Tailgating is a real event, and the parking lot setup matters almost as much as the game. Between the grill, the cooler, the seating, and the games, it takes a lot of gear to do it right, and it all has to fit in a trunk. The good news is that most of it is easy to find, and a lot of it is cheaper than it looks.
We pulled together 29 of the best tailgating essentials on Amazon right now, sorted by what each piece of gear does. Start with the grill and cooler, add shade and seating, then layer in the food setup, the games, and the extras. Every pick below is portable, built for the outdoors, and easy to pack up when the game is over.
The grill is the main event, so it gets the most thought. Two things matter in a parking lot: how fast it sets up and how easily it fits in the trunk next to everything else. These three cover three budgets and two cooking styles, and the two caddies below keep the tools and supplies organized around them.
The one to buy if the tailgate is a weekly habit. It folds down with one hand, locks its lid for travel, and rolls on wheels from the trunk to the parking spot. The cooking grate fits 12 burgers or 15 sausages, and the porcelain enameled cast iron grates hold heat well for searing.
A big flat top for smash burgers, breakfast, and anything that would fall through a grate. The 314 square inch cooking area handles about 8 burgers at once, and the stand collapses to save space. A side shelf and two built in hooks keep plates and rags within reach.
Cheaper than the full size options and still covers grilling, griddling, and pot cooking. It has 364 square inches of combined cooking space, a separate side burner for heating pots and pans, and a push button igniter that needs no batteries. Removable grease cups make cleanup less of a chore.
One bag for everything that usually gets forgotten. It has two roomy compartments, an insulated side pocket for ice and drinks, a separate side for trash, and seven outside pockets for tools and seasonings. A paper towel strap, shoulder strap, and removable base plate keep it sturdy.
A simpler and cheaper caddy that still does the job. It has two main compartments, four slots for grilling tools, mesh side pockets, and a built in paper towel holder. The water resistant exterior wipes clean, and it folds flat once the game is over.
A good cooler is the difference between cold drinks at kickoff and warm ones by halftime. Different crowds need different sizes, so this list runs from a wheeled hard cooler that holds a few hundred cans down to a backpack and a few smaller options for food that needs to stay cold.
This is the big one for a full tailgate crowd. It holds up to 212 cans, or 158 with the dividers in. The lid comes off to turn it into an open air drink tub on an elevated base, and locking swivel casters make it easy to move around. A built in bottle opener catches the caps.
A soft cooler with a hard liner, which keeps sandwiches from getting crushed. The zipperless flip open lid gives fast access, and it keeps ice for up to two days. It holds 16 cans, has a leakproof lining, and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap for the walk from the lot.
Hands free for the long walk from distant parking. It holds up to 40 cans across two compartments, with a top pocket for snacks and utensils. A bottle opener on the strap, side straps that hold wine bottles upright, and a leakproof liner make it good for more than beer. It is also a smart pick if you are traveling from one tailgate to the next, since everything rides on your back and you can walk between lots without a second trip to the car.
Chips, cheese, fruit, and dips in one organized tray. It has 12 compartments, two dip containers, and six forks, plus an ice pack and insulated bag that keep everything cold for 8 hours or more. The tray is dishwasher safe, and it comes in a gift box.
Great for toppings that need to stay cold. The bottom tray holds ice while five removable containers with individual lids hold toppings, sauces, or sliced veggies. Each container holds 20 ounces, which makes it a good fit for a burger or taco bar. It is hand wash only.
Without a place to sit and a flat surface to set things on, a tailgate turns into standing around a trunk. These picks cover the basics of the setup: shade overhead, seats for the group, and tables for food and games.
Instant shade in about a minute. The one push center button makes it easy for one person to set up, and it covers 100 square feet, which is plenty of room for a table and a few chairs. It rolls away in a zip up case with wheels, and optional weight bags help keep it anchored.
A sofa style chair plus two single chairs makes a ready made group seating area. The heavy duty steel frame holds 500 pounds on the sofa and 300 pounds per chair. Each has cup holders and a high back, and the whole set folds into a carry bag.
A sturdy folding table for the food station. The aluminum composite top is waterproof and heat resistant, and the table holds up to 66 pounds. Two zippered storage lockers hold utensils and snacks, and a detachable storage bag makes it easy to carry.
A light, budget friendly folding table in a small size. The aluminum design is made for beaches and campsites, which also makes it a good extra surface at a tailgate. It folds flat to slide into the trunk, and it is a handy spot for drinks and snacks.
A big waterproof blanket for the overflow. It fits 4 to 8 adults, and it is sandproof, which also means grass and dirt brush right off. The three layer design folds up small, so it can go from the tailgate lawn to the stadium plaza and back.
A fun alternative to a folding chair. It inflates by scooping air through the opening, with no pump needed, and stays inflated for several hours. It weighs about 2 pounds and packs into a small pouch, so it takes up almost no room in the trunk.
If the tailgate involves an SUV, this keeps bugs out while the hatch stays open. The 67 by 59 inch mesh attaches with 38 magnets, so it goes on in seconds and fits most SUV trunks. It also works over side windows and comes with a storage bag.
The tote that took over sidelines and tailgates. The washable EVA material will not stain or tear, so spills and mud rinse right off. It comes with two clear insert bags for phones and keys, and it stands up on its own on uneven parking lot ground.
Serving food outdoors is where a lot of tailgates go sideways. A few small tools make the setup feel organized, and an easy way to deal with trash keeps the parking space clean when the game is done.
Keeps plates, cups, utensils, and napkins in one spot instead of blowing around the table. Six compartments hold full size paper plates and most cup sizes. It is made of durable metal, and four anti slip pads keep it from sliding on a picnic table.
A football shaped serving board for the snack table. It is made of sturdy acacia wood, so it holds up to repeated use. Fill it with cheese, meats, and fruit, or use it for sweets. It also makes a good gift for a football fan.
Pre formed paper boats that need no folding. Each tray is made of sturdy, grease resistant paperboard. The pack of 100 has two football designs, which fits a game day party and handles fries, nachos, wings, and more.
A freestanding trash bag holder that pops open in seconds. It fits standard 13 gallon bags, and the legs store inside the base when collapsed. It can be set to three heights, and it packs down to just 2.5 inches tall for the trunk.
A set of two foldable trash cans with a football print. They are made of sturdy cotton and linen, with plenty of room for a full tailgate's worth of trash. They fold flat for storage, and they work equally well for toys or clothes at home after the season.
Pregame is half the fun, and the right games turn waiting for kickoff into the main event. These picks range from classic yard games to a TV for the lot.
A regulation size 8 foot table made of lightweight aluminum, so it folds briefcase style for easy carrying. It has a durable melamine playing surface and six pong balls included. A tailgate and party classic, and it weighs about 25 pounds.
The easiest game to teach a whole lot of people. It has a built in scoring system and weatherproof materials, and sets up in seconds. The travel version packs into a carry bag, which makes it easy to throw in the trunk with everything else.
If the game is on and the stadium is not an option, this keeps the party going. It has a 27 inch Full HD screen with an anti glare matte finish, a built in battery that lasts up to 4 hours, and a carry handle. Google TV is built in for streaming.
The extras that make a long tailgate easier. Power for the TV and lights, a way to stay cool in warm weather, and for the most dedicated setups, internet in a parking lot.
A quiet, light inverter generator for keeping the TV, lights, and fans running. It puts out 1200 starting watts and 1000 running watts of clean power, runs up to 6.5 hours on a tank, and weighs just 25.3 pounds. A CO detect shutdown sensor adds safety, and it has a 3 year warranty.
A fan, lantern, and power bank in one. The 20,000mAh battery runs the fan for up to 60 hours, and it can charge a phone in an emergency. It has four speeds, three brightness levels, and a sleep timer, with a hook for hanging inside a tent or canopy.
The most ambitious pick on the list, for tailgating anywhere cell service is spotty. This bundle includes the Gen 3 dish, a Wi-Fi 6 router, and an extra 150 foot cable for flexible placement. Setup is straightforward and needs no special tools. A fun luxury for RV tailgaters and remote lots.
The basics are a way to cook (a portable grill or griddle), a cooler for drinks and food, a canopy for shade, folding chairs and a table, and a trash bag holder for cleanup. Games and a portable TV are fun extras that turn a tailgate into a full party.
The Weber Traveler is the best pick for frequent tailgaters, since it folds with one hand, locks for transport, and rolls on wheels. For a lower price, the Royal Gourmet PD1305H grill and griddle combo covers grilling and griddling in one compact unit.
For a large group, a wheeled hard cooler like the Igloo holds up to 212 cans. For a smaller group or the walk from distant parking, a 40 can cooler backpack or a 16 can soft cooler is easier to carry.
A 10 by 10 foot pop up canopy is the standard size and covers about 100 square feet, enough for a table and several chairs. Many stadium lots limit canopy size, so check the rules for your venue before you buy.
Kan Jam and portable beer pong tables both fold or pack small and set up in minutes. Both work on grass or pavement and are easy to teach to a crowd.