The Best Cars for Camping

In the past decade, car camping has exploded in popularity. While sleeping in a room on four wheels isn't any new development, the modern bohemian lifestyle lends itself to car camping, combining the freedom of road trips with the simplicity of sleeping in or around your vehicle—beside all your necessities, supplies, and means of transportation. It's a simple, affordable way to travel—just you, your gear, and the open road. 

However, not all vehicles are geared toward adventure. When selecting a platform for car camping, look for specific qualities, such as generous cargo space, fold-flat seating, or all-wheel drive for exploring more remote areas of the country. Choosing the right vehicle can be the difference between a comfortable weekend escape and a cramped, frustrating experience. 

In this guide, we'll break down everything you'll need to know about selecting the right car camping rig, including what car camping is, what type of vehicles work best, and some of Husky Liners' top picks for the best cars for camping. Along the way, learn more about the Husky Liners accessories that'll help protect your vehicle on your next adventure. 

Car camping is self-explanatory. Rather than towing a trailer or cruising up to a rental cabin, car camping utilizes your vehicle as your primary basecamp. Unlike traditional tent camping, which requires you to hike your gear to a site, car camping allows you to drive directly to your destination and set up camp either inside or immediately beside it. 

Car camping looks different to everyone. For some, it may look like folding down the rear seats of a hand-me-down van and rolling out a sleeping bag. For others, car camping involves an elaborate awning and roof-tent setup, with an outdoor kitchen and all the amenities you'd expect from a luxury campsite. That's the beauty of car camping—it's flexible and versatile. 

That being said, there's one even greater benefit to car camping—accessibility. Anyone can do it—there are no high entry fees or expensive initial purchases. So long as you have a reliable vehicle with enough room to sprawl out, you're already most of the way there. Still, some types of vehicles are more catered to car camping than others. 

Certain vehicle classes consistently rank at the top among camping enthusiasts. These vehicle classes offer a balance of interior space, reliability, efficiency, and capabilities. In general, you'll see car campers piloting vans, hatchbacks, wagons, and SUVs. 

Vans offer the most interior space and customization potential. Especially if you're considering long-term travel or a full build-out, a van is tough to beat for sheer space. Add a bed, a kitchenette, a table, and chairs, or even a compact bathroom for the ultimate convenience. 

For minimalist setups, a hatchback is a solid option. They're compact, efficient, though surprisingly spacious with the rear seats folded flat. While best for solo travelers, hatchbacks can be used for short-term trips by couples, and maybe a four-legged friend. 

If you're stuck between an SUV and a sedan, get the best of both worlds with a wagon. Frequently built on sedan chassis, wagons offer sporty and comfortable driving characteristics and a low load floor, but loads of cargo space for supplies and sleeping setups. 

SUVs are likely the most popular choice, offering cargo space, ground clearance, a robust chassis, and all-wheel or four-wheel drive for solid off-road capabilities. 

Car camping isn't easy on a vehicle. Before committing to a platform, consider the following factors to make sure it's up to the abuse you plan to put it through. 

Are you planning to sleep in your vehicle? Then you'd better make sure it has enough room to stretch out comfortably. Opt for a vehicle with a folding or removable rear seat for maximum clearance. Measure the length from the back of the front seats to the tailgate. Your space requirements will vary depending on your height, but at least six feet of usable space is recommended. 

What kind of terrain are you planning to drive through? If you're planning to stick to paved roads, a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive application will likely be sufficient. However, if snow or off-road commutes are in your future, all-wheel or four-wheel drive provides much more confidence and peace of mind. 

Car camping often means long trips. While having a fuel-efficient vehicle isn't mandatory, it can definitely help you save money on travel costs and prevent fuel starvation in remote areas. 

Reliability is another must-have—there's nothing worse than breaking down hundreds of miles from home, besides breaking down hundreds of miles from civilization. Having a reliable, well-maintained vehicle increases your chances of getting to and from your destination without hiccups. Plus, you'll save money on roadside assistance or repairs at random service centers. 

Adding rooftop tents, coolers, water tanks, and fuel cans can drastically increase weight and decrease performance/safety. When selecting your vehicle, ensure the payload is sufficient to accommodate your gear. 

If you're planning to tow a small trailer or teardrop camper for additional cargo space, ensure the trailer's weight is within your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. 

For street driving or light camping, stock suspension is likely sufficient. However, as you move further into rough terrain and overlanding conditions, upgrades may be warranted. Aftermarket shocks, modest lift kits, and high-clearance bumpers are a great way to enhance clearance without raising your vehicle's center of gravity excessively. Doing so keeps the cargo floor low for easy loading and minimizes the risk of rollovers. 

Not everyone wants to sleep in their car. Rooftop tents have become increasingly popular for that reason, keeping you elevated off the ground, freeing up interior cargo space, and offering rapid setup times. 

However, there are a few drawbacks. Weight is a big factor, as roof top tents add weight up high, which can impact body roll, handling, and fuel economy. You'll also need a compatible rack system to mount the tent, which adds an extra charge to an already pricey tent setup. 

If you primarily camp in mild climates, appreciate the quick deployment, and can use a little extra space in the cabin, a rooftop tent may be your ideal solution. However, if stealth camping or streamlining aerodynamics for maximum fuel efficiency are your priorities, sleeping in the cabin may be the better choice. 

While there's no single vehicle that'll satisfy every car camper's needs, there are certainly some popular picks. If you're having trouble settling on a platform, check out our list of the best cars for camping, offering cargo space, capability, utility, and versatility. 

The Subaru Outback blends wagon practicality with SUV capability. Standard AWD, generous cargo length, and excellent reliability make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. As an outdoor-focused trim of the legacy, the Outback is engineered for tricky, technical terrain, making it the ideal Subaru pick for overlanding and remote, off-grid campsites. 

The Toyota RAV4 offers strong fuel economy, available all-wheel drive, and impressive reliability. Hybrid trims provide excellent range for long-distance trips as well. 

The Ford Bronco excels off-road. Removable panels, available four-wheel drive, and rugged suspension make it the ideal platform for overlanders and remote camping adventures. If tough terrain is on the horizon, a Bronco is a solid contender.

In the same vein as the Ford Bronco, the Toyota 4Runner offers exceptional durability and capabilities for more aggressive off-road terrain and remote trails. With a traditional body-on-frame chassis, high ground clearance, and Toyota's legendary reliability, the 4Runner is ideal for dedicated adventurers. 

The Ford Bronco Sport offers exceptional interior space, available all-wheel drive, and a small-enough footprint to fit into even the tightest cities and smallest parking lots on the way to your destination. If you're planning to go off-grid without hitting serious trails, the Bronco Sport is a solid option. 

Planning to stay on the road? The Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the best options if interior space is a concern. With spacious Stow 'n Go seating, the Grand Caravan is perfect for full-length sleeping setups. 

If you're looking to start the ultimate van build, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the gold standard. Where the Sprinter differentiates itself from other vans is its premier reliability, with heavy-duty diesel powertrains known to last well over 300K miles with basic maintenance. Capabilities are another area where the Sprinter excels, as optional tall rooflines allow for true camper buildouts, while four-wheel drive applications boost traction far beyond the capabilities of most passenger vans. 

All-weather floor liners protect against mud, snow, slush, and spilled coffee on your way to the trail. Husky Liners' custom-fit floor liners, such as the Weatherbeater™ and X-act Contour™, offer exceptional protection with raised edges, durable materials, and laser-measured fit. 

Bring that same level of protection and style to your ride's cargo area with a Husky Liners Weatherbeater or Classic Style cargo liner. These durable liners protect your vehicle's cargo area against leaky coolers, dusty camp chairs, firewood, and muddy gear, preventing spillovers and permanent staining for easy cleanups. 

Sun shades help regulate interior temperatures and protect your vehicle's interior from UV damage. They're especially useful during warm-weather camping trips to block heat or while stealth camping to block pedestrians' or passing traffic's views inside your vehicle. 

Husky Liners' custom-fit and universal sun shades help to reduce heat buildup and improve privacy while parked. 

A: Car camping legality depends on the location. Many campgrounds allow it, while dispersed camping rules vary by state. Always verify local regulations before parking overnight to avoid being awoken by an officer. 

A: One of the biggest challenges of car camping is keeping your vehicle at a comfortable temperature, especially during the summer months. To do so, consider parking in shaded areas, cracking windows slightly for airflow, and using reflective sun shades on all windows to reduce heat buildup. 

A: At a minimum, you'll want to bring enough essentials for comfort and convenience. These include: 

• A sleeping pad and pillow

• Window shades

• All-weather floor liners

• Cargo liner

• Portable charging station for phones and devices

• Cooler for food storage

• Flashlight or headlamp

Interior accessories like Husky Liners floor and cargo liners help safeguard your vehicle from the inevitable wear and tear of outdoor adventures. 

A: Always reference your vehicle's payload capacity in the owner's manual. Payload includes passengers, gear, rooftop tents, and added accessories. Exceeding payload limits can affect braking performance, handling, and safety.