Backcountry travel has a list of the ten essentials for travel in the wilds. Car camping requires much of this set, with a few modifications. Bring a GPS unit or a road map to guide you to the campground and avoid getting lost. Air mattresses or sleeping pads are crucial to everyone getting a solid nights sleep. If you choose air mattresses, be sure to bring a pump and repair kit. The car provides lots of extra space without worry of weight on your back, so bring soft pillows to make for a cozy, comfortable camp. Bring a large lantern for the picnic table and make sure each member of your trip has his or her own headlamp, flashlight or light source as well.
Having a fully equipped car camping kitchen helps make meals a fun affair. A two-burner stove, such as a Coleman, allows for heating water for coffee, hot chocolate or tea and cooking food at the same time. Bring a plastic cutting board to slice and prepare food. Avoid wooden cutting boards as they hold bacteria and are harder to wash when camping. Have a set of utensils for each person in the party as well as a plate, bowl and mug. For those hot summer camping trips, bring a large clear glass jar to brew sun tea (and be sure to have plenty of ice in the cooler.)
With car camping, you can bring as many tents, tarps and shelters as you need. If you are camping in mosquito country, bring a mesh gazebo or group tent. The mesh lets the breeze though, while keeping out flies and bugs. If you are camping with the family bring a tent for the kids and one for you and your partner. This lets the kids stay up telling ghost stories without keeping you awake. Set all tents up away from open fires or where sparks and cinders could land on the tents. Keep all the tent access doors facing in the same direction so you can find your way at night if you need to check on the kids or to go to the bathroom.
