Craving an adventure but tight on cash? Truck bed camping could be your ticket to affordable exploration! This post breaks down everything you need about camping in your truck bed, from basic setups to tricked-out custom rigs.
We’ll cover gear, tips, and tricks so you can confidently hit the road and camp anywhere your truck can take you.
Why Truck Bed Camping Rocks
Truck bed camping allows you to camp remotely and off-grid, saving you money over RVs or motels. With a compact and nimble rig, you can maneuver to incredible spots that behemoth RVs could never reach.
I’ll never forget that we parked our truck alongside a rushing river in the Appalachian backcountry – falling asleep to the sound of the water was magical.
Truck Bed Camping 101
The first decision for truck bed camping is which setup works best for you: a camper shell, a truck bed tent, or just a ground tent pitched near your truck’s tailgate? Let’s look at the pros and cons:
Camper Shell
Pros:
- Secure, weatherproof sleeping area
- Ability to create custom sleeping platform and storage
- Can insulate for 4-season use
Cons:
- More expensive upfront investment
- Semi-permanent installation
Truck Bed Tent
Pros:
- Inexpensive entry into truck camping
- Easy setup/tear down
- Can use in any truck bed
Cons:
- Not fully weatherproof
- Less ability to customize the interior
- More cumbersome to tear down than a shell
Ground Tent
Pros:
- Use any regular camping tent
- No modification to your truck needed
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- No separation from ground/elements
- Have to pack up a tent each time
No matter which setup you choose, you’ll need some essential truck bed camping gear:
Must-Have Gear:
Sleeping Setup
- Mattress (foam, air, or custom platform)
- Sleeping bag/quilt rated for your climate
Camp Kitchen
- Camping stove and fuel
- Cookware (pot, pan, utensils)
- Water storage (containers or bladders)
- Camp table or truck tailgate extension
Power
- Batteries or power pack
- Inverter to charge devices
- Solar panels (optional)
Lighting
- Headlamps
- Lanterns
- Truck cab lights
Organization
- Plastic storage totes/bins
- Built-in drawers or shelves (if building a platform)
Other Essentials:
- Camp chairs
- Leveling blocks (for uneven ground)
- Shovel and recovery boards
Staying Comfortable
Proper ventilation is key for truck bed camping to control temperature and prevent condensation buildup inside your space. Here are some pro tips:
- Use a truck bed vent fan or 12V fan
- Crack windows or remove the rear window
- Install vent pipes or a rooftop vent
For cold weather, insulate your truck bed camping setup:
- Use a foam truck bed mattress
- Install insulation boards or panels
- Hang thermal curtains
- Run a small 12V heater
Don’t forget about bathing! For truck bed camping, here are some options:
- Use a portable solar shower
- Take a sponge bath in the truck bed
- Pack a pop-up privacy tent
To use the bathroom, you’ll need a trowel and waste kits to properly bury human waste, following the Leave No Trace principles.
Next-Level Truck Camping
Consider installing a custom sleeping platform with built-in drawers and shelves to take your truck bed camping to the next level. This gives you tons of storage and organization. You can even add amenities like:
- A slide-out kitchen
- Swing-out tailgate seats
- Roof racks or a roof-top tent
- An awning for shade
To upgrade your truck itself for truck bed camping, look into the following:
- Bigger tires for better traction
- A suspension lift for added clearance
- Auxiliary fuel tanks for longer-range
- Front-mounted recovery boards/winch
Here’s an incredible custom truck bed camping build from the Adventure Truck team that shows what’s possible:
Finding Great Camp Spots
Now that your truck camping rig is dialed, where should you camp? Public lands like National Forests and BLM areas allow free dispersed camping almost anywhere. Just follow Leave No Trace principles like:
- Camp 200+ feet from trails/water sources
- Use existing fire rings or pack a fire pan
- Pack out all trash
- Bury human waste properly
Use offline maps and apps like FreeRoam, OnX, or Gaia GPS to find legal camp spots. The key is researching the local regulations and road conditions beforehand.
Truck Camping Recipes & Meal Tips
Meal prep is important for no-fuss truck bed camping meals. Focus on easy one-pot dishes, tinfoil dinners, and pre-cooked proteins like:
- Pasta, rice, or grain dishes with veggies
- Soups, stews, and chilis
- Tinfoil packet meals (protein + veggies)
- Wraps, sandwiches, salads
Use a quality cooler, stock up on ice, and freeze items ahead of time to keep everything fresh. For cooking gear, stick to:
- Camp stove and fuel
- Nesting pots/pans
- Camp sink or large bowl for dishwashing
- Multi-tool, cooking utensils
Conserve water using reusable plates/bowls and cleaning with biodegradable soap only. Here are some tasty truck camping meal ideas:
Breakfast Burritos
- Eggs, cheese, salsa, meat, potatoes
- Prep fillings ahead, wrap in foil to reheat
Trail Chili
- Ground meat, beans, tomatoes, spices
- Cook ahead and reheat or do one-pot on the tailgate
Foil Dinners
- Meat, veggies, seasoning in foil
- Customize each packet, zero dishes!
Loaded Backcountry Nachos
- Tortilla chips, meat, beans, cheese, salsa
- Cook meat/warm chips on the stove
With the right prep and gear, you can feast like royalty on the road!
Read Also: Demystifying The Head Gasket: A Crucial Car Component Explained
FAQs
Can I sleep in the bed of my truck?
Yes, absolutely! Sleeping in the bed of your truck is a popular and affordable way to camp, known as truck bed camping. With the right gear, such as a mattress and shelter, the truck bed can be a cozy sleeping spot.
How to camp in the bed of a truck?
To camp in your truck bed, you’ll need a sleeping setup like an air mattress or foam pad, warm bedding, and some shelter like a truck cap/camper shell or truck bed tent. Organize gear in storage totes, pack a camp stove and cooking supplies, and you’re ready to hit the road!
How can I sleep comfortably in my truck?
For comfortable truck camping, invest in an insulated truck bed mattress or mattress pad to cushion you from the metal bed. Use a cozy sleeping bag or quilt rated for the climate. Crack the windows for ventilation and use a 12V fan if needed. Curtains can add privacy and block light.
What are truck bed campers called?
Truck bed campers are often referred to as:
Camper shells/caps
Truck toppers
Canopies They are rigid, raised covers that fit over the truck bed, providing a secure and weatherproof sleeping area for truck bed camping.
Conclusion
Truck bed camping offers unbeatable freedom to explore at a fraction of the cost of RVing. With some basic gear, smart tips, and practice – you’ll soon be a pro at the truck camping life! So get outfitting that truck, pick an incredible camp spot, and start making memories under the stars. The ultimate camping adventure awaits!Let me know if you need any tips as you plan your first truck bed camping trip. Safe travels!
