Complete Car Camping Guide for Beginners

Car camping (sleeping in your car) is a great beginner-friendly way for outdoor enthusiasts to get familiar with the idea of sleeping outdoors.

It’s also a good alternative when camping in cold weather.

It eliminates tent setup, keeps you protected from outdoor elements, and gives you the ability to bring lots of gear, unlike backpacking.

If you’ve never been car camping before, these car camping tips will help get you going comfortably and safely.

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Where is Car Camping Allowed?

Sleeping in your car is generally allowed at most traditional campgrounds, though you should check the specific guidelines for each campground before your trip.

Some state parks and national forests also allow car camping, but once again, you should always check regulations prior to parking to avoid running into any trouble.

Avoid parking on the side of the road, on private property, or in random parking lots.

Some stores, like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabelas, Home Depot, etc., allow overnight parking but be sure to check for “no overnight parking signs” or talk to the store manager if you are unsure.

The last thing you want to do is get woken up in the middle of the night and have to move.

Best Vehicles for Car Camping

When it comes to car camping, size really does matter.

The bigger your car, the more room you’ll have to work with.

I drive a Chevy Equinox and there is plenty of room to lay out once the seats are down.

For smaller cars, you can either recline back in your front seat, or buy gap fillers to turn the backseat into a bed.

Trucks with a covered bed are a perfect choice as well, in fact, I follow someone on TikTok who has lived out of his truck for months while waiting to go to Hawaii.

Car Camping Sleep Setup

When it comes to sleeping when car camping, you want to keep your sleep setup simple.

Your normal tent sleeping gear will work just as well in the back of your car.

Here’s what we would recommend:

Inflatable sleeping pad (or air mattress if you have room)
Sleeping bag or blankets
Inflatable camping pillow (compact when not in use for easy storage)
Larger blanket for cushioning/use as a floor liner

A flat sleeping surface will make all the difference when car camping.

How to Stay Warm and Comfortable

Even in the summer, temperatures can drop quickly.

Your car will likely have better insulation than your tent, but it will still lose heat throughout the night.

Bring extra layers, just in case, especially when winter camping. You can always take layers off and adjust as the night goes on.
Crack a window slightly for airflow, otherwise it may get stuffy inside.
Use sleeping bag liners to add extra warmth.
Run your heat for a couple minutes before bed so the interior of your car is toasty when you climb into your sleeping bag. This will help you retain heat as long as possible.
Find a shady spot to park so the sun doesn’t disturb you in the morning.

Do NOT run your car all night long. Plan ahead for comfort and rely on your gear to keep you comfortable instead.

Privacy Tips and Tricks

Once you shut the door at night you don’t want to be disturbed.

You also don’t want strangers staring in through your window at night, or at least, I don’t.

Use window blinds, towels, or blankets, to block your windows at night for privacy. Sun shades will work great for your windshield.
Limit interior lights as they make you visible through the window, even from far away.
Choose spots on the edges of the campground or in a corner site where there will be less prying eyes.
Park facing away from roads or other campers.
Use bushes, trees, or other natural elements to shield your car

Car Camping Safety Tips

Whether you’re car camping in a traditional campground, or dispersed camping in the middle of a national forest somewhere, safety is always the most important thing.

Here’s how to stay safe:

Always lock your car doors at night
Keep a flashlight nearby
Have a knife, pepper spray, or other weapon with you for self-defense
Never answer the door at night
Keep your phone charged in case of emergencies

Remember, a trip is only fun if you make it back safely! If your gut tells you a location or situation is unsafe, it’s often best to listen.

Additional Car Camping Tips

Setup your gear in the daytime instead of waiting until dark
Don’t overpack. Just because you have room for it, doesn’t mean you need it
Keep trash to a minimum, dispose of it frequently to avoid unwanted scents in your car
Test out sleeping in your car at home or nearby for your first trip. Expand once you are more comfortable
Have everything you might need for the night prepared ahead of time so you don’t have to leave your car after dark

Final Thoughts

Sleeping in your car while camping is a great option for both beginning and seasoned campers.

It is simple, comfortable, and removes many of the challenges typically associated with tent camping.

With a basic setup and a little planning, you can get a great night’s sleep outdoors no matter what the conditions are.

I would recommend car camping to anyone with the capabilities to do it!

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