Trunk-ready Camper's Manifesto

Things to keep in the car (and why):

• Dryer sheets (effective, non-gross bug repellent. Pin one on your clothes or stick it in your pocket)
• tent (duh)
• sleeping bag
• thermarest mats
• can opener (this is key)
• plastic plate and fork for each person
• hoodie/fleece
• disposable camera
• Peanut Butter (put it on anything, it adds calories and protein, fills you up, and never seems to go bad)
• oatmeal packets
• granola bars or other processed, no expiration date 'food' like canned goods
  
• fire starter. We use nail polish remover pads. Those things burn with a mighty flame. The flame doesn't last long, but usually long enough to light newspaper and dry grass. Plus, it's less messy than the standard cotton ball soaked in vaseline.
• deep skillet. you can cook anything in a deep skillet. Be careful using a plastic utensil though.
  
• Nalgene or two and a jug of water
• checkbook (you can't pay for a campsite after hours with a credit/debit card)
• flashlight
  

I suppose you could leave a pair of tennis/hiking shoes in there as well, but I use mine all the time so that would drive me crazy. I'll try to keep updating this as I think of things, but right now I've got a camping trip to plan and pack for.