4 Best Coolers for Car Camping in 2024
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Out of all the camping gear you need, the cooler is one of the most important. The best coolers for car camping have the perfect combination of space, functionality, and most importantly ice retention.
When tent camping, you don’t have a fridge or kitchenette like you would in an RV.
Not opening your camping cooler often and freezing the food beforehand can help keep the ice retention. This is especially important to keep in mind when camping during warmer weather and in direct sunlight such as camping the desert or camping at the beach.
We prioritized ice retention when we looked for the best camping cooler and came up with the 45-quart Otterbox. Instead of going with the same brand when looking to upgrade the size, we did a little extra research.
While we love the Otterbox Venture cooler, we wanted handles that can actually fold down.
What are the best Camping Coolers?
Here are our top picks for the best camping coolers.
OtterBox Venture Cooler 65 Quart
Ice Retention: Up to 16 Days
Size: 65 Qt, 41” x 20” x 20”
Weight: 35.9 lbs
Certified Bear Resistant (IGBC): Yes
Accessories: Available for additional purchase
Warranty: Up to 5-Year Limited Warranty
The OtterBox Venture Cooler wins with excellent ice retention and being a strong, sturdy cooler.
OtterBox is a quality brand and we were actually very surprised to find the company makes more than phone cases.
One of our favorite aspects of the OtterBox cooler is the number of accessories. We love having a divider for the dry food side and items needing ice. The basket is perfect to get a second level for better organization.
There’s even a can opener on the side and a tray you can attach as a table.
This cooler has held up great to dozen of camping trips. We have the 45-quart camping cooler and as our baby and toddler grow into a toddler and little girl, then into two little girls, they eat more and more.
For a family of 4, especially if your friends also go camping with you, a cooler larger than a 45-quart is necessary.
KONG 70
Ice Retention: Up to 9 Days (30+ Days Pending Conditions)
Size: 70 Qt, 26.3” x 12.1” x 13” (INSIDE), 34.5” x 18.3” x 17.8” (OUTSIDE)
Weight: 38 lbs
Certified Bear Resistant (IGBC): Yes
Accessories: Divider included, other accessories available for additional purchase
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
The KONG Cooler rivals the Otter BOX cooler with ice retention and sturdiness. It has good size at 70 quarts and has the handles that fold down we were looking for.
The divider is included and additional accessories such as a basket and cup holder and side tables are available for purchase.
Another thing that stands out about the KONG cooker for car camping is the warranty. As opposed to just a few years of a limited warranty, the KONG cooler boasts a limited lifetime warranty.
We even had a chance to test out their customer service since we wanted to make sure it would arrive on time before our next big camping trip. They had actually emailed a response right as my husband called, and they were very kind, helpful, and informative on the phone.
Unfortunately, the cooler was lost in the mail, so we ordered a second one and had the first one refunded. Cooler # 2 didn’t arrive in time for our camping trip, but it was supposed to be 100F in Pinnacles National Park. We canceled our camping trip, and we borrowed a friend’s Yeti cooler for a road trip to Monterey Bay instead.
On the plus side, it was an awesome road trip, and we were able to test out the Yeti cooler. Plus when the Kong cooler finally came we were very impressed with the obvious quality. Can’t wait for our next camping trip!
Side Note on the Kong Cooler:
We were finally able to test this cooler out when camping in Malibu. The surface was so easy to clean, handles were very comfortable (used 2 people to carry the full cooler), and the ice stayed really well. We bought a basket and a separator to organize the cooler and did not have any soggy marshmellows. Two thumbs up!
Image Source: Costco
Cascade Mountain Tech 80 Quart Rotomolded Cooler
Ice Retention: Not Specified
Size: 80 Qt, 11.1” x 26.6” x 14.7”
Weight: 49 lbs
Certified Bear Resistant (IGBC): Yes
Accessories: Available for additional purchase
Warranty: Contact Costco for Manufacturer Warranty
The Cascade Mountain Tech Cooler from Costco has good reviews on ice retention although they don’t specify any estimated ice retention time themselves.
Definitely a more budget-friendly option and has handles that don’t stick out, which helps with space in your car.
It does weigh over 10 Lbs. more than the first 2 coolers mentioned. weighing 50 Lbs. by itself before any food or ice was added made us hesitate a bit. It wouldn’t be so bad for 2 people to carry.
While a good, solid choice, we went with KONG due to handles that seemed more comfortable to use, less weight, advertised good ice retention, and a lifetime warranty.
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
Ice Retention: Not Specified
Size: 65 Qt, 30.5” x 17.5” x 16”
Weight: 29 lbs
Certified Bear Resistant (IGBC): Yes
Accessories: Available for additional purchase
Ok, so the Yeti cooler we were able to test out the smaller version. It wasn’t for a camping trip, but we were using the Cooler in the car for our snacks and lunches during the day while we were driving around the Bay Area on our road trip.
This worked out really well. We added ice from the hotel ice machine and were able to easily add ice from the Yeti cooler to our waters throughout the day. It was hot, and we were hiking so this was perfect.
The ice stayed very well overall. It was thin ice sitting in a hot car all day. We only opened it a few times, and the ice definitely started melting but held pretty well.
Accessories such as cooler baskets are sold separately. Ice retention is not listed by the company since there are so many variables, but Yeti is known as a good brand and has good reviews.
One of the drawbacks is the rubber feet on the bottom. This is great if you’re on a boat or somewhere with a potentially slippery surface (maybe the back of a truck?). For general car camping, it’s not necessary. Plus the rubber feet make it harder to slide into the back of your car.
Keep in mind it’s 29lbs before adding any ice or food.
What is the Best Cooler for Car Camping?
Clearly, the best cooler for car camping is the OtterBox venture cooler or the Kong 70. They both have company-tested ice retention time and ease of use. Both coolers are certified bear-resistant and have good warranties.
The only difference between the two would be your preference for handles. Both cooler handles are comfortable to use. However, when car camping the non-collapsable handles of the OtterBox Venture cooler might allow Kong to take over for first place.
We know from personal use that they work very well, and I would recommend either brand to anyone.
All in all…
You want to make sure your cooler gives you what you need for camping: a secure place to keep your food safe, fresh, and cold. If you’re out on a hike all day, you want to know your drinks will be cold and refreshing when you get back- and that the critters didn’t get into your food.
Color, style, and overall look will vary by personal preference, but the foldability (is that a word?) of the handles is key if the trunk of your car is already tight on space for camping equipment. If you’re hanging out playing camping games with your kids at camp, a good cooler can also double as an extra seat or table.
Most camping coolers are at least critter resistant, but looking for a certified bear-resistant cooler will help put your mind at ease. We also like to check warranties because you just never know.
If you’re backpacking that’s a whole other camping cooler story. However, if you’re camping on Catalina Island at Hermit Gulch or Two Harbors campgrounds, then you can pay for a golf cart to bring your equipment to your campsite.
Once you buy your cooler, brush up on all your camping gear essentials then head outdoors for some fun.
Happy Camping!
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FAQ
If you have 3-4 people, a 45-quart cooler should be fine for a weekend camping trip. If you are planning a longer camping trip or more people, then look into a 65 or 70-quart cooler.
The best brand of cooler for camping is OtterBox or Kong, although Yeti is a good brand and Costco offers a great budget value option.
Definitely get a certified bear-resistant cooler for camping. Even if there are no bears at some places you camp, it also works well for keeping out other curious critters. Make sure it is big enough for the amount of food you want to store in it and that the ice retention is backed up by the company.
This depends on how often you open the cooler, how long it’s open for, the weather, if it’s in direct sunlight or shade…you get the idea. Some of the best camping cooler brands such as OtterBox and Kong claim anywhere from 9-30 days for their coolers, pending the variables mentioned.
Know what you want. Look for the cooler size that works for you, both for the amount of food to fit as well as fitting in your car. Check out the handles to make sure they will be comfortable and practical. Compare the ice retention, warranty, accessories, and bear resistance. There are plenty of good options, but you need one to suit your camping style and space.
