Camping in your Tesla Model Y is a great way to explore. I lived in my Model Y almost a full year. I’ve learned a lot and have plenty of insight to share. Whether you’re sleeping for just one night or a few months, here are my favorite Tesla Model Y camping accessories.
This is essential gear and I’ve listed more camping accessories below…
Tesla Camping Accessories
1. Tesla Sleeping Pad
When Tesla camping, a good night’s sleep can help you enjoy more of the day. I’m far out from my Boy Scout days. And it’s gotten harder to sleep anywhere. That’s why a sleeping pad is top of my list.
You don’t want to end up making a last-minute run to Wal-Mart to buy a low-quality mattress. That takes time away from your adventure!
There are many Tesla Model Y camping mattresses to consider. Here are some of the best rated ones on Amazon (affiliate link). However, these take up more room. That’s why I’ve preferred smaller blow-up camping pads…
I bought the Therm-A-Rest camping sleeping pad (Amazon affiliate link). I did a lot of research upfront and have now slept on it for over a year. And of course, it’s far from sleeping in a bed at home, but it’s the best for camping that I’ve owned.
To see the size, here’s a photo. I’m also taller than most, coming in at 6 foot 3 inches tall. I bought the 20 x 72 inch and if anything, I might recommend the wider dimensions. It should still fit in your Tesla Model Y with the back seats down.
One big benefit is that it’s easy to inflate and deflate. As I changed elevation, this came in handy. And whether you’re sleeping in your Tesla or a tent, it’s quick to pack. It’s also lightweight and this makes it good for a wide range of camping trips.
In the winter and hot summer days, it provides some insulation. But that wasn’t a big selling point for me. Depending on the weather, just pair it with a good sleeping bag or blankets, and you’re good to go. For another pro tip, don’t forget to bring a good pillow or two.
2. Tesla Camping Tent
Most times I prefer sleeping in my Tesla Model Y. It’s like a little box of armor that protects you from animals, bugs, and the weather. However, not all campsites allow sleeping in a car. That’s why I recommend packing a tent as a backup.
Even before buying a Tesla, I’ve always traveled with a small tent in my car. You never know when it’ll come in handy. Here are some of the top-rated tents on Amazon (affiliate link). However, if you’re looking for a custom Tesla Model Y tent, a few providers have stepped up.
A company sent a Tesla tent to me for free. I show it in this video that recaps a camping trip to Yellowstone…
If you have any questions, feel free to comment on any of my YouTube videos. And since that tent is much bigger, I don’t always travel with it. But if you have extra space and more people camping with you, it can be a good option.
Going back to small tents, there was a campground in Texas that didn’t allow sleeping in a car. So hypothetically, I’d set up my tent and still sleep in the Tesla. Thanks to the next Tesla Model Y accessory, you can sleep without others knowing…
3. Tesla Window Covers
For camping privacy, window covers are a must-have. Here are some of the top-rated ones on Amazon (affiliate link). For most of my Tesla adventure, I’ve just used side and back window covers. They’re fitted and pop into place without any attachments.
Not until recently did I get roof sunshades. These are great to keep it a little cooler in the summer…
Here are the top-rated Tesla roof shades (Amazon affiliate link).
These Tesla window covers can help block light in the morning. Some mornings I didn’t want to wake up with the sunrise. Also at night, they can help reduce the chance of others seeing light you’re using inside…
4. Lantern, Flashlight and Headlamp
Camping in a Tesla under a starry night is an amazing experience. Although, some nights are pitch-black. One spot in West Virginia was surrounded by trees and I couldn’t see anything at night. On top of that, bears were roaming around. To say the least, I was cautious.
This is where lights came in handy, along with many other situations. That’s why they made my list of the top Tesla Model Y accessories. Here are some of the best types of portable lights to consider (I’ve already sorted them to be the highest-rated)…
- Lanterns on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Flashlights on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Headlamps on Amazon (affiliate link)
Having some backup lights is a good call while camping. I’ve also leaned towards rechargeable ones. You can charge them from your Tesla or this brings me to the next Tesla camping accessory…
5. Portable Battery Pack
I haven’t picked one of these up, but I’ve been tempted many times. Here are the top-rated portable camping battery packs on Amazon (affiliate link).
If you’re doing a longer camping trip, you might want to conserve your Model Y’s battery. Charging your phone doesn’t take much juice, but charging more devices can add up. Also, this is a big note to remember… if you don’t use Tesla camp mode, power to the outlets in the car will go to sleep. That means you can’t charge your devices overnight.
Having a battery pack can give you a little more flexibility. Most nights camping in my Tesla Model Y, I didn’t use camp mode. This helped me conserve energy. The Model Y comes with good battery capacity, but I still like playing it safe…
6. Tesla Mobile Chargers
Hopefully you already have this last Tesla Model Y camping accessory (don’t forget to pack it for your trip). And it’s good to have mobile connectors on any road trips. The supercharger network is great most places. However, some camping trips will take you far from main roads.
If you’re paying for a camping spot, check to see if there are electric hookups. Some sites even have standard 120-volt outlets. They’re slow to charge but if you’re parked most of the day, you can get a solid charge.
I’ve also found lots of free Tesla charging stations around the U.S. The charging speeds vary and with that link, you can find how to track them down.
Tesla Camping Accessories and Extra Gear
Here’s a list of more camping accessories. These are good to bring along for most camping trips…
- Pocket knife
- Utensils (Amazon affiliate link)
- Backup water jugs
- Backup dry food
- Cooler
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Lighter or matches
- Camp chairs
Since I’ve lived out of my Tesla Model Y, I’ve kept my gear to a minimum. Most of the accessories above are essentials. What you should pack depends on your where and how long you’ll be camping.
For some, cooking is an important part of camping. There are lots of stoves, portable water pumps and other devices. But with my simple setup, I’ve only traveled with a small camping stove.
Here are the top-rated Jetboils (Amazon affiliate link). They’re great for making coffee or tea, cooking eggs and warming up soups. I haven’t had to replace the fuel canister yet but that’s easy to do. I’ve found them in Walmart and many other stores.
Camping in a Tesla Model Y
Camping in your Tesla unlocks some cool adventures. It comes with some convenience tradeoffs but opens new doors. You can surround yourself with nature and new opportunities.
If you’re new to Tesla camping, ease into it with a single night or two of camping. Stay close to home and test how it goes. That’s how I started and have learned a lot along the way. With a Tesla Model Y, or any Tesla, there’s more nuance to it. Here are some safety tips…
For a deeper dive, here are answers to the top six questions about Sleeping in a Tesla Model Y. If you have any questions about Tesla camping accessories, please reach out. Feel free to leave a comment on any of my videos. Or I always appreciate a simple hello. Where are you reading or watching from? Your response motivates me to keep sharing what I’m learning on this Tesla adventure 🙂