If you're stopping at a campground during a road trip through national parks or are a road warrior who always works from your car, Tesla's Camp Mode has you covered. Whether you've heard of "Camp Mode" before or just bought your first Tesla, here's how it works and why it's useful for more than glamping in your car.

Tesla takes full advantage of all the technology inside its vehicles, from "Caraoke" or Netflix to fun options like Ludicrous Mode and Dog Mode. Specific models can go extremely fast in Track Mode, while another mode will maintain interior cabin temperatures and turn your Model Y into a mini RV.

What is Tesla's Camp Mode?

Tesla's Camp Mode, a lot like Dog Mode, is essentially a climate control option with a few other bells and whistles. It'll put your Tesla into a low-power state to preserve the battery while giving you access to all the temperature controls, USB ports, and other accessories. The car doesn't need to be "on" to maintain airflow, use the heater, play music or streaming services, turn on interior lights, or power devices and gadgets. Basically, it makes the vehicle comfortable enough to sleep (or camp) in.

Its functionality extends beyond climate options. Occupants can use all of those features, whether inside the vehicle or not. It is called Camp Mode, after all, and if you're camping, you'll likely have the rear hatch open to access gear, music playing, or even sitting by a fireplace. Your Tesla will stay in that low-power state and let you enjoy some tunes while looking at the stars.

I've had friends string lights up from the back of a Model Y to a nearby tree, inflate an air mattress with an electric pump, and use Camp Mode overnight with great results.

How Does Camp Mode Work?

As you probably know, Camp Mode isn't possible with a gas-powered car, as running crucial climate controls or leaving the lights on will quickly drain the 12-volt battery if the engine isn't running. With your Tesla in Camp Mode, none of that is a concern, thanks to its huge on-board battery pack, the biggest and most expensive single component in the car, which can provide several days' worth of electricity.

More importantly, because Camp Mode puts your Tesla into a low-power state, you don't have to worry about battery life all that much. That's because battery consumption remains extremely low, even with the AC running and Netflix playing in the background. The system even charges your 12-volt battery from the main Tesla battery pack for a trouble-free experience.

Tesla claims that Camp Mode uses roughly 1% battery life every hour, but that'll vary slightly in freezing or warm climates where the system has to work overtime to maintain the battery at optimum temperature. For example, after sitting by the fire for 2 to 3 hours and then getting a good night's rest of 8 hours, Tesla estimates it'll only use around 10% of your battery. On a longer weekend trip, Camp Mode will turn off once the battery gets down to 20%, but we'd advise against that so you have enough juice to make it to your next destination.

Tesla says "Camp allows you to power electronics through the USB ports and low-voltage outlet in addition to maintaining the cabin temperature. The touchscreen remains on so you can play music, browse the internet, play games in the arcade, or watch shows in Tesla Theater. You can also control media and climate settings from a paired phone. Camp is ideal for remaining inside your vehicle, such as camping or staying with a child."

However, it's important to note that while using Camp Mode, your vehicle will disable Sentry Mode and other security features and leave the doors unlocked. That's so owners don't accidentally lock themselves out of the car while camping in the middle of nowhere. So, if you are camping, you'll want to manually lock the doors before getting some shut-eye.

How to Access Camp Mode

Like many of Tesla's different interior modes, enabling Camp Mode is rather straightforward. On the Tesla touchscreen, tap the fan icon to access the climate controls, then look for and select the button labeled Camp. Remember that the vehicle must be in park before you can engage Camp Mode, and you'll need enough battery life, too.

Once enabled, you can set your desired cabin temperature, launch Netflix, or put a virtual fireplace on the infotainment display and enjoy the good vibes. Additionally, owners can access the same climate options and modes inside the Tesla mobile app, make changes remotely via the mobile app, and more. That means you can launch Camp Mode from your phone, get the air conditioner running, and finish a cold beverage or S'mores by the fire while your car prepares for a comfortable night of sleep.

How Different Are Camp Mode and Dog Mode?

Tesla's often-talked-about Dog Mode works quite similarly, and you're probably wondering how this is any different. And while both of these modes essentially manage the interior climate and temperatures, there are a few crucial differences you'll want to be aware of.

In both modes, the vehicle's Sentry Mode is disabled, but Dog Mode will keep the doors locked and the intruder alarm activated. However, Camp Mode keeps them unlocked to prevent accidental lockouts. Don't use Dog Mode while you're camping, or you'll lock yourself out of the car.

Dog mode locks the windows, so your furry friend doesn't step on the button and roll down a window. It also displays the cabin temperature on the infotainment display. This is for bystanders walking by to know your pup is safe inside. You can't control the screen in Dog Mode. The infotainment display is also on with Camp Mode, but it'll show apps, games, movies, and whatever else you'd like.

Essentially, Dog Mode keeps the cabin at a set temperature, gives you access to the internal camera to check on a pup, turns off the radio, and that's about it. Camp Mode is user-adjustable, keeps the vehicle "on" in a sense, and lets you use all systems, entertainment, lights, and power devices.

Adventure Awaits

You don't need a fancy van to live the "van life" or go on epic adventures. Those with a Tesla can enjoy casual weekend trips to the beach or game day tailgating, car camping in a national park, or going stargazing in comfort.

The next time you need a break from life's daily grind, load up your Tesla with a mattress or some blankets, get some USB-powered LED lights to set the mood, and take a quick camping trip to recharge your soul. In case you need a more serious off-road EV than a Tesla, one that can take you further off the beaten path, a Rivian might be just what you're looking for.