Best Car Camping Vehicle: Top Choices for Comfortable and Convenient Camping
Car camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. With the right vehicle, you can travel to remote locations and still have access to all the amenities you need. Choosing the best car camping vehicle can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider. However, with the right information, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
When it comes to car camping vehicles, there are several options to choose from. Some people prefer to use a traditional tent and camping gear, while others prefer the convenience of a camper van or RV. However, for those who want the best of both worlds, a car camping vehicle is the perfect solution. These vehicles are designed to be comfortable and spacious, while still being easy to drive and park.
The critical thing to consider when choosing a car camping vehicle is the size and layout. You want to make sure that you have enough space to sleep, cook, and relax comfortably. Additionally, you want to make sure that the vehicle is easy to drive and maneuver, especially if you plan on traveling on rough terrain or narrow roads.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various car camping vehicles to identify the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we will discuss the top options for car camping vehicles and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned car camper or just getting started, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure.
Best Car Camping Vehicles
When it comes to car camping, having a reliable and spacious vehicle can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, having a car that can comfortably accommodate you and your gear is essential. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best car camping vehicles on the market, taking into account factors such as size, features, and overall value. So, if you’re in the market for a car that can take you on your next adventure, read on for our top picks.
HASIKA Versatility Camping Tent
If you’re looking for a versatile camping tent for your car or truck, the HASIKA Versatility Camping Tent is a great option.
Pros
- The large sun shade offers ample space for cooking, standing up, and covering tables and chairs.
- Made from rip-stop 210T polyester fabric, this tent is durable and stable in windy conditions.
- The tent is compatible with almost any vehicle and is equipped with adjustable poles, making it even more flexible and versatile.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the suction cups and poles.
- Assembly can be difficult and time-consuming.
- The tent may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions.
We recently used the HASIKA Versatility Camping Tent on a camping trip and were impressed with its versatility. The large sun shade provided ample space for cooking, standing up, and covering tables and chairs. The rip-stop 210T polyester fabric was durable and maintained its quality even in windy conditions.
However, we did experience some issues with the suction cups and poles, which made assembly more difficult than we anticipated. Additionally, the tent may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions, so it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your camping trip.
Overall, we would recommend the HASIKA Versatility Camping Tent for anyone looking for a versatile camping tent for their car or truck. It’s a great option for camping trips, road trips, sports events, and festivals.
PiSFAU 150W Car Power Inverter
If you’re looking for a reliable car power inverter, the PiSFAU 150W Car Power Inverter is a great option.
Pros
- This inverter provides continuous DC to AC converter, equipped with an AC power socket and 2 USB charging ports, to achieve multi-purpose charging.
- It charges multiple devices at the same time at the fastest speed, making it very suitable for your laptop, milk pump, CPAP machine, sprays, game console, lighting, TV, DVD player, desk lamp, iPad, and other electronic devices.
- The small and exquisite appearance design, strong and durable metal shell, prevent falling and collision, size less than palm (3.2×2.5×1.5 inches), making it very suitable for friends and family to travel, camping, outdoor work when carrying out.
Cons
- This product is not powerful enough to make the speaker play full volume.
- It gets a bit warmer than expected when in use.
- The product itself is perfect, nonetheless, after using it for a while, it may drop your battery health and burn your fuse.
The PiSFAU 150W Car Power Inverter is a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable car power inverter. It provides continuous DC to AC converter, equipped with an AC power socket and 2 USB charging ports, to achieve multi-purpose charging. It charges multiple devices at the same time at the fastest speed, making it very suitable for your laptop, milk pump, CPAP machine, sprays, game console, lighting, TV, DVD player, desk lamp, iPad, and other electronic devices. The small and exquisite appearance design, strong and durable metal shell, prevent falling and collision, size less than palm (3.2×2.5×1.5 inches), making it very suitable for friends and family to travel, camping, outdoor work when carrying out.
However, this product is not powerful enough to make the speaker play full volume. It gets a bit warmer than expected when in use. The product itself is perfect, nonetheless, after using it for a while, it may drop your battery health and burn your fuse. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable car power inverter, the PiSFAU 150W Car Power Inverter is a great option.
KAMPKEEPER SUV Car Tent
This car tent is a great option for those who want to camp comfortably in their vehicle.
Pros
- Large Shade Awning: The tent provides a shade area of over 110 square feet, which is large enough to cover a table, chairs, and camping equipment to shield from the sun, rain, and wind.
- Easy Setup: The tent can be installed easily with just one pole, making it simple enough for beginners to install in just 10 minutes.
- High-Quality Design: The tent is waterproof and has a silver coating to protect from UV rays.
Cons
- Assembly Required: Assembling the tent requires some effort and may take some time.
- Limited Privacy: While the tent has mesh windows for ventilation, it may not offer complete privacy.
- Heavy: The tent weighs 18.5 pounds, which may be heavy for some users.
We recently tried the KAMPKEEPER SUV Car Tent and were impressed with its large shade awning, making it perfect for outdoor camping, driving trips, sports events, and festivals. The tent is suitable for sedans, SUVs, microbuses, and most cars, making it a versatile option for various types of vehicles.
The tent is easy to set up with just one pole, and even beginners can install it in just 10 minutes. The tent’s seam sealing treatment and 150D PU800mm water-repellent treatment make it waterproof, and the silver coating applied inside effectively protects from UV rays.
One downside is that assembly is required, and it may take some effort and time to set up. Additionally, while the tent has mesh windows for ventilation, it may not offer complete privacy. Finally, the tent’s weight of 18.5 pounds may be heavy for some users.
Overall, the KAMPKEEPER SUV Car Tent is a great option for those who want to camp comfortably in their vehicle, but it may not be the best option for those who require complete privacy or are looking for a lightweight option.
BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator 12V Car Fridge 23 Quart Portable Freezer Compressor Cooler 12/24V DC 110240 Volt AC for Truck Van RV Camper SUV Travel Camping Road Trips Tailgating -7℉50℉ Grey 23 Quart
If you’re looking for a portable refrigerator that can keep your food and drinks fresh during long camping trips, the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The fast cooling technology of the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator can cool down your food and drinks in just 20 minutes, saving you time and hassle.
- The low power consumption of this portable refrigerator means you can run it on your vehicle’s battery without worrying about draining it too quickly.
- The low noise design of the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator makes it a great option for those who want to get a good night’s sleep while camping.
Cons
- The BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator is relatively heavy, weighing in at over 22 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The manual defrost system of this portable refrigerator can be a hassle to deal with, especially if you’re using it for an extended period of time.
- The BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator is not Energy Star certified, which means it may not be as energy efficient as other portable refrigerators on the market.
Overall, we think the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator is a good choice for those who want a reliable and efficient portable refrigerator for their camping trips. Its fast cooling technology, low power consumption, and low noise design make it a great option for anyone who wants to keep their food and drinks fresh while on the road.
ISWEES Car Air Mattress
If you’re looking for a versatile car camping mattress that can accommodate up to three adults, the ISWEES Car Air Mattress might be worth considering.
Pros
- The layered wave design of the mattress makes it comfortable and elastic, allowing your family and friends to have a good rest while camping.
- This car air mattress is made of cold-resistant PVC material that is resistant to 23 ° F to 122 ° F, making it durable and wear-resistant, and not easy to break or leak.
- The ISWEES Car Air Mattress comes equipped with a multifunctional storage pier that can be used to store shoes, books, drinks, or food.
Cons
- The mattress may not be thick enough for some individuals, causing them to feel uncomfortable while sleeping.
- Some users have reported that the separately inflatable edge sections make them feel like they are on two separate mattresses.
- The two storage compartments, when inflated, are not very useful for storage.
Overall, the ISWEES Car Air Mattress is a good option for those looking for a comfortable and durable car camping mattress. The mattress can be quickly inflated or deflated within 4-6 minutes using the 2-in-1 electric air pump that comes with the product, making it versatile and easy to use. It is also compatible with most vehicles, including cars, sedans, SUVs, RVs, and trucks.
Slan Arrow Car Awning Camping Car Tail Tent
If you’re looking for a versatile car camping tent that can protect you from the elements, the Slan Arrow Car Awning Camping Car Tail Tent is worth considering.
Pros
- The tent is multi-functional and can be used for various outdoor activities.
- It is made from durable, puncture-resistant material that can withstand strong wind and sunshine.
- The waterproof coating and UV50 sunscreen provide ample protection from the elements.
Cons
- The suction cups and stakes may not be strong enough to hold up the tent in windy conditions.
- The tarp may be too thin for heavy-duty use.
- The poles may be prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
We recently took the Slan Arrow Car Awning Camping Car Tail Tent on a camping trip and were impressed with its versatility. We used it as a sun canopy during the day and as a rainfly at night. The tent is easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware. However, we did notice that the suction cups and stakes were not strong enough to hold up the tent in windy conditions.
The tarp is made from durable, puncture-resistant material that can withstand strong wind and sunshine. The waterproof coating and UV50 sunscreen provide ample protection from the elements. However, we did find the tarp to be a bit thin for heavy-duty use.
The poles are made from lightweight aluminum and are easy to assemble. However, they may be prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
Overall, we would recommend the Slan Arrow Car Awning Camping Car Tail Tent to anyone looking for a versatile car camping tent that can protect them from the elements. However, it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use or windy conditions.
XGGJWW SUV Tent Car Tents for Camping
Looking for a reliable and spacious car camping tent? Look no further than the XGGJWW SUV Tent Car Tents for Camping.
Pros
- The tent is made with high-quality 190T polyester plaid and PU 1000mm coating, making it thick, durable, and heavy-duty.
- With 52 square feet of space, this tent can accommodate up to 4-6 people, making it perfect for camping, picnics, and fishing.
- The tent is easy to install and can be set up in minutes using the provided straps.
Cons
- The tent does not come with poles, so you will need to find a nearby tree or other sturdy object to secure it to.
- The tent may not fit all types of vehicles, so be sure to measure your car before purchasing.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the instructions and setup process.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the XGGJWW SUV Tent Car Tents for Camping on a weekend camping trip, and we were impressed with its overall performance. The tent is made with high-quality materials that held up well in unexpected rain showers, keeping us dry throughout the night. We were also pleased with the tent’s spacious interior, which comfortably fit our group of four.
Setting up the tent was a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly design and simple installation process. We were able to have the tent up and secured in just a few minutes, which left us more time to enjoy the great outdoors.
One thing to note is that the tent does not come with poles, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. However, we were able to find a nearby tree to secure the tent to, which worked just fine for our needs.
Overall, we would recommend the XGGJWW SUV Tent Car Tents for Camping to anyone in the market for a reliable and spacious car camping tent. Its quality materials, easy installation, and spacious interior make it a great choice for any outdoor adventure.
Vehicle SUV Rear Tent for Camping Car Tents Car Awning Sun Shelter Black
If you’re looking for a versatile car camping tent that works for both daytime events and overnight camping, the Vehicle SUV Rear Tent for Camping Car Tents Car Awning Sun Shelter Black by VVAXSS is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Universal compatibility with almost all vehicle types
- Three-door openings for better ventilation
- Relatively fast setup time
Cons
- Weak elastic bands in the tent poles
- Poor ventilation when all doors are closed
- Not the best design for camping
We recently used this tent on a weekend camping trip and found that it was easy to set up and provided ample space for two people. The tent poles were durable and the weatherproof tent kept us dry during a light rain shower. We also appreciated the ability to close the doors and zip them up for added privacy and security.
However, we did notice that the elastic bands in the tent poles were a bit weak, which made it difficult to keep the tent taut in windy conditions. Additionally, we found that the design of the tent didn’t provide great ventilation when all doors were closed, which could be an issue during hot summer nights. Finally, while the tent is advertised as a car camping tent, we found that the lack of ventilation and the design of the tent made it less than ideal for extended camping trips.
Overall, the Vehicle SUV Rear Tent for Camping Car Tents Car Awning Sun Shelter Black by VVAXSS is a solid option for those looking for a versatile car camping tent that provides ample space and relatively fast setup time. However, it may not be the best choice for extended camping trips or those looking for a tent with excellent ventilation.
TECUUL Car Window Sunshades
If you’re looking for a car camping accessory that provides privacy and keeps your car cool, then the TECUUL Car Window Sunshades are worth considering.
Pros
- The super elastic fabric makes it compatible with a variety of large car windows, including SUVs, minivans, and trucks.
- The double layer shade provides full coverage while still allowing for fresh air to flow through.
- The sunshade is easy to install and remove without damaging your car’s structure.
Cons
- The product is not suitable for sliding doors.
- The excess height may not be suitable for all car windows.
- The product is not recommended for use while driving.
We recently used the TECUUL Car Window Sunshades on a camping trip and were impressed with how easy they were to install and remove. The super elastic fabric made it easy to fit the shades to our car window, and the double layer shade provided full coverage while still allowing for fresh air to flow through. We also appreciated how the shades kept our car cool and provided privacy.
However, we did notice that the product is not suitable for sliding doors, so this may not be the best option for all car types. Additionally, the excess height of the shade may not be suitable for all car windows, so it’s important to measure your car before purchasing. Finally, we don’t recommend using the sunshade while driving, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Overall, we would recommend the TECUUL Car Window Sunshades for anyone looking for a car camping accessory that provides privacy and keeps your car cool.
Rightline Gear SUV Tent Attachment for Camping
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient way to camp out of your vehicle, the Rightline Gear SUV Tent is a great option.
Pros
- The adjustable vehicle sleeve allows the tent to fit any size SUV, minivan, wagon, or pick-up truck with cap, making it a universal-fit car tent.
- The tent is easy to set up and take down, and it comes equipped with intuitive features like gear pockets, a lantern hanging hook, and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls.
- The tent sleeps up to six people, with four adults comfortably sleeping in the tent and two adults sleeping in the vehicle cargo area.
Cons
- The tent’s quality construction is not as durable as some other camping tents on the market, so it may not last as long with frequent use.
- The tent’s water-resistant PE bathtub floor may not hold up well in heavy rain or wet conditions, so it’s best to use a ground tarp for added protection.
- The tent’s fiberglass pole material may not be as sturdy as other materials, so it may not be able to withstand strong winds or heavy use.
Overall, the Rightline Gear SUV Tent is a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient way to camp out of their vehicle. It’s easy to set up and take down, and it comes equipped with intuitive features that make camping a breeze. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the tent’s quality construction may not be as durable as some other camping tents on the market, and it may not hold up well in heavy rain or wet conditions.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best car camping vehicle, there are several factors to consider. We know that it can be overwhelming to navigate the many options available, so we’ve put together a guide to help you make an informed decision.
Size and Space
One of the most important factors to consider is the size and space of the vehicle. You’ll want to make sure that it can comfortably accommodate you and your gear. Consider the number of people who will be camping with you, as well as the amount of gear you’ll need to bring. Look for vehicles with ample cargo space, foldable seats, and room to stretch out.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is another important consideration, especially if you plan on taking your car camping vehicle on long road trips. Look for vehicles with good gas mileage or hybrid/electric options to save on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Off-Road Capabilities
If you plan on camping in remote or rugged areas, you’ll want a vehicle with off-road capabilities. Look for vehicles with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and sturdy suspension systems.
Amenities and Features
Lastly, consider the amenities and features that will make your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Look for vehicles with built-in kitchens, refrigerators, and power outlets. Consider the ease of setting up a tent or sleeping area, as well as the availability of storage compartments.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best car camping vehicle for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated SUVs for car camping?
When it comes to car camping, SUVs are a popular choice due to their spacious interiors and rugged capabilities. Some of the top-rated SUVs for car camping include the Subaru Ascent, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Wrangler. These vehicles offer ample space for gear and camping equipment, as well as comfortable sleeping arrangements.
Which vehicles offer the most space for sleeping and camping inside?
If you’re looking for a vehicle with plenty of space for sleeping and camping inside, consider a van or RV. Models like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Winnebago Travato offer spacious interiors with comfortable sleeping arrangements, as well as amenities like kitchens and bathrooms.
What are the best used vehicles for frequent camping trips?
If you’re on a budget, a used vehicle can be a great option for frequent camping trips. Look for models like the Honda Element, Toyota Tacoma, and Volkswagen Vanagon, which offer reliable performance and ample space for gear and camping equipment.
Which family cars are recommended for regular camping excursions?
For families who enjoy regular camping excursions, a spacious and reliable vehicle is a must. The Honda Pilot, Subaru Outback, and Toyota Highlander are all popular choices, offering ample space for passengers and gear, as well as comfortable sleeping arrangements.
What are the ideal vehicles for combining fishing and camping activities?
If you’re planning on combining fishing and camping activities, a vehicle with off-road capabilities and plenty of storage space is essential. The Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Ford F-150 are all great options, offering rugged performance and ample space for gear and equipment.
How do I choose a car that is suitable for both road trips and sleeping?
When choosing a car for road trips and sleeping, consider factors like interior space, fuel efficiency, and comfort. Models like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4 offer comfortable interiors with ample space for sleeping and gear, as well as excellent fuel efficiency for long road trips.