Best Cars for Car Camping

Not too big, not too small, but juuust right.

No, we're not talking about bears, porridge, or curly-haired blond girls. We're talking about the ideal car camping vehicle for your outdoor escapades. (Note: there might still be bears involved.)

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the best camping car. So ask yourself what kind of job your camping car must do for you. You want something that's going to fit all your essentials, that can handle whatever terrain you need it to handle, that can be converted into whatever type of space you need, that's comfortable and spacious enough while still toeing the line of minimalism and affordability. (After all, there's a reason you're not going full glamp in an RV.)

Of course, all of this is going to look different from person to person. The parent who needs to carry three kids' bikes on weekend trips has different needs than the single camper who just needs food and a place to sleep. The serious off-roader has different needs than the occasional campsite visitor. Vertically challenged people like myself might be able to stretch out in a sedan, but the 6-foot+ men in my family would definitely need something bigger.

It's all about finding the vehicle to fit your needs. Whether you're buying new or used, digging the SUV life, or going bare bones with a sedan, there are a few vehicles that stand out among car camping enthusiasts. So first, we'll break down the categories you might be looking for and what types of features to keep an eye out for. Then, we'll announce our favorite car camping picks.

Let's roll.

Father and kid standing in front of vehicle loaded with camping gear

Best Family Cars for Camping

Introducing your kids to car camping can be a great way to get them interested in the outdoors, and you can bring more than with traditional tent camping. That said, the right vehicle can make all the difference. SUVs and vans make great choices for both everyday driving and camping with kids. Keep an eye out for third-row seats, which are perfect for fitting extra gear, keeping bickering kiddos separate for the ride, and of course providing extra sleeping room. Our top picks for this category are all minivans and SUVs (cliché, perhaps, but they have an undeniable space advantage).

Our top picks in this category:

Chrysler Pacifica
Honda Odyssey
Jeep Cherokee
Toyota Sienna

Best Small Cars for Camping

If you're used to backpack camping, even a small car will feel like a wide open space comparatively. Plenty of people have made cozy, comfortable car camping conversions (say that five times fast) in small cars. If you don’t need the extra space and won't be traveling through tough terrain, you might be able to save some money on the vehicle, insurance, and gas. As the owner of a small car (who has also driven basically every vehicle type), I love that my small car can squeeze through narrow spaces, leave a tiny footprint, and cost me relatively little to own it. For small camping cars, the key is to envision how you're going to use the smaller space and plan accordingly. Make a list of what you'll bring along, and don't be afraid to get creative with your setup.

Our top picks in this category:

MINI Cooper
Honda Fit

Best for Car Camping Off-Road

For off-road vehicles, you'll probably want to stick with the more capable SUVs or even a truck. 4WD or AWD is usually a must, and for extreme terrain, you'll want to check out features like Jeep's Rock-Trac® system, Ford's Terrain Management, or Toyota's Crawl Control.

Additionally, look for vehicles with high ground clearance (at least 8", but 9" is better).

Our top picks in this category:

Jeep Wrangler
Toyota 4Runner
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Subaru Outback Wagon
Toyota RAV4
Subaru Forester
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tacoma
Ford F-150 Raptor

Keep in mind that we're giving a general overview of these vehicles here; it would be nearly impossible to list every trim level and model year available. When listing specific MPG, we used the most recent model year available at the time of writing this article (2021 models).

This list was assembled based on the most popular vehicles searched for, vetted, and reviewed by thousands of car campers year after year. To think of it another way, the car campers talked; we just listened.

Jeep Wrangler

Class: Compact SUV

MPG: 22/29

Drivetrain: Standard 4WD

No car camping list would be complete without off-road royalty, aka the Jeep Wrangler. Admit it—every time you see one of these iconic vehicles in the wild, you get just a little envious. (I know I do.)

Whether you go new or used, it's hard to go wrong with a Wrangler for an off-road vehicle. The Wrangler has featured a bare minimum 8" of ground clearance since 1995, with most Wranglers achieving 9" or 10"+. Jeep's Rock-Trac® system was designed for rock crawling, though it can also handle snowy roads better than most. Wranglers can even go "water fording" through shallow water since Jeep took care to seal and tuck away electrical connections.

If you want the most off-road-ready vehicle right off the lot, I'd recommend the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, which is widely considered the best in this trail-ready segment. Many Rubicon models even come with a removable carpet and one-way floor drain, because Jeep knows life outdoors can get messy.

Plus, it's got that distinctive "Jeep" look. There's just something about a Wrangler that says I do cool sh*t.

Toyota 4Runner

Class: SUV

MPG: 16/19

Drivetrain: Available 4WD

A capable off-road vehicle, the Toyota 4Runner should be among the top contenders for anyone looking to take their car camper off road. Why? This body-on-frame SUV was built with off-roading in mind. 4Runners have boasted 9-plus inches of ground clearance since 1995, and they offer available 4WD for those interested in traveling off the beaten path. Toyota's Crawl Control (dubbed CRAWL) has been around since 2008, getting their vehicles unstuck from the most difficult muddy, sandy, and rocky terrain.

The 4Runner is also pretty roomy for a camping vehicle (it offers up to 89.7 cu ft of cargo space). Newer 4Runners offer three backseat options: a sliding cargo deck, a third row of seats, or nothing at all. For camping purposes, I'd recommend the sliding cargo deck if you can get it. It allows your back seats to fold down perfectly flat (otherwise there's a small bump toward the front when you fold the seats down). Plus, it slides out the back of your 4Runner to provide a small table or bench with a weight capacity of 440 lbs. This little area is great for setting your speaker, sitting down to sip your morning coffee, or preparing food.

The downside? Gas mileage isn't fantastic (16 city, 19 highway). In this way and in its road manners, it drives like a truck and is more equipped for off-roading than on-roading. If you're planning on using your vehicle primarily for camping and off-roading for years to come, it's an excellent choice. If you're in the market for a city commuter car that you can camp in occasionally, however, check out the RAV4 below.

Toyota RAV4

Class: Compact SUV

MPG: 28/35

Drivetrain: AWD Available

The RAV4 is like the smaller, more affordable brother of the 4Runner. Both are great vehicles; it just depends what you want from your car. If you're going to be using your car as a daily commuter vehicle and just plan to camp in it occasionally, the RAV4 should be more than capable.

The RAV4 doesn't have quite the same cargo space as the 4Runner (for a general comparison, 2021 4Runner models offer 88.8 cubic ft behind the first row, compared to the RAV4's 69.8 cubic ft). But if you're a smaller person or don't plan on carrying a ton of gear, it may be worth sacrificing the bit of extra space for better fuel efficiency.

That said, Toyota knows RAV4 drivers still want to head off-road; that's why they packed it with features like the four-mode AWD (built to handle mud, sand, rock, and dirt), There's even an off-road specific trim, the TRD Off-Road. Plus, the panoramic roof is a great window to the night sky during clear nights.

Jeep Cherokee & Jeep Grand Cherokee

Class: SUV

MPG: 18/25 (JC) & 19/27 (JGC)

Drivetrain: Available 4WD

Big brother and little brother, these Jeeps are basically the SUV versions of the Wrangler. Both models have earned Jeep's "Trail Rated®" badge, meaning they emerged victorious from Jeep's rigorous off-road testing. Both the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have maintained 8 inches plus of ground clearance since the 90s, with newer models providing over 10".

As for the why you might consider a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee over a Jeep Wrangler, the SUV-style Jeeps provide a more comfortable ride for those times you're not off-roading. If you're looking for more of a daily driver or family vehicle, you'll probably appreciate this. The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee are great for everything from camping to making grocery store trips to running the kids to soccer practice.

Starting MSRP for the Jeep Cherokee is similar to that of the base Wrangler (the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee is a bit pricier), but keep in mind that this includes standard 4WD for the Wrangler, while this will cost you extra for the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. If you want the most off-road-ready Cherokee, I'd recommend the Trailhawk®, which comes standard with 4WD, upgraded off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires.

Can't decide between the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee? The Grand version comes with more room, more power, and a higher price tag. With the rear seats folded down, the Cherokee provides 54.7 cubic ft of space, while the Grand Cherokee provides 68.3 cubic ft. When it comes to car camping, a little more space can make a big difference, so I'd recommend checking out both models to see which feels more comfortable.

Subaru Outback Wagon

Class: Crossover SUV/Wagon

MPG: 33/26

Drivetrain: Standard AWD

If you prefer your SUVs with a more "car-like" ride and fuel efficiency, a Wagon like the Subaru Outback is a great choice for daily driving, but you'll love it as a camping vehicle too. At the time of writing this article, new Outbacks come standard with AWD, 8.7" of ground clearance, and X-MODE (Subaru's off-road friendly feature that controls hill descent and maximizes traction).

We'd also be remiss not to mention the new 2022 Outback Wilderness™ model. The Wilderness™ upgrades to 9.5" of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and "Dual-function X-MODE" (the same as X-MODE but with an additional Deep Snow/Mud setting). Plus, to sweeten the deal, Subaru has thrown in water-repellent StarTex® upholstery and redesigned roof rails able to support the weight of a rooftop tent. It was basically made for adventure.

The Outback has featured 70"+ of cargo space with the rear seats out since 2010, with newer models featuring up to 75.7 cubic ft.

Subaru Forester

Class: Compact SUV

MPG: 33/26

Drivetrain: Standard AWD

Honestly, the Subaru Forester is a pretty similar beast to the Subaru Outback Wagon. The Forester is about 2" taller, so you might be more comfortable sitting up straight. This is a great choice for small families, couples, or single campers looking for a bit more room.

Like the Outback, the Forester offers 8.7" of ground clearance, standard AWD, and X-MODE for hill descent and off-road traction, so it's a capable off-road SUV. The Forester offers up to 76.1 cubic ft of cargo space with the seats folded and one of those enviable panoramic moonroofs (great for camping).

Toyota Tacoma

Class: Pickup Truck

MPG: 18/22

Drivetrain: Available 4WD

If you plan on off-roading or need a vehicle to double as a tower/hauler, you won't be disappointed by the rugged, capable Tacoma. If you'll be sleeping in the pickup bed rather than a separate tent, I'd recommend finding a camper shell to protect yourself and gear from the elements. Alternatively, you can pop a tent in the bed and camp in all that roomy space.

The Tacoma is also a great off-road option if you don't want to go for an off-road-ready SUV or Jeep. For serious terrain, I'd recommend the TRD Off-Road 4WD model Tacoma, which comes standard with Crawl Control for safely navigating difficult turf. If your primary goal is overlanding and you need a vehicle that can handle almost anything, I'd steer you toward a truck like the Tacoma.

Another non-camping-specific benefit (that you'll appreciate all the same) is Toyota Safety Sense™, which has been standard on all Tacoma pickups since 2015. This bundle of tech includes Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and more.

Honda Ridgeline

Class: Pickup Truck

MPG: 18/24

Drivetrain: Standard AWD

The Honda Ridgeline may not be what first comes to mind when you think of pickup trucks, but it's a popular car camping vehicle for good reason. What I like about the Ridgeline for car camping is its lay-flat truck bed. Unlike most trucks, the Ridgeline has wheel wells that don't take up a huge part of usable space in your truck bed. Throw a camper shell on top, and you've got a wide, flat surface to sleep on. (There's even an available Truck Bed Audio System and an an outlet back there for a TV, cooktop, or other gear.) And when you're not camping, you'll appreciate the extra hauling room.

Another cool feature for campers—the available In-Bed Trunk®. It's a whole extra chest beneath all that usable bed space. It can fit an 82-quart ice chest or hold your wet/muddy gear (it features a drain plug for easy cleanup). Honda has found a way to utilize every square inch of their truck with this brilliant "truck trunk," because why not?

As far as off-roading, which is of course a big reason campers go with trucks, the Ridgeline comes standard with AWD. The Intelligent Traction Management system help drivers handle snow, sand, and mud.

Ford F-150 Raptor

Class: Pickup Truck

MPG: 25/26

Drivetrain: Standard 4WD

This one's for the Ford guys: enter the F-150 Raptor trim. The Raptor is the F-150 model you want if you plan on some serious off-road camping/overlanding. The 7-mode Terrain Management System helps you take on everything from sand to rocks to mud. If it's in the budget, also check out the Raptor 37 Performance Package, which includes 37" BSW all-terrain tires and 17" Bead-Lock Capable Wheels. The Power Tech Package is also great for camping, with the included Pro Power Onboard that turns your truck's engine into a 2.0kW mobile generator.

Newer Raptors also come with Software Updates, which means you have the option to download upgrades down the road, like trail maps and Trail Turn Assist. If you plan on keeping your truck for a while, it's worth looking into a model with the Software Update capability to make sure you always get the latest and greatest.

MINI Cooper

Class: Subcompact Car

MPG: 29/38

Drivetrain: Available AWD

MINI Coopers are known for being zippy, iconic-looking, sporty cars that are fun to drive. But they're also a popular choice for car camping. (If you've never seen someone unpack a MINI, you'd probably be surprised how much can actually fit in there.)

Let's start with BMW's Hardtop MINI Cooper, available in 2-door and 4-door models. With the backseats folded down, you've got 34 cubic ft. of cargo space back there for the 2-door model and 40.7 cubic ft for the 4-door model. More than one camper (and even camping couple) have turned the back of their MINIs into a bed and slept there soundly. You can even get a small mattress back there.

If you love the "go-kart" ride and iconic look provided by MINI but want something with a little more space, you can also check out the Clubman and Countryman models, which are both bigger than the traditional Cooper. (The Countryman is considered a MINI compact SUV.) Both these vehicles come with ALL4 AWD, and both offer factory roof rail options that are great for adding a roof tent. The 2021 Countryman has up to 47.6 cubic ft of cargo space, while the Clubman has 47.9 cubic ft, so there's not much of a difference there.

I wouldn't recommend taking any of these guys off road given their low ground clearance (the maximum ground clearance in MINI Cooper is 6.5", and you'll usually want at least 8" for off-roading). But if you're sticking to tamer roads or urban camping, the MINI is excellent. Given the compact size of these vehicles, I'd recommend either getting a factory roof rail or purchasing an aftermarket roof rack so you can add a tent. As of 2021, MINI has even released OEM carrying systems and camping tents for its electric Cooper SE and Cooper SE Countryman models to create the "world's greenest camping fleet." That's how popular these compact, eco-friendly cars are becoming for camping.

Honda Fit

Class: Subcompact Car

MPG: 33/40

Drivetrain: FWD

If you don't need a ton of extra space, the Honda Fit might be a fit for you. It's got room for the essentials, gets great gas mileage, and is ideal for urban stealth camping due to its ability to navigate narrow city streets. Medium-to-tall folks will likely have to lie diagonally to stretch out, but it can be done.

It's worth noting that the Honda Fit was discontinued after 2020, so your only options here will be pre-pandemic cars. But the good news is Honda packed their newer models with plenty of available tech, including lane-departure warning, a 7" touchscreen, and USB chargers. You won't be taking this FWD vehicle off-roading, but that's not why you're buying this subcompact car anyway.

The Fit features up to 52.7 cubic ft of cargo space, which is enough room to fit a small mattress back there and get cozy.

Honda Element

Class: Compact SUV

MPG: 25/26

Drivetrain: Standard 4WD

You may have heard this classic, boxy car referred to as "the toaster" because...well, the resemblance is hard to miss. Even if the Element isn't the prettiest of them all, it's dang functional. (We have reports from one of our writers here at etrailer that he once carried a full-sized washer and dryer in his Element. Take that, trucks.)

What makes the Element such an ideal vehicle? The biparting front and rear doors make it easy to shove in larger gear like a mattress or large chuck box (as a dog mom, the first thing I notice is how easy it is to herd the fur-babies inside, so that's a plus if you plan on taking your dog camping). You can count on up to 74.6 cubic ft of cargo space if you take the back seats out. The seats also fold flat for sleeping. Add in available 4WD and some stain-resistant upholstery, and you've got yourself a recipe for a great camping vehicle.

The last Toasters were manufactured for the 2011 model year, so you'll have to search for a used Element if this camping car captures your fancy.

Chrysler Pacifica

Class: Minivan

MPG: 19/28

Drivetrain: Available AWD

Minivans aren't just for soccer moms/dads anymore. They're also great for car camping (especially with kiddos!) because they're just so dang spacious.

Newer Pacificas are packed to the rim with safety features like (ahem, standard) Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency. A tip for campers with little ones in particular: you may want to check out the 2016-2019 model years, which all earned Safety Pick awards.

The Pacifica is a rare minivan with Stow 'n Go seating, so you can fold those second and third rows down into the floor. And another cool feature for both camping and kids— the Stow ‘n Vac® built-in vacuum, available for 2017-2021 models. Anyone who's been camping knows it's all too easy to track in dirt and grass, and with this built-in vacuum, you can give your bed a quick cleaning whenever there's a little too much ick.

This baby probably isn't the first choice to take off the pavement (only 2021 models and later even offer AWD), but it is a great choice for families or couples who want a bit more space than compact vehicles allow.

Toyota Sienna

Class: Minivan

MPG: 36/36

Drivetrain: Available AWD

Now's your chance to camp in the vehicle popularly known as the "Swagger Wagon." (Okay, yes, it's a minivan, but it's a sharp-looking one with car-like fuel efficiency.)

Siennas from the 2018 model year onward all come equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense™, which includes features like Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and more. The Sienna earned a Safety Pick award from 2010 through 2015, then again in 2020 and 2021.

The Sienna offers a "Split & Stow 3rd Row®," so the third row folds flat for storage, and the second-row seats can be removed. (I have to give the Pacifica props for its folding second and third row here).

The Sienna was also the original AWD minivan in the US, so if you're looking for a used van and want AWD, you want a Sienna. I wouldn't recommend taking your minivan rock crawling, but it can handle some light snow and tame off-roading now and then. 2016 - 2020 models also have an onboard vacuum for dirt, crumbs, and other camping- (or kid-) related messes. (The 2021 model was slated to receive a vacuum and fridge, but due to supplier issue, this didn't happen.)

Honda Odyssey

Class: Minivan

MPG: 19/28

Drivetrain: Available AWD

If you're looking for a safe family minivan to camp in, I have to give the edge to the Honda Odyssey. It's been either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ every year since 2008 (with one exception in 2010). Keep an eye out for Honda Sensing®, a bundle of safety tech that includes a Road Departure Mitigation System, Collision Mitigation System, and more.

Some models even let you turn your Odyssey into a Wi-fi Hotspot with a plan from AT&T, which is a huge deal if you plan on working while camping. If you'll be tackling some light off-roading or even just driving through slushy streets in the winter, I'd recommend springing for the available AWD.

Honda was also the first to introduce a built-in vacuum (called the HondaVAC®) to their minivan way back in 2013. Like its rivals, however, Honda ran into a supplier issue and won't be including the vac for the 2022 model year.

About Amber S.

As a content writer for etrailer, I might spend my morning loading and unloading a bike on five different bike racks to figure out which is easiest to use. I might be in the parking lot, taking pictures of an impressive RV battery setup our techs came across in the shop and discussing the benefits of the setup with the owner. I might spend an afternoon in a manufacturer training class for some hands-on experience with new products, and then sit down to assemble all this information into a coherent article.

At etrailer, one of our core values is that we are always learning, and I learn something new every day. I start each morning with the goal in mind of taking all of this information and figuring out the best way to answer the questions people ask us (and the ones they don’t know to ask yet), and helping people get the solutions they need to make their lives easier, safer, and more fun. I’m a DIYer at heart, so it brings me great joy to help a fellow DIYer find what they’re looking for, whether that’s a product, an answer, or a community.

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