Car camping in bear country is an incredible way to experience nature with your family – but it also means sharing the wilderness with some big, furry neighbors. Whether you are in the vicinity of brown or black bears, they are naturally curious and have a powerful sense of smell, so campers need to be extra careful about how they pack and store their gear. The last thing you want is a late-night visit from a hungry grizzly bear sniffing around your campsite! In this guide, we’ll cover six smart packing tips (plus some bonus tips!) to keep bears away from your camp and keep your family safe. By being bear-aware and packing wisely, you can enjoy peace of mind on your outdoor adventures and avoid unwanted bear encounters. (If you’re new to car camping, check out our car camping checklist for beginners to make sure you have all the essentials.

1. Sleep Safely in Your Car

Camping in your vehicle—whether it’s a car, truck, or RV—can be a smart choice in bear country, offering more protection than a tent. Just follow these safety tips to reduce risks and sleep soundly:

• Lock all doors – Bears have been known to nudge open unlocked vehicle doors.
• Keep windows shut or slightly cracked for airflow, but never fully open.
• Remove all food and scented items from the vehicle cabin before bedtime.
• Clean up crumbs and spills, especially if kids snacked during the drive.
• Keep bear spray, air horns or keys nearby to trigger the alarm if needed.
• Avoid storing anything with a strong smell inside or near the sleeping area.

With these steps, your vehicle becomes a safer, scent-free shelter for overnight stays in bear country.

2. Avoid Storing Food in Your Car

Bears have an incredible sense of smell and aren’t shy about breaking into vehicles for a snack. Some studies say that grizzly bears have the strongest sense of smell on earth and estimate that they can smell food from over 20 miles away!

Never leave food or scented items in your car, RV, or truck—even for a short time. Bears have been known to travel far distances to tear into vehicles for coolers, snacks, or even candy wrappers.

Common attractants include:

• Groceries
• Leftovers
• Gum
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Baby wipes
• Trash
• Cosmetics

When camping in bear country, proper food storage is essential to prevent unwanted encounters. Here are some tips for keeping your campsite safe:

• Use campground bear boxes (sometimes called bear lockers) to store food, toiletries, and trash—transfer items as soon as you arrive.
• Camping remotely? Use a bear canister, bear resistant cooler or hang your food bag from a tree branch at least 12–15 feet high and 8 feet from the trunk.
• Keep all scented gear away from your sleeping area to reduce the risk of attracting wildlife.

3. Check for Bear Activity Before You Go

Before heading out on your camping trip, take a few minutes to check current bear activity in the area you plan to visit. Park rangers are your best source for up-to-date information on safety in bear country—they’ll know if there have been recent sightings, food storage advisories, or trail closures due to bear presence. In some cases, areas may be closed because of an aggressive bear in the vicinity. Look up the park’s website or call the ranger station directly, especially if you’re visiting a backcountry or dispersed campsite. Always be on the lookout for posted bear signs. Being informed helps you plan smarter and avoid surprises once you arrive.

4. Use External Cargo Carriers for Food and Scented Gear

A smart way to stay safe in bear country is to store food and scented gear in an external hitch-mounted cargo carrier. This keeps coolers, toiletries, and other odorous items outside your vehicle, reducing scent exposure where you sleep. Lockable, weather-sealed carriers like Let’s Go Aero’s GearSpace offer secure, organized storage and help prevent tempting bears with smells left inside. Seal items in bags, balance your load, and follow our packing tips for best results.

Secure Gear Storage: GearDeck and GearSpace Cargo Carriers

The GearDeck

Let’s Go Aero’s GearDeck cargo carrier is a rugged, hitch-mounted storage solution ideal for car campers who want to keep food and scented gear safely outside the vehicle. Its compact slide-out design makes it easy to access your gear without blocking rear doors, and its durable construction helps keep animals and weather out. With its secure locking system and weather-sealed lids, the GearDeck gives you peace of mind when storing coolers, toiletries, and trash away from your sleeping area.

GearDeck Highlights:

• 17 cu. ft. enclosed cargo space
• Twin-lid design with automotive-grade weather seals
• Lockable for added security
• Slides out for easy rear vehicle access
• Made from high-density polyethylene for long-term durability

Shop GearDeck Cargo Carrier Shop on Amazon

The GearSpace

The GearSpace offers even more room for families packing for extended trips into bear country. With 34 cu. ft. of capacity, this hinged-lid carrier holds bulkier supplies while maintaining a sleek profile on your hitch. It’s built tough and lockable, making it a great mobile alternative to a campground bear locker—and an excellent option when space and security matter most. Best of all, the GearSpace has been field-tested with real grizzly bears in Yellowstone, proving it’s ready to stand up to Any Bear, Anywhere.

GearSpace Highlights

• 34 cu. ft. of weatherproof storage
• Hinged-lid design with secure latches
• Lockable to deter wildlife and theft
• Compatible with Let’s Go Aero’s TwinTube® platforms
• Road-tested for durability on long overland trips

Browse our full line of cargo carriers to find the right fit for your vehicle and camping needs.

Shop GearSpace Shop on Amazon

5. Use Odor-Proof Storage Bags

Even with food stored outside your vehicle, odor-proof storage bags add a valuable extra layer of protection by sealing in scents that could attract curious bears. These heavy-duty bags come in a wide variety of sizes for everything from leftovers to toiletries and are perfect for double-sealing items before placing them in your cooler or cargo carrier. While not a replacement for bear-safe storage, they help contain even the faintest odors—making your campsite less appealing to curious wildlife and giving your family extra peace of mind.

6. Pack Low-Odor Foods

When planning meals for bear country, it's wise to choose low-odor foods over highly aromatic ones. Foods like bacon, grilled steak, or fried fish smell great to us—but they also attract bears from a distance. Instead, opt for milder options like oatmeal, cereal, or peanut butter sandwiches, pasta, or veggie stir-fries. Canned goods and dehydrated meals are also smart choices since they stay sealed until use and produce minimal scent when heated. By minimizing smelly foods, you reduce the chances of inviting the unwanted attention of wild animals to your campsite.

Many seasoned campers in bear country go a step further and follow a no-cook or cold meal plan to avoid cooking smells altogether. Easy options like bagels with cream cheese, pre-packed salads, or freeze-dried meals (just add hot water) can be tasty and convenient. If you do cook, try to prepare meals during the day when bears are less active, and always cook and eat at least 100 feet away from your sleeping area. Store leftovers properly and clean all cookware thoroughly. A low-odor, low-fuss menu makes for a safer and more relaxing trip—especially for families juggling mealtime with kids.

Bonus Tip 1: Clean Up After Meals (No Trace Left Behind)

After a satisfying camp meal, it’s tempting to kick back—but in bear country, cleanup is just as important as cooking. Get in the habit of cleaning up immediately after eating: wash dishes, pick up all food scraps and wrappers, and make sure nothing edible is left out. Even tiny crumbs or spills can attract bears, whose sense of smell is thousands of times more powerful than ours. Use a strainer to remove food particles from dishwater and dispose of gray water at least 100 yards from your camp, never directly at your site.

All trash should go into a secure, tight container like a bear-proof trash can or locked cargo carrier. Tie off bags tightly and keep food residue off surfaces by wiping down tables, coolers, and cooking gear. Sticky marshmallow sticks? Clean and put them away. Your goal: make your campsite look and smell like you were never there. Diligent food storage and following Leave No Trace principles helps protect wildlife and fellow campers. For more ideas, check out our article: Sustainable Camping: Trash Can Ideas for Zero Waste.

Bonus Tip 2: Keep a Tidy and Organized Camp

An organized campsite isn’t just about neatness—it’s a key part of staying safe in bear country. Creating clear zones for sleeping, cooking, and gear helps keep food in one place and away from your tent or car. Use labeled bins or bags for food, utensils, and toiletries so you can easily lock everything up at night without scrambling. A clean camp means fewer forgotten items and fewer temptations for curious wildlife.

Camping with kids? Make cleanup fun by assigning roles like “crumb detective” or “gear helper.” Stick to a schedule so meals are finished well before dark, leaving plenty of time to clean and store everything properly. An organized camp makes it easier to do a final sweep before bed or heading out—and gives your family a more comfortable, stress-free camping experience.

Car camping in bear country is all about being prepared and respectful of wildlife. By packing smart and storing food properly, you reduce the risk of bear encounters and help protect these animals. Remember, “a fed bear is a dead bear,” as rangers often say – so never feed wildlife, even accidentally through carelessness. With a little planning, you can enjoy a safe, memorable, and bear-free adventure with the whole family.