The Top 8 Car Camping Essentials by Toyota of Orlando

Are you looking for a way to experience the great outdoors without having to pitch a tent? (It’s a lot of work for us too…) Car camping is the way to do it, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to give you recommendations for the top car camping gear you’ll need to make the most of your trip. Let’s go!

Which car camping gear do you need?

#1: Camp shower: Let’s not be dirty, nor reuse dirty gear – we can get you a nice, refreshing shower with a camp shower. This car camping gear is one of the easiest ways to get clean when you’re camping, especially when it’s a scorching hot day and you want to cool off. It has a pressurized tank and hose, and depending on the season, you can warm the water by setting the shower in the sun for a few hours. 

#2: Camp stove: There are times when you can not even use a campfire because of the wet weather or wind. That’s where the camp stove comes into play because it is an easy way to cook, while you’re on the go. It runs on tiny propane tanks and it is a reliable way to make sure you have fresh meals throughout your trek, and most of them are small enough to fit in your car. 

#3: 12V cooler: If you plan to be camping for a few days, a 12V cooler is definitely a top car camping essential. This car camping gear will plug into the 12V outlet in your Orlando Toyota and keep your food and drinks chilled while you’re away from the real world. This car camping gear is definitely essential for all beginners.

#4: Trash container: Let’s be environmentally conscious, especially with the climate we have going on now, find a portable trash container – like a trash dry sack. Grab the waterproof ones that can be sealed shut, so you don't risk any leaks or the build-up smell. Another point to mention is to hang it from a tree to keep wildlife away. 

#5: Rooftop tent: Car camping doesn’t mean you necessarily have to sleep in your car. A rooftop tent is a great way to have a sleeping space without having to pitch a full tent every time you make camp. Rooftop tents sit on the roof of your car or truck and are easy to put up and take down. Most of these car camping gears offer enough space for two adults plus vents and windows to ensure you get a breeze.

#6: Fold-up camp table: Don’t depend on your tailgate – invest in a fold-up camping table to prepare your meals, eat on, and use for storage at the campsite. Just make sure this car camping gear folds up small and is slim enough to fit in your cargo space.

#7: Sleeping pad or air mattress:
If you’re making the car your sleeping space, you need something soft to pad the bottom of it. (Trust us). We recommend investing in a slim air mattress or a cushiony sleeping pad to make your nighttime routine that much better. Make sure you measure it before you purchase it to ensure it fits into your Orlando Toyota without issue. This is definitely a car camping essential for us at Toyota of Orlando because we love a good night's sleep. 

#8: Solar generator: It’s nice to have power when you’re off the grid – but don’t rely on your car to supply it. That’s why we recommend having a solar generator as part of your car camping gear. It charges in the sun so that you don’t have to worry about bringing fuel along for the ride, and you’ll also have a spot to charge up devices, run electrical when you need it, and more.

Check off your car camping essentials checklist at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about car camping essentials? We can help. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. We’re located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road!