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Family Car Camping for Cold Nights & Bear Country

The best-made gear for a first family car-camping trip where nights drop into the 30s–40s at altitude and the food-storage rules are real — from a $6 rescue whistle to a buy-it-for-life sleeping pad.

MegaMat
Expedusa

MegaMat

Mega in size, comfort and warmth, MegaMat is the ultimate sleeping mat for car campers and van lifers who want a premium, reliable, best-in-class sleep experience.

$259.95
Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20 Sleeping Bag
Kelty

Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20 Sleeping Bag

PERFECT BALANCE OF LIGHTWEIGHT WARMTH You shouldn’t have to move heaven and earth to sleep under the stars! That’s why we made the Cosmic Synthetic light in your pack and easy on your budget. This three-season superstar is constructed of fully recycled fabrics and fill—with a durable nylon shell, silky taffeta liner, a

$109.95
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew
Smartwool

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew

Shop the Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew from our collection of apparel, socks, and accessories today.

$125.00
Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion Merino Socks
Darn Tough

Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion Merino Socks

Must pack durability meets undeniable comfort in a full cushion sock that absorbs the rigors of the trail.

$30.00
Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie
Smartwool

Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie

Shop the Women's Intraknit™ Thermal Max Merino Base Layer Pattern Hoodie from our collection of apparel and accessories today.

$21.00
Original Puffy Blanket - Deepwater | Rumpl Blankets For Everywhere
Rumpl

Original Puffy Blanket - Deepwater | Rumpl Blankets For Everywhere

Meet the blanket that launched a brand – the original "blanket for everywhere," in the original Deepwater colorway. The Original Puffy Blanket is designed to be enjoyed everywhere from camping and cabins to tailgates and tournaments.

$99.95

Extra blankets or a cheap quilt

Ground insulation under the kids

Pillows

Warm layers to sleep in (per person)

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket

The Teca Fleece is great as a stand-alone jacket or midlayer. Each fleece is made from best-in-class, recycled fleece and repurposed polyester taffeta that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

$60.00
Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket
Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket

The Cielo is a unique take on the traditional outdoor rain jacket. It's not just the Cielo's design that makes it celestial—in keeping with our Gear For Good promise, this rain jacket is made from PFC-free recycled materials so you can stay dry on rainy days without unwanted chemicals.

$155.00
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
Sunday Afternoons

Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

“If you’re spending hours on your summer garden project or just need some extra coverage for your face and neck while kayaking, the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat is a superb choice thanks to its extra-long brim and neck cape. This full-coverage option stands out from the rest thanks to its functional design.”  — Gear

$40.49
Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal
Chaco

Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal

For over 30 years, our Classic sandals have been the ultimate choice for outdoor lovers. They are simple, durable, and comfortable, with only 8 parts that

$80.75

Long pants + quick-dry shorts (per person)

Closed-toe shoes + a backup pair each

Extra socks & underwear

20 x 10.5 Inch Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle
Lodgecastiron

20 x 10.5 Inch Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle

This short-order cook is known for its great heat retention, incredible durability, and ability to grill skewers or griddle burgers. Made without PFAS.

$59.95
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Ceramic Camper Cook Set
GSI Outdoors

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Ceramic Camper Cook Set

So efficient, so durable, so technically advanced, so colorful – this is the Pinnacle of campsite cooking. And eating, too. Garnet hard, the anodized aluminum pots and frypan are scratch proof and deliver efficient, even heating. Ceramic-coated for amazing non-stick performance, easy cleaning, and amazing heat transfer

$168.75
GSI Outdoors Infinity 4-Person Tableset
GSI Outdoors

GSI Outdoors Infinity 4-Person Tableset

The colorful GSI Outdoors Infinity 4 Person Compact Tableset makes it easy to pack all the camp tableware you’ll need for travel or trips. The 16-piece dish set comes complete with bowls, mugs, plates, and stuff sack.

$52.95
Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug 12oz
Stanley

Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug 12oz

Shop Stanley insulated drinkware & gear! The Camping Mug holds a generous 12oz and keep your drink hot (or old) with our legendary vacuum insulation.

$25.00
Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink (10L)
Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink (10L)

Camping Dish Duty Made Easy: Engineered with a wide base and rigid rim for stability, the Kitchen Sink holds its shape when full. Made from waterproof certified recycled 70D nylon with fully taped seams, it’s watertight, fast-drying, and ideal for washing dishes away from sensitive water sources. It compresses into a p

$27.95
Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner 16oz
Dr. Bronner's

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner 16oz

For floor, laundry or dishes, this concentrated, all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner, cuts dirt, grease & powerful yet gentle. Plant-based ingredients & cruelty-free.

$11.29
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
AeroPress

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

The AeroPress Go travel & camping coffee maker is engineered to fuel an active lifestyle. It gives coffee lovers everything they need to conveniently brew superb single serve coffee anywhere. Like the AeroPress Original, the AeroPress Go portable coffee maker provides the same great taste and brews American, espresso, and cold brew style coffee that can be enjoyed as is or used in a wide range of energizing and refreshing drinks. Made in the USA.

$49.95
Flame King 1lb Refillable Propane Cylinder + Refill Kit
Flame King

Flame King 1lb Refillable Propane Cylinder + Refill Kit

Shop the Eco-Friendly 1lb Refillable Propane Cylinder with Refill Kit. Get reusable propane cylinders for your outdoor needs at Flame King.

$51.96

Cook tools: spatula, big spoon, tongs, chef knife, cutting board

Eating utensils (full set for 4)

Dish towels + dish gloves

Kitchen consumables: oil, foil, ziplocs, paper towels, contractor trash bags

Can opener + bottle opener

Jumbo-Tainer 2.0
Relianceoutdoors

Jumbo-Tainer 2.0

(#08630-03) When you need lots of water, bring it. The rigid newly designed Jumbo-Tainer 2.0  lets you easily haul seven gallons (26L). Fill it up, strap it down, drink away. Dual handles for easy pouring and easy tie-down Slender design fits under many surfaces  Easy pour, leak-proof, hideaway spigot Great for when yo

$20.99
Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Sustain Bottle
Nalgene

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Sustain Bottle

New Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Sustain. Made with Renew: up to 50% recycled content derived from waste plastic. Durable, Leakproof. Dishwasher safe.

$16.99
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
Nuun

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets

Nuun Sport contains a tasty blend of electrolytes and minerals to provide complete hydration. Some flavors contain caffeine provides for an extra boost.

$7.49
Squeeze  | Sawyer Products
Sawyer

Squeeze | Sawyer Products

Ideal for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, emergency prep, or traveling abroad, Sawyer's Squeeze Water Filter ensures access to clean water in the backcountry or anywhere in the world.

$45.99
E-Z UP Ambassador 10' x 10' Canopy
E-Z UP

E-Z UP Ambassador 10' x 10' Canopy

With the Ambassador™ Canopy, it allows style and portability to come together. This 10’ x 10’ canopy has a modern design; all while being constructed with the latest technology and materials that E-Z UP® has to offer. 100 square feet of shaded area Provides increased headroom with clear-span center Greater durability and longer lasting with reinforced fabric top corners Includes upgraded Trax™ Roller Bag and Spike Kit 1 Year Warranty 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

$156.75
Kelty Noah's Tarp 12
Kelty

Kelty Noah's Tarp 12

Whether you’re chillin’ between tube runs or mixing up killer camp cocktails, Kelty Noah’s Tarp 12 is an essential piece of your adventure kit.

$89.95
Atwood Rope 550 Paracord — 100 ft
Atwood Rope

Atwood Rope 550 Paracord — 100 ft

Standard, core-color, and highly sought after 550Lbs breaking strength black color for almost any multi-purpose use. Made in the USA

$9.99
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes (6-pack)
MSR

MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes (6-pack)

Our classic Groundhog heavy-duty tent stakes work in just about any ground type, providing exceptional hold with an aluminum T-beam design.

$38.95
Coghlan's Inside/Outside Tent Mat
Coghlan's

Coghlan's Inside/Outside Tent Mat

Keep your tent or trailer clean and tidy with Coghlan's Tent Mat! Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this mat is perfect for placing outside your tent or trailer to prevent dirt and sand from tracking inside. With a non-slip natural rubber backing and made of 100% olefin yarn, this mat is resistant to soil, stai

$14.99
Chair One
Helinox

Chair One

Toss it in your pack, set it up in seconds, sit down anywhere. The Chair One fits where other chairs don't—beach, trailhead, festival, backyard. This is the chair that started it all.

$109.95

Kid-size camp chairs (x2)

Tent footprint / ground tarp under each tent

Broom + dustpan for the tent

ACTIK® CORE - Headlamps |  Petzl USA
Petzl

ACTIK® CORE - Headlamps | Petzl USA

Petzl USA. Powerful, rechargeable, and easy-to-use headlamp with red lighting. 625 lumens

$87.95
Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub
Goalzero

Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub

High-quality camping lantern with adjustable, multi-directional light. 600 Lumens, perfect for camping, outdoor events, or emergencies. Also charges phones & USB devices, w/ a long-lasting lithium battery. Offers 3 ways to charge: USB, solar panel, and hand crank.

$79.95
Black Diamond Moji R+ Rechargeable Lantern
Black Diamond

Black Diamond Moji R+ Rechargeable Lantern

Compact and lightweight, the Moji R + is a lantern that can go and charge anywhere. Using our two-button interface with 200 lumens of solid or strobing white light, a full rainbow spectrum of color, a relaxing campfire lighting mode and 4 magnets for quick, on the go attachment, the Moji R + is the rechargeable lantern

$49.95
Panasonic Eneloop AA Charger Kit (4 batteries)
Battery Junction

Panasonic Eneloop AA Charger Kit (4 batteries)

The Eneloop 4-position charger will charge AA or AAA sized NiMH batteries - includes 4 x AA! Available now at Battery Junction.

$30.95
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
BioLite

BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank

Charge 80 PD features USB-C Power Delivery for faster, more flexible charging. Charges laptops, tablets, phones, and more. Compact design is easily packable and ready for travel or life away from an outlet.

$99.95

Glow sticks / glow bracelets

PackTowl Personal Quick-Dry Towel
PackTowl

PackTowl Personal Quick-Dry Towel

Absorbent, fast drying, and fresh, featuring anti-microbial Polygeine odor control, the Personal towel is our most popular quick-dry microfiber towel.

$19.95

Toilet paper + hand sanitizer

Portable handwash setup near the kitchen

Baby / camp wipes

Toiletry kit per person + small mirror

LOKSAK OPSAK Odor-Proof Bags (9x10", 2-pack)
LOKSAK

LOKSAK OPSAK Odor-Proof Bags (9x10", 2-pack)

Mid-size odor-proof bag with airtight barrier. Bear-proof for backpacking food & scent control. Waterproof, reusable & FDA-approved. Made in USA.

$12.49
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Explorer First-Aid Kit
Adventure Medical Kits

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Explorer First-Aid Kit

Get outdoors with the Explorer Medical Kit, designed for small groups on week-long backpacking trips. This outdoor group first aid kit is organized by injury.

$86.49
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Sun Bum

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

Protect and hydrate your body with our SPF 30 sunscreen lotion. Broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and smells like summer. Trusted by beach lovers. Shop now!

$18.99
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm — Coconut
Sun Bum

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm — Coconut

Sunscreen Lip Balm, SPF 30. Added Aloe and Vitamin E will protect and moisturize your kisser all day long... just try not to lick it off. Cruelty Free and Vegan.

$3.99
Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
Sawyer

Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

Our newest and most popular insect repellent for your skin, Picaridin is safe for use on the whole family and does not harm clothing and gear.

$10.99

Kids' meds: liquid Tylenol/Motrin + dosing, kids' Benadryl

Top up the first-aid kit

After-bite / anti-itch

Personal / prescription meds

YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
YETI

YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler

$325.00

Use the site's bear locker

Nothing scented in the tents — ever

Keep a clean camp

UCO Stormproof Match Kit
UCO Gear

UCO Stormproof Match Kit

UCO Stormproof Match Kit includes a waterproof match container and 25 windproof matches that light in rain and relight after submersion. Perfect for tornado, hurricane, or earthquake emergency kits.

$11.99
Jolly Green Roast'Em! Roasting Sticks (Set of 5)
Jolly Green Products

Jolly Green Roast'Em! Roasting Sticks (Set of 5)

TELESCOPING STEEL ROD EXTENDS FROM 10” - 34” SAFE & MORE ENJOYABLE FOR EVERYONE - No more leaning closely into the fire or kneeling on the ground while roasting with skewers that are too short. Now you can sit back & relax while you roast marshmallows from a safe and comfortable distance with these extendable s

$28.79

California Campfire Permit

Check the current Stanislaus Forest Order

Firewood — buy LOCAL

Fire safety: bucket + shovel at the ring

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
Leatherman

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Leatherman Wave Plus combines 18 tools in one, designed for efficiency and ease of use in every project, big or small.

$109.95
Fiskars

Fiskars X7 Hatchet (14 in)

$44.99
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag
Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag

LIFETIME GUARANTEE. The updated Lightweight Dry Bag is our most versatile design. It's flexible in both senses of the word- soft and pliable and ideal for many different uses. Made from a bluesign® approved recycled 70D nylon with a C0 non-PFC DWR finish, the interior polyurethane coating is white to improve visibility and make it easy to find small items in poor light. Lightweight Dry Bags are available in various colors to optimize color-coded packing. They use the same hypalon non-wicking rol

$15.95

Repair kit: duct/Gorilla tape, tent-pole splint + patch kit, extra stakes

Bungees, carabiners, clothesline + clothespins

Sharpie + small notepad

Work gloves

Escape Bivvy with Hood
Surviveoutdoorslonger

Escape Bivvy with Hood

Keep condensation at bay with the breathable SOL Escape Bivvy. The Escape Bivvy is 70% heat reflective and reusable. Available in Orange and OD Green.

$86.49
Fox 40 Classic Pealess Whistle
Fox40shopusa

Fox 40 Classic Pealess Whistle

The original pealess whistle trusted by referees, coaches, lifeguards and rescue professionals worldwide. 115dB, no moving parts, self-clearing chambers. Heard up to a mile away. Ships from USA.

$5.99
Osprey

Osprey Daylite Jr. Kids' Pack (9L)

$50.00
Suunto A-10 NH Baseplate Compass
Suunto

Suunto A-10 NH Baseplate Compass

Suunto A-10 NH baseplate compass is ideal for navigating with a map and compass. For hikers and scouts. NSN: 6605-20-003-4094, 6605-66-155-3798

$24.00

ID card in each kid's pack

Comfort item / stuffed animal each

Kids' fun kit

Paper map — Hwy 4 / Ebbetts Pass

Print the campground reservation

Offline maps + fill the tank in Arnold

Cash for firewood, ice, and the lodge store

Share your itinerary + expected return

Check tires + spare, and the forecast 2–3 days out

California fishing license (optional)