Top Tips for Sleeping In Your Car on Road Trips

Guide to Sleeping In Your Car on Road Trips

Sleeping in your car can turn any road trip into a more budget friendly adventure. Plus, it’s a super convenient way to travel with a high level of freedom and independence!

Over the years I have road tripped and lived in all types of vehicles: 4×4’s, sedans, tiny hatchbacks, campervans, and small RVs. Some of those car camping trips have been local and some overseas (with the extra challenge of packing a limited amount of gear!)

During those adventures, I made a lot of mistakes and learned a thing or two about sleeping in cars! When it’s done right, talk about FUN! When it’s done poorly it can really put a dampen on your trip. Keep reading to avoid those preventable slip-ups and find out my top tips for sleeping in your car on road trips!

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Top Tips for Sleeping In Your Car on Road Trips

Top Tips for Sleeping In Your Car on Road Trips 1 - Renee Roaming

Sleeping In Your Car When Local Vs Far Away

One of the top questions I get asked is about car camping on international trips. I get it! When you haven’t done it before it can seem very overwhelming. I remember my very first overseas car camping trip (Iceland 2014) and not having a clue what to pack. I’ve since worked out a pretty good system and here are my top tips for international travelers planning to sleep in a vehicle on their next adventure.

Invest in Lightweight gear

If you think there is a chance that you may want to undertake a mix of local and far away adventures then I would definitely consider investing in lightweight gear. When I say lightweight I am literally meaning lighter and more packable items. Think tent camping at a campground vs in the backcountry, same concept! You can always use lightweight gear when you take local adventures so in my opinion it is usually better to start with a lightweight system and then branch out when you can afford more comfort pieces.

Pack the Bare bones

When you are packing a car camping set-up for overseas travel, you will need to keep everything as light and compact as possible. First, it helps if you’re traveling with another person and can split the load. Second, you may need to let go of a few comfort items and really just focus on taking the essentials: sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, small camp stove, spork, water bottle, headlamp, etc. Keep reading for my gear recommendations below!

Using compression sacks and packing cubes will help you get your gear as compact as possible, but be cautious to remain under the airline weight limit. Use your check-in, carry-on, and personal item to your full advantage and wear heavier items, like your hiking boots, on the plane.

Buy Food At Your Destination

Unless you have dietary restrictions, it’s probably best to skip on packing heavy food items and instead buy them on arrival. You may not even be able to take in certain food items depending on the country, so it might also save you some hassle. In saying that, I will usually pack a handful of protein bars just in case it takes a day to stock up on groceries.

Cozy Car Camping - Essentials for Sleeping In Your Car

Is It Safe To Sleep In Your Car?

Yes, it is safe to sleep in your car! In my experience anyway. As I said earlier, I have lived on the road for numerous periods over the last 5 years (probably almost 2 years total if you add it all up). Not once in all that time have I experienced a sketchy situation that made me think I was unsafe.

If you arrive somewhere that seems a little weird, trust your gut and move on to another spot. Lock your doors, sleep with your keys close by, never leave your engine running, and always leave your drivers seat empty and accessible for an instance where you may need to leave in a hurry. I have friends that carry bear/pepper spray as a weapon, in case they ever needed to use it (they haven’t).

Tell friends and family where you are going and stay within areas with phone service if you are worried. Never tell a stranger that you are alone – if anyone asks, let them know your friend is meeting you shortly. Keep valuables like camera gear, laptops, and electronic cords out of sight when leaving you car (best yet, take them with you in a backpack). And it goes without saying, but always research and follow the rules.

What About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

It is suggested by health experts that you do not leave your engine running as there is a risk of poor air quality and potential carbon monoxide poisoning (not likely but possible). Most campers like to leave a small crack in their windows for fresh air and to prevent condensation building up inside the car.

Top Tips for Sleeping In Your Car on Road Trips Toyota 4Runner - Renee Roaming

Finding Places To Stay When Car Camping

Finding places to sleep in your car can be easy or challenging, depending on where you are. I find that there are ample options here in the USA… you just have to know where to look! Lucky for you, we have an entire guide on how to find free campsites in the USA.

To find spots for car camping, I personally like to use apps such as AllStays, iOverlander, and US Public Lands, and websites like freecampsites.net and HipCamp. Word of mouth or asking on social media platforms can also be helpful when done right.

The Dyrt is an amazing platform to find tons of free campsites with reviews and photos submitted by users just like you and me! You can get a FREE 30 day trial by signing up with reneeroaming or using this link.

Sleep in Your Car on BLM Land

BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management and it’s a sector run by the US Department of the Interior. When it comes to recreation, BLM means public lands that are accessible for activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, mountain-biking etc.

There is BLM land all over the U.S. and the Western states have a particularly high density. Car camping is quite easy on BLM land and accessible in many areas if you know what to look for. Options include free dispersed camping as well as campgrounds with basic facilities (and a small fee to cover running costs). Check out the BLM camping help page for more information and always ask a ranger if you are unsure about local regulations.

Looking for an option outside the US? I find that many countries have something similar to BLM land and a quick google search usually brings that up. Countries like Iceland and New Zealand have “freedom camping” or “wild camping” rules, but again, you’re best to research each specific destination before going.

Sleep in Established Campgrounds

We touched on BLM campground above, but there are many other options. You will find established campgrounds in state and national parks (these can often be reserved via recreation.gov in the US) as well as privately run campgrounds.

In my experience the more you pay for a campsite, the more facilities you usually have access to. Some private campgrounds offer showers, laundry services, indoor cooking facilities, electrical hook-up etc. These sorts of campgrounds are handy to access whenever you are in the need for a freshen up and recharge.

Sleep in Business Parking Lots and Rest Areas

Oh yes, the good ol’ Walmart parking lot! Not ideal but these kinds of options can come in real handy when you’re passing through a town and need a last minute place to stay. Plus, they are free and often encourage car / RV parking!

Some places in the US that often allow overnight parking are Walmart, Costco, Sams Club, Home Depot, Lowes, Cabelas, Cracker Barrel, Kmart, truck stops and rest areas, casinos, and religious buildings. If you’re unsure, just ask permission regarding the parking laws and ALWAYS be respectful. If there are no trespassing or no camping parking signs, don’t sleep there. Nobody wants a police officer knocking on their door in the middle of the night…

Appropriate etiquette in these situations includes checking for signage about overnight parking rules, parking your vehicle out of the way (usually in the back row or to the side of the parking lot), only spending one night, and limiting parking to overnight and leaving quickly in the morning (don’t stay all day!)

Another courteous thing to do as car campers is to spend money at the particular store you are parking at. For example, if you park at a Walmart it would be courteous to grab some groceries while you are there.

Sleep in Neighborhoods and Backstreets

It is possible to sleep in your car in urban settings, though it does often require some extra searching. Firstly, make sure to read up on the local regulations. There isn’t a nationwide law that prohibits sleeping in your car in urban settings, but some states and cities have regional laws that make it illegal. Pay attention to private property signage and be respectful of the locals.

If you have established that it’s legal, your next step will be to find a quiet street that is out of the way for local residents. Don’t draw attention to yourself, be respectful to the neighborhood, and don’t linger longer than you need to.

Another option is to ask friends or family you may have if it’s okay to park in their driveway as you pass through town. My husband and I have done this on numerous trips and it’s actually a really fun way to catch up with people without encroaching on their space.

Privacy Tips For Sleeping in Your Car

It can feel a little weird sleeping in your car! My number one tip is to try and park places that are private and quiet. If that’s not an option then at least arrive at your destination in the dark, set up your sleeping arrangement, and turn your lights off quickly (this will limit how long people can see inside your vehicle). Like most things, the more often you sleep in your car, the more comfortable you’ll be.

Another option is to make some makeshift curtains out of clothes or a sheet. This article shows a really easy and affordable way to DIY! If you want a more durable and long term option then I would suggest making customized reflectix coverings like shown in this video and this blog post. You can purchase ready-made full vehicle sunshade kits from companies like Weather Tech.

If you’re like me, you probably enjoy sleeping with a little bit of fresh air, and if you’re going to be deep in nature it’s so peaceful to sleep listening to the sounds of the forest or desert. These are my favorite bug nets for car windows – they’re worth every penny to keep the bugs out while still letting you crack the windows and get a little ventilation while you sleep!

Top Tips for Sleeping In Your Car on Road Trips Sleeping Pad

Best Gear For Sleeping In Your Car

There isn’t a whole lot of gear that you need to sleep in your car, but certain items definitely make the whole experience a lot more cozy and safe. I have entire guides dedicated to the Car Camping Essentials and Car Camping Basics, be sure to check that out before your next trip! Below are the gear items I would recommend for sleeping in your car, along with my favorite lightweight options for when you are traveling overseas and need to pack minimally.

Comfy Sleeping Pad / Mattress

Getting a good night of sleep can make or break your trip, and having a comfy sleeping pad makes all the difference! There are essentially three different avenues you can take. The first is to use a lightweight inflatable sleeping pad that you would use in the backcountry and packs down super small. This option is perfect for when you flying to your destination and renting a car or if you don’t want to invest in extra gear and already own a camping pad.

Exped SynMat Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Big Agnes Hinman Double Wide Sleeping Pad (2 person)

The second option is to use a thicker and bulkier car camping mattress. These are generally comfier, often cheaper, but do take up much more room in your vehicle when not in use. They are also too large to travel with on planes. This is my go-to option for car camping trips if I am driving from my home and don’t need to fly to my destination.

Exped Deep Sleep Duo Mat
Stoic Double Cloud Camp Bed

The third avenue is to use a spare mattress you may have at home if it fits in your vehicle. An example of this is a small memory foam mattress you may keep for when friends visit or a regular child sized mattress. This option will obviously depend on how large your vehicle is and what you have at home.

Pro Tip: make sure to measure your car before buying anything! My husband and I enjoy sleeping in the back of our 2008 Toyota 4Runner and find that only a certain size mattress fits in between the wheel wells. Don’t make the same mistake as us and order something before you do your measurements!

Sleeping Bag and Blankets

The next piece of required gear for sleeping in your car is some sort of insulation to keep you warm and toasty. Similar to above, there are a few options.

Your first option would be to use a lightweight sleeping bag that you may already own for backcountry camping/hiking adventures. These are light, compact and perfect for packing when you have limited room or need to fly to your destination.

NEMO Forte 20F Sleeping Bag – Women’s
NEMO Tempo 20F Synthetic Sleeping Bag – Men’s
Big Agnes Torchlight UL Sleeping Bag

The second option is to invest in a sleeping bag made specifically for car camping. These are usually more affordable, bulkier/heavier, cozier, and can often be shared between two people. This is a great option for when you’re driving from your home but not so much if you have to fly to your destination.

Kelty Kush 30F Synthetic Sleeping Bag
The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double Sleeping Bag

Lastly, the third option is to bring blankets, a comforter, or duvet from home. When driving from home I personally prefer to pack a sleeping bag as well as a few blankets, that way I will be 100% covered for warmth and also feel cozy. Remember to also pack warm clothing layers and socks!

Pendleton Glacier National Park Blanket
Rumpl Sherpa Blanket
Pendleton Roll-Up Blanket

Camping Pillow

Again, there are a few options as far as pillows go for sleeping in your car. It really just comes down to your budget, style of trip, and comfort preference.

The first option is to stick to a lightweight backcountry camping pillow. These are really tiny and weigh almost nothing, making them perfect for air travel. You can cozy them up by covering them with a neck gaiter, Buff, or t-shirt and stuffing a down jacket in between – this is one of my favorite tips from my blog post on Getting a Good Night’s Sleep When Backcountry Camping.

Exped Air Pillow
Sea To Summit Aeros UL Pillow
Sea To Summit Aeros UL Deluxe Pillow

Your second option will be a car camping specific pillow that is a little comfier but also slightly bulkier. These may be compressible enough for air travel depending on which one you choose.

NEMO Fillo Luxury Pillow
Thermarest Compressible Pillow Cinch
Klymit Coast Travel Pillow

Then your third option would be to bring along your pillows from home. This is my personal preference when I’m leaving from my house as it’s just overall the comfiest and doesn’t cost anything. I will also throw in some extra pillow cases so we can switch them out half way through the trip.

Light Source

You’re going to need a source of light when sleeping in your car. In my experience, it is best not to rely on your interior light as that can drain your car battery and also be insufficient for certain tasks.

Your best bet will be to pack a headlamp, which you can also use for bathroom breaks, hiking, and other adventures on your trip. You can use this headlamp for tasks where you need a bright direct light source or hang it from somewhere in your car to light up a larger area. I have owned the Petzl Actik Headlamp for years and it hasn’t let me down yet. You can also use something like the BioLite Light Diffusing Stuffsack to diffuse the light of your headlamp when hanging from your car ceiling or seat.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
BioLite Light Diffusing Stuffsack

I would also suggest investing in a small lantern for some ambient lighting and for when you need a larger space lit up. My husband and I LOVE the Black Diamond Apollo Lantern and have traveled with it on countless road trips (local and overseas), backpacking trips, and hiking adventures. A small carabiner or string can come in handy for hanging lanterns around your car.

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
Goal Zero Crush Light

It’s fun to include some other options like using fairy lights or a system such as the Goal Zero Light-A-Life Mini 4-Pack. This can make it extra cozy!

ENO Twilight Camp Light
Goal Zero Light-A-Life Mini 4 Pack
Luci Solar Lantern
Tips and Tricks For Sleeping in Your Car - Cozy and Comfy Sleep

Charging Device

Now, you’re probably wondering how to keep all your devices charged on the road. One option is to charge electronics while you drive, which is usually enough when you plan to spend a lot of time getting from one place to the next. If you will be in the same place for a while then you may need to get chargers that are more heavy duty, and potentially a solar option. After all, might as well take advantage of that renewable energy if you can! Avoid leaving your car battery running for extended periods of time as that’s a good way to wake up with a dead battery and start the day on the wrong foot.

Goal Zero Torch 500
Goal Zero Nomad 10
Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank

Extra Accessories

There are some extra things you may want to invest in to make sleeping in your car that little bit more comfortable and organized.

I personally pack an eye mask or neck gaiter for bright mornings or instances when it’s a full moon, a Kindle for reading anywhere and everywhere, a first aid kit as a just-in-case precaution, toilet paper, coins for pay showers, a small dopp kit for toiletries, quick-drying travel towel, and a medium duffel bag to stash everything in.

Smartwool Merino 150 Neck Gaiter
Ultralight First Aid Kit
Quick Drying Towel
Patagonia Black Hole 3L Toiletries Bag
Backcountry All Around 40L Duffel
Coffee While Camping on a Road Trip

Cooking On Road Trips

You don’t have to cook on the road when sleeping in your car, but it does give you more options for going off the grid and saving money. I typically pack lightweight cooking items similar to what I would take on a backpacking trip in the mountains, but you can take as little or as much as you want. Below are some of the gear items I would recommend for cooking on the go.

Camp Kitchen

As I said above, my personal preference is to pack a small and lightweight camp stove like the Jetboil MiniMo. This is a backpacking stove that doesn’t take up much room in my car and I can take it on local or international adventures. If you are planning a longer road trip or want to step up your cooking game, I would recommend a more in-depth set-up like the GSI Selkirk 540 Camp Stove and a camp table to go along with it.

Adding a fun tablecloth keeps cleanup easy and is a great way to enhance your camp vibes! I like to make sure I pack a fry pan and a larger cooking pot, especially if I’m traveling with my husband and we’ll be preparing larger portions of food. Don’t forget to pack a chair (or two) so you can relax while you eat!

Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System
GSI Selkirk 540 Camp Stove
Jetboil Fry Pan
GSI Cook Pot
Helinox Camp Table
Stoic Fireside Five O’Clock Chair
Camp Kitchen Essentials while on a Road Trip and Sleeping In Your Car

Reusable Water Jug

A reusable water jug, water bottle, and travel coffee mug are must-haves in my opinion. Not only will it save you money in terms of constantly buying single-use bottles, but it will cut down on plastic waste considerably. Most campsites have water stations and often places like gas stations, visitor centers, local parks etc. will have options for filling up water jugs/bottles. This may be more of a luxury item, but on a multi-day trip or adventures in the desert nothing beats a cold drink fresh from your cooler.

Stanley Adventure Water Jug
Hydro Flask 24oz Water Bottle
Stanley Legendary 12oz Coffee Mug
YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

Eating Utensils and Accessories

As far as utensils go I would at least pack the basics: a bowl/plate, spork, small knife, reusable straw, biodegradable soap, and a small towel for washing up.

Sea To Summit Delta Camp Set
MSR Folding Utensils
Silca Reusable Titanium Straws
Travel Soap
Sea To Summit Tek Towel

If you plan on cooking multiple daily meals, or perhaps cooking for larger groups of people, you might think about adding some more items like spatulas and cutting boards, the ultimate morning coffee kit, food storage containers, and a larger range of cutlery. This is one of my favorite ways to feel more at home while traveling, and it’s a good way to make sure you get some fresh fruits and veggies to stay healthy while traveling. Nothing beats a delicious “home” cooked meal when you’re on the road!

MSR Deluxe Alpine Kitchen Set
GSI Gourmet Pourover Kit
Sea To Summit Food Storage Containers
GSI Santoku Knife Set

Camping Food

Meal options on the road can range from basic pb&j sandwiches right through to almost restaurant quality dishes. Some blogs with amazing camp meal suggestions are: Fresh Off The Grid, Amanda Outside, and Camping for Foodies. Dehydrated, backpacking style meals are a great way to get in a quick bite to eat if you’re on a time crunch. These are some of my favorites!

Good To-Go Mushroom Risotto
Good To-Go Thai Curry
Good To-Go Smoked Three Bean Chili

Hygiene and Sleeping in Your Car

It’s important to stay clean when sleeping in your car, or any time camping for that matter! We have an in-depth guide on camping hygiene – be sure to check it out!

How to Stay Comfy and Happy on a Road Trip while Sleeping in your Car

Do’s and Don’ts for Sleeping In Your Car

DO crack a window and let in some air
DON’T disrespect the land or local people during your stay
DO lock your doors and keep your keys nearby
DON’T forget a reusable water bottle and water jug
DO download some movies and have your own little cozy film night
DON’T forget to pee before getting into bed for the night
DO tell someone where you are roadtripping
DON’T forget to charge your headlamp or pack spare batteries
DO try to stay calm and not presume every sound is a bear
DON’T leave your engine running while you sleep
DO have fun and remember what a privilege it is to be so close to nature!


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43 comments

  1. The tips and insights you share, from safety to comfort, make car camping an accessible and enjoyable option. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking adventure on the open road while staying on a budget.

  2. Hi, thank you for such a brilliant post. I have been reading some blogs that give me more knowledge about TOP TIPS FOR SLEEPING IN YOUR CAR ON ROAD TRIPS. I must say this is one of the best among them. You have done great research I feel, thanks for sharing.

  3. Thank you so much for sharing this information about TIPS FOR SLEEPING IN YOUR CAR ON ROAD TRIPS. This is very nice and inspiring!! Thanks for sharing and look for more in the future!! I hope you keep updating us with such great tips and information in the future too. This is a great post; I will share as much as I can.

  4. Es kann sehr schwierig sein, in einem Auto, das flach ist, zu schlafen. Wenn man in der Nacht erwacht und sich nicht aufsetzen kann, dann wird es stressig. Erfahrung aus 3 Monaten OZ in einem Stationwagon.

  5. I live in Florida and these southern states can get quite hot and humid during summer and early ‘fall’ even at night Cracking open a window just doesn’t cut it. How do you stay cool and comfortable overnight?

    1. There are mesh covers you can put on your windows to roll down your windows and not be eaten by the dinosaur mosquitos we have in florid.

  6. Very cool article! Sadly, some country make it difficult to do. In New Zealand for example, you can get a penalty for sleeping in your car. Maybe too many backpackers did just that and that’s what drove the lawmakers to make these changes… In any case, great advices here for anyone who want to car sleep in a place where it’s legal. 🙂

  7. Btw I’m using a love seat couch cushions for a “bed” sleeping bag extra blankets & also I’m looking for a job. If anyone can help out please just leave a reply & I will definitely respond…thank you. Oh yeah and I’m doing this in a tiny little BMW.

  8. I’m traveling tmw on a shoe string budget & just wondering what cities are worth visiting – east coast.

  9. This is wonderful!! I’m inspired! Quick question — when you take your Jetboil internationally or fly to a location on a plane, what do you do about fuel? Do you buy propane and have it sent to your location ahead of time?

  10. Memory foam gets hard as a rock when cold, better to use regular foam. I camp out of a 2017 Jeep Patriot, up in the Rockies.

  11. OMG, this post is awesome! I recently decided I wanted to do some car camping in my SUV and this post had some great information! Thank you!

  12. I liked the information you gave. This is also really important because most of us have been driving when we were really sleepy and a danger to others and ourselves, so this will be so helpful to get some sleep and stay safe.

  13. Hi Renee, Thanks for the tips! In the photos above, is the blue sleeping pad the Exped 7.5 or Magamat Duo 10? Thank you!

    1. Hi Amber! We have the Exped DeepSleep 7.5 in the duo version. That’s what is pictured in the photos 🙂

      1. Hi! We have the exact same car & I was wondering whether you have it in the LW+ or the M size. Your post has been SUPER helpful. Thank you!

        1. I believe it’s the medium size but I would recommend measuring the back of your car before ordering ☺️

  14. We travel a lot but I must admit we’ve never slept in the car (yet)! I hadn’t realised it was a thing – so thank you for all these tips, it was definitely a very interesting read. I hope you are well!

    1. A 2008 Toyota 4Runner and yes I would recommend it! I am 5’4 and can sleep fully stretched out with the back seats folded down. My husband is 6’1 and he can fully stretch out if we remove the back seats, otherwise he has to sleep on an angle

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