Truck camping makes a ton of sense! You pulled up to the spot you picked to spend the night and you don’t have to go too far or do too much to get ready for a good night’s rest.
Truck camping is all about freedom, adventure, and a place where you feel comfortable taking your pants off at the end of the day (what can I say, I sleep hot!)
But before you go spend thousands of dollars, spend a little time researching. There are a few things you need to know to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as you can.
Here are 15 essential tips every beginner truck camper should know.
- 1. Plan Ahead: Research routes and permits.
- 2. Check Your Truck: You want to make sure it’s running well.
- 3. Get a Good Tent/Shell: For shelter and comfort.
- 4. Pack Essentials: Sleeping bag, stove, cooler, etc.
- 5. Stay Organized: Use bins and organizers.
- 6. Comfortable Sleeping: Use a quality pad or mattress.
- 7. Hydrate and Eat: Bring water and food.
- 8. Prepare for Weather: Pack appropriate clothing and gear.
- 9. Set Up Camp: Choose a level, safe spot.
- 10. Cook Safely: Use a camp stove or grill.
- 11. Store Food Properly: Use sealed containers and a cooler.
- 12. Leave No Trace: Clean up and follow regulations.
- 13. Stay Safe: Lock the truck, be cautious of wildlife.
- 14. Bring Lighting: Headlamps or lanterns are essential.
- 15. Relax and Enjoy: Take time to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Truck
First things first—your truck is the foundation of your camping adventure.
Not all trucks are created equal, so this is a good place to spend some time researching if you don’t already have one.
Consider the size of the truck bed, engine power, and fuel efficiency.
Think about where you’ll be driving; if it’s off-road, a 4-wheel drive is going to be your best friend. No fun having to get pulled out of a slippery or muddy situation. Save your favors for things that are more fun!
If your truck is two wheel drive look at doing a two wheel drive to 4WD conversion for old trucks!
Also, consider the weight of the camper shell or any added gear. A reliable truck can make or break your camping adventure.
How to Make Truck Camping Comfortable
Comfort is key when it comes to truck camping. Invest in a good-quality mattress or sleeping pad that fits your truck bed. Don’t forget your pillows and a blanket or sleeping bag. Being too hot or too cold can really suck the wind out of your sails.
Adding some soft lighting, like string lights or battery-operated lanterns, will create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You want to see but maybe not too much because if you’re staying out there a couple of days and you don’t have a shower you might want to conceal how messy you look.
Remember, your truck bed is your home away from home, so make it as comfortable as you can. I like little battery-operated fans that I can put really close to me to stay cool at night. They’re cool because you can take them with you if you end up hiking or heading to the beach.
If you have a little extra cash lying around you can look at getting a slide-in truck camper or pop-up camper. They can get expensive fast though so be sure you’re going to use (and actually like camping!) before you invest.
Designing, Organizing, and Equipping a Truck Camper
Think of your truck camper as a tiny home on wheels. I used to love watching a TV show about tiny homes and how shocked everyone was when they told them what they had to get rid of to be able to live in a tiny home comfortably.
Luckily for you, you’re probably not going to have to get rid of your stuff, just prioritize what’s worth taking up the space you have in your truck.
Design your truck in a way that maximizes space and functionality for the truck camping that you want to do.
Use storage bins to keep your gear organized and easily accessible. Install shelves or hooks for additional storage.
Bring essential camping gear, such as a portable stove for cooking, water containers, and cooking utensils. The more organized and well-equipped your truck camper is, the more enjoyable your camping experience will be. This is fun, repeat, this is fun!
Understand Camping Rules and Restrictions
Before setting up camp, make sure you know the camping rules and restrictions of the area. Some places may have specific regulations regarding where you can park overnight, campfires, and waste disposal.
Middle-of-the-night knocks from the police or a land manager aren’t very fun.
Respecting these rules not only keeps you out of trouble but also helps preserve the natural beauty of the campsite for future campers.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
Camping is all about enjoying nature and leaving it as pristine as you found it.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up all waste, packing out your trash, and minimizing your impact on the environment.
I want to repeat this again, always leave the campsite better than you found it!
How Much Power Do You Need?
Power is crucial for running your devices, whether it’s lights, a portable fridge, or charging your phone. Calculate how much power you’ll need and choose the best batteries for the job. There are some pretty cool calculators online to help you.
Deep-cycle batteries are a popular choice among truck campers for their longevity and reliability. You might also want to consider a solar panel setup to keep your batteries charged without solely relying on your truck’s engine to keep it charged.
You can also look at products by Jackery or Anker.
Camp Cooking and Galley Setup
One of the joys of camping is cooking in the great outdoors. There’s not much I love more in this world than a good campfire. I like watching those guys in Instagram and YouTube cook over open fires.
I think the Barebones Cowboy Firepit Grill is pretty amazing but not sure how easy it is to transport.
I bet it makes a mean steak though.
But honestly, I’d go for setting up a camp kitchen that makes meal prep easy and enjoyable. That’s what it’s all about unless YouTube is your job.
Use a portable stove or camping grill for cooking. Keep your cooking gear organized in a designated box or crate.
Plan your meals in advance to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. And don’t forget to pack a cooler with ice packs to keep perishables fresh (or get one of those fancy Dometic Fridge/Freezer combos. It has “ultra low power consumption” power via AC, DC or Solar and built in 3-stage dynamic battery protection system prevents dead batteries.
It means it’s expensive, but I do know people that have it and it seems to hold up pretty well!
How to Optimize Your Outdoor Living Space
Your campsite is an extension of your truck camper, so make it as comfortable and functional as possible.
I love a good awning. Keeps you dry, keeps the sun off. That’s a dual-purpose product that is definitely worth the space.
You can find ultra tiny camp chairs or if you’re like me I like the rocking ones. They’re heavier and take up a lot more room but rocking near the campfire is my favorite pasttime.
A portable table can create a nice little dining area or place to play cards or draw.
String up some lights to illuminate your campsite at night. A well-thought-out outdoor living space can significantly enhance your camping experience.
How Do You Stay Warm While Sleeping in a Truck?
Chilly nights can be a challenge, but staying warm is entirely doable with the right preparation.
Layer your bedding with a thermal blanket and a good-quality sleeping bag rated for low temperatures.
Wear warm clothing, such as thermal underwear and wool socks, to bed. If you have a portable heater, make sure it’s safe to use inside your truck camper. Proper insulation of your truck camper can also help retain heat.
Watch YouTube and learn from the best!
How Do You Stay Cool While Sleeping in a Truck?
Hot nights can be just as challenging. To stay cool, use a portable fan to circulate air inside your truck camper or completely change your life with the IcyBreeze portable air conditioner. I’m not sponsored, but man I wish I was! That thing is amazing.
I’ve not gotten to use it all night but I can only imagine how it would feel not waking up all sticky and sweaty. I did get to hang out in a tent for a while with someone that had one and let me just say, it’s next on my list. Like at the very very very top.
Also pick breathable bedding materials, like cotton sheets, to help regulate your body temperature.
Park your truck in the shade during the day to keep it from heating up. That’s a big one. A lot easier to keep it cool than to cool it off in the heat of summer.
Ventilation is critical, so keep your windows or vents open to allow fresh air to flow through.
Prioritize Proper Ventilation
This deserves it’s own section. Doesn’t seem like a big deal but it’s good to be smart and safe.
Whether it’s hot or cold outside, proper ventilation is a big deal for a comfortable and safe camping experience. Ventilation helps regulate temperature and prevents condensation inside your truck camper.
Install vent covers that allow airflow even when it’s raining. If you’re using a heater, doubly make you have adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup and get a carbon monoxide detector.
Fresh air is crucial for a good night’s sleep and overall comfort and for staying alive.
Keep Food Safe
Bears amirite? Keep your food and you safe while camping. Store your food in sealed containers to keep it fresh and prevent attracting wildlife.
I’ll be honest, I’m no expert and I get lazy and don’t always do what I’m supposed to do. This is a do as I say not as I do moment.
If you food gets too hot or spoiled don’t eat it (unless it’s life or death.) Getting food poisoning is awful.
Get that electric fridge and keep your cold items cold and don’t get sick.
Practicing good food safety habits will let you enjoy delicious meals without any unwanted visitors or trips to that outdoor potty you really don’t want to have to visit in the middle of the night.
Emergency Communication Device
Safety is always a priority when camping.
Carry an emergency communication device like the Garmin inReach mini. It’s small, it’s light, it’s not annoying to carry around, and it can save your life.
It can be a lifesaver in remote areas with no cell service. Make sure someone knows your camping plans and expected return date too. They should be looking out for you to make sure you get home when you said you would and if not, give you a call.
Being prepared for emergencies gives you and all your loved ones peace of mind and lets them help you help yourself if needed.
Use What You Own
You don’t always have to start truck camping by buying all new gear. It’s tempting. I know. Gear is cool.
But if you use what you already own and build your setup from there you can get started way sooner.
Try to repurpose items from your house, such as storage bins, blankets, and kitchen utensils, for camping use.
This can save you money and get out outside much quicker. This is truck camping not backpacking. While weight is a big deal, it’s not like you have to cut your toothbrush in half to save ounces.
As you gain more experience, you can invest in specialized gear that suits your needs and preferences. Start small but start.
And if you have an old 2WD truck already and want to convert it to 4WD – here’s our guide on that 4WD conversion!
Safety Kit for Those Unexpected Moments
One of the smartest moves you can make before heading out is to pack a safety kit. Having a well-stocked bag with essential items can be a real lifesaver if you get stranded for a few days. Something you can leave in your truck all the time is even better.
Include things like a first aid kit, extra water, non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a multipurpose tool.
You never know when you might need it, so being prepared can make all the difference.
Use a Hitch-mounted Rack and Roof Racks
If you want to make the most of your camping trip and your limited space, a hitch-mounted rack is a game-changer! What are you going to do with all this extra space?! Probably fill it with things you won’t use very often, but that’s okay, I do the same thing.
These carriers and roof racks can provide you with a solution for carrying extra gear, like bicycles or storage boxes, without cluttering up your truck bed.
Maximize your space and keep everything organized. Everything in its place. Now you can bring more of what you love and it gives you plenty of opportunity to be surprised and say “huh, I didn’t know I had that.”
Secure Your Belongings
You’re going to be driving so you’d think you’d never forget it but I swear, it’s pretty easy to forget.
So here’s your reminder! Tie down any loose items, especially those on the hitch rack, to prevent them from becoming projectiles on bumpy roads.
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring everything makes it to your destination safely and ready for action.
Bring Entertainment When Truck Camping
Downtime is just as important as adventures when you’re camping!
Pack something fun. But allow yourself to be bored. It’s something I think we’re missing from our lives lately. Be bored and find a little creativity in that.
Bring your favorite books (I download a few and have them on a Kindle), a journal to jot down your thoughts, a deck of cards for some competition and witty banter, or a portable speaker to enjoy your tunes.
Enjoy and Relax
Once you’ve set up your camp and settled in, take some time to simply enjoy it. Birds? Whoa, forgot those existed. A hammock? Yes, please! At Get Vintage Vehicles, we love to slow down. Just doesn’t happen as often as I’d like so I try to fully enjoy when I can.
Take a deep breath and breathe it all in, relax by the campfire, and be inspired. More than likely you’re going to have to go back to work soon. I know, I know. I shouldn’t mention that but it’s an unfortunate reality for most of us.
So if you get to lounge, lounge. Go deep into that good book or get lost in the sunset. That’s what camping is all about.
