Costco's Budget-Friendly Outdoor Item Is Perfect For A Car Camping Retreat

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For many people, sleeping inside their SUV or van when camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of having to backpack into a campsite or set up a freestanding tent away from the vehicle. But in spite of the mobility it offers, sleeping in a car has its downsides. For one, it tends to hinder comfort and space. Particularly, you might experience strained sleeping conditions and have difficulty moving around or changing clothes. Fortunately, you can remedy these issues with Costco's Napier Sportz SUV Tent, which even has its own screen room. 

The Napier Sportz SUV Tent is not just a solution to space issues when car camping, it's also cost-effective at $299 — less expensive than a one-night stay in many U.S. hotel rooms. But even if you're camping on a budget, with this tent, Costco is telling you that your outdoor experience doesn't have to feel like roughing it. Whatever your situation, this tent gives a cabin-in-the-woods vibe to simple car camping. And the fact that it can be set up easily in 15 minutes makes it suitable for novice tent handlers and those who enjoy solo camping trips, while the space across the tent and the screen room makes it ideal for couples and even small families.  

This SUV tent has several key features that make car camping more convenient, one of which is the possibility for a direct connection between the tent and your vehicle's cargo area. What this means is that you won't have to go back and forth between tent and vehicle when you need your bags, your cooler, or other essentials, which can be terribly unpleasant when it's raining. And at night, you can just grab your flashlight, extra layers, and snacks without a need to unzip the door and step into the cold. With this setup, your vehicle becomes an extension of your shelter. The tent can securely attach to most SUVs and minivans, and it has a weather-tight sleeve that not only blocks rain and wind but keeps bugs out, too. Yet another great feature is that it's flexible — it can easily be detached from the vehicle if you have to drive off for the day, and it can also stand on its own as a freestanding unit when necessary .

Moreover, this tent's 10 x10 foot interior and the 6 x 7 foot screen room mean there's more space for your gear, chairs, family members, and even pets. The main area can comfortably fit up to six people, and the screen room is perfect for lounging and prepping meals. The 7-foot ceiling height also creates a feeling of spaciousness and allows for easy standing or stretching — no crouching needed unless you're the Jolly Green Giant. TikTok user @Racahel Mullin shared their thoughts: "This Napier SUV Tent was literally PERFECT for an over night car camping trip!! It was so fast to set up and made the perfect space to relax and get some shade."

Remember the popular saying practice makes perfect? In that spirit, it's important to practice putting up the tent a few times before heading out into the wild. Because the unique set-up can be a little tricky for first-timers, familiarizing yourself with how the zippers and poles work ahead of time will keep frustration to a minimum when the real moment comes. Still, the Napier Sportz SUV Tent is actually easy to put up once you get the hang of it. For a snug fit and an airtight seal, make sure your tailgate opens fully without pressing against the tent material before locking everything into place. 

The screen room can be converted into a comfortable hangout so you can enjoy your car camping even more. Bring folding camp chairs, a lightweight table, and a deck of cards — and you'll feel like you're staying in a cozy cabin. In case you're planning to stick around for a few days, battery-powered LED lights or solar generators can provide the necessary illumination. Don't forget to bring along additional sturdy stakes and guy lines, especially if you're camping in breezy spots or places with unpredictable weather. One of the only things you won't be able to bring inside this tent, though, is your campfire. A foolproof item you'll need for starting that campfire in any kind of weather is stormproof matches, which burn for up to 15 seconds even in windy or wet conditions.