Sleeping in a Tesla: The Tesla Camp Mode Explained
- Martin Otterbach
- Jan 15
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 3
For those adventurous souls who love camping but don’t want to compromise on comfort, Tesla’s Camp Mode, also known as Tesla Camping Mode, offers a unique solution! In this article, we’ll share our knowledge about Camp Mode: what it is, how it works, and how it can take your Tesla camping experience to the next level.
What is the Tesla Camp Mode?
The Tesla Camp Mode is an innovative feature that offers adventurers a unique way to experience nature on a camping trip without sacrificing the comforts of home. Known as “Camp Mode” in English, this feature was specifically designed for camping trips and overnight stays in the car, making it a true asset for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip through picturesque landscapes or simply spending a night at a campsite under the stars, Tesla Camp Mode is ready for any situation. And the best part? Activating it is incredibly simple and customizable! So nothing stands in the way of your next adventure.
Comfortable Temperature for a Restful Sleep
All camping enthusiasts know this problem: an otherwise idyllic outdoor vacation is disrupted by the lack of air conditioning or heating. The interior is either too hot or too cold and damp, leaving you unable to get the restful sleep you deserve. Tesla has found a solution for this! The Tesla Camp Mode, for example in the Tesla Model Y, effortlessly activates the vehicle’s climate control system, ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment throughout the night. It maintains a pleasant and consistent atmosphere inside the vehicle, allowing for restful sleep regardless of fluctuating outside temperatures. The temperature can be individually adjusted to personal preferences, making the camping experience in a Tesla not only comfortable but also tailored to your needs.
Perfectly Regulated Humidity
Tesla’s Camp Mode goes far beyond simply regulating the interior temperature. It offers a range of additional features to create an optimal sleeping environment inside the vehicle. One of these is humidity control, which keeps the humidity levels consistently low throughout the night. Not only does Camp Mode contribute to restful sleep, but it’s also a practical feature during the day, making your time in the Tesla more comfortable. Vehicle surfaces remain dry, and condensation on windows is effectively prevented. Fogged windows, damp surfaces, and noticeably moist fabrics are now a thing of the past when camping in a Tesla!
Charging Devices Overnight? No Problem!
When Tesla’s Camp Mode is activated, the power supply to USB, USB-C ports, and the 12V outlet (cigarette lighter) remains operational. This handy feature ensures that electronic devices and smartphones can be charged overnight as usual, without relying on an external power source. It’s especially useful at campsites without electricity or during Tesla camping stays in areas with limited infrastructure. Whether you need to charge your smartphone for navigation on the next hiking day or power up your laptop for a cozy evening in the car, Tesla’s Camp Mode keeps your devices ready to go while camping.
This added convenience makes Tesla’s Camp Mode an even more appealing option for those who enjoy relying on modern technology while on the go and don’t want to compromise on comfort.
Which Tesla Models Offer Camp Mode?
Camp Mode is available in the Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y, in particular, is highly recommended due to its spacious interior, making it especially comfortable for overnight stays. For more information on Tesla camping in general, check out our detailed article.
Please note that not all of the models mentioned above automatically include Camp Mode, as it depends on the software version they are equipped with. Older models may not have this feature, as it was introduced later and is not standard in all Tesla vehicles.
If you’re considering purchasing or renting a Tesla, such as the Model 3, and wish to use Camp Mode, be sure to verify that this feature is available in the specific model you are interested in.
How to Activate Tesla Camp Mode?
As mentioned, activating Tesla Camp Mode is a breeze. Follow these 5 simple steps to enable it:
Open the main menu on your Tesla’s central touchscreen.
Tap on the “Climate” icon to access the climate control menu.
Scroll down until you find the “Camp Mode” option.
Tap the “Activate Camp Mode” button to turn it on.
Your Tesla will now switch to Camp Mode, activating the climate control and other features to create a comfortable interior environment.
Veltyx Tip: You can set your Tesla to the perfect temperature even before entering the vehicle! Activate Camp Mode using your smartphone with these steps:
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Log in with your credentials if you haven’t already.
Once logged in, locate your Tesla in the app and select it.
Browse the app’s options and settings to find “Climate” or “Camp Mode.”
Tap “Activate Camp Mode” to enable it for your Tesla.
Your Tesla will now switch to Camp Mode.
Customizable Camp Mode Features
When it comes to sleep, everyone has their own preferences, which are often overlooked in traditional outdoor experiences. Tesla Camping solves this problem. Camp Mode doesn’t follow a fixed standard; nearly all features can be customized to suit individual preferences. From temperature and lighting to ventilation, the personalization of these features ensures a thoroughly comfortable overnight experience.
Adjustable Interior Temperature
Whether you prefer cool air for deep sleep or a cozy warm environment to keep your toes toasty in winter, Tesla’s Camp Mode can be tailored to your preferences. This ensures that every Tesla camping enthusiast can sleep comfortably, regardless of outside temperatures or weather conditions. The temperature is easily adjustable via the Tesla app or the onboard computer and remains consistent throughout the night.
Airflow Direction and Intensity
Want to reduce fan speed to minimize noise during the night? No problem! With Tesla’s Camp Mode, you can customize your sleeping environment to ensure a restful night.
Along with adjusting the interior temperature, Camp Mode also allows you to set the direction of the airflow. This can be easily configured using the monitor, which provides a graphical representation of the airflow direction. With a quick adjustment, you can create a comfortable air circulation tailored to your needs.
Dim the Screen for Deeper Sleep
The monitor of a Tesla vehicle can be dimmed, making it a practical feature for creating a comfortable sleeping environment during the night when Camp Mode is activated. With minimal lighting and adjustable interior brightness, you can ensure a restful atmosphere. Here’s how to adjust the screen brightness:
Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen to open the settings menu.
Select the “Display” option from the settings.
In the display menu, adjust the screen brightness by moving the slider left or right to decrease or increase brightness.
Alternatively, enable the automatic brightness adjustment to let the screen adapt to ambient light conditions.
Veltyx Tip: If the dimmed screen is still too bright for your liking, simply cover the touchscreen with a T-shirt or another piece of fabric. This keeps all functions active while letting you sleep undisturbed by interior lights.
Can I Use Streaming Services with Camp Mode Activated?
In short: Yes! Even with Tesla’s Camp Mode activated, the vehicle’s versatile entertainment center remains fully operational. You can enjoy hours of media streaming, playing your favorite movies, series, or music directly on the central touchscreen display, ensuring entertainment throughout your stay in the Tesla.
Tesla’s Camp Mode offers you the flexibility to use your vehicle according to your personal preferences, providing an unforgettable entertainment experience that makes your camping stay in a Tesla even more enjoyable.
How Much Energy Does Camp Mode Consume?
Energy consumption in Camp Mode can vary depending on several factors, including outside temperature, desired interior temperature, use of electronic devices, and the duration of use. Tesla does not provide specific data on the exact energy usage of Camp Mode.
What we do know is that Camp Mode reduces the vehicle’s battery level overnight, which slightly impacts its range. It’s recommended to start Camp Mode with sufficient battery charge to ensure enough energy is available for driving the next day. Additionally, energy settings can be adjusted to optimize consumption in Camp Mode and extend battery life.
Veltyx Tip: Before your trip, familiarize yourself with Camp Mode usage to optimize energy consumption and ensure adequate battery charge.
Based on our experience:
In summer, with an interior temperature of around 19°C and outside temperatures of approximately 20–25°C, Camp Mode may consume 5–15% of the vehicle’s battery overnight.
In winter, depending on the set interior and outside temperatures, consumption can range from 15–30% of the total battery charge per night. To minimize heat loss in winter, we recommend using specialized window covers for thermal and visual insulation.
Please note that the mentioned consumption values for camping are approximate and based on experience, serving as a guideline. They may vary significantly depending on temperatures and the use of available functions.
Discover Tesla Camping with Veltyx
Overall, Tesla’s Camp Mode offers an innovative way to enhance the camping experience in a Tesla vehicle like the Model Y, taking camping to the next level. Camp Mode transforms the vehicle into a comfortable retreat for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience nature without sacrificing the comforts of home. The mode ensures pleasant interior temperatures, regulates humidity, allows for device charging via 12V outlets and USB ports, and provides customizable features for an optimal overnight stay in the vehicle.
At Veltyx, we’re big fans of Tesla camping. That’s why we offer a wide range of Tesla camping accessories available for rent. More information can be found on our website. Whether you need interior mattresses, Tesla Model Y-compatible tents, or bike racks, we provide the best equipment for your camping trip – sharing our enthusiasm with you.
In addition, all our rental vehicles are perfect for camping. Choose from the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model 3 Long Range, Tesla Model 3 Performance, or Tesla Model Y. All our vehicles come equipped with Tesla’s Camp Mode. For further questions about all things Tesla, we recommend checking out our articles and news page, where we share our expertise!
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