How to Turn a Hatchback Into a Camper
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Going Car Camping? Here Are the 20 Best Tips, Tricks, and Ideas
Save money and stay safe when you hit the open road with these car camping tricks.
Edwin Remsberg
Hopefully, you'll be hitting the road this summer to visit the most beautiful places in American for an extended summer vacation or at the very least, a weekend getaway. Whether you choose to travel by yourself, with family, or with friends, you can save a little money by skipping the expensive hotel room and sleeping over at a National Park campsite. No camper? No problem. You can camp in your car! You heard us: All you need is your everyday vehicle and these genius ideas, and you're good to go.
Sure, it may sound daunting to first-timers, but trust us, car camping is completely doable. Turn your car into a cozy, convenient, and budget-friendly accommodation and surround it with all the comforts of outdoor living—the best camping chairs, best hammocks, the best camping stoves—and you'll have the time of your life! (It also can't hurt to make sure you have everything you need before hitting the open road with this handy-dandy, comprehensive camping checklist.) Camping doesn't mean your meals have to suffer either, so plan your meals ahead of time! Check out our easy breakfast ideas, our best make-ahead camping meals, and our best Dutch Oven camping recipes. Need camping cookware? We've got you covered there too!
After spending a weekend or two in your car, you may come to appreciate it as more than mere transportation—and you may even be less inclined to book hotels or Airbnbs for future trips. Who can say? You never know what you might discover about yourself while exploring life on the road!
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Pack Some Privacy
Window screens do double duty by upping privacy and cooling things down. If you plan on sleeping in your car, you can also prevent a stuffy environment by rolling the windows down and leaving the shades intact for a welcoming breeze.
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Portable Outdoor Shower
No matter how long you'll be on the road, you should never stress about when or where you'll shower next. Pack a shower head just in case, but also know that you can take advantage of a few other on-the-go hygiene hacks. For starters, if you're a gym member, your membership could grant you access to various branches across the country. Or, you can download apps like Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder to locate campsites near you.Get the app for free at the App Store.
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Inflatable Car Air Mattress
If you don't own a tent (or don't want to mess with setting it up), this inexpensive car bed will help you rest a little easier.
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Create More Room to Roam With a Portable Car Awning
Invest in an easy-to-assemble piece like this, or simply suspend a waterproof tarp with some rope from the back of your car.
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DIY a Dining Table From Your Trunk
Eating on the go doesn't necessarily have to equate to fast food from the car and/or rest stops. Make the most of your car-to-table dining experience by elongating your trunk with a slab of wood, which you can store beneath your luggage and supplies. You can even DIY an enclosed wood storage unit to fit the width of your trunk, then convert the lid into a sturdy table.
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Prepare Meals With a Portable Stove
This liquid propane gas grill doesn't take up much spaceandmeans you can enjoy delicious meals when you go car camping. You can also use a mini charcoal grill if you prefer.
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Or Use a Tent Designed to Fit Your Vehicle
This SUV tent gives you the perfect place to sleep outside your car, while still being able to easily access your trunk. And truck drivers, don't worry! There's one for trucks, too.
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Learn How to Find the Best Free Car-Camping Locations
Check out the campgrounds listed on U.S. Forest Service road for a list of spots where you can park overnight (as long as you're not blocking any vehicles).
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Charge Devices With a Portable Solar Charger
Attach this to the outside of your car to charge during the day, and then plug your devices in once you've turned your car off for the night.
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Keep Food and Drinks in a Car Cooler
Plug this cooler into your cigarette lighter to keep drinks and food chilled all day long.
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Cover Windows With Camping Screens
Ensure your car is cool and breezy (and avoid condensation build-up) with this simple trick. If you don't mind some bugs passing through while you sleep, simply crack your windows.
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Find Free Parking the Easy Way
Whether you're looking for a place to spend the night or simply need to pull over and rest for a bit, the Allstays app will show you the best nearby spots. You might also find their Walmart Overnight Parking app helpful if you're looking for more places to sleep in your car.
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DIY a Trash Can for Your Car
Transform a cereal container into a lightweight, portable trashcan by lining it with a plastic bag.
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Build a Platform and Transform Your Car Into a Camper
A few simple modifications will turn your car, van, or truck into your very own mini camper.
Get the tutorial at Hyperbrain.me.
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Save Money When You Fuel Up
Use the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas prices on your route.
Get the app for free at the App Store.
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Use a Collapsible Sink
Wash dishes, do some light laundry, or lather your face on-the-go with this compact and handy tub that folds down and stows away.
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Organize Your Car With Clear Bins
Leave the bulky suitcases at home and keep everything in clear, categorized bins, so you can easily find what you're looking for.
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RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier
For any supplies that can't be crammed into the trunk, outsource to the top of your car. Come rain or shine, this durable bag will keep your necessities intact and protected from the elements.
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Camping Lantern Rechargeable
Take advantage of any elevated hooks from inside your car and make sure that a lantern or two is always within reach once the sun goes down.
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Invest in a Rooftop Car Tent
Jessica Leigh Mattern Web Editor Jessica Leigh Mattern is a web editor and writer who covers home, holiday, DIY, crafts, travel, and more lifestyle topics.
Blair Donovan Blair Donovan is a staff writer for CountryLiving.com, where she covers everything from the latest Joanna Gaines and "The Voice" news to home décor, gardening, DIY, and entertaining.
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How to Turn a Hatchback Into a Camper
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