Our tips for the best car campout this summer

Camping is a classic summer pastime for Aussies. However, the thought of sleeping outside with nothing but a thin sheet of tarpaulin protecting you from all those deadly animals puts a lot of people off. So our advice: ditch the tent and camp out in your car instead.

Car camping gives you the added comfort, safety and warmth of your car, without sacrificing the joy of falling asleep under a canopy of stars and waking up to birdsong in some of the most beautiful places in Australia.

So here are our top tips for the best car campout this summer.

There are a few different options for car mattresses depending on the type of car you have. An inflatable mattress that lies across the back row is perfect for sedans, while SUV drivers can pop down the back seats and pop a mattress in lengthwise. Tip: inflate the mattress after it’s in position in the car to save yourself a lot of hassle!

Unless you want to be woken up at the crack of dawn, investing in some window coverings is a must. They also create privacy and help to keep the interior of your car cool. At nights, you can even crack a window to let in some breeze while keeping mozzies out.

If you are in a powered campsite, simply bring an extension cord and plug in your devices. However, if you are going off-grid, a portable solar charger will ensure you can keep your phone charged. Simply attach the device to the roof of your car to capture the day’s rays so you have enough juice to charge your phone overnight.

You can’t go past the WikiCamps app when it comes to finding a place to pull in for the night. Use the map to find a place to stay, and filter by pet-friendly, toilets, power and price. Then read through the reviews to find your perfect car camping spot.

While it is generally safe to sleep in your car, it’s still important to take a few safety precautions. In Australia, states and councils have varying rules around the legalities of sleeping in your car, so make sure you do a quick search online to avoid a possible fine. Sleeping in rest stops and campgrounds is generally fine, however residential areas in most states are not.

Always remember to:

It’s nice to have seating outside the car so that you can sit around a campfire, drink your morning coffee comfortably and chat with other campers. While those luxe camping chairs may be tempting, opting for some lightweight chairs that fold down tightly will be a real space saver without sacrificing comfort.

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