17 Car Camping Tips – For A Super Comfortable Trip
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Camping and comfort don’t necessarily go hand in hand, especially if you prefer basic car camping.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a comfortable camping trip using only your vehicle.
Here are our car camping tips to make sure your car is as cozy as possible.
Time and again, we’ve had enthusiastic campers ask, “how can I make my car more comfortable when camping?”
Want to know the best part?
It’s actually possible.
We discovered several car camping ideas, which will not only keep you safe but also as snug as a bug in a rug.
Now, it’s time to dive into the most effective tips for comfortable car camping.
Car Camping Tips: Set Up Your Campsite
So, you’ve come across a few car camping sites?
But being your first time, you know little about car camping 101…
Should that be something you should worry about?
No.
Because we’re here to help.
You need to set up your campsite and transform it into an ultra cozy spot.
You’re in an outdoor space; so, if you want to sleep as comfortably as you do in your bed, you’ll have to do a couple of things.
Specifically, you need to find a flat place, which also has some shade.
You also need to make sure the overnight camping spot you find isn’t overcrowded.
Why’s that important?
So you have adequate space for your camping essentials such as your stove and the rest of your outdoor kit.
Car Camping Tips: Choose An Ideal Tent Size
You can set up a tent in your car, but it has to be a rooftop tent.
What’s cool about such a car camping tent?
The fact that some models come with comfortable mattresses and ample space.
If you decide to settle for a rooftop tent, you have to factor in the size.
You’ll have to consider the number of people you’ll be camping with so that you can get a tent that you’ll all fit in comfortably.
Related: 11 Best Large Tents
Maximize Your Sleeping Space
You can resolve any issues with comfort by maximizing sleeping space.
How do you do that?
Simple, push your front seats forward.
Next, fill up the space behind the seats.
But you’ll need to make sure the back seats lie flat to maximize your space.
Afterward, you can set up your best mattress for car camping beautifully to make sure you have a cozy sleeping space.
With such a setup, you can stretch out as much as you can, which translates to much more comfortable car camping.
Carry LED Lighting
You’ve just had a long day, your feet are sore from the rough terrain you’ve been exploring all day.
All you want to do is relax, have a warm meal, and sleep.
You won’t want to use up your car’s battery reserve when you need lighting.
I recommend you carry LED lights or rechargeable lanterns on your car camping road trip.
Instead of using your car’s interior lights, you can rely on the LED lights for lighting.
That way, you save your car’s battery.
Want to know the best part?
These lights create a much better ambiance than your vehicle’s lights.
Keep Food In The Car
Camping activities always consume a lot of energy.
As a result, you’ll build up an appetite, which requires you to have plenty of food at the ready.
When car camping, you need to pack enough food and make sure you lock it safely inside your car.
You never know who or what is creeping around your campsite, and leaving your food outside may lead to it getting eaten, stolen, or spoilt.
So in that case…
You have to store the food in your car following proper food handling guidelines.
You may also consider packing a cooler to store perishable food items such as meat and milk.
Pack A Camping Table
Want to optimize your comfort when car camping?
Then bring along a camping table.
Preferably, a foldable camping table.
You might be wondering what role a camping table plays when it comes to your comfort.
The truth is, a majority of car camping sites may have tables, which you’ll use to prepare your meals or just chillax.
However, they’re usually stationary, so not a versatile choice all in all.
However, if you bring a foldable camping table, you can camp at different locations without worrying about whether there’ll be a table there/ available for you.
And you’ll always have a surface to prepare or eat your meals.
(Or play card games in the evening etc.).
A foldaway table won’t take up a lot of space in your car, and is a handy addition to any car camping kit.
Carry Sunscreen & Bug Repellant
Can I sleep in my car at a campsite?
Yes.
In fact, if you’re as enthusiastic a camper as I am, you’ve probably already done it…
The goal for car camping is not simply to sleep in your vehicle.
The main aim is to sleep comfortably.
But being in an outdoor environment means you’ll be exposed to plenty of external factors such as bugs and the hot sun.
If you don’t want the bugs to bite at night, then bring along some bug repellant.
Likewise, you should bring sunscreen to ensure the sun is kind to your skin during hot days.
Technology, Technology, Technology
Even if you have the best car to sleep in for camping – such as minivans and SUVs, your stay will be more comfortable if you engage the tech.
If you decide to go camping when the weather’s hot, you’ll benefit from a fan.
It’ll help to keep you cool.
And the best part…
You can get a battery-operated fan.
You should also bring your phone for communication.
Bring other electronics such as your iPad or laptop to keep you entertained.
And don’t forget your earphones.
Carry A Portable Outdoor Shower
You see, you can’t always be sure how long your car camping road trip will take.
And you’ll need to take a shower every now and again.
You don’t want to have to worry about where you’ll take your next shower.
I’d advise you to carry a portable outdoor shower head – allowing you to shower whenever you like.
Actually, this is one of my best car camping hygiene hacks.
Alternatively, you can search for campsites near you. Find those with shower facilities, and select the one that suits you best.
Car Camping Tips: Consider Roof Storage
Want to travel the country with your buddies?
Since the trip’s going to take some time, and you’re in a group, you’ll need to take along a lot of kit.
As you can see…
You’ll need extra storage space, and that’s where roof storage comes into play.
Luckily, a majority of car-roof boxes are made of durable material such as polyester or a hard plastic shell.
You can store your supplies in there without worrying they’ll get damaged by the elements.
Better still, roof storage is an ideal way to declutter your car’s trunk.
Your Head Should Face The Front Of Your Vehicle
Do you wish to sleep comfortably in your car?
I’d recommend you make sure your head faces the front of your car.
Here’s the deal:
When you sleep in this position, you create more elbow space. Why? A majority of the cars are designed with wheel wells at the back, limiting the space you have there.
You should also park your car on flat ground because then your head will be above your feet.
You’ll sleep much more comfortably.
Carry Car Camping Essentials WIth You
Of course, it’s always a good idea to bring along the best car camping essentials.
They include:
- Cooking utensils
- A camp stove
- A car cooler
- A lantern or flashlight
- Toiletries
- A map
Each one will make your camping experience that little bit better.
You might also need to buy other essentials like a warm blanket and pillows.
Another possibility is an air mattress – to improve your sleeping comfort.
Car Camping Tips: Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ll soon be planning your next car camping road trip.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with your family.
The million dollar question is – how can I make my car more comfortable when camping?
Luckily, we’ve compiled this set of TopNotch Top Tips to make your adventure even better.
No tent?
No problem.
You can now camp and sleep in maximum comfort in your very own car.
Using the tips I’ve provided in this post, you’re now a good-to-go car camper.
From the TopNotch Team – Enjoy!
