#Camping road trip checklist full

If you are planning to stay at one campsite for several days, but still make day trips to nearby areas, it can be nice to set up a tent as a basecamp rather than packing and unpacking your car every night.If you only have a sedan or compact car, sleeping in the back probably isn’t an option.Here are a few reasons you may opt to bring a tent for your next camping trip: While car camping typically means sleeping inside your car, for some people, bringing a tent and sleeping next to their car might be a better option. The Therm-a-Rest Xlite is one of the best ultralight backpacking pads available and is insulated to keep you warm at night. This is a great way to go if you also do much backpacking and want to use the same pad for both activities. You can also use a lightweight inflatable sleeping pad.

#Camping road trip checklist full

Check out our full Luno Life mattress review. It’s definitely worth checking out for the easy setup, great comfort, and custom fit. The Luno Life Air Mattress is a great option that is custom-made specifically to fit in the back of your vehicle.

Air mattresses are one of the best options available because they can be very comfortable while still packing down small.

The biggest downside is that memory foam won’t pack down very well, so it will take up a lot of space in your car. This option is simple, inexpensive, comfortable, and warm.

The cheapest is a piece of memory foam that you can cut to fit in your car.

There are several routes to consider for a camping pad or mattress: If you plan on car camping in cooler temps, I’d definitely recommend finding an insulated pad. Many good sleeping pads are designed to insulate you from the cold ground and keep you warmer at night.

It is definitely worth exploring different options and investing in a sleeping pad that gives you quality sleep.Īnother consideration when picking a sleeping pad is that your pad or mattress is the only thing between you and the cold floor of your car. When I finally upgraded to a quality inflatable pad, it changed my entire camping experience. It was cheap, lightweight, and indestructible, but I also woke up every morning stiff and tired.

Just like your mattress at home, your sleeping pad can be make-or-break when it comes to being comfortable while car camping.įor years I slept on just a half-inch thick foam sleeping pad when camping. Peak Design Travel BagĪ good sleeping pad or air mattress is the most essential piece of camping gear to make sure you get a good night’s sleep outside. Don’t forget a deck of cards, because no camping trip is complete without a headlamp-lit game of spit in the tent! If you have a long drive to the campsite check out this list of road trip essentials to prep for time spent in the car. On the chance that you end up at a primitive campsite, baby wipes and hand sanitizer are a must!Īfter packing all the essentials, use that extra room in your car to pack the fun stuff! Get your creative juices flowing by bringing along a camera and a journal to document the trip. The toiletries you pack will definitely depend on whether or not you will have access to running water. If you plan on using the camp showers, make sure to pack a pair of sandals! Make sure to bring the right clothing for the weather, and try to anticipate any cold nights-even if it’s 90 during the day, it could easily get below 50 degrees at night. The clothes you include on your car camping checklist will be dependent both on the season and your activities.

Cooking Utensils: Skewers, Spoons, Tongs.

These are always an added bonus when you get extra hungry or don’t feel like cooking. I like to keep non-perishable foods in my camp kitchen bin at all times including instant oatmeal, a can of beans, granola bars, instant oatmeal, and tea and hot cocoa.

If you keep your camp kitchen packed up at all times as I do, make sure to check your stove’s fuel levels, spice jars, and anything else that may need to be refilled beforehand. If you’re planning something more involved, make sure to bring every tool and ingredient you need–down to the cooking oil and pan. Your camp kitchen can be as elaborate or simple as you wish to make it. Axe and Gloves (if you plan on cutting your own wood).