No matter what situation brought you to car camping, one thing is for sure – no matter where you live, it’s nice to do so comfortably! Thankfully, tons of gadgets and creativity have made car camping way more doable for long periods.
This article is going to focus on *long term* car camping (or living) – while that may still happen at a campground, other factors come into play when your car is also your home base. Not that these ideas couldn’t also be used for some weekend warrior car camping, but I want to approach it from a different angle than others.
Table of Contents
What Car Camping Accessories Are Needed for Beginners?
Depending on what your goals are, it could be just a sleeping bag and some cookware, or if you plan on living in it, additional organization could be useful.
Always check out your local thrift store first – I personally found alot of my own camping needs there!
Here are some basics for car camping
- Camp Cot or Platform + Mattress – Both options allow for storage space under the footprint of the bed.
- Sleeping Bag / Blankets – Blankets if nothing else, but a sleeping bag is nice for cold night temps. Blankets *can* be fun to throw over things for a cozy vibe though!
- Portable Toilet – Vanlifers have created a massive market for these… meaning they aren’t nearly as gross to deal with as you might think. It’s also nice to have a bathroom wherever you go!
- Kitchen Setup – Nesting utensils and pots save space. A chuckbox or slide out camp kitchen paired with a propane stove are common.
- Shower System – Either bring a portable shower and privacy tent or utilize memberships like Planet Fitness
- Solar Chargers and Cigarette Lighter Powered Devices – I know we love our cooler that plugs into the cigarette lighter! Solar is super helpful for keeping your devices charged.
- Ventilation Devices – Window shades, window screens, mini fans, and more keep you from getting too hot. Depending on where you will be camping, this may include heating items as well.
- Basic Organization System – Even if it’s just cardboard boxes until you get something better, you’ll need a good system to prevent a small space from getting messy.
Car Camping Checklist
If you would like a more detailed checklist to prep for your camp trip, I whipped up this printable version to use. It’s categorized so it’s easy to follow – I recommend finding some big plastic totes to store these items in so that things stay organized.
Download the Car Camping Checklist PDF
Keep scrolling to see some picture inspiration for your own setup!
How Can I Make My Car Feel More Homey?
It’s all about the little touches! Pretty blankets, organization, fun lights, and of course, a super comfy place to chill and sleep! While it is a small space and you don’t want *too* many knick knacks, personalization can really make you own it!
Here are some cute ideas to make your car feel more homey
- Window Upgrades – Not only should you get some blackout shades so you have privacy and adjustable lighting, but if you add mini curtains, it adds a soft, welcoming element.
- Bin Aesthetic – Most of your organization methods will be visible, so being cohesive with them does alot. For example, if you have a couple of wicker bins, continue that natural aesthetic as you acquire more bins.
- Add Lights to Set the Vibe – Lights add so much character to a space! Whether it’s bright, chunky stars or tiny twinkling pink and white lights, you should LOVE what you pick!
- Foam Tile Floors – These are easily cut to size, and come in all sorts of patterns to match any style. They also add some softness, warmth, and break up of texture in the car.
- Bring the Fuzzy Blankets and Cute Pillows – Nothing makes me smile more than sinking into a fuzzy blanket! There are so many styles of blankets and pillow decor that you can add tons of character (and joy!) to any car camping.
Car Camping Set Up Ideas
The interior of your car, while it may not seem big, has TONS of personalization opportunities so that you can create your aesthetic. Here are some of the most striking and visually please car camping set up ideas from around the web!
Car Camping Organization Ideas
When you are living in a small space, organization is key to a peaceful environment that’s also easy to use. While most organization ideas are specific to your car’s shape and space, there are some that apply to almost any make.
Here are some quick car living organization tips
- Utilize Cargo Nets Everywhere – The roof, the sides of your car, back of the seats.. anywhere you would like easy access to small tiems.
- Use a Labeled Tote System – Showering, kitchen, food storage, clothes, setup and more should all be easy to access. Take the time to find things that fit well in your rig and in your totes.
- Utilize Trunk/Seat Organization Products – Whil zip ties work for most things, it’s nice to look for car specific solutions as they are easier to use (most often velcro) and tend to fit car spaces better.
- Bring More Light Than You Think – Staying organized is easier when everything has a home – and you can see that home! A headlamp as well as a solar powered lantern are nice to have. Your phone’s flashlight will drain your battery too fast!
- If Clutter Bothers You, Opt for Solid Totes/Bins – While I get that see through bins are nice because you can see what’s inside, it also means that all that clutter can be seen from the outside too!
Kathie B. made use of wasted ceiling space with this cargo net that attaches at the interior door handles – that’s alot of extra storage!
Car Camping Kitchen and Cooking Options
While you *might* think you can live off of tuna packets and cold beans for a long time, if you want to feel better (both physically and about your set up) it can be helpful to plan out a cooking setup for your car.
At a minimum, it’s nice to be able to boil water and heat a pot of food, so you’ll need a propane stove and a pot. Some people opt to use disposable cookware as free pottable water can be hard to come by.
If you have the space, creating a small wash basin area can be super helpful and save the hassle of getting out of the car for small tasks like washing your hands.
As for your car kitchen flow, think of what meals you are most likely to make and how much you care about being comfortable making them. If you like to cook in a dedicated spot, you may want to look into a slide out kitchen or chuckbox set up vs a camp table and stove.
I have some examples below, but here is a larger list of portable camp kitchen ideas.
Car Camping Hacks
There are little tips and tricks learned over time that can just make living in your car way easier. Whether it’s a DIY to save some money or a tip to make part of your car camping life easier, I hope this is a place to make the lightbulb go off in your head for your own rig!
Common Questions About Car Living / Camping
So you’ve seen some pictures, and you know the basics… but what else is there to learn? Here are some common questions that pop up when living or camping in your car.
How can I find free and legal car camping near me?
Apps like Allstays and Walmart Overnight Parking are common go tos, but you can also utilize boondocking apps such as iOverlander and Campendium. Simply filter for free sites! BLM land is also often free to camp on.
What options are there for car camping tents?
For an easy way to add more living space to your setup, you may be thinking of these tents that attach to your trunk. However, if you’re looking to camp entirely in a tent *on* your car, then you should look into rooftop tent camping.
What’s the best choice for my car camping mattress?
A simple wood platform with a blow up mattress or pad and sleeping bag/blankets is the most common choice amongst campers. Make sure to opt for that platform layout – you’ll need the storage underneath it!
What are some lesser known car camping accessories?
Everyone knows the basics to camp – sleeping bags, headlamps, etc. But if you were to comb Reddit and the Facebook groups, you’ll find a treasure trove of handy accessory ideas like:
- Stretchy Mesh Privacy Screen for the Trunk – If you want to get some airflow but maintain your privacy (and keep the bugs out) this is handy.
- Ceiling Cargo Net – No screws or anything needed! Great for bulky items like jackets and extra clothes. See it here.
- Hanging Portable Fan – Airflow can make a giant difference in the temps of your car. A hangable battery fan makes it easy to get air where you need it.
- Hanging Mini Lanterns – A pack of three lets you put light exactly where you need it without draining your phone’s battery using it’s flashlight. =P
- Magnetic Car Window Covers – They create shade, privacy, and air flow.. what more could ya want?
How do I shower if I’m living in my car?
No matter how talented you are, it’s unlikley you will be able to build a shower into your car… so that means you’ll have to figure out an external solution. Here are some hygiene ideas for car camping
- Get a Planet Fitness or other gym membership – Find a cheap gym that offers showers and are commonly located in the areas you plan to car camp.
- Use a Truck Stop – It’s not just truck drivers that can use truck stop showers! Pilot/Flying J is one of the easier ones to use – simply get their app and reserve your shower.
- Privacy Tent + Portable Shower – Whether it’s curtain around your rig or a separate pop up privacy tent, this is a great budget friendly option as long as you have somewhere you feel safe enough setting this up.
Ready To Camp Now?
I hope this article has prepared you to car camp – you’ve got your checklist, some setup ideas, and common questions answered.
Let me know if you want to know anything else!
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