Why a side awning is the ultimate upgrade for car camping
Anyone who has spent time car camping or overlanding knows the golden rule of the great outdoors: your vehicle is only half of your basecamp.
While your car, estate, van or 4×4 provides excellent transport and a cosy place to sleep, especially if you’ve upgraded to a roof tent, it doesn’t leave you with much room to actually live. The second you step out of your vehicle, you are entirely at the mercy of the elements.
That is exactly where a car awning comes in. Far from being a luxury extra, a vehicle awning is the single most practical accessory you can add to your camp setup. It bridges the gap between your car and the wilderness, transforming your vehicle into a fully functional, all-weather mobile fortress.
1. Instant shelter from the unpredictable elements
If you camp in the UK, you know that “four seasons in one day” isn’t just a phrase, it’s a guarantee. One minute you are sitting in the scorching sun, and the next you are scrambling to protect your gear from a sudden, sideways downpour.
A vehicle side awning solves this problem in under 60 seconds. Modern pull-out awnings are designed for rapid, solo deployment. The moment the weather shifts, you can unroll your awning to create an instant, heavy-duty barrier. Made from 100% waterproof material, a premium awning keeps you bone dry during a rainstorm and shields you from intense UV rays when the sun breaks through, ensuring a bad forecast never ruins your weekend plans.
-
Medium Side Awning (2.0m x 2.5m)
Price range: £239.00 through £259.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
2. It effectively doubles your living space
Car camping can quickly start to feel a bit cramped, especially if you are travelling with family, dogs, or bulky adventure gear like bikes and paddleboards.
An awning completely shifts the dynamic of your camp by extending your living space outward. It creates a designated leisure area right next to your vehicle. This covered zone gives you a dry, comfortable space to:
Set up your camping chairs and table.
Cook and brew your morning coffee without getting rained on.
Store muddy hiking boots, wet clothes, and gear outside of your sleeping area.
Give pets a shaded, cool spot to rest safely.
-
Small Side Awning (1.5m x 2.0m)
Price range: £189.00 through £209.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
3. Awning accessories that make a basecamp
One of the best things about modern side awnings is their adaptability. They aren’t just a static piece of fabric; they are a building block for a bigger basecamp.
If you start out with a standard pull-out awning (ranging from a compact 1.5m x 2m up to a massive 2.5m x 2.5m), you can customise it as your travel needs grow. By using modular walls or an awning room, you can enclose your awning to build a full, weather-proof room attached to your car. This gives you absolute privacy on public campsites, a changing room after a day on the water, or a fully sealed communal area to escape the evening chill (and the midges!).
- Sale!
Awning Room (With Floor)
Price range: £199.00 through £279.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
4. Universal fit and effortless travel
Unlike heavy, traditional ground tents that take up half your boot space and require a degree in engineering to pitch, a car awning lives permanently on the outside of your vehicle.
Mounted directly to your roof racks or crossbars via steel brackets, they fold away into heavy-duty, aerodynamic travel covers. This means they take up zero interior cargo space, leaving your boot free for food, clothing, and gear. Because they are universally mountable, they look just as sharp on a compact Mini or a family estate car as they do on a fully kitted Land Rover Defender.
Pro-tip for new car awning owners
Whenever you deploy your awning, even if there isn’t a cloud in the sky, always peg down your guy ropes. Weather can change in an instant, and a sudden gust of wind can turn your awning into a sail, risking damage to the frame or your vehicle. Take the extra 30 seconds to anchor it down securely!
The Verdict: Is it worth it?
If you are trying to get more out of your outdoor adventures, more comfort, more space, and more freedom. A vehicle awning is one of the most cost-effective and high-impact upgrades you can make.
It stops you from being trapped inside a cramped car or van when it rains, keeps your gear immaculate, and ensures you can enjoy a “brew with a view” no matter what the sky is doing. It’s time to stop hiding in the front seats waiting for the rain to pass. Pull up, roll out, and enjoy the wild in comfort!
Our side awnings
-
Small Side Awning (1.5m x 2.0m)
Price range: £189.00 through £209.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Medium Side Awning (2.0m x 2.5m)
Price range: £239.00 through £259.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Large Side Awning (2.5m x 2.5m)
Price range: £269.00 through £289.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
270 Side Awning
£949.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
