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Car camping has come a long way since the days of throwing a few blankets in the backseat. These days, it's one of the easiest ways to get outdoors without giving up all your creature comforts—making it a rapidly growing entry point for new campers, according to Andrew Straley, resident gear expert at Kampgrounds of America.
“KOA's 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report anticipated that 3.7 million car camping nights would take place over the course of the year,” says Straley. “As it requires less gear and minimal setup, car camping is a great stepping stone for beginners before taking on more intensive camping experiences.”
Whether you’re tossing a mattress in the back of your SUV or popping up a tent next to your car (or on top of it), car camping can be more versatile than backpacking (plus, you can bring way more gear along for the ride, from travel pillows to large coolers for storing all your munchies). That means better food, comfier sleeping arrangements, and less stress if you forget something. The best part? If the weather turns bad or you're not feeling it anymore, home is just a drive away. To help plan the perfect car camping vacation, we've spoken to a variety of experts on everything from what to pack to how to prepare your vehicle. Keep scrolling to learn more.
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FAQ:
In which states is car camping legal?
Car camping is legal throughout the US, though regulations vary by location. National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands generally allow free camping in undeveloped areas, while national and state parks require you to stay in designated sites with fees and often reservations.
“There are a handful of good apps and websites that have options for both safe and legal places to park overnight,” says Backcountry Gearhead Addie H.
Always check local regulations before setting up. Many areas limit stays (typically 14 days maximum) and may have seasonal closures or permit requirements.
What is considered car camping?
Car camping covers pretty much any setup where your car plays a major role in your camping experience, from sleeping inside your vehicle to setting up next to your vehicle to using a rooftop tent, or even camping with a van.
The big difference between car camping and backpacking is that your car does the heavy lifting so you can bring along more than just what you can carry on your back.
Is car camping safe?
With proper preparation, car camping is generally very safe. Carolin Fuller, avid camper and director of partnerships at Campspot, emphasizes that “having the right gear can mean the difference between a smooth adventure and a stressful ordeal. A well-stocked first-aid kit is non-negotiable, along with a portable fire extinguisher and basic emergency tools like a high-powered flashlight, a physical map (because cell service is never guaranteed), and a reliable phone charger.”
In bear country, a bear keg protects food, while bear spray provides personal protection designed to withstand curious bears.
Where to stay
Your choice of camping spot depends on your desired comfort level. Established campgrounds in national and state parks offer amenities like bathrooms and showers for $15-50 per night, but reservations are required during busy periods and can sometimes be difficult to secure. You'll have neighbors nearby and the security of park rangers and facilities.
For a more isolated wilderness experience, dispersed camping (outside designated campgrounds in undeveloped areas) on National Forest or Bureau of Land Management land is often free. It requires no reservations—but you'll need to be completely self-sufficient, and it's not recommended for beginners.
What to pack
Packing for car camping is all about finding that sweet spot between bringing useful gear and turning your car into an overpacked nightmare. “A nice sleep setup is absolutely essential for car camping,” says Backcountry Gearhead Addie H. “You'll need a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and a pillow at minimum. Don't forget about lighting—a headlamp, lantern, or even fairy lights can transform your space—and camp chairs for when you're hanging out around camp.”
Setting up for sleep
Getting good sleep makes or breaks a camping trip. “The most important thing when setting up your sleeping space for camping is making sure you have enough room to stretch out and actually get comfortable,” says Fuller. “If your car has enough space, it can be one of the easiest and most convenient options—it's already sheltered, requires minimal setup, and with a good sleeping pad or car mattress, it can feel just as cozy as a bed.”
For privacy, window covers block light and prying eyes better than makeshift solutions. These window covers by Luno Life let in the breeze while keeping out mosquitoes and flies. Comforter-style sleeping bags, like Luno’s comforter, offer more freedom than traditional mummy bags, while the Rumpl blanket is another great option to stay warm and resist dirt and moisture—it’s especially great for campers with furry friends. For ultimate versatility, the puffy blanket jacket from Wren serves double duty: Wear it around camp for warmth, then unfold it into a full blanket when it's time to sleep.
Sleeping outside? Straley recommends the Thule two-person roof-top tent. This four-season, 110-pound tent has a dual-layer mattress, panoramic skylights, and lockable mounting brackets. Despite its size, it sets up in three minutes. For larger groups, REI’s six-person tent is standing height with room dividers for privacy and excellent weather protection. Check out our complete list of the best camping tents for even more great picks.
Cooking outdoors
Good food makes camping so much better, and car camping lets you move beyond freeze-dried meals. “Deciding what type of cookware to pack is dependent on what food you want to eat, and how much cooking and prep you want to do while you're at camp,” says Addie H. You can save space with multi-functional tools like the ComplEAT cook set, which combines spatulas, spoons, and cutting tools, instead of bringing your entire kitchen drawer. The ComplEAT cutting board set also has built-in strainers to keep ingredients from falling into the dirt during meal prep. When food’s ready, the Hydroflask serving bundle will keep your meals at the right temperature, even when a captivating sunset delays dinner. Use sustainable food storage systems like Bee’s Wrap and the Stasher reusable food bags when packing out. The smokeless Solo Stove firepit creates a cleaner evening ambiance. It uses less wood than traditional campfires, and it's often permitted even during fire bans.
Coffee enthusiasts can create the perfect cup of coffee with AeroPress’s travel coffee maker, though there’s no judgment in the outdoors if you want a quick fix with instant coffee.
“Most average coolers will keep food fresh for a long amount of time if packed correctly,” says Addie H. Another tip she has is to skip putting unnecessary condiments and drinks into the cooler; instead, use it for produce, dairy, and meat. The pop-up cooler from Camco flattens when not in use, saving precious space while the Oyster's Tempo Cooler is ideal for longer trips. Insider tip: Precool your food and drinks before packing them. The more cold things you start with in your cooler, the slower it warms back up.
Organizing your supplies
A well-organized camp setup can dramatically improve your experience. “Clear, plastic, modular bins are your best friend!” says Addie H. “Group like items together, so it's easy to grab exactly what you need (sleeping gear, kitchen gear, clothes).”
The waterproof The North Face Base Camp Gear Bbox protects gear during unexpected downpours, while the Duluth seatback bunker and Luno cargo hammock convert wasted seat space into convenient storage for essentials like headlamps and snacks. To get even more space, Addie H. adds that compression sacks and stuff sacks are great for things like sleeping bags and blankets.
Clothing and footwear
Smart clothing choices minimize packing while maximizing comfort. Unlike cotton, odor-resistant merino wool garments like the Royal Robbins hoodie are great because they can be worn multiple days without washing. Similarly, the mountain crew from Paka uses alpaca wool to regulate temperature effectively across changing conditions. The ultimate loungewear is a merino-wool onesie from Wild Rye with a convenient bathroom zip, while hiking pants like Fjallraven’s Keb trousers are versatile enough for most outdoor adventures.
Depending on where you’re camping, having a waterproof layer like a rain jacket on hand is always a good idea. When it comes to shoes, a supportive pair of hiking boots or comfortable sneakers is great for daytime, while Teva’s convertible slip-on, the ReEmber, is a great choice for around camp.
Hygiene and Safety
Staying reasonably clean makes longer trips much more pleasant. If you like using wet wipes (always a good option when there's a distinct lack of shower), this toilet paper spray transforms regular toilet paper into biodegradable wipes. Of course, you also can’t forget safety essentials like a comprehensive first-aid kit with outdoor-specific treatments. Having a multi-tool like Signal Leatherman is a great addition to any camping arsenal—it packs 19 tools into one, including potential lifesavers like whistles and emergency firestarters.
How to plan your trip
While spontaneity can make the best stories, it’s good planning beforehand that leaves room for safe spontaneity.
Research your destination
Before heading out, spend some time learning about where you're going:
- Check the weather patterns
- Find out if you need permits or reservations
- See if potable water is available
- Research cell coverage (and download offline GPS maps if coverage is spotty)
- Learn about local rules for fires, pets, and camping practices (apps like Campspot also have campsite information and reviews)
- Find nearby hiking trails or swimming spots worth visiting
Prepare your vehicle
Since your car is both transportation and shelter, make sure to do a safety check before heading out:
- Check all fluid levels and tire pressure (you could also bring a portable air pump)
- Make sure your spare tire is in good condition
- Pack jumper cables and essential tools
Leave no trace behind
- Pack out all trash (even food scraps like apple cores)
- Stick to established campsites and trails
- Keep soap and dishwater away from natural water sources
- Use existing fire rings or a portable fire pan
- Store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife
- Be respectful of nearby campers by keeping noise reasonable
Final tips
- Arrive before dark: Setting up camp is more manageable in daylight.
- Develop a nighttime routine: Secure food, clean up trash, and organize morning essentials before bed
- Be flexible: Have backup plans for weather changes or unavailable campsites
- Use eco-friendly gear: “Invest in reusable camp dishes and utensils,” says Addie H. “These make a huge difference in food waste.”
- Start with shorter trips: Begin with overnight stays close to home before taking a longer adventure
For more tips, check out our list on the golden rules of camping, perfect for beginners and experts alike.
