How to make car camping comfortable

Are you wondering how to make your car camping as comfortable as possible? Not sure how to set up a comfy, efficient camping space?

In this article, we’ve got the answers. I’m an avid car camper who’s currently planning a car camping trip throughout the Canadian Rockies. I’ve made mistakes, woken up stiff after a night in the car, and felt uncomfortable with my setup. But I’ve learned and put my experiences to work in this article. Let’s learn how to make car camping as comfortable as possible!

How to sleep comfortably when car camping

Sleep with your head towards the front

Sleeping with your head toward the front of your car is the comfiest position to sleep in when car camping. Without the wheel housing, the front of your trunk has much more width. Finding a flat spot when car camping in the wild can also be hard. Always keep your head higher than your feet for a good night’s rest.

Get a quality mattress tailored for your car

As you’ll be spending your time resting, relaxing, and recharging between long days of hiking and exploring, your mattress becomes an essential component of your setup.

There are many options when it comes to mattresses and car camping, and sometimes, it’s super confusing. But through getting a quality mattress or a mattress tailored for your car, your choice becomes way easier.

Luno is one of those companies that specializes in car camping mattresses. All you need to do is enter your car model and year, and then Luno tailors a mattress fitting the trunk of your car perfectly. Another option is going to Ikea or another bed store to get some quality advice on what you should buy.

While you’re at it, invest in a high-quality pillow; this will make your nights comfier.

Ventilation and heat are game changers

Car camping can be cramped and hot, making it really uncomfy. But through a well planned ventilation and heating system, all your problems go away.

Air flow is A and O; crack open two windows a few centimeters, and try to get air to flow through your sleeping area. Use an electric fan to boost the ventilation even more.

Are you too cold when camping? Keep those windows cracked down a little bit for ventilation, invest in an electric heater, and put some layers on.

Too hot? Take off layers and get some reflecting window shades to keep the sun out. Try to have the air flow at a maximum, and maybe invest in an electric cooling fan.

Light makes a huge difference

Nothing beats having some cozy lights in your bedroom, especially when car camping. Light can make your comfort zone feel larger, smaller, colder, and warmer. LED lights with batteries are a good way to go. IKEA also has a bunch of options with lamps that attach to walls and can dim up and down with different heat levels.

Battery-powered lanterns are great with their portability and longevity.

Keep in mind that you should always have your light low and to yourself when at campsites. Also, bugs love light, so be careful with how much you display at night. You don’t want the whole forest flocking to your car.

Cleanliness equals comfort when car camping

You live in a tight place, so whenever it’s a little bit messy, it’s gonna feel like your whole car has been flipped upside down. Keep areas neat and organized, and tuck away stuff you don’t use often.

Baby wipes are great for all surfaces in a car, I always keep some in my glove box. Easy to access if you spill something or see a dusty area. Remember that wipes aren’t degradable, so never throw them away in nature.

Have a designated bag for dirty clothes and keep it out of sight. Brush your teeth, but leave no trace afterward.

Try to keep yourself clean, or at least try to feel clean. I’ve been using a wet washcloth with some biodegradable soap from time to time to wash myself and get that cleanliness feeling. Bathing or dunking once everyday also helps alot, just to rinse off any oil or sweat from your body.

Remember, clear space equals a clear and relaxed mind. Actually, while I’m writing this, I have some old dishes on the right side of my laptop. Even though they’re just in the background, they’re still making me feel messy and stressing me a little bit. So I’m gonna take care of that right away!

Keep the bugs out

Having your trunk open or your windows down for some ventilation is always going to attract some bugs during those warm summer nights. Get a bug net or window covers with netting to keep the insects out of your comfort-zone.

Eating and living comfortable when car camping

An easy and comfortable kitchen

This kind of relates to keeping your areas clean and tidy, as mentioned before. Eating and living on the road can get expensive and stressfull, especially if you’ve got no real place to cook food. But through getting a portable stove, some utensils, pots, and pans, your cooking possibilities will be endless. You can enjoy freshly cooked dinner every night, bringing your comfort levels up to a maximum.

But how can I possibly fit a kitchen in my car? Isn’t that a bit too much?

No, not really. Try to be innovative and make space on the backside of your car. I’m currently planning my road trip through the Canadian Rockies, I plan to have drawers underneath my bed. That way, I can just slide out a drawer and have a whole kitchen at the backside of my car. It’s also going to be protected from rain, considering my trunk door is above my head. It’s gonna look like this, but way more simple.

You can also have a foldable table, ready to use whenever it’s cooking or relaxing time outside.

Nothing feels more comfortable than watching your favourite shows

After a long day of hiking, coming back to your portable home and putting on a movie is the best way to relax and feel comfortable. Downloading your favorite series or movies before heading out can keep you entertained for hours whenever you’re off the grid. Pro tip!

Power and charging

Nothing ruins your comfort levels more than having a low battery on your phone, computer, or camera. You can always charge your smaller appliances when driving, but whenever you’ve stopped, the power is out. Then what?

Get a quality power bank or, if you’re gonna live off-grid for a while, a robust solar-powered power station. These are essential to feeling comfortable when car camping. Knowing that your phone won’t die, leaving you isolated in case of emergency, is a big safety measure when car camping.

Have snacks around

I always have my favourite snacks onboard whenever I’m out car camping. This gives me the dopamine rush I sometimes need whenever I’ve had a rough day.