Choosing the Best Camping Vehicles for Your Outdoor Adventures

The daily grind can feel overwhelming, and the allure of escaping into nature has never been stronger. As remote work becomes more common, the desire to disconnect and explore the wilderness with your vehicle is booming. Car camping has experienced a significant resurgence, evolving from cramped hatchback sleepovers to a comfortable and even luxurious experience, thanks to innovations like roof top tents and camper conversions.

Vehicle Versatility: What Cars Can Transform into Campers?

The beauty of car camping lies in its accessibility. You don’t need a brand-new, specialized vehicle to start exploring. Almost any car can serve as your gateway to outdoor adventures, taking you to scenic state parks or secluded public lands. However, if you’re looking to fully embrace the car camping lifestyle, certain vehicle characteristics will significantly enhance your experience. Let’s delve into the key factors that define the best vehicles for camping.

Alt text: A dog enjoys the view from a Toyota 4Runner equipped with an iKamper BDV roof top tent, highlighting pet-friendly camping vehicles.

8 Essential Considerations for Selecting Camping Vehicles

1. Ample Storage Capacity: Pack More, Explore More

Storage is paramount when choosing Camping Vehicles. The more gear you can comfortably pack, the greater your freedom to enjoy extended trips and diverse activities. If your camping plans involve more than a weekend getaway, or if you pursue hobbies that require bulky equipment like surfing, cycling, skiing, or hunting, prioritize vehicles with generous cargo space. For those opting to sleep inside their vehicle, the best cars for sleeping in while camping will feature seats that fold completely flat or can be stowed away, creating a platform for your sleeping pad.

2. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD): Conquer Diverse Terrains

For serious camping enthusiasts, AWD or 4WD systems are crucial features in camping vehicles. These systems provide enhanced control and stability, particularly when navigating the varied conditions often encountered in camping environments. While not identical, both AWD and 4WD distribute power to all four wheels, significantly improving traction on slippery surfaces like rain-soaked roads, slushy paths, muddy trails, and challenging, uneven terrain. Choosing a vehicle with these capabilities expands your campsite options and provides peace of mind in unpredictable conditions.

3. Fuel Efficiency: Minimize Costs, Maximize Journeys

Don’t underestimate the importance of fuel economy, especially when planning extended camping trips. While dispersed camping may seem “free,” hidden costs, particularly fuel expenses, can quickly accumulate. Gas price fluctuations can significantly impact your budget, especially on long drives to remote camping locations. Fuel efficiency becomes even more critical when you factor in the added weight of camping gear and roof-mounted equipment, which can increase drag and reduce mileage. Consider the range of your chosen camping vehicle. On remote roads with fewer gas stations, will you have sufficient fuel to reach your destination and return? If you’re considering hybrid or electric camping vehicles, assess the availability of reliable charging infrastructure along your intended routes.

4. Static and Dynamic Weight Ratings: Roof Top Tent Compatibility

Understanding static and dynamic weight ratings is vital if you plan to use a roof top tent (RTT) with your camping vehicle. Static weight refers to the maximum weight your vehicle’s roof can bear when parked, while dynamic weight is the limit while the vehicle is in motion. These ratings are crucial for safety and structural integrity. When considering RTTs, carefully calculate the combined weight of the roof rack, the RTT itself, and the occupants who will sleep inside the tent. Always adhere to your vehicle’s stated weight limits to ensure safe and enjoyable camping experiences. Overloading can damage your vehicle and create hazardous driving conditions.

5. Payload Capacity: Carry Your Camping Essentials Safely

Payload capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry, and vehicles with higher payload ratings are generally superior camping vehicles. This crucial specification is usually found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker located in the driver’s side doorjamb. Payload includes the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and any modifications or additions to the vehicle, such as camping gear, roof racks, and RTTs. Be realistic about your camping needs and gear weight. Even if you envision transforming a compact car into a mountain-ready camper, its payload capacity might not be sufficient to handle the weight of your camping aspirations.

Alt text: Two Toyota Tacomas, popular camping vehicles, are shown in a desert landscape with cyclists, one featuring a Skycamp 3.0 RTT and the other with a Skycamp 3.0 mounted on a trailer rack, illustrating versatile camping setups.

6. Towing Capacity: Expand Your Camping Footprint

Towing capacity represents the weight a vehicle can safely pull, distinguishing it from payload, which is the weight it can carry. While these are distinct, they are not mutually exclusive. Towing capacity information is typically available in the owner’s manual for larger vehicle classes. If not readily available, you can calculate it by subtracting the Curb Weight (vehicle weight with operating fluids) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (maximum structural weight when parked) from the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (maximum combined weight of the tow vehicle and trailer when loaded). Even if you don’t currently plan to tow a trailer or camper, consider future possibilities. When selecting camping vehicles, check if a trailer hitch can be installed and what the maximum safe towing weight is. Your camping needs might evolve, and having towing capability provides flexibility.

7. Suspension System: Ensuring a Smooth Ride on Varied Terrain

The suspension system plays a critical role in vehicle stability and ride comfort, especially when traveling over uneven terrain common in camping environments. If your ideal camping involves tackling challenging trails and reaching remote base camps, upgrading your suspension might be a worthwhile consideration. Many overlanders opt for suspension upgrades to enhance off-road performance. However, for weekend campers primarily sticking to paved roads and well-maintained state or national park access roads, the stock suspension on most vehicles will suffice. For exploring Forest Service roads or venturing deeper into public lands, a more robust suspension system will significantly improve ride quality and vehicle handling, particularly when the vehicle is fully loaded with gear. Evaluate your intended camping style before investing in suspension upgrades.

8. Ground Clearance: Navigating Obstacles with Ease

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of your vehicle and the road surface. Adequate ground clearance is essential for navigating obstacles and preventing damage to your camping vehicle, even if you don’t plan on serious off-roading. Camping during shoulder seasons or in inclement weather can dramatically worsen road conditions. For trail access roads or gravel service roads, aim for at least 8.5 inches of ground clearance. This will help you clear rocks, small creeks, and ruts without damaging the undercarriage. For more demanding off-road adventures like rock crawling, 10.5 inches of clearance should be considered the minimum. Remember that these are starting points, and the specific terrain you expect to encounter will ultimately dictate the necessary ground clearance for your camping vehicle.

Vehicles that generally excel in these considerations include Trucks, SUVs, Crossovers, and Vans. While these categories are a good starting point, exceptions exist. You can find excellent camping vehicles in other classes, such as wagons, that may perfectly suit your needs. Newer models often come with advanced features, but the used vehicle market offers a wealth of affordable and capable car camping options.

Roof Top Tents: Elevating Your Car Camping Experience

For those who prefer not to sleep inside their vehicle, roof top tents (RTTs) offer a compelling and comfortable alternative. Car tents, or roof tents, mount securely to the roof rack or bed rack of your camping vehicle. RTTs provide numerous advantages, including freeing up valuable interior storage space, offering elevated views, enabling quick setup and takedown, and providing spacious, comfortable sleeping platforms. A diverse range of RTT models is available to suit different vehicle types and camping preferences.

Alt text: A Subaru Outback, a popular choice for camping vehicles, is equipped with an iKamper X-Cover roof top tent, showcasing a versatile and comfortable camping setup.

Types of Roof Top Tents (RTTs)

Hard Shell RTTs: Many hard shell RTTs feature an expansion panel design, allowing the tent to maintain a compact footprint on your vehicle’s roof while maximizing sleeping space when deployed. The iKamper Skycamp® 3.0, for example, boasts an aerodynamic hard shell to minimize drag during travel and provides ample space to store bedding inside when closed.
Soft Shell RTTs: Soft shell RTTs are generally lighter and more closely resemble traditional ground tents. They are often more budget-friendly than hard shell models but may not be as durable over the long term. The soft textile construction might also offer less protection in harsh weather conditions compared to hard shell tents.
Wedge RTTs: Wedge tents are renowned for their incredibly fast deployment – often setting up in seconds. Their utilitarian design allows for gear to be loaded on top of the tent without needing to be removed when the tent is in use. This is ideal for carrying items like solar panels or cargo boxes. Models like the iKamper BDV™ also feature integrated t-track rails for mounting additional accessories along the sides of the tent.
Hybrid RTTs: Some RTT designs defy neat categorization. The iKamper X-Cover® 2.0 utilizes a unique book-fold design, combining the lightweight advantage of a soft shell tent with the durability of a hard FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) exterior. The flat top even incorporates integrated cross bars, allowing you to mount equipment like bicycles or kayaks directly on top of the tent.

Alt text: A camper accesses the rear cargo of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a popular SUV camping vehicle, equipped with an iKamper Skycamp 2.0 roof top tent, demonstrating convenient gear access with RTT setups.

Top SUV and Crossover Camping Vehicles

SUVs are exceptionally well-suited for camping, offering a compelling combination of passenger capacity, comfortable interiors, and available AWD or 4WD systems. They provide ample storage space that keeps gear dry, secure, and dust-free. SUVs can typically support substantial roof weight and offer reasonable towing capacity. However, attaching a trailer will limit access to rear cargo storage. Whether you choose a compact crossover or a full-size SUV, this vehicle body type is inherently practical and versatile, hence the designation “sport utility vehicle.” Some SUVs have evolved from wagon designs, retaining their practicality in modern iterations. Regardless of their classification, the following SUVs and crossovers are consistently ranked among the best for camping:

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Renowned for its off-road prowess and refined interior. Rugged, reliable, and capable of towing over 7,000 lbs, compensating for its slightly below-average cargo capacity.
Subaru Outback: An excellent entry-level camping vehicle that also functions well as a daily commuter. Offers generous cargo room, respectable ground clearance, standard AWD, and a good payload capacity. Rear seats fold flat for comfortable in-vehicle sleeping.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: A compact SUV with surprisingly spacious cargo storage when the rear seats are folded. Exceptional fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain.
Ford Bronco Sport: Standard AWD and impressive safety ratings. Equipped with camping-friendly features such as roof racks designed for RTTs, a cargo management system with a durable rubberized floor, a convenient slide-out table, and integrated tie-down points.
Ford Expedition: A full-size SUV with a powerful twin-turbocharged engine and solid ground clearance. Surprisingly agile off-road with ample space for a large group of campers. Cargo capacity is somewhat limited for its size.
Toyota 4Runner: A long-time favorite among car campers, with a vast aftermarket for customization and modifications. Easy to maintain, highly capable off-road, and offers abundant space for passengers and gear. Well-suited for RTTs and towing trailers, but fuel economy is less impressive.
Subaru Crosstrek: Standard AWD, commendable off-road capability, good ground clearance, and strong safety ratings. As a compact crossover, it offers less cargo capacity than the Outback but is more maneuverable in tight spaces. Available as a hybrid for those seeking long-term fuel savings.
Honda Pilot: Generous cargo room and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Competent off-road performance, available in both AWD and FWD configurations. This family-friendly crossover has been a popular choice for car camping for many years.

Top Truck Camping Vehicles

Trucks generally sacrifice fuel economy for superior storage capacity and payload ratings compared to other vehicle types. They excel off-road and offer extensive customization options with various racking, tailgate, and cargo management systems. A significant advantage of trucks is the separation of the passenger cab from the cargo bed, which is ideal for containing messy camping gear. Truck bed storage remains accessible even when towing a trailer, and the open bed configuration offers flexible cargo hauling. However, truck bed storage is less secure and exposed to the elements. Items need to be bolted down, tied down, or protected by a canopy or cover. Most truck cabs are not designed to support roof top tents directly, requiring a bed rack for RTT mounting. The following trucks are highly regarded as excellent camping vehicles:

Alt text: A woman unloads camping gear from the bed of a Toyota Tacoma, a highly customizable truck and popular camping vehicle, equipped with a Skycamp 3.0 RTT mounted on a bed rack, illustrating truck bed camping versatility.

Toyota Tacoma: While not the most spacious truck in terms of cargo volume, the Tacoma is highly capable for towing and enjoys immense popularity in the aftermarket modification community. If you desire a customizable car camping platform, the Tacoma and 4Runner are often compared as top choices in the truck versus SUV debate. Their widespread availability in the used market makes them accessible even when new models are beyond budget.
Rivian R1T: An all-electric truck that is redefining expectations for outdoor adventure vehicles. Equally capable as gas-powered pickups, with ample cargo capacity, impressive ground clearance, and luxurious features throughout. Even offers an optional built-in kitchen. The primary consideration for this groundbreaking EV truck is range limitations, which might require careful planning for remote overlanding trips.
Honda Ridgeline: Unique among trucks, the Ridgeline offers custom accessories like a truck bed tent, making it particularly camping-oriented. Built on a crossover frame, it provides a car-like ride without compromising cargo or towing capacity. Features include in-bed speakers and a power outlet for added camping convenience.
Jeep Gladiator: As rugged as a mid-size truck can be and uniquely offers removable doors and a removable roof for an open-air camping experience. Exceptional off-road capabilities, but the tradeoff is a noisier cabin and less refined handling on paved roads.
Ford F-150: A consistently popular truck known for its extensive aftermarket customization options. Also available as a fuel-efficient hybrid model. Its full-size dimensions can be challenging on narrow trails, and fuel economy in non-hybrid models is not a strong point.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: While payload capacity might be slightly lower than some other trucks, it’s unlikely to be a limiting factor for most car camping setups. Multimatic suspension delivers a remarkably comfortable ride both on and off-road.
Ram 2500: This heavy-duty three-quarter-ton truck offers far more payload and towing capacity than most campers will ever require. A powerful and highly capable vehicle for both work and recreational pursuits, with a wide array of luxurious trim levels available.

Alt text: A caravan of six camping vehicles, equipped with iKamper roof top tents, is parked on a beach at sunset, illustrating a group camping adventure with diverse camping vehicles.

Beyond SUVs and Trucks: Other Excellent Camping Vehicle Options

Cars, wagons, and vans can also be excellent camping vehicles, often excelling in fuel economy, AWD/4WD availability, and overall comfort. However, they may sometimes fall short in ground clearance or towing capacity compared to SUVs and trucks. Wagons generally make exceptional road trip and camping vehicles, while sprinter or cargo vans are ideal for overlanding conversions. Here are some standout examples from these categories:

VW Golf Alltrack: While ground clearance is not as high as dedicated off-road vehicles, it’s sufficient for typical dirt roads and features standard AWD. Roomy interior for a compact car with ample cargo capacity. The lower vehicle height makes loading roof racks easier compared to taller SUVs.
Volvo V90 Cross Country: A luxurious wagon with standard AWD, excellent suspension, and advanced safety features. Not designed for extreme off-roading, but its ground clearance and towing capacity make it surprisingly capable for adventurous camping.
Audi A4 Allroad: A refined wagon with a long roofline, premium finishes, and generous cargo capacity, perfect for understated outdoor adventures. Features standard AWD, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a lifted suspension for respectable ground clearance, ideal for exploring rolling hills and moderate terrain. Pair it with a roof top tent for comfortable camping in remote locations.
Toyota Sienna: One of the few minivans available with AWD, and newer models are exclusively hybrid. While not suited for serious off-roading, it’s ideal for camping at accessible state and national park campgrounds. Toyota’s Split & Stow 3rd Row® seats create a vast cargo area and ample sleeping space inside.
Mercedes-Benz Metris Getaway: Boasts an impressive payload capacity exceeding a ton. This van blurs the lines between an adventure vehicle and a daily commuter, though its premium features come at a higher price point. Includes a pop-up camper top and optional upgrades like solar panels and roof racks.
Chevrolet Express 1500: This AWD cargo van is a prime candidate for camper van conversions. A vast array of aftermarket accessories allows for extensive customization to create your ideal camping van.

Alt text: Campers enjoy breakfast around a campfire in front of a Subaru Forester with a Skycamp 3.0 Mini RTT and a Honda Element with an X-Cover 2.0 RTT, showcasing diverse camping vehicles and rooftop tent setups in a campsite setting.

Considering a Camping Vehicle Purchase?

As you explore your options for camping vehicles, remember that many vehicles can be modified and customized to better suit your specific needs and camping style. Upgrades can include tires, suspension, racking systems, and bed systems. Consider your camping frequency and intensity. Are you planning occasional weekend trips, or are you envisioning full-time van life on the road? Camping is just one aspect of vehicle ownership. Will your camping vehicle also serve as your primary daily driver or a secondary vehicle? How will it meet your everyday transportation needs? If you already own a practical vehicle suitable for car camping, and you’re ready to enhance your camping experience, explore roof top tents and camping accessories to elevate your outdoor adventures.