4 Things to Know to Start Car Camping

Sanitation and Hygiene 

You may not have access to running water on the road, so your car will need to fill in the gaps. There’s a good chance you will be eating and drinking in the car throughout your trip. Crumbs and spills can be serious business when you’re on the road. The smell of food can attract bears. Bacteria and dirt can cause respiratory problems, while excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew. 

Lay down a series of seat covers to make clean-up a breeze. A minor spill may not seem like that big of a deal when you’re driving to work, but these odors will quickly get on your nerves as the days go by. If you spill, the food or drink will go into the seat cover and not your upholstery. Just wash out the seat cover in the closest sink and you’ll be good to go. A spilled cup of coffee shouldn’t ruin your trip. 

Bring along plenty of wet wipes, cleaning products, paper towels and other disposable sanitary products as well. It may be tempting to use some of your drinking water when cleaning up the inside of your car, but don’t risk dehydration. 

Create a system for getting rid of your trash. You can hang a plastic bag off the back of the seat or install a special road-trip garbage can. 

Food and beverages can also wind up on the floor, so put down a series of rubber floor mats as well. You’re bound to track in all kinds of mud and dirt during your trip, regardless of how often you wipe your feet. With custom floor mats, all that grime stays on top of the mat and doesn’t wind up staining the carpet. As dirt piles up, just rinse off the mat with a hose for a clean interior. The best mats come with pegs that lock into the carpet so they won’t slide beneath your feet. 

Heating and Ventilation

Staying warm, or cool, can be a challenge when camping out of your car. To answer your question, no, you can’t run the A/C or heat all night while you sleep. If you’re overly sensitive to extreme temperatures, plan your destination accordingly. 

There’s no magic solution for staying at the perfect temperature. It’s all a part of camping. However, you can always bring along a battery-powered heater or fan to keep the air flowing. To improve air quality, keep the windows cracked; otherwise, you will fog up the glass. This may sound crazy in the winter, but it will help in the long run. Stick a piece of DampRid, or an absorbent pad, in the window to keep the bugs out. This will keep the air flowing while reducing odors to help you breathe easy at night. If you need to keep the windows all the way down, don’t forget to hang up a mosquito net.

For a cooler interior in the summer, use a car sunshade to keep excess sunlight at bay. We all know how frustrating getting into a hot car can be when it’s been sitting out in the sun all day. There may not be a lot of natural shade at your campsite, so bring along some shade of your own.

Add an air freshener to further increase air quality. Don’t forget to change the air filter in your car before your trip and learn about the factors that affect cabin air quality–especially if you or your companions suffer from asthma or seasonal allergies. 

Aside from the occasional USB heating or cooling accessory, it’s best to use thermal sleeping bags and blankets to keep warm. When in doubt, dress accordingly and look for simple solutions. 

Staying Organized

It’s best to come up with a system for staying organized, considering everything you’ll need to bring with you. In addition to everyday essentials like food, water and other hygiene products, don’t forget to stock up on safety gear and other car maintenance essentials. 

Make use of empty space by installing under-seat storage containers, overhead racks and in-car shelving units. You will probably want to keep some items nearby as you get ready for bed at night, including your phone, water and a flashlight. 

Arrange the space and your containers according to their use and function. One box may be reserved for making repairs, another for navigating the area, one for sports and recreation and another for food and medicine. Keep your food wrapped in a smell-proof container to avoid unwanted attention from wildlife. Avoid storing items meant for consumption near hazardous chemicals, such as engine oil, spare gasoline and windshield wiper fluid.  

Considering hanging up a checklist on the dashboard or steering wheel to help everyone stay on the same page. You may have one way of doing things, while your companions have another. Missing items can easily turn into disagreements and mini panic sessions down the line, so keep everything in its rightful place. You will save countless hours by not having to search for important items. 

Powering Up

Smartphones and other electronics have changed the way we take road-trips in this country. You may have to learn to live without your phone as your connection to the outside world comes and goes, but a quality GPS could end up saving your life as you navigate various back roads. Most of us are used to getting a charge from the car battery, but you may run the risk of draining the battery. 

Grab a solar battery charger to free up your charging options on the road. You can leave the charger out in the sun and you won’t have to worry about leaving the car running for hours on end. 

For using your phone inside the car, you may want to install an extension cord in order to charge your phone while you’re in bed. Bring along jumper cables in case your battery runs out. You can always try waving someone down at your campsite and asking them for a quick jump.

PLANNING YOUR DESTINATION

Car camping gives you the freedom to sleep in your car, but you still need to be careful in terms of where you pull up for the night. Instead of just cruising around aimlessly, consider where you plan on sleeping. Some backcountry roads and rural areas will allow you to sleep off the side of the road, giving you a chance to sleep wherever you land.

Be wary of sleeping in parking lots, as many businesses may call the police. A security guard may patrol the premises at night, looking for suspicious vehicles, so you might have to rush off at a moment’s notice.

The best option is to rent a traditional campsite. You’ll have access to a communal restroom so you can take a shower and wash your hands. This also gives you a chance to meet other travelers and spend some time around other humans. National parks often ask that you rent a specific campsite instead of dispersed camping, so be sure to read up on the local rules before you park.

SAFETY FIRST

You can never be too careful when sleeping out of your car. From traffic accidents and roadside emergencies to unruly wildlife and the occasional break-in, there are so many ways your trip could take a turn for the worse. Instead of living in fear, do your best to stay prepared.

To minimize the risks, stay in designated camping areas with onsite personnel. Try to stay near other campers at night in case something goes wrong. Avoid dim parking lots in unfamiliar areas.

Always research the destination ahead of time and bring along paper copies in case your GPS fails. You’ll need a two-way emergency radio to contact the authorities if your phone can’t get a charge.

Pay special attention to your first-aid kit, even if you are an experienced outdoor traveler. Familiarize yourself with the latest emergency response tactics so you can treat your wounds until help arrives.  

If you plan on exploring remote destinations, bring along essential survival gear to make sure you can get by without your car, including water, food, first-aid supplies, compass, flashlight, fire-starter kit, water purification straw and other tools for making do in the wild. 

Consider bringing along a can of pepper spray, a hunting knife or flare gun in case you get into a jam along the way. The more isolated you are, the more you may be at risk. 

UPGRADE YOUR SETUP

If you’re serious about turning your car into a camper, you don’t have to sleep in the back seat. You can always upgrade your setup by installing a rooftop tent or pull-out sleeper. Many people settle on car camping as a way of saving money on traditional camping gear, but these handy accessories will definitely keep you more comfortable along the way. 

You won’t have to use the interior of your car for sleeping, which will help free up some additional space. Sleeping higher off the ground also has its benefits. In addition to the view, you won’t have to worry as much about rodents and ornery wildlife. 

Some car sleepers and campers even come with an attached grilling station, helping you make a range of delicious meals on the go. 

There are so many ways to camp out of your car. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your time on the road. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.