Camping is one of the best ways to be close to nature. It's also a relaxing escape from the grind of daily life. But to truly enjoy camping, the right gear is essential. For both safety and comfort, while roughing it out in nature, we put together a list of products to enhance your camping experience. Here is our helpful camping road trip packing list:
Car Camping Road Trip Packing List
Camping gear can take up quite a bit of space in the car so it's necessary to find items that can be transported easily. Also, it's a huge thing to camp in the car these days. Here are several items to add to your car camping road trip packing list:
1. Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are essential for camping but it's also a great just-in-case item to have in the car anyway. The REI Co-op branded Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag comes in two colors and is lightweight, warm, and very packable in a way that doesn't take up too much space in the car. The "mummy shape" allows you to move freely and there's a stash pocket on the outside of the sleeping bag for your cell phone and anything else you might need.
2. Wildwood Grilling Fire Starters
Sustainably made with natural wood and beeswax, these Wildwood Grilling Fire Starters are both non-toxic and food-safe. They also burn when wet so if there was a bit of rain, you can still build a fire at your campsite grill.
3. Luci 44' Solar String Lights + Detachable Power Hub
This set of string lights with a detachable power hub by MPOWER is an essential item to add to your camping gear collection. With this helpful product, you'll have 44 feet of string lights that happen to have shatter-proof bulbs ideal for illuminating your campsite. The device also has a detachable power hub with USB-A or USB-C ports so you can bring your electronics and not worry about running low on batteries.
4. Original Puffy Recycled Blanket
The Original Puffy Recycled Blanket by Rumpl comes in a wide selection of colors to suit your taste. Made of 100% post-consumer recycled materials, this quilted blanket is insulated to keep you warm and cozy in your tent or your car.
5. Kings River Swing Lounger Chair
As far as camping chairs go, the design of this one is hard to beat. The Kings River Swing Lounger Chair has a natural recline for optimal comfort and you can adjust the backrest. There are also padded armrests, headrest, seat, and back. It comes with a carrying bag for easy carrying and packing.
Shop Swing Lounger Chair On Dick's Sporting Goods
6. E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
There are so many products out there to deter mosquitos, and most of them either smell bad or have chemicals in them. There are citronella candles and their potent scent and then there's DEET spray which is a harsh chemical. For chemical-free repelling, try the Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller instead. With one press of a button, this device can repel mosquitos within a 20-foot radius. It comes with a scent-free refill that will last up to 12 hours.
7. Fast Drying Lightweight Camping Towels
For quick drying and cleaning, these Youphoria Outdoors Traveling Fast Drying Lightweight Camping Towels are essential. This set comes with three microfiber towels of different sizes and a bag to carry them. Each towel has a loop for hanging in the shower or elsewhere.
8. Shower Roll
If you need a way to carry all of your toiletries and perhaps medications and supplements, this REI Co-op Shower Roll is an item you need. There's a hook to hang in the campground bathroom or elsewhere and it rolls up easily and doesn't take up too much space.
Food Preparation On The Road
Food prep for both a road trip and camping is essential. You'll need a way to cook as well as a way to keep certain items cool. Take a look at the following food preparation items for on-the-road and camping:
9. GIR Classic Straw
These foldable silicone straws are perfect for on-the-road travel. This set from GIR comes with 10 straws, four travel cases, and five squeegees for easy cleaning. They are also BPA-free and BPS-free and can be used for a variety of cold drinks like iced tea, smoothies, and more.
10. Stand-Up Stasher Bag
This Stand-Up Stasher Bag can hold up to 56 fluid ounces and can keep food fresh. If you're planning a camping trip, you can pack just about any type of food in this bag, from dry goods to soups, fruit, vegetables, and just about anything else. Made of non-toxic silicone, this bag is also dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. There's also a pocket for extra storage.
11. nForm Crossover Kitchen Kit
The nForm Crossover Kitchen Kit from GSI Outdoors includes tongs, a spoon, a spatula, a scraper, a scrub pad, a cutting board, a spicer, bottles for soap and oil, and a camp towel all of which fits in the included storage bag. You'll love how helpful this utensil set is!
12. Stanley 14-Piece Wildfare Go Two Bowl Prep & Cook Set
This food prep and cookware set from Stanley will change the game for cooking at your campsite. This 14-piece set comes with a saucepan with a fold-and-lock handle; a lid with vent and strain holes, cutting boards, removable trivets, two bowls, sporks, and a spatula. With its nesting design, its both functional and packable. This set is a must to make campsite cooking a breeze.
Shop Stanley Prep & Cook Set On REI
Do you have a favorite product you'd add to this camping road trip packing list? Let us know! If you love road trips but need help packing for time in the car, check out The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 60+ Essentials For Your Next Adventure.
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