This Simple Car Camping DIY Is A Game Changer For Privacy And Warmth In Cold Climates

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Car camping comes with plenty of perks — you can pack extra gear, sleep off the ground, and make your exit quickly if the weather turns. But if you've ever woken up shivering inside your vehicle on a frosty night, you know car camping comes with some downsides. Glass also doesn't do much to shield you from the prying eyes of neighboring campers. Luckily, DIY insulated window covers are easy to make, affordable, and solve both issues in one fell swoop.

Unlike store-bought kits, homemade covers can be made for just a few dollars using reflective insulation like this roll from Reflectix, foam board, or even layered fabric. Using Reflectix, TikTok creator Rachel (@highlysensitivelife) says to simply trace your car's windows, cut the material to fit, and stick them in the windows snugly. "I don't have any Velcro, just push them in enough to stay put and that's it!" she added. The result is an easy fix that blocks cold drafts and doubles as a privacy screen so you can change or sleep without worrying about wandering headlamps. Adding extra insulation to the interior side can make them more effective at trapping in heat. They can also pull double duty in hot climates by reflecting the sun and keeping out the heat.

Because the materials are lightweight and cheap — often under $30 to cover an entire vehicle — this hack is both budget-friendly and customizable. "I've also seen some people add black fabric to one side if they're stealth camping, but I like to keep it reflective so it reflects back in case it is hot," Rachel explained. For car campers, having these on hand can make any camping situation more comfortable and private.

The basics are pretty straightforward, but a few extra tips can make your window covers last longer and work better. First, trace your window frames carefully for the correct measurements. If you're using something like Reflectix, many DIYers recommend cutting it slightly larger than your window so you can press it into the frame. But if you're going another DIY route, adding magnets or adhesive Velcro strips can make it easy to pop panels in and out without fuss. 

For the front windshield, camping blogger Sam (Seeing Sam) says it may be easier to just buy a premade shade, as a larger piece will be tricky to store without folding when not in use. She also points out that insulation comes in different thicknesses, so go for a thicker option for panels that will stay put on their own. For tracing, Sam recommends kraft, tissue, or newspaper for tracing, as the paper should be larger than the window to start with. Just push the paper into the frame, trace around the edges with a marker, and use this as your starting pattern. Make the panels larger at first, as you'll trim them to size afterward.

For added warmth, consider layering. Some campers back their panels with fleece, wool, canvas, or blackout fabric to create a cozier interior and block out light while you're sleeping. This not only adds insulation but also makes your interior look more like a bedroom than a shiny spaceship. Maintenance is simple — just dry out the panels if they get damp, and store them flat under your mattress pad or in the trunk when not in use. And for another clever car window hack, check out this summer camping essential that offers privacy while keeping insects outside.

Campers in Reddit's r/VanLife thread highlight what works best. Many campers add fabric layers for both coziness and function. As u/TinkerSalvage put it: "I used black felt, it was cheap, easy to work with, and provided a little insulation. Since you're covering reflectix, you don't have to worry about whether your black fabric is light tight." Others use a mix of materials, including spray paint or vinyl on the side facing outward. In a thread at r/carcamping, u/stephventurous said, "Once you do the first one, you'll have the hang of it. I spray painted the side that touches the window black for extra stealth mode." In r/vandwellers, u/travellingalchemist shared: "Doubled reflectix on every window made a huge difference in our van. Keeps the winter cold out and the summer heat too. Make sure to overlap the edges of the window."

Another camper, u/BonnieAndClyde2023, suggested that all-fabric shades can be good for insulation and easy to store: "For winter, mine are all fabric with a thick layer. I think air is what matters for insulation more than reflectix. Much easier to fold in a bag and use as a large pillow during the day." However, the downside is that this would require a bit more technical skill with sewing and take longer. "It was a winter project, took quite some time and cost more than needed," they added.

Whether you use reflective insulation like Reflectix, foam, cardboard, all fabric, or a combination, go in expecting to customize your shades. With a bit of creativity, DIY covers provide insulation, privacy, and block out the sun, ultimately improving your sleep quality while car camping. For more tips, check out these awesome Costco items that will improve your camping experience.