Car Camping in the UK: Ultimate Beginner to Pro Guide (2026)

Car camping is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore the UK outdoors. No caravan. No motorhome. No towing. Just load up your car and go.

Whether you’re sleeping in a tent, inside your vehicle, or using a roof tent, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Car Camping?

Car camping means travelling to a campsite in your car and sleeping either:

• In a ground tent

• Inside your car

• In a roof tent (rooftop tent) mounted to your vehicle

• Rear Drive Away Tent

It’s ideal for beginners, couples, families, and solo travellers who want flexibility without committing to a caravan or campervan.

Why Car Camping Is So Popular

Benefits:

• Low start-up cost

• No towing experience needed

• Easy weekend getaways

• Access to almost all UK campsites

• Perfect stepping stone to caravanning

Roof Tents: The Upgrade Option

Roof tents have become extremely popular among Car users in the UK

Why Choose a Roof Tent?

• Elevated sleeping platform

• Quick 3–5 minute setup

• Built-in mattress

• Less ground moisture

• Compact storage

Types of Roof Tents

Soft Shell

• Lighter

• More affordable

• Fold-out design

Hard Shell

• Faster setup

• Better aerodynamics

• Stronger weather protection

Rear Drive-Away Car Tents: Expanding Your Car Camping Setup

For many car campers, space becomes the biggest limitation. That’s where rear drive-away tents come in.

A rear car tent attaches to the back of your vehicle (usually an SUV, MPV or estate), creating:

• Extra sleeping space

• A standing-height changing area

• Covered cooking space

• Storage room for gear

What Is a Rear Drive-Away Tent?

A rear drive-away tent fits over the tailgate of your vehicle and secures using straps or tension poles.

Unlike standard tents, it connects directly to your car — effectively turning your vehicle into a mini camper setup.

When you want to explore for the day, you simply detach and “drive away”, leaving the tent pitched.

One excellent example is the Camptech Adelaide Rear Car Tent, available from IDS Camping & Leisure.

Why Rear Car Tents Are Popular

Benefits:

• Adds proper living space

• Great for bad UK weather

• Ideal for families

• Provides privacy for changing

• Keeps muddy boots out of the car

For many, it’s the perfect middle ground between ground tent camping and owning a campervan.

Feature	Rear Drive-Away Tent	Roof Tent
Standing Room	Yes	No
Extra Living Space	Yes	Limited
Elevated Sleeping	No	Yes
Setup Time	10–20 mins	3–5 mins
Family Friendly	Excellent	Moderate

Many car campers combine both — sleeping in a roof tent and using a rear tent for living space.

Is a Rear Car Tent Worth It?

A rear drive-away tent is ideal if:

• You want standing room

• You need more storage space

• You camp with children

• You prefer separate sleeping and living zones

It may not suit you if:

• You move location daily

• You want ultra-fast setup

• You prefer elevated sleeping

Cooking & Food

• Portable stove or compact BBQ such as the Cadac cooking Range

• Gas canisters

• Cool box or 12V fridge

• Collapsible washing bowl

• Folding table & chairs

Car Camping Essentials Checklist

• Portable stove or compact BBQ

• Gas canisters

• Cool box or 12V fridge

• Collapsible washing bowl

• Folding table & chairs

Sleeping

• Tent or car mattress

• Season-rated sleeping bags

• Inflatable mattress or sleeping mat

• Pillows

• Thermal liner (roof tents)

• If using a rear car tent, consider adding:

  
  

  • Groundsheet protector

  • Storm straps

  • LED hanging lantern

  • Folding storage units

  • Compact camping wardrobe

Best UK Locations for Car Camping

Car camping works especially well in:

• Lake District

• Snowdonia

• Cornwall

• Northumberland

Always use official campsites and check site rules regarding roof tents.

Car Camping vs Roof Tent vs Caravan

Feature	Car Camping	Roof Tent	Caravan
Setup Time	10–20 mins	3–5 mins	15–30 mins
Comfort	Moderate	High	High
Cost	Low	Medium	High
Storage Needed	No	No	Yes

Common Car Camping Mistakes

1. Overpacking

2. Not checking roof load limits

3. Poor weather planning

4. Forgetting ventilation

5. Underestimating UK overnight temperatures

FAQ – Car Camping in the UK

Can you legally sleep in your car in the UK?

Yes on private land with permission (such as campsites). Roadside overnighting varies by location.

Are roof tents worth it?

Yes if you camp frequently and want quicker setup and more comfort.

Do roof tents affect fuel economy?

Yes, especially soft shell models due to wind resistance.

Is car camping suitable for families?

Yes — especially when using a family tent beside the vehicle.

Do I need electric hook-up?

Not necessarily. Many car campers rely on gas and battery power packs.

FAQ – Rear Drive-Away Car Tents

Do rear car tents fit all vehicles?

Most fit SUVs, estates and MPVs, but always check height compatibility.

Can you leave the tent pitched when driving away?

Yes — that’s the key benefit of drive-away designs.

Are rear car tents waterproof?

Quality models are fully waterproof but should always be properly tensioned.

Are they suitable for UK weather?

Yes — when secured correctly with storm straps and pegs