A car camping trip is about adventure and connecting with nature, whether you’re heading back to your favorite camping spot or in search of somewhere new, the journey shouldn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
For those who prefer the convenience of car-based camping, having the right gear makes all the difference to your camping comfort. This guide explores what to take on a car camping trip for getting off grid.
SIX ESSENTIALS TO TAKE ON A CAR CAMPING TRIP
SLEEPING ESSENTIALS
Getting a good night’s sleep is the foundation of an enjoyable car camping experience. When sleeping near your vehicle, there are a few key items to ensure comfort and warmth, especially if you’re planning on winter camping.
A comfortable mattress or sleeping pad is so important for a good night’s sleep. Memory foam mattresses are popular for comfort, while inflatable pads offer space-saving convenience. Don’t forget warm sleeping bags or quilts and pillows to stay cozy in varying weather conditions.
Proper ventilation is vital to prevent condensation inside a campervan, van or 4WD. Consider window vents or a roof vent to maintain airflow while keeping insects out. For added comfort, small 12V fans can be a great addition.
POWER SUPPLY
Having reliable power off-grid makes camping so much more enjoyable and family-friendly. Whether it’s to charge your devices, run a portable fridge, or power lights, a robust power system is a must for camping.
Learn more: How much solar do you need to power a campervan off grid?
A dual battery setup ensures you can run all your essentials without draining your starter battery.
To keep an auxiliary battery charged when you aren’t driving each day, solar panels are a great choice and mean that you might not need to rely on a generator (or carry flammable fuel).
Choosing the best portable solar system for you setup is just one example of how you can supplement the power supply to auxiliary batteries in your vehicle. Solar panels or blankets can be set up at camp to charge batteries during the day, ensuring you have power overnight for lights, music and anything else that makes camping more fun.
COOKING EQUIPMENT
Eating well is part of the fun and challenge of car camping. Using your car as the hub, you can rely on power from the dual battery setup for induction cooking or even to boil a kettle or power up a coffee machine for a truly luxurious camping experience — no more unreliable gas stoves!
There are many advantages to cooking with electricity, from easy heating that isn’t affected by the wind to better control of the temperature under your pan or pot.
CAMPSITE LIGHTING
Adequate lighting ensures you can navigate your campsite and vehicle safely after dark, and it’s one thing that might convince more reluctant family members to join the adventure.
LED strip lights are one option to illuminate the inside of your car and the area nearby, adding safety and a sense of ‘home’. Battery-operated or rechargeable lanterns, torches or headlamps are handy for use around the campsite.
STORAGE AND ORGINIZATION
Maximizing space in your vehicle means making enough space to bring pets, kids or gear for adventure, from rock climbing or bouldering to mountain biking or stargazing. Well-designed storage keeps everything in place and easily accessible.
Roof racks and storage boxes are great for storing bulky items like tents, chairs, and extra gear. For optimal organization on the road, use boxes, drawers or hooks to keep smaller items neat and within reach.
SAFETY AND RECOVER GEAR
Being prepared for unexpected situations is important when heading into isolated regions where there might not be phone service or a town nearby. Make sure to bring plenty of water for your camping trip as remote tanks can run dry and bore water may not be drinkable where it is available.
A basic recovery kit and first-aid kit are essential, so check that both are in good condition and have all the necessities — remember to replace anything damaged or used up on a previous camping trip.
A vehicle power setup with excess capacity provides peace of mind in any situation — with the Manager Alpha you can even rely on auxiliary power to start your vehicle if the starter battery fails.
This guide can help you be super-organized for your next car camping trip.
By taking the right gear, you can ensure that car camping is safe, comfortable and enticing to the whole family. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended family camping adventure, having the right setup will ensure you make the most of the outdoors.
Our 12V guide to weekends gives you an overview of the power systems you might consider for off-grid travel for a few days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DO YOU SLEEP ON WHEN CAMPING IN A CAR?
A sleeping pad or car mattress will do the job. Something light and not too bulky will mean you have enough room for everything you need to bring along for your trip.
HOW TO PACK CAR CAMPING GEAR?
Utilize organizers, storage boxes, and roof racks to keep gear accessible and the sleeping area of a campervan or caravan clutter-free. This guide to packing light for family camping is a great place to start when preparing for an adventure.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY CAR CAMPING MORE COMFORTABLE?
A foam mattress topper can make a big difference to your comfort when camping in your car. It will add a bit of thickness and provide some extra insulation. Be sure to bring enough bedding for warmth as nights can be surprisingly cool.
