Early morning starts are necessary for outdoor adventures. Sleeping near a trailhead in your car can make for an efficient and flexible alternative to tent camping if you are trying to save time on setting up or if there isn't room for tents. Spending the night in your rig also offers added protection from the elements.
Here are some helpful car camping essentials and hacks to make your next outing more comfortable and organized. From choosing the right parking spot to packing smart car camping gear and adding creative upgrades, we've got you covered. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and prioritize safety, like never sleeping in a running vehicle.
Tips For Sleeping In Your Car
Preparing Your Car For Camping
Making your car a cozy sleeping space does require some preparation. Here's how to make it comfortable:
- Declutter the Space: Before packing your car camping essentials, remove unnecessary items in your vehicle. A clutter-free vehicle is essential to a relaxing night's sleep.
- Create a Flat Sleeping Surface: If your car seats fold flat, you can use them. Otherwise, you can also buy a car camping tent specifically designed to fit inside or attach to the car to create a level area.
- Add Insulation: Insulate the windows to maintain privacy and warmth. Reflective sun shades, blankets, or DIY insulation panels help block light and reduce outside temperatures.
You can check our Guide to Car Camping for further details on assembling your sleeping area.
Find The Perfect Parking Spot
The first question every car sleeper must answer is: Where to park? Apps like AllStays and Hipcamp let you know where you can stay, and you won't have to bother anyone. You'll find free and paid locations for the night. Generally, U.S. Forest Service roads are okay to camp overnight.
Keep Your Electronics Charged
Charging electronics is challenging when driving. Sure, you can charge them during the drive, but not when driving overnight. With a dashboard solar panel or portable power device, you can keep your phone, tablet, camera, and any other battery-powered gadget alive and kicking throughout your journey.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Ventilation is an important aspect of car camping essentials. Slightly opening the windows allows fresh air to flow inside, keeps condensation away, and adds to your comfort. For an even better experience, consider bringing a window vent cover to let air in while keeping bugs out. On warmer nights, a portable fan can make all the difference. A battery-operated or USB fan is ideal for car camping, as it won’t drain your car’s battery, ensuring a cool and comfortable rest."
You can also check out our collection of Essentials for car camping to complete your car camping checklist!
Portable Cooking Gear
Many car campers have stoves, a camping pot, and basic utensils to cook quickly. The car camper who cooks often at the campsite can consider a portable stove, fuel, and a cooking pot or pan.
LED Camping Lights or Lantern
Light will make your car camping setup cozy and warm. The most popular battery-operated string light source is a soft-glow string with a hanging clip that can be placed around windows or ceiling handles. Small LED lantern is a handy car camping essential for general illumination. Clip-on reading lights are also good when you need to read or get organized without turning on your entire car's lighting system.
Stay Squeaky Clean
Sinks and showers may be unavailable if you're sleeping in your car. Stay clean with a road-ready, fully stocked toiletry kit, no-rinse shampoo, and hand sanitizer that does not require much water.
Invest In A Comfortable Bed
One of the best things about sleeping in your car is that you don't have to carry your bed on your back. So, it is all right to splurge a little on heavier and fluffier mats, pillows, and blankets. You can go for a compact sleeping in car essentials, like camping pillow or bring a regular full-size pillow. You shouldn't forget that cars get as cold as tents at night, so pack an insulated blanket like a Rumpl or a sleeping bag rated for temperature inside your car.
Final Thoughts
Car camping is one of the most accessible ways to get into nature because it can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. These tips and checking off your car camping essentials will prepare you for a safe, comfortable, and memorable camping experience. Check out our website if you want to buy top-notch Outdoor Camping Equipment.
