The camping world splits into two broad camps (pun intended): car camping and backpacking. Both get you outside, but the experience, gear requirements, and planning couldn't be more different. Here's how to decide which style suits you.
Car Camping
Best for: Families, beginners, comfort lovers, social camping
Advantages
- Weight doesn't matter — bring the big tent, real pillows, and camp chairs
- Drive to your site and set up. No hiking required
- Campground amenities: bathrooms, water, fire rings, sometimes showers and electricity
- Real cooking with full-size stoves, coolers, and cast iron
- Room for kids, dogs, and all the gear you want
Gear Investment
A complete car camping kit (tent, sleeping bags, stove, cookware, cooler) runs $300-$600 for quality budget gear that will last years. No need for ultralight premium equipment.
Backpacking
Best for: Adventure seekers, solitude lovers, fitness enthusiasts
Advantages
- Access remote wilderness that 95% of people never see
- Complete self-sufficiency and freedom to go anywhere
- Incredible solitude — backcountry sites rarely have neighbors
- Physical challenge and accomplishment
- Deeper connection to nature
Gear Investment
Backpacking gear is more expensive because weight matters. A quality starter kit (ultralight tent, down sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pack, stove) runs $700-$1,200. The investment pays for itself in experiences.
Start Car Camping, Graduate to Backpacking
Our recommendation for beginners: start with car camping to learn outdoor skills in a forgiving environment. Practice fire building, camp cooking, navigation, and sleeping outdoors. Once you're comfortable, transition to backpacking with shorter overnight trips before tackling multi-day routes.
Shop gear for both styles in our camping gear collection. Find tents, sleeping systems, cooking gear, and packs for every adventure style.
Choose Your Style, Then Gear Up
Whether you're loading a car or packing a bag, we have the right gear for both camping styles.