The Ultimate Guide to Truck Bed Camping

Whether you’re an experienced camper or a beginner, truck bed camping is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of your vehicle. This camping style offers the flexibility to explore remote areas that traditional RVs or campers can’t easily reach. With several variations for setup, you can tailor your truck bed to your wants, from the luxuries of RV camping to the ruggedness of tent camping. 

Read on to learn about the different shelter options, essential gear and equipment needed, and expert safety tips for a successful truck bed camping trip. 

Truck Bed Camping Methods

Camper

A truck bed camper is a slide-in setup that offers the most luxurious camping experience. It has amenities similar to an RV or camper van, like air conditioning, a small bathroom, kitchen facilities, and storage compartments. Transform the truck bed into a comfortable living space, perfect for longer trips or those wanting more convenience. However, these campers are expensive and add significant weight to the truck, which can lower gas mileage. Finding the right size is crucial as it has to fit securely to avoid safety issues. While pricier upfront, it’s still cheaper than a camper van or RV. 

Canopy

Sometimes called a camper shell, the canopy is a mixture between a camper and a tent. It’s a hard, weatherproof covering that fits over the bed of a truck, providing a weatherproof and secure camping space. It’s a versatile option that offers a good balance between comfort and simplicity. Like van camping, you’ll have more storage and better security than a tent. 

While more affordable than a truck bed camper, it lacks amenities like a bathroom or kitchen. The interior space can be customized with sleeping platforms or storage, but standing room is limited. 

Tent

Unlike traditional ground tents, truck bed tents are designed to fit snugly into the bed. They are lightweight, easy to set up, and pack away quickly. Compared to a camper and canopy option, the tent is the most affordable, requiring no truck modifications. 

However, they provide less insulation and lack built-in storage options. Also, tents are temporary setups that need to be set up and taken down each time you move, making this choice inconvenient.  

Truck Bed Camping Essential Gear & Equipment

Cooking

• Camp Stove: A portable camp stove with multiple burners is perfect for cooking meals off-grid. Propane or butane types are easy to use and quick to set up.
• Cooking Utensils: You’ll need pots, pans, tongs, knives, plates, and forks. Pack what you need for all your meals. Choose lightweight, durable, and compact options to save space. 
• Coffee Maker: A fresh cup of coffee in the morning is exactly what you need while camping. French press makers are easy to use off-grid, requiring only hot water. You can also grab a stovetop coffee maker. Remember the coffee grounds.
• Seasonings: When meal planning, consider what seasonings are needed for cooking. Have an extra salt and pepper shaker on hand for seasoning to taste. 
• Portable Grill: A small, foldable grill is perfect for cooking over an open flame or with charcoal. Roast veggies and grill meats when you want a change from the stove. 

Sleeping

• Pillows: Inflatable pillows are space-saving but often uncomfortable. Bringing your favorite pillow from home is okay if it means a good night’s sleep. 
• Sleeping Bag: Instead of fussing with sheets and layers of blankets at night, use a sleeping bag. They are convenient and easy to stow away. You may need to grab a mattress or sleeping pad to put under the sleeping bag. 
• Throw Blanket: A cozy throw blanket is perfect for lounging in your bed, throwing on as an extra layer at night, or bundling up at the campsite. It is versatile and provides the comforts of home. 
• Comforts: Don’t leave your sleeping routine at home. Pack mouth tape, a sleeping mask, and melatonin for the trip. 
• Portable Hammock: Give yourself another location for napping and lounging instead of your sleeping bag. 

Hobby

• Camera: Capture all your new memories with a camera. Classic Polaroids are fun for instant prints. Record wildlife or nature scenes with a professional camera or videocam. Recharge your equipment with the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max. Weighing only 13.4 lbs, this power station offers 1000W of power in X-Boost mode. 
• Board Games or Cards: Pull these out during downtime to pass the time. Or, invite neighboring campers over for a fun game night. Pack a classic deck of cards or a simple board game. 
• Binoculars: Compact binoculars allow you to stargaze or watch wildlife from afar. If you plan on bird watching, you’ll need these.
• Portable Speaker: Listen to music or podcasts while relaxing. Choose a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with long battery life for outdoor durability.
• Fighting Gear: If you’re near water, bring along a portable fishing rod and tackle box for a relaxing outdoor pastime and the possibility of a fresh catch.  

Practicalities 

• Lights: You’ll need some light source when it’s dark at night. Headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns make it easy to see in the dark. LED string lights can be used as decor and overhead lights at your campsite. 
• Camping Chairs: Consider the seating arrangements. While truck bed camping, you can sit in the sleeping area or the truck cab. You can rest outside the truck with camping chairs, stretching out after a long hike, bike ride, or day-out canoeing. 
• AC/Heat Unit: Regulating the temperature adds a little luxury to any camping trip. The EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. It provides AC for hot weather or heat for cool nights. It operates at whisper-level sounds, so you won’t interrupt the bird sounds outside. 
• Maps: A couple of maps of the local area can be useful in emergencies. They provide directions for hiking, biking, and other ways of exploring the area if cell service is spotty.
• Portable Water Filter: A compact, easy-to-use water filter is essential for having access to safe drinking water, especially when camping in remote areas.  

Safety

• Tool Kit: A basic set of tools that can fix the car, a part of the camper, or help another camper in need. Have a socket set, wrenches, zip ties, screwdrivers, and wire cutters to handle almost every situation. 
• First Aid: You need a kit while camping anywhere, no matter the shelter type. The first aid box should have antiseptics, bandages, gauze, splintering materials, cold compress, blister pads, adhesive tape, and tweezers. Research camping first aid supplies and pack what makes you feel the most secure. 
• Tire Repair Kit: Unlike backpacking, camping from a truck involves tires. A tire repair kit can save your trip during an accidental flat, and portable tire inflators are also handy. 
• Battery Jumpstart: Part of car camping, or truck camping, is having the vehicle on at times or items charging from it. If you accidentally drain your battery, the jump starter can help you get from the campsite to the nearest town. 

Hygiene

• Soap: Soap is essential for washing your hair and body. Biodegradable soap breaks down naturally, reducing its impact on local wildlife. However, before using it outside, make sure it won’t produce harmful chemicals.  
• Layers: When packing clothes, include an extra layer of shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. Weather can be unpredictable, and you want to avoid being caught freezing at night or drenched in a downpour with extra clothes. 
• Wet Wipes: Ready-to-use wet wipes are convenient for cleaning up messes. Those made for bodies make freshening up a breeze. 
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Don’t leave behind dental care. Travel-sized items save space, but bring the full size if your trip is for several days to avoid running out.
• Sunscreen & Bug Spray: These sprays are required for summer camping. Sunburns and bug bites can make any camping trip dreadful, detracting from the experience. 

Storage

• Camping Bins: These are designed for compact, waterproof storage. Organize equipment, clothes, and food with durable camping bins. Small vehicle safes can secure small valuables like phones and papers. 
• Cargo Box: Some cargo boxes can be mounted on a roof rack to optimize storage spaces. These hard plastic lockable storage containers are made to hold gear and valuables. Store sleeping bags, cooking utensils, and tools out of the way. 
• Cooler: The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator keeps up to 38L of food cold for 40 hours. It can act as a freezer, fridge, or both, so you’ll have fresh ice cubes for drinks while away from your home freezer. Keep it charged while driving with an EcoFlow 800 Alternator Charger. 
• Laundry Bag: Don’t leave dirty clothes in a pile; throw them into a mesh laundry bag. This helps keep your camping area organized. If your trip is several days, plastic bags block odor best. 

Truck Bed Camping Safety Tips

1. Secure your load by securely fastening all gear, equipment, and tools in the truck bed. Use bungee cords, ratchet straps, or cargo nets to keep items from shifting. 
2. Ensure proper ventilation if you’re sleeping inside an enclosed shelter in the truck bed. This prevents condensation buildup and maintains fresh air flow. 
3. Use a locking system for valuables like electronics, tools, and money. Install a lockable tailgate or cargo box to protect your items while away. 
4. Before setting up camp, park on flat, stable ground, which prevents your truck from rolling at night. Engage the parking brake for extra stability. 
5. Pack a well-stocked first aid kit for treating scrapes, cuts, burns, and other minor injuries. Sign up for a first aid class to learn life-saving skills and specific items for a camping first aid kit. 
6. Practice wildlife safety by securing food in a sealed container. Never leave it out at night, as it will attract animals. Dispose of food in bear-proof containers or sealed trash bags. 
7. Install truck bed lights to navigate the campsite at night. These lights can illuminate more areas than traditional flashlights, making navigation easier and preventing accidents in the dark. 
8. Avoid using the truck’s battery for lighting or appliances. Instead, rely on EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations. These portable power stations provide electricity on the go, so you don’t have to drain the truck’s battery. 
9. Keep a fire extinguisher near the truck when cooking. Even a small one can prevent a devastating situation. 
10. Check the local weather before heading out and be prepared for changes. Pack appropriate gear for rain, heat, sunshine, and thermal layers if the weather calls for it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Truck bed camping is a unique, versatile way to take your next camping trip. Whether you choose a fully-equipped truck bed camper, a simple canopy, or a lightweight truck bed tent, there’s an option to fit your needs. With the convenience of a truck, you’re not limited by rough terrain live camper vans and RVs. 

By packing the right essential gear, including a reliable camping stove, comfortable sleeping setup, and entertainment, you’re bound to have a peaceful, relaxing stay. Don’t forget safety measures like securing gear, first aid kits, and weather awareness. 

While heading off-grid, remember an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations to power and charge all the devices and appliances no matter where you roam.