Camping Gear Checklist by Car Size

What to buy based on your vehicle: sedan, SUV, or truck

Reader picks

One tent per car-size bracket

Sedan-friendly 2-person, SUV/wagon 4-person, full-size 6-person. All three fit their respective cargo classes.

Tent

Coleman Sundome 2-Person Tent

~$50

Check on Amazon

Tent

Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent

~$70

Check on Amazon

Tent

Kelty Tallboy 6-Person Tent

~$200

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Your car determines what camping gear you can actually use. A compact tent that fits a sedan trunk won't fit a family of four. A family-sized cooler won't fit in a hatchback. This guide breaks down what to prioritize for each vehicle size.

Pick Your Vehicle Size

Small Cargo

Sedan, compact, hatchback

Prioritize:

• Compact tents: look for "backpacking-style" car camping tents
• Air sleeping pads: pack smaller than foam
• Compact folding chairs: avoid standard quad chairs
• Smaller coolers: 35qt max, soft-sided works

Trade-offs:

• Harder to fit family of 4
• Cold-weather gear is bulkier, tighter fit
• May need to skip stove or get compact backpacking stove

Build kit for small car →

Medium Cargo

Most common

SUV, wagon, crossover

Sweet spot:

• Standard or compact tents: most 4-person tents fit
• Any sleeping pad type: foam, air, or self-inflating
• Standard camp chairs: regular quad chairs fit fine
• 45-52qt coolers: room for a weekend's worth

Works well for:

• Couples and small families
• Warm or cold weather
• Full cooking setup if desired

Build kit for SUV/wagon →

Large Cargo

Truck, van, full-size SUV

Freedom to choose:

• Any tent size: including large cabin-style family tents
• Thick foam pads: maximum comfort, no pack size concerns
• Oversized chairs: rocker chairs, padded recliners
• Large coolers: 60qt+ or multiple coolers

Best for:

• Families of 4+
• Extended trips (5+ days)
• Maximum comfort camping

Build kit for truck/van →

Gear by Category and Car Size

Category	Small	Medium	Large
Tent	Compact only	Compact or standard	Any size
Sleeping Pad	Air pads preferred	Any type	Any type
Cooler	≤35qt	35-52qt	52qt+
Chairs	Compact only	Standard OK	Oversized OK
Stove	Skip or compact	Standard 1-2 burner	Any size

❄️

Cold Weather + Small Car = Trade-offs

Cold-weather gear is bulkier. 20°F sleeping bags and high R-value pads take more space than summer gear. If you have a small car and want cold-capable camping:

• Spend more on quality gear (better pack size)
• Go solo or couple (not family)
• Skip the stove

See cold-weather solo kit for small car →

Questions About Car Size

Can I car camp with a small sedan?

Yes, but you need compact versions of everything. Focus on packability: compact tents, air pads instead of foam, folding chairs. Avoid coolers over 35 quarts.

What's the best car size for car camping?

A mid-size SUV or wagon hits the sweet spot. You get enough cargo for family gear without the bulk of a truck. Most 4-6 person tents and 50qt coolers fit comfortably.

Do I need a truck for family camping?

No, but it helps for families of 4+. A truck or van gives you room for larger tents, bigger coolers, and extra comfort items. But an SUV works for most family trips.

What gear do I need to downsize for a small car?

Prioritize compact tents, air sleeping pads (smaller than foam), compact folding chairs, and coolers under 35qt. Skip oversized camp chairs and bulk coolers.

Should I roof rack my camping gear?

It's an option for small cars, but adds complexity. A roof box or bag works for soft goods (sleeping bags, pads). Keep heavy items low for driving stability.

How do I measure my cargo space?

Measure length, width, and height of your trunk with seats up and down. Compare against gear dimensions. Most tent bags are 24-28 inches long.

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