Take it from a Van Lifer: Car Camping Essentials for Your Next Weekend Getaway

OGExpert Lindsey Shares Her Top Gear Picks for Car Camping

Embarking on a weekend car camping trip is one of the best ways to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. As an experienced van lifer, I’ve spent countless nights under the stars, perfecting my car camping setup. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here are my top picks for car camping essentials that will ensure your trip is comfortable, convenient, and memorable, bringing the comforts of home into the great outdoors.

Comfort in the Campsite

First and foremost, setting up a comfortable campsite is key to enjoying your time outdoors; your campsite is your home base, after all! Here are some essentials for a cozy and convenient camping experience:

• Tent: Bring a tent that’s easy to set up and spacious enough to move around in. I love my NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P tent; it has plenty of room for gear and a second person — or my dogs. It’s a great single-quiver tent for the average outdoors person who does a mix of car camping and backpacking. If you want a car camping-specific tent, consider a 3-4 person tent like the The North Face Wawona 4P . You won’t regret splurging for the extra space!
• Sleeping Bag and Pad: Pair your tent with a cozy sleeping bag and a reliable sleeping pad to ensure a good night's sleep. As a side sleeper, NEMO's spoon bags, like the Tempo 35 are a favorite of mine. I typically use an inflatable pad with a closed-cell foam pad underneath to maximize comfort. With this combo, I always feel rested and ready for my next adventure!
• Puffy Blanket: Sometimes it's just too hot to sleep in a sleeping bag. I like bringing a puffy blanket for those nights. It's also great to have one for additional warmth as it gets cooler. Plus, you can wrap up in it at camp while you're hanging out.
• Camping Pillow: For added comfort, don’t forget a camping pillow! When you’re car camping, your home pillow is fine, but a NEMO fillo luxury pillow also does the trick without taking up too much space!
• Camp Chair and Table: A comfortable camp chair and a sturdy camp table are essential for creating a relaxing environment around the campfire.
• Lighting: For a well-lit campsite after dark bring a lantern. I love my Luci light ; it's solar-powered and doubles as a power bank to keep my phone charged. String lights are great for ambiance!

Cooking and Dining Made Easy

A great camping trip isn't complete without delicious meals enjoyed in the great outdoors. Here are some tips to make cooking and dining easy:

• Stove: I recommend a 2-burner stove for preparing more elaborate meals. As an avid tea drinker, my Jetboil MiniMo and a reliable mug are also camping staples no matter how long the trip.
• Cooler: Having a solid cooler at camp to keep your food fresh is crucial. Don't forget to lock it up in your car overnight to avoid attracting critters to your campsite.
• Cast Iron Pan: My holy grail of camp cooking is my GSI cast iron pan . It's perfect for breakfast and dinners, and I even use it at home!
• Pots: Having a good set of pots is great, especially when making pasta for a group. I like my Glacier Base Camper set from GSI because the lid doubles as a strainer.
• Plates and Bowls: If you don't want to eat straight from the pot, having a good set of plates and bowls is handy. I like the GSI Mesa Enamelware because it's stylish and practical.
• Utensils: When it comes to utensils, you can never go wrong with a spork !
• Water: Most campsites have potable water, but it's never a bad idea to carry a water filter just to be safe. A gravity filter is perfect; just fill it up and let it do its thing while you set up camp.

Staying Organized and Prepared

Keeping your gear organized and being prepared for any situation is crucial when camping. Here are some essentials:

• Headlamp: A headlamp is a must! I love my Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp; it comes with a rechargeable battery but is also compatible with AAA batteries in a pinch.
• Knife: Always bring a good knife for various tasks around the campsite (it’s especially important for sharpening marshmallow sticks).
• First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential, choose one that’s big enough to accommodate the size of your group.
• Sun and Bug Protection: Sunscreen and bug spray are crucial for staying protected from the elements. If you’re camping with a bigger party, a bug shelter isn’t a bad idea either. This Eureka NoBugZone 3-In-1 Shelter also gives great protection from the sun or the rain.
• Camp Towel: I love my PackTowl . For changing clothes out in the open, a Changing Poncho is invaluable and doubles as a towel.
• Camp Shoes: After a day of adventuring, nothing's better than slipping into your camp shoes. The North Face Basecamp Camp Slide III is perfect! They make a men’s version too. Adding a pair of clean wool socks helps keep your toes warm and keeps the bugs away too!
• Cozy Clothes: You also can’t go wrong with a cozy sweatshirt , a baseball cap , and a beanie .
• Sunglasses and a Water Bottle: Don’t forget these essentials. I love these goodr Circle Gs and I never leave home without my Hydro Flask .

Dog-Friendly Camping

If you're camping with your dog, ensuring their safety and comfort is important. Here are some tips for making the experience enjoyable for your furry friend:

• Light-Up Collar: Seeing your dog at night is crucial, so always keep a light-up dog collar on hand.
• Packable Dog Bowl: This dog bowl is perfect for camp; it's packable but still has some structure when full.
• Dog Treats and Toys: Bringing along some dog treats and toys will keep your furry friend happy and entertained.

Final Thoughts

Car camping offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature with the comforts of home. Plus, it helps make the outdoors more approachable for camping beginners, young and old. With the right gear, your weekend getaway can be both relaxing and adventure-filled, these picks from my personal experience will help you make the most of your outdoor excursions. So, pack up your car, hit the road, and embrace the simplicity and serenity of car camping – you won't regret it!