Updated 08/27/2026

For camping in colder weather, I turn my Honda CR-V into a camper with a one-person bed platform and a covered camp kitchen to create a cozy, organized space.

Once the weather turns colder in the Pacific Northwest, I usually switch from tent camping to camping in my Honda CR-V. I mostly camp solo, so I only need enough space for one person to sleep comfortably, and my car setup makes that easy. During the off-season, I tend to head to the Oregon and Washington coasts, where temperatures are generally milder through the winter.

Camping in my car this time of year is simply more comfortable for me. At night when it’s cold, windy, or raining (which is often), it’s nice to be inside the vehicle rather than in a tent. With shorter daylight hours, I can also sit up, read, or relax in the evening instead of going to bed as soon as it gets dark. This setup allows me to keep camping year-round, even when conditions aren’t ideal.

After camping in an older Honda CR-V for several years, I recently purchased a new CR-V Sport Hybrid and updated my camping setup to fit the new vehicle. To see my previous setup — which features an easy-to-build DIY bed platform — view this post.

Honda CR-V Camper Setup (Video Tour)

Bed Platform

Instead of building my own bed platform like I did for my 2007 Honda CR-V, I purchased the Hele Box Solo. I wanted a platform that is easy to assemble and store, and it needed to be adjustable since the floor isn’t flat in the Sport Hybrid models of the CR-V.

The Hele Box Solo features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and wood slat topper, and all of the legs are adjustable to fit any vehicle. I wanted to have more head room than I did in my previous setup, so I purchased additional “Stubbies” legs so the platform would sit lower in my vehicle. This meant giving up a bit of storage under the platform, but now I can sit up on the bed. I’m 5’1″, so this is not likely to be the case for taller people.

Instead of taking apart the platform after a trip, I keep the frame assembled and only detach the legs, leaving them at the height needed for my car.  Then when I’m getting ready for a trip, all I need to do is add the legs. I store the frame behind my sofa, and the legs in the carrying case included with the platform. If you use the regular legs, you can store the carrying case under the platform for more storage in your vehicle.

See my full review of the Hele Box Solo

Sleep System

Zenbivy ZipBed Overland: this innovative quilt and sheet combination makes sleeping on camping trips a more comfortable experience than when using a traditional sleeping bag. I toss and turn a lot when I sleep, and don’t like feeling constricted by a mummy bag, and quilts can be drafty and let cold air in when you move. The Zenbivy gives me plenty of room to move around inside – and the top acts more like a blanket that can be tucked in or folded down. The setup includes a sheet for a mattress, and the sheet has panels that zip to the quilt to prevent drafts. The sheet also includes an extra-large hood for holding a pillow in place.

Zenbivy BYOP Pillowcase: This pillowcase from Zenbivy is made from the same soft fabric as the ZipBed Overland and lets me use a full-size pillow from home. The pillow fits perfectly inside the hood, staying securely in place all night, and the pillowcase is easy to remove and wash.

Exped Megamat Sleeping Pad: For the ultimate in camping comfort, theMegamat is a plush 4-inch thick sleeping pad that won’t bottom out, perfect for side sleepers. Its R-value of 8.1 has kept me toasty warm on chilly nights, while the soft top fabric and dual valves make inflating and deflating effortless. This is my top choice for camping, whether in a tent or in my car.

Window Covers

For me, one of the most important items in my camper setup are the window covers… I wouldn’t want to sleep in my car without them. Not only do they provide privacy, they add a thermal layer on the windows to help retain heat.

WeatherTech Window Covers: These window covers are custom-fit for the model of my car and two-sided. One side is black for privacy and the other is reflective silver. For use in cold weather, place the black side out and while the sun is out, it will help warm the interior. The reflective side helps to retain heat inside the vehicle. In warmer weather, place the reflective side facing out to keep the interior cooler.

Shade Sox Window Screens: Since condensation can build up inside overnight, I use a window screen over one of the passenger windows so I can keep it open partway while keeping bugs out.

Back Seat Lounger

Since my setup uses a single bed platform, I can use one of the backseats as a lounger – one of my favorite features of my camper. I use it to get in and out of the bed, and it gives me a place to sit up and relax inside. The lounger comes in handy during winter camping trips when it gets dark early – it’s great for journaling and watching a movie before going to bed.

Tsumbay Car Backseat Organizer: I added a backseat organizer with multiple pockets and a tray to the back of the driver seat – good for keeping all of those easy-to-lose items like car keys, eyeglasses, or a smartphone.

Canopy & Kitchen Setup

When I camp in my car, I like to cook under the canopy attached to my car instead of using campground picnic tables. It’s easier to keep everything needed at mealtime closer to my vehicle, and I can leave some of my setup outside overnight instead of needing to store it in my vehicle.

REI Trailgate Shelter: This canopy is spacious and open-feeling, and I like the privacy that it provides as well as protection from inclement weather. The Trailgate Shelter can be attached to the back or side of a vehicle, and sets up using an arch pole and two stakes. I always attach it to the side of my car instead of the back.

REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair: More comfortable than a typical camp chair, the Camp Dreamer has some flexibility with movement and a shape that cradles your body like a hammock. Two slot pockets on the sides are handy for holding small items like phones or car keys.

REI Camp Prep Table: This sturdy table features heat-resistant aluminum slats on the top surface, and each leg is independently adjustable for creating a stable base on uneven ground. See my review of the Camp Prep Table.

Outdoor Rug: Using a waterproof rug under the canopy can help to keep things clean and dry, and makes it easier to slide my kitchen bin and cooler under the table for storage when I’m not cooking.

Reliance Aqua-Tainer: Since water isn’t always available at campgrounds, I bring enough water to use on multi-night trips. Available in 4 gallon and 7 gallon sizes, these containers include spigot for easy use at camp.

Camp Kitchen Gear

When I solo camp, I keep my kitchen setup simple, compact, and organized. Since space in my car is limited, I pack everything into one bin dedicated to kitchen gear. At camp, I set this bin next to my chair so I can easily reach everything while cooking.

Stoves

Rather than cooking over a campfire or setting up a bulky two-burner stove, I use compact canister stoves fueled by isobutane/propane. Bringing two stoves works best for me — one dedicated to cooking meals in a pan or skillet, and the other reserved for quickly boiling water for coffee, tea, or dishwashing.

• FireMaple FMS-125 PRO camp stove: This remote canister stove runs on isobutane/propane fuel, available at most outdoor retailers. Its low-profile base provides a stable platform for cooking, while the three large pot supports have anti-slip grips to keep cookware secure. The supports also fold down for compact packing, making the stove easy to carry.
• Jetboil Minimo backpacking stove: This was the first backpacking stove I purchased, and while I use an ultralight setup now instead, I use the Minimo on camping trips for its ability to boil water super fast. Using a Jetboil pot support with the Minimo provides the ability to cook with any type of pan or skillet.

Cookware and Dinnerware

To cut down on space, I use gear that nests together or collapses flat. My main cookset includes two pots with lids and a skillet, all with removable handles so everything packs into a compact kit. For eating, I bring one collapsible bowl, one enamel plate, and a set of lightweight utensils. The one bulky item I make room for is a salad bowl — it takes up space, but I use it so often that it’s worth bringing.

• GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset: This ceramic-coated non-stick set includes a 1.5L pot, 2L pot, 8-inch skillet, and two lids. All of the pieces nest together, and it comes with a folding handle, a small cutting board, and a storage bag.
• Sea to Summit collapsible bowl: I use this for just about every meal — it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and collapses down flat for storage.
• GSI Outdoors enamelware plate: Perfect for burritos or anything that doesn’t quite work in a bowl.
• Bentgo salad bowl kit: Salads are my go-to lunch when camping, and this bowl makes prep easy. It’s large enough to mix ingredients and comes with a divided tray for dressing and toppings.
• Nova Ceramics mug: To me, coffee and tea taste better in this ceramic mug, and it eliminates the need for single-use cups. It comes with a silicone lid and heat band, and since it doesn’t have a handle, it fits neatly into most car cup holders.

Additional Camp Kitchen Gear

• SOS Flat Pack collapsible sink: This collapsible sink is just the right size for doing dishes at camp and folds flat for storage.
• Human Gear nesting food containers: Handy for sauces or ingredients; the interlocking design keeps them easy to find in the cooler.
• Other essentials: vinyl tablecloth, plastic and trash bags, salt & pepper, dish soap, microfiber towels, and a pot holder.

Lighting

Good lighting can make a big difference when camping, whether you’re hanging out, cooking, or making a late night bathroom run. Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of lights — from string lights to lanterns — and found a mix that balances brightness, portability, and battery life. Here are the lights I rely on most.

Biolite AlpenGlow Mini Lantern: Compact and versatile, the AlpenGlow Mini offers multiple lighting modes — warm white, single color, and multi-color party mode — making it perfect for setting the mood at camp. It features a USB-C rechargeable battery with a power level indicator, an easy-to-use button, and a built-in bungee strap for hanging anywhere you need it. Out of all the camping lanterns I’ve used, this one stands out as my favorite and I feel is worth the higher price.

Luno Camping String Lights: I hang these string lights inside my car to provide ambient light. Featuring several light modes, including one that resembles a candle flicker, these lights have three brightness modes and a control panel integrated into the light string. Included is a rechargeable battery bank and carrying case.

UST Gear Spright Solar Lantern: Instead of using my car’s interior lights and risk running down the car battery, I prefer to use a rechargeable lantern for lighting, hanging it from the back seat grab bar. This LED lantern has four modes of light: high (120 lumens), low (50 lumens), amber nightlight, and amber candlelight flicker mode, and can be charged via solar or USB. The silicone globe collapses into the base to take up less space.

Biolite Luci Solar String Lights + Detachable Power Hub: I attach this string of lights to the canopy on the side of my car for better lighting at night. These lights have a 44 ft. long cord and three brightness settings: 140 lumens of light on high, 70 lumens on medium, or 20 lumens on low. The detachable hub can be used to power other devices, although I prefer to save the energy for just using the lights. The unit can be recharged via solar or USB-C (charging cable included).

Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Headlamp: This rechargeable headlamp features dual beam spotlights and floodlights, and a red light.

Electronics

While it’s nice to unplug on camping trips, a few electronics can be really useful — especially for keeping lanterns, camera batteries and other small devices charged. On most trips, I bring a power bank, charging cords, and extra batteries. I also use a rechargeable pump for inflating air mattresses. And on winter trips, when it gets dark early, I like to bring earbuds so I can listen to music or stream videos for a bit of evening entertainment.

Power banks: Charmast 26800mAh charger; Anker PowerCore 13000mAh charger
The Charmast charger has four output ports and three input ports – and has plenty of capacity for charging multiple devices at the same time. The Anker is an older charger that I take as a backup. For charging cords, I take an assortment, including a lightning cord for my iPhone, micro-USB and USB-C cords. I also bring AAA batteries for the few devices I have that need them, including a headlamp and fairy lights. Everything else I use is rechargeable.

Portable pump: FlextailGear Tiny Pump
This pump makes blowing up an air mattress super easy and fast. And it includes a light with three brightness settings.

Jackery 300 Plus: For a long time, I didn’t use a portable power station when camping, but I camp a lot in the winter and have found that small battery banks weren’t enough to keep my iPhone, camera and other electronics charged in colder conditions. Using the Jackery allows me to have plenty of power for charging electronics, and also to use products that take more power, such as a heated blanket or pad. The 300 Plus is one of Jackery’s smaller units – making it more affordable with a list price of $299.99 (watch for frequent sales) – and it weighs just over 8 pounds so it’s easy to carry. I also purchased a case for transporting the power station and cords. Unless the forecast calls for gray skies every day of a trip, I bring solar panels for recharging the power station.

Since I have sleep apnea and need to use a CPAP machine at night, I also bring the EASYLONGER ES960 CPAP Battery to power it. This battery includes adapters for several types of CPAP machines and provides enough power for up to five nights of camping.

Additional Essentials

Tools

It’s helpful to have small tools on hand for things such as fixing gear, pounding tent stakes, or hanging lights. I also bring a small level for my camp table, and mini binder clips for hanging fairy lights.

GreatNeck Mallet: I use this mallet with a dual rubber/plastic head to secure the stakes in my car canopy or tent.

UST Reflective Clothes Line: This bungee cord with clips is good for hanging wet clothes or towels.

Silicone Magnetic Ties: These small magnet ties are useful for many things – I use them to hang string lights on my car canopy.

Campfire

Diamond Strike-a-Fire: These fire starters are great for starting a fire without kindling.

Personal Safety Items

Hot Hands Body Warmers: In frigid conditions, I use these body warmers and keep them in the pockets of my jacket, or at night in my sleeping bag to stay warm.

PrimaCare Instant Cold Therapy Ice Packs: These instant cold packs are part of my first aid kit on camping trips. Just squeeze the pack for 15 minutes of cold therapy.

Bear Spray: While I’ve never had to use it, I camp in areas where black bears and cougars live so I keep this bear spray on hand just in case.

Mosquito Repellent Coils: These coils are made with Permethrin and are very effective in keeping mosquitoes away at camp.

Personal Hygiene

For a shower kit, I bring a small daypack to hold the clothes I’ll change into and a packing cube with towels and washcloths, along with the shower shoes (packed in a plastic bag to prevent getting the other items wet).

• toiletries bin: Sterilite plastic container with handle (not the same as mine, but similar)
• packing cube: Six Moon Design Backpacking Pack Pods
• slip-on shower shoes: AEROTHOTIC Water Sandals
• small day pack: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
• towels: Laek Adventure Towels (use discount code IHEARTPNW15-A for 15% off)

For toiletries, I used to bring a travel toiletries bag, but switched to a small plastic bin since most camp bathrooms don’t have a good place to put these items without getting them wet or dirty. I don’t worry about placing the plastic bin on the floor, and it’s easier to access everything I need than when using a bag with multiple zippered compartments. Instead of bringing everything that I use at home, I only take a few essential items in travel-size containers on camping trips.

• toothbrush, toothpaste & dental floss
• hair brush & comb
• shampoo & conditioner
• shower gel or hand soap
• deodorant
• lotion
• compressed wipes
• small pack towels
• extra toilet paper

Gear Organization & Storage

Keeping gear organized makes it much easier to pack for a trip, as well as for finding items when you need them. After using multiple plastic bins for several years, I switched to these fabric bins and cubes from REI.

REI Trailgate Bins are great for packing large items, including sleeping bags, camp chairs, and other bulky gear. Available in three sizes and made from heavy-duty fabric reinforced with foam structured panels, I find that these bins fit more gear due to flexibility of the fabric versus hard-sided plastic bins. Multiple handles on all sides help to make transporting them easier. And when it’s time to store the bins, they flatten to take up less space.

REI Trailgate Cubes are good for organizing smaller items – available in 10 liter, 15 liter, or 25 liter capacities that are sized to stack inside the bins. The zippered mesh tops make it easy to see what’s inside and provides ventilation. The 25 liter adjustable cube with dividers is my favorite for storing camp lights, electronics, first aid kits, and other small items.

I use the North Face Voyager 42 liter Duffel for all of my clothes and jackets on camping trips. It has a removable divider for keeping items separated, a large mesh zippered pocket on the inside, and three external pockets – great for carrying an extra pair of shoes and smaller items like socks.

Luno Gear & Shoe Storage Bag: This waterproof bag with a mesh bottom features magnets for attaching to the side of a car – and is a perfect place to keep wet, muddy shoes overnight. I’ve had raccoons take my shoes and mess with them before, so I like having a place to keep my shoes out of reach for them, but easy for me to access from inside the car.

Additional storage space

I stash extra items in the floorboards and front seat for items such as my backpack and camera gear. For loading my gear, I stack items on the bed platform and beside it, placing everything so it can’t move around during travel.

Cold Weather Gear

Having a campfire is synonymous with camping, and this can be a great way to stay warm at night. But campfires aren’t always feasible – winters in the Pacific Northwest are usually wet and rainy and can make starting a campfire difficult. Also, campfire smoke tends to give me a headache, so I usually skip the hassle of building a fire.

Ignik Firecan: A great alternative to a campfire is a portable gas fire pit. Since they can easily be turned off, they are usually allowed even when campfires aren’t. Plus there’s no hassle with purchasing wood or dealing with ashes and smoke. The Ignik Firecan is powered by a propane tank and provides a campfire-feel with flames while adding warmth at camp. I use this on winter camping trips and it makes a big difference in comfort.

Discount code for 15% off Ignik products: iheart_15pnw

Ignik Backside Heated Pad XL: Heated pads are another great option for staying warm. The Backside connects to a 12-volt compatible power supply and includes a controller on the cord for setting the level of heat. On a recent winter camping trip, I got a lot of use out of this pad – it kept me warm in my camp chair and I also used it for preheating my sleeping bag before going to bed.

Overall, I’m very happy with how my new SUV camper turned out. I like having an option for camping in inclement and cold weather, and I love how easy it is to load and unload for quick adventures.

Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.

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