The Wirecutter Show

Episode: The Beginner's Guide to Car Camping

Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Kyra Blackwell
Guest Expert: Trey French, Wirecutter Staff Writer & Outdoors Gear Tester
Date: April 8, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode demystifies car camping—camping with a car at a designated site—and makes the case for its unbeatable comfort and accessibility. Whether you’re new to camping, rusty after years away, or curious about making your experience more enjoyable, hosts Christine and Kyra tap into Wirecutter’s vast product expertise (and humor) to break down recommended essentials, comfort tips, and the best gear—without breaking the bank. Outdoor gear pro Trey French joins the conversation to deliver product picks, practical wisdom, and camping hacks for beginners and skeptics alike.

Car Camping vs. “Real” Camping: What Is It and Why Start Here?

[06:38], [08:44]

• Car camping defined: Drive to a campsite, bring your car, and haul gear easily. Most accessible and least technical form of camping—no need for specialized gear or tough wilderness skills.
• Key advantages: Bring more comforts from home, access to amenities (bathrooms, showers), and the option to "bail" if things go wrong.

Notable Quote:

"Car camping is all about comfort. There’s no reason to rough it out there. You’ve got a car to do all the work, to carry all your stuff. Go crazy."
— Trey French [09:47]

• Hosts' perspectives: Christine & producer Abigail are Team Camp; Kyra & Rosie prefer hotels/glamping, making this episode especially relevant for those unsure or intimidated by camping’s logistics.

Camping Knowledge Quiz

[06:10]—[08:23]

Trey quizzes Christine & Kyra on outdoor basics:

• Putting Out a Campfire (per Smokey Bear / U.S. Forest Service):

  1. Drown with water
  2. Stir with a stick
  3. Drown again
  4. Feel for heat ("repeat as necessary")
     Memorable exchange:

  "Drown, stir, drown, feel, and then repeat as necessary."
  — Trey French [07:23]

• Most-Visited National Park (2020):
  Great Smoky Mountains National Park (not Yosemite!), within a day's drive of half the U.S. population.

• Cowboy Camping:
  Sleeping outside without shelter.

  "It’s an acquired taste. I typically will not put up a shelter if I don’t think it’ll rain."
  — Trey French [08:25]

The Beginner’s Gear Guide: Priorities & Recommendations

[10:11]

1. Sleep Well: Sleeping Pads & Bags

[11:16]—[16:57]

• Most important investment: A quality sleeping pad.

  • Look for at least 3 inches thick & 25 inches wide.
  • Hybrid pads (foam + inflatable) balance comfort and space.
  • Wirecutter Recs:
    • Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad (~$200; self-inflating hybrid)
    • Exped Megamat Duo (preferred for couples)
  • Christine: “I have four of them. They’ve really been the difference between us camping and not camping.” [12:47]

• Sleeping Bags:

  • Not always necessary for warm weather—blankets may suffice.
  • Bags work by trapping your body heat; bigger bags can be less thermally efficient.
  • Use comfort rating (often 10°-15° warmer than “survival” number).
  • Reco: REI Co-Op Siesta Hooded 20 (roomy, less claustrophobic)
  • Pro tip: Wear merino wool socks, even if you don’t at home.

2. Stay Dry: Shelter Essentials

[17:09]—[18:48]

• Tent Buying Tips:

  • Rainfly should extend adequately for rain protection; angled down, not flat.
  • Vestibules (covered storage areas) are a plus.
  • Always size up: Buy a tent rated for “one more person” than your group (i.e., three people → four-person tent).
  • Two-door models are more convenient.
  • Typical Price: $250–$400 (for a durable, reliable tent)
  • “I've had my tent for over a decade and it's in great shape.” — Christine [18:36]

• Rain Jackets:

  • Don’t splurge—breathability isn’t crucial unless you’re hiking a lot.
  • Cheap poncho or regular raincoat will suffice.

• Weather Wisdom:

  • Don’t hesitate to cancel if it’ll be a slog.

  "I love bailing on trips if the weather is not up to my liking. No shame." — Trey French [19:45]

3. Camp Cooking: Food & Kitchen Must-Haves

[29:38]—[34:41]

• Stove:

  • Basic is better. Coleman Classic is the go-to, ~$100.
  • You need propane fuel—buy extra.

• Cookware/Dishes:

  • Bring non-breakable plates, bowls (enamel, plastic, not fine kitchen sets).
  • Avoid overpaying for “camp kitchen” bundles.
  • Repurpose pots and a cast iron skillet from home.

• Coffee:

  • AeroPress for great flavor; plenty of quality instant options nowadays (“Treeline Coffee”).

• Water Storage:

  • Campsites usually have a tap, but bring a container.
  • Wirecutter Rec: Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer (about $20)
  • In a pinch, use one-gallon jugs from a gas station.

• Kitchen Setup Tips:

  • Tablecloth (cloth preferred, not vinyl) instantly classes up the picnic table and covers “the gross crusties” [26:11].
  • Use spring clamps to secure it in the wind.
  • Dedicated kitchen bin for utensils and essentials reduces chaos.
  • Apron or old jacket for cooking—wind and camp-food grease can ruin good outerwear.

Extra Staff Tips & Fun Upgrades

[23:19]—[28:23]

• Bug-catching tool: Carson BugView for bug-loving (or bug-fearing) kids [$12].
• Camping quilts: More like a duvet, less like a sleeping-bag cocoon—especially good for couples or stomach sleepers.
• Rainfly Hack: Only secure two corners at night; if rain hits, dart out and pull it over (enjoy stargazing and breezes without losing protection).
• Lightning Nugget Fire Starters: Failproof, even in damp conditions.
• Borrow Gear First: Make friends with a “gearhead” and try before you buy—especially helpful for infrequent campers.

Host Tip:

“Every year I try to get something kind of fun. Last year was battery LED string lights for the tent. It’s lovely—like magical fairy lights!”
— Christine Cyr Clisset [28:32]

Making Car Camping Work for You

• Borrow or buy secondhand: Tons of deals on barely-used gear from folks who tried camping and bailed.
• Start small: Don’t overbuy. Try borrowing first to see if you like the experience.
• Essentials First: Focus spending on a sleeping pad and tent; basic stove next. Everything else can be home stuff or upgrades down the line.
• Tablecloth = pro move: Signals you “have it together” and makes camp feel clean and cozy [28:32, 26:11].

Key Takeaways

[20:19], [36:22], [37:33]

• Car camping is accessible, affordable, and welcoming for beginners.
• Pack for comfort, not rugged “roughing it”—bring pillows, duvets, whatever makes you happy.
• Good sleep and staying dry are the keys for enjoying the outdoors.
• Always check the weather and feel no obligation to suffer for the sake of adventure.
• Borrow, buy used, and test the waters—don’t invest big until you know you love it.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "There’s no reason to rough it out there. You’ve got a car to do all the work. Go crazy."
  — Trey French [09:47]

• "If you have three people sleeping in a tent, buy a four-person. You’re all going to be shoulder-to-shoulder otherwise."
  — Trey French [18:03]

• "If it looks like it’s going to be dumping every day, just call the trip off. I love bailing on trips if the weather’s not up to my liking. No shame."
  — Trey French [19:45]

• "The pad is the most important thing for me."
  — Christine Cyr Clisset [37:35]

• "Make friends with a gearhead and borrow their stuff!"
  — Ann Marie Conti, Deputy Editor [28:23]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Car Camping Defined: [03:06]—[09:47]
• Quiz & Camping Myths: [06:10]—[08:23]
• Essential Gear Breakdown: [10:11]—[19:45]
• Staff Tips & Camping Upgrades: [23:19]—[28:23]
• Camp Cooking Deep Dive: [29:38]—[34:41]
• Final Takeaways / Borrowing & Used Gear: [36:22]—[37:33]

Conclusion

This episode delivers a practical, confidence-boosting roadmap for camping first-timers—and reminders for lapsed campers—on how to make car camping comfortable, fun, and budget-friendly. Key: focus on sleep, borrow/buy used, invest in quality where it matters, and never be afraid to opt for home comfort (or call it quits when the rain won’t stop). For all Wirecutter's gear picks and further advice, check the show notes or wirecutter.com.