Answering Your Most Common Car Camping Questions

Our car camping adventures get a lot of questions when I share them on Instagram. My inbox fills up with all sorts of questions about how we camp, where we park, and if it is safe. “What do you do for bathrooms?” I’m often asked. If you have ever wondered about how to car camp, where to find legal places to park, how to keep on top of hygiene while camping, how to stay warm/cool, or any number of car camping questions, then I hope this post answers them for you. Let’s drive right in.

 

Why do you camp in your car?

There are many reasons to camp in your car. The biggest reason is to save money. Hotels are expensive, especially in certain locations and times of the year. Sometimes a place just isn’t available or booked out too far in advance. Camp grounds also cost money. Car camping is free, except for the car itself and a few essentials. It is also much comfier than camping out in a tent if you prep your vehicle the right way.

Another reason to car camp is that it gets you close to places you want to explore and you can get to locations on the fly. And depending on where you are camping, camping in your car will keep you safe from predators like grizzly bears and mountain lions. That is always a big plus for me (take it from someone who has been woken in the middle of the night from a curious black bear).

 

Where do you park at night?

Most of the time we choose welcome centers and rest stops. I like to be in a spot that has bathrooms nearby. Welcome centers aren’t always 24/7 but most will have porta-potties outside, water fountains or spouts to refill water bottles or give your dog a drink, and they are well lit at night which adds some safety. We rarely stay at rest stop pullovers that do not have bathrooms. It is also perfectly legal to sleep at any rest stop (as long as you’re in your car) in nearly every state, except for about five like Maryland and Colorado. But for the most part, police would rather have you pull over to sleep than drive while exhausted.

Walmart parking lots are known for allowing overnight sleepers, but many Walmarts are now stopping this practice. Some only allow RVs and camper vans than regular overnight vehicles. But often times, no one notices or pays attention if you’re there overnight. Also, if they are 24/7 Walmarts they will have bathrooms and supplies inside.

I wouldn’t recommend commuter parking lots because they have a lot of traffic and it could be unsafe. And if you don’t mind spending some cash, camp grounds are always an option because they’re in scenic locations and they have bathrooms and showers.

Some national forests offer free camping. Call ahead and ask for “dispersed camping” locations and they will know what you mean. There are free campgrounds out there if you know where to look.

You can also “stealth camp” by parking in neighborhoods and scenic overlooks and parking lots, but you can also expect to have someone knock on your window and ask you to move along.

 

Is it safe?

It is as safe as any camping will be. With any travel, especially in touristy or even secluded spots, there is some risk. But then again, there is risk any time you go out your own front door. Car camping is not any more dangerous than regular tent camping. In fact, if you lock your doors you should be safer than you would be in a tent. And you’ll be safe from animals like bears too. Be aware of your surroundings and always look around before getting on or out of your car and make sure someone knows where you’ll be parked for the night.

 

How do you stay warm/cool at night?

We always check the weather ahead of time and plan ahead. If we know it is going to be freezing, we’ll bring extra layers and if we know it will be hot we make sure our hanging fans are fully charged and our window screens are packed so we can open the windows at night.

To stay warm on cold nights you will need to add extra layers underneath your bedding. The ground you sleep on draws away more of your heat then the air, which is why winter campers always layer up the floors of they tents. Apply this principle to your car and layer your bed with sleeping pads, yoga mats, and extra blankets. An air mattress in this scenario will make you cold. And when your bed is made, make sure you have great layers for above you. Before getting some rest, heat your car before turning it off and climbing into the back. Winter camping sleeping bags are useful in this situation. You’ll be toasty!

An important reminder is to never leave your car running while you’re in it for long. You can poison yourself with carbon dioxide!

As for hot days, never ever sleep in a hot car with the windows up. Use car window screen covers to keep out bugs and roll down your windows at night for air flow. Make sure your fans are charged before you set up for sleep. Use hanging fans to cool off. Also stay hydrated. You’ll be just fine.

 

How do you keep bugs out?

We have window screens that wrap around the doors. These screens allow for us to open our windows without any bugs getting in. We never car camp without them.

Another travel hack we have learned is to have our bed set up way ahead of time. That way when we’re ready for sleep we simply move our things to the front seats and the bed is already made in the back so that the doors are not left open long enough to attract bugs.

 

What to do about lights?

We always bring a flashlight and camping lamp for light when we need it, but what about the lights outside in parking lots that keeps us up at night? Car camping in a well lit area keeps you safer, but it isn’t the best for a good nights rest. Sometimes the moon is also bright. A simple sleep mask will fix this for you. Matthew and I both have sleep masks that I keep in the car.

 

How do you find bathrooms?

Car camping near a bathroom is important to me. Being a woman, its not always easy going outside. If you’re in a wooded area you can easily go outdoors, but I prefer a real toilet. For that reason, campgrounds, welcome centers, Walmart parking lots, and 24/7 rest stops are the best choices for me. If you’re not near one you can always find a gas station on your way.

 

What do you need to car camp on a budget?

You do not need a ton of gear to car camp. And if you’re camping with just yourself you don’t need an SUV either. The essentials you will need are:

• A comfortable mattress pad. Without one you will be uncomfortable and you will wake up sore.
• Window screens so you can crack the windows without bugs.
• A full tank of gas so you can heat your car as needed in the night and so you won’t ever get stuck anywhere.
• Portable and rechargeable hanging fans.
• Comfortable blankets or sleeping bags.
• A cozy pillow.
• A sleep mask to block the light.
• A small cooler for drinks and snacks.
• Water storage; always bring plenty of water.

 

How do you take care of your hygiene while car camping?

Finding bathrooms is always easier than finding a shower. If you are at a camp ground showers should be available. And if you have a YMCA or Planet Fitness membership you might be able to find a local branch. Once in a while for long term trips renting a hotel in between can be a nice refreshing break that also provides bathrooms. During the summer I simply find a nice lake to swim in and wash my hair with all natural organic shampoo.

For hygiene on the fly you can always sponge bath with a wash cloth and a bar of soap or a packet of wipes. Always pack deodorant and dry shampoo. I also never go without my face cleanser and skin products. Just because I’m camping doesn’t mean I stop taking care of my body.

 

 

How do you stay safe when there is a heat wave?

Car camping in summer is way worse than winter. Winter can be cold, but hot summers can be dangerous. You don’t want to end up like those public service announcements about leaving your pet or your kid in a hot car. ALWAYS have the windows open and use window screens to keep out the bugs. Use a sheet instead of a sleeping bag, have plenty of water available and make sure you have backup fans in case you rechargeable ran loses battery power.

 

What do you do about food?

Keep a large bottle of water filled and ready at all times and pack your favorite road trip snacks. But be mindful to pack healthy ones. I like to keep a small cooler on hand for short weekend trips that holds cool drinks and fruit or vegetables. You can also pack a portable camping stove (never cook inside your car) to make simple breakfast like eggs or pancakes, heat up soups or beans, bake a potato, or boil water for coffee or tea.

Most of the time we pack lunches and snacks, but you can also stop at a restaurant or at a local grocery store for meals.

 

Was I able to answer all of your car camping questions? If I missed one, leave it in the comments below and I will answer it for you. Happy camping!