Winter is here and Explorer Emily has the gear you need to make your winter car camping trip as comfy as possible. From fairy lights to snuggly blankets, these are her cold night essentials.

Nothing makes me think of camping quite like when the mercury drops just a little, the smell of smoke is in the air, and the breeze carries that feeling of seasons changing.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro camper or a complete noob, we can all agree nothing beats taking a drive to where the stars are brightest and setting up camp for the night – be it in a cosy tent or (space permitting) snuggled up in the back of the car. 

Here are my top tips and essential gear for winter car camping!

Read more: The Dos and Don’ts of Boondocking – AKA Sleeping in Your Car

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Winter Car Camping Gear Essentials

Step 1. Acquire a Car With Ample Sleep Space

(If that’s unavailable, buy a new car with ample sleep space. If that’s out of the realm of possibility – acquire a tent!)

I have two favourites for car camping – reliable Sebby the Subaru Outback (up until a recent transmission failure on a road trip) – or my Weschel Bella tent.

Read more: Roof Top Tent vs Swag – What’s The Best Car Camping Set Up?

Sleeping in my car is the absolute dream, it’s cosy and protected from the elements so it’s perfect if the weather is unreliable. It also means I’m able to just chuck in the essentials and get off adventuring.

If I’m not able to use my car my next go-to is my tried and tested Weschel Bella tent. 

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It’s a 1.5 person tent with a vestibule area and, thanks to the external tent poles, this tent sets up super easy and can be set up fly-first in wet weather.

Although Bella is designed as a 1.5 person tent, making it perfect for you to be comfortable with a little extra space, it can also accommodate two people who really like each other.

Understandably, this isn’t the most suitable option for families, in which case I recommend the Big Agnes Bunkhouse 3 Season 4P or 8P Tent.

A good winter car camping tent should be easy to chuck in the car when the itch to get out there comes around. With a super straightforward setup and the ability to have the fly-only set up, this tent is an extremely versatile option for all families. 

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Step 2. Sleep Systems!

Keeping cosy while camping is half the fun! Rugging up in soft blankets or super squishy down sleeping bags while you sip a hot chocolate under the stars is a certain type of comfort you just can’t get back home.

There’s nothing cosier than the Rumpl Sherpa Puffy Outdoor Blanket, sherpa fleece-lined on the underside and synthetic insulation on the inside, this blanket will keep you TOASTY.

 

Rumple winter giveaway

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If you’re after a sleeping bag instead, look no further than the Mont Brindabella.  This bag will keep you warm while you stargaze, it’s like you’re wrapped in a hug from the clouds. And it’s super versatile so you can use it on a variety of trips, not just for car camping. 

 

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Step 3. Cosy Cooking

Hot chocolates are an essential meal (yes meal) when car camping in winter and you need that milk warmed quickly! My absolute favourite and go-to stove for camping is the Primus Kinjia. It’s light and has a streamlined design that makes it basic but super effective to cook with. This stove is hot, not only in design but also when cooking. I honestly reckon this stove feels the same as cooking at home.

It’s a two-burner stove, the hood of the stove doubles as a partial wind blocker, and it’s designed to be able to use hiking gas canisters – this means you don’t have to worry about lugging around a huge gas bottle for cooking and you can burn through all those half full canisters!

Read more: Best Camping Stoves in Australia

 

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Step 4. Accessorise!

I don’t know about everyone else but when I camp I like to decorate! I want my camp to feel as cosy as possible for me to curl up with a book and enjoy breathing in that cool winter air!

When I camp, I love to have a few fairy lights set up on my tent or in my car for ambient lighting. My favourite kind is the Biolite Sightlight String Lights. They’re daisy-chainable so you can have as many as you like to light up your camp as much as you want.

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I also love my Dometic Go Compact Camp Table because it can be adjusted in height, making it more versatile for use, and the bamboo top means you don’t have to worry about where you’re putting hot pots when cooking.

This table is perfect for prepping your meal and sturdy enough to hold your stove and remain stable. Another contender is the Derek Camp Table from Stratus Outdoors – completely different style but just as functional. 

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You need to be able to curl up on something soft and cosy to read a book on those crisp mornings with a coffee, and the Black Wolf Padded Sofa Chair is perfect for just that. Super squishy with a deep-set seat, you can sit right back in this chair and you’ll be set for the day, no one will be able to get you to move!

Black wolf chair

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It’s not camping without a fire right? Some campsites and national parks won’t supply fire pits so this Biolite Firepit is perfect for a quick camping getaway.

Keeping your fire contained to the fire pit protects the landscape around you and often leads to a better fire anyway. This fire pit is the ideal size for some simple cooking over the fire, roasting a few marshmallows, or even just for the ambience and warmth.

If you want to level it up you could also consider this Firepit Oven, which gives you a firepit plus grill plates for up top and a cavity for baking below. Did someone say outdoor pizza? 

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Final Thoughts

So those are my winter car camping essentials, what did I miss?

Get out there and breathe in the cold, wild air, sit in the peaceful serenity, or kick back after an adventure – you deserve it!

Read more: Why I Car Camp With Hiking Gear

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Winter Car Camping Gear Tips (AKA How to Not Freeze Your Butt Off)

  • Pack layers: Thermals, fleece, puffy jacket, beanie, socks. Then add one more layer, just in case. Layers trap heat better than a single chunky item and are easier to peel off if you overdo it around the campfire
  • Ventilation is still important: It sounds backwards, but a bit of airflow helps prevent condensation, which leads to damp bedding and sad, soggy mornings. So make sure you leave those tent ventilation windows open or crack a zip
  • Prep meals before you leave home: Chop your veggies and portion your meals before leaving home. Your frozen fingers will appreciate the forethought when it’s -1°C and you’re trying to dice onions by headlamp
  • Bring the extra blanket: Pack more blankets than you think you’ll need. Sherpa fleece, Rumpl Puffy, that embarrassing childhood quilt – it all counts. It’s easier to cool down than it is to warm up
  • Don’t skip hot drinks: Tea, coffee, hot choccy – whatever warms your soul
  • Keep your clothes for the morning in your sleeping bag: You’ll thank yourself when it’s icy cold first thing and you don’t have to put on freezing clothes

 

FAQs Winter Car Camping Gear

What’s the best car for winter camping?

Any car will do! If you want to sleep in your car then look for one with fold-flat seats and enough space to stretch out. If you want to sleep in a tent in a remote campsite then you’ll want to prioritise a 4WD. But many campsites are accessible with 2WD or AWD vehicles – so if you want to go car camping, there’s a way!

Do I need a four-season tent for car camping in winter?

Not unless you’re summiting Kosciuszko mid-blizzard. A good quality 3-season tent with a waterproof fly and solid structure will hold its own through most Aussie winters. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got a good quality sleeping mat and sleeping bag to ensure you’re toasty warm inside though.

How cold does it get when car camping in winter?

Depends where you are! Inland or alpine areas can dip below freezing, while coastal zones can be slightly warmer. Either way – bring your thermals and that extra doona you weren’t sure about.

What’s the warmest type of sleeping bag for car camping?

Down sleeping bags are the toastiest – look for ones with a comfort rating of 0°C or lower. If you’re sleeping in the car, a high-quality synthetic bag or a down quilt paired with blankets will also keep you roasty toasty. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you head out so you can ensure you’re warm enough out there.

What gear do I really need for winter car camping?

Think: insulation (mats, sleeping bags, blankets), a reliable stove, warm clothes, and a comfy camp chair. Fairy lights are optional but highly recommended for morale.

Winter Camping Gear For Maximum Cosiness

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