Menu
0
    0

    Your Cart is Empty

    Home / US
    Next

    August 22, 2024 10 min read

    Top 10 Frontcountry Car Camping Essentials

    Top 10 Frontcountry Car Camping Essentials

    Gear Up for a Comfortable and Memorable Camping Experience

    Frontcountry car camping offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and modern comfort. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie, having the right gear can make all the difference. This guide covers the top essentials you need to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free camping trip. From shelter and cooking equipment to personal care items and entertainment, we've got you covered. Read on to discover the must-have items for your next car camping adventure, along with some top brand recommendations to help you make the best choices.

    Table of Contents:

    1. Tents & Shelter

    A reliable and spacious tent is the cornerstone of a comfortable camping experience. When choosing a tent, consider the number of occupants, ease of setup, and weather resistance. A good tent will provide protection from the elements, privacy, and a cozy place to rest after a day of adventure.

    • Premium: CORE 10-Person Pop-Up Cabin Tent - This is our glamping choice. You have the loungy exterior screen room, plus the interior cabin has 2 rooms you can separate; for storage, sleeping kids, etc. Perfect for family or group camping with multiple rooms and a tall peak height. It is also at the top of our list due to how fast this thing can be pitched!
    • Best Value: Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent w/ Screen Room - Their 'Carlsbad' model is loaded with features to keep rain out including a detachable rainfly. The screen room is a bonus, and you'll use it! It has pre-attached poles to make pitching this tent quick and easy. Coleman has built a reputation for durability and reliability.
    • Budget: Coleman Dome 6-Person Tent - Personally, I've used this model for 10+ years and it is still in the rotation. An affordable option that I think is ideal for 2 person drive-up camping. You can fit a single-beam queen air mattress and your bags inside. It is your classic camping experience + some space. Grab the smaller sizes to save even more money.
    • Honorable Mention: Coleman Tent Camping Kit - Includes rubber mallet to pound stakes, premium stakes IYKYK, a small brush/dust pan, stake puller, and carry bag.
    • Required Equipment: Ozark Trail Pop-Up Canopy - 10'x10' ~$80. It's basic but works. Add-on this smart tailgating bar too another $50 (really, check that out!).

    2a. Sleeping Bags

    A good night’s sleep is essential for an enjoyable camping trip. The right sleeping bag and pad will keep you warm, comfortable, and well-rested. Get a bag that will stand up to freezing temp so you're covered for the worst. DO NOT get a double bag. Bring a blanket to go under your individual bags for snuggle times. You'll find having your own bag is a much more pleasant experience.

    • Top Pick: The North Face Cat's Meow 20 - Time tested and proven, it's great for year round and clutch when it's frick'n cold. You can go fully mummy, or hang out with a leg out. It packs up tight with a compresable backpacking bag or a large storage bag. 
    • Best Value: TETON Celsius -25, 20, 0 Degree Sleep Bag w/ Compression Sack - Great value with the compression storage, versatile and well-insulated sleeping bag, ideal for most camping conditions and well-reviewed for its comfort and warmth. If you don't plan on backpacking in anywhere, this is a great choice.
    • Budget: Coleman Brazos Cold-Weather Sleeping Bag - An affordable sleeping bag that provides adequate warmth and comfort, perfect for cold weather. It's your standard bulky bag that will keep you warm, and a very sensible choice.
    • Honorable Mention: Ultralight Foam Folding Sleeping Pad - I have an expensive on from REI that has lasted for years. It looks like there are 5 different brands on Amazon of exactly the same thing, but for $20. This is necessary for camping and if you're not going the air mattress route. Grab a pad (or two) and use it as extra cushioning, or to put under a blanket at the beach, seat cushion. It folds up small and you'll get a lot of use out of it.

    2b. Air Beds

    For those who prefer a bit more comfort and elevation while camping, air beds offer an excellent solution. They provide a cushiony, bed-like experience that can make all the difference after a long day of outdoor activities. Look for air beds that are easy to inflate and deflate, durable, and offer good support.

    3. Camp Stoves

    A well-equipped camp kitchen can transform your camping meals from basic to gourmet. Essential items include a reliable camp stove, cookware, and utensils. These tools allow you to prepare hearty meals that fuel your outdoor adventures.

    • Full (Tailgating): Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill - This powerful stove includes two integrated telescoping legs so it stands alone! It also has great real estate with room for 8 burgers, or 8 steaks, or 4 pounds of fish! I used my friends, then 3 more friends used it -- it was a sausage party.
    • Medium (Classic/Camping): Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove - This classic stove is rated for its reliability and ease of use, this stove is a great choice for most campers. I've had two versions of it over many years and this current version is a trusted go-to. It's slim, yet sturdy, design will Tetris nicely into the back of your car.
    • Small (Backpacking): FireMaple Jet Burner Set -  This proven and versatile setup is designed to heat food/liquids up quickly. The compact footprint is great when you're cooking for one or short on space.
    • Honorable Mention: IGNIK Fire Pits and Propane Canisters - this outfit disrupted the scene for a few years ago with smart engineering and eco-friendly solutions.

    4. Coolers

    Keeping your food fresh and beverages cold is crucial for an enjoyable camping trip. A good cooler will maintain low temperatures for extended periods, ensuring that your perishables stay safe and delicious.

    5. Lanterns & Lighting

    Proper lighting is essential for safety and convenience when camping. Whether you need to navigate your campsite after dark or create a cozy ambiance, a reliable lantern or headlamp is a must-have.

    • Premium: Colman Classic Rechargeable LED Lantern - This lantern offers powerful illumination while the vintage camping appearance hide your USB, USB-C, and cord storage. Versatilve and durable, with 400/800L lighting makes it an easy addition to your gear for power outages at home, and definitely the camp site.
    • Best Value: XTAUTO Collapsable Waterproof Portable Lantern - Don't let the name mislead you. This is a 4-pack of hanging LED lanterns which will keep your car, tent, pop-up canopy, and camping table all lit with 25 hours of run time. With it's solar and USB charging options this lantern is a solid choice.
    • Budget: Hanging Camp Tent Light- It's little, rechargeable, may be used as a power bank to recharge your phone/device, and has dimming settings. These are great to hang from the top of your tent, or under the sink when you're doing plumbing. Quite versatile, they can sit facing up a provide a lot of illumination.

    6. Camping Chairs and Tables

    Comfortable seating and a stable surface for meals and activities can greatly enhance your camping experience. Look for lightweight, portable options that are easy to set up and store.

    Classic Camping Chairs

    • Premium: Kelty Double Camp Chair - I enjoy lounging solo in this durable and sturdy camp chair, but it is built for two people and is quite comfortable. It has two large cup holders with a quilted cushioned back and seat. Super nice styling, details, and I use the carry case as a foot mat (I think that is its purpose).
    • Best Value: Coleman Folding Camping Chair - Cup holder, 4-can cooler bag, carry bag, and cushioned seat?! Highly rated for its durability and comfort, this chair offers great value for its price--basically it's a fully loaded camping chair.
    • Budget: Ozark Trail Folding Camp Chair - Include a carry bag, and has a cup holder. I bought two for my friends. You also won't cry when a burning ember from the camp fire pops and lands on it leaving a hole you might eventually bust through -- NBD.

    Concert & Beach Chairs - these are great for the beach and especially concerts, but don't pack up as well as camping chair -- so they get their own section.

    • Expensive: Parkit Voyager - Look at the pics and you'll know. It's high quality and built to hold a human being. It has a great cooler added to it for 8+ hours of chilling. Carry straps so you can go hands-free. 
    • Premium:Liquid Death Deathy Bahama Beach Chair - Tall boy holder w/ extra storage, rad graphics, storage on the back, straps to go hands-free carrying, and 2-positions so you can lay back and get some rays too. This chair rocks!
    • Budget:Folding Beach Chair - It is what it is, and that is $20. All kidding aside, it's a good option and is well suited for the occassion.

    Camping Tables - First of all, keep it simple. Basic tables are quick to setup and easier to pack away; however, there are important differences.

    • PREMIUM:REI Co-op Camp Prep Table - This one has premium materials and includes features like numbered leg extension poles. The build quality, with normal care, will help ensure it lasts for years of use.
    • BEST VALUE:Camp Field Folding Aluminum Table - I've had the table w/o storage for almost a decade and it's just getting to end of life--great investment. Now it comes with some storage (take it or leave it) and a couple of basic folding camp stools, which are always nice to have around. Tons of value at this price point.
    • BUDGET: TREKOLOGY Small Camping Table - It small, but sometimes that's all you need to get the job done.

        7. Games

        Keep the crew moving and entertained throughout the day. We've had all four of these present on most occasions -- having options is the real winner.

        • Cornhole -Quality matters. Going cheap on these is no fun. Invest in a good set and haul it wherever it needs to be. The people will thank you.
        • Portable Beer Pong Table - Now you can go cheap on these and grab a folding table from Walmart, sure, but a proper beer pong table scores points before the scoring even starts. Don't miss your first shot!
        • Polish Horse Shoes (aka Beerbee)- This frisbee game aims to knock a beverage off of your opponents pole, and vice versa. If they knock it off your pole with the frisbee, one sip to you; but if you catch it, one sip to them; BUT if you drop it, chug. It's fun.
        • Ladder Toss - For what looks like a simple game, it can be difficult, frustrating, and heated. Great for the family and friends. This link goes to the PRO version which is a sturdier build -- quality matters.

        8. First Aid Kit

        A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for handling minor injuries and emergencies while camping. Look for comprehensive kits that include a variety of supplies to address different types of injuries.

        • Premium: HART Outdoor Disaster First Aid Kit - Offers the widest range of supplies for treating various injuries and conditions. You should have one in your home 100%.
        • Best Value: Surviveware Small First Aid Kit - Highly rated for its comprehensive contents and portability, this kit offers excellent value.
        • Budget: John & Johnson Compact First Aid Kit - An affordable, compact kit that covers basic first aid needs. This has a hard case and has been a staple in my cars, under both my kitchen and bathroom sinks, and in my camping tote.
        • Honorable Mention: Dr. Scholl's Moleskin (2 Pack) - Not having this is a rookie move. Most of the options above include some version of it..

        Having the right tools is essential for a successful Frontcountry trip. A good multi-tool, cooking utensils, and a hatchet and you won't find yourself unprepared in fairly predictable situations.

        • Mossy Oak Multi Tool - Highly rated for its versatility and durability, this multi-tool is a critical addition to any kit, and at an incredible value.
        • Camp Cooking and Utensil Set - This set includes tongs, marshmallow skewers, and really important items that you wouldn't think of until you need them like kitchen scissors, or a peeler.
        • Fiskars Hickory Wood Handle 19" Splitting Axe : This hatchet is optimized to split wood, to keep splitting wood, and then split more. It is loaded with thoughtful design and protection for the handle. A clean, efficient cut does make a difference whether you're chopping rounds or splitting kindling -- you can find the $30 version here.

        10. BOOMBOXES!!

        Keeping entertained while camping can enhance your overall experience. When portable speakers are appropriate, you won't disappoint.

        OTHERS

        Here is a quick list of some important items that you may find yourself very happy to have, for your consideration:

        • Wet Wipes - No shower, no towels? I always have these in the car and camp tote.
        • LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - If you're caught without clean water, you can literally drink from a puddle with this and be drinking pure filtered water -- it's crazy, but it works; and that will save you much discomfort later.
        • Solar Power Bank  - This has saved me from a dead phone countless times. It is small and charges up pretty quick. It also has a flashlight and compass. I do keep this one in the car.
        • Waterproof Camping Tarp - The Frontcountry is almost synonymous with tarps, so be sure you have a couple in different sizes. I have small one, like linked, and a huge one that could cover a boat -- I use it the most.

          Summary:

          Frontcountry car camping is a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors with a touch of modern convenience. By equipping yourself with these top essentials, you can ensure a comfortable, enjoyable, and safe camping experience. Remember to choose high-quality gear that suits your needs and enhances your outdoor adventure. Happy camping!