Evie Summers
Sleeping in your car can be a valuable life skill, whether it's for a night or a year. It can be a great alternative to tent camping, offering protection from the elements and a more comfortable sleep. However, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards and how to avoid them. In this article, we will discuss the legal aspects of sleeping in your car, how to stay safe and comfortable, and provide some tips and tricks for making the most of your car-sleeping experience. We will also cover the gear you'll need to stay warm and cosy, and how to find the perfect spot to park up for the night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Rest stops, truck stops, industrial parks, parking lots, trailheads, airports, or wooded areas |
| Parking Apps | AllStays, Hipcamp |
| Sleeping Position | Head above feet, head to the front of the car |
| Gear | Sleeping bag, sleep mask, sleeping pad, neck pillow, insulated blanket, mattress topper, pillows, blankets, earplugs, window coverings |
| Food | Cooler, perishables, meat, cheese, eggs, milk, healthy snacks |
| Safety | Carbon monoxide poisoning, lock doors, follow Leave No Trace principles, don't run the engine, be polite to police |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a safe, legal location to park
When choosing a location to park your car for the night, safety and legality should be top priorities. One of the biggest hazards to be aware of is carbon monoxide poisoning, so be sure to never sleep with the engine running and always crack a window for fresh air circulation.
It is crucial to identify suitable and legally permissible places for overnight parking where you won't face any hassle. Choose locations that allow you to legally park without worrying about restrictions, such as parking lots, rest areas, or other designated overnight parking areas. Some businesses may require customers to park only while patronizing the establishment, and some municipalities prohibit overnight parking altogether.
There are apps like AllStays and Hipcamp that can help you find places to stay legally and avoid being bothered. They offer a variety of free and paid locations to set up for the night. Rest stops and truck stops are also popular options for overnight car sleepers, as they usually have facilities like showers, vending machines, and coffee. However, be aware that overnight sleeping is not always legally permitted at rest stops, and it will depend on your state/jurisdiction.
If you're looking for a more hidden location, consider parking on trails in wooded areas. This can help keep your car out of sight, but be aware that uneven ground could make sleep uncomfortable. If you're parking in a questionable neighborhood, a car cover can also provide protection and privacy, but make sure to avoid using one without good ventilation if it's hot outside.
Wherever you choose to park, always be respectful of the space and follow Leave No Trace principles and common sense safety practices.
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Prepare for the temperature with the right gear
Sleeping in a car can be uncomfortable, but with the right gear, you can prepare for the temperature and get a good night's rest.
Firstly, consider the temperature outside and inside the car. Cars can get just as cold as tents at night, so it's important to pack an insulated blanket and a temperature-rated sleeping bag. If you're camping in sub-zero temperatures, consider buying two sleeping bags and layering them, with one inside the other. You can also add a blanket and a beanie for your head for extra warmth. A $60 sleeping bag will keep you warm in -20 °F (-29 °C) weather, which should be sufficient for most car camping trips. If it's extremely cold, you can add an extra layer of clothing to your sleeping attire. A safety pin can also be useful to keep your sleeping bag closed if it doesn't fit snugly around your head.
If you're camping in hot weather, a car cover will provide protection from the sun and privacy. However, it's important to ensure good ventilation to avoid overheating. Never run your car with the cover on, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, keep the windows slightly open for fresh air circulation, which is important regardless of the temperature.
In addition to the essentials, there are some comfort items you can bring along to enhance your sleep. A sleep mask, neck pillow, earplugs, mattress topper, and extra pillows and blankets can all make your car camping experience more enjoyable. If you have back pain, consider bringing a memory foam pillow or mattress topper for added support.
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Keep your food safe and secure
If you're planning to sleep in your car, keeping enough food and water is crucial. Here are some tips to help you keep your food safe and secure:
Firstly, always bring more food and water than you think you'll need. This is essential, especially if you're camping in remote areas or unfamiliar locations. Plan your meals and bring non-perishable food items that don't require extensive preparation. Canned foods, energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, and jerky are excellent choices that don't spoil easily. If you're bringing perishables like meat, cheese, eggs, or milk, invest in a good cooler to keep them fresh. Pre-chill your cooler with ice or ice blocks before adding your food to create a frosty environment that will prolong their freshness.
When packing your car, keep your food secured inside, preferably in a designated storage area, like a trunk or backseat, where it won't get crushed or damaged. If you're camping in an area with wildlife, ensure your food is stored in bear-proof containers or hung from a tree, far from your campsite, to prevent attracting unwanted visitors.
Consider your parking location carefully. Well-lit truck stops, rest stops, and campgrounds often have restaurants or convenience stores, providing easy access to food and water. If you're camping in a remote area, research nearby grocery stores or markets to restock your supplies.
Lastly, maintain proper food handling and hygiene practices. Keep your car clean and free of food crumbs or leftovers that might attract insects or wildlife. Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling food, and pack utensils and plates to avoid mess and contamination.
By following these tips, you'll ensure you have a safe and secure food supply during your car-camping adventure.
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Ensure fresh air circulation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
When sleeping in a car, ensuring proper ventilation is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some tips to ensure fresh air circulation:
Park in a well-ventilated area: Look for open spaces with good airflow, such as rest stops, industrial parks, or truck stop gas stations. Avoid confined or enclosed spaces that may trap carbon monoxide.
Keep the windows slightly open: Before settling in for the night, crack open one or more windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Even a small gap can make a significant difference in ventilation.
Use a car cover with proper ventilation: If you require additional privacy or insulation, consider using a car cover. However, ensure that the cover has adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Avoid using a car cover if it's hot outside, as it can trap heat and make your car uncomfortably warm.
Invest in a portable fan or air circulator: If you anticipate parking in a stuffy environment, consider purchasing a small, battery-operated fan to help move the air around. This can be especially useful if you need to keep the windows closed due to inclement weather or privacy concerns.
Be mindful of nearby vehicles: When parking near other vehicles, be aware of their exhaust fumes. Try to maintain a safe distance from idling trucks or cars, as their emissions can contain harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have adequate ventilation while sleeping in your car, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Remember, it is always important to prioritize safety when sleeping in a vehicle.
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Make the most of your space
Sleeping in a car can be challenging due to the limited space. Here are some tips to make the most of your space:
Choose the Right Sleeping Spot
Select a flat surface to park your car. Windy Forest Service roads or remote areas may not always offer flat ground, so choose your parking spot wisely. If you must park on an incline, position your car so that your head is above your feet. Sleeping with your head towards the front of the car is generally more comfortable as it provides more elbow room, especially if you're sleeping in the back seat, as most cars have wheel wells at the back that take up valuable space.
Select the Right Seat
If you have the option, choose the seat that will provide the most comfort for sleeping. The front passenger seat can often be reclined, providing a larger sleeping area. If you're sleeping in the back seat, consider removing the headrests of the front seats to create more space. Additionally, consider investing in a compact camping pillow or bringing a full-size pillow from home to enhance your comfort.
Utilize Storage Areas
Take advantage of any storage areas in your car, such as the trunk or backseat pockets, to store your belongings and create more space in the sleeping area. If possible, pack your belongings tightly into these storage areas to optimize space.
Keep the Car Tidy
Maintain a tidy and organized space in your car. This will help you feel more comfortable and less cramped. Use storage containers or bags to keep your items organized and easily accessible.
Plan Your Meals
When car camping, plan your meals in advance. Keep your food secured in the car, and consider using a cooler to prevent perishables from spoiling. Pre-chill your cooler with ice or ice blocks before adding food to maintain freshness. This will help you avoid wasting space by storing unnecessary food items.
By following these tips, you can maximize your space and create a more comfortable sleeping environment when sleeping in your car.
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Frequently asked questions
It is crucial to identify suitable and legally permissible places for overnight parking where you won't face any hassle. Choose locations that allow you to legally park without worrying about restrictions, such as parking lots, rest areas, or other designated overnight parking areas. Some apps like AllStays and Hipcamp can help you find these spots.
Make sure to lock all your doors, and crack a window for fresh air circulation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If it's cold, pack an insulated blanket, a temperature-rated sleeping bag, and a pillow. If it's hot, ensure good ventilation and use window coverings for privacy and to block light.
Plan to keep all your food secured in your car. Consider packing a cooler with ice or ice blocks to prevent perishables like meat, cheese, eggs, and milk from spoiling. Also, keep healthy snack items on hand, like fruit, veggies, nuts, jerky, or protein bars.
Law enforcement officers may be there to enforce vagrancy laws, but they also want to help people in need. Very often, they will offer help or leave you in peace. Do not treat every police officer as your enemy, but it's better to not get their attention in the first place.
If possible, position your car so that your head is above your feet. Sleeping with your head to the front of the car will give you more elbow room. You can also use a pillow, earplugs, eye mask, and extra blankets to maximise comfort.
