Car Camping Checklist: What to Pack for a Stress-Free Trip

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Why You Need a Car Camping Checklist

Packing for your first (or fiftieth) car camping trip can feel overwhelming. There’s nothing worse than arriving at camp and realizing you forgot something important—like a headlamp, a lighter, or your sleeping pad. This complete car camping checklist ensures you’re prepared, comfortable, and stress-free so you can spend more time relaxing outdoors and less time worrying about what you left behind.

This checklist is also great to print & check off things as you pack them in the car.

If you’re completely new to car camping, my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Car Camping is a great place to start before diving into packing.

Shelter & Sleeping Essentials

These items are the core of your camping setup.

• Tent

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad or air mattress

• Pillow

• Extra blankets

• Tent footprint or tarp

If you plan to sleep inside your vehicle instead of a tent, here’s my guide on how to sleep in your car comfortably and safely.

Camp Kitchen Essentials

You don’t need much to cook delicious meals outdoors—just the basics.

• Cooler

• Camp stove + fuel

• Pot

• Frying Pan

• Utensils (spoons, forks, knives, spatula, tongs)

• Plates & bowls

• Cutting board

• Knife

• Water jug

• Dish soap

• Sponge or scrubber

• Quick-dry towel

• Trash bags

Food & Drinks

Bring simple, easy-to-prep options:

• Breakfast items (oatmeal, yogurt, burritos, muffins)

• Lunch items (sandwiches, wraps, fruit)

• Dinner items (pasta, tacos, stir-fry, hot dogs)

• Snacks (trail mix, bars, fruit, crackers, s’mores)

• Drinks (water, coffee, tea, electrolytes, adult beverages)

Need simple ideas for what to cook? Try these easy camping meals for beginners.

Clothing & Layers

Camping is all about layering:

• Base layers

• Warm jacket or fleece

• T-shirts

• Pants & shorts

• Extra socks

• Sleepwear

• Hat & gloves

• Rain jacket

Cold nights can surprise beginners—here’s how to stay warm while car camping, even in chilly temperatures.

Comfort & Camp Setup

Make your campsite feel like home:

• Camp chairs

• Folding table

• Lantern and/or headlamp

• Fire starter (lighter, matches, fire blocks)

• Multi-tool

• Portable power bank

• Small broom or brush

• Battery or Solar Powered light string

A lot of these packing tips come from experience — here are 10 things I wish I knew before my first car camping trip.

Toiletries & Personal Items

Pack light—just the essentials:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Face wipes

  • Olay Cleansing Melts are fantastic for camping

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Lip balm

• Quick-dry towel

• Medications

Safety & Emergency Items

These help you stay prepared:

• First aid kit

• Offline map/navigation

• Extra batteries

• Emergency blanket

• Duct tape

Optional (But Awesome) Extras

Not required, but great additions:

• Hammock

• Portable fan

• Campsite games

• Bluetooth speaker

• Marshmallow roasting sticks

Bringing your pup along? Here’s a complete guide to camping with dogs so your furry friend stays safe and comfortable.

Packing Tips for Beginners

• Pack using clear bins

  • I like these cheap ones from Lowes

• Keep a “last-minute” bag by the front door

• Double-check your fuel level

  • Camp Stove

  • Vehicle

• Bring backups for light, batteries, and fire starters

• Don’t overpack—comfort > clutter

For more ways to simplify your setup, you can check out these 25 Car Camping Hacks for Beginners.

Final Thoughts

A solid packing list helps keep your camping trip organized, stress-free, and fun. With the right gear and a little preparation, car camping becomes one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to spend time outdoors. As you gain experience, you’ll learn what you love, what you can live without, and which items are totally worth upgrading.