Sleeping in a car is preferred by many people over sleeping in a tent. This preference is because one needs to set up their tent properly. Staking your tent and properly insulating it can be a chore. Sleeping in your car is much more convenient, but is it legal? If you prefer not to sleep in a tent, you might ask yourself: can I sleep in my car at a campsite? The answer to this question depends on the location of your campsite. Certain rules will apply when camping on private or government-owned sites.
This article will cover the regulations of sleeping in your car at national parks, KOA campgrounds, and state parks. We will also tell you how to keep safe when sleeping in your car and share our best hacks to improve your car sleep.
Can You Sleep in Your Car When You Go Camping?
One does not always have the time or dedication to set up a tent and warm it properly. Maybe the weather does not allow you to pitch your tent.
The convenience of car sleeping is undeniable. It requires less setup, and you can easily warm up the car using climate control. Do not leave the car running overnight as this can be dangerous. Just warm up your sleeping space and turn the car off.
The answer to the question “Can I sleep in my car at a campsite?” is yes. Sleeping in your car is possible, but you must ensure that your campsite does not prohibit it.
Being safe should be your number one priority. Make sure always to lock your car and keep a vigilant eye. Keep a distance between yourself and other campers.
Can You Sleep in Your Car in National Parks?
If you wish to sleep in your car at a national park, you will need a backcountry permit. In most national parks, you can only sleep at the campgrounds. Visit the website of the park you are planning to visit or call them to avoid any inconvenience.
While some parks allow for dispersed camping, you may need to reserve your campsite beforehand. Most campsites at national parks are closed during public holidays and the winter.
Ensure that the park is open before you go on the road for a camping trip.
A good rule of thumb is always getting a backcountry permit when planning a camping trip. If the weather changes unexpectedly, you may need to abandon your tent and sleep in your car. Being prepared will lead to a much safer camping experience.
Can You Sleep in Your Car in State Parks?
If you are unaware, the federal government manages all national parks, and state parks come under the jurisdiction of the state governments. All national parks have almost the same regulations. However, the rules at state parks can vary a lot.
If you want to sleep in your car at a state park, check the rules and regulations on their website. Be vigilant of the rules and complete all the necessary paperwork. Always ask the park staff, “Can I sleep in my car at a campsite?” and do not assume anything.
If you cannot find a staff member and the park does not have a website, it is better to sleep in your tent instead. This way, you will not be woken up in the middle of the night by an angry park ranger.
Can You Sleep in Your Car at a KOA Campground?
KOA or Kampgrounds of America is the world’s biggest system of privately-owned campgrounds. They currently have around 500 locations throughout North America. You will need to pay to use sites owned by KOA, but the facilities you get are worth it.
Sleeping in your car will not be an issue if you have an RV. KOA encourages RV camping, but if you have a regular car, call them beforehand. Most likely, the employees will not have an issue as you pay to use the campsite.
You can book your next campsite through KOA’s excellent mobile app. KOA also has a rewards program that costs $33 per year.
Is Sleeping in Your Car Safe?
Many things can go wrong when sleeping in your car. Having a fulfilling night’s sleep is impossible if you constantly worry about your safety. Therefore, we have compiled our top tips to help you stay safe and enjoy a good night’s rest.
- If possible, share your location before going to sleep. Not all campsites have cell service, so you should text your location to someone you trust beforehand.
- Do not park your car on an incline. You could accidentally disable the brakes while sleeping, and an incline will make things worse in this situation.
- Your sleeping surface should be flat and long. Sleeping in a crunched-up or an uneven position will lead to blood circulation problems and back pain.
- Do not leave the car on when going to sleep. Not even to use climate control. If you do this, you risk breathing in harmful emissions, killing the battery, or running out of gas.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility. We recommend keeping a carbon monoxide detector if you sleep in your car often.
- Do not open your windows fully. Ventilation is important, but an open window can invite thieves or insects.
You do not need to be too concerned about sleeping in your car. Long-haul truck drivers have been sleeping in vehicles for ages. If you take the proper precautions, there is no need to fear suffocation, crime, or even the climate.
Do You Have to Crack a Window When Sleeping in Your Car?
Ventilation is a major concern when sleeping in your car. So, is cracking a window necessary? No, you do not need to open your window while sleeping in your car. Vehicles are not airtight. The air inside your car is already circulating, and enough oxygen is available to sustain you for a long time. Opening your window can also allow heat to escape and give thieves access to your car.
A recent study found that even when a vehicle is parked, the air is completely replaced within hours, even with zero human intervention or built-in ventilation.
So, when should you crack a window? Opening your window is advised when multiple people are in the car, or you plan on sleeping for a long time. In these situations, the oxygen inside your car can deplete quickly. Even if you decide to crack a window, you should not open it fully. This will help maintain a barrier from the elements and prevent any unwanted third party from gaining access.
Heat exhaustion is a much bigger concern in hotter climates than having enough oxygen. A good air vent fan like the Schumacher 125 will mitigate this issue.
How Do I Cover My Car Windows for Sleeping?
Do you prefer sleeping in a dark environment? Do not worry. We have got you covered. The following methods will help you block out unwanted light and improve the quality of your sleep.
Car Shades
A lot of car shades are available on the market at affordable prices. They are great if you want to block out the sun or any unwanted light when going to sleep. To block out the light from your windscreen, we recommend the Ontel Brella Shield. It works on most vehicles and is easy to store and install.
If you prefer complete darkness, consider the Munchkin Brica Window Shades. They will significantly reduce any light coming from your windows. You can easily secure these magnetic window shades to your car frame.
DIY Curtains
The DIY option is also worth considering. You will need some bungee cord and an old bed sheet. Paracord can also be used as a substitute for bungee cords.
You must cut up your old bed sheet to create the DIY car curtains. Make four small rectangles the size of your car windows and two bigger rectangles the size of your windscreen. Then use the bungee cord to tie the pieces onto your windows. If you want to block out even more light, we recommend using multiple pieces of cloth to make your curtains.
Car Sleeping Hacks to Make Car Sleeping Comfortable
Can I sleep in my car at a campsite and still be comfortable? Sleeping in a car does not have to result in back pain and neck stiffness. Here are our top hacks to make sure you get some quality shut-eye.
Get Everything Ready
To enjoy a good night’s sleep, you will need the following items:
- Two pillows
- A sleeping bag
- A sleeping pad
- A blanket or a sheet
We recommend getting a good sleeping bag and pad. These items are major factors in the quality of your sleep. Without these, your sleeping experience will surely be worse. You cannot go wrong with the Coleman Brazos for comfortable sleeping bags. It is lightweight and very durable.
If you are in the market for a sleeping pad, we recommend the TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Pad. It is easy to use, and its portability is second to none.
Orient and Make the Bed
Different cars will require you to set up differently. The following are general guidelines for creating a comfortable sleeping place in each type of vehicle.
- Truck: you should use the truck bed.
- SUV / Minivan / Wagon / Hatchback: you should fold the rear seats to make flat space.
- Sedan: if the rear seats do not fold, you should sleep on the back seats.
After creating a flat surface, you should check for protrusions. No one enjoys uneven bumps. Get your sleeping pad and lay it in the desired position. If you do not own a pad, you can use blankets or clothes to create cushioning between you and the hard surface.
Now you can set up the sleeping bag. The awkward shape of your car’s interior can make sleeping very uncomfortable. Therefore, you should fill the gaps between uneven surfaces, such as seats that do not fold flat.
We recommend bringing two pillows and a lot of blankets to make a comfortable sleeping arrangement. Remember to crack the window or open the sunroof for ventilation. To learn more about sleeping comfortably in a compact car, watch the following YouTube video by Laras Themes.
Conclusion
Next time anyone asks, “Can I sleep in my car at a campsite?” you will be able to tell them about the proper procedure. Car sleeping protects you from the elements and is undeniably more convenient than sleeping in a tent.
Before sleeping in your car, make sure your campsite allows it. A backcountry permit will work wonders if you plan to go to a national or state park. Calling beforehand is always a good idea to prevent any trouble.
Make sure to use our car sleeping hacks for a comfortable sleeping experience. Cover your windows using the abovementioned techniques if you prefer a dark environment. Do not forget to crack your window and turn the car off when going to sleep.
If you prefer sleeping in your car while camping, you should consider getting an RV or a camper van. They are more spacious and much more comfortable. You can always rent these vehicles from a car leasing company at reasonable prices.