Sleeping in Your Car: How to Do It Comfortably & Safely

A beginner-friendly guide to car camping overnight in your vehicle

Kat Culler

12/1/20253 min read

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Is It Really Comfortable to Sleep in Your Car?

Absolutely—if you set your car up the right way. Sleeping in your car while camping is cozy, warm, and surprisingly relaxing. It’s also great for beginners because you don’t have to worry about setting up a tent in the dark or learning complicated gear on day one.

But comfort and safety depend on preparation. This guide walks you through everything you need to make car sleeping easy, safe, and actually enjoyable.

If you’re brand new to car camping in general, my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Car Camping is a great place to start before learning sleep setups.

1. Choose the Right Sleeping Setup

Your mattress matters more than your car model. Even a compact car can feel roomy with the right padding.

If you’re gathering your gear, here’s my Car Camping Checklist with everything you need for a smooth trip.

Recommended setups:

  • SUV/crossover: Rear seats folded flat + sleeping pad or camping mattress

  • Sedan: Front seat reclined + thick foam topper

  • Hatchback/wagon: Lay rear seats down + inflatable sleeping pad

A few ways to get better sleep:

  • Use a memory foam topper for comfort

  • Add extra blankets for insulation

  • Bring a real pillow from home

  • Make sure you’re perfectly level before settling in

2. Use Window Covers for Privacy

Window covers help with:

  • Safety

  • Temperature control

  • Privacy

  • Blocking morning sun

Easy options include:

They also help your car stay warmer at night and cooler in the morning.

3. Crack Your Windows for Airflow

Fresh air = better sleep.
But avoid leaving windows wide open.

Best methods:

  • Crack 1–2 windows slightly

  • Use bug screens or mesh inserts

  • Point windows away from wind direction

This prevents condensation buildup and keeps airflow comfortable.

4. Keep Essentials Within Arm’s Reach

Put the items you’ll want at night right next to you, such as:

  • Water bottle

  • Headlamp

  • Phone charger

  • Tissues

  • Small trash bag

  • Extra layer of clothing

Having everything close makes the night easier.

5. Organize Your Gear Before Bed

Once you’re settled in, you don’t want to dig for anything in the dark.

Do a quick nighttime setup:

  • Move your shoes to the front of the car

  • Put food in sealed bins or in the trunk

  • Keep toiletries handy

  • Prep your morning essentials on the passenger seat

Organization = calm, comfortable sleep.

For even more ways to simplify your setup, check out these 25 Car Camping Hacks for Beginners.

6. Bring the Right Bedding for Warmth

Cars cool down overnight—fast. Even in summer.

To stay warm:

  • Use a quality sleeping bag

  • Add extra blankets

  • Wear warm socks

  • Bring a beanie for cold weather

  • Avoid cotton layers at night (retains moisture)

Being warm is the key to actually enjoying car sleeping.

Cold nights can be tough when you’re sleeping in your vehicle—here’s my complete guide on how to stay warm while car camping.

7. Use a Portable Fan or Heater (Where Allowed)

For warm-weather trips, a small USB fan is perfect.
For cold-weather trips, only use camp-safe heaters and follow campground regulations.

Never use propane heaters inside your vehicle.

8. Keep Your Car Secure

Safety should always come first.

Smart safety habits:

  • Lock your doors

  • Park legally and in approved areas

  • Keep valuables out of sight

  • Know campground rules ahead of time

  • Don’t run your engine while sleeping

If you’re solo camping, trust your instincts—move sites if something feels off.

9. Store Food Properly

Even though you’re inside a vehicle, wildlife can still be an issue.

Best practice:

  • Store food inside sealed bins

  • Keep scented items out of sleeping areas

  • Never leave food out overnight

  • Follow local wildlife & bear safety guidelines

This also keeps your car cleaner and more organized.

And if you want simple meal ideas for the morning or evening, here are some easy camping meals for beginners.

10. Make Your Morning Easy

Nothing beats waking up in nature—but a simple morning routine makes it even better.

Set yourself up for a smooth start:

  • Keep your clothes for the next day accessible

  • Store toiletries in the front seat

  • Pack a simple breakfast (fruit, bars, yogurt, instant coffee)

  • Bring wet wipes for a quick refresh

A calm morning makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

Where You Can & Can’t Sleep in Your Car

Rules vary by location, but generally:
Allowed:

  • Campgrounds

  • National Forest land

  • BLM land

  • Certain trailheads

  • Some private campsites

Not allowed:

  • Many city streets

  • State parks (varies by state)

  • Some rest stops

Always check local regulations before arriving.

Final Thoughts

Sleeping in your car is one of the easiest ways to start car camping—no tent setup, no complicated gear, and no stress. With the right setup, you’ll be warm, comfortable, safe, and ready for a beautiful morning outdoors. If you’re planning to bring your pup along on your trip, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to camping with dogs.

The more you practice, the more you’ll refine your perfect setup. Soon enough, your car will feel like a tiny, cozy cabin on wheels.