How to Comfortably Camp in Your Car | Nissan Parts
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Blog - Car Camp Comfortably


September 3, 2020

How to Comfortably Camp in Your Car

Car camping is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family in the great outdoors. When it comes to sleeping outside, it's about as simple and convenient as you can get! Learn how to camp in your car comfortably, so you and your family can enjoy a memorable night under the stars.


1. Check That You Have the Right Vehicle

When most people think of car camping, they think of parking their car and setting up a tent nearby. In this case, however, we're talking about literally sleeping in, on, or next to your car with your tent attached to the vehicle. While some people may think sleeping in your car at a campsite isn't “real” camping, it has some useful advantages. Namely, better protection from the elements, better insulation, and even a convenient power source — just make sure not to risk a dead battery by leaving the interior lights on too long!

Before you go car camping, though, you need the right vehicle. Sedans and compact cars aren't exactly built with large cargo areas to hold gear or provide a comfortable sleeping surface. It's best to use an SUV, pickup truck, or van for car camping. In the Nissan family of vehicles, there are many good options, including the Nissan Xterra, Armada, Murano, Pathfinder, and TITAN XD are all good options.

2. Pack the Car-Camping Essentials

The ultimate car camping checklist for you depends on whether you like to rough it outdoors or camp luxuriously. For example, you could bring an air mattress with tons of pillows and blankets to sleep on in the back of your car or simply stick with the traditional sleeping bag and pad. The beauty of car camping is that you can make it as relaxing or challenging as you want!

Keep in mind that the fewer things you bring, the less you have to keep track of. Just don't forget to pack these car-camping essentials:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag & sleeping pad (or air mattress)
  • Cooler with food & water
  • Camp kitchen (cookware, dishes, camp stove, etc.)
  • Camping chairs
  • Flashlights & lantern
  • Seasonally-appropriate clothing & shoes
  • Pillows & blankets
  • Sanitary wipes and/or hand sanitizer
  • Trash bags
  • Firewood, firestarters, & lighter
  • Storage bins
  • First aid kit

3. Leave Room in the Car for Sleep & Fun

With all those essentials — plus all the recreational gear you'd like to bring, such as bikes, footballs, and fishing poles — you may quickly run out of room inside your vehicle. Easily solve your space issue by installing a rooftop cargo carrier.

With side rails or tracks on top of your car, it's easy to attach a pair of crossbars that can hold a range of equipment. Whether you need a rooftop bike rack or simply a cargo box to hold all of your essential gear, there are a variety of storage solutions for your Nissan. That way, there's plenty of room left inside the car to hang out or sleep.

4. Set Up Your Car Camping Tent

While backpacking tents are meant to be small and lightweight, car camping tents tend to be big and spacious. After all, you're not trekking for miles with 40 lbs on your back — you're having a good time at a stationary site. That means it's easy to spread out and get comfortable.

You can't go wrong with a Nissan hatch tent, which connects seamlessly to your car's open hatch for easy access, added protection, and extra room. This family tent sleeps up to five people and features two large entrance doors, mesh windows, and a rain-fly to keep everything dry.

Got a pickup truck? Try a tent that sets up in the bed of your truck! That way, you're elevated off any muddy, wet, or rocky ground and have a secure surface to rest on for the night. Either way, these tents are convenient and easy to set up, giving you more time to enjoy the outdoors.

5. Enjoy Your Outdoor Experience

With your essentials packed, extra gear stored up top, and tent set up, you're ready for a comfortable and rewarding car-camping experience! And even though unexpected things can happen on any adventure — whether that's inclement weather or a band of thieving raccoons — you'll be better prepared with your car-camping essentials.

If you are getting your Nissan ready for the car camping adventure of a lifetime, now is the time. From cargo carriers to truck bed tents, find the camping accessories that fit your exact model by shopping online or at a Nissan dealer near you.

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