Tesla Service UK / Guides / Car Camping
Car camping guide
Practical guidance for sleeping in the car overnight, done properly rather than uncomfortably.
Last fact-checked: . General guidance — always check your own model's specifics and current official sources before relying on it for a decision.
Camp Mode setup
Setting up Camp Mode for an overnight stay
Camp Mode maintains cabin climate and keeps interior lighting, USB power and the media system available while parked, specifically designed for exactly this use. It draws down battery charge over a full night though, so start with a healthy charge level and check the estimated overnight consumption rate shown on screen for the current conditions before committing to it for an extended period, particularly in very cold or hot weather where climate control works harder.
Bedding & space
Making the space actually comfortable
Rear seats fold flat on many models, creating usable sleeping space with the right bedding setup — a dedicated inflatable camping mattress cut or shaped for the specific model's floor contours makes a meaningful comfort difference over simply laying a sleeping bag on the folded seats directly. Window shades or blackout covers, widely available as aftermarket accessories, help both with privacy and blocking early morning light.
Choosing a spot
Finding somewhere sensible to stop
Beyond the general practicalities of legal, safe overnight parking (which varies by specific location and local rules — always check rather than assume), it's worth choosing a spot within reasonable range of a charging point for the morning, since you'll likely want to top up before continuing rather than starting the day already low.