Gear Gadget

Camping Gear Checklist by Car Size

The trunk decides how big everything can pack. Three sizes, what each one changes, and the kit for a couple in each, at today's Amazon prices.

Compact car

Civic, Corolla, Prius

  • A tent that packs down to a duffel - no cabin tents.
  • A cooler of 35 quarts or less - a family-size cooler does not fit beside the rest of the kit.
  • Backpacking-style chairs and air or folding pads first - full-size quad chairs and rolled foam only when nothing compact is in stock.

The kit for a couple: 9 items, ~$947

Your car: Honda Civic , Toyota Corolla , Toyota Prius , Honda Fit , Mazda3 , Subaru Impreza and 5 more.

Midsize SUV or wagon

RAV4, CR-V, Outback

  • A tent that packs down to a duffel - no cabin tents.
  • Any cooler up to the 52-quart family size fits.
  • Standard quad chairs, which pack to a 36-inch bag each.

The kit for a couple: 9 items, ~$931

Your car: Subaru Outback , Subaru Forester , Toyota RAV4 , Honda CR-V , Mazda CX-5 , Jeep Wrangler 4-Door and 31 more.

Full-size vehicle

minivan, truck, full-size SUV

  • Any tent, cooler or chair we list fits - nothing has to pack small.

The kit for a couple: 9 items, ~$931

Your car: Toyota Sienna , Honda Odyssey , Chrysler Pacifica , Ford Transit Connect , Toyota Tacoma , Ford F-150 and 29 more.

Common questions

Can I car camp with a small sedan?
Yes, with the compact version of everything: a dome tent that packs to about 20 inches, air pads instead of foam, backpacking-style chairs, a cooler of 35 quarts or less. Two people fit with room to spare.
What is the best car size for car camping?
A midsize SUV or wagon. Room for the standard kit and a family cooler, and most of them sleep two inside with the seats folded, which drops the tent from the kit.
Do I need a truck for family camping?
No. A family of four fits a midsize SUV; a minivan, truck or full-size SUV just makes packing easier and leaves room for extras.
How do I measure my cargo space?
Length, width and height of the trunk with the seats up and down, against the gear's packed size: most tent bags are 20-28 inches long, a 52-quart cooler about 26 x 14 x 15 inches, a quad chair 36 inches folded.

Not a couple, or not warm weather?

Six questions and the kit rebuilds for who is coming, your car, the season and your budget.

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