Cold-Weather Car Camping and Tailgating Tips

Fall and early winter are some of the best times to camp. The crowds thin out, the leaves turn, football season is in full swing and campfire nights feel cozier. The catch is that temperatures can swing from a pleasant afternoon to a frosty night in a few hours. Having your car nearby makes cold-weather camping much easier, as long as you use it wisely.

This guide covers car camping, sleeping in your vehicle, tailgating and chilly fall trips. For deeper snow and full winter conditions, check out our 8 tips for camping in the snow.

Why car camping is the best way to start cold-weather camping

• You can bring more. Extra blankets, a second sleeping pad, a big cooler of hot-meal ingredients and comfort items all fit in the trunk.
• You have a windbreak. Parking your car upwind of your camp kitchen and chairs blocks a lot of wind.
• You have a backup. If the night gets colder than expected, you can retreat to the car (safely, see below) or drive home.
• You can recharge. A car’s charging ports can top up power banks and heated gear while you drive.

Plan around fall weather swings

• Check the forecast for overnight lows, not just daytime highs. A sunny 60°F afternoon can be followed by a near-freezing night.
• Look at wind and rain forecasts, too. Wind and damp make cold feel much worse.
• Remember that days are shorter. Arrive with enough daylight to set up camp, and pack good lighting.
• Pack layers for the full range of temperatures, from T-shirt weather to puffy-jacket weather.

Set up a warm camp around your car

• Use the car as a wind block. Park so your car shields your chairs, table and kitchen from the prevailing wind.
• Add a tarp. A tarp strung from your roof rack or hatch to a couple of poles creates a sheltered area for cooking and hanging out.
• Get off the cold ground. Use insulated camp chairs, or put a foam pad or folded blanket on your seat.
• Put a rug or mat down in your hangout area so your feet aren’t on cold, damp ground.
• Have a warm drink station. A thermos of hot water for cocoa, tea, cider or soup goes a long way.

Sleeping in your car safely

Sleeping in your vehicle is a popular cold-weather option because it keeps you out of the wind and off the ground. Do it safely.

Never run the engine while you sleep

Running your car’s engine while you sleep can let carbon monoxide build up, especially if the exhaust is blocked by snow, mud or terrain. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. Don’t sleep with the engine running. If you run the engine briefly to warm up while awake, make sure the tailpipe is clear and crack a window.

Never use fuel-burning heaters inside the car or tent

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns about carbon monoxide poisoning from fuel-burning appliances used in enclosed spaces. Never use a propane, gas or charcoal heater, stove or grill inside a car, tent or other enclosed space while you sleep. For heaters used outdoors around camp, see our guide to choosing a camping heater.

Make the car warm without fuel

• Lay a closed-cell foam pad or insulated sleeping pad on the cargo floor or folded seats. Car floors and seats get cold overnight.
• Use a sleeping bag suited to the expected lows, plus extra blankets.
• Cover the windows with reflective sunshades or blackout panels to reduce heat loss and add privacy.
• Crack a window or two slightly to reduce condensation. Your breath adds a lot of moisture in a small space.
• Wear a hat and dry socks to bed and use a hot water bottle.

Tailgating in the cold

Whether you’re at a stadium lot or a campground before a game, cold tailgates call for a little planning.

• Dress in layers. Start with a wool or synthetic base layer, add fleece and a puffy, and top it off with a windproof shell. Bring a warm hat and gloves even if the afternoon feels mild, because temperatures drop fast after sunset.
• Add a heated layer. A USB heated vest under your jacket adds warmth to your core while you’re standing around the grill or sitting in the stands, and you can turn it off when you warm up.
• Keep your hands warm. A 4-in-1 hand warmer and power bank warms cold fingers between grilling and eating, and it can recharge your phone so you don’t miss photos or scores.
• Bring a cozy wrap. A heated shoulder and neck shawl blanket is easy to throw on in a camp chair at the tailgate and to bring into the stands if allowed.
• Cook outdoors only. Use grills and stoves in open air, away from tents, awnings and vehicles, and let coals cool completely before packing up.
• Eat and drink warm. Chili, soup and hot drinks keep you warm. If you drink alcohol, remember it can make you feel warmer while actually increasing heat loss.

Keep devices and batteries working

Cold weather can drain lithium-ion batteries in phones, power banks and heated clothing faster than you expect.

• Keep phones and power banks in an inside pocket rather than in the car or a cold backpack pocket.
• Charge power banks fully before leaving and top them up while driving.
• Let batteries warm up before charging them. Manufacturers generally advise against charging lithium batteries below freezing.
• Don’t leave batteries and electronics in a freezing car overnight; bring them into your sleeping bag.
• Avoid draining your car battery by running accessories for long periods with the engine off. A jump starter or portable power station is a useful backup.

Comfort after a long drive or long day

Long drives to camp and long days on your feet can leave you stiff and chilly. A few small comforts help you settle in.

• Stretch your legs when you arrive and take a short walk to warm up.
• Change into dry, warm camp clothes and booties.
• In the passenger seat on the drive home, or in a camp chair at night, a heated neck and shoulder massage pillow adds warmth and a relaxing massage function. Use it only as a passenger, never while driving, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fall camping extras

• Leaves and dampness: fallen leaves hold moisture and can hide roots and rocks. Clear your tent site and use a groundsheet.
• Morning frost and dew: expect wet gear in the morning. Pack a towel to wipe down your tent and car windows.
• Hunting season: in areas where hunting is allowed, wear bright colors such as blaze orange when hiking and check local season dates.
• Seasonal closures: some campgrounds close or reduce services in fall. Check that water, restrooms and roads are open before you go.
• Campfire rules: fall can be dry in some regions. Check fire restrictions and fully extinguish fires.

A quick cold-weather car camping packing list

• Sleeping bag suited to expected lows, plus extra blankets
• Foam pad and insulated pad (for tent or car)
• Window covers or sunshades
• Layers: base layer, fleece, puffy, shell, hat, gloves, wool socks, booties
• Camp chairs, foam sit pads and a rug
• Tarp, cord and poles
• Stove, fuel, lighter and pot for hot meals and drinks
• Thermos and insulated mugs
• Headlamps, lantern and power banks
• Heated vest, hand warmer and shawl for comfort
• First aid kit, jump starter and a working phone

For a more detailed list, see our essential camping gear checklist for beginners.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to sleep in my car with the heater on?

Don’t sleep with the engine running. Carbon monoxide can build up, especially if the exhaust is blocked. Use a warm sleeping bag and blankets instead.

What’s the best way to stay warm while tailgating?

Dress in layers, block the wind, eat warm food, stay active and use battery-powered warmers for extra comfort.

How do I stop my phone dying in the cold?

Keep it in an inside pocket, carry a charged power bank and let it warm up before charging.

Can I use a propane heater in my tent or car?

No. Never use fuel-burning heaters inside a tent or vehicle while sleeping because of carbon monoxide risk.