush. Plus, painter’s tape leaves no residue, so, you can remove it and apply a new label when you put something else in the box.

Shelter

After a lot of waffling, I finally ponied up for some GFC Superlite rooftop tents. These are pretty handy when the weather is foul, or when we’re in places that don’t have a level pad, or are muddy. That said, these aren’t necessary for most campers. In fact, my kids still prefer our ground tent.

Ground tents allow you to set up camp, and drive to the trailhead without needing to disassemble. They’re affordable (typically starting at around $200 new) and flexible. The whole family can sleep in one—and read or play card games if there’s heavy rain. I generally find it’s a good idea to size up when it comes to tents, as the capacity rating always seems a bit generous. (Our North Face Wawona 6 is good for 4 people and a dog—but would be tight with 6 people.) A vestibule allows for a good place to change clothes and leave your dirty shoes.

Make sure to pack along your tent pegs. A matching tent footprint is a wise investment as it protects your tent floor and keeps your tent clean.

Pack at least one tarp and parachute cord. If the weather takes a turn, some extra cover can help salvage the weekend. Admittedly, you need something to tie your tarp to and not all campsites will have trees large or close enough. In this case, a canopy tent can be wonderful. Just pull it out of the case, pull it apart, and you have a nice dry area to sit under.

Sleep setup

The quality of your sleeping pad can make a notable difference to your camping experience. In my experience, the older I get the better mine needs to be. Your sleeping pad not only creates a comfortable surface to sleep on, but it also buffers you from the cold of the ground. Although we own several smaller Thermarests, my wife and I recently upgraded to Sea to Summit’s excellent Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mats.

Sleeping pads can get pricey, so, explore your options carefully. If you camp in the backcountry, weight will be a key concern. The seasons you camp in will also affect your choice, as some are insulated for 4-season use. If you opt for a larger air mattress bring a pump. (Always remember to pack the included patches, in case of a puncture.)

I’ve spent more hours contemplating the pros and cons of sleeping bags to quilts than I care to admit. Ultimately, I opted for quilts as they tend to be a bit more adaptable—and less constraining than—sleeping bags. I chose Enlightened Equipment’s Revelation APEX Sleeping Quilt. It’s synthetic-filled, which is good for our damp coastal climate. We opted for the 20°F (-6°C) rated ones as we can use them pretty late into the season.

If you’re tight on space, inflatable camping pillows are a good choice. We’ve tried a few but prefer the Aeros Ultralight Pillow. It weighs ~2 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand when collapsed. We generally wrap a fleece or hoodie around ours to make them more comfortable.

Campfire essentials

I’ve sat on the ground, logs, storage boxes, foam pads, and lawn chairs. Any of these is fine, but for car camping, I prefer Helinox’s Chair One XL. These fold up into a small-ish bag, meaning they store nicely when in transit. I leave ours in the truck year-round so I can pull them out anywhere. I recommend opting for the XL as the standard model feels a bit small (maybe my butt is too big).

You can also buy a camping table, but I recommend against doing so. Although these seem like a good idea, most campsites have tables in place. If you’re overlanding or boondocking, that’s a different story—but folks who camp in that way probably aren’t reading this article.

Most parks sell firewood on-site, but I like to have my own just in case. (Just ensure that it’s local to avoid transporting unwanted pests to other regions.) Pack some scrap paper and cotton balls to help you build a roaring fire just a little more easily. Bring a hatchet or axe and some work gloves for chopping logs and making kindling. Don’t forget matches and/or a lighter. A shovel can also come in handy.

I should note that campfire bans are increasingly common as a result of warmer summers and drier forests, as a result of climate change. That said, just because there’s a fire ban doesn’t mean that it won’t get chilly in the evening. For this reason a portable propane fire pit can help as they’re typically permitted even during fire bans. (Please do check your park’s regulations to ensure that this is the case where you intend to camp.)

Camping lights

A lot of folks are partial to flashlights, but I’m not a fan as they’re bulky and awkward. A small headlamp is nicer when setting up camp in the dark as it keeps your hands free. Besides, your smartphone can double as a flashlight if you’re in a pinch.

If you opt for a headlamp with removable batteries, bring some spares. If you get a rechargeable one, bring the associated charging cable. You can typically charge these in your car, should you accidentally drain the battery or just run out of juice.

String LED lights and small camping lanterns can be quite useful in areas where you’re doing meal prep, eating, or playing cards. These can generally be purchased inexpensively from an outdoor shop or even Walmart. I find that we use our headlamps far more than any other lights, but these self-standing lights can be useful in areas in which multiple people gather.

Cooking apparatus

I have a white gas stove that I use in part for sentimental reasons. It’s my Mom and Dad’s and it’s older than me (here’s a photo of my vintage stove). It’s a bit temperamental and messy, though. These days we do most of our cooking on a GSI Selkirk 540+ Camp Stove. It has two burners so I can cook eggs on one side and fake bacon on the other.

I fuel our stove (and sometimes portable fire pit) with a 20-pound propane cylinder. The tank is pretty big, meaning it can run for a long time without needing to be refilled. I feel a lot better about these than the small disposable ones that end up in landfills. Some propane tanks come with gauges, which are great as they help you see how much you have left in the tank.

You’ll likely need a couple of ways to store your food. The first is for dry goods. One of those previously mentioned Plano boxes should do the trick for this. The other is a cooler. A lot of folks obsess over this purchase, and buy a fancy rotomolded cooler. In my experience these are OK, but may have more to do with status than performance. (No matter how expensive the cooler, it’ll only stay cold for so long.)

I should also note that cooler size can be hard to dial in. We opted against a 52 quart cooler as it would take up so much more space. However, the 34 quart cooler we chose ended up being a bit too small for our family of 4. So, you might consider buying a used one and seeing if the size is right, before you consider opting for a premium cooler.

Cookware

You don’t need to get fancy with your cookware. A quick trip to the thrift shop can set you up nicely for just a few dollars. Meanwhile, there are some awfully useful cooking setups built specifically for camping.

After our first few camping trips, we bought a GSI set that contains a small and large pot, four mugs, and four plastic plates (with tall brims allowing them to double as bowls). These all nest together meaning they pack away conveniently. The set we bought is no longer available, but this one is pretty close.

You’ll probably want to bring a couple of frying pans. I find them more useful and easier to clean than cast-iron grills. Despite their associated risks, non-stick coatings are nice when it’s time to clean up. If you do go this route, be sure to only use wood/plastic spatulas that won’t scratch the coating. Or, just bring stainless pans and some steel wool to help scrub off any stuck on food residue.

A cutlery set, sharp knife, can opener, and ladle are worth packing. A folding camping toaster can be had for as little as $5 and is a wonderful luxury. I also believe a stainless steel French press is nice as it’s durable and convenient. A roll of aluminum foil is always worth packing and can be used for foil dinners.

Cleaning

Although I never use paper towels at home I take a roll or two camping. It’s handy for wiping up spills on the picnic table. I also use it to clean the worst mess off dishes before washing them (this keeps the dishwater from getting gross too quickly). You can use the dirty paper towel as tinder if it isn’t too wet.

For dishwashing, I recommend digging up an old plastic basin from around the house. It shouldn’t be too big or you’ll need a lot of water to fill it. Bring a small squeeze tube of dish soap, a dish rag / scrubber, and some dish towels for drying. I like using old plastic bags for collecting trash. Disposing of these regularly is a good way to reduce smells in your campsite (a good bear-safety practice). Consider packing some Ziploc freezer bags and old deli containers just in case you end up with leftovers.

Another nice-to-have is a hand broom. Somehow dirt always gets into your tent. A small broom allows you to sweep your tent out periodically—or at the end of your stay. A mat at your tent entry also helps keep some dirt from getting into your tent.

Water

As a new camper, you’re likely to start camping at developed campgrounds (e.g. state parks, provincial parks, national parks, KOAs, et cetera). 99.99999% of the time have potable water available. As you’re car camping, though, you’ll need something to put that water in. You typically see blue 5-gallon water containers around parks as they hold enough water without getting too heavy. They also come with a reversible screw-on cap. This has a tap and valve on one side, so you can flip the jug 90° and use it like a water faucet.

As a “just in case”, I always have a 1 Liter Katadyn water filtration system in the truck. This is an inexpensive bit of insurance, should I need to purify water in an emergency. Given how small and light it is, I carry one in my backpack on all hikes. Should something go awry, I like the idea of having a way to make ground water safe to drink.

Toiletries

I get that some folks don’t mind coming home filthy, but I find that unnecessary when car camping. Many campgrounds have hot water showers and I like to go to bed feeling clean. If there’s no shower, I’ll often just sauna and then rinse off in a nearby lake/river. After doing so, I tend to sleep pretty soundly.

Common personal hygiene supplies are cheap and don’t take up much space. As such, I have a dedicated set of these items in my truck at all times. Here’s what I take: A bar of hand soap and a water basin for washing hands at the campsite. A comb, conditioner (my wife insists on it), and a shampoo bar (you can pick a few up from my buddy Gary at Saltspring). Turkish towels take very little space and dry quickly. You can find some on Etsy.

I keep a toothbrush for every family member, toothpaste, and floss in our kit. I also bring deodorant, although I typically forget to use it. Nail clippers and tweezers are very useful in case of an ingrown toenail, sliver, or tick bite. I also have a spare razor and blades there (I like to keep my head clean and shiny), for longer summer trips. Spare feminine hygiene products are also good to pack so you don’t have to rush off to a convenience store mid-trip.

You never know when the park runs out of toilet paper—or you get the runs while on the road. So, pack a few rolls of toilet paper (you can thank me later). And sunscreen… everybody’s free to wear sunscreen.

Medical

Nothing screws up a camping trip like a kid with a sudden fever, bad cough, or headache. (These are crummy afflictions even for us grown-ups.) Although remedies won’t necessarily salvage the trip, they can help an awful lot. For this reason, I pack a larger first aid kit in the truck and a smaller one for hiking.

I’m no expert on first aid, and I can’t predict what you might experience. That said, I use Adventure Medical Kits’ Ultralight / Watertight .9 Medical Kit as a starting point. It has a bunch of the essentials, which covers the basics. I also pack extra Band-Aids, bandages, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, and Polysporin, in case of some kind of scrape or cut.

As I’m space-conscious, I picked up some tiny resealable bags. I put a small number of medications in these and label them. These include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, allergy relief, and antidiarrheal relief pills.

I also pack hydrocortisone cream, anti-fungal cream, and zinc oxide cream. Insect repellent and Afterbite can be nice—especially if you camp in Northern BC, where bugs can outnumber humans by a ratio of 3 trillion to 1. 😉 Oh, right… don’t forget the cough syrup, Gravol, and a space blanket.

General

Let’s talk about some of the other basics you should bring on any trip. The first is cash. You might need some to pay for your campsite, firewood, ice, or sodas for the kids. Find a small tin where you can store some $5, $10, and $20 bills as well as some coins, and set aside in your camping kit. I guarantee you’ll use it.

Even more important: Bear spray. No matter how careful you are about minimizing odors in your campsite, there’s always a possibility of a bear showing up, or you seeing one on a hike. Get a bear spray, learn how to use it, and keep an eye on the expiry date. Bear spray doesn’t guarantee your safety, but you’d be foolish to not carry one. Get a holster for your bear spray, as well as a safety container for use when in transit (because you don’t want that thing accidentally deploying while you’re doing 70 MPH on the freeway).

Set aside an extra set of keys, and ask your spouse/friend to carry them. This will save a lot of hassle should you misplace yours. Be sure to include your car key/FOB as well as any keys for hitch locks, padlocks, or canoe locks associated with your trip.

If you’re bringing your dogs, be sure to bring adequate food for each day and a bowl for them to eat from. Treats, leashes, a ball chucker, poo bags, and pet beds (optional) might also be useful.

Bring sunglasses and hopefully you’ll experience conditions that make them necessary. If you wear glasses, toss a backup pair in your glove box—just in case. I always leave some glass cleaner and a cloth in the truck, as my glasses tend to get pretty grimy when I’m outdoors. Take earplugs. You never know when some idiot will decide to polish off a bottle of Jack Daniels, and belt out American Pie at 3 AM.

Bring a book, but only one. You probably won’t get as much time to read as you might anticipate. A hacky sack, football, frisbee, or pack of playing cards can make for nice ways to have fun with friends and family. (Oh right, don’t forget to pack your phone charger.)

Hardware

I’m not particularly mechanical, so, I’m more limited by my skills than my tools. Nevertheless, things break, cars fail to start, and tires get punctured. Most times you’ll be just fine on this front, but issues can arise. If they do, a few of the following items can afford some peace of mind. (Keeping these in your vehicle year-round isn’t a bad idea.)

In the event of a dead battery, a portable car battery charger can save the day. It’s incredibly simple to use and takes up hardly any space. (I’ve helped several folks over the years with my NOCO.) You might not ever need them, but a tire puncture kit and a small air compressor are nice things to have at the ready.

I also bring along a bag with some basic tools. These include a multi-bit screwdriver, crescent wrench, needle-nose pliers, and duct tape (because that shit comes in handy).

A cargo retriever hook will help you reach items and boxes at the very back of your van/truck. You can buy one like this or you can just screw a hook into a broomstick. That’s what I did, and I use it all the time! I also find that it’s good to have a set of ratchet straps to tie things down to the vehicle when necessary.

Clothing

Packing clothing for camping is challenging, as weather conditions can vary greatly. Additionally, you’re probably going to be around a campfire that’ll throw sparks. As such, I recommend bringing mostly old clothes (my parents always called these “work clothes”) that you don’t mind damaging.

I won’t go anywhere without a hardshell jacket. That said, I do live in rainy Vancouver, where the climate makes this item a staple. I also consider a puffy a good idea in case evening temperatures drop significantly. A pair of rain-proof pants is a nice-to-have, but not necessary for most. A ball cap can help on sunny days, and a light toque (or knit hat for you Americans) can keep you warmer on chilly ones. A pair of hiking boots or trail runners and some sandals are all the footwear you’ll need.

A merino wool base layer is essential. You can often find these on sale at Costco sometime in autumn. In colder conditions, these will do a lot to keep you comfortable. I also sleep in mine. You’ll pack a few pairs of underwear and socks, but you might need to remind your kids to do so. A couple of T-shirts, a pair of shorts, some flexible pants, and a hoodie will round out your camping wardrobe nicely. Don’t forget your bathing suit!

P.S.: Bring a laundry bag for dirty clothes. Doing so will keep your stuff in order, and allow you to toss its contents straight into the wash when you return home.

Let’s wrap this post up!

I thought this would be a short post with some quick suggestions on what to pack for camping trips. Somehow, though, I got carried away. Sorry about that! I do, however, hope that these tips help give you some useful ideas—and perhaps save you some of the stumbles I’ve experienced over the years.

I didn’t delve into the food I take on camping trips. To me, this is a more personal matter, and probably better suited for a post of its own. Similarly, I have an altogether separate packing list for backcountry camping. I don’t know if this is something of interest to readers. So, if you’d like me to write a post that detail what I pack for backcountry trips, please send me an email noting so.

As a last note, I wanted to remind you that you can get a lot more life out of camping gear if you take good care of it. So, be sure to air out your gear after each trip (especially if there is rain or you have condensation in your tent). The last thing you need is to open up your sleeping bag and find it filled with mold.

As a convenience, I’ve compiled a printable list with all of the mentioned (as well as some I didn’t) car camping items I pack for our trips. Here’s a link to that Car Camping Packing List. I’ve kept it in an editable format, so you can download it and make changes as you see fit.

If I’ve missed something important in my list or made an error, please do let me know. I’m happy to revise this article so that it’s more useful for fellow campers.

Other camping articles you might find useful

• The Absolute Newbie’s Guide to Boondocking
• Your ultimate guide to booking a campsite on Recreation-dot-gov
• Campnab’s (It Ain’t Over) Fall Camping Guide
• How to Make a Last-Minute Campsite Reservation

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