If you have always wanted to try camping but not quite sure if backpacking or tent camping is for you, never fear. You can still get the experience of the outdoors within the comfort of your own car. Car camping might be a good option to explore when you are on an epic road trip or want the earliest start possible from your favorite trailhead. These car camping essentials and tips will help you make your car cozy and comfortable to sleep in – whether you are parked in the driveway at home or at a campground in a National Park.

Even while car camping, make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and common sense safety practices. And never sleep in a vehicle with the engine running. There have been many instances all around the world where sleeping in the car with the engine running has caused death. In most cases leakage of the car’s exhaust into the vehicle’s cabin while a person is sleeping lowers the oxygen levels in the car and can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide inhalation inside the car.

Here are some tips to car camping and car sleeping the right way.

#1 Research parking spots and necessary permits

One of the first things every car camper/sleeper needs to ask themselves is where to park? There are many apps out there like AllStays (that lists campgrounds in the US and Canada) and Hipcamp (that provides the most comprehensive guide to camping in the US from public parks to private land) that directs you to where you can park legally. iOverlander is another app whos mission is to support overland exploration of the world, while respecting local cultures, people and environments. You can also check out the State or city tourism board websites to look for places to park like State Park camping grounds or National Forest camp grounds. Some private camping locations like KOA (US and Canada) also allow for car sleeping but these are paid spot. In the US most rest areas along the interstates and highways allow for overnight parking for weary travelers. U.S. Forest Service roads are open to overnight parking and camping. Just make sure you aren’t blocking the way for others, and display any required passes or permits as indicated.

Most designated campgrounds come with amenities like toilets, tables and treated water. Some let you reserve sites; others are first-come, first-served. Most charge fees and are relatively easy to access. Dispersed camping is the better option if you love seclusion, spontaneity, selecting your own site and being self-sufficient. You’ll have to pack your own water and food and pack out trash. And chances are you won’t have so much as a pit toilet.

There are many options for finding dispersed campgrounds around state and local parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, tribal lands and private property.  Make sure you know what type of land you’re stepping onto because camping rules and options vary with each one.

In some countries like New Zealand, you can legally pull over the side of the road and car camp/sleep. But you have to be certain miles/kilmetrers away from a city center. So make sure to do your research and check out what is legally allowed.

#2 Set up your car-campsite

After securing a spot that allows overnight parking and camping, it is time to set up your camp. Find a flat shaded spot if possible. You can unpack your camping supplies near your car so as to not get in the way of other campers. The key is to make yourself comfortable without being obtrusive. There are some creature comforts like sleeping bag, pillow, nightlights that can make the car seem almost as cozy as your bed.

If car camping is something you plan to do for an extended period of time, it might be beneficial to research the best type of vehicle that is suited for this activity. A car where the back seats fold down or lay flat is optimal for car sleeping. This way you have a relatively flat surface to sleep on.If you want to car sleep on your next travel adventure, make sure to check the car rental companies online to see what options they have. Maybe even call and ensure that the seats fold down. Any upgrade fee for a mid-size SUV or  bigger car might be well worth the cost of hotel room if you are looking to save some money on your next trip by sleeping in your car.

#3 Food storage options for car camping

When tent camping and back packing the ideal thing to do is to not keep food in the same place as your sleeping arrangement. Food smells in the wilderness or outdoors attracts critters of all kind – big and small and can be an unpleasant experience. But while car camping you might not have that option. Plan on keeping all of your food secured in your car. Consider packing a cooler to prevent perishables like meat, cheese, eggs and milk from spoiling. And if possible, store the cooler in the front seat.If you have an overhead roof storage rack, you can store extra clothes, shoes and such up on the storage rack. If you are car camping in dispersed camping spot or out in the wild, reconsider storing food in the car. Perhaps there is a special food storage area that you can avail of. Or learn how to store food in bear country and utilize that same approach to store food in remote outdoor areas. Animals are very sensitive to food smells especially if you are car sleeping in bear country. This is when a little pre-planning in the car camping locations goes a long way.

#3 Invest in a comfortable bed for your car camping

One of the best parts of sleeping in your car is that you aren’t carrying your bed frame around. So, you can splurge on softer mats, pillows and blankets. Air mattresses can be almost as comfortable as your bed at home. You can go for a compact camping pillow or just bring a full-size pillow. Don’t forget that cars can get just as cold as tents at night, so pack an insulated blanket, temperature-rated sleeping bag and perhaps even a hot water bottle to keep you warm. Hand and foot warmers, a beanie and warm socks are key to being comfortable especially when sleeping in your car in cold weather.Flat places are obviously preferred, but they’re not always available in remote areas. If you find yourself at an angle, make sure to position the car so your head is above your feet. Sleeping with your head to the front of the car will also give you more elbow room generally, since most cars have wheel wells at the back that take up precious space.

#4 Let there be light

Getting comfy for the night doesn’t mean you’re ready to hit the sack right away. Hang lanterns or headlamps from car handles to illuminate your interior for reading, or playing a game of cards with your fellow car camping buddy. Other reasons to bring a headlamp on the road? It can help light the way when nature calls in the middle of the night, or if you want to do a bit of hiking at dawn or dusk.

#5 Ventilation is important while car sleeping

Breathing all night in a vehicle will fog up windows and collect moisture where you don’t want it. Ventilation is key. Open your sunroof or a window just wide enough to let some fresh air inside. If you don’t want any bugs or other critters to get it, perhaps use a soft mesh and tape to cover the opening to stop bugs from getting inside the car.

#6 Privacy during car camping

Cars are great for getting around but aren’t so good at blocking out light and sound. Add a privacy screen to windows and the dashboard to not only block out light but also to give yourself some privacy. You can even connect bungees cords or a small rope door to door to create a makeshift curtain inside the car to get that cozy bedroom feeling. Earplugs and eye shades are some of the creature comforts you can even enjoy while car sleeping to prevent any disturbances to your sleep.

#7 Leave No Trace Principles for car camping

The national education program of Leave No Trace was developed in 1990 by the United States Forest Service in conjunction with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) to provide a framework of outdoor ethics to help support sustainable outdoor recreational practices and outdoor conservation.

The seven principles of Leave No Trace include

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
• Respect wildlife.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

Car camping and car sleeping can be a lot of fun and a great adventure if done right. At the same time this can be a good way to travel on a budget. But like anything, be smart about car camping and car sleeping and practice good common sense, especially when car camping/sleeping in another country.

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