Car Camping Accessories You Need For Camping

Car Camping Accessories You Need For Camping

Planning a car camping trip and wondering what car camping gear will make your adventure more comfortable? In this article, we'll cover all the essential car camping gear you need to ensure a fantastic camping experience on the road. From cosy memory foam pillows and sleeping bags for a restful night's sleep to handy storage bags, packing cubes to keep your gear organised and window covers for privacy and shade, we have you covered. We'll also explore portable cooking and sink options, plus heaters and fans to ensure you stay comfortable no matter the weather. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to car camping, our car camping gear list has everything you need for a seamless, stress-free and enjoyable trip!




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Camping Pillows

Having the right camping pillow is crucial for a restful night's sleep while car camping, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for your adventures. Memory foam pillows are ideal as they conform to your neck and head, providing superior support and reducing pressure points for a comfortable sleep. Their adaptive material helps alleviate discomfort, making them perfect for long trips in the car. Travel pillows, on the other hand, are compact and easy to carry, offering excellent neck support and versatility for both sleeping and lounging - and there are also memory foam options as well for extra comfort! Investing in high-quality pillows like these enhances your car camping experience by ensuring you get the rest you need, no matter where your travels take you.




Sleeping Bags

Woman carrying a Spinifex sleeping bag outside tent

Sleeping bags are a must-have for any car camping trip, providing warmth and comfort in the outdoors. They come in various styles, from mummy bags for maximum heat retention to rectangular bags for more room to move, with options for both single and double-person use. When camping in different weather conditions, sleeping bags with R-values ensure the right insulation level to keep you cosy. For extra warmth during colder months, adding a sleeping bag liner can increase insulation and extend the life of your sleeping bag. Designed with soft, insulating materials, sleeping bags offer plush comfort and pack easily, making them one of the most essential car camping accessories for any outdoor adventure.




Sleeping Mats

Sleeping mats are essential for a comfortable experience when car camping because they provide an extra layer of cushioning between you and the ground, enhancing your sleep quality. Made with durable yet lightweight materials such as foam and inflatable chambers, sleeping mats offer excellent insulation and support, keeping your body from directly contacting uneven or cold surfaces. The air-filled or foam construction (depending on your model) distributes your weight evenly, relieving pressure points and promoting better sleep, which goes a long way when car camping. With easy portability and quick setup, sleeping mats are a smart addition to any car camping gear list, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for your next adventure.




Portable Kitchen Sinks

Another item when it comes to essential car camping gear is a portable kitchen sink, which makes it easy to wash your dishes, your hands and even small gear. For example, the Sea To Summit Small Kitchen Sink is designed with durable waterproof fabric, holding up to 10 litres of water while remaining lightweight and compact. Its sturdy, free-standing design ensures stability when filled and it packs down small into its own storage pouch, taking up minimal space in your car. Whether you're cleaning up after a meal or just need to freshen up, portable sinks like this are convenient, hygienic and space-saving, making them an essential piece of gear for any car camping trip.




Camping Showers

Man using the Joolca Hottap Shower under car awning

A portable camping shower is essential for car camping, offering convenience and cleanliness on the go. Camping showers typically work by filling the bag with water, placing it in the sun to heat up (other models heat up differently such as with solar power) and then using gravity to shower through a hose and nozzle. An average warm shower can last around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on water capacity. After you're done, simply drain the remaining water, dry off the bag by laying it in the sun and then roll it up for compact storage. Easy to pack, lightweight and quick to set up, a camping shower can be a lifesaver when car camping.




Window Covers

Window covers are great for car camping and provide multiple benefits for comfort and privacy. They block out light, helping regulate the temperature inside your vehicle - keeping it cooler during hot days and warmer in cold weather. These covers are perfect for getting quality rest during daylight too, as they create a darkened space that's ideal for sleeping (or when your co-driver needs some shut-eye). Window covers also offer increased privacy, shielding the interior from prying eyes while you sleep or relax in your car. Compact and easy to install, window covers are a simple but crucial item that can make your car camping experience much more comfortable and private when on the road.




Storage Bags

Storage bags are invaluable car camping accessories, helping to keep all of your gear organised and your car clutter-free. They're perfect for storing camping essentials like spare jackets, cooking utensils and toiletries, while also doubling as handy containers for rubbish when you're on the road. This also means you're covered when it comes to the Leave No Trace principles, ensuring you pack out all waste and leave nature as pristine as you found it. Durable and versatile, storage bags keep everything tidy, accessible and make packing up a breeze.




Heaters & Fans

Man sitting in camping chair relaxing with a Spinifex Lithium Rechargeable Fan

Camping air conditioners and portable fans are must-have car camping accessories for staying cool and comfortable in hot weather. They provide refreshing airflow, helping you relax after a long day of outdoor adventures. On the flip side, camping heaters are essential for keeping you warm and toasty when temperatures drop, ensuring you enjoy a cosy night's sleep even in colder conditions. They are designed for convenience, featuring quick and easy setup and often requiring just a simple power source or gas canister. Most models are compact, lightweight and user-friendly, making them effortless to operate, even for beginner campers. With straightforward controls, you can adjust the temperature or fan speed to suit your needs, enhancing your camping experience no matter the weather.




Hiking Stoves

Portable hiking stoves are ideal for car camping, offering a quick and efficient way to prepare hot meals and drinks. Jetboil hiking stoves, for example, are a top choice with their compact design and rapid heating capabilities. Using a fuel canister (typically propane or isobutane), these portable camp stoves easily ignite with a push-button start and their advanced heat exchange technology boils water in minutes. This makes them perfect for heating up soups, cooking dehydrated camp meals or brewing delicious cups of coffee or tea in no time. Lightweight and easy to use, Jetboil stoves bring convenience and comfort to your campsite, ensuring you enjoy hot and tasty meals when on the go.




Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a must-have for car camping, offering a smart and space-saving solution to organise your clothing and gear. These zippered fabric pouches come in various sizes and are designed to fit neatly into your backpack or duffel. By compartmentalising your clothes, such as shirts, pants and extra layers like jackets, packing cubes help you stay organised and easily access what you need without having to go rummaging through multiple suitcases. Unlike bulky luggage, they compress your items, maximising storage space and ensuring everything fits compactly in your vehicle. Durable and lightweight, packing cubes make packing and unpacking a breeze, helping you keep your campsite neat and clutter-free throughout your adventure.




Toiletry Bags

Toiletry bags are a fantastic addition to your car camping gear, offering a simple way to keep all your essentials in one organised spot. With compartments and pockets, they will neatly store toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, small mirrors, insect repellent and other toiletries, making them easy to find when you need them. This level of organisation is a huge bonus when car camping, helping you avoid digging through bags for scattered items. Compact and easy to carry, toiletry bags ensure your personal care items stay tidy and accessible, so you can stay fresh and comfortable throughout your camping adventure.




Pop-Up Instant Tents

Pop-up instant tents are a game-changer for car camping, offering quick and hassle-free shelter whenever you need it. With an incredibly easy setup, these tents unfold in seconds, saving you time and energy compared to traditional tents. Taking just a few minutes to set up or pack away, they're perfect for campers who want instant shelter without the fuss. Their lightweight, compact design makes them popular with campers who want to travel light, without lugging around a bulky tent. Ideal for those spontaneous overnight stops, pop-up tents let you settle in and relax without spending ages assembling. Simply toss them out and you're ready to enjoy your camping experience in no time.




Coolers/Fridges

Organising food in the Dune 4WD Fridge/Freezer

Camp coolers are another top pick for essential car camping gear, providing a reliable way to keep your food and drinks cool and fresh throughout your trip. They're perfect for storing snacks, beverages and other types of perishables, ensuring you have chilled items ready whenever you need them. For larger families and serious campers, camping fridges/freezers are a fantastic upgrade. These powerful units maintain specific temperatures, keeping a large amount of food and drink perfectly cold, even in hot weather. Available in a variety of sizes, they cater to different needs, fitting effortlessly in your vehicle. With a camping fridge/freezer, you can enjoy longer trips without worrying about ice melting, ensuring your food stays fresh and your drinks stay ice cold.




Shop All The Best Car Camping Accessories At Anaconda Today

When it comes to having an enjoyable and stress-free experience when on the road, ensure you have all of the essential car camping accessories you need by shopping at Anaconda today. Make sure you also check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, loved ones and family. If you liked our Car Camping Accessories You Need For Camping article, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive camping & 4WD range for your next outdoor adventure.

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