Level Up Your Car Camping Game: From Van Life to Weekend Warrior

I spent five glorious years living in a van, a period that now eclipses the time I’ve lived in any single location since leaving my childhood home. Ironically, transitioning out of the van felt more challenging than moving in. The freedom of having a mobile, self-contained unit, my "turtle shell," was something I feared losing.

As soon as I acquired a "normal-person car," my focus shifted to transforming it into a mini camper-van. I wasn’t aiming for a full-blown, permanent conversion. This was for Los Angeles, where the car’s primary function would be navigating city streets. Instead, I wanted a system that would excel on road trips and backcountry camping adventures, a vehicle where I could park, deploy shades, and drift off to sleep, much like my van. Ideally, this new setup would even access locations inaccessible to my van.

The market is brimming with products designed for this exact purpose. Overwhelmed by the choices, I dove deep into research and began rigorously testing gear.

If you’re itching to hit the road this summer, I’ve curated some highly recommended items, along with valuable tips and tricks to enhance your experience.

Crucially, you don’t need a brand new car. Your existing vehicle likely possesses the necessary foundation. The primary requirement is back seats that fold down as flat as possible, forming your sleeping platform. Beyond that, more space generally equates to greater comfort. However, the pivotal question is: what kind of camping do you envision? Consider the destinations you aspire to reach and the climates and road conditions you’re likely to encounter.

For me, winter camping near ski resorts was a priority, necessitating all-wheel drive. I also desired the ability to venture onto dirt trails, but without sacrificing city parking convenience or enduring the fuel economy penalty of a heavily lifted vehicle with oversized tires. I settled on a Honda CR-V, which ticked all my boxes. While it won’t tackle the Rubicon Trail, its all-wheel drive should handle most dirt roads. Critically, the back seats fold down remarkably flat. For those seeking a dual-purpose normal car/camper, I suggest exploring the crossover category, which bridges the gap between sedans and SUVs. Examples include the Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Tesla Model X.

Got a crossover? Great. Now, let’s talk tires. The factory tires on your car are probably inadequate. They might suffice for dry highways, but if you plan on tackling dirt or snow, an upgrade is essential. Many people simply bolt on all-terrain tires designed for pickup trucks. However, this can be problematic. Crossovers aren’t engineered for such heavy wheels, which can strain the drivetrain and cause damage. Additionally, pickup trucks and larger SUVs typically use a body-on-frame construction, while crossovers utilize a unibody design, similar to sedans. This results in different handling characteristics, requiring tires specifically designed for crossovers.

That’s why I opted for Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires for my CR-V. They are, to my knowledge, the only all-terrain tire built specifically for crossovers. Remarkably, they excel in all areas. They are lightweight for a crossover’s drivetrain, deliver solid fuel economy on the highway, and are USTMA-rated for Severe Snow, performing nearly as well as dedicated snow tires. This past winter, I navigated extremely steep and icy roads in Yosemite and the Angeles National Forest. Pickup trucks with 4WD were pulling over to install chains, while others struggled with spinning tires and fishtailing. My CR-V felt glued to the road, without a single slip. It was truly impressive.

If you have a larger vehicle capable of handling heavier tires, I’ve had positive experiences with BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tires. They offer excellent off-road grip while remaining surprisingly quiet on the highway. I used these on my Sprinter van and they proved invaluable on challenging roads.

Some winter roads mandate carrying snow chains. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine and being turned back. Thanks to my Falken tires, I didn’t need to use my chains this winter, but I did pass through checkpoints where rangers verified I had them. I chose Super Z6 tire cables, which are significantly easier to install than traditional chains, thanks to their bungee-like system. They also eliminate the need to move your car mid-installation and are quieter while driving. If you have an AWD or 4WD car, ensure you have chains for all four tires and practice installing and removing them before you head out (YouTube is your friend). Also, double-check that you have the correct size for your tires.

Cars, crossovers, and SUVs aren’t typically designed with sleep comfort in mind. Coming from a van with a full-sized memory foam mattress, I anticipated this would be the biggest adjustment, and I was right. Air mattresses simply can’t replicate the feel of foam. However, I discovered an air mattress that made the transition smoother.

The Luno Air Mattress 2.0 is specifically designed for car campers sleeping in the back of their SUV or crossover. When laid out on the floor, it has an unusual shape, but that allows it to perfectly fit into the back of your car with the rear seats folded down. It’s a two-chamber mattress, allowing you to inflate the entire thing for two people (or if you like to spread out) or just one side if you want to reserve space for gear. It comes with an electric pump that plugs into your car’s DC outlet, inflating quickly to a comfortable four inches.

Luno claims its mattress fits over 1,800 car models. Simply enter your year, make, and model on their website to verify compatibility. I found it comfortable to sleep on, and relatively warm, even in freezing temperatures. I do wish it had some foil or insulation to reflect body heat on the coldest nights, as I did get a bit chilly when temperatures dropped below freezing. However, it was comfortable, easy to adjust the firmness, and long enough that I didn’t feel cramped (I’m 6′ 1").

If you have an air mattress built for two, consider a sleeping bag built for two as well. Trying to cuddle in separate sleeping bags is less than ideal. The Cabin Creek bag worked perfectly with the Luno mattress. It connected to the mattress to prevent sliding. The 100% recycled synthetic insulation provided plenty of soft, fluffy loft for comfort. Big Agnes opted not to insulate the underside of the bag, relying on the air mattress for insulation (neither down nor synthetic stuffing insulates effectively when compressed). I did experience occasional cold spots on my rear during the chilliest nights (30 degrees Fahrenheit), but overall, the bag lived up to its 15 degree F rating.

While I appreciated the space to spread out in the Cabin Creek, along with its excellent hood and "pillow barn," if you’re camping solo and warmth is a priority, consider something like the Nemo Sonic 0-degree bag. It’s pricey at $450, but it’s arguably the best-designed bag I’ve ever encountered. It features zippable gills for temperature regulation and is shaped to accommodate side sleepers.

One of the things I loved most about van life was having all my work gear readily available. I could plug my laptop, phone, flashlights, or cameras into the wall and always have ample power, including keeping my fridge running. Campervans typically have a "house battery" in addition to the car battery. Crossovers lack house batteries, but there are elegant solutions available.

This might be overkill, but editing video drains battery quickly. Jackery’s Explorer 1500 is a portable power station, featuring a battery with a built-in inverter and outlets. It boasts an impressive 1488Wh capacity, yet remains compact enough to fit in the passenger seat footwell. It features two USB-A ports, one USB-C, three grounded AC outlets, and one 12-volt DC car outlet. You can charge it at home by plugging it into a wall or while driving using the included car charger. I keep it charged at home for emergencies, but there’s another way to replenish it on the road…

I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of these portable solar panels. They fold in half and magnetically click shut for clean and safe storage, but when opened, they boast a solar conversion efficiency of up to 23%, which is extremely high for a portable panel. You can daisy chain up to four together for rapid recharging. I placed two of these panels on top of my car and ran a cable through a crack in the sunroof to the Explorer 1500. It went from 92% to 100% full by the time I finished breakfast. Weighing 9 pounds each and measuring 24 x 21 x 1.4 inches, they are a bit bulky, but they fold flat for trunk storage.

One major advantage of van life was having a fridge stocked with fresh produce. Maintaining a healthy diet on long road trips was essential for avoiding feeling awful and saving money. Replicating this in my car camper was a top priority. Fortunately, electric coolers offer a straightforward solution. These have the same basic shape as standard ice coolers but are essentially small refrigerators.

The Dometic CFX3 line was the clear choice. They offer ample capacity, excellent insulation, and are incredibly efficient. I opted for the 35-liter size, which fit nicely on the passenger seat, allowing easy access to cold drinks. It plugs into the DC outlet on the Jackery Explorer, and even set to a frosty 37 degrees F, it only drained the battery 8% over eight hours. Remarkable! Bonus: It plugs into a standard AC outlet and is aesthetically pleasing, serving as a mini-fridge next to my couch between trips.

If an electric cooler seems overly complicated, large, or expensive, consider a modern roto-molded cooler. After extensive research, I selected a hard plastic cooler from Orca. These are extremely durable, start around $200, and can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days (under ideal conditions).

I typically prefer liquid fuel stoves for camping due to their efficiency, reduced waste, and readily available fuel. However, the thought of accidentally spilling white gas inside my car was unappealing, so I opted for a self-contained canister stove. The MSR Reactor was my choice.

The Reactor boils water extremely quickly and is designed for rapidly melting snow, which is useful for winter camping. It also performs well in high winds and is compact enough for the stove and canister to fit inside the 2.5-liter pot. Push-button ignition would be a welcome addition, as lighting it can be tricky in windy conditions, but otherwise, it’s fantastic.

I chose the 2.5L size for boiling pasta for small groups, but when solo camping, I minimized messes by simply boiling water and pouring it into freeze-dried meal pouches, like those from Good To-Go. Extremely important note: Do not use a fuel-burning stove in any enclosed space. If weather forces you to cook inside your car, ensure you have multiple windows open to prevent asphyxiation.

This is undeniably a luxury item, but I love it. You could pour your coffee into a double-wall thermos, but it will remain scalding hot for an hour. The Ember mug has a built-in battery and electric heater to lower your drink to your preferred temperature and maintain it. For me, that’s 133 degrees F. It has a digital display showing the current temperature (adjustable on the fly) and will maintain that temperature for up to three hours. It now has a car charger that plugs into a standard DC outlet. The top is great at preventing spills. My only complaint is the 12-ounce capacity; I need 16 ounces of hot coffee!

A basin is useful for washing dishes, gear, clothes, or yourself. This collapsible basket folds up super small but can hold about 2.5 gallons of water. It’s a handy item—just use gentle, biodegradable soap and avoid dumping water near running water sources.

I always recommend carrying a few gallons of water in your car, camping or not. It’s essential for hydration, emergencies, and washing dog messes off your shoes. This simple cube, made of soft plastic, folds away when not in use, holds 3.9 gallons of water, is easy to carry, and leak-proof. I keep mine full and tucked behind my driver’s seat. Carry multiple for longer trips or desert camping.

If you’re filling your car with expensive gear, protect it. While window shades are critical, a good alarm system is essential. I used the Viper SmartStart system in my van for over five years, providing peace of mind. I armed it when sleeping in sketchy areas or whenever I left the van, which contained all my possessions.

Viper’s system is modular, but the SmartStart Pro features GPS and two-way smartphone connectivity. You’ll be notified if your alarm triggers and can check the lock status or locate your car. Options include auto-start (great for freezing days) and a Glass Crash Sensor. Two-way key fobs will alert you if your car alarm triggers within a mile. Advanced features like GPS and phone connectivity require an annual subscription of roughly $100. Installation is not trivial and should only be performed by a trained professional to avoid damaging your car.

The most important thing for safety when sleeping in your car is to remain unseen. Blackout shades are a critical upgrade. Many people make their own from felt and Velcro, but I purchased a full vehicle kit from WeatherTech. You enter your year, make, and model, and they’ll send you a blackout shade for every window in your car. There’s a black side and a reflective side, depending on the temperature. You can still crack windows with them in place, which is essential for urban boondocking.

A crucial rule for sleeping in your car: crack a window. Ideally, multiple windows. Your breath will cause condensation and create the impression of rain inside your car. In freezing temperatures, this can lead to iced windows. This will lead to a very unpleasant smelling vehicle. At the same time, you want to prevent mosquitoes and other bugs from entering. I purchased cheap screens off Amazon. The rear window screens slip over the top of your door. The moonroof screen attaches magnetically and allows a cable to run from my solar panels to the battery.

Crossovers are a great size for this type of camping, but they have limitations. One person can easily camp with all gear plus snowboards, but it would be tight for two people. External storage can significantly enhance livability. I chose the Yakima SkyLine system with JetStream bars, which are low profile, quiet on the highway, and capable of carrying large items like surfboards.

I really wanted Yakima’s Exo System, a rear-mounted dual-shelf system. It swings out for trunk access and places items behind the car instead of on top, reducing MPG impact and simplifying access. I planned to use it with a basket and lockable GearLocker for extra storage. However, it requires a 2-inch hitch, and my car has a 1.25-inch hitch. Yakima advised against using an adapter, and a new hitch installation would cost around $1,500.

This headlamp is lightweight, compact, and comfortable. One-button operation makes it easy to use, providing ample light for the car interior (and night walks). It has a red-light mode for preserving night vision. It’s USB rechargeable, so I can plug it into my Jackery Explorer.

Minimizing clutter is essential for living in small spaces, so I got a seat-back organizer for toiletries. It provides easy access to my toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving kit, extra toilet paper and trowel, headlamp, bug spray, and lantern, and allows me to tuck my phone away while sleeping, without sacrificing bed space.

They’re just sporks. You need something to eat with. Get some sporks.

Of course, there’s much more to consider, but these are the basics to get you started. We’ll update this article as I refine my kit and test other gadgets. If you have favorite road-tripping gear, share it in the comments!