Who says you need an expensive RV or a fancy camper to hit the road? The team behind Operation Adventure proves that with a little creativity and less than $200, you can turn a regular car (in this case, a Subaru) into a surprisingly comfortable camping setup. It’s all about working with what you have, using space wisely, and getting outside without breaking the bank.
Smart, Simple Upgrades for Better Car Camping
The key to a great car camping experience isn’t money—it’s smart planning. Operation Adventure highlights easy, affordable modifications that make a huge difference in comfort. Think foldable sleeping setups, clever storage solutions, and small changes that turn a car into a cozy retreat for the night.
@operation.adventure Cheap car camping build 👇🏼 You do NOT have to have an expensive RV, Van, Truck shell, ect. in order to have a comfy car camping set up. Before we got the van we used to rent a car and sleep in the trunk for cheap and easy traveling. As soon as we got our subaru we knew we wanted to do a simple build so we would have an easy, gas friendly, and STEALTHY option for car camping! Sentry did this build in one day with minimal tools and materials and it is SUCH an easy way to make car camping feel a little more ~luxurious~ Build materials: -plywood -drawer slides -piano hinge -screws -drawer pull Tips for traveling out of your car ⬇️ -blow up mattress I like to use our double sleeping pad that we take backpacking. It takes up minimal space in the car- but is also quite comfy to sleep on. We have the Klymit double V pad but have been eyeing the @EXPED ultra 3R duo or the @Big Agnes rapide sl double pad -sheets & pillows Adding a fitted sheet and full sized pillows just makes everything feel a little more homey!! -tiny car fan An absolute MUST HAVE for car camping. I just added one to my setup and it has made camping in warmer weather soooo much more tolerable!! We made sure to get one with a clip so we could clip it onto our sunroof. -blankets vs sleeping bag I always opt for blankets in the car. You can have as many or as little as you want and they are soooo much better than the restriction of a sleeping bag. -lights I use a little blow up hanging light for the ease and convenience BUT you can always add some string lights for a little more ambiance. -black out shades A NECESSITY for stealth camping!!! I just ordered the cheapest shades off of amazon and they work perfectly fine. -sun roof Utilize the sun roof for ventilation!!! I prefer opening the sunroof over cracking the windows since you get a much larger area of ventilation without tipping people off that there’s someone in there. -keys Put your keys in the EXACT same spot every night in case you need to access them in an emergency situation!! . . . #carcamping #carcamp #roadtrip #carcampingadventures #campgear ♬ Big Energy (Originally Performed by Latto) [Instrumental Version] – Hit The Button Karaoke
Making the Most of Every Inch of Space
One of the biggest challenges of car camping is limited space, but that’s where good design comes in. The video shows how organizing gear efficiently—using stackable containers, collapsible furniture, and multi-purpose tools—can create a surprisingly spacious setup. Every inch matters, and with the right approach, even compact cars can feel roomy.
The Beauty of Minimalist Camping
Forget hauling a trailer full of gear. Operation Adventure proves that simple camping is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. Traveling light means less hassle, quicker setup, and a more direct connection with nature. With just the essentials, you can explore more and worry less.
Affordable Adventures for Everyone
The biggest takeaway? You don’t need a fortune to enjoy the outdoors. Car camping is an accessible, budget-friendly way to experience adventure. Whether you’re testing the waters before investing in a larger setup or just love the idea of keeping it simple, this approach proves that getting out there is easier than you think.
