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It’s that time of year where the days are longer, the temperatures are warmer and adventures big and far are calling. Sleeping outside to the sound of crickets and running water is by far one of the best parts about summer, and an efficient way to cut down on approach times if your objective is multiple hours away from home. Tents, hammocks and cowboy camping are all perfectly great ways to sleep outside but there are also plenty of people who prefer, and scenarios that call for, car camping. While the outdoor industry tries to convince us that outrageously expensive truck campers or vans are the only way to go, we’re here to dispel that myth and help you turn any vehicle into a camp rig with our favorite top tips, below.
Organization is KeyÂ
From start to finish, organization is key to comfortable car camping, including planning ahead. If you are in a car or SUV, you’ll want to remove your back seats to maximize sleeping and storage space. If you want to go the extra mile, building a sleeping platform that allows for storage underneath and adequate sleeping space on top adds a touch of luxury and all you really need is some plywood, two-by-fours and screws to add the customization to your truck bed or backseat.Â
When it comes to packing, give every item a home and be diligent about putting everything back in its home for the next time you need it. Use duffel bags, storage bins or any other creative technique to store all the goods and make your most-used items the easiest to access. To avoid any unwanted visitors, human or bear, store everything within your vehicle, if possible, and lock your doors before you fall asleep.Â
Designate a Sleeping Space
From where you’ll sleep inside your car to where you park your vehicle for the night, it requires a bit of planning. As stated above, a platform isn’t necessary for any vehicle, but it’s a little bit of effort before your trip that goes a long way while you’re on the road. Your sleeping space doesn’t have to be accessible at all times, but it should be fairly simple to set up and take down every day and if you use that space to store gear when you’re not sleeping, be sure to have a plan for where those items go when you do need some shut-eye.Â
When parking your vehicle, make sure you're in a designated camp spot or parking lot that allows motor vehicles and overnight stays. When parking your vehicle at a campsite, make sure to find as level a surface as possible, or use stumps or boulders to level it. If it's impossible to park completely flat, situate yourself so you're sleeping with your head above your feet.
Create a Collapsible KitchenÂ
A folding table and a camp stove go a long way while car camping and because of their flat shape when folded up, are fairly easy to stow away. If you drive a truck, a tailgate doubles as a table and negates the need for the extra gear unless you want it and have the space for it. We all know bears have a great sense of smell but did you know that they’ve adapted to learn how to open car doors? Collapsing your kitchen, storing everything in your vehicle and locking your doors will help prevent attracting the wrong dinner guests.Â
Let There Be LightÂ
Headlamps, lanterns and string lights are your best friend while car camping. Using your vehicle’s headlights and in-cab lights drains your car battery and could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere if you leave them on too long. Acquiring multiple lighting options that either use disposable or rechargeable batteries is the safest way to go, and don’t forget a portable charger to recharge all of your electronics.Â
