How To Sleep In Your Car In The Winter [2023 Guide]

It’s wintertime and you’re car-camping in your trusty SUV. But as the sun goes down, the temperature starts to plummet. As the night progresses, you begin to worry about how you will stay warm enough to sleep through the night.

Don’t worry! Sleeping in your car during winter can be comfortable and even downright cozy if you follow a few simple tips. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips for sleeping in your vehicle during winter. There is nothing better than curling up in front of the fire and enjoying a cozy book while sipping a cup of hot cocoa!

20 Top Tips for Sleeping in Your Car This Winter

1. Dress in layers: This is always a good rule of thumb for camping, but it’s especially important in winter. You want to make sure you have enough clothing to keep you warm, but not so much that you’ll overheat while sleeping.

2. Pack extra blankets: Again, this is a good idea for any type of camping. However, if you are going to be hiking in the winter, you’ll definitely need to bring along some extra blankets for added warmth.

3. Invest in a good sleeping bag: A good quality sleeping bag will make a world of difference when it comes to staying warm at night. Now is the time to invest in one if you don’t already have one.

4.  Use a hot water bottle: Fill a hot water bottle with boiling water and tuck it into your sleeping bag. As a result, you will be able to stay warm throughout the night.

5. Make sure your tires are properly inflated: This is important for traction and fuel efficiency, but it can also help to keep you warmer in the car. Properly inflated tires will help to insulate the car against the cold ground.

6. Pack a portable heater: If you’re worried about getting too cold at night, consider packing a small, portable heater. Just be sure to use it safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Run the engine for a short period of time: If you need to, you can run the engine for a short period of time to generate heat. However, it is very important to crack a window in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

8. Park in a sunny spot: If possible, park in a spot that will get plenty of sun during the day. In this way, you will be able to warm up the car before you go to sleep.

9. Block out the cold: Use whatever you have on hand to block out the cold air coming from outside the car. Blankets, towels, and even newspapers can work in a pinch!

10. Create a makeshift bed: If you’re not using a sleeping bag, make yourself a comfortable bed out of blankets and pillows. This will help you stay warm and cozy throughout the night.

11. Remove snow and ice from the car: Before you go to bed, be sure to remove any snow or ice that has accumulated on the car. This will help to prevent the car from cooling down too much overnight.

12. Pack a lunch box cooler: Fill a lunch box cooler with hot water and place it in your sleeping area. This will help to keep the space around you warm throughout the night.

13. Use hand warmers: Hand warmers are great for keeping your hands and feet warm at night. Just be sure not to put them directly on your skin.

14. Wear wool socks: Wool socks are great for camping because they’re warm and breathable. Be sure to pack a few pairs to keep your feet warm at night.

15. Wear a hat: A hat will help to keep your head and ears warm at night. If you don’t have a camping-specific hat, any type of hat will do the trick.

16. Use earplugs: Earplugs can help to block out the cold air and noise from outside the car. This will help you sleep more soundly through the night.

17. Make sure the windows are fully closed: You don’t want any cold air coming into the car while you’re trying to sleep. Make sure all the windows are fully closed before you go to bed.

18. Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated even in winter, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help you stay warm and energized while you sleep.

19. Limit your caffeine intake: Caffeine can keep you awake, so try to limit your intake in the evening. You will be able to sleep better if you do this.

20. Take a hot bath before bed: A hot bath is a great way to relax and unwind before bed. It will help you fall asleep faster and get a better night’s sleep.

Final words

Winter is coming, and with it the cold weather that can make sleeping in your car a challenge. In this post, we’ve shared some tips on how to sleep in your car during winter so you can stay comfortable and warm. Comment below if you have any additional tips to share or questions about sleeping in your car during winter!