5 Baby-Friendly Car Camping Setups

By Julie Bacon

There are so many ways to make camping with your baby not only doable, but actually enjoyable. Car camping, in particular, makes sleeping outside with your little one far more accessible—because let’s be honest: when you’re traveling with a baby, packing everything (including the kitchen sink) feels pretty necessary. It allows you to bring all your creature comforts, backup plans, and backup plans for your backup plans.

If you’re craving time outside but don’t feel ready to hike into a remote site, car camping is the perfect way to ease in. Here are a few family-tested sleep setups shared by our Mothership community that might work for you, too.

1. Tent Camping Next to the Car (Most Accessible!)

The most straightforward and beginner-friendly option: pitch a tent right next to your car. A roomy 3- or 4-person tent gives you space to set up a pack and play, or lay your baby on a sleeping pad beside you. Having the car nearby means easy gear access, weather shelter, and the option to bail if needed.

This works great at both reserved campground spots and dispersed sites on public land.

A wider pad like this one can work great (they even make a cover for it). Now that our daughter is 1.5 years old, we've been using my one-person bikepacking tent from Big Agnes for her, along with a sleeping pad and sleeping bag, and padding any uncovered ground with a Rumpl. My partner and I like to cowboy camp under the stars next to her. Morrison Outdoors makes great sleeping bags for little ones.

One Mothership community member really loves this pack-and-play combo tent for both camping and travel.

Pro Tip: If it’s your baby’s first time sleeping outside, this setup offers flexibility without too much commitment. Baby sleeps in a sleeping bag or regular sleep sack depending on the temperature.

2. Pop-Up Camper Shell + Pack and Play in the Truck Bed

If you’ve got a pop-up tent over your truck bed, this is a simple and effective setup. Slide the pack and play into the bed, tuck your baby inside with their usual sleep gear, and let the blackout effect of the shell work its magic.

Bonus: It keeps baby close, safe from wind and rain, and tucked in for a quiet night under the stars.

Pro Tip: Add a small sound machine to help buffer noise from car doors or midnight whispers.

3. Creative In-Cab Crib (Truck Hack)

One of our favorite truck hacks came from a parent in our community. They leveled out the backseat with a sleeping pad, pushed the front driver seat all the way back to create a “wall,” and used the car seat and a folded-up pack and play to block off the front console area—turning the backseat into a cozy baby den.

It’s snug, simple, and keeps your little one close without needing a tent or camper. Ideal for short nights or quick getaways!

4. Co-Sleep in a Rooftop Pop-Up Tent

Some parents choose to co-sleep with their baby in a rooftop tent. Whether your baby is nestled between both parents or beside just one, this can work well—especially for infants who are used to sleeping close.

Just be sure to follow safe co-sleeping practices and make sure your baby stays warm and secure throughout the night. This setup is best for little ones who don’t roll much yet.

5. Slide-In Camper or Van (The Dream Setup)

We’re grouping these two together because they offer similar perks—comfort, warmth, and weather protection. If you’ve got a slide-in camper or a van, you’re living the dream.

Both allow you to sleep indoors with your baby, whether in a pack and play on the floor or a padded corner setup. It’s cozy, convenient, and often includes luxuries like built-in storage, heat, and light. Some parents use blackout curtains or portable fans to mimic home sleep conditions.

Note: While not the most common setup, these rigs can make camping feel effortless if you’ve got access to one.

Final Tips for Camping with a Baby

• Test gear at home first. It's always a good idea when introducing a new activity to show your baby the gear first and even do a try-on.
• Layer wisely. Babies can chill quickly—have extra layers and be ready to add or remove based on the weather.
• Stick to the routine. Familiar bedtime steps = smoother transitions.
• Be flexible. No night is perfect, and that’s okay. The goal is to enjoy the moment and learn as you go.

Got a go-to camping setup that works for your family? We'd love to hear about it. Drop a comment below or message us on Instagram!

The experiences shared here are personal, not medical advice. Every body and every baby is different. Please consult your pediatrician or care provider before attempting similar activities. We encourage you to listen to your instincts and do what feels right for your family.