Car camping isn’t just an all-American pastime-it’s also one of the best ways to put your survival skills to the test. When camping, you can hone your bug-out bags, get used to sleeping outside, and practice foraging for food.
With just a few changes, you can convert your vehicle into a safe, secure shelter that travels with you wherever you go, and you don’t need to “break the bank!”
Table of contents
Why Car Camp?
With so many high-tech tents and campers, car camping has become less popular. However, car camping has many benefits over sleeping in a tent or pulling a trailer.
Security
Car camping offers you more security than a standard tent. While a nylon shelter may keep the wind and rain out, it won’t do much to keep animals or intruders at bay. A car with steel doors and a shatterproof windshield offers better protection.
Security is also a factor to consider if you’re camping in popular areas or spending the night at a rest stop. Camping in a car will offer greater security from other humans than many camping trailers, including locking doors and a theft alarm.
Portability
This is an obvious benefit. Spending the night in your car allows you to haul a lot more gear. Lawn chairs, sun shades, barbecues, and more – bring it all!
Then, set up beds in the cargo area after you have packed away your camp into plastic totes. I have several of these – three for longer-term items and one for same-day items.
One note on staying organized. If everything has a place, you can move much more quickly. Keeping things put away when not being used also offers that much less for thieves to take.
Temperature Control
One benefit of camping in a car is temperature control. This is especially beneficial in the winter when you can turn on the heat if it is brutally cold. This can be the difference between life and death in some instances.
Saving Money
During Covid, I’ve done a lot of hiking and backpacking closer to home, and I have been surprised at the number of people I have seen car camping in small remote parking areas and dispersed camping areas.
Car camping is much more economical than staying in a motel or hotel, especially if you only want a quick bed for the night. Even car camping in a campground with amenities like showers and power is often half the cost of a hotel.
If you plan to sleep in your car, make sure you pick a safe and legal location. There are several options for car camping, but wherever you park, make sure to lock your doors and, in some cases, park in a well-lit area.
- Rest stops are convenient but not always safe and can be noisy.
- Big Box stores will often allow cars and RV’s to use their parking lots (Wal-Mart, Cabella, etc.) Check online as locations may vary.
- Dispersed Camping is free on public lands for 7-21 days and often in beautiful locations.
- State Park campgrounds are usually very reasonable.
Car camping has a lot of advantages. It may not be the most spacious arrangement, but it’s certainly the most convenient.
If you decide you need a little more space, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a tent. Kelty makes a great car camping tent that is not only reasonably priced but is going to last you for years.
You can also look at some of my other car camping tent reviews if you want more space.
The Best Vehicles for Car Camping
Not every car is built for car camping, especially for more than one person. However, some cars were made for the journey and the destination.
Honestly, most any SUV will work for car camping, but I have some favorites.
- Chevrolet Suburban – Roomy
- Toyota Tacoma – Rugged and dependable
- Subaru Forrester – Economical, roomy
If you are going to park your car at a trailhead and then backpack, give some thought to what you choose. You don’t want to be a target for thieves, but you also want to make sure your vehicle is reliable and will start when you return.
Car Camping Gear: Basic Essentials
Now that you’ve figured out which car you’re going to be camping in, you’ll want to make sure it’s well-stocked with the necessary supplies. There are several primary items to pack that will ensure you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress
Even if you have the room for a plush air mattress, they can be a PIA when car camping. They will take up the entire back half of the car, and you will probably have to carry an air pump or compressor to inflate them.
If you are determined to get a mattress, you can look at these reviews, but if you want something more practical and almost as comfortable, consider an air pad.
There are a lot of good air pads on the market, but if you want to balance budget and quality, check out the Lightspeed pads. The 3-inch Lightspeed Pad is going to keep you warm down into chilly temps and is durable and comfortable.
Sleeping Bags
There are a lot of good-quality bags, and I would get a rectangular bag for the added warmth. If you want a little romance, make sure they zip together. I wouldn’t worry about weight since you won’t be carrying the sleeping bag far.
Kelty makes good quality sleeping bags at a reasonable price and so does The North Face.
Remember the “Rating Rule” that I always follow. Assume the temperature always varies by 10 degrees and if you choose a 30 degree sleeping bag, it is probably going to keep you warm down to 40.
I like the Thermalite Reactor liner because I’ve used it and I know I’ll get at least 10 degrees of warmth, but you can also just use an inexpensive blanket since you are in your car.
You can also check out this article on Best Sleeping Bags for Camping if you want to take a look at some other choices.
Lights
Many lights used for camping should not be used in a car – kerosene lanterns, butane, propane, etc., but other good choices are portable and easy.
I’m a big fan of Luci lights by MPowerd, for a few of reasons.
- They are a small start-up making good products
- Low impact lights with a conscience
- Fun Products
I still need to do the review on mine. My personal favorite is their Pro Series Lantern. One charge lasts 50 hours, and I can charge it with a plug or solar panel. Oh, and it also charges my phone!
Luci Pro Series Light
At 6.1 ounces this small solar/rechargeable light is good for 50 hours. With 150 lumens and the ability to charge my phone – there are so many possibilities!
There are a lot of different LED options, but I often find myself thinking, what if there was no power due to an EMP or I finally ran out of batteries? Solar always springs to mind since it’s easy and quiet.
Car camping is actually fun though, and a great first step for those just beginning to experience the outdoors. Don’t take it too seriously.
If not an emergency, have fun with it and create a little ambiance while you’re at it!
Power Inverter
If you have not heard of power inverters, they are one of the unsung heroes of car camping and lengthy road trips!
Power inverters can plug into your cigarette lighter or attach to your car battery, converting your car’s DC current to AC current for all of your electronics.
Inverters are great for camping and road-tripping and are an excellent component of your vehicle’s bug-out kit.
Being able to plug in my coffee maker or work on my laptop in the car is a big advantage for me, and the kids love to watch movies, but a couple of things to keep in mind include the type of inverter you get.
Modified vs Pure Sine
Inverters provide different types of AC. There is Modified that will run most small appliances and tools, and there is Pure Sine which provides a more pure electrical current for ALL devices (similar to what you get in your home).
For my laptop, phone, etc. I only use Pure Sine. These inverters are a little more expensive, but I’m not risking my electronics.
Below are a few popular inverters that work well. Some attach to your car’s battery and others plug into your cigarette lighter.
You can also get larger inverters, 3000W, 4000W, etc., for you RV, boat, home, etc.
Amazon productTruck Bed Tent
If you drive a truck, there a number of options for a truck bed tent. A few of these are pretty durable, and some are even considered rain proof.
The truck bed tent I prefer, and that won’t break the bank, is the strongNapier Sportz/strong. This tent is for two people and intended for short bed trucks with cabs. I like the fact that it is weatherproof and has a large awning.
Truck bed tents come in many sizes so make sure you check before you purchase.
Safety Precautions
While camping out in your car can be fun and safe, there are some risks. Take a few precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.
- Avoid camping on the side of the road. In many places this is actually illegal, and it is definitely a hazard to you and other drivers.
- Lock your doors. Don’t be an easy target. Crack your windows just enough to provide ventilation.
- Seal up your food in bear country. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and have been known to rip apart even locked vehicles.
- Do not cook in your car – ever. Cars are covered and full of polyester and chemicals.
Additional Precautions
- Make sure you can leave from where you parked, in any type of weather. Don’t park at the bottom of a steep hill or where water and mud may accumulate.
- Don’t pull off the road on moist or snow-covered ground. It will soften as it warms the next morning.
- Bring personal protection. You should always have a way to defend yourself and your family.
- Keep a weapon that you can use in close quarters close at hand.
Car Camping Checklist
Primary Essentials List
Car Camping – Final Thoughts
Whether you’re spending the night in your car on a cross-country road trip, heading into the secluded backcountry, or taking the kids to see Yellowstone in the back of your Suburban, you can turn the close quarters of a vehicle into a safe, fun, portable camp.
Camping is the perfect grounds for survival training. However, there are many cars suitable for the mission, just make sure you know what you’re doing, keep a low profile, and enjoy yourself. I’ve camped with and without a car, and each time I enjoyed the experience.
Thank you Raul for sharing your opinion with us.
You may bring anything you want as long as it fits in your car space. What you bring when you hike and camp should be on your car camping list too. The good thing about car camping is, you don’t have to worry how heavy they are.
For maximum comfort, bring camping chairs and house net/ screen house if the bugs are really bad.
Car camping provides you with more than enough room to bring all the things you need for your camping expedition.
This is my dream, to roam around and just be a nomad with my own car.
Would you recommend a van or a jeep though?
Type of car also matters a lot.
We have an old Land Rover that still works wonders. Spent a month on a coast and just pitched a tent on the roof and removed all trash from the vicinity due to wildlife and everything was perfect. Even had an improvised shower on the back.
We appreciate your opinion, thank you.
We recommend the following campervans: VW California Campervan, VW 1965 Barbarossa, and Fiat Trigano Tribute 650.
Car camping is one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor life. It is also a way of developing strategies for survival in the bare nature. This exercise seems a better option recommended for everyone because of security, portability, saves money, and ability to manage the temperature. The cars suitable for this type of camping are Chevrolet suburban, land rover range rover, and more. What type of car do you prefer for car camping?
It definitely goes by name. The experiences differ far and wide. The use of vehicles such as RVs and vans is not only popular, but the best way of exploring far places away from home. It takes camping to a whole new level, especially when it’s a family thing.
Car camping does not mean what it literally mean. Though other people think that ‘car camping’ requires a jeep or any vehicle for camping, it is not necessary for a camper to place his/her tent in or on the car. The term ‘car camping’ means camping on or off the car. It is just that you use a vehicle to get to your campsite.
As of this moment, my car is packed with bulk of camping paraphernalia. Because of its great number, my car just does not seem to handle everything and appeared to be a little messy. I am looking forward to arrange things up because I do not want to leave anything behind.
I usually go easy on packing clothes. I take easy, light dry shorts and trousers, a fleece and a rain jacket. I do avoid cotton shirts, because cotton has poor insulation when wet. Also, I carry at least three pairs of socks and some thermal clothing, just in case the weather changes. Keep in mind, if you’re camping in an area with wildlife, you should store the majority of your stuff in the car, not in your tent.
People who pack a lot of stuff for camping face problems when carrying their stuff from the car to the campsite. Depending on how far the parking lot is to the campsite, how rough the terrain is, you could get very tired of carrying your gear. So, if you want to experience camping, but you’re not keen on carrying your stuff around, car camping is perfect.
One of the best attributes of car camping is the amount of gear you can bring along. Any limitation to what you can pack depends entirely on your car space.
You can pack as much as your car space allows you during car camping. However, you should make sure whatever you are packing is crucial for the expedition, especially when it comes to clothing.
Do not just throw things in to your car’s trunk. Instead, start with a reasonable foundation. Make sure you position bags correctly, and strategically position your heavy stuff.
There are several ways of looking at car camping, but it doesn’t necessarily refer to setting up tent in your car. It has much to do with what you can carry, and how far off the road you can go.