Camping Gear
There are a lot of ways to camp in Oregon but here we are going to focus on car camping (where you drive up to your campsite). This gear list may look daunting - but don’t worry! You can definitely improvise. It is totally okay to bring old towels, eating utensils from your kitchen and warm blankets if you don’t have sleeping bags. You’ll find what works best for you and what kind of gear you would like to have in the future.
Below is the gear that I pack for our camping trips. I’ve included links to Amazon and REI to make shopping a breeze. REI has the added benefit of earning dividends on purchases if you’re a member ($20 buys you lifetime membership). Other great options for good quality, inexpensive gear include local retailers such as Fred Meyer and Costco and the online retailer, Sierra. For discounted used camping gear, check out the REI garage sale.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - however, except where noted these are all products and brands that I own, have experience with and feel confident recommending.
My advice is not to spend a fortune on high end gear when you’re first starting out. Invest in quality basic gear that will get the job done then upgrade later if you want, after you have a better idea of your needs and what you like. This is going to be fun! See you out there!
Tent
There are 3 things to decide on when choosing a tent for car camping:
Dome or cabin tent (see below)
How big (how many person tent). Choose a tent that is larger than than the number of people who will be using the tent to make sure there is room for gear. For example, a 4 person tent may fit 2-3 adults comfortably.
How sturdy (how many seasons). For late spring, summer and fall camping in Oregon, a three season tent is generally fine. A four season tent should be considered for camping in snowy or very windy conditions.
Option 1: dome tent
Advantages: easier to pack in a car, lighter than a cabin tent (if hiking a short distance to camp site), withstands wind and rain better due to shorter walls and an overhang above the door.
Disadvantages: can’t stand up in tent, feels less roomy, takes longer to set up and take down
We started with a Coleman 4 person dome tent which worked perfectly for just me and my husband before our kids, then okay until our kids were 7-9 years old. After that, we really needed a bigger tent to accommodate the four of us. We have never had any problems with our dome tent leaking in rainy weather. It also fits great in the back of my car.
Coleman Sundome Tent is available at Amazon for about $70.
Option 2: cabin tent
Advantages: spacious, able to stand up and move around in the tent, very fast set up and tear down (for instant cabin tents), great option if camping with cots.
Disadvantages: not as sturdy in high winds, more prone to leaking in the rain, harder to pack in a car, heavier than a dome tent.
We currently use a 9 person instant cabin tent which I love - except for when it’s raining. The lack of an overhang on the cabin tent means collecting a giant puddle on the inside of our tent anytime anyone goes in or out. The tent is also so big we have to use a rooftop cargo bag to carry it. Still, if you’re going for a spacious glamping vibe, the instant cabin tent is where it’s at.
Coleman Cabin Tent (6 person) is available at Amazon for $150.
Things you’ll need to go with your tent
Waterproof tarp
A waterproof tarp adds another layer between the ground and your tent, keeping you dry and your tent clean. We keep ours in a large resealable plastic bag which helps keep our gear clean even if our tarp gets muddy. Your tarp should be a little larger than the footprint of your tent.
Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp (9.5x11.3) is available at Amazon for $18.
Mallet
Your tent comes with metal pegs to stake the tent and rainfly in place. While you can try stomping the pegs into the ground - and risk impaling your foot on a metal stake - I recommend using a rubber mallet. This one even comes with a peg remover so you don’t have to get your fingernails dirty digging the pegs out when it’s time to go.
Coleman Rubber Mallet with Tent Peg Remover is available at Amazon for about $5.
Bedding for Camping
Option 1: Self-inflating camping pad - minimalist
Advantages: lightweight, packable, durable, provides a layer of comfort and insulation from the ground, takes up less room in the tent.
Disadvantages: sleeping on ground may not be as comfortable as other options, more likely to feel uneven terrain.
We started with sleeping pads on the ground - which I’m not going to lie - even in my twenties wasn’t super comfortable. Now we use them on top of our cots for a pretty amazing night’s rest.
Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow is available at Amazon for about $43.
Option 2: Air mattress - old school comfort
Advantages: less likely to feel uneven terrain, firmness can be customized, great for sharing with partner or young children, easy to pack in a car.
Disadvantages: takes up more room in the tent, requires an air pump and a power source, more prone to leaks and popping.
I used a queen sized air mattress when I started taking our young kids camping up until they were about 7-9 years old. For the three of us, the air mattress was pretty comfortable - but left my poor husband on the ground when he joined us. Eventually we invested in cots.
Enerplex Queen Air Mattress is available on Amazon for about $95. It received good ratings, but I do not have personal experience with this mattress or brand.
Option 3: Camping cot - glamping
Advantages: no worries about uneven terrain or wet/cold ground, durable, can store gear and bags under cot, more comfortable - especially if paired with a sleeping pad.
Disadvantages: more difficult to pack in car, can be heavy, large footprint in tent.
For years the most difficult thing about camping for me was getting a good night’s rest. Not any more. The cot plus a sleeping pad is a total game changer. Carrying four cots plus our instant cabin tent pretty much guarantees that we will be messing with the rooftop cargo bag on every trip. But for me, a good night’s sleep is 100% worth it.
Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot is available at Amazon for about $68.
Sleeping bag
A good, warm sleeping bag is one of the most important pieces of camping gear you’ll own. Even for summer camping, it is important to have a sleeping bag rated to at least 30 degrees F. This is the temperature that the bag will no longer be effective at saving you from hypothermia - not the temperature at which you’ll feel comfortable sleeping in it. It is very common for summer nights to dip into the low 50’s in Oregon - and even colder at elevation. If you plan to camp in spring and fall, look for a sleeping bag that is rated to 15 degrees F.
From a few highly rated inexpensive sleeping bags on Amazon to top of the line sleeping bags at REI, there are a lot of options to choose from. Three of our family’s four sleeping bags are from Coleman which has reasonably priced, good quality gear.
Coleman Palmetto Sleeping Bag available at Amazon for about $30.
Camp pillow
We used to bring our normal pillows from home, but over time we ran out of room in the car! Plus, it was kind of a hassle to wash them when we got home. Camp pillows were a happy medium between comfort and convenience. We picked up our camp pillows on sale from Fred Meyer. This Teton Sports camp pillow has good reviews on Amazon.
Teton Sports Camp Pillow is available at Amazon for about $15.
Camp blanket
A camp blanket is a great layer of extra warmth on chilly nights. A blanket from home will do, but I always keep this Wild Venture camp blanket in my car in case of emergency or impromptu picnic. The waterproof side is an effective barrier against the damp ground and it works great on sandy beaches too.
Wild Venture Camping Blanket is available at Amazon for about $40.
Camp essentials
Lantern
A lantern is essential for illuminating spaces like the inside of a tent or around a picnic table. Propane lanterns are a little noisy - and potentially flammable - so I prefer battery operated lanterns. This one is inexpensive, compact, and does the job well. Be sure to also pack extra batteries.
LE LED Camping Lantern is available at Amazon for about $25.
Tent lights
These little lights are magnetic and hang from a carabiner and work great as a tent light. While definitely not as bright as the LE lantern, they are a less expensive option that can provide a nice soft overhead light.
Outair Camping Lantern, 3 pack is available at Amazon for about $12.
Flashlight
Lanterns are great at illuminating spaces but good luck trying to see something a few feet off in the distance. A small flashlight like this is great for trips to the bathroom when you want to see what’s on the path ahead of you.
Gearlight LED Tactical Flashlight (2 pack) was highly rated and is available at Amazon for about $18.
Water container
A collapsible water container and bucket can be placed at the edge of your picnic table to create a handwashing and dishwashing station. Fill the water container at the spigot near your campsite and you are good to go!
Water Storage Cube 5.3 Gallon was highly rated is available at Amazon for about $13.
Collapsible bucket
A bucket placed beneath your collapsible water container at the end of your picnic table completes your handwashing and dishwashing station. A cheap 2 gallon bucket or pail will work too, but this collapsible one makes for easier packing in the car.
UST Flexware Collapsible 2 gallon Bucket was highly rated on Amazon for about $14.
Paracord
Paracord secured between two trees creates a clothesline to hang wet towels, life jackets, table cloth and wet clothes. I also hang our trash bag from the line then dump it before bed.
UST Heavy Duty Paracord, 50 feet available at Amazon for about $9.
Picnic tablecloth
Most established campsites include a picnic table which is sometimes decorated by birds. Any tablecloth will do quick work of making a table clean enough to eat from. However, cotton tablecloths can take a while to dry out if wet from dew or rain. This waterproof, versatile cloth is quick drying, packs small, and can be repurposed as needed.
BEARZ Outdoor Pocket Blanket Picnic Mat is on my wish list at Amazon for about $21.
Camp soap
We carry two types of camp soap: a bar soap for showering and washing hands and a small reusable container filled with liquid dish soap for washing dishes. If camping outside of an established campground, be sure to use a biodegradable camp soap to protect wildlife.
Concentrated Campsuds All Purpose Cleaner, 2oz is available at Amazon for about $4.
Camp towels
Old towels will work just fine here. But I have fallen for these microfiber towels when camping. They are quick drying and pack small. It takes a little practice to roll them up, but I promise it can be done. It is almost impossible to pick moss and grass out of them - just in case you’re tempted to use them to sit on while picnicking in front of a waterfall at Silver Falls for example. Still, overall, they are pretty great.
4Monster Microfiber Bath Towel, 4 Pack is available at Amazon for about $33.
Life jackets
Don’t forget the life vests if you or your kids are going to be at any body of water - including the beach. Sneaker waves can sweep unsuspecting kids and adults into the ocean. Live vests can buy a little time for a rescue - and they make playing at the lake a lot of fun.
Stearns Hydroprene Life Vest 2 Pack is available at Amazon for about $60.
Fire starter
As great as it would be to start a fire with nothing but flint, steel, and your own amazing fire building know-how, these fire sticks are fast and in my case about 100% more reliable. Don’t worry about packing firewood - bundles are sold on site at the Oregon State Parks for about $5.
Coghlan’s Waterproof Fire Starter Sticks, 12 pack is available at Amazon for about $6.
Matches
These waterproof matches are great to stash in your emergency kit and especially important if hiking or camping in the wilderness rainy weather. At an established campground where your fire is going to be recreational, cheap paper matches are just fine. I keep ours in a 4oz mason jar in our gear bin.
Coglan’s Waterproof Matches (40x4) is available at Amazon for about $8.
Camp chair
Camp chairs are great for sitting round the fire at night or reading in your tent (or if we’re to be completely honest, watching Netflix) after the kids have gone to bed. This Coleman camp chair was rated highly on Amazon. REI also has a wide selection of camp chairs. I bought cheap camp chairs on sale at Fred Meyer for about half the price of this Coleman camp chair. Though not not as durable or comfy as the Coleman chair or anything at REI, they are just fine for their limited use.
Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair is available at Amazon for about $27.
Cooking
Option 1: propane camp stove
Propane camp stoves come in many shapes and sizes depending on your needs. With two burners and compact storage, this Coleman Fold N Go has been my go to camp stove for the past 15 years.
Coleman Fold N Go is available at Amazon for about $80.
Option 2: butane camp stove
This little butane camp stove is an inexpensive, one burner camp stove that is a little less powerful but just as portable as the Fold N Go.
Coleman Portable Butane Stove with Carrying Case is available at Amazon for about $30.
Fuel
Either propane or butane fuel will be needed depending on the model of your camp stove. I always bring an extra canister since it can be difficult to know exactly how much fuel is left in the tank. Store tanks upright, avoid leaving them in a hot car and ensure adequate ventilation for safer transport.
I recommend purchasing your fuel (either butane or propane) at a local retailer such as Fred Meyer.
Camp kettle
The camp kettle is an essential piece of camping cookware. It can be used to boil water for coffee, tea, oatmeal and freeze dried meals as well as washing dishes. I love using enamelware when camping - but there are lots of other choices out there - including a regular old pot from home. Don’t forget a kitchen towel or pot holder as the handle can get hot.
GSI Outdoor 6 Cup Kettle is available at Amazon for about $19.
Coffee mug
This mug won’t get accidentally smashed in your food bin - and let’s face it. A smashed coffee mug would make for a very sad morning. . .
Coleman 10oz Enamelware Coffee Mug is available at Amazon for about $4.
Enamelware bowl
This little enamelware bowl is perfect for oatmeal, cereal and freeze dried meals.
Coleman 6” enamelware bowl is available at Amazon for about $5.
Camping utensils
This utensil kit keeps things tidy and packable for four. We use old flatware from our kitchen which works just fine. For our low key style of camp cooking, four spoons and two serving spoons is about all we need. If you’re a more ambitious camp cook, you’ll probably want your utensil kit to be a little more robust with forks, knives, spatulas etc.
Tapirus 5 Spork of Steel Utensil Set is available at Amazon for about $16.
Camp fork
Roasting marshmallows over a fire is the highlight of any camping trip for my kids. Don’t forget graham crackers and a chocolate bar for making some delicious s’mores.
Coghlan’s Camp Fork is available at Amazon for about $6.
Freeze dried meals
Some people love cooking while they are camping. I am not one of those people. After planning, packing, driving and setting up camp, the last thing I want to do is cook and clean up dishes. That’s why I love these Mountain House freeze dried meals. They are super packable (you don’t have to bring a cooler), easy to prepare and easy to clean up. There have only been one or two flavors that I wouldn’t have again. Most of them - honest to goodness - have been pretty tasty.
This Mountain House freeze dried meal and other flavors are available at Amazon for about $9, REI for about $10 and Sierra for $7-8.
Instant coffee
Along with a good tent and sleeping bag, a hot cup of coffee is a camping essential. I have an enamelware coffee percolator, but honestly it’s a lot of work when I’d rather just sip coffee and enjoy the calm. With a single kettle of hot water we have our coffee, oatmeal and warm water for cleaning dishes.
Starbucks Via Instant is my go to on camping trips (try using two packs per mug for a nice strong cup of coffee). Starbucks Via Instant is available at Costco, 26 packets for about $17 and on Amazon, 8 packets for about $5.
Shelf stable milk
This shelf-stable milk is perfect for camping trips. No more messing with coolers or worrying about food poisoning. Stash a few of these away in your food bin for coffee, oatmeal or cereal and you’re good to go!
Horizon Organic Whole Milk pack of 12 is available at Amazon for about $11.
Emergency Essentials
First aid kit
Surviveware is my go to for first aid kits - I have this one for hiking and another larger kit for the car that we have used several times while camping. It is well stocked and extremely organized - which my type A self loves!
It is important to familiarize yourself with the kit so you can know what you have available to you and add items to the kit as you see fit.
I have included in my own kit some Benadryl for allergic reactions (bring your prescription Epi-pen if you have a history of severe allergic reactions), ibuprofen, aspirin 81mg (baby aspirin), Imodium, oral rehydration salts and extra prescription medication.
Surviveware Small First Aid Kit is available at Amazon for about $37.
Solar Charger Power Bank
Keeping your devices charged is essential to emergency communication, navigating and - perhaps most importantly - picture taking! Bringing a solar charger power bank helps ensure that your devices won’t run dry while you’re out on the trail or roughing it in a tent. Important to know that it is almost impossible to fill the battery bank with solar power alone, charge the battery before you leave and count on the solar charge for an emergency back-up.
This particular solar bank includes a flashlight and compass. This power bank weighs just over a pound and is a little bulky but may be well worth the peace of mind.
Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank is available on Amazon for about $50.
Getting it there
Rooftop cargo bag
So you may be looking at this gear list and wondering how on earth all of this stuff is going to fit in your car! Well, it might not. That’s where a rooftop cargo bag can help. At a fraction of the price of hard shell carriers, these bags are easy to store when not in use and can hold a lot of gear. We use a rooftop cargo bag like this one and with the exception of one drive through the Gorge where we had a lot of crosswind, it is pretty quiet.
Rooftop Cargo Carrier is available at Amazon for about $130.
Luxury loo
The luxury loo is by no means a camping necessity - in fact this was the first year we even thought about bringing our own toilet with us. But if you’re like me and camping with kids or trying to be safer during COVID, the luxury loo may be just the thing you never knew you wanted.
Portable toilet
After cancelling all of our camping trips due to COVID in 2020, I was determined to get my boys back out there in 2021. Since the CDC listed sharing communal bathrooms as less safe, I decided to give this portable toilet a try. Turns out, we really like having our own bathroom! It is a lot easier when camping with kids and is definitely more convenient in the middle of the night.
The Serenelife Outdoor Portable Toilet is available on Amazon for about $97.
Pop up privacy tent
This privacy tent is the perfect size for a portable toilet. The fabric is thick enough to prevent major shadows and a window in the back and zippered opening in the top provide adequate ventilation. An elastic strap on the inside holds toilet paper and a lantern with a bungee cord. Ours did unfortunately leak when it rained on a recent camping trip. So consider using a tarp if rain is planned or just protect the TP and go with it since the tent is also designed for showering.
Wolfwise Portable Pop Up Privacy Tent is available at Amazon for about $50.
Bungee cord
A bungee cord is the perfect way to hang your toilet paper and lantern in your pop up privacy tent.
Keeper 24” Bungee Cord is available at Amazon for about $2.
Fast dissolving toilet paper
This toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly in the tank of your portable toilet. It looks and feels like toilet paper and I’ve never seen it while cleaning the tank so job well done I guess. Someday I’ll be brave and try regular toilet paper, but for now we’re sticking with this stuff.
Camco RV Bathroom Toilet Tissue (4 rolls) is available at Amazon for about $13.
Porta-pak tank deodorizer
These tank deodorizer pods help breakdown waste and toilet paper in the camp toilet. I forgot to put the pod in the tank once. It was gross. Don’t forget the pod. That’s all I have to say about that.
Walex Porta-pak (pack of 10) is available at Amazon for about $10.
This gear list is meant to be a guide. The exact items needed will depend on where you go, how long you’ll be there, weather and other factors specific for your trip. It is your responsibility to be informed and prepared.