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Escaping into the tranquillity of nature is not limited to those with tents, RVs, and cabins. Car camping offers a delightful way to experience the great outdoors with more comfort and convenience than traditional backpacking. It requires less effort but still provides an immersive getaway.
A car provides ample space for packing essentials and luxuries like extra entertainment, coolers, and portable AC. Driving to your campsite for a hassle-free setup is also beneficial. Pack wisely and make the most out of your next car camping trip with these must-have items for a great adventure in the wild outdoors.
So, What Is Needed for Car Camping?
Sleeping Pad And Blankets
After a long day of travel, winding down in a comfortable bed is a necessity. Proper sleeping arrangements for car camping require a little creativity. Sleeping pads provide a cushioned surface on which to rest. The sleeping pad’s size, type, and style will depend on the vehicle. Look for a comfortable but easy-to-move pad. A foldable mattress is an excellent option for larger SUVs or vans.
Once you find a good sleeping pad, grab some sheets, pillows, and blankets. Like regular camping, a sleeping bag is easy to use on a sleeping pad and easy to put away when not in use. Look at the weather forecast and climate to ensure there are enough layers to keep you warm. In the summer months, the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC will keep the car cool. Charge this portable AC with solar panels for a sustainable, cool night’s rest.
First Aid
You never know what will happen on a camping trip, whether in the car, a tent, or a cabin. A well-stocked first aid kit is a must on the packing list, with personalized kits tailored to specific hobbies and activities planned for the trip. Alternatively, you can purchase a premade one and build on it.
A well-stocked first aid kit will include pain and allergy medications, nitrile gloves, wound-cleaning solutions, gauze, bandages, trauma scissors, medical tape, ace wraps, and ice packs. If you plan to hike a lot, include extra supplies for blisters and sprains. Blister bandages and moleskin patches can prevent a fun hike from becoming incredibly painful.
Power Supply
A portable power supply is crucial for car camping, as you will want to avoid draining your car’s battery by charging devices. Moreover, cars have a limited number and type of ports. A portable power supply can provide a steady flow of electricity without relying on the car battery while providing more outlets.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is perfect for any car camping excursion. It’s compact and weighs only 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg). Its 512 Wh battery capacity can power electronic devices and small appliances. You can quickly recharge this power bank with solar panels or your car’s outlets.
Clothes
Choose clothes efficiently to maximize space while still having enough warmth and comfort. Layers are the easiest way to accomplish this—pack materials made of fleece and wool in the winter. Stick to linens and cotton in the summer.
Fast-drying clothes are ideal for any season, especially if you plan to wash them. For shoes, bring hiking boots, tennis shoes, and sandals. Pack for the weather of your destination. A rain jacket and umbrella come in handy with surprise rain showers.
Flashlights
Remote car camping means less light pollution at night, so having adequate lighting is essential. Flashlights come in handy for navigating inside the car at night while keeping the vehicle turned off. Consider adding battery-powered lanterns in easy-to-reach places, as they can create a comforting ambiance while drifting off to sleep.
Headlamps are practical for hands-free movement, and traditional flashlights are handy for providing strong beams of light.
Window Covers
There are many options for covering car windows while camping. Classic sunshades are perfect for covering all the car windows, or you can DIY covers. Privacy and safety are important to maintain while camping.
Depending on the car’s layout, you can cover only the back windows and hang a privacy curtain in the middle so that the front two seats are visible. Keeping the front visible attracts less attention while keeping you hidden in the back.
Cooler
Keep your food and drinks cool while inside the car. Traditional, insulated coolers are a great option for a couple of drinks and snacks, but a portable dual-zone refrigerator offers many benefits. EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator can have a fridge and freezer section and an ice maker.
There are countless ways to use this refrigerator, which has 38L of area and a 40-hour runtime. While camping, recharge it with solar panels, an AC outlet, or with your car. With a compact design, it’s easy to accommodate in the vehicle along with other car camping necessities.
Cooking Supplies
The type of cooking supplies needed will depend on what meals you plan to cook. If you want to rely on something other than a campfire every time, an electric camping stove can be used to prepare meals. Research the campground before arriving, as it might provide grilling areas as another option for cooking meals.
Once you’ve planned your meals, think of what utensils, dishes, pots, and pans are needed to prepare them. A foldable table will come in handy for reliable extra surface space. Camping doesn’t mean leaving behind the comforts of home.
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations can provide the power needed to prepare a much-needed morning coffee, taking your car camping trip to the next level. Portable power stations are perfect for powering small appliances, making meal preparation easier.
Camping Chair
Picnic tables might be available depending on your campsite, which can often be uncomfortable. Bring a camping chair that can be set up anywhere you park. Look for compact chairs to maximize the space in your vehicle, but don’t skimp on comfort. You’ll likely spend time sitting in it around a campfire, after long days, or while eating breakfast.
Bring along a hammock for a change of pace. Set up camp near some trees, or bring it on a hike. Hammocks are versatile and add a unique element to lounging wherever you are.
Hygiene Products
Not every hygiene product is essential, so pack what is important and useful for you. Consider whether the campground offers a shower and restroom; if not, more planning is needed to handle those situations. The length of the trip will also determine how much of each product is required. Regardless, wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, and deodorant are always needed.
Other great products to bring are sunscreen, bug spray, an eye mask, dry shampoo, soap, a mirror, lip balm, makeup wipes, and a hairbrush. A small shovel or specific bags are helpful if no restroom is available. They make ethical waste disposal more manageable. Use a small shovel to dig catholes.
Entertainment
Plan some fun activities for your camping trip. Hiking, swimming, canoeing, and nature walking are fun outdoor activities that your trip may focus on, but you might want something else to do late at night. Pack along books, board games, cards, or foraging guides, which will not take up precious space in your car. A laptop or iPad can be used to watch a show or movie while going to sleep.
Final Thoughts
Head out on your next car camping trip with confidence and excitement, knowing you have all the essentials. Don’t leave behind essentials like cooking supplies, sleeping pads, hygiene products, and window covers. Items like flashlights and camping chairs make enjoying the campsite easier.
EcoFlow Portable Power Stations will add ease and comfort to your trip. You can focus on relaxing with peace of mind and reliable power for any electrical need.