It was by accident, or really lack of planning, that I first slept in my car overnight. It happened while on a road trip driving from Melbourne to Sydney on the Hume Highway. What I discovered that night is I am not alone when it comes to sleeping in my car. Lots of other people are doing it too and they are calling it car camping. And saving themselves lots of money on accommodation costs while travelling around Australia. And here’s how they and I are doing it – car camping to save money on accommodation costs!

After covid lockdowns ended in Australia, every man, woman and their dog and cat is travelling Australia. This means, a lot of accommodation is full each night, booked in advance it seems as accommodation availability is scarce. I never had to book accommodation in advance before any road trip, I could drive into town and voila, some hotel always had a room available. But this night, nothing and I drove from one end of town to the other. I had no alternative but to find a quiet and safe spot to sleep in my car.

Maybe this has or hasn’t happened to you while you have been travelling. If you are itching to get out on the road and cannot afford a large car to tow a caravan or to buy your own van to live in, then adapting your car to car camping just might be the solution. So read on, and discover car camping in Australia and not just for one night, but a weekend or longer camping car holiday.

Firstly, My Car Camping Story

I alluded to my night of sleeping in my car in the opening of this post, and here’s the extended version. The drive is usually 11 hours between Melbourne and Sydney along the Hume Highway, but on this occasion I deviated from the main road to do some sightseeing at Glenrowan. As afternoon came and went, I was no where near where I needed to be for the night. After having dinner, I decided I couldn’t drive any more and began to look for accommodation for the night. This was in Yass.

Usually I can drive into a town and find a room in a motel, but not this night. Australia was out of covid lockdowns and everyone was travelling. Everywhere I went had a ‘No Vacancy’ sign. Even the caravan park was overflowing. Not sure what to do, I went to the Yass Service Centre on the highway and had a cup of coffee in the McDonalds restaurant. My thinking was, coffee could keep me away to make it to the next town where accommodation might be available. While sitting in McDonalds I noticed there were lots of trucks and cars parked in the parking area or rest area, and this is when I got the idea to sleep in my car.

Scouring the parking area I found a spot to park my car that was near the petrol station. I then laid the driver seat back, threw a blanket over me, locked all the doors and dozed off. I slept OK, waking a few times from lights from other vehicles arriving to get petrol. Reflecting on the night the next day, I realised I could sleep in my car anywhere to save on accommodation costs when I travel. And I began thinking about the next time, if there was to be a next time of car camping, I would be more prepared and what I would do to ensure I was prepared. So here are my best tips and tricks on how you can sleep in your car to save money on accommodation costs. And to travel Australia cheaper.

What is Car Camping?

In a nutshell, car camping is when you use your car to go camping in. Instead of using a tent to sleep in, or booking accommodation in a hotel, you use your car. Your car becomes your home away from home. It might even be your home.

Pros and Cons to Overnight Car Camping to Save Money

Pros to Car Camping

• The biggest advantage to sleeping in your car is it will save you on accommodation costs. It can save you heaps if you are travelling around Australia on a tight budget. The money you save can then can be spent elsewhere or even allow you to travel for longer. It’s one of the cheapest types of accommodation. The only other cheap or free accommodation I can compare it to is housesitting. Sounds good so far!
• You car becomes your home away from home.
• Can strengthen a relationship.

Cons to Car Camping

• The biggest disadvantage to sleeping in your car is that it isn’t always comfortable. Not just the bedding but depending on the season it can be hot or cold.
• Plus, it can be scary when you aren’t use to it.
• and it isn’t overly private either.
• You can feel cramped in a small space.
• Depending where you park your car, there may be a cost involved. If you stay in a caravan park or national park camping ground. And free camps (boondocking) isn’t always free, many places ask for a donation so they can keep facilities clean and tidy.
• car camping can test your relationship if you are travelling with a friend.
• your health can suffer if you don’t eat well while car camping.
• toileting and showering can be tricky.
• need to get use to early dinners as most of the time, you want to be back in your car before dusk so you can park up for the night. But there is no harm in spending time in the local pub enjoying the atmosphere before bedtime!

The best way to overcoming the disadvantages of camping car issues, is to be prepared for spending the night in your car. When you are prepared, it can become a more enjoyable experience.

How to Get Started Car Camping

Buy Your Car

Your vehicle is the most important part of car camping. Your current car you own will mostly likely initially suffice. Just make sure it’s reliable and spacious enough for you to sleep in and to keep your gear safe.  

How to pick a car for camping

The first time I slept in my car, I had an Audi A4 sedan. I’ve since bought an SUV for camping as it allows me to bring down the back seats. When folded my boot space is flat and extended and I can lie straight in it comfortably. It is a little tight if I want to sit up and work on my travel blogs, but that’s OK. But what makes a vehicle ideal for car camping you ask? Some of the best cars to sleep in have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive capabilities so you can go off-road if you want to. They also have a large boot or cargo area where the back row of seats can be laid down. Medium to large SUVs (sports utility vehicle) usually fit the mould. Some of the most popular models for car camping are:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee – this is what I now have and I chose it because I loved that the 2nd row of seats lie flat with the cargo area.
• Subaru Forester – I’ve seen many people car camping with this reliable vehicle.
• Subaru Outback – This is a little longer than the Forester but not as high – so is great for tall people when laying down.
• Honda CRV – I don’t think this one has off-road capabilities but is a good size inside.
• Nissan X-trail – this has good off-road capabilities but not as long as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but still great for car camping.

Regardless of the car you drive, such as an Audi A4, it still can be suitable with the right set up.

Car Camping Essentials – The Set Up

I was not prepared for my first night sleeping in my car, which I’ve said before, which is why the experience wasn’t that great. Since that night, I am more prepared for car camping and I share with you now my car camping essentials. Well, what I think are necessary items from my experiences of now sleeping in my car quite regularly during Australia road trips. The biggest tip for sleeping in your car I can offer you is to be prepared for it. I wasn’t prepared for my first time, but I am now.

Sleeping Essentials

Aside from your vehicle, the most crucial item is your sleeping set up. You need to decide which part of the car you will sleep in. Before I went to sleep in my Audi that first night, lots of things went through my mind. I considered the best part of the car to sleep in. My car was a sedan, so I was limited. Should I lay across the back seat? Maybe sleep in the passenger seat so I had more leg room without a steering wheel? Should I see if the back seats fold down opening up the boot (trunk) of the car? However, the best place I decided to sleep was in the driver’s seat. I chose this for safety reasons thinking if anyone tried to get into the car while I was inside, I could easily start the engine and drive off. Thankfully, this didn’t happen. But the choice is yours as to where you choose to sleep.

Since researching car camping sleeping options, I have discovered there are a number of mattresses on the market that fit into different parts of the car so you can sleep.

•  A mattress that fits in the cargo area with the 2 back seats down. The mattress can be foam or blow up like Heytrip SUV inflatable air mattress. Check it out here or the self inflating Losthorizon sleeping pad.
• Then you have a mattress that can fit over the back sit and the leg area, making a comfy sleeping bed, like this one.
• I’ve also seen mattresses where you can lay down the driver seat and put a mattress over it and the back seat.
• Some people also have platforms built in their cargo area that has draws underneath that keep their cooking stuff and other items in.

For the moment, I have purchased a double foam mattress that I can fold up if I want to during the day. As it is often just me travelling, I can leave my bed set up.

Bedding is the next thing to consider:  pillows, sheets, blankets, doona (quilt) and sleeping bag. I currently take my pillow on the road with me, and a sleeping bag. And I take a blanket to add extra warmth if the weather turns cold and I have a top sheet for it the weather is warm.

Cooking Essentials

We all have to eat right? Eating out all the time can be expensive and as we are car camping and trying to save money, we can save more by making our own meals. Now a big problem is lack of space in the car, so you will need a cooker that is not only easy to carry, will cook the meals you want but is compact. There are many camping stoves on the market but the one I bought is the 2 burner Coleman. I did consider the 1 burner so I could make one pot wonders, but I decided on the 2 burner, just in case!

But this is a decision you will need to make. If you’re travelling solo, a backpacking stove like the MSR Pocket Rocket might be sufficient enough. Other items in your cooking kit should include a sharp knife and chopping board, cast iron skillet, camp sink, utensils (plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork (spork) and a spoon) and a folding table with a chair. You will also need a cooler or fridge/freezer to keep food cool. Plus you will need a water container with plenty of water for drinking, cleaning and washing. The more car camping you do will see you work out which travel car camping equipment you need.

Lighting

You will quickly discover that navigating the campground or wherever you have parked by phone light or flash light while setting up camp won’t suffice. I suggest a headlamp so you can be hands free. It is also worth investing in some lighting – a small lamp or lantern so you can sit outside of the car or for inside.

Personal Hygiene Set Up – Toilet & Shower

How can you fit a toilet and shower in your car you wonder? Well, not in your car, but there are a number of compact items for toileting and showering.

Guys have an advantage here, they can use an empty bottle to pee in without having to get out of the car. Don’t forget to put the lid on the bottle as you don’t want any urine spilling throughout the car! Girls, well – it’s not fair really but what can we do. This is why I like to park where I know I can access a toilet if I need to. What I did though my first night sleeping in my car was not drink anything after 6pm. Then I went to the toilet and emptied the bladder. These two things helped me get through the night without needing to go until morning. I have since purchased a Sheewee and a bottle – and it is working fine.

Personal hygiene needs to be attended to know matter where you are living. If you don’t have access to a shower you can wash in a hand basin with a wash cloth and dry yourself with a towel. I have found some public toilets have a shower, particularly those at beaches. You may be able to join a gym that has many branches in a particular country and use the showering facilities. Also consider travelling with wipes. These handy things are great for personal hygiene and clean yourself after spills. Or consider a solar powered shower bag such as this one.

Add a Tent

Not absolutely necessary, but I have found adding a small tent to the equation provides me with an extra option. I have recently purchased an SUV tent that connects to the back of my car, yet, can be a stand alone tent. On a number of occasions now, it has provided me with privacy as I have set up a table and chair inside and worked on my laptop. It is just like an added room. Check out this Timber Ridge SUV tent.

Power & Internet

Power and internet can be scarce when camping in your car. If you travel with electronic devices like I do, you will want to be able to charge them. To combat this I travel with a Powerbank which gives me about 5 charges of my phone and 1-2 for my laptop before it needs charging itself. I am looking into a solar powered generator which will enable me to stay off grid for longer. And with Internet, reception can be sketchy as you travel around Australia. Depending on how much you want or need Internet will depend on the technology you purchase to take with you to get it. I often wait till I’m in town and use free wifi if available. Don’t forget to have a VPN to protect you.

How to Make Your Car Safe and Private

I don’t think you can make your car more safe than locking the doors. For privacy though, you have more options. You could hang curtains along the windows. However, having tinted windows, the darker the better, is a great privacy option. Having tinted windows can also help keep your car cool on a hot day and warmer on a cold night. I would only do these things if you are planning to sleep in your car regularly or live in it. In my case, I only sleep in my car on long road trips and weekend getaways. Like I said, it is a long 11 hour drive from Melbourne to Sydney and I often don’t make it in the one go which is why I sleep in the car to save on accommodation costs.

Choosing the Right Spot to Park?

The biggest question that I have found when sleeping in a car overnight is finding somewhere safe to park the car. I drove around for a while trying to find somewhere that looked safe on my first night car camping. I drove along residential streets, near parks, down the main street of the town and had a look at shopping centre car parks. What I found is that some of the best spots to park are often illegal to park overnight in. Take beaches for instance, check out if there are any council signs stating you cannot park the night here before setting up for the night. You don’t want some ranger knocking on your window to move you on!

Here are some of the safest and most convenient places I have found to sleep in my car overnight so far.

Truck Stops / Service Centres / Supermarkets

If you are driving along a major highway, like I was, I found a truck stop or service centre were great to sleep at. At the particular service centre I stopped at there was a petrol (fuel) station, a McDonalds Restaurant as well as a KFC and there were public toilets plus loads of car spots. I parked up not directly under a light but near a light. There were a few cars around which I think belonged to workers. I felt quite safe parking here. It did get a bit noisy at times with the cars and trucks stopping to get fuel. Supermarket carparks are also an option but they can also be noisy.

Highway Rest Stops

A highway rest area is my second choice to sleep in my car overnight at. Although a little noisy and on the dark side, there is access to toilets and mostly there are lights. I have often slept in rest stops during the day when I need to as I prefer a truck stop or service centre as there are more people around.

Residential Street

The third place I would suggest to park your car up for the night is in a residential street. I do prefer if the house I stop in front of has a high fence or a tree in front because it makes me feel more comfortable that the home owner won’t call the Police. I usually wait until it is dark before parking in a residential street as it will be less likely residents will be looking outside at that time.

Free Camps

Free camping (or boon docking I’ve heard it called in America) is becoming more and more popular in Australia. And there are plenty of places now offering spots to free camp. Pull into town and many show grounds are opening up. Some, may request a small fee to help keep the area clean and tidy. What I have found that you can stop and free camp anywhere as long as there isn’t a sign saying you can’t.

Paid Caravan Park & National Parks

When I first started car camping, I stayed in a caravan park to get my confidence up not only for sleeping in my car but to get my camp cooking things right. Plus I had access to an ablutions block so going to the toilet and showering wasn’t a problem. And there was a TV room, swimming pool, camp kitchen and washing machines. It does pay sometimes, to pay in a caravan park! Other paid options are national parks and state forest campgrounds. Australia has over 500 National Parks and you will probably spend a night or two in one of them. Rules can be strict for your stay, such as they want you to be ‘self contained’, meaning, you will take everything out of the park with you and on the collecting of fire wood.

Places I would not Park my Car to Sleep in Overnight

I would not park at dark public parks or in national parks, unless there was lighting. I wouldn’t go off-road either as it may look suspicious. Maybe I’m super precautious because I mostly car camp solo.

My Best Car Camping Tips and Tricks

Here are a few car camping tips I’ve learned along the way!

• My top car camping tip is to get your bed set up right, since space might be limited, focus on making your vehicle cosy, efficient and comfortable for you.
• then, think about what you will be eating and menu plan for the number of meals you will be away for. Cooking meals on the go can be challenging, but with proper planning and a suitable stove you will be eating nutritious meals in no time!
• carry cash for local shops as sometimes they might not accept cards – or their eftpos machine may not be working.
• download maps, music, etc. to make sure you can access them without cell phone service.
• keep the window opposite where you are sleeping cracked open to let fresh air in.
• tell someone where you will be going.
• have plenty of water for drinking, cleaning, washing and topping up radiator!
• do vehicle checks before any road trip.
• invest in some window coverings for privacy.
• evaluate each place before you park up for the night. Ensure you feel comfortable, private and safe in the place you choose. Be sure to check if there are any signs about ‘no overnight parking’ before you hunker down for the night.

Are You Ready to Sleep in Your Car to Save Money on Accommodation?

As I said, it was purely an accident the first time I slept in my car. What I realised though, that if I do, I can save loads of money on accommodation costs as I travel. And having done it a few times now, I am learning each time extra things I can do to make my night more enjoyable and restful. Now as you know, the cost of accommodation is one of the most expensive parts of our travels around Australia because we need to sleep somewhere. So if you are looking to reduce your accommodation costs, consider sleeping in your car – car camping as an option. If you do this already, I would love to hear from you in the comments following. If you have any questions don’t hesitate ask away in the comments section also.