It’s the holiday season! For many of us that means taking a roadtrip to see friends and family. That also means a long, arduous journey that quickly turns us into weary travelers. Instead of booking an expensive hotel room or binging on caffeine to stay awake while driving, try car camping (yes, camping inside your car)! Car camping is an economical and fun alternative to typical accomodations while you’re on the road. With some foresight and a few additions to your vehicle, you too can enjoy the benefits of car camping.

Why camp in your car?

It’s cheaper than a hotel room – and no reservations needed!

It provides flexibility on long trips and allows for spontaneity.

If you’ve been drinking, it’s safer than driving home.

It’s adventurous and fun!

Car Camping Tips and Considerations

Car camping at a rest stop (with bonus sleepy puppy)

Since you will be more exposed to the elements and public places, there are some things you’ll need to take into account to make sure you can camp safely and successfully.

Know where you can and can’t park. These are some locations that are typically safe for car camping: Big box store parking lots. In large parking lots that don’t have pay parking, you’re likely to not be bothered. The more discreet you are, the better. Plus, if you park at a 24 hour store like Walmart, you will have bathrooms right nearby. For more tips on this, check out A Guide to Car-Camping – in Walmart Parking Lots from The Morning Fresh. Rest stops. That’s what they’re for! Public parks. Beware of parks that close at sunset. Churches and other religious buildings. Residential neighborhoods. Don’t park too close to any houses – you don’t want homeowners to notice you and get concerned. Pick the most inconspicuous spot you can. Always check signage and be aware of laws or policies related to car camping before settling in for the night.

These are some locations that are typically safe for car camping: Always check signage and be aware of laws or policies related to car camping before settling in for the night. Locate the nearest bathrooms. You won’t want to search for them in the middle of the night, so know where they are ahead of time. It’s always a good idea to keep toilet paper packed in case there are no facilities.

You won’t want to search for them in the middle of the night, so know where they are ahead of time. It’s always a good idea to keep toilet paper packed in case there are no facilities. Ventilation is crucial. Keep the windows cracked slighty, even if it’s really cold. Airflow will prevent you waking up to a damp, muggy cabin. Keeping a small battery operated fan on also helps, especially during warmer months.

Keep the windows cracked slighty, even if it’s really cold. Airflow will prevent you waking up to a damp, muggy cabin. Keeping a small battery operated fan on also helps, especially during warmer months. Sleep in the back seat OR fold your back seats down to sleep in the back of the car. Take advantage of lying down if you can – it will be more comfortable that sleeping upright in a seat. Also, make sure that your head is positioned at whichever end of the car is higher up to prevent waking up with a headache.

Take advantage of lying down if you can – it will be more comfortable that sleeping upright in a seat. Also, make sure that your head is positioned at whichever end of the car is higher up to prevent waking up with a headache. Roof storage is a lifesaver. If you have room in your budget, invest in rooftop storage, like a Thule or another type of rack. It will keep your extra supplies out of the way, leaving you with more room to get comfortable.



If you have room in your budget, invest in rooftop storage, like a Thule or another type of rack. It will keep your extra supplies out of the way, leaving you with more room to get comfortable. Carry a method of self-defense. I keep a form of self-defense with me for peace of mind and in case any snoopers come along. Setting off your car alarm at the first sign of danger is also effective to scare off any unwanted visitors.

I keep a form of self-defense with me for peace of mind and in case any snoopers come along. Setting off your car alarm at the first sign of danger is also effective to scare off any unwanted visitors. Be ready to flee quickly. If you end up in a place where you aren’t supposed to park, be ready to leave to avoid trouble. Keep the driver’s seat clear so you can take off immediately.

Car Camping Supplies

You can typically sleep in your car without too much equipment. However, I’ve found the following supplies to be quite helpful for camping more comfortably and conveniently.

Sleeping pad/mattress. There are many options here depending on your budget and the size of your car. I’ve tried out the following: Good: Blankets. Grab 2 or 3 blankets. Use a couple to line the area where you will sleep and the remaining ones as covers. Heated blankets for the car will keep you toasty in the winter. Better: A self-inflating mat, sleeping pad, or sleeping bag. Best: SUV air mattress. Yes, they make air mattresses designed specifically for cars! I highly recommend this SUV air mattress on Amazon. It fits perfectly in my Subaru Crosstrek, and I’ve also leant it to friends with smaller cars who say it’s been a good fit for them too.

There are many options here depending on your budget and the size of your car. I’ve tried out the following: “Car-go” Net. This is a little trick I came up with to create extra storage that’s easily accessible while sleeping in the car. Take a small cargo net (15" x 30" works well) and hook it to the ceiling handles of your car. You now have an instant storage area for light items such as pillows, clothes, or water bottles. “Car-go” net for extra storage

This is a little trick I came up with to create extra storage that’s easily accessible while sleeping in the car. Take a small cargo net (15" x 30" works well) and hook it to the ceiling handles of your car. You now have an instant storage area for light items such as pillows, clothes, or water bottles. Warm clothes. Even during the warmer times of year, don’t underestimate how low the temperature can dip at night. Keep one more layer than you think you’ll need – you may thank yourself later.

Even during the warmer times of year, don’t underestimate how low the temperature can dip at night. Keep one more layer than you think you’ll need – you may thank yourself later. Window shades and/or privacy curtains. Privacy is a compromise made when car camping, but using sunshades or curtains can help create a private space. You can also hang sheets or towels. Sunshades and ShadeSox for privacy

You’re now ready to hit the road. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the adventurousness and sponteneity of car camping!