Car camping is the most accessible way to spend real time outdoors — you drive to a comfortable, well-equipped base camp, sleep great, eat well, and use it as a launch pad for day hikes, fishing, and backcountry trips. Because weight doesn’t matter, you can bring the comfort: a roomy tent, a cold cooler, a real stove, and an actual bed. This guide brings together everything you need to build the perfect base camp.
Start with the master car camping checklist, then dial in each piece below.
Shelter
- Best Car Camping Tents — roomy, weatherproof family and base-camp tents.
- Camping on the coast? Beach Camping Tips (tides, sand stakes, and more).
The Camp Kitchen
Real meals are what set base camp apart from backpacking.
- Best Car Camping Stoves — powerful two-burner stoves.
- Best Coolers for Camping · Best Backpack Coolers (for hike-ins) · How to Keep Food Cold
Sleep Setup
- Best Car Camping Sleeping Pads, Cots & Air Mattresses — sleep like you’re at home (and stay warm).
- Warm-sleep tricks: How to Stay Warm Sleeping in a Tent.
Power & Comfort
- Best Portable Chargers & Power Stations — run lights, fridges, and devices for days.
Camp Skills
The know-how that makes camp better and safer.
- How to Start a Campfire · How to Choose the Perfect Campsite · How to Keep Bugs Away While Camping · Leave No Trace
Explore From Base Camp
The whole point of base camp is launching adventures from it.
- Best Hiking Daypacks · Backcountry Essentials (the Ten Essentials) · Hot Weather Hiking · Best Hiking & Trail Apps
Where to Go Next
Ready to go deeper into the backcountry? See our ultralight backpacking gear guide and backcountry safety guide, or pick a destination from our national park guides.
Set up base camp. Explore from there.
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