18 Winter Car Camping Essentials

Sometimes, you just want to enjoy the outdoors, even in the middle of winter. While camping during the winter with cold temperatures might raise some initial concerns, if you’re well prepared, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t try it!

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a winter camping experience is through car camping. You can transform your car into your personal version of a glamping tent while also staying warm.

Winter car camping can be a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the mountains blanketed in snow, and perhaps check out some beautiful hot springs or rivers.

These winter car camping essentials will make your experience fun, safe, and memorable. Here is my roundup of must-have items that you should consider when car camping during winter.

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18 Winter Car Camping Essentials

1 – Winter base layers

The key to staying warm during winter camping is proper layering, starting with your base layers. Merino Wool is famous for its excellent warmth retention, making it an ideal choice for base layers. I recommend checking out WoolX for some amazing Merino base layer options.

You can most likely get your car warm before you fall asleep, but by the time the middle of the night hits, it may not be that much warmer than the outdoors, so base layers are key.

I’d recommend packing the following base layers for your car camping adventure:

Thermal base layers (long top and long pants)
A fleece or wool mid-layer to go over your base layer
Wool socks

It also is smart to bring 2 sets so you can immediately change out of your sweaty layers and put on dry clothing. This will help revive your warmth and get rid of the moisture.

Make sure to pack extra socks in case a pair gets wet. Wet socks in freezing temperatures can lead to dangerous conditions like hypothermia. Having multiple pairs at hand will enhance the comfort of your winter car camping experience.

2 – Winter outer layers and a cold weather coat

While we’ve already discussed the significance of base layers for staying warm, it’s the outer layers and the winter jacket that take center stage when it comes to cold-weather camping. Puffer jackets are built for freezing temperatures, with some being able to keep you warm at 0 degrees.

You want to look for wind and snow resistance when choosing a jacket. The Women’s Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket not only checks all these boxes but also shines as a prime example.

This remarkably warm jacket boasts Premium 850-fill-power goose down, showcasing top-tier quality. It also is water resistant, with a new DownTek PFC-Free down that repels more water to protect against cold and clumping. Its shell is said to be extremely tough against snow and wind too.

Having an adequate jacket will keep you warm and protected as you prepare dinner around your campfire.

3 – Portable camping stove

Cooking over a campfire in winter can be a beautiful way to prepare dinner. But sometimes logs can’t be found, are too wet, or are just not in the cards due to recent snowfall in the area. A good plan is to pack a portable stove and a pan. That way you can still cook up a tasty camping dinner.

Winter is also infamous for windier evenings, which means fires can be hard to start. Since portable stoves are smaller, you will have an easier time getting a flame. You can also cook over the campfire at night, but use the portable stove to prepare coffee in the icy morning.

Portable Stoves are affordable too! One of the top-rated ones is the Coleman Bottletop Propane Camping Stove. This small stove is easy to use and makes switching out the propane tanks easy! If you’d rather make backpacker meals or noodles, you can also use the very popular Jet Boil.

4 – Battery-operated headlamp

If you are summer camping you only need to use headlamps at night. Winter camping is going to be a different story since the sun goes down so early.

You will need a headlamp that has good battery power so you can see everything you are doing throughout the afternoon into the evening.

Using a headlamp with batteries is the best option since they are easily switched out. Chargeable headlamps are nice, but not when you need light immediately.

The best battery-operated headlamp is the Energizer LED Headlamp PRO. They even come in a two-pack so you can access a backup one easily. This headlamp will make your life so much easier when winter camping!

5 – Cold weather sleeping bag

An essential item for winter car camping is a cold-weather sleeping bag. These sleeping bags are designed with additional insulation, specifically crafted to keep you warm even in the most extreme weather conditions

I recommend choosing a sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as 0°F. That way you can ensure you are extra warm on very cold nights. The Marmot 0°F. is a cozy option that is very warm!

For those braving the frigid cold weather, invest in a 0°F sleeping bag. The Trail Lite Down 0 Sleeping Bag will keep you warm in extreme and dangerous temperatures.

If you plan on camping in the winter in a tent, this Therm-a-Rest Winter-Sleeping-Bags Polar Ranger -20F/-30C is the holy grail of warm sleeping bags and also has arm holes and a wrap around your face so you can truly stay warm. It’s very expensive and is made for people camping in tents, but if you’re super serious about this, this is a great option!

6 – Battery-operated electric blanket

Another battery-operated winter camping favorite is an electric blanket. There is nothing more cozy than nestling up with your warm blanket during winter car camping. Especially if there is snow falling right outside the window.

There are so many different options for electric blankets. But, the battery-powered electric blanket will be your easiest option. These blankets will keep you extra warm through the night. You can put it on top of your sleeping bag or under your sleeping pad as a warm layer.

The ActionHeat 7V Battery Heated Throw Blanket is a fantastic choice. This heated blanket has a 7V battery and charger cord to keep you toasty all night long!

Here is another option from Gobi Heat that can last for 10 hours at night.

7 – Insulated sleeping pad

An insulated Sleeping Pad is a must for winter car camping. These pads not only assist in retaining body heat but also effectively prevent heat loss during the night.

The pads are comfortable too. So sleeping on the car’s base will be similar to sleeping on a cloud.

One of the top picks for an insulated sleeping pad is the Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad rated to temperatures at 10 degrees. The aluminized film insulation will bounce your body heat back toward you.

Another very popular warm sleeping pad is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad. It’s just a bit more expensive.

8 – Sleeping bag liner or warm blanket

Looking for extra comfort when winter car camping? Buy a sleeping bag liner. All you have to do is slip the liner right into your winter sleeping bag.

The liner makes your sleeping bag extra comfortable while also keeping you warm. In fact, the liner can add up to 25 degrees of extra body warmth. If you normally run cold, you will have extra protection throughout the night.

The Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner is a crowd favorite. The Reactor Extreme features heavier-weight Thermolite throughout that adds up to 25 F degrees to your sleeping bag. This liner has an incredible body temperature rating.

If you’d rather cover with a warm blanket, try something like this LL Bean down camping blanket.

9 – Portable heater

This one is optional but can be a game changer when it comes to winter car camping. Portable heaters have gained popularity over the years for winter camping as they can heat your tent or car easily when used appropriately.

All you have to do is make sure the heater has ventilation for it to work properly. They are rated safe too, with shut-off features if it overheats or tips.

The Little Buddy is one of the top-rated camping heaters. Not only is super easy to pack, but it will keep you toasty all night long. You can even just use it to warm up for an hour or two in the middle of the night instead of running it the entire time.

10 – Hot water bottle

Hot water bottles are one of the oldest winter cap camping essentials. Campers recommend filling up hot water bottles and placing them either on your stomach or on the bottom of your sleeping bag at your feet.

Boil water using your portable stove, pour it into the bottle, and put it inside your sleeping bag.

I prefer to use a hot water bottle like this! This will keep your toes warm throughout the night!

11 – Balaclava for sleeping

A balaclava is a great piece of gear for winter car camping. In the cold of winter, protecting your face and neck from frostbite and extreme temperatures is important. A balaclava not only shields your skin from the cold but also helps retain body heat, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable throughout the night. I’d recommend looking at this one and this one!

12 – Car charger

A car charger like this is a crucial lifeline during winter car camping expeditions. In cold weather, batteries tend to drain faster, leaving you dependent on your vehicle’s power source for various essential devices, from smartphones for communication to flashlights and portable heaters.

Being able to recharge these devices not only ensures you stay connected and safe but also helps you navigate and enjoy your winter camping experience more comfortably.

13 – Hand Warmers

When you’re really cold, these compact heat sources become your best friend. They provide immediate and reliable warmth to your hands, making it easier to perform essential tasks like setting up camp, cooking, or just staying comfortable in frigid conditions. They also enhance safety by reducing the risk of frostbite and promoting dexterity in cold fingers.

14 – First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an absolute necessity for winter car camping. In the cold, unforgiving conditions of winter, the risk of accidents or injuries can increase significantly. Frostbite, slips on icy terrain, or minor mishaps while handling cold-weather gear can all happen, and having a well-stocked first aid kit at hand can be a lifesaver.

15 – Hardshell carrier for storage

A hard shell carrier for storage is a winter camper’s best friend. When going on a winter camping adventure, packing efficiently and protecting your gear from the elements is important. A hard shell carrier offers you the ability to store some things outside of your car in the elements like skis, equipment, and bulky winter essentials. Its durable, weather-resistant design ensures that your gear remains dry, safe, and easily accessible, even in snowy or wet conditions.

16 – Air mattress

Another great option for your winter car camping trip is an air mattress. While this is optional and may not help with warming you up, it will help with keeping you comfortable. When car camping, you are most likely putting down your seats to sleep in the back.

However, lying directly on these seats can lead to discomfort, causing you to wake up frequently during the night. An air mattress will make you feel like you are sleeping on an actual bed! Not only is it good for your back, but it will provide extra cushioning when combined with your sleeping bag.

There are plenty of air mattresses made for SUVs. HeyTrip sells the HEYTRIP® SUV Inflatable Air Mattress 2.0 for Car Camping. This mattress is designed to make your camping experience as comfortable as possible. It is easy to inflate and fits most SUVs. Just be sure to measure yours first!

17 – Portable Power Station

I also recommend bringing a portable power bank or power station to keep your phone charged when you aren’t running your car. Here’s a great option.

18 – Winter Season Tent

Even if you are winter car camping, you still might want to have a camping setup when you leave your car. This could be to cook in, relax or just hang out. In that case, you could consider a “hot tent” that keeps you warm in the winter. They can also be called winter seasonal tents like this one here.

Winter Car Camping Checklist

Here is a list of everything you should pack for winter car camping essentials! That way you can stay warm and make sure you have everything ready for your winter camping trips.