If you’re preparing to go truck camping for the first time (or the first time in a while), you’re probably making a list of all the essential accessories you need before driving into the wilderness. Truck camping offers a lot more flexibility than RV camping since trucks can go places that RVs can’t.
However, there are several unique accessories you need when truck camping that you wouldn’t be thinking about as much when RV camping because most RVs come equipped with some form of these accessories already.
Keep reading to learn the top ten must-have truck camping accessories to maximize the use of your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces while camping out of a truck!
Bedroom Truck Camping Accessories
1. Tent
There are several ways you might decide to set up your sleeping space when truck camping. If you don’t have a camper shell or a truck bed camper, a comfy and dry tent is a must.
A truck tent provides you with an elevated, comfortable space to sleep at night and relax during the day. Truck tents are easy to set up and don’t require major changes to your truck. This truck tent comes in five sizes, so you can have the perfect tent to fit your truck bed’s size.
If you want additional space beyond your truck bed, shell, or cabin, then a rooftop tent may be a good fit for you. Many truck campers also opt to bring a ground tent and place a tarp above it.
2. Bed
You don’t want to just consider where you’ll be sleeping when truck camping, you need also to consider what you will be sleeping on since truck beds can be rather uncomfortable.
Most trucks with a full-size bed (around eight feet long) can fit a full-size or queen mattress. Shorter beds measure 6.5 feet long and should fit any air mattress.
Truck camping sleeping pads and/or air mattresses to match your setup are essential truck camping accessories for getting a good night’s rest. You also want to choose a high-quality sleeping bag like this Cotton Flannel Double Sleeping Bag and a comfy camping pillow.
Kitchen Truck Camping Accessories
3. Camping Stove
You’re not always going to have access to a firepit when truck camping, so a camp stove is a must-have accessory. Investing in the Camp Chef Mountain Series will guarantee you always can cook your favorite meals right from your truck.
Save space in your truck by purchasing a smaller camp stove like the Jetboil Genesis Base Camp Stove. This lightweight stove only weighs around six pounds!
Most camp stoves operate on gas or propane, so ensure you have enough supply between gas stations. The two camp stoves mentioned above are gas-powered. Bringing durable gas storage containers to store in your truck means you don’t have to worry about running out.
4. Storage
You’re likely trying to maximize the use of your space while truck camping, so a cooler bag that can easily collapse when not in use is a must-have truck camping accessory.
You also need to have a few animal-proof storage bins for your setup to prevent the bears and raccoons from stealing your lunch needs to be stored in these bins.
When it comes to maximizing storage, a truck bed storage system is a must-have truck camping accessory. If you’re a handyman (or know someone who is), you can make your own DIY storage system with wood from your local home improvement store.
5. Collapsible Water Basin
There’s nothing worse than having a stack of dirty dishes, especially in the middle of the wilderness with nowhere to soak the eggs stuck to your pan from breakfast.
A collapsible water basin is a must-have truck camping accessory for making clean-up after meals stress and hassle-free. Fill the basin and soak your dishes clean, then dry and collapse it when you’re done for easy storage.
Our favorites are durable, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe, so you can thoroughly clean them when you get home before your next truck camping adventure. Also, pick up a camping utensils case to make storing dishes easy!
6. Water Purifier
Don’t limit yourself to hauling heavy water with you. Make use of the water from rain and other sources by adding a water purifier to your truck camping accessory must-haves.
A portable water purifier option is the LifeStraw Peak Series, a collapsible water filter system designed to protect against bacteria, parasites, cloudy water, sand, and more. Simply use it as a straw or squeeze the water into another bottle or cup. The filter lasts up to 2,000 liters.
If you’re wanting to purify more water in one filter, the Survivor Filter PRO can filter up to 100,000 liters of water before needing to be replaced. The only caveat is the water must be pumped.
The BKLES Electric Portable Pump is also a highly-rated filter system that can be operated through your truck’s power outlets or a portable generator. One charge purifies up to 168 liters of water, and the purifier can filter up to 1,000 liters of water before needing to be replaced.
Bathroom Truck Camping Accessories
7. Solar Shower and Shower Tent
Truck camping doesn’t mean you have to give up hot showers. Purchasing a solar shower or shower bag will allow you to clean up and refresh under a stream of hot water. You can lay a solar shower bag in the sun during the day or leave it in your hot truck to create a hot shower
A pop-up shower tent is also an essential truck camping accessory to secure your privacy. It’s also a great place to get dressed without having to maneuver in the tent or be exposed.
8. Toiletries Kit and Quick-Dry Towel
Your usual toiletries are must-have truck camping bathroom accessories. Save space by buying a toiletry bag, which you can hang in your shower tent while camping in your truck when traveling.
Make packing even easier with a pre-made travel toiletries kit. You won’t have to worry about forgetting essentials like soap or deodorant at home.
This case comes with 24 pre-made kits at a wholesale price, so you can bring what you need during your truck camping trip and store the rest at home for next time.
Don’t forget to bring along some quick-dry towels. They are portable and made from microfiber, allowing them to dry faster than traditional cotton towels. You don’t want your wet towel to become moldy if a rainstorm hits or you have to stow it shortly after your shower.
Living Area Truck Camping Accessories
9. Comfortable Chairs
You won’t be able to truly enjoy your truck camping trip without comfortable chairs, making them an essential truck camping accessory. Your chairs will sit outside your truck, allowing you to have a comfortable space to eat, drink, and relax.
A compact chair is a must, so it won’t take up too much space in your truck when you’re on the road. We have five camping chair recommendations for taller or heavier people that won’t eat up much space in your truck!
The GCI Outdoor Rocker is perfect for the truck camper camping with their little ones who need to be rocked to sleep at night. It even comes with a drink holder. The chair is portable and holds up to 250 pounds.
If you’re looking for a portable chair with a side table, look no further than the iClimb. This chair is easy to transport away from your truck when going fishing or hiking, and it’s super easy to set up
Hammock chairs offer an immeasurable level of comfort that can’t be matched by most camping chairs. Portable hammock chairs can easily be folded in the back of your truck without taking up much room.
If you have a camping partner, the Lippert Folding Loveseat is a romantic truck camping accessory to add to your must-have list.
If ultra lightweight and portable are your top priorities, consider buying a chair designed for backpacking.
10. Awning or Tarp
A truck awning or tarp is a must-have accessory for staying dry, protecting your furniture and other truck camping accessories from the elements, and the coverage keeps you cool during the hottest summer days.
An awning mounts from your truck’s rooftop and comes off the side, making it suitable for use with a truck tent. The ZeHuoGe Awning is made from stainless steel and aluminum and comes in several sizes to fit your truck.
The SJK Roadhouse Tarp protects from rain and sun and fits most Jeeps, SUVs, and trucks. It comes with everything you need for a quick and sturdy set-up.
What’s cool about this tarp is it’s versatile and able to be used as a single pole, an awning, and a tarp without a vehicle, so it can be used away from your truck while camping or saved for backyard gatherings when you’re done truck camping.
The Slumberjack 4-Person Tent was designed to work with the SJK Roadhouse Tarp and is also designed to attach to the back of your truck. This is also a great budget tent if you have a shell and want the extra space without buying a pricey roof tent.
The Kelty Sideroads Awning is a great truck camping accessory for smaller-sized vehicles and provides more protection from wind, rain, and sun than square awnings. It provides enough space for a couple of chairs so that you can relax safely from the elements.
Wrapping up Must-Have Truck Camping Accessories
Now that you know ten must-have truck camping accessories, you’re ready to start shopping for your gear!
Before you hit the road, be sure to check out our camping gear page to make sure you have all the necessities for a camping trip.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Nicole Kinkade grew up in campgrounds in the Midwest with her family in their RV and has many fond memories around the campfire. She and her husband took many tent camping trips at the beginning of their relationship, and she looks forward to sharing the outdoors with her young son as he gets older.
She loves discovering new camping techniques and sharing them with the world. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Media Communication, she is a passionate writer who loves sharing her knowledge online.
Nicole can be reached at nicolek.author@gmail.com