Did you know 58 million U.S. households went camping at least once in 2023? The same source says there were 7.2 million first-time campers in the country in 2022.
Whether you rough it in a tent, spend time in nature in a recreational vehicle, or go glamping in a cozy cottage, it’s a good idea to leave the city behind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Car Camping to the Rescue
If you can’t afford RVing or glamping and don’t want to pitch a tent and sleep on the ground, car camping is another option. But you’ll need the right vehicle to make the experience memorable for the right reasons.
Here are 15 of the best vehicles for car camping when a tent won’t cut it.
Pontiac Aztek
While the Pontiac Aztek didn’t have a long production run (2001-2005), campers know it’s a winner.
No, it hasn’t been well received in general. Reviewers slam its lack of aesthetic appeal, with some flat-out calling it ugly. But the midsize SUV appeals to people who love the great outdoors. Buyers can choose the tent and inflatable mattress option—complete with a built-in air compressor—for camping anywhere, anytime.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck’s bi-directional charging capabilities can power your house when the grid is down. If that’s not enough of a selling point, the electric pickup truck is also a great option if you want to go camping.
Tesla has a CyberTent for owners who want to use their vehicles in the great outdoors. But its nearly $3,000 price tag is steep.
Honda CRV
A Honda CR-V also makes an excellent camper SUV. Check out this guy’s car camping setup. There are different CR-V configurations depending on the year.
As long as the rear seats fold flat, you’ll have sufficient room for a blowup mattress if you want a simple way to camp out in your SUV.
Honda Pilot
One person says on Honda Pilot Forums that a 2009 to 2011 model Honda Pilot “is clearly roomy enough for two adults to sleep with all rows” folded down. Meanwhile, newer Pilots can support 165 pounds on the roof—the maximum weight when the vehicle is in motion. It can support much more if the vehicle is stationary, making a roof tent possible.
Subaru Outback
If you want a car with all-wheel-drive versatility and plenty of interior space to get some shut-eye, consider a Subaru Outback. These sporty station wagons afford sufficient sleeping room if you fold down the seats.
You can install a bed platform for additional comfort, making it a worthwhile investment if you regularly use your Outback for camping.
Toyota Matrix
Another vehicle that’s great for camping is the Toyota Matrix. One person online comments on how they lived in one for three months: “The back seat folds absolutely flat – great for sleeping. It’s reliable – I wasn’t worried about too much going wrong.”
Chevrolet Suburban
If you want an old-school SUV built to last, a Chevrolet Suburban comes to mind. It’s also an excellent vehicle for car camping. According to one source, all you need to do is take out the rear seats and fold down the middle ones to get enough space for quality sleep and to store your camping gear, too.
Cadillac Escalade
Another big SUV that can be configured to accommodate camping is the Cadillac Escalade. Different model years may offer more camping-suitability functionality, but these vehicles are rugged and spacious. So, the sky’s the limit. You can make your Escalade the ultimate camping rig.
Subaru Forester
Like its stablemate, the Subaru Outback, the Forester makes a great camping vehicle. One YouTube video focusing on the 2009-2013 model years shows how to create the perfect sleeping area. And no modifications are required, so it’s easy-peasy.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runners look very much at home in the great outdoors. It’s big, has good ground clearance, is available in 4WD, has off-roading cred, can tow and haul, and has plenty of interior space for car camping. You can easily fit a mattress, pillows, sleeping bags, and whatever else you require.
Jeep Wrangler
Nothing says off-roading better than a Jeep Wrangler. It’s also a pretty good vehicle for camping. As one source puts it, “sleeping in the back of your Jeep Wrangler is much more affordable than renting or buying a camper or RV.” It’s the sort of vehicle that makes car camping fun.
Volkswagen Golf
While not the biggest hatchback, Volkswagen Golf owners say camping in one is doable. As one Reddit user puts it: “For those of you who have been wondering, yes, you can camp in your GTI. I would put it above a night in a tent (comfort wise). The 4” air mattress makes it possible.”
Nissan Pathfinder
Another SUV made for the great outdoors is the Nissan Pathfinder. It also makes a good camping vehicle if you don’t want to set up a tent. You can find a used one with sufficient space to accommodate one or two people. Fold the seats down and watch the interior transform into the perfect resting spot after a busy day hiking, hunting, or boating.
Ford Escape
Fold down the rear seats, blow up an air mattress, and get some shut-eye in a Ford Escape. One Reddit user with a 2009 Ford Escape says, “I had to push the seats forward up front so there was enough room for my legs, but it worked out great!” It goes to show that you don’t need a giant SUV for car camping!
Toyota Prius
After folding down the rear seats, you’ll have enough room to get a good night’s sleep in a Toyota Prius. It can sleep two people side by side—though you’ll likely need to be less than six feet tall to be comfortable.
Car Camping is a Thing
As you can see, there are options if you want to go camping and sleep in your vehicle rather than a tent on the ground. These are just some of the options. Many vehicles, perhaps even the one you currently use as your daily driver, work for car camping.
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