If you love the outdoors but do not want to deal with the hassle of setting up a tent, then car camping is a great way to experience nature. Unlike glamping or overlanding, this method offers a low-barrier entry into camping, making it perfect for those who want to sleep comfortably without investing in expensive gear. Whether you are heading to a campground or trying stealth camping in an urban or wild area, this style of camping allows you to adapt to different locations while following local laws. Plus, waking up to a beautiful sunrise over the mountains or stopping anytime during a long road trip makes it a flexible way to explore.
For added comfort and protection from the elements, many campers transform their rig into a cozy campsite, often using a Subaru Crosstrek or similar vehicle with an air mattress. Sleeping near a trailhead helps save time on an outdoor adventure, and it also provides more security against small creatures, critters, or even predators like mountain lions. However, be mindful of bears—never store food in your vehicle overnight. To make your trip easier, plan ahead by following safety practices, using smart hacks, and organizing your equipment properly. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid keeping the engine running while you sleep. If you are an outdoorsy or even an “outsidey” person, car camping lets you get close to nature while still enjoying creature comforts like warmth and a good night’s rest. Whether you love hiking through a canyon or just want to enjoy your s’more under the stars, this tent alternative makes for a fantastic way to travel.
Research
To begin camping, find a safe spot with overnight parking, preferably flat and shaded for a comfortable setup. When you unload your vehicle, be mindful of other campers and avoid crowding. A camping essentials checklist will help you pack necessary items like a folding table, camp chairs, and a camp stove, making spending the night easier, especially if it’s your first time. If you’re new, check out Camping for Beginners to understand the basics. Part of the fun is researching cool ways others set up their space—YouTube is a valuable resource for learning what works best. You can also gain insights by visiting and supporting local gear stores, where you can learn about the gear you need. Connecting with the community through Facebook groups and Reddit forums gives you access to tips, used gear deals, and answers to questions you might not have thought to ask.
Choosing and Preparing Your Car
Your vehicle is the most important part of car camping, so make sure your car is reliable and spacious enough to sleep in and store all your gear. Whether you are setting up for a weekend trip or a long adventure, having the appropriate camping supplies makes a big difference. Pack roadside essentials for safety and bring along extra items for outdoor fun, like a hiking pack, running shoes, or fishing gear, depending on how you plan to use your time outside.
Start Local Before Going Far
Before planning a big cross-country adventure, use your first car camping trip as an opportunity to learn about camping in your local area. A nearby park or campground is a great choice, especially State parks, which provide useful resources, activities, and amenities to help you get comfortable with this new kind of travel. Starting small allows you to ease into the experience while exploring hidden spots close to home.
Choosing the Right Car for Camping
The best vehicle for car camping is one that is reliable, safe, and secure both on and off the road. If you plan to sleep in your car, look for one with enough cargo space and a good weight capacity. Vehicles with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive capabilities can handle rough terrain better, while electric cars with great gas mileage are becoming a popular choice. Some models that work well for car camping include the Jeep Wrangler, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner, and Hyundai Kona Electric. Even a small car like a Toyota Prius can be made suitable with the right setup.
Must-Have Gear for Car Camping
The essentials for car camping can vary depending on the person, weather, and destination, but having a good list of necessities will help you get started. Packing the right gear ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip, whether you’re heading to the mountains or a beachside campsite. Always consider the climate and location to stay prepared for any situation.
Picking the Right Cooler
A good cooler is crucial for preserving food during a car camping trip, but it can also double as a table, camp chair, or even a beer fridge. When choosing one, consider features like ice life, insulation, durability, and size to fit your needs and budget. Brands like Yeti, Pelican, and Canyon Coolers offer viable options that keep your items cold for longer and withstand outdoor conditions.
Essential Lighting for Your Campsite
Proper lighting is important when navigating a campground, as a phone flashlight or firelight may not be enough. Investing in good lighting improves both utility and ambiance, making your campsite more functional and comfortable. Headlamps, lanterns, and solar string lights are great options for different purposes, whether you need hands-free light for tasks or a warm glow to create a cozy atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Pad
To transform your car into a comfy cocoon, a good sleep system is crucial. An air mattress like the Saygogo SUV Air Mattress is a great option for SUV cargo areas or sedan backseats, offering value for casual campers. It has inflatable chambers that let you fill or leave empty depending on your setup and space. Some models even include an air pump with a 9 V car adapter to inflate and deflate quickly. With a max weight limit of 380 pounds, it can sleep two adults comfortably. For added warmth on cold nights, bring sheets, blankets, a sleeping bag, and even quilts. If you prefer flexibility, a self-inflating pad or mattress topper is an easy way to personalize your setup. For those traveling solo or with a partner, a sleeping platform can help create more space and organization. Some campers even bring a tent to switch things up for different nights.
Reliable Battery-Powered Lighting for Your Trip
Good lighting is essential when camping, especially when you’re tucked away in your vehicle for the night. The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is a great choice for casual campers, as it’s palm-sized, easy to use, and gives off a strong, cool-white glow. You can hang it from a grab handle, headrest, or its metal handles to create overhead lighting or keep it beside your mattress while getting situated for bed. It runs on AAA batteries, so be sure to pack extras to avoid being left in the dark. While battery-powered string lights are great for adding a warm glow to your cozy den, they should not be your main source of light since they aren’t bright enough for emergency situations.
If you need to keep electronics charged on the road, relying on your car on for power isn’t practical overnight. Instead, consider investing in a portable power device or a solar panel for your dashboard to keep your phone, tablet, camera, and other battery-powered devices ready for your trip. If you are unsure which option works best, choose from different solar chargers based on your power needs. Proper illumination makes all the difference when setting up your sleep system, whether you’re using an air mattress, a sleeping pad, or a mattress topper in your SUV cargo areas or sedan backseats.
A Fan for Optimal Air Circulation
The first time I camped in my Subaru Crosstrek, I didn’t expect how warm and stuffy the air inside my car would get, even with the windows cracked. When rain started pouring, I had to close the windows, and by morning, I was in a puddle of sweat. After returning home, I got an Amacool battery-operated fan, which is great for keeping air moving in a closed space. It has three speed settings, is surprisingly powerful for its small size, and helps cool down even the sweaty sleepers. You can twist its flexible tripod legs around the metal legs of a headrest or grab handle for easy setup. The USB-C rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours, and it even has a built-in LED light as a backup option in case your lantern batteries die.
A Portable Power Bank
While your car can charge your devices during the day, having a power bank is useful for keeping your phone or Kindle powered at night when the engine is off. The Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is a small but powerful option that you can tuck into your glove compartment or back seat pockets when not in use. With enough battery capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times, it ensures you always have extra juice for emergencies. It also features built-in cables for USB-C and Lightning, so you won’t have to search through your belongings for a charging cord when you need it.
Open a window enough to ventilate
When you’re breathing in your vehicle overnight, it can cause the windows to fog up and collect moisture. To prevent this, proper ventilation is key. Open a window or sunroof just wide enough so that no animal or person can get in. To keep out the bugs and stop moisture from accumulating, you can use some cheap mesh—just cut it 2-3 inches wider than the opening and stuff the edges around the space. It helps to keep out bugs and ensures there’s no moisture. Before turning in for the night, try to dry out any wet clothes as much as possible. And for peace of mind, keep a squeegee in your car to wipe down the windows in the morning.
Tips for a Comfortable Car Camping Experience
When car camping, one easy way to keep things comfortable is by cracking open opposite windows. This creates a cross breeze that helps avoid moisture build-up inside the car, ensuring a more pleasant sleep. For extra warmth during cold nights, boil water, place it in a heat-safe water bottle, and slide it into your sleeping bag. It’s a simple trick to keep cozy without relying on a bulky heater. Also, make sure to purchase a GPS and a satellite communicator for off-the-grid contact, just in case. Let someone know your plans, especially if you’re venturing into remote areas.
In addition to staying comfortable, planning ahead for meals and necessities is key. Bring along pre-packaged foods like overnight oats or pancakes, or prepare easy one-pot recipes that require minimal cleanup. Carrying cash is also essential, as not all local shops and campgrounds accept credit cards. Don’t forget to download important items like maps, movies, music, and podcasts, so you can still enjoy your trip even without cell phone service.
How to Plan a Car Camping Trip
When traveling on a whim can be exciting, it’s best for beginner car campers to plan your trip ahead of time to ease stress and avoid any unforeseeable circumstances. There are several useful apps and websites to help you plan your car camping adventure. Apps like Roadtrippers show campgrounds, things to do, and places to eat, while Campendium provides in-depth reviews of boondocking sites, free campgrounds, and RV parks. For those looking for off-the-beaten-path locations, iOverlander helps you find stealth camp spots in urban places like Walmart or Cracker Barrel. If you prefer federal campgrounds, check Recreation.gov for sites from the Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Forest Service, where you can also make reservations. GasBuddy is perfect for finding the cheapest gas on your road trip. For additional support, rely on Google Maps, AllTrails, and even gear stores at your destination for local recommendations and current conditions.
F&Q
How to Set Up a Comfortable Car Camping Experience?
To comfortably camp in your car, it’s essential to first invest in a proper sleep setup. This includes getting the right bedding, cushions, and other essentials that make your car a cozy place to sleep. Make sure to review local ordinances if you plan on stealth camping, as some areas have restrictions. It’s also important to understand your vehicle’s safety precautions to keep yourself safe while sleeping in your car. Whether it’s locking the doors or ensuring proper ventilation, these steps will make your experience much more comfortable.
How to Keep Your Car Cool While Camping?
When you’re out camping, keeping your car cool is key to a comfortable night. Start by using insulation shades to block the sun’s heat. You can either purchase ready-made shades or make your own. Another tip is to crack open the opposite windows to create a cross breeze, allowing air to flow through and reduce the heat. For added comfort, use a battery-powered fan to circulate air, ensuring a cool and relaxing environment while you sleep.
Where Can I Sleep in My Car Legally?
If you’re planning to sleep in your car, there are plenty of legal options across the U.S. You can rest in campgrounds, certain businesses, rest stops, visitor centers, or on BLM Land. However, for more specific rules to your area, it’s always best to utilize resources like Overnight RV Parking or popular car camping apps and websites. These tools will help you find places where it’s safe and legal to park overnight.
Do I need to crack a window to sleep in my car?
When you sleep in your car, it is safe to keep your windows shut, as long as the engine is off. However, you may find it more comfortable to open them slightly to allow some fresh air inside. The decision to crack the window really depends on the climate where you are camping. In warmer weather, a little open window can help cool things down, but in colder conditions, you might prefer to keep the windows completely closed for warmth.
Where is the safest place to sleep in your car?
When car camping, the safest places to sleep in your car are legal car camping areas. These could include a campground, BLM land, or even a big box store parking lot. Additionally, rest stops and visitor centers are also considered safe options. These places provide a secure environment for car campers, ensuring a restful and worry-free night.
How to cover a window while sleeping in your car?
To block out light and maintain privacy while sleeping in your car, you have several options. You can buy pre-made window covers or curtains that easily fit your car’s windows. Alternatively, you can use a roll of Reflectix or similar insulation material to make your own custom covers. This allows for better control over the level of darkness and insulation, helping you stay comfortable during your car camping trip.
Conclusion
Car camping is an exciting and flexible way to explore new places, but ensuring comfort and safety is key. By following simple tips, such as investing in the right sleep setup, keeping your car cool, and knowing where you can legally sleep, your experience can be much more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, these small adjustments will help you sleep soundly in your car.
Remember to plan ahead and prepare for any situation. Whether you’re using Reflectix to cover your windows, finding a safe car camping area, or using apps like Overnight RV Parking, your trip will be more relaxed and stress-free. With the right preparation, car camping can become a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort.
4 thoughts on “Best Vehicle for Comfortable Car Camping”
I appreciate, cause I discovered just what I was having a look for.
You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
Bye
Thank you