Pack the sleep system first, then privacy and power
The mattress is the most important item for a night in a Tesla. Add a fitted sheet, pillows and a sleeping bag or duvet rated for the forecast low. Then pack window shades for privacy and a power bank for your phone. Never use a fuel-burning heater, stove or grill inside the car.
A night in a Tesla needs less gear than a tent trip. The car gives you a roof, door locks and climate control. You still need a sleep system, privacy and a few small comfort items. Before your first trip, read getting started with Tesla camping. Also check where camping in a Tesla is legal.
We checked the prices and codes on this page on 16 and 29 September 2026. The facts on the sheets, shades and lights come from the sellers' listings.
Sleep system: mattress, sheets, pillows and bedding
The folded rear seats and the load floor give a hard surface. A mattress made for your model covers that surface and follows the shape of the cargo area.
To compare the options, start with the best Tesla camping mattresses. For a Model Y, read the best Model Y mattress. If you do not know which type suits you, use the Tesla mattress finder. The finder asks about your car and how you sleep.
Two mattresses that the site's operator owns
The site's operator bought a Snuuzu Model Y in 2025 and published a one-year video review on the AWD Camper YouTube channel on 11 May 2026. The operator also owns a Havnby FlatCore and a Havnby Solo and compared the two on video on 15 July 2026. The notes below come from those videos and from the sellers' listings. They are owner reports, not lab tests.
Snuuzu · Foam + air
Snuuzu Model Y
Our rating 97
Our pick Why our pick
Evidence: Owner experience on video and secondary research. The operator bought one in 2025 and published a one-year video review on 11 May 2026.
- Size
- 205 × 130 cm
- Depth
- 20 cm
- Weight
- 10.6 kg
- Pump
- Removable rechargeable USB-C pump (two in the current EU box, one in the US box list)
- Fits
- Every Model Y, incl. 2025 Juniper
- Pillows
- Two-pillow bundle sold
$899 / €899
Checked 16 Sep 2026
EU store pre-order, ships in November: €849 (29 Sep)
AWDCAMPER10% off · cart-tested on this product, 16 Sep 2026
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Snuuzu US store does not take back an opened mattress, so read the return terms before you order. Snuuzu also sells the Model Y mattress as a cross-fit for Model X and for the 2021 and later Model S. The Snuuzu Model Y review summarises the one-year owner report.
Havnby · Air-foam hybrid
Havnby FlatCore Foam Mattress
Our rating 83
Evidence: Owner experience on video (operator comparison video of 15 July 2026) plus official Havnby material checked 19 August and re-checked 16 and 29 September 2026.
- Size
- 193 × 132 cm
- Depth
- 19 cm max, 7.9 cm min
- Weight
- 5.1 kg
- Pump
- Built-in 12V ABS pump
- Fits
- Model Y, separate year-range options
$549
Checked 29 Sep 2026
AWD10% off · cart-tested on this product, 16 Sep 2026
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Havnby does not publish the foam density of the FlatCore. In the 15 July 2026 video, the operator concludes that two adults need the full-width FlatCore. Read the Havnby FlatCore review, or compare the two brands in Snuuzu vs Havnby.
Tesla also sells an official Model Y Air Mattress. The US store listed it at $225 on 16 September 2026. The Tesla Model Y Air Mattress review gives the details.
Sheets and a topper
A sheet protects the mattress surface, and you can take the sheet home to wash. Fitted sheets are cut for one mattress shape. A sheet for one brand can be too loose or too tight on another brand.
Havnby sells the Havnby Perfect Fit Bed Sheet for CloudCore Tesla Mattress. The listing title names Model S, 3, X and Y, but the sheet is cut for the Havnby CloudCore mattress. The fabric is 92% polyester and 8% nylon. Havnby does not publish the GSM, the weave or the attachment method. At our check, Havnby's product page showed one customer review.
Havnby · Fitted sheet
Havnby Perfect Fit Bed Sheet for CloudCore Tesla Mattress
Cut for the Havnby CloudCore shape. Havnby publishes no GSM, weave or attachment method.
Read the review: Havnby Perfect Fit Bed Sheet for CloudCore Tesla MattressFor a Snuuzu, a FlatCore or another mattress, measure your mattress first. Then compare your measurements with the size that the seller lists for the sheet. The CloudCore sheet review lists the facts that Havnby publishes.
A topper adds a soft layer on top of a firm mattress. The topper also adds height, so you lose some headroom. If you add a topper, make sure that the sheet fits over both layers.
Pillows
Bring pillows from home, or buy camping pillows that pack small. Snuuzu sells the Model Y mattress in a bundle with two pillows. At the 16 September 2026 check, the bundle cost $998 in the US store and EUR 998 in the EU store.
Sleeping bag or duvet
Choose a sleeping bag or a duvet rated for the lowest temperature in the forecast. Camp Mode can keep the cabin warm, and warm bedding keeps you warm if the climate system stops in the night. For cold trips, read the best Tesla mattress for cold weather and can you camp in a Tesla in winter.
Privacy and window shades
Window shades give privacy and block light from street lamps and the early sun. Our Tesla camping window shades guide compares the options by model. Start there if privacy is your main concern.
Havnby sells the DreamShade for Model Y and Model 3. At the 29 September 2026 check, Havnby listed one version for the Model Y 2020-2024 and one for the Model Y 2025-2026, each as DreamShade 1.0 or 2.0. The Model 3 set does not cover the rear window. Havnby claims that installation takes less than 5 minutes.
Havnby · Window shades
Havnby DreamShade Window Sun Shade for Tesla Model Y/3
8 pieces for Model Y, 7 for Model 3. No measured light-blocking result is published.
Read the review: Havnby DreamShade Window Sun Shade for Tesla Model Y/3The DreamShade Model Y and Model 3 review has the full listing facts. For the Model Y L, read the DreamShade Model Y L review. An older Havnby listing for 2025 Model Y shades is withdrawn. See our record of the withdrawn 2025 Model Y listing.
Havnby also sells DreamShade Mesh Screens. The listing has 11 vehicle options, and none of the options is a Tesla. Do not order the mesh screens for a Tesla from that listing. The Havnby mesh screens review has the details.
Breath adds moisture to the cabin, and moisture condenses on cold glass. Before a cold night, read how to prevent condensation in a Tesla.
Choose shades for your model and year in the Tesla camping window shades guide.
Power and Camp Mode
Camp Mode keeps the cabin climate on while the car is in Park. Tesla's owner's manuals say that Camp Mode also powers the USB ports and the low-voltage outlet and keeps the touchscreen on.
Sentry Mode and the vehicle alarm are off while Camp Mode is on. Walk-Away Door Lock does not operate. Lock the doors yourself before you sleep.
Camp Mode stops when the car enters Low Power Mode. The climate system runs on the high-voltage battery, and long use decreases the range. Software updates cannot install while Camp Mode is on, so install a waiting update before you make the bed.
To estimate the energy for one night, use the Camp Mode battery calculator. The calculator gives estimates, not measurements. The menus and the full limits are in the Tesla Camp Mode guide.
Power bank
Pack a charged power bank for your phones. You need a phone for the Tesla app and for navigation. A power bank keeps the phone charged if Camp Mode stops, and also on a walk away from the car.
We have no measured wattages for camping devices. Before you connect a device, read its rated power and compare it with the outlet limit in your owner's manual.
Enter your battery size, charge and temperatures in the Camp Mode battery calculator before your first night.
Comfort: fan, light, table and cooler
Every comfort item takes space on the bed or in the cargo area. Before you add an item, decide where it goes while you drive and where it goes while you sleep. A camping box helps. Our best camping box guide and camping kitchen box guide compare boxes, including the Rockbrook camping boxes. A folding table is optional. Choose one that folds flat, so that it fits in the frunk or beside the mattress.
Fan
Camp Mode already runs the climate system, so an extra fan is optional. A small fan can move air near the bed if you like to feel air movement. A fan that charges over USB can use the USB ports that Camp Mode powers.
Lantern
The touchscreen stays on in Camp Mode, but a lantern gives light where you need it. Use a lantern to read, to pack and to walk outside. Havnby sells the Twist Light lantern. At the 29 September 2026 check, the price was $59. The Twist Light has a USB-C port, a 10,000 mAh battery and a magnetic mount. Havnby claims a runtime of 3.8 to 70 hours. Havnby publishes no lumen figure, no IP rating and no dimensions. Without an IP rating, do not rely on the lantern in rain. The Havnby Twist Light review lists all the published facts.
Cooler or fridge
A cooler with ice needs no power. A powered fridge can connect to the low-voltage outlet while Camp Mode is on. The fridge also adds a load to the battery. A cooler or a fridge takes cargo space, so measure the space before you buy.
Sleep outside instead?
If two adults and their gear do not fit in the car, a tent gives more space. Our Tesla camping tent guide explains the options.
What not to bring into the car
Some camping gear is safe outside the car but not inside. Leave these items out of the cabin:
- No fuel-burning heater, stove or grill. Fuel-burning equipment makes carbon monoxide. The CDC says that carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. The CDC also says never to use a portable gas camp stove indoors. An open window does not make fuel-burning equipment safe in a car. Cook outside the car.
- No loose sharp items on an air mattress. A knife, a tent peg or a fork can puncture an air chamber. Pack sharp items in a box with a lid.
- No gear that blocks an exit. Keep one door and the path to the door clear of bags and bedding. Make sure that no shade covers a door handle.
- No heavy loads on the mattress. The mattress is for people. Put heavy boxes in the frunk, in the footwells or in the cargo area, and secure them before you drive.
- No plan to leave a child alone in the car. Tesla says never to leave a child alone in the car. For a night with a dog, read the Tesla camping with dogs guide.
The full risk list is on is Tesla Camp Mode safe.
Tesla camping gear checklist
Pack the first four rows for every trip.
| Item | Why you need it | Our page |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress for your model | Gives a soft sleep surface over the folded seats | Best Tesla mattresses |
| Fitted sheet | Protects the mattress. A sheet is cut for one mattress shape. | CloudCore sheet review |
| Pillows | Supports your neck. Snuuzu sells a two-pillow bundle. | Snuuzu Model Y review |
| Sleeping bag or duvet | Keeps you warm if Camp Mode stops | Cold-weather guide |
| Window shades | Give privacy and block light | Window shades guide |
| Power bank | Keeps your phone charged for the app and navigation | Camp Mode guide |
| Lantern | Gives light to read, pack and walk outside | Twist Light review |
| Cooler or fridge | Keeps food and drinks cold | Best camping box |
| Tent (optional) | Gives more space for two adults and gear | Tesla camping tent guide |
For the full list, use the Tesla camping packing list. You can adjust the list to your season, your car and your trip.
Tesla camping gear questions
What do I need to camp in a Tesla?
You need a mattress that fits your model, a sheet, pillows and a sleeping bag or duvet rated for the forecast low. Add window shades for privacy and a power bank for your phone. Camp Mode keeps the cabin climate on while you sleep in the parked car. Before you park for the night, check that overnight stays are allowed there.
Do I need a special mattress?
No, but a mattress made for your model is shaped for the cargo area of that car. A generic mattress can leave gaps or hang over the edges. Our Tesla vs generic mattress guide compares both types. The Tesla mattress finder can suggest a type for your car.
What sheets fit a Tesla mattress?
A fitted sheet is cut for one mattress shape. Havnby sells a sheet for its CloudCore Tesla mattress. The fabric is 92% polyester and 8% nylon, and Havnby does not publish how the sheet attaches. For another mattress, measure the mattress and compare the measurements with the sheet size that the seller lists.
Can I run a fridge or fan in Camp Mode?
Camp Mode powers the USB ports and the low-voltage outlet, so a small fan or fridge can connect there. We have no Tesla figure for the power limit of those outlets, so check the limit in your owner’s manual.