When it comes time to go hunting, fishing, or even just camping with your family in the woods, finding a place to sleep can be tough. Sure, you might bring a tent along, but if you have a pickup truck along there’s really no reason you’ll need one! We’re here to give you our four tips for pickup truck camping, and we hope to help you make your next trip more convenient than ever before!

What Do You Need for Truck Bed Camping?

While it’s not as spacious and comfortable as a camper, truck bed camping allows you to get some sleep without spending a ton of extra cash. If you’ve got a relatively clean truck bed, and a clear night, you are all set! If you have a covered truck bed, you don’t even need the clear night. However, these four tips will help you make your overnight stay more comfortable.

Four Steps to Comfortable Truck Bed Camping

Step 1: Clean ‘er Up

Between the dirt from hauling things and potential mess left from your last hunting trip, your truck bed might be a bit of a dirty place to sleep. However, if you want to camp out there it’s helpful to clean out and seal the area the best you can before heading off on your trip. Close windows and use weather tape to seal any leaks in your cover/hatch.

Step 2: Raise the Floor

Since you’ll most likely need your truck bed’s space for storage while on your trip, it is important to take advantage of all the potential your truck provides. A good way to increase your storage space, and still have room to crash at the end of the night, is to create a raised platform with storage underneath. While you might feel like you are reliving your college days in a dorm bed raised way too close to the ceiling, you will appreciate the room for your extra cargo!

Step 3: Waterproof Storage

Camping gear, clothes, cooking equipment and other belongings should be organized and stored in separate waterproof bags or containers. This will allow you to store those items outside the truck at night while you sleep. Other things like electronics will probably be safest in the cab of the truck.

Step 4: Pack Thoroughly

The last thing you want to find out when arriving at your camping destination is that there is no running water and you have none along. Bring plenty of water along, and a couple aluminum baking pans to use when you want to wash your face or brush your teeth, or even do dishes. Also make sure to bring a headlamp or lantern, a portable charging device for your phone, extra batteries for a flashlight, and an extra key to your truck. You never know what might happen!