10 Must-Have Car Accessories for Your Desert Camping Trip

Although the desert can be hot and unforgiving, it presents an exciting challenge for the most adventurous individuals. Camping in the dunes is one of the best ways to experience one of the most unique landscapes nature has to offer. However, with very limited resources out there, you’ll have to plan everything down to a T. Here are 10 must-have car accessories you should bring to your next desert camping trip:

Rooftop Tent

Make the most of your vehicle’s roof by investing in a high-quality rooftop tent. Not only is it easier to set up, a rooftop tent also gives you more freedom to transfer from one site to another. You’re also less likely to wake up to bugs crawling on your face and a sore back sore from lying on top of stones.

Our Top Picks:

• Smittybilt 2783 Overlander Tent

Roof Rack

If you’re looking for a way to maximize your storage space, then a roof rack is the way to go. Roof racks allow you to carry bulky gear that might not fit in the trunk, such as tents, stove kits, and sand ladders. They also let you clear some cabin space, so you and your friends can sit through the entire trip in comfort.

Our Top Picks:

• Rhino-Rack Y01-120B Roof Rack
• Rugged Ridge 11703.21 Roof Rack
• ARB 4913010M Roof Rack

Off-road Lights

Desert driving can be scary, especially at night. The good news is that off-road lights can make the entire trip safer and less terrifying. Off-road lights enhance visibility when driving at night or in low-light conditions. They’re also a great source of light when you’re setting up camp and preserving your flashlight batteries.

Our Top Picks:

• JC Whitney JU97980001 Off-road Light
• KC Hilites 493 Off-road Light
• Anzo 861136 Off-road Light

Summer Top

A summer top is a must-have for outdoor adventures with your Jeep, especially in the desert. The desert sun can be unforgiving, but you can stay cool by installing a summer top of your choice. Be sure to get a high-quality top made with premium fabric and sturdy tie-down straps that can withstand various weather conditions.

Our Top Picks:

• Bestop 52508-01 Traditional Bikini Top Black
• Bestop 52519-15 Strapless Standard Targa Style Bikini Top
• Rampage 94835 Combo Brief and Topper Series Black Diamond

Sun Shade

Just because you’re camping in the desert doesn’t mean you have to endure the blistering heat. Keep your cabin nice and cool with sun shades. You can get a mesh type that covers your side windows without blocking your line of vision, a reflective silver shade for your windshield and rear window, or both!

Our Top Picks:

• Weathertech TS1360 Sun Shade
• QuikSnap LSNX15 Sun Shade
• Rugged Ridge 13579.72 Sun Shade

Sun Visor

A sun visor can make all the difference when you’re driving your car in the desert with the sun beating down on your face. Mounted at the top of the windshield, sun visors don’t just stop the sun from blinding you as you drive. They also lower cabin temperature and protect your electronics and interior from ultraviolet (UV) damage by directly blocking the sunlight.

Our Top Picks:

• Dorman 74216 Help Series Sun Visor
• RT Off-Road RT52005 Sun Visor
• Replacement Gray Sun Visor

Solar Charger

While most resources can be hard to come by in the desert, there’s one you can always count on to be plentiful: the sun. You can make the most of this by investing in a portable solar charger. Solar chargers convert solar energy into a power source that can charge devices such as your cell phone, power bank, and flashlight. All you have to do is place one on your dashboard or hood, where it’s exposed to sunlight.

Our Top Pick:

• Schumacher Electric SP-200 Solar Charger

Flashlight

One thing you’ll find in almost every checklist of must-have road trip accessories is a flashlight. Whether it’s rechargeable, battery-operated, or crank-charged, a flashlight is something you absolutely can’t leave out of your camping bag. Using your car lights for too long can drain the battery, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere. To preserve your car battery, it’s best to bring a flashlight with you every time you go camping.

Our Top Picks:

• Performance Tool W2456 Flashlight
• Streamlight 552480040 Flashlight
• Great Neck 32848 GreatLite Mini 9 LED Aluminum Flashlight

Under Seat Storage

Camping with friends is great until you realize you only have limited space in your vehicle. With the trunk filled with food and water, where are everyone’s bulky sleeping bags and other camping gear supposed to go? In your under seat storage, obviously. Under seat storage is a great way of maximizing your cargo space without sacrificing your passengers’ comfort.

Our Top Picks:

• Weathertech 4S009 Under Seat Storage
• Weathertech 4S017 Under Seat Storage
• Weathertech 4S006 Under Seat Storage

Cell Phone Holder

Navigating through the dunes can be tough, but as long as you follow your cell phone’s navigation apps, you should be fine. With a good-quality cell phone holder, you can easily access your phone’s maps, emergency contacts, and other applications. A sturdy holder can also prevent your phone from bouncing around when driving on rough terrain, reducing the risk of damage.

Our Top Picks:

• Armor All AWC8-1006-BLK 10W Wireless Charging Magnet Phone Mount
• Weathertech 8AWF9 Cell Phone Holder
• Husky Liners 87000 Cell Phone Holder