Best EV Camping Setups and Accessories

Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.

Electric vehicles and camping are a surprisingly good combination. Many EVs offer flat cargo areas for sleeping, built-in climate control off the battery, and vehicle-to-load power outlets. Tesla calls it Camp Mode. Hyundai and Kia have V2L. Rivian designed their trucks with camping in mind.

Sleeping in Your EV

Mattress Options

The Tesla Model Y rear seats fold flat to create a large sleeping surface.

Dedicated mattress pads from Tesmat and Luno Life fit the cargo area precisely. For other EVs like the Ioniq 5, universal self-inflating camping mattresses in 3-inch thickness work well. The Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X have enough volume for two adults.

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Window Covers

Privacy shades that fit your vehicle's windows block light, provide privacy, and add insulation.

Brands like EV Sheets make custom-fit sets. In a pinch, cut-to-fit Reflectix insulation from a hardware store works as a DIY alternative.

Power Management

Camp Mode and Climate Control

Tesla's Camp Mode keeps climate running from the battery. Expect 1 to 2 percent per hour for AC, 2 to 4 percent for heat. Hyundai and Kia have Utility Mode for the same purpose. Start with a well-charged battery.

Portable Power Stations

A portable power station powers devices without draining the vehicle battery.

The EcoFlow River 2 at 256Wh handles phones, laptops, and camp lights. The EcoFlow Delta 2 at 1024Wh can run an electric cooler or induction cooktop. Many EVs with V2L can charge a power station from the car.

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V2L Adapters

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Kia EV6 and EV9 include V2L with up to 1.8kW output. Enough for camp lights, charging, and even an electric grill.

The adapter plugs into the charge port and provides a standard outlet.

Cooking Setup

Portable Induction Cooktop

An induction cooktop powered by V2L or a power station is clean and efficient. No propane, no fumes. A single-burner draws 1200 to 1800 watts, within V2L range of most capable EVs.

Electric Cooler

Powered coolers like the Dometic CFX or BougeRV run off 12V from the car or a power station. Power consumption is low, around 40 to 60 watts. No more soggy food in melted ice.

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Charging Planning

Use apps like A Better Route Planner and PlugShare. Many campgrounds have 240V RV hookups that work with a NEMA 14-50 adapter. Some have dedicated EV charging. For dispersed camping, charge to 100 percent at the last fast charger before heading into remote areas.

EV camping is still new, but the core advantage is obvious: your vehicle is a battery on wheels that provides power, climate control, and a flat sleeping surface. That combination beats traditional car camping in almost every way.