Car Camping Gear Under $200
Build a complete car camping setup with essential gear for under $200. Real product recommendations and a budget breakdown.
Car camping doesn't require dropping $500+ on gear. You can sleep comfortably, stay dry, and cook decent meals for under $200. The key is skipping unnecessary features and buying smart—used gear sites and warehouse deals cut prices significantly.
What You Actually Need
A realistic budget car camping setup needs a tent, sleeping bag, pad, and basic cookware. Everything else is negotiable. Skip the $300 stove systems and premium insulated pads for now. A tarp and foam pad work fine. A car gives you weight flexibility that backpackers don't have, so exploit that.
Where to Save
Tent
A basic 2-person dome tent handles 90% of car camping. Look for models from Coleman, Ozark Trail, or ALPS Mountaineering. These run $40-70 on sale or at Walmart. They're not ultralight, but they're waterproof and survive multiple seasons. A 3-season tent under $50 exists if you wait for seasonal sales (late August/September or post-summer clearance).
Sleeping Bag
A synthetic 20°F bag costs $30-50 new or $15-25 used on Facebook Marketplace or REI Garage sales. Synthetic performs better when damp than down and doesn't require specialized care. Brands like Coleman, Ozark Trail, and Travelite make affordable options. A used mummy bag from a previous season works if you're not picky about color.
Sleeping Pad
Foam pads cost $15-20 and insulate better than nothing. An EVA foam pad won't fail, compress permanently, or lose value. REI sells their brand foam pad for $30. Used inflatable pads from Craigslist run $20-40 if they don't have slow leaks—test before buying. Avoid mattress toppers; they add weight without insulation value.
Cooking and Food Storage
A single-burner camp stove ($20-30) and fuel canister ($5) beats nothing. Bring a steel pot and pan you already own instead of buying camping cookware. A cheap cooler for perishables runs $15-25 new. If you're car camping in cool months, skip the cooler—pack food that doesn't spoil.
Lighting and Extras
A basic LED headlamp costs $10-20. A AAA battery-powered camping lantern costs $8-15. Skip fancy lighting until you've camped more than three times. You don't need a battery pack, portable speaker, or heated blanket for a first setup.
Where NOT to Save
Your sleeping bag for the season you're camping. A summer bag won't keep you warm in 45°F nights, and layering doesn't fully compensate. A 20°F synthetic bag works year-round for most US camping. Spending an extra $20-30 on a rated bag prevents miserable nights and potential cold injury.
Tent waterproofing. A tent that leaks ruins the trip. New tents from established brands come seam-sealed. Used tents should show no visible damage. A $50 sealed tent beats a $20 leaky one—check reviews and inspect seams before buying used.
The Budget Breakdown
| Item | Budget Option | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | Coleman 2-person dome (sale) | $50 |
| Sleeping Bag | Ozark Trail 20°F synthetic | $35 |
| Sleeping Pad | REI Co-op foam pad | $30 |
| Stove and Fuel | Butane camp stove + canister | $25 |
| Cookware (used) | Thrift store pots and pan | $8 |
| Cooler | Rubbermaid 28-quart | $20 |
| Lighting | LED headlamp + lantern | $18 |
| Total | $186 | |
Free and DIY Alternatives
- Borrow a tent. Friends often have extra tents sitting unused. Borrow for your first two trips to confirm you like camping before buying.
- Skip the cooler on cool-season trips. October through April camping means a regular bag with ice packs stays cold enough for a weekend.
- Use your car's headlights. Position it to light your campsite instead of buying multiple lanterns. One small headlamp for bathroom runs is enough.
- Make a camp kitchen table. Stack rocks or bring a flat piece of plywood instead of a folding table.
Start with the essentials, skip the premium add-ons, and buy used when possible. You can build a functioning car camping setup under $200 and upgrade specific pieces after a few trips. Most people overspend on their first setup. This list keeps you comfortable and dry without the waste.