how can i camp in my car in the winter

1. Fold down your back seats. Make sure your seats fold down fully and lay flat enough to sleep on.
2. Add insulation. Cars lose most of their heat through their windows. ...
3. Throw in a mattress. Car seats aren’t great insulators. For camping in your car, we recommend a 6- to 8-inch-thick memory foam mattress, which you can cut down to ...
4. Build your bedding. Grab your pillows and choose the right blankets. ...
5. Pick the right pajamas. Your skiing baselayers make great winter PJs. Most of us who frequently sleep in a car also wear a hat and thick, loose socks.
6. Heat it up. Before bed, blast the car’s heater so you can crawl into warm blankets. While you wait, we recommend eating a bedtime snack and brushing your teeth.
Crack your windows. Cars can get stuffy, even in winter. We recommend cracking your front windows just an inch or so to promote air flow.
Dream of fresh pow. And in the morning, shred. Car-camping gives you front-row seats to classic Colorado powder days.

Full Answer

What is the best winter car?

Each winter All-Star sees the same problems:

• Dead car batteries
• Damaged windshield wipers and wiper system
• Problems from sliding on ice into obstructions
• Tire, wheel, and suspension damage from winter-created potholes.

How to camp in your car in winter?

Winter Camping and Clothing

• Base Layer. The base layer is the underwear that will come in direct contact with the skin. ...
• Middle Layer. The middle layer of clothing provides insulation from the cold weather and helps to retain body heat.
• Outer Layer. ...
• Cold Weather Clothing Accessories. ...

What is the best vehicle for camping?

The best family camping tents for your next outdoor adventure

• REI Co-op Kingdom 6. A spacious and comfortable pick for families, this REI Co-op tent is ready to meet all your camping needs.
• Coleman Sundome. ...
• MSR Habitude 6. ...
• REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent. ...
• The North Face Wawona 6. ...
• Browning Camping Big Horn Tent. ...
• Eureka Copper Canyon 4. ...
• NEMO Wagontop 8. ...
• Whiteduck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent. ...

How to plan a winter camping trip?

• Dress in Layers. The first thing to bear in mind when you head out in winter is not just to dress warmly, but to dress in layers.
• Bring the Right Gear. Camping is one of those hobbies where you can easily get carried away buying too much gear. ...
• Sleeping Pads. ...
• Keep Covered. ...
• Keep Fueled Up. ...
• Enjoy Yourself. ...

Where to throw ski bag in snow?

If you’re lugging a full ski bag and don’t have a fancy roof box or rack, throw your ski bag on the ground on leeward side of the car. If you’re nervous, you can lightly bury it in snow.

What to do when you wake up with a cracked window?

You’ve cracked the window (right?), so waking up with the sun is cake. Try as you might to ventilate, however, but the windows will still be iced from the inside with your foggy mouthbreathing. As you scrape the ice off the inside of the windshield and onto your lap, just try and sing “Let it snow.” You’ll feel better.

Why is it called car camping?

It’s called car camping because you have access to your car and you don’t have to carry everything you need in a backpack.

What to do if you don't want people to know you're sleeping in your car?

Bonus: If you don’t want people to know that you’re sleeping in your car, covering your windows with sunshades or Reflectix makes you a more secretive car camper.

How to get warm in a sleeping bag?

For even more warmth, go for the wool sandwich: Lay one beneath your sleeping bag and drape on top. We’re getting all warm and cozy just thinking about it.

Why is it important to sleep in a car?

But too many people overlook the basics when sleeping in their car. A car can protect you from the wind and snow, but it can still get as cold as a tent in the middle of the night. And because cold air is passing through on all sides of the car, it’s especially important to insulate your sleeping situation. A warm-rated sleeping bag can make all the difference.

Is it safe to sleep in a car with a propane heater?

The Little Buddy comes with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor with automatic shut-off, but it’s still best practice to only use the heater before you fall asleep. We really can’t stress this enough: sleeping in your car with a propane heater is potentially very dangerous. So maybe just stick to the hot water bottle method. 6.

Can you use a propane heater in a car?

But propane heaters remove oxygen from the air as they run; you absolutely MUST crack a window if you’re running one in your car. The Little Buddy comes with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor with automatic shut-off, but it’s still best practice to only use the heater before you fall asleep.

Is it cozy to sleep in a car?

Sleeping in your car can look pretty cozy.

What to wear for winter car camping?

In fact, heated clothing, which includes heated socks, heated gloves, and heated vests, can be a great option for a winter car camping trip. To use these pieces of gear, you simply need to put them on, turn them on, and enjoy the extra warmth.

How to make a hot water bottle for camping?

To do so, you’ll simply need a quality water bottle and your camping stove. Heat up some water on your stove, pour it into your bottle before bed, and voila! You have a toasty hot water bottle to snuggle with at night.

Why is my tent wet?

In particular, as water droplets build up on the inside of your tent through condensation, they’re likely to fall onto your gear and get everything soaking wet. Even if you have a synthetic sleeping bag, wet gear is not as good at insulating you as dry gear.

How warm should a sleeping bag be?

Once you’ve checked the forecast, you’ll want a sleeping bag that’s rated to at least 5 to 10ºF (3 to 6ºC) warmer than the coldest temperatures you expect to experience. That way, you can stay warm, regardless of what the weather brings.

What is a campfire?

A campfire is a time-honored tradition of any camping trip. While starting a fire during the winter months can be somewhat challenging, perfecting your skills can help you stay warm while hanging around camp at night.

Why is alcohol not good for camping?

When you drink alcohol, your body instinctively does something called vasodilation, which causes all your blood to flow toward your extremities and away from your core. This process causes your body temperature to drop quite quickly, which is why alcohol is generally a no-no during winter camping trips.

What to do before leaving home?

Before you leave home, do a quick look around your house to see if you have any spare fleece blankets or quilts lying around . Tossing them in your car before a trip could be a game-changer if the conditions are colder than you expect.

What are some good places to stay for car camping?

Sharing housing sites like Airbnb, Hip Camp, or Glamping Hub are a good way to find cheap and last-minute accommodations for car camping. Sometimes you just need a shower or a cozy bed, and that’s okay!

How far away from a dedicated campsite should you be?

Make sure to be at least 1 mile away from a dedicated campsite (it’s a law)! If you are car camping on a forest road, make sure not to block traffic in either direction.

Why do Berty and I like to go camping?

Berty and I love to go car camping because it’s an easy way to go road tripping – everything is self contained and it’s easy to travel from place to place. Because you travel, eat, and sleep in your car, it’s important to keep everything organized. One way we like to stay organized is by keeping our gear in bins!

What is the safest place to sleep in your car?

1. Traditional Campgrounds. Designated campgrounds are very useful if you are wanting the convenience to local attractions, facilities with running water, or are traveling with a family. Of all the car camping options available, traditional campgrounds are probably some of the safest places to sleep in your car.

What is backcountry camping?

This also means no services – use the bathroom and brush your teeth at a gas station before you park for the night. Make sure to read the rest of our camping hygiene tips here – they will help you feel clean and fresh, even if you are sleeping in your car!

Where is camping popular?

This elusive way of camping is growing in popularity – especially in the Western US where wilderness land is in abundance.

Can you sleep in the driver's seat?

You can certainly lean back the front seat and sleep in the driver’s seat by the steering wheel, but the most common form of car camping we’ve seen is in larger crossovers/SUVs/vans where you can lay the backseat of seats flat and sleep there. Here are some of our favorite tips for comfortably sleeping in your car!

Park out of the way and know what permits you need

The first question every car sleeper must answer: Where to park? With apps like AllStays and Hipcamp, you can figure out where you can stay legally and not be bothered. They offer a variety of free and paid locations to set up for the night. U.S. Forest Service roads are generally open to overnight parking and camping.

Set up your campsite

After securing a spot that allows overnight parking and camping, set up camp in a flat, shaded spot. When it’s time to unload the vehicle, avoid crowding other campers spending the night nearby.

Sleep with your head toward the front of the car

Flat places are obviously preferred, but they’re not always available on windy Forest Service roads or in remote areas. If you find yourself at an angle, make sure to position the car so your head is above your feet.

Keep your electronics charged

Keeping electronics charged can be a challenge on the road. Though you can plug devices in while the car is on, you’re out of luck overnight. Use a solar panel on the dashboard or a portable power device to keep your phone, tablet, camera and any other battery-powered item alive and well for the duration of your trip.

Keep food in the car, ideally in a cooler

All it takes is a little time in the fresh air to work up an appetite when you’re car camping. Our camp kitchen checklist can help you determine which utensils and food to bring on your adventure.

Invest in a comfortable bed

One of the best parts of sleeping in your car is that you aren’t carrying your bed on your back. So, you can splurge on heavier, cushier mats, pillows and blankets. You can go for a compact camping pillow or just bring a full-size pillow.

Have your own drive-in movie

Unwind from a long day of driving or exploring with a movie on your smart device. Just make sure to download your content of choice before venturing out to potentially poor service areas for Wi-Fi-free entertainment.

How to camp in a car?

6 Steps to Camp in Your Car Successfully. 1. Maximize Sleeping Space. Chances are, you’re tall and your car is short, making it not quite ideal for stretching out. However, if you push your front seats as far forward as possible and then fill in the space behind them, your head and feet will have more than enough room, even with the trunk closed. ...

What to put in car for night rest?

Probably the most essential item to having a good night’s rest in your car: a comfortable mattress and pillow. If you’re in this for the long haul, I recommend buying a piece of foam to lay down as a foundation, and placing one of Therm-a-Rest’s made for pure comfort (read: not light and fast) mattresses, like the MondoKing or the DreamTime on top. If you’re just ad-libbing for a few nights, your regular mattress will do, but make sure you don’t forget a nice, plush pillow.

What is the best bed for a restful night in the car?

You’re exhausted from driving, anticipating a 4 a.m. wake-up call, and just want to be sleeping. However, essential to a restful night in your car is a flat bed. It’s better to find that flat spot when you’re parking and not at 2 a.m. when you still can’t sleep comfortably.

Where to put a water bottle in a car?

Place a half-full (not half empty!) water bottle in the rear of your car (this is important, as often cars are designed with the front tilted downhill from the rear); a flat water line means a flat bed.

Can you put mosquito nets on your car windows?

If you’re spending weekends of hot summer nights sleeping in your car in the wilderness, investing in bug nets for your windows is a good idea. If you’re on a budget, mosquito netting can be bought in large swaths, cut to fit, and attached and removed easily with magnets.

Where to stay when first car camping?

Many first-time car campers prefer to stay in a supported campground like a state park. These places have facilities like drinking water, picnic tables, and bathrooms that can make the planning process for car camping easier and more forgiving.

What to do when you arrive at your destination while camping?

Setting up camp while you’re car camping is likely the first thing you’ll do when you arrive at your destination. Give everyone in your party a job so the job gets done faster and so everyone feels helpful.

Why Go Car Camping?

Car camping is great because it’s a perfect way for people of all ages and abilities to get outdoors. It’s also a perfect activity to use as a stepping stone to get your toes wet before taking on serious backcountry camping or other multi-day wilderness adventures.

What is unsupported camping?

Unsupported car camping often offers a more isolated wilderness experience than a campground where sites are often squished together like sardines in a can. Each option has its own pros and cons, and you’ll be able to choose what’s best for you according to your goals and situation.

Why do people go camping in cars?

The point is, car camping makes it easy to get away from the trappings of every day life and enjoy an activity of your choosing surrounded by the peacefulness of nature. However you choose to spend your time, it’ll surely be special because you’ll be enjoying it in an out-of-the-ordinary atmosphere.

What is the challenge of car camping?

Medications. One car camping challenge for more experienced campers is to let go of backpacker’s mindset. When you’re backpacking, you’re (obviously) carrying everything you need on your back, so saving space and weight is important. But when you’re car camping, you really don’t have to rough it.

How to be successful at car camping?

Being ultra organized is the key to car camping success. Lists are your friend — and not the mental kind, but instead the kind you write down on a piece of actual paper with an actual pen. It’s easier than you might think to forget something major like a sleeping bag or drinking water. Here’s a very basic checklist to get you started:

What to do when camping in winter?

The first thing to do while winter camping is to look for and prep the campsite. When looking for a good winter campsite you want to look for an area that has a natural break from the weather and wind such as a grouping of trees or against an embankment to cut down on wind and to provide some natural protection against incremental winter weather.

Why is winter a good time to go camping?

Winter can be a great time of the year to go camping because there are fewer crowds and bugs, allowing you to experience nature in peaceful quiet and solitude.

What is the worst thing you can do while camping in the winter?

The worse thing you can do while winter camping is to set up your campsite in the middle of a barren field as you will be completely exposed and have no protection from winter weather.

How to stay warm in a tent?

It’s important to remember that tents offer very little if any insulating qualities so the only way you are going to stay warm and hold in the body heat is by using a cold-weather sleeping bag appropriate for winter camping.

What is the best underwear to wear for camping?

The base layer is the underwear that will come in direct contact with the skin. The best type of base layer you can wear while winter camping is long underwear made from polyester or wool as it will provide a ton of warmth but also wick sweat away from the skin and dry out quickly.

What to look for when picking a winter campsite?

A few other niceties to look for when picking your winter campsite include a location close to the water and a campsite that will receive ample morning sunlight to help warm you up on those cold winter mornings.

How cold should a sleeping bag be for camping?

When choosing a winter sleeping bag you should pick a sleeping bag that is rated for at least 10 degrees colder than the temperatures you expect on your camping trip. Don’t worry about getting hot in your sleeping bag while camping in the winter as this is an easy situation to remedy while winter camping.