Are you itching for an accessible and unique way to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature this summer? Maybe you’re not ready to invest in a high-quality canvas camping tent, or maybe you prefer an adventure with less commitment. If you’re an American, it’s more likely that you own a truck than a camping tent. According to Forbes, trucks are the most popular type of vehicle, with over 170 million truck registrations in 2022.
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If you own just one of those 170 million trucks and want to experience the great outdoors, this article is for you! Today we’ll cover everything you need to know about truck bed camping, from what it is and the pros vs cons to how to set up your truck for camping. Let’s dive in!
What Is Truck Bed Camping and Its Benefits
Truck bed camping is a type of outdoor adventure that involves setting up camp in the bed of a truck. While it may not seem like the most comfortable place to sleep at first glance, with the proper supplies and setup, truck bed camping has a host of benefits that make it a great option for a variety of campers.
For truck owners, truck bed camping has a low barrier to entry and can be an affordable way to explore the outdoors. Camping tents can get expensive quickly, especially if you opt for a comfortable and durable canvas tent. Plus, any style of car camping comes with the perk of killing two birds with one stone as your transportation doubles as your shelter. This makes it a breeze to pack up and go on impromptu trips when the outdoors is calling your name.
Unlike traditional tent camping, truck bed camping is a more convenient option that offers unmatched flexibility. Instead of spending time at your campsite pitching a complex tent, you can show up to camp with your shelter already set up and ready for use. Not only does this give you valuable time back on your trip, but it also makes it incredibly easy to leave at the drop of the hat. While your campground neighbors have to spend time removing tent stakes and packing up their tents, you’ll already be on the road headed to your next destination.
Like any camp setup, a truck bed can easily be modified to your unique camping needs and preferences. That means you can customize your truck bed to be a functional abode for your time outside.
Potential Drawbacks
The main disadvantage of truck bed camping is the limited space you’ll have to work with. Even the largest truck beds will likely only fit two campers comfortably, whereas the largest tents on the market can accommodate upwards of 16 people. This disqualifies truck bed camping for families and other groups but makes it a great option for solo campers.
Everything You Need To Go Truck Bed Camping
So how can you make your truck bed camping dreams a reality? Here’s a list of the camping equipment you’ll need to get started! Keep in mind that you’ll have limited space compared to a traditional tent camping trip, so aim to pack light.
What you need for your setup:
- Truck
- Truck bed topper or camper shell
- Truck bed liner
- Tarps
- Air mattress or sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Sleeping bag
- Plastic bins for storage
Other essential camping gear:
- Camping bags
- Clothing and footwear
- Personal toiletries
- Camping chairs
- Foldable table
- Firewood and firestarter
- Lanterns and flashlights
- Campsite tools like a Swiss army knife and mallet
- Navigational tools and maps
- Portable device chargers
- First aid kit
- Water bottles and water
- Camp stove with fuel
- Cooler with ice packs
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Pots and pans
- Plates, bowls, and cups
- Ingredients for meals and snacks
- Cooking oils, spices, and condiments
- Cleaning supplies like trash bags and soap
- Multi Use towels
Camping nice-to-haves:
- Roof rack
- Draw storage build-in
- Awning extension
- Earplugs
- Sleeping masks
- Sleeping bag liner
- Extra blankets
- Battery-powered fan
- Hammock
- Portable speakers for music
- Recreational gear like bikes and fishing gear
How To Set Up Your Truck for Camping
With your gear in hand, it’s time to set up your truck bed for camping!
If you don’t already have one in place, it’s essential to make use of a truck bed liner to protect your bed from the inevitable wear and tear camping will inflict. To add more protection, place a layer of tarp between your truck bed and the camping setup. For protection from above, you’ll need a truck bed topper or camper shell. This will keep you, your gear, and your truck bed safe from the elements you’ll encounter in nature, from wind and rain to critters trying to join your adventure. Make sure your topper has sufficient ventilation through side windows. If you’re concerned about privacy at a campground, hang curtains on the inside of your windows.
To maximize the space available to you, consider elevating your sleeping area. If you plan to camp out of your truck regularly, roll up your sleeves and build out a simple draw storage solution. Not only will this double your storage space, but it will also increase your comfort during the night thanks to the extra support. Since it’s a custom build unique to your truck bed, you can get creative. Craft drawers to hold everything from your clothing to your kitchen supplies. If you’d prefer to take a less intensive and more affordable route, plastic storage bins placed around your sleep setup and in the backseat of your vehicle will do the trick. Another great way to add storage space is to invest in a roof rack for your truck bed topper complete with a storage box to hold your extra camping equipment.
The next step is to set up your bed, either on top of your truck bed liner and tarp or on your custom storage platform. The bed of a truck is arguably already more comfortable than the cold hard ground you’ll find under a traditional camping tent. Still, it’s never going to compare to a king-size memory foam bed. To guarantee a good night’s rest, utilize an air mattress or sleeping pad to place under your sleeping bag. Extra blankets and pillows always enhance coziness, too!
Other Things To Consider When Camping Out of Your Truck
Camping out of your truck bed only accounts for your sleeping arrangements. When embarking on a camping trip, you’ll also need to consider the rest of your campsite, like where you’ll hang out outside and where you’ll prepare your meals. Don’t forget your camping chairs, hammocks, firewood, firestarter, and anything else that will make your campsite an enjoyable slice of wilderness. Because you don’t have the luxury of lighting up tent stoves when truck camping, you’ll need to arrange a camp kitchen at your campsite that utilizes a portable stove or grill. Since your sleep space will occupy a lot of space that would normally go to packing your gear, try to prioritize items that fit in the limited packing space you’ll have available. Opt for foldable, collapsible designs in your gear whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Truck bed camping offers an unmatched opportunity to experience the joys of nature in an affordable and accessible way. Without the large investment in a high-quality outdoor tent, camping from your truck can easily be a cheaper alternative to tent camping. With your transportation doubling as your shelter, it’s an incredibly convenient and flexible way to get outside at a moment’s notice. Successful truck bed camping requires minimal gear and is easy to set up. With the right equipment and a little creativity, you can create a home on wheels to serve your solo camping needs. If you’re one of the millions of Americans with a truck in your driveway, it’s time to give truck bed camping a try!
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