30 Car Camping Tips and Tricks To Make the End of Summer Unforgettable

Days of relaxing by the pool, trips to the beach and outdoor games are winding down, as the summer season draws to a close. While many people shift from relaxation to work and back-to-school mode, there are still a few weeks left in August to sneak in some summer fun. Gathering the family for a car camping trip can give you a chance to experience the great outdoors, see the beauty of nature and enjoy quality time together before the busyness of life kicks back in.

What exactly is car camping? Although it can mean camping out and sleeping in your car while traveling, it can also mean driving to a campsite and setting up a tent outside of your vehicle. It’s a cost-effective way to travel, and in and of itself can be an adventure. We’ve gathered 30 tips and tricks for your car camping foray. Whether we’re sharing items to make your trip more comfortable or hacks to help you get the biggest bang for your buck, these tips are sure to help make this final summer trip unforgettable.

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30 Car Camping Tips and Tricks

1. Before starting out on your camping adventure, find out more about campgrounds in the area you’ll visit. Hipcamp has information on free and available sites where you can set up camp (literally).

2. Filling up the tank is an essential part of car travel. Checking out Gas Buddy online helps you figure out where to get the best price.

3. Grab a tent that attaches to your vehicle. Not only is this large tent spacious enough for four adults to sleep in, but it also hooks onto the back of your SUV. You can take advantage of the space in the back of your vehicle too.

Rightline Gear 6-Person SUV Tent Attachment for Camping, 8 by 8 by 7.2 Feet

4. Use window shades to keep the heat out by blocking the sun. These extra-large shades also allow you to travel and potentially sleep in the vehicle in privacy.

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5. Sleeping in the car just got easier—with an inflatable car mattress. If you decide you don’t want a tent or want to increase the number of people who can go on the trip, grab a mattress so everyone has a place to sleep.

6. Keep your feet warm when temperatures drop at night, by placing a container filled with hot water by your feet, or a hot water bottle. Putting it right outside of your sleeping bag can help make sure you’re warm from head to toe.

7. And speaking of sleeping bags, finding one that’s waterproof is a smart idea. If the ground is wet with dew in the morning, you’ll stay warm and dry.

8. If you decide to sleep in the car at night, you may want to slightly crack your vehicle’s windows. That will prevent it from getting too hot inside the car.

9. You may also want a place to relax and lay your head during the day. An outdoor hammock will allow you to relax while roughing it in nature.

Oak Creek Lost Valley Camping Hammock. Bundle Includes Mosquito Net, Rain Fly, Tree Straps, Compression Sack. Weighs Four Pounds, Perfect for Camping. Lightweight Nylon Single Hammock.

10. If you want to sit instead of laying down during the day, a foldable chair helps ensure that you’re not sitting on the ground.

11. Eating is a pivotal part of the journey. A cooler not only gives you a place to store cold items, but also provides storage for leftover food.

12. When it’s time to heat up those cold items, a Hot Logic is a smart choice. It’s compact and has the ability to plug into a cigarette lighter. Be sure to allow enough time for the food to heat to your desired temperature.

13. You can also bring along a portable grill if you want to cook instead of just heat up food. This model includes carrying handles to easily transport it from point A to B.

Char-Broil Portable 240 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Related: 60 Wilderness-Worthy Camping Recipes That Taste Better Slightly Smoky

14. You may decide you want to cook your food the good old-fashioned way, over an open flame. Just a reminder to bring items to successfully start a campfire. Dry wood and old paper can get you started. (Wood at the campsite could be wet.)

15. After making something to eat, you may have food left. Bring along some sandwich bags for smaller items, and freezer bags for larger quantities. It’s an inexpensive way to store extra food.

16. Also be sure to bring plenty of water. You can’t underestimate the many reasons you’ll need water, including to stay hydrated.

17. Investing in a portable, solar camp shower can make good hygiene more manageable. Leaving it in direct sunlight can ensure the water is warm when you’re ready to use it.

VIGLT Portable Shower Bag for Summer 5 Gallons/20L Camping Shower Bag with Removable Hose and On-Off Switchable Shower Head Outdoor Shower Bag for Beach Swimming Outdoor Traveling Hiking

18. If you consider the portable shower, think about also buying a pop-up privacy shower tent for, well, privacy.

WolfWise Portable Pop Up Privacy Shower Tent Spacious Changing Room for Camping Hiking Beach Toilet Shower Bathroom Green

19. Another convenient, portable way to clean up while camping is by using bathing wipes. They don’t require water and can also be used to wipe faces and hands after a messy meal.

20. Make sure you can see after dark. Grab a flashlight or two, and don’t forget to stock up on batteries. Solar-powered flashlights can also be a great additional item.

21. At night, bugs are attracted to light. By gathering a few simple supplies, you can make your own bug screen using mesh and magnets. You can also be sure to grab some bug spray to keep the mosquitos at bay.

Related: This One Surprising Ingredient Could Help Repel Mosquitoes—and You Probably Already Own It

22. Plan for the unexpected by having a first aid kit.

Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Sprains & Burns, Ideal for Home, Car, Travel, Camping and Outdoor Emergencies, 160 Pieces

23. Carrying hand sanitizer is a must. If you don’t want to use all of your water on washing your hands, sanitizer can help keep them clean.

24. Pocket-sized tissues can help with runny noses and a variety of other tissue-related needs.

25. Don’t forget to bring the coffee maker. It may be the essential ingredient needed to turn a good day into a great one.

GSI Outdoors Percolator Coffee Pot | Enamelware Campfire Coffee Boiler Kettle for Outdoor Camping Cookware, Cabin, RV, Kitchen, Hunting & Backpacking

26. If a cooler just doesn't cut it, look into getting a portable car refrigerator.

EUHOMY 12 Volt Car Refrigerator,48 Quart(45L) Car Fridge Electric Cooler APP Control,12V Refrigerator -4℉~68℉ with 12/24V DC & 110-240V AC, Portable Refrigerator for Camping, Travel, RV, Truck, Home

27. Research ahead of time to see if you need any specific permits for your camping adventure.

28. Pack some portable phone chargers while you're on the go to keep your electronics charged up.

[2 Pack]Small Portable Charger for iPhone,Upgraded 5000mAh PD Fast Charging Power Bank,Cute Mini Portable Phone Charger Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone 14/14 Pro Max/13/13 Pro/12 Pro/11/XR/X/8 etc

29. Bring a collapsible sink to help you easily clean up after your meals.

30. Make sure to fully clean up after yourself and "leave no trace" of your trash, litter and leftover food. Remember that burning trash is not recommended.

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