Car Camping for Beginners: A How-To Guide
Car camping is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to road trip. It’s perfect for spontaneous adventures, overnight stops between destinations, or longer trips when you want to save money and keep things easy. Instead of pitching a tent or worrying about check-in times, you can pull into a campsite or safe overnight spot and settle in for the night.
We’ve been car camping here and there over the last five years, and it’s become our favorite way to spend a night when we’ve got a short amount of time between destinations. Some nights, we just need a quick pit stop to sleep. Other times, we stay at a campground for easy access to the next day’s adventure. Usually, we sleep on lay-flat seats in the back of our car, but we’ve made front seats work too.
Neither of us grew up camping, and while our best friends are tent-camping pros (I’m talking full hotel-on-wheels setups), we’re not that. We’re just two people (and a dog) who wanted to road trip the U.S. Sometimes, we didn’t have the budget for a hotel. Othertimes, we just needed a few hours of rest before sunrise. Whatever the reason, car camping quickly became our go-to way to stretch our road trip budget and make more time for exploring. We’ve figured it out as we’ve gone, picking up comfort items along the way.
If you’ve ever wondered how to car camp, what gear you actually need, or how to make your setup comfortable, this guide covers everything you need to know about car camping for beginners, from sleep setups and packing lists to staying organized, safe, and comfortable on the road.
A night of backseat car camping on the Icefields Parkway
Frontseat car camping in Denali National Park
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Car Camping 101: What It Actually Means
Car camping simply means camping in your car instead of a tent. You can do it anywhere that allows overnight parking, whether that’s a campground, a scenic overlook, or a quick pull-off between destinations.
It’s a great way to stretch your travel budget and keep your plans flexible. And while “camping in your car” might sound rough at first, the right setup can be surprisingly cozy, especially if you’re just looking for a warm, dry place to crash between adventures.
How to Sleep in Your Car: The Starter Setup
Sleeping in your car is one of the simplest ways to camp. Just park, set up your bed, and you’re good to go. The trick is creating a comfortable car camping setup, especially if you’re planning more than one night in your car. A few simple upgrades make all the difference between waking up refreshed or feeling like you just napped in an airport chair.
The Basics for Sleeping in Your Car
Use a Foam Mattress or Sleeping Pad: Fold down your back seats (if possible) and add a foam mattress or sleeping pad for better support. Even a yoga mat or camping pad makes a big difference versus lying directly on the hard or uneven surface of your folded seats.
Sleeping Bag or Sheets & Blankets: Temperatures can drop fast, even in summer. A warm sleeping bag or layered blanket setup keeps you cozy all night. This double-wide sleeping bag is great for couples and car camping.
🎯 RTL Tip: We pack what we call a “Bed in a Bag,” and it’s exactly how it sounds: one large bag packed with king-size sheets, a weighted blanket, quick-drying towels, an eye mask, and a portable white noise maker. It makes car camping feel significantly more like home.
Pillow: Bring your actual pillow if you can. (We highly recommend avoiding the balled-up hoodie, though it works in a pinch.) We bring our favorite pillows on every trip, and it’s always worth the space! We pair our pillows with this compact pillow carrier to bring them everywhere we go.
Window Covers or Curtains: Window covers block light, add privacy, and help regulate temperature. You can also DIY this by using old clothing, sheets, or blackout fabric. I’ve many times tucked an old rain jacket into the car window for privacy (or to block the sun from our dog, Lincoln, when she’s in the backseat). Not fancy, but it works!
Eye Mask and White Noise Machine: Optional, but a GAME-CHANGER for light sleepers. Here’s the exact travel-friendly white noise maker I use every single night, whether on the road or at home. And here’s the eye mask we loved while traveling through the midnight sun in Alaska!
We’ve tried just about every kind of car camping bed setup: front seat recline, backseat sprawl, and full “home on wheels” comfort. You don’t need fancy gear to start. Sometimes all you need is a safe place to park, a blanket, and a good night’s rest before continuing your road trip. Start simple, and if you like car camping, build over time from there!
Gear We Recommend for a Simple Car Camping Setup
You don’t need fancy gear, or any gear at all, to start car camping.
Our first few car camping nights involved pulling into a campsite, grabbing a jacket to use as a blanket, and reclining the front seats of our Prius to get some rest before continuing our road trip.
But if you’re planning to spend more than one night in your car, or you want to make your setup more comfortable, here’s a full list of our favorite car camping items to get started:
Sleeping bag or sheets & blankets (we bring these king-size sheets and a weighted blanket)
Car Roof Storage: If you’re on the road for a while, you might have a lot of luggage with you. We love having car roof storage to clear up the back seat and make space for our car camping bed.
Car Charger for Electronics: When you’re car camping, your vehicle is both your transportation and your home base. We always pack a car charger to keep phones, cameras, etc., powered up. We’re also big fans of having an extra-long phone charger on hand!
🎯 RTL Tip: 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. We’ve used bags to fill this space before, and it works okay, but a proper extender will make you more comfortable!
How to Stay Warm (or Cool) While Car Camping
Weather can change fast, especially when you’re sleeping in your car. A few small adjustments can make a big difference.
How to Stay Warm Sleeping in Your Car
Layers, Layers, Layers: Thermal base layers and wool socks are your best friends. Avoid cotton, as it traps moisture and will make you colder. We love Darn Tough wool socks 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. Wool blankets are especially great for warmth. Adding a foam mattress or sleeping pad also provides insulation from the cold air beneath you.
Trap Heat: Reflective sunshades or insulated window covers help retain warmth.
Crack a Window Slightly: It prevents condensation and keeps air circulating.
Stay Dry: Change into dry clothes before bed and keep damp gear separate. (Use waterproof bags, if needed.)
How to Stay Cool Sleeping in Your Car
Maximize Airflow: Crack windows or use 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.
Park in Shade: Choose a shaded area when possible and avoid parking on asphalt, which retains heat. If you’re roadtripping in the summer, it’s worth spending extra time researching campsites. Look for reviews that mention the specific site you’re considering and see if you can find any information about shade or privacy. A Google search with the name of the campground + campsite number is the best way to start this search.
Stay Hydrated: Always have water within reach.
Use Lightweight Bedding: A breathable blanket or moisture-wicking sheets help keep you comfortable.
Bring a Battery-Powered Fan: Even a small one can make a difference.
Take Advantage of Cooler Night Air: If it’s significantly cooler at night, open the windows before bed to let hot air escape, then close them as temperatures drop.
How to Stay Organized While Car Camping
A tidy car makes car camping road trips much easier. Without a system, you’ll spend half your time digging through bins for snacks or your toothbrush.
Our Favorite Car Camping Organization Ideas
Use Storage Bins & Packing Cubes: Gear 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 another one of our favorite ways to keep clothing and shoes organized on the road.
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 luggage for things you need multiple times a day.
Maximize Vertical Space: Hanging organizers that attach to the back of seats or car doors are also great for storing small essentials like phone chargers, books, or hygiene items.
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. If you have more gear than can comfortably fit inside the car (remember: your car camping bed will require a lot of space!), 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.
Clean Daily: A quick five-minute reset—fold blankets, toss trash, and shake out bedding—goes a long way.
Car camping in Lake Louise: You can see the storage bag on the roof, some clothing drying on the car door, and our sleep setup.
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.
Hygiene Essentials for Car Camping
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
Dry shampoo to keep your hair feeling fresh between washes (or use a leave-in conditioner spray or try a quick wash using a collapsible bucket and biodegradable soap)
A toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Deodorant
Compact microfiber towel that dries quickly
Where to Find Showers on the Road
Truck stops: Love’s and Pilot have affordable, private showers.
Gyms: Planet Fitness is popular among travelers for nationwide access.
Campgrounds & Parks: Many have coin-operated or free showers.
When showers aren’t available, a wipe-down routine works wonders. Use baby wipes or body wipes and/or face wipes. A washcloth and warm water also works well for a quick refresh. Don’t forget to hang damp clothes to dry overnight, and air out your car daily to prevent musty smells.
🎯 RTL Tip: Laundromats or campground facilities can keep your clothes fresh when your laundry piles up. Otherwise, we highly recommend wearing moisture-wicking and odor-resistant clothing, like merino wool, to reduce the need for frequent washes. Just hang items when you arrive at your campsite ,and they’ll smell fresh the next day!
Safety and Security While Sleeping in Your Car
Car camping is generally safe, but it’s always smart to be prepared:
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. We toss an old moving blanket over our luggage during pit stops so everything’s hidden. It’s another car camping hack that’s not fancy, but totally works.
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), and a whistle or personal alarm as a 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, a satellite communicator like the Garmin Messenger provides peace of mind. We also recommend always letting a friend or family member know your location and checking in regularly.
🎯 RTL Tip: Do your best to arrive and park before dark. It’s easier to find a good spot and settle in when you can see your surroundings.
FAQS: Car Camping for Beginners
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.
How do you find safe places to park overnight?
Choose well-lit 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.
What are the best types of car camping sites?
Some of the best car camping sites are located in national parks, national forests, and state parks, where you’ll find designated pull-in spots with picnic tables, restrooms, and nearby trails.
Can you car camp with a tent?
Absolutely, 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 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.
How do you plan a car camping road trip?
Car camping is one of the easiest ways to road trip because it gives you flexibility without a lot of planning stress. Start by mapping your route between destinations (we use Google Maps) and look for scenic stretches or areas with good overnight options.
Research potential stops in advance, checking for campgrounds, national forests, BLM land, or free overnight parking spots where car camping is permitted. National and state parks are our favorite places to car camp—they usually have designated sites, bathroom access, and sometimes even food storage boxes for extra convenience and safety.
If you’re planning a longer route, space out your driving days so you have time to rest and explore. Save your favorite locations in your maps app and keep a short list of backup sites in case your first option fills up.
We’ve car camped everywhere from Alaska to Yellowstone. Some nights, we just needed a place to sleep before hitting the road again; other nights, we parked right near the next day’s activity (like a trailhead) for early exploration.
What should be on my car camping food list?
Opt for simple, easy-to-prep meals that don’t require refrigeration or extensive cooking. Our top picks include instant oatmeal, granola bars, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, trail mix, jerky, nuts, crackers, dried fruit, water, instant coffee, and electrolyte packets.
Can you car camp with pets?
Yes, our dog Lincoln has joined us on many car camping adventures! Sometimes she sleeps in the backseat (if we’re in the front), otherwise she’s in a front seat while we’re in the back. If you’re bringing your dog car camping, 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. Here’s our full guide to planning a roadtrip with your dog.
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.
Can you go car camping in a small car?
Yes, small car camping is totally possible with some creativity. We’ve been car camping for the last five years in a Prius. Compact setups work great if you fold down your back seats, use an inflatable mattress or foam pad, and store extra gear in rooftop or trunk bins. Small cars can actually feel cozy and efficient once you dial in your layout.
What are some beginner-friendly car camping ideas?
If you’re new to car camping, start small. Try a weekend at a local state park or combine car camping and road tripping by sleeping in your car between destinations. Simple car camping ideas include stargazing nights, sunrise wakeups at national parks, or camping near lakes and trailheads to maximize adventure time.
Plan Your Trip
👉 Check out our complete Road Trip Packing List for the exact things we use and love on every trip!
👉 Want to plan your next adventure? Explore our Free Resource Library for road trip itineraries, planning guides, and stories from the road.
👉 And if Yellowstone’s on your list, don’t miss our Yellowstone Travel Guide: your step-by-step companion to planning an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone National Park.
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