Car Camping: How to Sleep Safely Under the Stars
By: Faith Calhoun
While travelers are rediscovering car camping as a terrific budget-friendly alternative for travel, many still have concerns about sleeping safely on the road. I’ve been living an adventurer’s dream for the pastfive years; cue the sound of complete freedom, but even I still get a bit anxious while on the road.
From sleeping at campgrounds or in a rooftop tent in the wilderness to sleeping on an air mattress in the back of my SUV, I’ve experienced all types of car camping. ButI’ve discovered my preferred form—especially when I’m solo traveling—is sleeping in the back of my locked car instead of a tent.
Before you head into the wilderness on your own car camping adventure, let’s touch on a few anxieties you might experience, and some steps you can take to ensure your safety is the top priority.
Privacy Matters
One way to feel more comfortable sleeping on the road is to cover up and protect your privacy. If you can see out of your car, then outsiders may be able to see inside. Using window coverings will offer privacy and grant you peace of mind. There are various options on the market, from slip-on, adhesive, and even magnetic window shades. Find what works best for your car and your sleeping situation but remember to remove all coverings before driving.
Another great use for privacy coverings is when you’re away from your car. I even put up my window coverings at trailheads and urban areas to keep my gear from being out in plain sight.
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Consider Your Location and Where You’ll Be Sleeping
While car camping will give you the mostflexibility in your travel plans, it’s still importantto be smart about selecting your camping site. Scouting for potential sleeping locations will prevent you from being stuck searching for a safe, comfortable, and legal place to sleep late at night. I typically create a list of public and private campgrounds, public lands, or even large-retailer parking lots that allow overnight parking. There are great apps outthere to help you find spots to sleep on the road.
The safest option is staying at campgrounds, but even that can get expensive quickly. Finding dispersed camping on public lands is free but will require you to be self-sufficient. While campgrounds and public lands are options, car camping allows you to pull over and rest in more urban and residential locations such as park n’ rides, rest stops, and even certain parking lots. I always make sure to sleep somewherewell-lit, nearby other cars, or off a road with easy access. Always remember to check for signage prohibiting you from being there.
Communication Is Key
Wherever you sleep, ensure you have access to good cell service. Communicate your location with a family member or trusted friend. For extra security, purchase a satellite communication device to send and receive messages, navigate, track, and share your location and, if necessary, trigger an SOS to an emergency response without cell service.
As an adventure photographer, it’s not always possible to sleep in areas with good cell service, especially if I have to wake up early to do a morning photoshoot. Purchasing a satellite device took care of the question, “What would I do if I needed to get a hold of someone?” Now, I’m just a click away from communicating an SOS or just texting my family goodnight.
Make an Easy Exit
When I first started taking road trips, I was unorganized. I would shuffle stuff in and out of my driver’s seat to make space, making it almost impossible to drive away without a complete readjustment. Now, I leave my driver’s seat open and accessible, which helps me move around safer, especially if I need to make a quick exit.
It’s Okay to Be High Maintenance
When your car becomes your temporary home, it’s important to stay up to date on car maintenance. Address any problems as soon as possible. And if something happens while you’re on the road it’s helpful to have roadside assistance to get you out of a bind.
While I’ve never needed to use roadside assistance for more than a flat tire, sometimes things happen that are out of your control—like losing your car keys on a hiking trail and needing a tow. Thankfully—after hours of searching—I found my keys, but it still gave me assurance knowing I could call for help.
Enjoy the Ride
Car camping has truly changed the way I’ve been able to travel and see the world. I’ve gone from spending a few days on the road, to month-long road trips through some of the most beautiful places in the United States. I have been able to experience peak fall foliage across New England, delved deep into the Appalachian Mountains, and camped from Southern California to Northern Canada. It can be one of the most liberating ways to travel, especially if you’re looking to budget. With car camping, you’re in complete control of your destinations without limitation. Stop waiting for the adventure to begin—it’s time to take the wheel and create an adventure for yourself.
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