Camping in your Car? Don’t forget these essential items!
Camping in your car offers the perfect blend of adventure and convenience.
But even the most spontaneous trips run far smoother when you’re prepared.
Perfect for budget-conscious campers, car camping is a simple and flexible way to enjoy the outdoors without the need for a full tent setup. This guide covers must-have car camping essentials that will keep you comfortable, organised and ready for the adventure ahead.
1 - Street Wise Inflatable Back Seat Car Mattress
Turn your back seats into a comfortable sleeping area with the Streetwise Inflatable Back Seat Car Mattress, making your rest feel cosy and effortless.
Including two inflatable pillows and a support base that fits neatly into your car footwells, this car camping essential offers a practical and comfortable way to sleep without pitching a tent. When not in use, simply deflate and store it in the included carry bag.
2 - Vango Tellus Chair
Folding completely flat for easy storage and transport, the Vango Tellus Chair features a solid bronze frame and EcoStem fabric seat and back.
Opening and folding quickly, it’s ideal for car camping thanks to its compact, lightweight and simple design — perfect for quick breaks during long drives or relaxed evenings at your pitch
3 - Atom Ess Boost Power Station 600W
Recharge phones, mini fridges, kettles and electric blankets with the Atom ESS Boost Power Station. Lightweight and versatile, it delivers reliable power to your car setup without the noise or hassle of a traditional generator. Capable of running multiple devices at once and weighing roughly 5kg, it packs easily into your boot or footwell.
4 - Kampa Travel 12V Electric Kettle
Plugging straight into your car’s 12V socket, the Kampa Travel 12V Kettle features a 1.5-metre lead and an easy-to-read water indicator. Its compact shape and lightweight build make it perfect for packing in your car so that you can prepare instant noodles, porridge, or your morning cuppa with minimal fuss.
5 - Heyfield Low Table
This low, multi-purpose table from Outwell opens and folds in seconds, making it ideal for storing in your car boot. Its compact size makes it perfect for quick, no-fuss mealtimes on car camping adventures. Whether it’s morning coffee or a speedy lunch stop, this sturdy and reliable table has you covered.
6 - Leisure wise Shower with Pump
For longer car camping trips, investing in a portable shower can make all the difference. The Leisurewize Shower with Pump is simple and effective — just fill a bucket with water, submerge the unit and plug it into your vehicle’s 12V socket. Switch it on, and you’re ready to go. With a 2-metre hose and 5-metre power cable, it offers a practical and convenient way to stay fresh while travelling.
7 - Outwell Collaps Bucket and lid
When you’re travelling by car, efficient and multi-functional storage is key. A collapsible bucket is a surprisingly valuable addition. Made from durable, break-resistant silicone, it packs flat and fits easily into your car boot or door storage. Use it as a washing-up bowl, bin, shower bucket or general storage container. When not in use, it collapses down to save precious space.
8 - Vango Magma Portable Grill Cooker Double Stove
With a foldable frame and two 3kW piezo ignition burners, the Vango Magma Portable Grill Cooker is a fantastic addition to any car camping cook setup. The chrome-steel burner provides excellent air circulation, and the integrated self-regulating gas hose features an automatic shut-off for added safety.
Built-in wind guards help protect the flame, making it suitable for slower, heartier meals, and anti-slip feet provide extra stability. A solid carry handle makes transportation easy wherever the road takes you.
9 - Vango Family Cutlery Pouch
Make roadside breakfasts and evening campfire dinners effortless with a foldable family cutlery set from Vango. Complete with four knives, forks and spoons made from durable stainless steel, it’s built to withstand regular outdoor use. The compact storage pouch keeps everything tidy and ready to grab whenever hunger strikes.
10 - Nebo Big Larry
Powerful and multi-purpose, the Nebo Big Larry is more than just a torch. Featuring an emergency red flash mode, magnetic base, and water and impact resistance, it’s an essential safety item for car campers. Emitting up to 400 lumens on high power with a 4.5-hour runtime, it’s perfect for lighting up your car interior at night or attaching to the bonnet if you ever need roadside assistance.
A final note from us
Car camping is all about freedom and flexibility, and with the right essentials packed, you can turn even a simple vehicle into a comfortable and practical base for adventure. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a longer road trip, a little preparation goes a long way in making your car camping experience smoother, safer and far more enjoyable.
Shop all Car Camping Essentials here or visit us in-store!
