Camping in Your Car? Do This First

My easy DIY privacy setup that makes solo trips feel safer

Hey friend, welcome back to the Big Adventure Club ☀️

I just got back from a weekend in Portland visiting family, and like every trip back, I left feeling reflective. Portland is where I grew up, but it never really felt like home. Maybe you’ve felt that too: returning somewhere familiar and realizing it doesn’t quite fit anymore.

This week, I’m diving into something practical but important: car camping safety, especially for my solo women adventurers out there. Whether you're new to car camping or just want a low-effort safety upgrade, this tip will give you a little more peace of mind the next time you sleep in your car.

Let’s get into it.

Trail Tales

Car Camping Safety Tip

If you’ve never tried sleeping in your car while camping, consider this your sign. Whether it’s raining, you’re solo, or you just want something easy and low-effort, car camping can be a safe, cozy, and convenient option, especially for women adventuring alone.

One of my biggest fears when car camping? Waking up to someone staring through the window. Creepy. Which is why I swear by this super simple hack: DIY reflective window covers for privacy and peace of mind.

What You’ll Need:

• 1–2 rolls of reflective insulation (like Reflectix)

• Scissors

• Optional: Sharpie or labels for organization

How to Make DIY Car Window Covers:

1. Roll out the insulation and press it into the window you’re covering. This creates a natural outline of the window shape.

2. Cut along the impression to create a custom-fit cover.

3. For the front windshield, cut a small split for the rearview mirror.

4. Label each piece with a marker (e.g., front left, rear right) to keep things organized.

5. To store, roll them up together and secure with a rubber band.

I used just 1 roll for my Subaru Forester’s windshield and front windows (my back windows are tinted), but you’ll likely need 2 rolls if you’re covering all windows.

These covers press right into place and stay snug, no extra tools or adhesives needed. And just like that, your car is your own private little cabin.

Want more solo camping tips like this? Let me know in the comments, reply to this email, or shoot me a DM. I can’t always respond, but I always see your messages!

Leaving Notes

I hope this tip helps make your next trip feel safer and a little more stress-free. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes, or if you have your own car camping hack, share it with me!

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Thanks for being here 💙
See you next week,
Lauren