Turning your car into a cozy camper

I've camped in my car a few times before, but I haven't been able to get the comfort level just right until recently. Sharing my experience, to help you create your own car oasis and get you that 5-star hotel comfort without the 5-star prices.

THE MATTRESS

I have back pain. I also roll around a lot throughout the night. I love camping in my tent, but I was ready to try something new. I invested in a foam mattress a few years ago, but I was never able to roll it back up to store it, and eventually it got wet. With 4-inch foam I could still feel the bump in the trunk of my Subaru, through my bed, which didn't help my back.

This time, I opted for a 6-inch memory foam tri-fold mattress with handles and a washable cover. When not in my car, it can be folded into a "sofa" and is great for those out-of-town visitors who want to spend the night and have a comfortable place to sleep.

Choosing the right size

The first thing you will need to do is measure your sleeping space. Unless you are prepared to cut into the foam (I've seen others do this) to further customize the mattress size, I'd recommend choosing a size that's slightly smaller than your space. The Twin size was the best fit for my Subaru Crosstrek. Some other tips to consider:

• Collapse or adjust the seats to create more space. In my Subaru, I was able to collapse the back seats and push the front seats as far forward as they go.

• Wheel wells. Use a tape measure to measure your sleeping space, after you've adjusted the seats. Measure the width between the wheel wells instead of wall to wall, unless you plan on cutting the mattress foam for a more custom it. I chose to keep it simple and not cut into the foam. This also allowed for a few little storage nooks.

• How tall are you? If you are bending your knees all night, it might be uncomfortable. I am 5'4 and was able to JUST fit comfortably.

• Are you sleeping solo or sharing the space? Consider their size and if you plan to utilize any space next to you for storage.

• Head room. Depending on the size of your vehicle, are you comfortable with the amount of space between your body and the ceiling. If claustrophobia is a concern, you may want to consider a thinner mattress for some extra inches, or this might not be the right sleeping option for you.

• Storage space. Items like sealed coolers or camp stoves may be safe stored outside of your car, but other items like food (bear & critters), clothing, or other valuables, you may want to keep inside your vehicle with you. For storage, consider the following spaces:

  • On the front seats and the floor

  • In the space on the floor between the front and back seats

  • Beside you (opt for a Single sized mattress if this storage options works best for you)

  • If you have a head room to spare, consider a platform so that you can utilize the space under your mattress.

The folded mattress fit easily into the back of my car, with plenty of room for my Cotopaxi Travel pack full of adventure clothes, inflatable paddleboard, firewood, food, and cooler. Once unfolded, it was a little longer than the length of my space, which I anticipated when measuring (no shorter options). Luckily the flexibility of the foam allowed for some strategic tucking between the front and rear seat gap, creating the perfect fit and allowing me to properly close my trunk.

Click HERE for link to mattress. This mattress also comes with a carrying case, available HERE.

AIR FLOW + BUG FREE + PRIVACY

By putting window screens over the door windows, I was able to open and close the windows to let cool air in, while keeping the bugs out. Because the screens are black, they also gave me some privacy, but were sheer enough that I could still see outside. Note - with the lights on, people on the outside can see inside, so if you are changing clothes, be sure to turn your inside lights off first.

One challenge I encountered, was in order to open or close my windows, I needed to turn my car on. Be selective about what you put on your front seat, because you'll have to move things around to access the car power. If your car is like mine, you'll have to put your foot on the brake in order to turn the car on. With the seat pushed all the way forward, this can be tough to reach, so you may want to decide on how far to open the windows before you hop into bed.

Click HERE for link to window screens.

Cover your front window using a sun visor for privacy. I like this reflective visor because it also reflects the sun heat away from my car.

Click HERE for link to sun visor.

Still need more air flow while you sleep? This rechargeable battery powered adjustable LED fan comes in handy! It comes in a little carrying case and has quickly become a glamping fave.

Click HERE for link to fan.

LIGHTING

Not only does good lighting look cute and cozy, but it allows you the ability to be able to relax, utilize, and enjoy your space. Choose battery powered or rechargeable lights over plug-ins, like these globe string lights, which will not drain your car's battery. The ones I used even have a timer to auto turn off and are waterproof too. I strung them around each side and behind my bed, tucking them around the car's hangers and handles, then stored the excess lights and battery pack in a little bag in a storage nook at the end of the bed. I also kept the remote for the lights in the same bag so I wouldn't lose it and could easily to find when waking in the middle of the night. I loved setting my lights to "twinkling" while cozying up to a good book before drifting off to sleep!

Just remember - people can see in through your window shades with the lights on, so be aware of your surroundings and turn off the lights when necessary.

Click HERE for link to lights.

BEDDING

Sure, throwing a sleeping bag on top of the mattress is a perfectly acceptable option, but to get that 5-star glamping experience, I wanted REAL bedding. I covered my new mattress with an extra soft velvet fleece plaid fitted sheet and a matching pillowcase for my car camping pillow. I had an old IKEA down comforter that I put a soft botanical duvet cover on. I finished it off with a favorite handwoven blanket in case I needed extra warmth, folded at my feet.

Storing your bedding in big IKEA storage bag will keep in clean and dry during transport.

Click HERE for link to plaid sheets.

Click HERE for link to duvet cover.

Click HERE for link to handwoven blanket.

POWER

When spending time inside of your cozy car camper, you'll need an external source to charge your phone and other rechargeable devices. I keep two multipurpose tools in my car that can also provide the power I need. The first is my rechargeable cordless paddleboard pump. The second is a handheld air compressor in case of a flat tire. It's great to have things handy that can help in a variety of ways when you are on the road and have limited space.

Click HERE for link to paddleboard pump.

Click HERE for link to handheld tire air compressor.

CAR BATTERY & ALARM PRECAUTIONS

It's important that you do not drain your car battery in any way. No one wants to be in the outdoors, potentially without signal, and find out that their car doesn't start.

First, be sure to not use any outlets to draw power from the car battery.

Check for ceiling lights or other lights around the interior of your vehicle that turn on when your doors are open and manually switch them to the off position. I have two trunk lights that get covered by the mattress, so check thoroughly before you load your gear. Mine also reset from the off position after driving the car, so check them repeatedly.

Check for dashboard lights that come on when the doors are open too. I keep my doors closed whenever possible and my trunk has a latch that can be adjusted so that the light turns off. Before making any adjustments to your vehicle latches, test it at home and read the owner's manual or google on how to switch them back (I almost couldn't figure out how to close my trunk but luckily had phone signal and was able to pull up a YouTube video).

Learn how your car alarm works when you open the doors from the inside and keep your key fob in an accessible place. I learned the hard way that when I open the rear passenger door from the inside while the doors are locked and the car is powered off, it sets off the alarm. Not the most fun thing to wake up an entire campground in the middle of the night, and you can't find the key to turn the alarm off, before a big climb (true story).

SAFETY

• NEVER cook or light fuel inside your vehicle. Deadly Carbon monoxide can build up inside your car in less than 90 seconds.

• NEVER leave your car running

• Only camp in safe locations where camping is allowed

• Lock your doors if necessary

• Always tell someone where you are staying

• If camping alone, avoid sharing this detail with strangers

• Consider carrying something for protection - such as pepper spray or bear spray

• Consider carry a GPS device in areas with no signal (not just handy on the trail!) - this will allow you to send text messages or call for help if you have vehicle trouble. Know how to use it before you leave home. Subscription fees may apply.

PARKING

• Check online resources or with a local ranger station to confirm where you are allowed to park your car

• Choose flat spots. RV spots at campgrounds are always a great option.

• Respect the Leave No Trace Principals and avoid parking on vegetation

• Avoid parking on mud or sand where your car might get stuck

• If you aren't covering your rear window, consider parking in a way so that your rear window faces somewhere private, or allows you to wake up to the best view!

I hope these tips give you the confidence to get cozy and help you fall in love with car camping. Comment your thoughts below - would love to hear from you about your own experiences!

LINKS

• Folding Memory Foam Mattress

• Folding mattress carrying case

• Cotopaxi Travel Pack

• Isle inflatable paddleboard

• YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

• Window screens

• Reflective sun visor

• Rechargeable battery powered LED fan

• Battery powered globe string lights

• Plaid fleece sheet set

• Botanical duvet cover

• Handwoven blanket

• Goose feather pillow

• IKEA storage bag

• Cordless Rechargeable Paddleboard Pump

• Handheld Tire Air Compressor

• Pepper spray

• Bear spray

• Garmin Mini GPS device

• Plush mountain goat

• Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home - Paperback book