Car Camping for Beginners: A How-To Guide
Car camping is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to road trip, offering the freedom to travel on your own schedule while still enjoying the great outdoors. It’s perfect for spontaneous adventures, overnight stops between destinations, or even extended trips where you want to keep things simple. Unlike traditional tent camping, car camping eliminates the hassle of setting up and breaking down a campsite, making it especially ideal for one-night stays when you’re just passing through.
Whether you're pulling into a scenic overlook, spending the night in a national park, or staying at a designated campsite, having the right gear can turn your car into a cozy, functional home on wheels. A comfortable sleep setup, smart organization, and a few key essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a restful and stress-free experience.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about car camping as a beginner, from choosing the best sleep system to storage solutions and safety tips, so you can hit the road with confidence and make the most of your car camping adventure!
A night of backseat car camping on the Icefields Parkway
Frontseat car camping in Denali National Park
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1. How to Sleep in Your Car: The Ultimate Comfort Setup
Sleeping in your car is way easier than setting up a tent. Just park, set up your bed, and you’re good to go! But comfort is key if you’re planning more than one night on the road. A few simple upgrades make all the difference between waking up refreshed or feeling like you just napped in an airport chair.
What You Need for Sleeping in Your Car
A foam mattress or sleeping pad placed on a flat surface, like your car's folded-down back seats, provides a much more comfortable sleeping experience than simply reclining your seat.
A warm sleeping bag or layered blankets are essential, as temperatures can drop unexpectedly, even in summer. Pack a “Bed in a Bag” with a sleeping bag or sheets and a cozy blanket or comforter for plenty of warmth. If you're sensitive to light, also pack an eye mask, and if noise bothers you, a compact white noise machine can help ensure a restful sleep.
Bring your pillow (not just a balled-up hoodie!). It’s a game-changer and makes a huge difference in sleep quality, whether you're parked for the night or catching a quick nap on a long drive. Our favorite pillow? This one. While it’s not the most travel-friendly on its own, pair it with this compact pillow carrier, and you can take it anywhere with ease!
Window covers or curtains can block out light and give you privacy when car camping for more than one night.
Best Sleeping Gear for Car Camping
We’ve experienced a variety of car camping setups, from cramming into the front seat at an airport garage, to rolling into a campground late and sleeping upright in the front seats of a sedan, to full-on cozy arrangements in the back with a sleeping pad, sheets, a comforter, and pillows from home.
The truth is, you don’t need fancy gear, or any gear at all, to start car camping. Sometimes, just pulling into a safe spot and getting some rest before continuing your road trip is all you need. But if you’re planning to spend more than a night in your car or want to make your setup more comfortable, here are some helpful essentials to get started.
Foam Mattress. Consider a portable foam mat that can fold up when not in use.
Sleeping Pad: For a more luxurious car camping setup, consider the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing. It’s self-inflating and cushy.
Window Covers: Try these from Amazon or custom-fit WeatherTech Sunshades for privacy and temperature regulation.
DIY Curtain Option: Use old clothing, sheets, or blackout fabric for on-the-go privacy.
Back Seat Gap Filler: If your legs dangle uncomfortably over the edge of the backseat while you’re trying to sleep, it can make it hard to get proper rest. A back seat gap filler, like an inflatable mattress or a mattress extension plate, helps extend the sleeping surface, giving you more room to stretch out.
Car Roof Storage: On an extended road trip, luggage and gear can quickly take up valuable space inside your vehicle, making it harder to set up a comfortable sleeping area. A car roof storage solution, like the one we use on our Prius roof, helps free up space by keeping bulky items out of the way, allowing you to stretch out and relax more easily. It’s a great investment for maximizing comfort and organization on the road.
Car Charger for Electronics: When you’re car camping, your vehicle serves as both your transportation and your home base, making a reliable power source for electronics crucial. A car charger ensures that your phone, GPS, camera, or other essential devices stay powered up, whether you’re navigating to your next stop, capturing memories, or just unwinding with a podcast or audiobook before bed.
2. How to Stay Warm (or Cool) While Car Camping
Weather can be unpredictable when car camping, and since your vehicle isn’t as insulated as a house or high-quality tent, staying warm in the cold and cool in the heat requires a bit of planning. Here’s how to stay comfortable in any conditions.
How to Stay Warm Sleeping in Your Car:
Layer Up: Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers, including thermal base layers, fleece, and insulated socks. Avoid cotton, as it traps moisture and can make you colder. We love Darn Tough wool stocks and merino wool base layers from companies like Ridge Merino or Unbound Merino.
Use Insulated Bedding: A sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, layered with blankets or a comforter, helps trap body heat. Adding a foam mattress or sleeping pad provides insulation from the cold air beneath you.
Trap Heat in Your Car: Use reflective sunshades or insulated window covers to keep warmth inside. Covering the windows also helps with privacy.
Ventilation Matters: Crack a window slightly to prevent condensation buildup, which can make the interior feel damp and colder.
Stay Dry: Wet clothes or damp bedding can quickly lead to heat loss. Change into dry clothes before sleeping and store gear in waterproof bags if necessary.
How to Stay Cool in Your Car:
Maximize Airflow: Crack the windows or use magnetic or mesh window screens to let fresh air in while keeping bugs out.
Use Reflective Sunshades: Cover your windshield and windows with sunshades to block heat during the day and keep the interior cooler.
Park Strategically: Choose a shaded area when possible and avoid parking on asphalt, which retains heat.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help regulate your body temperature and prevent dehydration.
Sleep on Breathable Bedding: Instead of heavy blankets, opt for moisture-wicking sheets and a lightweight sleeping bag or travel-friendly cooling blanket.
Use a Battery-Powered Fan: A small, rechargeable fan can make a big difference in air circulation and comfort during warm nights.
Take Advantage of Cooler Night Air: If it’s significantly cooler at night, open all the doors or windows before bed to let hot air escape, then close them as temperatures drop.
3. How to Stay Organized While Car Camping
Car camping is much more enjoyable when everything is organized, as a cluttered setup can quickly turn into a frustrating mess. Without a system in place, you’ll find yourself constantly digging through a pile of gear just to find the essentials. Keeping your space tidy not only makes it easier to access what you need but also maximizes comfort and efficiency, allowing you to focus on the adventure instead of the chaos.
Best Ways to Keep Your Car Organized On The Road:
Use Storage Bins & Packing Cubes: Stackable plastic bins or collapsible storage containers help keep everything sorted and easy to access. Designate bins for specific categories like clothing and sleeping gear. Packing cubes are also great for keeping clothes organized and preventing them from getting scattered.
Create an Easy-Access Setup: Keep the items you use most frequently, like snacks, water, a flashlight, or toiletries, within reach in a small tote, glove compartment, or seatback organizer. This saves you from rummaging through bins for things you need multiple times a day.
Maximize Vertical Space: Hanging organizers that attach to the back of seats or car doors are great for storing small essentials like phone chargers, books, or hygiene items. Using collapsible shelves or stacking bins can also help create more structure inside the car.
Keep Sleeping & Daily Gear Separate: Your sleep setup should be easy to access and quick to set up, so store bedding in a designated spot rather than buried under other gear. A compact “Bed in a Bag” system, where you bundle your sleeping bag, blankets, and pillow together, makes setting up and packing up faster.
Utilize Under-Seat & Roof Storage: Use the space under your seats for extra storage, like keeping shoes, emergency gear, or a small tool kit tucked away. If you have more gear than can comfortably fit inside, consider a rooftop cargo box to keep bulky items out of the way while freeing up room for sleeping.
Keep Food & Cooking Supplies Organized: A dedicated food bin with labeled sections for dry goods, snacks, and utensils prevents a messy setup. Use a separate cooler for perishables and keep it easily accessible for quick meal prep. If cooking regularly, a small folding table can create a convenient outdoor kitchen space.
Have a Designated Trash & Recycling System: A small, sealable trash bag or hanging car trash bin helps keep your space clean and prevents clutter from piling up. For longer trips, a separate bag for recyclables makes it easy to dispose of waste properly when you find a recycling station.
Reset Your Setup Daily: Take a few minutes each day to tidy up your space by folding blankets, repacking storage bins, and throwing away trash. A quick daily reset keeps your car from becoming a disaster zone and makes the next night’s setup much smoother.
Our setup at the Lake Louise Soft-Sided Campground. You can see the storage bag on the roof, some clothing drying on the car door, and our sleeping setup.
4. Staying Fresh On The Road: Car Camping Hygiene Hacks
Car camping doesn’t mean having to feel uncomfortable. With a few simple hygiene hacks, you can stay fresh and clean, even when showers are scarce.
Here’s how to maintain good hygiene while car camping.
Pack the Essentials: A small toiletry bag with travel-sized hygiene products makes a huge difference. Some essentials to consider include biodegradable wipes for quick body wipes when showers aren’t available, soap sheets, dry shampoo to keep your hair feeling fresh between washes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss for maintaining oral hygiene, deodorant to stay fresh throughout the day, and a compact microfiber towel that dries quickly.
Find Showers on the Road: When you need a proper wash, look for shower options along your route. Many truck stops (like Love’s or Pilot) have clean, private showers available for a small fee. Some gyms, like Planet Fitness, offer nationwide memberships with access to showers. Campgrounds and public parks often have pay-per-use or free showers.
Stay Fresh Between Showers: If you can’t find a shower, a wipe-down routine works wonders. Use baby wipes or body wipes to freshen up your underarms, face, and anywhere else that needs it. A washcloth and warm water also work well for a quick refresh.
Take Care of Your Hair: Washing your hair every day isn’t practical while car camping, but dry shampoo can absorb oil and extend the time between washes. If you need a rinse, use a leave-in conditioner spray to refresh your hair, or try a quick wash using a collapsible bucket and biodegradable soap.
Manage Laundry on the Go: Wearing moisture-wicking and odor-resistant clothes, like merino wool, can reduce the need for frequent washes. Laundromats or campground facilities can keep your clothes fresh when your laundry piles up. Hanging damp clothes to dry overnight prevents mildew and musty smells.
Keep Your Space Clean: A clean car = a fresh-feeling experience. Shake out bedding regularly, sweep out dirt and crumbs, and store trash in a sealed bag to avoid odors. Airing out your car daily also helps prevent mustiness from building up inside.
5. Safety & Security While Sleeping in Your Car
Car camping is a fun and flexible way to travel, but safety should always come first. Whether you’re camping in remote areas, urban settings, or rest stops along the highway, taking a few precautions can help you feel secure and prepared for any situation.
Here’s how to stay safe while sleeping in your car.
Choose a Safe Parking Spot: Where you park for the night plays a big role in safety. Look for well-lit, legal, and low-traffic areas, such as designated campgrounds, retail parking lots that allow overnight parking, and busy rest stops or truck stops. Avoid sketchy, dark, or isolated areas, and always trust your instincts. If something feels off, move to a different location.
Lock Your Doors & Keep Windows Secure: Always lock your doors when sleeping, and crack windows just enough for ventilation while still keeping them secure. If you’re worried about privacy, use reflective sunshades, DIY window covers, or dark fabric to block visibility.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Store wallets, electronics, and other valuables out of sight, like in a locked glove compartment or under a seat.
Carry Basic Self-Defense & Safety Gear: While most car camping experiences are trouble-free, it’s good to have a few safety tools on hand, such as a flashlight or headlamp for visibility at night, bear spray or pepper spray (if legal in your area) for self-defense, a personal alarm to deter threats and alert others in an emergency, or a whistle as a backup noise deterrent.
Stay Aware of Weather Conditions: Check the weather before parking for the night. Extreme cold can lead to frostbite, while extreme heat can be dangerous without proper ventilation. If camping in high winds, avoid parking under trees or near loose debris.
Be Mindful of Wildlife: In areas with wildlife, especially in national parks, store food in sealed containers or park-provided food storage lockers. Many animals have a powerful sense of smell and are highly attracted to food and scented toiletries.
Have a Backup Communication Plan: If you're camping in remote areas, cell service may be limited. A satellite communicator, like a Garmin InReach, can be a lifesaver for sending emergency messages. Otherwise, let a friend or family member know your location and check in regularly.
Car Camping FAQs
1. Where can you legally sleep in your car?
You can generally sleep in your car at designated campgrounds, national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, some Walmart and Cabela’s parking lots, certain rest stops, and truck stops. Always check local laws, as some cities prohibit overnight car sleeping.
2. How do you make sleeping in a car more comfortable?
A foam mattress, sleeping pad, or inflatable car mattress provides better support than reclining your seat. Layer with a warm sleeping bag, blankets, and pillows for extra comfort. Using window covers or blackout curtains helps with privacy and temperature control.
3. How do you stay warm while car camping?
Dress in warm layers, use an insulated sleeping bag, and add a sleeping pad to prevent cold from seeping up through the car floor. Hand warmers can provide extra warmth, and insulating window covers help retain heat.
4. How do you stay cool in hot weather?
Crack your windows slightly for ventilation, use mesh window screens to keep bugs out, and park in shaded areas when possible. A small battery-powered fan and moisture-wicking bedding can help keep you cool at night.
5. How do you find safe places to park overnight?
Choose well-lit, low-traffic areas like campgrounds, truck stops, and designated overnight parking lots. Apps like iOverlander, FreeCampsites.net, Campendium, and The Dyrt can help you find safe and legal car camping spots.
6. What should be on my car camping food list?
Opt for simple, easy-to-prep meals that don’t require refrigeration or extensive cooking. Essentials include instant oatmeal, granola bars, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, trail mix, jerky, nuts, crackers, dried fruit, water, instant coffee, and electrolyte packets.
7. Can you car camp with a tent?
Yes! Many car campers bring a tent for added flexibility. A traditional ground tent can give you more room to stretch out while keeping your car for storage. Rooftop tents can attach to your car’s roof rack, offering a comfortable, elevated sleeping area. An SUV tent attachment connects to the back of an SUV, extending your sleeping and storage space.
8. How do you plan a car camping road trip?
Car camping is an excellent way to road trip, offering flexibility and a budget-friendly approach to travel. To plan, start by mapping your route using apps like Google Maps to find scenic routes with reliable camping spots. Research overnight stops in advance, including campgrounds, national forests, BLM land, or free parking locations where car camping is permitted. Plan for fuel and food stops along the way, ensuring you have access to gas stations and grocery stores as needed.
9. How do you stay fresh and maintain hygiene on the road?
Use biodegradable wipes, soap sheets, dry shampoo, and a microfiber towel for quick cleanups. Invest in high-quality merino wool clothing that is odor-resistant. Many truck stops, gyms, and campgrounds offer showers. Keeping a small toiletry kit handy makes daily hygiene easier.
10. Is car camping safe?
Yes, as long as you take basic precautions. Lock your doors, keep valuables out of sight, and park in well-lit, low-risk areas. Have a quick exit plan in case of emergencies, and always trust your gut if a location doesn’t feel right.
11. Do I need a special type of car to go car camping?
No, you can car camp in almost any vehicle, though SUVs, minivans, and hatchbacks offer more space for sleeping. If camping in a sedan, folding down the back seats or using a back seat gap filler can make sleeping more comfortable.
12. What’s the best way to keep electronics charged?
A USB car charger, portable power bank, or power inverter can keep your devices charged. If camping off-grid, a small solar panel can provide additional power.
13. Can you car camp with pets?
Yes! Make sure they have proper ventilation, enough space, and a comfortable sleeping area. Always bring water, food, and waste disposal bags. In hot weather, never leave pets in the car unattended.
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Happy Travels!
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