Guides & Checklists

Start-here checklists for car camping in the US. Each one curates the best picks across our guides for a specific situation.

SUV Sleep Setup

Everything to sleep well inside an SUV: mattresses sized for the cargo area, pads that fill the gaps, and picks for flat, comfortable nights.

Build an off-grid power and refrigeration system: power stations, solar to recharge them, 12V fridges, and coolers for backup ice.

The core of a car-camping kitchen: stoves that boil fast, cookware that packs down, and kettles for hot water anywhere.

Self-recovery gear for reaching remote campsites: jump starters, air compressors, deflators, recovery kits, and traction boards.

Layer your camp lighting: headlamps for tasks, lanterns for ambient light, and clip-on lights to brighten the tent interior.

Make camp livable with comfortable chairs, sturdy tables, cots to sleep off the ground, and rugs to keep dirt at bay.

Stay hydrated and clean off-grid: water containers, filters for backcountry sources, and portable toilets and showers.

Tame the cargo chaos with trunk organizers, storage duffels, and coffee gear that stows neatly for quick morning access.

Beat the cold in the cargo area: portable heaters, insulating mattresses and pads, and window covers to hold in warmth.

Set up a private, shaded rig: window covers, windshield sun shades, and tailgate shelters that expand your living space.

New to car camping? Start here: a comfortable bed, a simple stove, a cooler, light for the dark, and a safety kit.

Be ready for emergencies at camp: first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, cots that keep you off cold ground, and cot tents.