Welcome to car camping, where plush hotel beds are swapped for reclining seats, and your kitchen is a cooler that doubles as a table. Car camping is an adventurous endeavor, not for the faint of heart, but it allows the average explorer convenience while on the road! In this article, we’ll introduce you to car camping and share invaluable tips on how to transform your car into the ultimate camping haven, proving that when it comes to roughing it, you can still enjoy the luxury of air conditioning and a snack stash without ever leaving your ride!
What Is Car Camping?
When you hear the term “car camping,” you might think this refers to pitching a tent beside your car. While this is one way to car camp, this article focuses on classic car camping, meaning you sleep in your car, whether in the truck bed or the cab.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Car Camping
Look, car camping isn’t for everyone. For instance, if you’re someone who prioritizes comfort regardless of the price, car camping might not be the right fit. That’s why you’ll want to seriously consider the advantages and disadvantages to decide if it’s worth your effort.
Advantages
Car camping provides many advantages over hotels and traditional camping. First off, car camping is extremely affordable since there are several free places to park overnight (more on this later). By converting your car into a tiny home on wheels, you can avoid paying for hotel or motel accommodations, which typically cost at least $85 per night. Instead, you can spend anywhere from $0 to $50 per night at paid campgrounds. With an SUV, you’ll have more flexibility and spontaneity, as you don’t need to book lodging in advance. This gives you the freedom to change your location and plans whenever you want and stay wherever you find a parking spot, allowing for more spontaneous stops, experiences, and exploration.
Another reason to consider car camping is if you’re traveling somewhere remote, such as exploring a national park or the countryside, where the closest hotel or town is an hour or more away. By staying in an approved overnight lot or stealth camping, you’ll not only save time but also gas, making it a convenient option. This freedom also allows you to stay in more secluded locations when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Compared to traditional camping, car camping offers several advantages. You won’t need to pack a lot of camping gear, like tents, or struggle with setting up or taking down your tent. With car camping, simply grab your blanket and pillow, recline your seat, and drift off to sleep in your four-door fortress. With the right setup, your car will definitely be more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, giving you a better night’s sleep. A car also provides more protection from wildlife, inclement weather, and crime than a tent, as you can lock yourself and your belongings inside.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of car camping mostly center around comfort and storage. Your sleeping area can take up a lot of storage space since you’ll need room to recline a seat or set up a bed in the back. This may be tricky for those planning long road trips or moving to a new state. While car camping can be made as comfortable as tent camping, it doesn’t come close to the comfort level of a hotel room. If it’s humid, you might need to crack a window for airflow, but that could also let in bugs. If it’s cold, you may need to turn the car on to warm it up every couple of hours. In short, it can be difficult to create a comfortable sleeping setup in your car, so you’ll definitely want to read our tips below!
Another disadvantage of car camping is the need to research approved places to park overnight, as it’s not allowed everywhere. You’ll want to know the areas nearby that permit overnight parking to avoid fines, being asked to move, or spots being filled up. Campgrounds and hotels can be reserved, but overnight car lots cannot. This is especially important if you’re planning to car camp during the summer holidays, as you’ll be competing for spots with campervans, trailers, and even RVs in some places.
How to Pick a Car for Car Camping
Let’s say you’re planning a week-long car camping trip with your best friend, and you’re unsure whose vehicle has the best setup for the job. There are many factors to consider when picking a car for car camping. The first is to check how flat the back seats can fold down, which is crucial if you’re planning to blow up an air mattress to sleep in the back. Some vehicles only fold down at an angle, so check this feature first before making a decision (the same goes for front seats). The next step is to test your sleeping arrangement to make sure you fit where you plan to sleep. Fold down the seats or recline the front seat to get an idea of how you’ll be positioned. Taller people may find the front seats too tight and need the entire back space of the car to lie flat comfortably.
Depending on your planned activities and trip duration, you’ll want to consider storage space. Each person will need to bring a bag, so where will that go when you’re parked and sleeping? You may also plan to hike, rock climb, or do other activities that require gear, so make sure there’s enough space in the car to store your items while you sleep.
Payload capacity is another factor to consider, especially if you plan to use the roof rack. This refers to your vehicle’s maximum weight-carrying capacity. You can calculate your payload capacity by first retrieving your car’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) number from the vehicle’s plate, usually found on the driver’s side door, and finding the car’s curb weight in the vehicle manual. Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR, and you’ll have your car’s payload capacity, which tells you how much additional weight in passengers and cargo you can carry without overwhelming the vehicle. If you’re planning to tow anything, double-check the vehicle’s towing capacity as well. Lastly, consider the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. A bigger, more spacious car might offer more legroom, but you could end up spending more on gas.
Some of the most popular vehicles for car camping are the Jeep Wrangler, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, and Toyota 4Runner. However, we’ve car camped in a Mazda CX-5 and found it comfortable. While the type of car does play a role, it’s not the size that matters—it’s how you use it 😉 Honestly, any car can work as long as you convert it to meet your needs, can sleep comfortably, and make use of our helpful car camping tips.
Car Camping Considerations
There are several factors about car camping that you’ll need to consider. Some options make sense if you plan on car camping frequently, while others are better suited for those wanting to test the waters. From food storage and sleeping options to privacy, we’ve laid out your best choices to consider below.
Cooler vs. Refrigerator
A small portable camping fridge could be your new best friend, but you might wonder if it’s worth it over a traditional cooler. Traditional coolers are still fantastic for day outings or overnight trips, especially if you aren’t bringing too many items that need to stay cool. However, if you’re planning a multi-day road trip, a camping fridge will save you a lot of hassle, as you won’t have to worry about restocking it with ice, the ice taking up too much storage space, or whether your food has gone bad. Camping refrigerators might sound like a drain on your car battery, but the technology has come a long way! Simply plug the cooler into your car’s AC adapter while driving and into a portable power station when parked. They don’t consume much battery and give you peace of mind that your food is stored safely. We used the ICECO GO20 portable fridge during our car camping excursion and plugged it into our Bluetti AC200L portable power station while parked, which worked perfectly for keeping our drinks and food cool. Check out our detailed review of the ICECO GO20 here.
If you’re leaning toward a cooler, we recommend the Yeti Roadie 24 or the Yeti Tundra 35 or 45. These coolers excel because of their superior insulation, which keeps ice frozen for days, so your food and drinks stay cold even when it’s hot outside. Plus, unlike many standard coolers, Yeti products are built with rotomolded construction, making them nearly indestructible and able to withstand tough outdoor conditions. They’re a reliable choice for any camper.
Platform vs. No Build
Platforms are all the rage right now for car camping, and for good reason. If you’re unsure what platforms are in relation to car camping, they are custom-built wooden structures usually designed with drawers and storage that one installs in the back of the car by removing or folding down the back seats. Platforms are a great way to utilize all the space in the car and create a large area to sleep, but they can be expensive and time-consuming to build. Plus, built-in platforms can make it difficult to maneuver around the vehicle.
Depending on your vehicle, it might be unnecessary to build a platform, as you may already have all the space you need. However, if you find yourself tight on space and organization and know you’ll be car camping again in the future, then a platform may be the right investment. We opted against a platform build because the car space in the Mazda CX-5 would have had our noses touching the roof, and that extra headroom and ability to sit up were important for us. Additionally, the no-build setup made it easy to transition between a cozy living space and a functional vehicle, allowing us to enjoy the best of both worlds without the hassle of a permanent installation.
Air Mattress vs. Sleeping Pad
Both a blow-up air mattress and a sleeping pad are excellent options for making your sleeping space comfortable, but what are the advantages of each?
Air mattresses tend to be more comfortable, as the inflated air offers more cushion and support for sleepers. However, air mattresses lose heat more quickly and are more vulnerable to punctures, which may lead to needing re-inflation during the night. They also require more work to set up, as you’ll need an air pump to inflate them each night. If you’re planning to go car camping in an SUV, one of the most popular blow-up mattresses to purchase is the Luno Air Mattress, a durable, custom-made mattress for your vehicle. Luno mattresses are on the pricey side, so if you’re sticking to a budget, a great alternative we recommend is the D-Hive Air Mattress, which is just as durable and half the price of the Luno but only comes in a one-size-fits-all model.
Sleeping pads, like the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap, are lightweight, durable, roll up small for easy storage, and are effortless to set up since you just need to roll them out and let them self-inflate. However, because they are not as thick as a regular air mattress, they may not be ideal for side sleepers who need more support.
Our personal favorite is the D-Hive Sleeping Pad, which is similar to the more expensive Exped MegaMat Auto sleeping pad. Both are durable, well-insulated, and self-inflating/deflating, meaning you won’t have to fumble around with a pump (though you might want to top them off with a pump for extra support). We found the D-Hive sleeping pad more comfortable than air mattresses we’ve slept on before! However, the downside to these two pads compared to regular sleeping pads is that they are thicker and aren’t as compact when tucked away, requiring more storage space than even an air mattress.
Rooftop Basket vs. Rooftop Cargo Box
There are many factors to consider if you want to utilize your roof for storage, and both a rooftop basket and a rooftop cargo box are great solutions. The first question you need to ask is: What are you planning to store on the roof? The biggest appeal of rooftop cargo boxes, like the Thule Force XT, is their airtight, hardshell protection from the elements, but not all gear fits in a cargo box and they are usually on the more expensive side.
With a rooftop basket, you can stack more oddly shaped gear, install a rooftop bag to protect items from the elements, and benefit from metal sides that help keep your gear in place and prevent it from falling off the roof. Rooftop baskets are the more budget-friendly choice for car campers, but the downside is that items are more vulnerable to theft and exposure to the elements.
This is why we used a rooftop basket and bag combination, which protected our gear from harsh rains and winds. You can also use a lock to secure items in the bag. The best rooftop baskets are the Thule Canyon XT and the Yakima LoadWarrior, and the best roof bag is the MeeFar Roof Bag.
You could also consider a DIY approach with the MaxxHaul Steel Basket, which is what we did since it’s much cheaper than the other two options; however, it requires a little TLC. The MaxxHaul is more prone to rust due to its thin metal coating, but spraying the basket a few times with truck liner spray and applying some silicon will make it waterproof.
Curtains vs. Reflectix Window Covers
No one wants a stranger peeking in while they’re sleeping. Car campers can create privacy by installing window curtains or window covers, but which is the best option?
Window curtains are fairly easy to make (or you can buy some on Amazon) and can be permanently installed on the window, making it effortless to get ready for bed. However, window covers made from Reflectix provide better temperature control due to Reflectix’s reflective ability to keep hot sun rays out of the car. You can purchase rolls of Reflectix from department stores or on Amazon.
Some people like to add black fabric to one side of the cover so that the covers (and those sleeping in the car) aren’t visible from the outside, which is important for stealth camping. The downside of window covers is that they aren’t permanently installed, so you’ll have to find a place to store them when they’re not in use. We made our own covers out of Reflectix and black fabric, and they work great.
For those who don’t feel like getting crafty, WeatherTech sells custom-fit window covers for a variety of vehicle makes and models. However, they are a bit on the expensive side.
Car Camping Essentials
Car camping essentials vary widely based on the person, weather, and destination, but here is a list of necessities to get you started.
Portable Power Station
A portable power station is essential for keeping your electronics, such as phones and laptops, charged, especially since running your car all night isn’t an option without risking a dead battery. It can also support portable fridges, allowing you to upgrade your food storage system from a cooler. Thanks to new technology, portable fridges use very little energy, allowing some fully charged portable battery stations to last two days or more when connected to them.
When choosing a portable power station, look for one that is quiet, offers fast charging, and is reliable and compact while providing the wattage you need. The EcoFlow River Pro is a standout option for its fast charging capabilities. If you’re seeking something for lower power needs and have limited space, the Jackery E300 is a good choice, as it’s lightweight and compact. For those planning longer camping trips where more power is necessary, the BLUETTI AC200L offers ample charging port options and an impressive usage time, making it ideal for extended adventures.
If you want to extend your car camping trip beyond two days, consider pairing the power station with a portable solar panel, like the Renogy 200W Portable Solar Panel, which allows you to recharge the station even when you don’t have access to an outlet—perfect for off-grid living.
Headlamp/Lantern
A headlamp or lantern is useful in various situations, such as walking in the dark to the bathroom, cleaning up your cooking station after sunset, or providing light in your car without draining the battery by using the vehicle’s lights. For a reliable budget option, the Black Diamond Astro 300 is simple, compact, and lightweight, yet it offers impressive lumen power. If you’re looking for something rechargeable, the Petzl Actik Core delivers a powerful 600 lumens and features multiple beam modes. For those who prefer solar energy or want a handheld light source, the Kizen Solar Lantern is the way to go; it’s a very compact and lightweight option that can be powered by USB or solar energy for illumination.
Fan
Fans are a great way to provide ventilation in your car and keep you cool in the hot summer months. Most car campers use two fans, one for each back window. Fans are a great way to provide ventilation in your car and keep you cool during the hot summer months. For our car camping setup, we chose the Amacool F120, a USB rechargeable portable fan with a hang hook that we attached to the grab handle. It also features multiple speed settings, LED lighting, and a battery charge that lasted throughout the night.
Window Screens
Window screens are essential for aiding ventilation while keeping pesky bugs out of the car. Consider using Qualizzi screens, which come in different sizes and are made with high-quality breathable mesh to make sure you stay bug-free without sacrificing airflow.
Rain/Wind Deflectors
Deflectors allow you to crack open the window a bit for ventilation without letting rain into the vehicle. Every car is different so be sure to find deflectors made specifically for your car.
Camping Chair
Wherever your adventures take you, you’ll want a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy the view while eating or relaxing. Foldable camping chairs provide the perfect solution, allowing you to unwind without taking up too much space. For a lightweight and compact option, the Helinox Chair One is a solid choice, requiring minimal storage while still delivering good quality. If you want a bit more comfort with a cozy rocking motion, the GCI Outdoor Rocker is perfect for kicking back after a long day of exploring.
First Aid Kit
Prioritizing safety on the road means having a well-stocked first aid kit with essentials like bandages, gauze, disposable gloves, tweezers, an instant ice pack, and scissors. We recommend avoiding storing ointments and medications in a hot car, as heat can damage them. Instead, keep them in an insulated lunch bag or insulated food jar to maintain a cool temperature. The General Medi 2-in-1 First Aid Kit is a great option that covers a wide range of basic safety needs.
Portable Jump Starter
In case your battery dies, a reliable and powerful jump starter is essential to get your vehicle going again. Always charge your portable jump starter ahead of time so it’s ready when you need it. The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 and GOOLOO GP4000 are both excellent choices for emergencies.
Portable Tire Inflators
A portable tire inflator can quickly address low tire pressure before it leads to more serious issues. It’s also handy for inflating bicycles, water floats, or sports balls. We found the AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator to be a good option for quickly inflating tires while being compact and portable.
Portable Toilets
A portable toilet offers a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic alternative to using nature as a toilet, which can harm the environment. The TRITRIPS portable toilet is compact, retractable, and adjustable in height, so it’s durable and easy to transport. For a more comfortable seat, the lightweight and foldable Ann Katy option is also a great choice.
Portable Shower
Staying clean while car camping can be challenging, especially if you’re relying on baby wipes and sponge baths, which aren’t sustainable long-term. While some campers sign up for gym memberships or use apps to find public showers, a portable shower allows you to be self-sufficient, especially in remote areas. The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is a budget-friendly option requiring only a bucket for a proper shower setup. For more features, consider the Ridgewinder Portable Shower or the Geyser System Portable Shower and Cleaning Kit, which even lets you enjoy warm showers without relying on sunlight. The Advanced Elements Solar Shower bag is another excellent option, naturally heating water with sunlight.
Portable Stove
A portable stove gives you the flexibility to cook hot meals anywhere, without relying solely on a campfire or wood. It’s also great for boiling water. We chose the Gas One GS-3400P one-burner stove for its versatility, as it uses both propane and butane, which is useful when you’re unsure which fuel will be available. If you have more people to feed and the space, consider the Coleman Triton+, which has two burners and runs on propane.
Portable Table
A portable table is essential when camping in remote locations, offering space for eating, meal preparation, and cooking, while also serving as a convenient gear storage area. The Coleman Compact Aluminum Table is a small, sturdy, and space-saving option with a roll-top design that makes it easy to set up and pack away.
Pop-Up Privacy Tent
A pop-up privacy tent provides a private space for changing clothes, showering, using the toilet, or storing camping gear. Lightweight and compact, these tents are easy to transport. The Wakeman Pop-Up Pod is a popular option for meeting these needs.
Awning
While an awning may seem like a luxury, it becomes essential in places like the western U.S., where shade can be hard to find during peak summer. Although it requires considerable storage space, an awning creates a comfortable outdoor living area for relaxing, socializing, and cooking while protecting you from the elements. There are a variety of camping awnings available, including ones that attach to the roof rack like the Kelty Sideroads Awning and others such as Kelty Waypoint Tarp that attach to the hatchback.
Water Storage
Water is crucial for survival, especially when camping in remote areas where access to fresh water may be limited. For a 2-3 day trip, aim for a minimum of 5 gallons to cover drinking, cleaning, cooking, and washing up. This Scepter 5-Gallon Water Container or the Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon Container are both excellent options for ensuring you stay hydrated and prepared.
Collapsible Bin/Bucket
Small buckets and bins are incredibly useful for carrying water and washing dishes, while taking up minimal storage space. This 2.4-Gallon Collapsible Basin and the 2.6 Gallon Collapsible Bucket are both handy options for easy cleanup.
Tips for Car Camping
Learn from our mistakes as experienced car campers and follow these tips for a seamless car camping experience.
Service, Secure, and Fill
Before setting off for your trip or even packing, get your vehicle serviced to ensure peace of mind on the road and avoid breakdowns. Double-check to ensure all items are strapped down tightly and won’t move during transit, as a hard brake or accident could send items flying forward, causing serious injury to passengers. Ratchet straps are a great tool to secure items both inside and outside the car. Lastly, always fill your tank completely; you never know how far away the next gas station is, especially in the western U.S.
Push Seats Forward
It’s crucial to utilize all the space you can and maximize your sleeping area by pushing the front seats all the way forward and storing items on them and on the floor. However, ensure your driver’s seat is upright and accessible in case of an emergency. If you have one, move items to the rooftop basket or cargo box to create more space to move around.
Protect Temperature-Sensitive Items
If you have items susceptible to hot or cold weather, like toothpaste, condoms, medications, and lotions, use a lunchbox or insulated canister to store them when not in use. It’s also a good idea to freeze meals and bottles before putting them in a cooler or fridge, as they help keep the insulated space cold without using as much energy. Frozen foods and drinks also make less of a watery mess, stay frozen longer than ice, and allow you to enjoy a cold, refreshing drink even after a few days.
Properly Set Up Camp
When finding a place to set up camp for the night, look for the flattest ground possible so you and your partner aren’t rolling into each other or sleeping on a slope all night. Leveling blocks are a good investment for creating a stable setup on uneven terrain, helping keep your vehicle balanced for a more comfortable night’s rest.
Regardless of where you stay, always cover and lock items like bikes and kayaks when sleeping or away from the car to keep honest people honest. Don’t make it obvious that you’re sleeping in your car and store valuables like tablets and wallets out of sight when away, as this could make you a target for theft.
Don’t Limit Yourself to Campgrounds
Some car campers only stay in paid campgrounds, but don’t limit yourself by thinking this way. Overnight parking lots, BLM land, or even stealth camping in cities can be just as good—and free!
Setting Up a Stealth Camp
If you’re staying in a location where you need to stealth camp, set up your sleeping area before arriving at the spot. Avoid turning on lights, so pull up just before going to bed, and never sleep in the same location two nights in a row if it’s not a designated camping spot.
Storage & Organization Tips
A disorganized car can be a headache, especially when space is limited. Avoid shuffling items around by using see-through storage bins to easily stack and access items. For example, use one bin for clothes, another for kitchen tools and utensils, and another for bathroom supplies and miscellaneous items. Organize by use so you don’t have to dig through multiple bins. Food bins should be separated into perishable and non-perishable items, with heavier items at the bottom.
Packing cubes are fantastic for organizing clothes, as they are mesh and small enough to tuck into tight spaces. If you’re bringing multiple pairs of shoes, consider a hanging shoe rack or suction-cup caddies for flip-flops, toiletries, or other items. The best car campers convert unused space into storage areas, which can be done with rear car seat organizers, car cargo nets, and other car organizing gadgets.
Useful Apps and Websites for Car Camping
Here are our top picks of apps and websites to streamline your car camping experience:
- iOverlander: This travel app has a database for finding campsites, hotels, overnight parking, propane filling, showers, and many more places that road trippers may need to find. It has a great interactive map for saving locations and creating custom itineraries.
- Recreation.gov: This free and official government app helps you find and book campsites, tours, and experiences in and around national parks, forests, and other federal recreation sites. You can reserve campsites, pay entrance fees, buy day-use tickets, and manage reservations.
- Hipcamp: The ultimate app for finding unique camping spots such as glamping sites, cabin rentals, RV parks, and treehouses, with photos and reviews from users. It functions like an Airbnb for camping, working directly with landowners to offer a comprehensive list of hidden gems along the road.
- FreeCampsites.net: A community-based website for finding free and affordable campsites, primarily on public land. It also includes user reviews and up-to-date photos.
- Roadtrippers: A great app not just for finding campsites but for planning all your road trip activities. Users can create custom itineraries using an interactive map, including attractions, campsites, pit stops, viewpoints, and more. The app provides turn-by-turn directions to your next destination and lets you explore travel guides and itineraries from other users for inspiration.
Where You Can Go Car Camping
In the U.S., there are several options for overnight parking and car camping. These include areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS), along with other public lands such as state, city, and county parks, and lands run by smaller federal agencies. Many business parking lots are popular for overnight parking as well, including Walmart, 24-hour fitness centers, home improvement stores, Cracker Barrel, and casinos. Highway rest stops are great for car camping, as are truck stops like Love’s, TA Travel Centers of America, and Pilot. Some neighborhoods and backstreets allow overnight parking; however, make sure it’s a safe area to sleep in. It can be hard to tell if you’re on private land or in a no-parking zone, so carefully check for signage and trust your instincts. If it feels unsafe, move. Don’t risk it just for a place to stay!
FAQ About Car Camping
Is Car Camping Safe?
Car camping is arguably safer than traditional camping, but both require you to trust your instincts. Location plays a key role in safety, so avoid parking in sketchy neighborhoods and opt for lots with CCTV cameras or other overnight campers. Staying in established campgrounds or state parks adds an extra layer of security. Remember, you can lock a car but not a tent, so which would make you feel safer?
Is Car Camping Comfortable?
Car camping can be very comfortable if you take the time to create an organized and cozy space. The key to comfort is utilizing all the available space in the car and investing in a good sleeping area.
Where Can I Car Camp Legally?
In the U.S., you can car camp legally in state, city, and county parks, as well as in large business parking lots, rest stops, truck stops, and public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). However, always check for signs that indicate otherwise.
How Do I Shower While Car Camping?
There are several options for staying clean while car camping. You can invest in a shower bag that sits on top of your car with a showerhead and hose attached. You might also consider a shower tent or installing a shower system in your trunk. Other options include truck stop bathrooms, fitness centers, lakes, rivers, and campsite showers.
Can I Reserve Car Camping Spots?
In short, no—you cannot reserve spots on public land or in parking lots. The only places you can reserve are paid campgrounds. However, if you’re worried about a lot filling up, arrive before sundown to secure a spot. After dark, most overnight campers are already settled in.
The world of car camping is as liberating as it sounds, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Prepare for your trip in advance and follow these tips to ensure the best car camping experience possible!
