The following is an excerpt of an article from Inside EVs:
Camping trips often mean cold tents, damp sleeping bags, and early wake-ups. But for one Tesla owner, it meant folding down the back seats, inflating a $120 mattress, and turning on “Camp Mode.”
No bugs, no cold, no problem.
A viral clip from proud Tesla owner Tony Zhag (@aznfinanceguy) shows him and his daughter feeling comfy and energized by their in-car “camping trip” facilitated by the roomy car and an ideal sleeping accessory.
“Reason one million I love my Tesla,” he says, beaming from the adventure. “Here I am with my daughter. We’re inside our Tesla, and we got a Tesla bed right here, and we are outside camping.”
How Tesla’s Camp Mode Works
Tesla’s Camp Mode transforms a parked car into a livable space perfect for camping in a variety of settings. When engaged via the climate screen or app, it maintains cabin temperature, ventilation, interior lighting, USB power, and the main touchscreen, all while disabling unnecessary systems to conserve energy.
In essence, Tesla prevents the vehicle from sleeping deeply, ensuring you stay comfy all night. The system is smart enough to shut itself off if the main battery hits approximately 20% to maintain sufficient driving range.
Tesla estimates Camp Mode uses about 1% of the battery per hour, which translates to 10% for an 8‑hour night. Real-world reports confirm overall consumption ranges from 5-15% overnight, depending on outside temperature, climate settings, and EV model. Community feedback has even seen ranges as low as 10-20% drain in extreme conditions.
For many Tesla owners, Camp Mode is a practical answer to unexpected road trip needs. Owners frequently use it as a rest stop alternative while awaiting a Supercharger or during a long drive, turning roadside parking into a quiet sleep station instead of hunting for a hotel, and saving both time and money in the process. In some cases, Camp Mode has been a literal lifesaver. When home air conditioning failed, one Model Y owner turned to their Tesla for overnight cooling, using the car as a genuine emergency shelter.
Tesla’s glass-roof design also lends itself to scenic stargazing—something Andrea Ference described as “rivalled only by cowboy camping… without the bugs, animals or risk of a surprise midnight rain storm.” Even in urban settings, Camp Mode can work as a mobile office, offering stable climate, power for work devices, and inspiring views, particularly useful for remote workers seeking a change of scenery or quiet focus outside the home.
To read the rest of this article, visit Inside EVs.
