Gear Gadget

Car Camping for Beginners

Car camping means driving to a campsite and setting up near your car. The kit below covers the basics for your first trip.

A first kit for two

7 picks · ~$359

Midsize SUV, warm weather, no stove yet. Starter tier, Amazon prices. Affiliate links: we earn a commission on Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you.

Different car or group? Adjust this kit →

Tent

CAMPROS CP 3-Person Backpacking Tent

Fits:
3 person
Rating:
3-season

~$50

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Sleeping Bag (x2)

Coleman Palmetto Cool-Weather Sleeping Bag

Rated to:
30°F
Fill:
Synthetic

~$54 each

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Sleeping Pad (x2)

Stansport Pack-Lite Closed-Cell Foam Pad

Warmth:
Summer (R 2)
Type:
Foam

~$22 each

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Cooler

Coleman Chiller 30-Quart Cooler

Holds:
30 qt
Keeps ice:
2 days

~$37

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Camp Chair (x2)

MOON LENCE Compact Backpacking Chair

Packs:
Compact (backpacking style)
Supports:
330 lbs

~$38 each

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Camp Lighting

Energizer LED Camping Lantern

Brightness:
500 lumens
Runtime:
30+ hrs

~$19

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Headlamp (x2)

Energizer PRO-360 LED Headlamp

Brightness:
360 lumens
Power:
Battery

~$12 each

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Add all 7 to Amazon cart

One press puts the whole kit in your cart; take out anything you already own there.

Open this kit in the builder - or the same kit as Essential (~$814) or Premium (~$1,487) .

Seven beginner mistakes

  1. 1

    Skipping the sleeping pad. The number one mistake. The ground pulls heat out of you all night; even a cheap pad changes everything.

  2. 2

    Not pitching the tent at home first. An unfamiliar tent in the dark after a long drive is miserable. One trial run in the yard.

  3. 3

    Buying the cheapest tent on the shelf. Bargain-bin tents (around $35) leak, snap poles in wind and fight you on setup. The kit's tent ($50) is the step up from those.

  4. 4

    Packing too much. No camp kitchen, folding table, hammock or camp rug on trip one. The kit above is enough.

  5. 5

    Buying gear before booking a site. Popular campgrounds fill months ahead on weekends. Reserve first.

  6. 6

    Forgetting layers. Campsites get cold at night even in summer. A fleece and long pants.

  7. 7

    Overthinking it. Pick a campground, buy the basics, go. You will know what you want after the first trip.

Your first trip

  • Choose an established campground within two hours, with a marked site and restrooms.
  • One night. It tests the setup; book two next time if you loved it.
  • Arrive with an hour or two of daylight. Setting up in the dark is how first trips go wrong.
  • Sandwiches, snacks and drinks from the cooler. Camp cooking is for trip two.

Common questions

What is car camping exactly?
You drive to a campsite and set up next to the car. The car carries the gear, so you can bring a real cooler, padded chairs and a big tent instead of counting grams.
Is car camping safe for beginners?
Car camping can be beginner-friendly at an established campground. Amenities and cell coverage vary, so check the campground details before booking.
How much does it cost to start car camping?
About $359 for two at Starter quality using listed Amazon prices, about $814 at Essential. Campsite fees, food and gas are extra; check the campground's price before booking.
Do I need an SUV or truck for car camping?
No. Two people camp fine out of a sedan or hatchback with compact gear; tell the builder what you drive and it sizes the kit to the trunk.
Can I car camp in the winter?
You can, but start warm. Winter needs bags rated 20°F or lower, pads above R4 and some experience. Get a few summer trips in first.

Going alone, or in a small car?

Start with a ready kit, then adjust the group, car and season.

Build my first kit →