Living in Your Car While Traveling in the United States

Hi everyone, So great to be back on our forum!...

For the past few years, I’ve been traveling on a budget, especially by sleeping as often as possible in campgrounds or in my car... If I can help, I’d be happy to.

Hello! I’m also a fan of road trips in the American West, sleeping in my SUV—usually in the wilderness rather than campgrounds. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years now because, beyond the budget savings, it gives you total freedom in planning, the ability to adapt your route based on the weather, and a complete immersion in nature.

Hi there, I can confirm this is a great way to travel if you get the right vehicle! And it’s not just the American West that’s perfect for it!

I’ll admit, every now and then I’ll head to a campground to freshen up 😏. But I can confirm, the freedom and flexibility this way of traveling offers is amazing. No more wasting time in hotels. You’re right in nature! Love it. I usually set up a mattress in the back of my vehicle, and it works pretty well.

I’ve traveled in an SUV several times, and this year I went for a 4-seater Jeep. Well, I’ll admit the Jeep wasn’t the most comfortable vehicle. Surprisingly, the back was much smaller.

So far, I've only tried the USA. What kind of destinations have you done?

In Europe, the Duster works really well (used it in Iceland and Romania). For the US, there are more options. Before, I’d only check ground clearance when I got to the garage. Now, I also check if the rear seats fold down to create a flat surface. Latest test: the 4Runner last May. Not great. Other destinations for this style of travel: Hungary, Bavaria, Austria, Croatia

It all depends on the Jeep for sleeping inside with a self-inflating mattress: with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it’s really comfortable (I’m 1.80m tall). I fill the gap between the folded rear seats and the front seats with a 3-layer inflatable travel footrest (around 15 € online).

The Jeep Wrangler isn’t practical at all. The back seats don’t fold down completely, and the whole trunk is about 15 cm lower. It was really tricky to fit everything in, and I basically slept with my head tilted up. On the other hand, I slept super comfortably in the Chevrolet Equinox and the Nissan Rogue.

I'm thinking of booking the suburban/Ford Expedition/Jeep Wagonner category next time. I've done quite a few trails like the one leading to Toroweap Overlook, Reflection Canyon, or Cathedral Valley Road, and in the end, I barely used the 4-wheel drive. I only used it at White Pocket for the sand.

I think I'll prioritize comfort for my next trip.

Basically, this is what the hybrid Jeep Wrangler looks like (and rental agencies only offer hybrids now). The batteries are under the rear seats, so the back isn’t flat for a mattress... Plus, the rear seat cushions fold up against the front seatbacks, which costs you about 15 cm. In short, not enough room in the back.

Thanks for these illustrated details. Since I’d heard about these limitations from friends who’d driven Jeep Rubicons, that’s why I’ve never rented either a Jeep Wrangler or a Jeep Rubicon—especially given the much higher cost. Since 1999, I’ve been able to regularly rent standard-category SUVs with good ground clearance that were true 4x4s (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan XTerra), which let me tackle rough or sandy trails. But in recent years, these vehicles have become rare, and I’ve had to settle for SUVs with lower ground clearance and only AWD—or even once a 2WD like a Nissan Pathfinder. In the “large SUV” category you’re considering, you should still find SUVs that perform well on not-too-difficult trails.

Hi there! For our last three trips, we chose to sleep in the car as much as possible, so we rented in the suburban category. We got a Suburban twice and a GMC Yukon XL once. They were great in terms of comfort and handled the off-road tracks at Valley of the Gods, Alstrom Point, and others really well. On the other hand, in 2022 and 2024, it really hurt the wallet! Gotta make it worth it :)

Thanks for the info. Yeah, the rates sting a bit, but in the end, when you see hotel prices, it quickly becomes worth it. My Jeep in September: 1500 € for 4 weeks, the suburban was 500 € more. That’s 5 nights in a hotel. It pays for itself in a week.

I’m leaning more and more toward this option for my next trip. The comfort really wasn’t great in the Jeep.

Hi, More and more people are choosing this way to travel, which lets you discover new destinations and live unforgettable adventures without spending too much.

Hello! So happy this Forum is open again... I’ve been loyal—haven’t posted on any other travel forum since!

For my part, I haven’t been back to the US since the year of COVID... it really messed everything up. And when I look at flight prices now... this isn’t just inflation—I nearly fainted! But the urge to go is coming back!

For my last trip in 2017, I had a NISSAN Pathfinder... No issues with space in the back—seats folded down and everything was flat. Perfect for laying out a sleeping bag.

I was supposed to leave for Florida in April 2020, and of course my trip was canceled because of COVID. I didn’t let it get me down!... In 2022, 2023, and 2024, I went back. I’m still loving it just as much. Flights have gotten more expensive, but little by little, car rental prices have become reasonable. You can find an SUV for around 850 € for 3 weeks through Alamo with their 20% discount. Flying, I’ll admit, still costs me at least 800 €. I remember getting tickets for 350 € before COVID... 😄

Yes, and what I love is waking up in nature... It's just incredible.

Yes, and what I love is waking up in nature... It's just incredible.

Me too! That’s one of the reasons I choose to sleep in my vehicle.

For my last trip in 2017, I had a NISSAN Pathfinder... No issues with space in the back—seats folded down and everything was flat—perfect for laying out the sleeping bag

I also rented a Nissan Pathfinder from Alamo at that time. It was ideal for camping inside, and it was AWD (All Wheel Drive). I rented one again from Hertz in 2022—the new model was still just as spacious and comfortable, but the ground clearance had decreased, and it was only 2-wheel drive (so sandy trails weren’t an option anymore).

Usafan, Sedonax, it’s great to see you both again—I feel like I’m reuniting with part of my travel-forum family! 🚐😊

I don’t post here often, and I’m happy to be back among the ‘Americans’ (though tonight... ) This is what brings me here. We spent three months (from October to December) in a Pathfinder (nicknamed Titanium) traveling from west to east, passing through British Columbia. It’s just *the* best way.

Here on a beach in Texas

So glad to see you both again—feels like catching up with part of my travel-forum family! 🤗😊

The feeling’s mutual!... [;]

Amazing! It makes me want to go back so badly!... I never get tired of it. I was in the West in September for 4 weeks. What a joy. 😄

Usafan, Sedonax it’s so great to see you both again—I feel like I’m reuniting with part of my VoyageForum family! 🥰😊

The feeling’s mutual!... 😉

Same here!

You mentioned a 20% discount at Alamo. How do you do it? Thanks

You’re gonna love this 😉:

https://www.alamo.fr/fr/offres-location-voitures/de-remise.html

Hi, I know about that Alamo discount, but isn’t it supposedly reserved for travel industry pros? I’ve never dared use it—maybe I was wrong!

This discount has been around for years and it works perfectly. Booked in 2022, 2023, and 2024 without any issues. I do the "Skip the counter" and you just pick up the vehicle. They don’t ask for anything at all.

I just checked my latest voucher, and there’s absolutely no information stating that I got a discount or that I need to present proof. And on three separate occasions, they only asked for my driver’s license and credit card. So I can confirm there’s no issue with booking using this code. The agents on-site aren’t even aware you used the discount.

Thanks for your feedback! 😉

Hi everyone, so happy to be back on the forum! I’m planning my next trip to the U.S. and looking to rent a car. When I check Alamo’s site, they ask for a discount code that I don’t have. I’d like to know if the price they’re showing already includes the 20% discount or not. Also, if you want to sleep in your car in the wild, I don’t think it’s always allowed—are there any rules I should follow? Thanks in advance for any tips you can share. Have a great Sunday, everyone! Flo

Hi, yes, the price includes the 20% discount. If you go to the regular site, you’ll see that the rates are higher. As for sleeping on-site, you’re not allowed to sleep in a national park unless you book a campsite. But pretty much anywhere else, you’ll find people camping. That’s what I go by. As soon as I see vehicles parked, I set up not too far away. Otherwise, you can download the app « iOverlander » There, you’ll find tons of info about where people have camped before—just about anywhere. I’ve always found a spot pretty easily.

Hi, thanks for your reply. I’ll check out the site you mentioned since my trip is planned for next May.

Best,

Flo

P.S.: So lucky to have Voyage Forum back!

Ah, it’s great to be back on the forum after all these years! This way of traveling sounds amazing, but with five of us, it’s tricky 🤔. We’re actually looking for ideas because two months in the U.S. is a *big* budget! We’ve been to the U.S. several times, renting a car and mixing motels and stays with family. But for a longer trip, we’re interested in camping. We camp in Europe, but we have no idea how it works in the U.S.

You can rent a van, but it’s still really expensive if you drive a lot like I do.

Otherwise, depending on the season, a tent works great! There are lots of campgrounds in state parks that aren’t expensive and offer all the comforts.

For campgrounds, there’s an app: RV Parky

I found this:

https://mythiqueamerique.fr/comment-faire-du-camping-aux-etats-unis-conseils-guide-camper/

Thanks for your feedback. It helps us consider occasional tent camping, and I like the idea if it’s also common in the United States and not too unusual!

We’re thinking of driving a lot—from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, Oregon, Vancouver, Yosemite. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but yeah, renting an RV for five people over two months adds up way too much!

We considered buying one with the plan to leave for two months the following year, but it seems complicated and expensive.

The idea of mixing a short-term RV rental with a car and camping when possible, or motels/BnBs now and then, appeals to me more and seems less complicated once we find the gear locally!

Anyway, thanks—I’ll look into all of this! 😊

You can find affordable camping gear at every Walmart:

https://www.walmart.com/search?q=tent

I buy the stuff that’s too hard to pack in my suitcase and give it away to someone before I leave. It usually pays for itself after just one night, given how expensive hotels are.

If you need help planning your trip, just let me know.

Yeah, it’s true you can find everything at Walmart—I hadn’t thought of tents there! Have you already camped in a tent in the U.S.? I’m wondering if you need to book campsites in July and August, or if it’s easy to find a spot last-minute. I don’t like planning everything in advance, but from what I’ve read, places like Yosemite and Yellowstone require booking way ahead

Yeah, it’s true you can find everything at Walmart—I hadn’t thought of tents! Have you already camped in a tent in the U.S.? I’m wondering if you need to book campsites in July and August or if it’s easy to find a spot. I don’t like planning everything in advance... but from what I’ve read, places like Yosemite and Yellowstone require booking ahead

Camping rules in the U.S., especially in the Parks, are strict. If you’re wild camping, Rangers won’t hesitate to send you before a local judge. And generally, if no reservations are available, it’s first come, first served.

Hi there,

I sleep in my car most of the time, so it’s easy to crash anywhere... Also, I never travel in July or August... It’s clear that pitching a tent in the wild is riskier from a legal standpoint.

That said, I’d like to put the previous comments into perspective:

In almost all state park campgrounds, it’s first-come, first-served. So it’s going to be tough to find a spot in state parks during peak summer. Especially since some people stay for several days.

However, you can book sites in most National Parks on the government website:

https://www.recreation.gov/

You can also reserve private campgrounds. There are plenty of private camping options on the RV Parky app, or you can simply search for campgrounds at each of your stops on Google Maps by typing "camping" at a location on the map.

In my opinion, you should book ahead during the summer. Americans are traveling more and more, and camping is really popular these days.