🚙 Wander With Me: The Do’s, Don’ts, and Laws of Car Camping

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you already know I’m no stranger to pulling off into a rest stop or back lot for a quick night’s sleep between adventures. Car camping isn’t just a budget hack—it’s a lifestyle move for those of us who’d rather wake up in the woods than spend our entire travel fund on a hotel we’re barely in.

But here’s the thing: car camping sounds simple, until it’s not. There are a few very real things you need to know to keep yourself safe, legal, and rested on the road.

So let’s break it down—wanderer to wanderer. 💬

🛑 First Things First: Know the Laws

Not all parking lots are created equal, and not all car camping is technically legal. Here’s what you need to double-check before you put that seat back:

✅ City ordinances – Some towns ban overnight parking everywhere. Even at rest areas.

✅ Rest stops – Many allow naps but not overnight sleeping (check signage).

✅ Walmart / Cracker Barrel / truck stops – Sometimes a yes, sometimes a hard no. Ask the manager if you’re unsure.

✅ National forests / BLM land – Often a win, but there are dispersed camping rules to follow (like distance from water, roads, etc.).

✅ Private property – Even if it looks vacant, don’t risk trespassing.

🧯 Safety First, Always

Let’s not romanticize this. You’re sleeping in a metal box with (hopefully) tinted windows, and even in the safest areas, there’s room for caution. Here’s how I keep my bases covered:

🔒 Lock your doors. Every time. Even if you’re just brushing your teeth outside.

🧼 Keep your front seat clear. Looks less like someone’s inside = less temptation.

🚪 Have an exit plan. Park in a way you can pull out quickly if needed.

📍 Share your location. Let someone know where you’re camping that night.

🧨 Avoid sleeping with the car running. Carbon monoxide is real, especially in enclosed or snowy spaces.

Utilize window coverings, magnetic and double as a cooling / heat keeping feature 😊

If you’re solo like I usually am, that little alarm bell in your gut? Don’t ignore it. I’ve left spots that didn’t feel right, and I’m still here to write this because of it.

☕ How to Stay Awake When You Should… and How to Actually Rest When You Can’t

Ever been too tired to drive but too wired to sleep? Yeah, me too. Here’s how I navigate the push-pull of road exhaustion:

When You Need to Stay Awake:

• Hydrate. Dehydration = drowsy. Keep a big water bottle up front.
• Crack a window and let cold air in when drowsy hits.
• Chew something (gum, sunflower seeds, etc.) for mental stimulation.
• Pull over and walk around every 90 minutes if possible. Get the blood flowing.
• Don’t fight fatigue with “just 20 more miles.” That’s how accidents happen.

When It’s Time to Turn Off:

• Use a white noise app or playlist to drown out parking lot sounds.
• Crack a window for just a touch for airflow.
• Cover your windows with reflectix or even T-shirts if you don’t have shades.
• Declutter your sleep space. Even in a car, a clean space = a calm brain.
• Keep a “Wind Down on the Road” playlist ready for nights like these. It can tell your brain, “we’re done now.”
  

🧳 Packing List: Car Camping Must-Haves

Some things I never hit the road without:

• Power bank or portable battery
• Insulated blanket or sleeping bag
• Wipes and travel-size toiletries
• Small fan or window vent cover (especially in summer)
• Pepper spray or personal alarm
• Headlamp + backup flashlight
• Emergency snack stash
• Trash bags (for yourself and the planet)

Don’t forget: an organized trunk is your best friend. I keep my gear in soft bins so I can grab what I need without unpacking my whole life in a parking lot.

🛣️ Final Thoughts From the Road

Car camping has saved me hundreds (maybe thousands?) of dollars and unlocked some of the most peaceful mornings I’ve ever experienced. But it’s not without its challenges. It takes situational awareness, preparation, and a willingness to adjust when plans change—or when a cop knocks on your window at 3 AM.

Just remember:

🌙 You’re allowed to rest.

🔦 You’re allowed to say “this spot doesn’t feel safe.”

💡 You’re allowed to pivot, pack up, and try again tomorrow.

📌 Wander With Me Tip of the Week:

“Free” doesn’t mean without cost. Pay attention, be respectful, and don’t take advantage of places offering a safe night’s sleep. Leave it better than you found it.”

Have you ever car camped before? Where’s your favorite spot—or your worst story? Drop your experiences and tips in the comments. I’d love to hear what’s worked (and what hasn’t) for you.

💼 Side Note: Travel as More Than Just a Hobby

If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for travel into more than a weekend escape, let’s chat. Alongside blogging, I’m also a travel advisor and travel marketing rep—helping others build flexible, adventure-friendly income streams through travel. If that sparks your interest, contact me. I’d love to chat.

Wander with purpose, resting with peace.

~ Come Wander With Me

~Morgan 🙂