After just a few nights of car camping, we were completely sold. It’s more comfortable, stealthier, and honestly — way more luxurious than tent camping. There’s no need to find flat ground, no noisy camp neighbors, and packing up is so much faster since everything stays right in the car.
We’ve dialed in a small list of car camping essentials we won’t travel without — the gear that took our setup from basic to seriously cozy. Whether you’re road-tripping, camping at trailheads, or just avoiding the hassle of pitching a tent, these items make car camping not only practical, but way more enjoyable.
1. Memory Foam Foldable Mattress
Sleeping on a pile of gear or a cheap inflatable pad just doesn’t cut it long-term. Upgrading to a memory foam foldable mattress completely changed our comfort level on the road. It gives full-body support, doesn’t deflate overnight, and folds away easily when not in use.
We chose a tri-fold style that fits perfectly in the back of our 4Runner, and we actually look forward to sleeping on it — no more sore backs or tossing and turning. If you want one splurge-worthy item for your car camping setup, this is it.
2. Magnetic Mesh Sunroof Screen
This one might seem simple, but it’s one of our most-used accessories. A magnetic mesh sunroof screen lets us keep the sunroof open for airflow without letting in bugs. It magnetizes right onto the metal frame and stays secure, even on windy nights.
We love sleeping with a breeze and looking up at the stars — especially in warmer weather when you need ventilation. If your vehicle has a sunroof or moonroof, this is a no-brainer car camping essential.
3. BougeRV Portable Fridge
No melting ice, no soggy food, no digging through a cooler. A BougeRV portable fridge is one of the best investments we’ve made for extended road trips and weekend campouts alike. It runs off our car’s 12V outlet or portable power station and keeps everything reliably cold (or frozen, if needed).
It’s compact but holds more than you’d expect — enough room for drinks, produce, and prepped meals. Plus, not having to restock ice every day makes car camping so much easier.
We bring this with us on all road trips, regardless if we are car camping or not. We typically eat lunch meat sandwiches and meal prep breakfast and dinner while driving across the country to cut costs and make healthier decisions.
4. Camping Fairy Lights
Hear us out: fairy lights aren’t just for Instagram photos. A good set of USB-powered or battery-operated camping fairy lights creates the perfect ambient glow inside your vehicle or around camp. We hang ours from the ceiling grab handles and it instantly makes the space feel cozy and functional.
They’re also way better than a single harsh flashlight or headlamp when you’re getting ready for bed or hanging out in the car. Lightweight, low-power, and super packable — we never camp without them.
It doesn’t take much to make car camping feel comfortable, stealthy, and even a little luxurious — but these four items completely transformed our setup. From better sleep to easier meals and cozy lighting, they’ve made us genuinely prefersleeping in the car over pitching a tent.
If you’re just getting into car camping or looking to level up your current setup, start with the gear that makes the biggest difference. Trust us — once you experience the comfort and convenience, you won’t want to camp any other way.