(Because adventure shouldn’t require a 20-step tent setup.)
Car camping is the simplest way to get outside.
At Hele Outdoors, we’ve spent years testing the Hele Box in every kind of setup imaginable, from Subaru hatchbacks to 4Runner rigs. What we’ve learned is that car camping isn’t just convenient. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to sleep under the stars.
Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Pick Your Adventure (and Vehicle)
You can car camp in just about anything with four wheels. SUV, sedan, or crossover, if you can fold down the seats, you have a basecamp.
Start close to home. Find a quiet lake, a forest road, or a drive-in campground. Once you’ve tested your setup and figured out what you actually use, it’s easy to build from there.
Step 2: Gear Up Without Overpacking
The best part of car camping is that you don’t need much. Here’s what you’ll actually want:
Sleeping setup: A good pad, sleeping bag, and pillow. Comfort matters.
Cooking setup: A stove, fuel, cookware, and a way to stay organized.
Lighting: A headlamp, lantern, or string lights for that nice cozy glow.
Essentials: First aid kit, extra water, snacks, and your favorite playlist.
The Hele Box replaces your jumble of bins with a tidy, all-in-one camp system. It stores your gear so everything has its place and creates an elevated sleeping platform so you can maximize your vehicle's storage capacity.
Step 3: Choose Your Campsite
You have options:
- Campgrounds if you want bathrooms and picnic tables.
- Public lands if you want solitude and wide-open views.
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Apps like iOverlander or The Dyrt if you want to find hidden gems.
Just remember to check the rules before you park for the night. Not every pullout allows camping, and part of keeping the outdoors accessible is knowing where to stay responsibly.
Check out this article for more help when it comes to discovering your next epic campsite.
Step 4: Set Up Camp
It’s easier than it looks.
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Park on level ground. Your back will thank you.
- Crack your windows for airflow.
- Roll out your bedding and get comfortable.
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Pop open the Hele Box and start cooking.
That’s it. No poles. No tarps. Just you, your car, and the sound of the wind through the trees.
Step 5: Eat Well, Sleep Well, Wake Up Happy!
With your gear organized in the Hele Box, you can make breakfast burritos, pasta, or coffee without chaos.
When it’s time to sleep, you’re off the ground, protected from the weather, and surrounded by everything you need. It’s comfort and simplicity, all in one!
Step 6: Leave It Better
Car camping makes it easy to follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your trash, keep noise down, and respect the land.
Every Hele Outdoors purchase helps too. We donate 3% of proceeds to conservation efforts across the U.S. because we believe that exploring nature and protecting it should go hand in hand.
Ready to Roll?
Car camping isn’t about roughing it. It’s about simplifying adventure.
More sunsets, fewer hassles, and never waking up needing a massage again.
Pack your bag, toss in your Hele Box, and hit the road.
Freedom is waiting, and your next campsite might be just a drive away.