How to Pack for a Car Camping Trip

Ultralight backpackers can tell you how many ounces their sleeping bag, tent, and spork weigh off the top of their heads. That’s because every ounce counts with backpacking. It’s a different story with car camping, however. Car camping allows you to pack as much as you want regardless of how much it weighs or how much space it takes up. You’re limited only to what you can fit in your car, which means that you can live it up and camp comfortably.

Here’s a car camping packing list to help you get started.

Fire

Ample firewood
Fire starter
Matches/lighter

Food storage

Cooler and ice
Prepare meals or ingredients before hand
Storage container to help protect non-perishable foods

Furniture

Camp chairs
Camp table

Sleep

Sleeping pad/ air mattress/ cot
Wool blanket for a tent floor cover.
Blankets/sleeping bags
Pillows

Illumination

Lantern
Headlamp
Batteries

Water

Water container
Water bottles

Kitchen

Camp stove
Cookware
Dishes
Utensils
Mug/cup
Soap/sponge/scrub brush
Small tub for washing dishes

Shelter

Tent/foot print/ fly
Hammock
Tarp
Rope or cord
Clips or carabiners
Tent stakes
Extra stakes for the tarp

Tools

Rubber mallet
Saw
Knife
Small shovel

Apparel

Extra clothing
Insulation – Jacket, pullover, etc.
Rain gear
Extra socks
Swimsuit
Camp shoes – booties, sandals, slippers, slip-ons, etc.

Accessories

Sunglasses
Hat
Bandana
Work gloves

Hygiene

Wet wipes
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Toiletries

Safety

Sunscreen
Lip balm
Bug spray
First aid kit

Extras

Daypack
Games/cards
Dog
Cast iron cookware
Cinder blocks
Free weights
Anything you want

When in doubt, bring it.

Obviously, you don’t need to bring concrete and barbells to your campsite, but when it comes to car camping, there’s no reason to leave things you might want or need at home. If you think you might want or need something, bring it. The only time you should start debating whether or not you need to bring something is when you start running out of room in your car. Car camping is about enjoying your time outdoors with friends and family.

Stop by and see us at Uncle Sam’s Safari Outfitters the next time you’re getting ready for camping in Northwest Arkansas! We have everything you need to enjoy your time out in nature!