Best Cars for Car Camping: Top Picks for Your Next Adventure

When it comes to outdoor adventures, you don’t need a sprawling RV or a sky-high budget to enjoy the comforts of home on the road. Car camping has skyrocketed in popularity, offering a seamless blend of convenience and coziness. Picture yourself drifting to sleep in a luxurious rooftop tent under a canopy of stars, or adding a touch of home with a sleek, compact camper hitched to your vehicle.

Today’s SUVs and crossovers are engineered to transform into the ultimate mobile base camp, with features that cater to every outdoor enthusiast. But with an array of choices at your fingertips, which vehicle is best suited for your camping adventures? From ample storage to off-road capabilities, we explore the top cars that make camping not just possible, but a luxurious escape into the wild.

Discover the Perfect Vehicles for Your Next Adventure—Combining Comfort, Convenience, and Rugged Style

Ever dreamt of hitting the road with the comforts of home in your backseat? That’s what car camping brings to the table! It’s not quite the van life buzz or the grandeur of RVing, nor is it the simplicity of backpacking. Car camping strikes a delightful balance, offering the flexibility to park your portable haven in secluded spots across the United States, far from the crowds yet close enough to civilization.

• Affordability: No need for expensive RVs – your trusty vehicle can double as a cozy retreat!
• Access: Navigate those untouched trails with ease.
• Simplicity: Forget about hefty setups; car camping is plug-and-play adventure.
• Versatility: From glamping-worthy setups to minimalistic sleeps, it’s all about your preference.

So, why choose car camping? Imagine gliding along scenic byways, finding that perfect spot amidst nature, and saying, “This looks like home for tonight.” Turns out, your car isn’t just for commutes; it’s a ticket to freedom and spontaneity on wheels.

Car Camper Candidate Characteristics

Ever considered what your car can do besides getting from A to B? For the adventurers among you, a car’s ability to transform into a cozy camper might pique your interest. Here’s what to look for when selecting your next adventure companion:

• Ample Storage: You’ll want abundant storage for all your camping gear. Think Honda Element with its cargo-friendly design.
• Sturdy Roof Support: Cars like the Subaru Forester offer robust roof rails, perfect for extra gear.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee deliver that off-road prowess you crave, thanks to their advanced drivetrains.
• Towing Abilities: If pulling a trailer is on your wishlist, check the specs for towing capacity; a Ford Expedition might just be your match.
• Ground Clearance & Suspension: Rough terrains call for high clearance and durable suspension—qualities you’ll find in an SUV like the Toyota 4Runner.

Remember, while a Toyota Prius or a Volkswagen Golf might be agile on the city streets, for car camping, the roomier the better. A midsize pickup or a versatile minivan, such as the Chrysler Pacifica, could offer that perfect balance between comfort and capability. Your cup holders will await your return post-adventure!

Best Options Picks for Car Camping Escapades

Have you ever dreamed of a campsite that rises above the rest? Let’s talk rooftop tents – your cozy bedroom on wheels. Picture this: a snug shelter perched atop your car, far from the intrusions of rocky grounds and curious wildlife.

Thinking of the practicalities? You’ll need sturdy cargo rails to carry your rooftop abode. And when you choose this setup, you join a club of adventurers who value both comfort and convenience. No more battles with the ground elements; just a simple setup and you’re ready to catch the stars from your elevated retreat.

Honda’s Compact Camping Companion: CRV

Who says robust camping adventures can’t go hand-in-hand with compact SUVs? Meet the Honda CRV, cherished for its nimbleness on both urban roads and nature trails. With a roof weight capacity of 125-150 pounds, it supports light roof tents effortlessly. Think about all the storage you get; ample space behind the seats and a back row that folds for extra room — perfect for duo travelers. Operating with both FWD and AWD options, it does have a towing limit (about 1,500 pounds), so while it might not drag along hefty campers, it’ll shoulder your basic camping gear with ease.

Spacious and Reliable: Honda Pilot

For those who love to share the camping experience with friends or family, the Honda Pilot stands out with three accommodating rows. Need a large cargo area? Just fold down the back seats. It’s not only about space; with the right crossbars, you can support a hefty tent weighing up to 165 pounds on its roof. Choose between FWD and AWD tools to handle those winding trails, and rest assured that your Pilot can haul up to 5,000 pounds. Imagine the freedom to trail along a sizeable camper for that extra luxurious campsite setup.

Versatile Truck for the Outdoors: Honda Ridgeline

On the lookout for the Swiss Army knife of camping trucks? Say hello to the Honda Ridgeline. Blending the comfort of a crossover SUV with the utilitarian spirit of a pickup, the Ridgeline boasts an impressive storage trunk right within its bed, thanks to a waterproof cover. Although the roof’s limited to 110 pounds, who needs the roof when you’ve got the entire bed to set up that custom Ridgeline tent accessory? From FWD to AWD, plus a beefy 5,000-pound towing capacity, it’s got the specs to back your mobile abode dreams.

Off-Road Champion: Toyota 4Runner

For those who hear the call of the wild, the Toyota 4Runner sits proudly with its admirable off-road prowess. Not many can match its 300-pound rooftop tent capacity (with aftermarket racks), where you can snooze under the stars after a day of traversing unforgiving terrains. Its cargo space is equally impressive, easily housing large air mattresses when the seats are down. RWD, AWD, or 4×4? The choice is yours, with a 5,000-pound towing potential that’s just the cherry on top.

Adventurer’s Pick: Toyota Tacoma

Cornering the market for its size and adeptness in rugged terrain, the Toyota Tacoma shows it’s more than just a pretty pickup. The real deal comes from placing your roof tent over the bed, supporting a substantial weight for your sky-high slumber. Innovative bed covers and tent accessories transform this vehicle into a storage haven. Whether you’re a fan of RWD or the robustness of 4×4, the Tacoma stands up to the challenge. And with a mighty 6,800-pound towing capacity, you’re set for some serious gear-hauling.

Full-Sized Camping Muscle: 1500/150 Size Trucks

If you’re already the proud owner of a full-size truck like the Ford F-150, Silverado, or Ram 1500, converting it into a camping fortress might be simpler than you think. With racks over the bed allowing for any roof tent size and a myriad of bed covers to shield your belongings, these beasts offer superior storage flexibility. The choice between RWD or 4×4 and a formidable towing capacity up to 12,000 pounds, minus your gear weight, tops off the list of why these trucks can be an excellent base for your car camping setup.

Adventure in a Jeep Wrangler

Ah, the Jeep Wrangler, a time-honored icon in the realm of camping vehicles. Its unyielding presence is fortified by its exceptional off-road prowess, generous customizability for camping, and solid towing capacity.

• Roof: Hardtop supports 150 lbs when properly equipped
• Cargo Space: Improved with newer models
• Drivetrain: Choose from RWD or 4WD
• Towing: Takes on up to 3,500 lbs with correct equipment

Embrace the Extra Space with a Jeep Gladiator

Jeep Gladiator ups the ante, amplifying what you love about the Wrangler with robust suspension and a spacious truck bed.

• Hardtop Roof Weight: Secure 165 lbs on top
• Cargo Capacity: The truck bed’s enormous space
• Drivetrain: Available in RWD or 4WD
• Towing Power: Pull up to 4,500 lbs with appropriate gear

Discover Backroads in a Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback has a long-standing reputation on the ‘best for camping’ roster, thanks to its vast cargo hold, AWD finesse, and remarkable capacity, including the Wilderness variant.

• Roof Limit: Steady at 165 lbs
• Cargo Area: Vast space behind seats, with fold-down option for an air mattress
• All-Wheel Performance: AWD standard
• Towing: Good for 3,500 lbs when properly equipped

Cruise and Camp in a Subaru Crosstrek

While the Subaru Outback’s sibling, the Crosstrek, may offer less space, it excels in agility—ideal for both the cityscape and the backcountry tracks.

• Roof Weight: 150 lbs possible with the right roof rails
• Storage Area: Compact yet commendable for its size
• Driveline: AWD always ready
• Towing Recommendation: Stick to light loads like bike racks, up to 1,500 lbs

Experience Style and Function with a Chevy Blazer

Chevy’s reimagined Blazer is a contemporary crossover, merging a capacious cargo hold with eye-catching design and practical weight capacities.

• Roof Carrying Capability: Solid at 220 lbs with suitable roof rails
• Cargo Space: Generous for a 2-row SUV, edges out the Pathfinder and 4Runner.
• Towing Specs: Varies from 1,500-4,500 lbs, contingent on configuration

Make camping in the great outdoors an absolute breeze with these versatile campervan rentals—each vehicle has its unique character and amenities, ensuring a perfect match for your adventurous whims!

Get Car Camping

For family camping adventures, certain vehicles shine as reliable road trip companions. The Volkswagen Atlas stands out for its spaciousness and dependability, making it a top pick for family outings. The Subaru Outback, with its blend of comfort and off-road capability, is another excellent option for families who crave versatility in their vehicle.

Eco-conscious campers need not compromise on convenience. The Toyota Prius V, with its impressive fuel efficiency and surprisingly generous cargo space, is a solid choice for those who want to tread lightly. Similarly, the Ford Escape Hybrid balances eco-friendliness with practical storage, making it a great option for environmentally-minded adventurers.

Don’t overlook the value of pre-owned vehicles, either. Used models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee have proven their mettle in the great outdoors, offering rugged reliability for nature’s challenges. The Toyota 4Runner, known for its durability, is another seasoned veteran that can be a dependable partner on your camping trips.

SUVs, in particular, hold a special place in the hearts of car camping enthusiasts. Their all-wheel-drive systems make it easy to reach those off-the-beaten-path spots, while their generous cargo space allows you to bring along the comforts of home. The Honda CR-V is a prime example, offering both practicality and adventure-readiness in one package.

Finally, for those who favor hybrid vehicles, there are models that combine efficiency with the ability to handle the demands of camping. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid marries ruggedness with eco-friendly performance, while the Ford Explorer Hybrid provides long-range capability without frequent fuel stops.

No matter your camping style, there’s a vehicle out there that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Whether you’re embarking on a solo retreat or a family adventure, the right car can turn any camping trip into a memorable experience. So, pack your gear, hit the road, and discover your perfect camping chariot!