How to Turn Your Car Into a Camper

Create the comfy camper of your dreams — out of your car — with these simple steps.

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May 10, 2019

By: Addie Morton

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Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Comfy Camper

Whether you're going camping or gearing up for a long distance road trip, a camper can come in handy. To avoid sleeping in a tent and to eliminate expensive hotel bills, follow these simple steps to turn your car into a comfy camper that feels like home.

Packed House

Pack up everything you'll need for your trip so you know how much space you'll need for storage. We'll get to that later, though.

Get (or Make) a Seat Extender to Make Your Trunk Longer

The most important part of your camper will be the bed. Some vehicles have back seats that fold down flat, so you could just place a mattress right on top. For those that do not, you'll need to get (or make) a seat extender to lengthen your trunk and make a flat surface.

Buy It: Amazon, $68.99

Attach to Seats for Extra Security

To ensure the bed stays in place during the drive, attach straps to the seat extender and secure them underneath the headrests of the front seats.

Make Use of Bins — They Make it Easier to Move Gear Around

The floorboard will be the main space for storage. Gather your essentials and stack them in clear plastic containers for easy access.

Memory Foam Makes a Great Bed That Folds Up Easily

Lay down a foam mattress topper on top of the seat extender to create a comfortable base for your makeshift bed.

Personalize It

Cover the mattress topper with an unzipped sleeping bag. Add pillows and a blanket to have a comfortable bed anywhere you go.

Adhesive Hooks Give You Extra Hanging Spots

When it gets dark at night, you'll need some sort of light source. You could turn car lights on, but you may wake up with a dead battery. To preserve your battery, hang LED lanterns with removeable hooks on the sides of the car.

Keep it Cool With a Portable Fan

To avoid a stuffy car, hang a mini clip fan on the hanger hook to keep it cool while you sleep.

Buy It: Amazon, $19.99

Binder Clips + Mosquito Net Give Great Ventilation

Clip an oversized mosquito net using binder clips to the open trunk of your car to turn it into a "camper". This allows the car to air out while keeping bugs away.

Buy It: Amazon, $18.95

Use an "Attic"

Still have items you want to take with you but have no more room on the floorboards? Attach a rack rooftop carrier to your car for extra storage.

Ready to Roll

Now you're ready to take on your next adventure with a cozy car camper!

See More Photos: 10 Dollar Store Camping Hacks You Need to Know

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How to Turn Your Car Into a Camper

Related To:

Shop This Look

Comfy Camper

Packed House

Get (or Make) a Seat Extender to Make Your Trunk Longer

Attach to Seats for Extra Security

Make Use of Bins — They Make it Easier to Move Gear Around

Memory Foam Makes a Great Bed That Folds Up Easily

Personalize It

Adhesive Hooks Give You Extra Hanging Spots

Keep it Cool With a Portable Fan

Binder Clips + Mosquito Net Give Great Ventilation

Use an "Attic"

Ready to Roll

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