This Dedicated Clothing Item Offers A Cozy Upgrade To Your Car Camping Experience

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At the end of a long day outdoors, there's a ritual some campers swear by: kicking off those hiking boots and sliding into something soft, dry, and comfy. Most outdoors-lovers spend their time picking out the perfect hiking boots or all-terrain footwear. But don't sleep on camp shoes when it comes to the less active parts of camping. Unlike the footwear you trek in, these are dedicated shoes meant just for your downtime.

For car campers who often have a little more room to pack extra gear, camp shoes are a no-brainer. They're easy to slip on and off and small enough to find space for in your vehicle. Some camp shoes are also light enough to clip onto your pack. They're handy for quick trips to the bathroom or walking across dew-soaked grass first thing in the morning. Plenty of experienced campers say this simple addition makes a noticeable difference in how relaxed they feel at the end of the day. Just as you wouldn't wear hiking boots to bed, having footwear that signals "time to rest" adds a layer of coziness to car camping that sneakers or boots can't match. 

Camp shoes might not be essential for survival, but they're absolutely worth it for comfort. As one Redditor, u/riblau, in an ultra-light bushwalking forum put it: "I always camp shoe. I dgaf about weight in exchange for feet comfort (to an extent) and bring a pair of crocs. Super comfy, can wear in shallow water or with socks depending on weather. It's like a couch for my feet around camp!"

Camp shoes aren't strictly necessary, which makes them easy to overlook. But most campers will tell you the pros outweigh the cons. The biggest benefit is comfort. Whether your day shoes are muddy, wet, or just stiff after miles of wear, swapping into camp shoes feels like instant relief — especially if you have sore feet or blisters that need TLC.

Space is limited when camping, but it always helps to have a backup pair of shoes. Say you ran into unexpected bad weather while camping — the last thing you want is to strap on still soggy hiking boots after you've changed clothes. Camp shoes also help with hygiene. Many campgrounds have communal bathrooms or showers, and wearing a pair of slides or flip flops can prevent tracking dirt and offer protection against questionable floors. And in colder weather, insulated slip-ons or down booties can keep your toes cozy long after the campfire dies down.

Of course, there are downsides. For ultralight backpackers, camp shoes can be unnecessary weight. Some designs also take up more space; puffy slippers, for example, aren't as packable as flip flops. And open shoes like slides may leave your feet exposed to puddles or injury. But does the comfy factor justify the extra bulk? Most people say yes — especially for car campers, as it's probably easy to squeeze a pair in, no matter how jam-packed your car is. So for extra comfort on your next trip, you might want to add a cozy pair of camp shoes to your car camping checklist.

Not all camp shoes are created equal, and the best option depends on your camping style. Sandals (Chacos are super popular) or slides are popular for warm-weather trips. They're breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying. Crocs, love them or hate them, also fall into this category, offering toe protection with the same slip-on ease. And while not everyone agrees that you should be hiking in Crocs, you wouldn't be the first to wear them out and about on the trail. For easier treks and a break from heavy boots and new blisters, they work. There are even All Terrain Crocs for something sturdier than the classics. Lightweight canvas Toms are a good choice when carrying your gear long-distance, and slip-on boat shoes like Sperrys are a great option for campers who want to get out on the water.

For cooler climates, many campers prefer insulated booties like down slippers with rugged soles or something like North Face Thermoball booties. These keep your feet warm around camp and even inside your sleeping bag. They're bulkier than sandals but offer extra comfort for cold feet.

Then there are hybrid camp shoes: lightweight trail runners or minimalist sneakers that can double as backup hiking shoes. Some people will use an old pair of shoes they're retiring from daily use, as it's no problem if they get dirty or worn out. These are versatile but don't always have the same "instant cozy" factor of other options. There are tons of options available on Amazon. Ultimately, the right camp shoe is the one that you get the most use from and you're glad you packed.