There is a very simple conflict of car camping setup break away from your usual packing kit: Comfort.
REI has a full selection of gear that offers cushier sleeping arrangements and home-like accessories like cookware and camping gear for your outdoor adventures. As you’ll see, REI Co-op also makes some of the best gear (or more) for several of our Best Of roundups.
Read on for some of our favorite car campers on the market.
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Camp Lodging
Backpacking tents and sleeping bags make design choices that prioritize packability and light weight. Car camping tents don’t skimp on zippers, size, or comfort. That often translates into lower-than-expected prices, too.
Having a separate car camping kit of essentials may seem like overkill, but it means you’re less likely to wear out your technical and expensive gear.
REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent: $489
The larger six-person version tops our Best Camping Tents list, but this four-person version is a great option for smaller groups. Undoubtedly a front country tent with a floor area of 59 square feet and high walls that create 63 inches of headroom at maximum height.
This self-contained two-door tent is easy to set up, has two open vestibules, and performs well in all types of weather.
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REI Co-op Westward Dreamer Inflatable Bed: $199
Our pick for the best budget camping mattress, the REI Co-op Westward Dream Self-Inflating Bed, is great, with 4 inches of sculpted foam that provides both cushion and warmth. Its 6.7 R rating is just shy of the average (7) we typically see in camping mattresses, and it’s protective enough to be used almost year-round. ‘
The two inflation and deflation valves are simple, but the integrated pump bag will inflate the bed with about 3.5 fills. We also like the duffel-style carrying bag, and that it comes with a repair kit.
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Hest Foamy Sleeping Pad (Standard): $329
The HEST Foamy sleeping pad is made of two layers of advanced memory foam, with a soft top layer that contours to the body. Open-cell foam insulation helps this pad achieve its 8.8 R value, which is warm enough for year-round use. A waterproof fabric under the mattress helps keep moisture out of the foam.
This pad has no problem. No pump is needed; you simply open the pad and let it return to its dreamy state. The pad is collapsible and has a compression harness and straps to make it easy to slide down. We also love the machine-washable cover and stash pocket at the head of the mattress to keep things like glasses and a smartphone within reach.
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REI Co-op Campwell Cot: $120
Campbell’s REI Co-op collection is full of smart, budget-friendly gear. The Campbell Cot is no different, and it made our list of Best Camping Cots because of its bang-for-the-buck performance.
The bed sets up in less than two minutes and offers 18 inches of ground clearance, which feels like a bed at home. Our reviewers found it perfect for sleeping in the summer, although they recommend using a smaller pad with it in the colder months. It packs its carrying case surprisingly well with a shoulder strap, as can a camping chair.
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REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 & Double Sleeping Bag: $146-269
The REI-Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is a comfortable and versatile sleeping bag that works for most camping situations at an incredible price. That’s why it’s our all-time favorite camping bag.
Mummy bags have their place, but their closeness is more than covered in cold temperatures. Come summer car camping season, embrace the rectangular room design that allows you to roll easily. You can still find classic style bags with temperature ratings of up to 20 degrees, and this one opens up the zipper to give your body plenty of air flow and freedom of movement on warm nights.
The Siesta is available as a single or double bag and is a true car camping bag, so it’s not too compact. Our testers liked the hooded design and especially the small side zipper that allows you to fold the top part of the bag for a “bed-like” feel.
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Camp kitchen
When you’re car camping, there’s no need to eat from the same cup you drink from. And you can bring more comfortable chairs than the nearest log. Car camping means it’s easy to drink cold drinks and eat fresh food. So admit that you’re outdoors but don’t “harden up” and consider the help of a well-stocked camp kitchen and proper table setting.
Coleman Snap ‘N Go 35-Quart Collapsible Hard Cooler: $200
Not everyone has the space for a large rotomold cooler, especially at home when it’s not in use. That’s where the collapsible design of this Coleman cooler comes in.
In seconds, the 35-quart cooler can be expanded and is ready to carry 64 cans (without ice). The body and lid are completely insulated, which enables you to keep ice cold for 2 days. The removable liner keeps it waterproof and makes it easy to clean.
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Oyster Tempo Cooler Bundle: $495
For long trips and camouts, consider the Oyster Tempo Cooler Bundle. It’s a more premium option that gets a lot of love from GearJunkie editors who have used it on all kinds of trips and raved about its ice-free performance.
The lightweight cooler (12 pounds, 4.8 ounces) outperforms competitors in bulk thanks to its aluminum construction, and DLTA vacuum-insulated ThinWall design. With these two ice packs included, the cooler maintains colder temperatures (three times colder than our competitors) and has a capacity of 36 cans. This bag includes a cooler, two ice packs, and an adjustable carrying strap.
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Gerber ComplEAT XL Tableware Set: $70
Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you can’t set up a table. This 12-piece table set from Gerber assembles neatly for easy storage and transport on your next camping trip or family picnic.
The ComplEAT XL Tableware set includes four plates, four bowls, a 5-quart mixing bowl, a 10-cup mixing bowl, a colander, and a quick-release lid. Each container has volumetric features and large edges for one-handed grip. A set joins together to maintain a collection. Recycled polypropylene materials are easy to clean at camp and dishwasher safe at home.
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Coghlan’s Cast-Iron Double Broiler: $37
With a perforated design that allows for draining grease and an open-hinged design for easy cleaning, Coghlan’s Cast-Iron Double Broiler features a hinged design and sharp sides that release cooking juices from hot dogs and vegetables. The entire assembly is easy to clean and adds a fun twist to grilling over the fire.
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Camps often serve as a basecamp after full days on the trails or at the lake, and that’s why you’ll want to make the most of the space with comfortable furniture, utility tables, and other games. Saving weight isn’t important in car camping, but you can still expect well-designed gear with well-thought-out features.
Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Camping Table: $140
Most campgrounds have picnic tables, but we still find it nice to have a portable option that can transition from serving as a grill table to an extra spot for card games later.
The Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Camping Table is lightweight, compact, and easy to set up to the right height with legs that adjust from 15.7 inches to 25.6 inches. It has a natural bamboo tablet table that is clean and heat resistant, and an aluminum frame with stainless steel joints.
This camp table is also versatile, with pull-down panels and sliding under-table supports for support. Its four-panel folding design makes it easy to pack in a carry bag.
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NEMO Stargaze Evo-X Folding Reclining Camp Chair: $180
Taking a more comfortable camp chair, this is our favorite to sit and stargaze. The new self-loading frame makes setup easier than previous models and has a strong frame to support the entire “hammock-like.”
You can read more in our review, which noted, “The Stargaze EVO-X is not a camping chair, but a wilderness throne.”
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Outside Inside Backpack Cornhole Game: $40
This cornhole setup includes two game boards, eight bean bags, and a carry bag. A compact, travel-sized version of the game that works on a table or floor for camping or home play.
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Goal Zero Yeti 500 Power Station: $500
Bring power to the campsite with the portable and outdoor-ready Yeti 500 Power Station. It has 500W AC output power and 1,000W operating power, capable of powering heavy-duty gear such as air pumps, portable refrigerators, and pellet grills. Of course, it will charge several smartphones and lamps at the same time.
The Yeti 500 can charge from 0% to 100% in 85 minutes from a wall outlet. It can also charge with a 12V car adapter or with a compatible solar panel (sold separately). Advanced battery technology increases the lifespan of this power station to more than 4,000 cycles, which amounts to almost 10 years of daily use.
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Nomadix Easy Chair: $80
Nomadix is leaning into beach vibes this summer with several new releases, but we really love the simplicity of this backpacking chair. The seat itself has a strong webbing made from recycled materials and strong bamboo seats.
For hands-free transport, the seat straps so it stays folded while you carry it on your shoulders with built-in straps.
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Nebula Capsule 3 Google TV Projector: $400
We get it, it’s fun outside, but it’s a way to enjoy a family movie before taking the kids out. This tiny Google-compatible projector has enough juice to show a 2.5-hour movie or play 8 hours of music in speaker mode.
The projector has a resolution of 1,080p and 200 brightness for a sharp image. Dynamic technology will include screen stabilization and autofocus for quick positioning. It even uses Dolby Digital audio. Far from camping, it makes for a fun indoor movie night or a way to watch the big game outside.
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REI Co-op sponsored this post. Find more car camping gear online.