20+ Car Camping Essentials and Tips for Your Next Adventure

If you don't own a car tent (or don't want to mess with setting it up), this inexpensive inflatable bed will help you rest a little easier. It transforms any back seat into a place to sleep.

Attach this solar panel the outside of your car to charge during the day, and then plug your devices in once you've turned your car off for the night. It has two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, and a built-in flashlight.

Ensure your car is cool and breezy (and avoid condensation build-up) with this simple window cover. Close it completely for total privacy, or use it as a window screen. The awning is a nice touch, especially if it rains.

Invest in an easy-to-assemble piece like this to create an outdoor seating area by your car, or simply provide much-needed shade. It's easy to set up, and comes with two sandbags to keep it steady.

Make bathing or rinsing off easy with a portable showerhead. Charge it up, put the pump into a bucket of water (or any clean body of water), and push a button to create a gentle shower. There's a hook for the showerhead so you don't have to hold it non-stop.

This liquid propane gas grill doesn't take up much space and means you can enjoy delicious meals when you go car camping. This one runs on a one-pound propane tank, and lights with an ignition button.

Plug this cooler into your cigarette lighter to chill drinks and food all day long. Or, if you need to keep food warm, it can reach temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, too. It holds up to 24 liters.

Wash dishes, do some light laundry, or lather your face on-the-go with this compact and handy tub that folds down and stows away. The basket comes in handy for drying utensils, and there's a drain plug in the bottom for easy clean up.

Just because you’re communing with nature, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good cup of coffee in the morning! Add coffee and hot water to the reusable filter in the top compartment and you’ll be taking your first sip in just a few minutes.

Save storage inside your car by packing on the roof. This durable rooftop cargo bag is weatherproof, holds up to 16 cubic feet of gear, and comes with a mat to protect your car’s paint job.

Charge up this Thermacell, turn it on when you go to sleep, and give yourself a 20-foot space free of mosquitoes. Each cartridge lasts about nine hours, and the repellant used is not scented.

If your campsite doesn’t offer showers, full-body wipes are a nice way to give yourself a quick refresh in the morning and before bed. Each 9.5 x 11.5-inch wipe is made with purified water, tea tree oil, and aloe, and has a gentle lavender scent.

Getting dressed in a car–even a huge SUV–ain’t easy. Treat yourself to a pop-up privacy tent that’s over six feet tall. It’s great for beach days, but it can also be used as a bathroom with a portable toilet.

Extra table space is always nice, even if there is a picnic table available at your campsite. This lightweight end table can hold up to 66 pounds and folds down small into its own carrying case when you need to pack up.

A tool that pulls double duty in a cramped space is always a smart pick. This gadget can be hung from a hook or sat on any surface. It has a two-speed fan and a bright, LED ring light. The head swivels so you can point it wherever it’s needed.

For all of the air mattresses, camp pillows, and other inflatables you may bring on your camping trip, a mini rechargeable air pump will come in handy. This one comes with five nozzles, and even has a deflate setting to help you pack up quickly.

Camping isn’t always glamorous, so here’s some real talk: What do you do when you really need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, but it’s pouring rain outside? For this and any other emergency, these portable urinals turn liquid into an odorless gel that can be thrown away easily.

Coolers can take up a lot of space in your car, which is why a foldable one is so helpful. When in use, this one can hold up to 60 cans and keep ice frozen for up to 12 hours. It’s the perfect size for overnight trips or day trips to a beach or lake.