Eight Tips for Car Camping

Eight Tips for Car Camping

When car camping, follow the Leave No Trace principles, and never sleep in a vehicle with the engine or AC running. Sleeping with the engine running can cause suffocation from car exhaust (carbon monoxide) leaking into the cabin. 

If you’re in a city, park away from neighborhoods and avoid private parking lots, or the property owners or police may knock on your window. It’s best to park in industrial areas; Walmart and some churches allow people to use their parking lots for car camping. 

You can also try apps like Allstays and Hipcamp, which tell you where you can legally park and not be bothered. They give information on a variety of free and paid locations to camp for the night. The U.S. Forest Service roads are available for overnight parking and camping as long as you aren’t blocking the way for others, and display any required passes or permits as indicated. Set up camp in a flat, shaded spot, aim to blend in, and avoid crowding other campers staying nearby.

The larger the vehicle, the more comfortable you’re going to be. The ideal car to sleep in would have seats that fold down so you can lie flat. Sleep with your head toward the front of the vehicle.

If you’re not able to find a flat location to park and you’re 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 vehicle will give you more space since most cars have wheel wells at the back that take up space. 

If you’re going to sleep sitting up in a seat, recline your position as much as you can and, if possible, take a short walk during the night as needed. Sleeping with your feet below your heart causes your heart to have to work harder to circulate your blood. Sleeping sitting up will cause swelling in your lower extremities as your body relaxes and blood gets trapped there due to gravity. I’ve seen patients who have developed ulcers on their heels, varicose veins, blood clots, and even decubitus ulcers (bed sores) on their tail bones or hips from sleeping for too much time in their cars.

1. Keeping electronics charged. Remember, you can only plug in devices while the motor is running, not at night, or you’ll drain your battery. Dashboard solar panels or battery banks are suitable for keeping your phone, tablet, camera, and any other electronics charged during your trip. 


2. Bring an ice cooler for meats, cheese, eggs, milk, and any other perishables.


3. Use a quality mattress, pillows, and blankets. The mattress will prevent the metal car frame from pushing up against your body when you sleep. Cars get as cold as tents at night, so pack quality linens and/or a temperature-rated sleeping bag. 


4. Create your own movie theater. Just make sure to download the movies on to your electronic devices before going out to areas that have weak or no Wi-Fi or cellular service. 


5. Bring a battery-powered light for reading at night.


6. Stay clean. If you’re sleeping in your car, you probably won’t have access to sinks and showers. Keep your hygiene up with items that don’t need much water like no-rinse shampoo and hand sanitizer. Bring an extra gallon of water for washing your face and brushing your teeth at night. Portable solar water showers are also useful for showering on the road.


7. Breathing all night in your car will fog up the windows, signal to others that you’re sleeping in your car, and attracts unwanted attention. Leave windows slightly opened to ventilate. Open them just enough so that an animal or a person can’t get in. Get window screen and cut it 2–3 inches wider than the opening. Stuff the screen around the edges of the car door to keep out the bugs. 


8. Block out sensory stimulation, so you can relax. Use earplugs for noise, windshield sun shades to keep the sun out and for privacy, and a sleep mask to keep light out of your eyes.

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