Best Car Camping Vehicle for Your Next Adventure

Car camping is a popular way to travel and explore the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the experience, having the right car camping vehicle can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best car camping vehicles on the market today.

When it comes to car camping vehicles, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost is space. You’ll want a vehicle that has enough room to comfortably sleep and store your gear. Other factors to consider include fuel efficiency, off-road capabilities, and overall comfort.

After extensive research and testing, we’ve identified the top car camping vehicles that meet these criteria. We’ve taken into account everything from cargo space to ease of setup to bring you the best options for your next adventure.

So, whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a cross-country road trip, we’ve got you covered. Our top picks will give you the space, comfort, and convenience you need to make the most of your car camping experience.

Best Car Camping Vehicles

As avid campers, we know that choosing the right vehicle for your camping trip is just as important as packing the right gear. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or traveling with family and friends, having a reliable and comfortable car that can handle rough terrain and provide a cozy sleeping space is essential. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best car camping vehicles on the market, based on their features, versatility, and overall value. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best car camping vehicles.

Portal Car Camping Tent

If you’re looking for a car camping tent that’s easy to set up and offers ample space, the Portal Car Camping Tent is worth considering.

Pros

• The tent is spacious and comfortable, with enough room for up to 5 occupants. The center height of 221cm allows you to stand tall inside without feeling cramped. The extendable porch provides extra relaxation space along with sun protection.
• The weatherproof construction of the tent ensures that you stay dry during light rain. The high-quality polyester fabric with a PU 2000mm water-resistant coating, sturdy poles, and unique structure ensure stability in windy conditions.
• The tent is designed for easy solo setup, allowing you to pitch it effortlessly. It’s compatible with a variety of vehicles including SUVs, MPVs, vans, pickup trucks (with bed cover), and crossovers.

Cons

• The tent is heavy and difficult to set up alone. Although the description states that it can be set up by a solo camper, it’s recommended to have two people set it up.
• The tent is not completely water-resistant, and you may need to add additional waterproofing measures if you plan to camp in heavy rain.
• The tent is relatively new to the market and doesn’t have many reviews yet, so it’s hard to know how it will hold up over time.

Overall, we think the Portal Car Camping Tent is a great option for those looking for a spacious and easy-to-set-up tent for car camping. The extendable porch is a nice touch, and the weatherproof construction ensures that you stay dry in light rain. However, it’s important to note that it’s relatively heavy and may require two people to set up.

KAMPKEEPER SUV Car Tent

If you’re looking for a car camping tent that’s easy to set up and provides ample shade, the KAMPKEEPER SUV Car Tent is a great option.

Pros

• The large shade awning provides over 110 square feet of coverage to protect from the sun, rain, and wind.
• The tent is easy to set up with only one pole required, making it a great option for beginners.
• The humanized design includes a zipper closure for privacy and mesh windows for ventilation.

Cons

• Some reviewers have reported difficulty with assembly and confusing instructions.
• The absence of a bottom may make it less suitable for use in areas with high winds or heavy rain.
• The tent may be too large for smaller vehicles.

We recently used the KAMPKEEPER SUV Car Tent on a camping trip and were impressed with the large shade awning that provided ample coverage for our campsite. The one-pole setup was easy and straightforward, even for those without much camping experience. The zipper closure provided privacy when needed, and the mesh windows allowed for comfortable ventilation.

While the tent is designed for use with larger vehicles, we did notice that it may be too large for smaller sedans or compact cars. Additionally, some reviewers have reported difficulty with assembly and confusing instructions, so it may be helpful to watch online tutorials or seek assistance from someone with experience setting up car tents.

Overall, the KAMPKEEPER SUV Car Tent is a great option for those looking for an easy-to-set-up car camping tent with ample shade coverage.

Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent

If you’re looking for a vehicle-mounted tent that’s easy to set up and provides ample space for up to four people, the Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent is a great option.

Pros

• The tent is easy to set up with its user-friendly attachment system, which can be quickly and easily secured to your hatchback, SUV, or minivan.
• The tent is spacious, with an interior size of 6’5″x6’4″ that can accommodate up to four people, making it an ideal choice for families and groups.
• The tent is made from high-quality materials, and is designed to withstand the elements and keep you and your belongings dry and protected from the elements.

Cons

• The tent is relatively heavy at 6 pounds, which may make it difficult to carry for some users.
• The tent may not be compatible with all vehicle models, so be sure to check the specifications before purchasing.
• Some users may find the tent to be too expensive compared to other similar products on the market.

Setting up the Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent is a breeze, and can be done in just a few minutes. The tent’s user-friendly attachment system allows you to quickly and easily secure it to your hatchback, SUV, or minivan, so you can spend less time setting up and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

Inside the tent, you’ll find plenty of space for up to four people, making it an ideal choice for families and groups. The tent’s interior measures 6’5″x6’4″, providing ample space for sleeping, storing gear, and relaxing.

The tent is made from high-quality materials, and is designed to withstand the elements and keep you and your belongings dry and protected from the elements. It features genuine YKK zippers, optional poles to expand the tent, even more durable materials, and options for an even closer fit with your vehicle.

Overall, the Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent is a great choice for anyone looking for a vehicle-mounted tent that’s easy to set up, spacious, and durable. While it may be a bit heavy for some users, and may not be compatible with all vehicle models, it’s still a great investment for anyone who loves camping and spending time outdoors.

TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen

If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile car camping tent, the TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen is a great option.

Pros

• The tent can be connected seamlessly to your SUV trunk, giving you extra sleeping and storage space. This feature is especially useful when it’s raining outside, as you can access your car without getting wet.
• With a spacious 10′ x 8′ tent that’s over 7.1′ high, you can comfortably stand and move around inside the tent. The tent can sleep up to 5 people, making it a great option for families or groups of friends.
• The tent comes with an extra movie screen, which is a fun and unique feature for car camping. You can enjoy a movie night with your family or friends while staying protected from the elements.

Cons

• The tent can be challenging to set up, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. The instructions are not very clear, and it may take some trial and error to figure out which poles go where.
• The tent is not very wind-resistant, and it may sway or even collapse in strong winds. It’s best to use the tent in mild weather conditions.
• The tent is quite heavy and bulky, which makes it challenging to transport and store. You’ll need a large vehicle to carry it around, and it may take up a lot of space in your garage or storage room.

We recently used the TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen on a family camping trip, and we were impressed with its features and performance. The tent is made of wear-proof polyester taffeta cloth with a PU2000 waterproof coating, which kept us dry and protected from the rain. The top mesh skylight and two mesh windows provided excellent ventilation, and we could easily look at the stars at night.

Setting up the tent was a bit challenging, but once we figured out the right poles and connectors, it was relatively straightforward. The tent’s large door made it easy to access our car, and we appreciated the extra space for storing our gear and supplies. The movie screen was a hit with our kids, and we enjoyed watching a movie under the stars.

Overall, we would recommend the TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen for car camping enthusiasts who are looking for a spacious and versatile tent that can be connected to their SUV. Just make sure to use it in mild weather conditions and be prepared for some setup challenges.

VVAXSS Vehicle SUV Rear Tent

If you’re looking for a versatile car camping tent that can fit almost any vehicle type, the VVAXSS Vehicle SUV Rear Tent is a solid option.

Pros

• Universal compatibility with almost all vehicle types
• Relatively fast setup time
• Three-door openings for better ventilation

Cons

• The design isn’t the best regarding the rods separating the main rods on the sides and top
• The elastic band in the rods are weak
• There is no ventilation unless one of the doors is open

We found the tent to be easy to set up and tear down, and the side opening can seal shut when not connected to your vehicle. The tent is durable, with weatherproof tent poles and a relatively fast setup time. The three-door openings provide better ventilation, and the doors can be closable by zipping them up.

However, the design of the tent isn’t great for camping, as there is no ventilation unless one of the doors is open. The rods separating the main rods on the sides and top are not the best design, and the elastic band in the rods is weak.

Overall, the VVAXSS Vehicle SUV Rear Tent is a good option if you’re looking for a tent that can fit almost any vehicle type and works for both daytime events and overnight camping. However, if you’re looking for a tent with better ventilation, you may want to consider other options.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best car camping vehicle, there are several features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of factors to help you make an informed decision.

Size and Space

The size of your car camping vehicle will depend on how many people will be using it and how much gear you plan to bring. Consider the number of seats, sleeping space, and storage areas available. A larger vehicle may provide more comfort and convenience, but it may also be more difficult to maneuver and park.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration, especially if you plan on traveling long distances. Look for a car camping vehicle with good gas mileage to save money on fuel costs. Hybrid or electric vehicles may be a good option for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.

Comfort and Amenities

Comfort is key when it comes to car camping. Look for a vehicle with comfortable seats, climate control, and entertainment options. Some car camping vehicles may come equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, and other amenities to make your trip more enjoyable.

Off-Road Capability

If you plan on camping in remote areas, a car camping vehicle with off-road capability may be necessary. Look for a vehicle with four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and durable tires to handle rough terrain.

Price and Budget

Car camping vehicles can range in price from affordable to expensive. Determine your budget before making a purchase and consider the long-term costs of ownership, such as maintenance and fuel expenses.

By considering these factors, you can find the best car camping vehicle to fit your needs and budget.