The relentless nature of the daily grind has become a lot to shoulder these days. Even with the flexible shift to working remotely, it can feel like life has lost its boundaries. The desire to step into your car and drive until service disappears has grown increasingly urgent and increasingly accessible as camping experiences something of a renaissance. Gone are the days when car camping was defined as stretching across the cramped and lumpy back row of your hatchback. With the introduction of roof top tents, camper conversions, and a sophisticated abundance of accessories, it can be downright luxurious.

8 Considerations For Car Camping Vehicles

1.  Storage Capacity – The more capacity a vehicle has to pack in, the more potential it has to accommodate campers, activities, and extended trips. If you plan to hit the trail for more than a weekend or enjoy recreation that comes along with its own gear (surfing, cycling, skiing, hunting, you name it), you’ll need a vehicle large enough to fit everything. And if you’re forgoing a tent, the best cars to sleep in for camping will have seats that fold flat or stow away to make room for your sleeping pad.

2.  AWD/4WD – All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems are non-negotiable in our book. They offer more control and stability in conditions you’ll commonly encounter while camping. They are not synonymous, but both send power to all four wheels to improve traction in adverse conditions such as heavy rain, slush, muddy trails, or challenging, loose terrain.

3.  Fuel Economy – Don’t underestimate the value of good mileage. It’s nice to think of dispersed camping as free, but hidden costs add up. The expense of gas isn’t strictly hidden, but price fluctuations can throttle a budget when driving long distances. Fuel efficiency will also decrease as soon as you begin adding weight to the car and mounting equipment that creates drag. If you drive remote roadways getting fewer miles per gallon, will your tank run empty before you pass the next gas station? If you choose a hybrid or electric vehicle, will you be able to charge it reliably?

4.  Static and Dynamic Weight – Static weight is how much a vehicle’s roof can support while the car is parked. Dynamic weight is how much the roof can support while in motion. Simple enough, right? If you plan to explore the world of roof tents, static and dynamic weights are critically important. Be sure to account for the combined weight of the roof rack, the RTT, and the passengers who will be sleeping inside once you set up camp. Know your limits and respect them.

5.  Payload – Payload is the weight capacity a vehicle can support, and the ones with higher payload make some of the best car camping cars. This number is usually listed in the owner’s manual or the doorjamb on the driver’s side. It’s sometimes written as a cautionary statement, such as, “combined weight of passengers and cargo should never exceed” a determined weight. That includes anything added into or on top of the vehicle. No matter how much you want your compact car to take you to the mountains, it might not be built to hold the weight of your aspirational camping.

6.  Towing Capacity – Think of the difference between payload and towing capacity as what the car can carry and pull. They’re not the same, but they’re not exclusive from one another, either. This number can also be found in the owner’s manual for larger vehicle classes, but if it’s not, you can calculate it. Subtract the Curb Weight (weight of the vehicle and operating fluids) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (how much it can structurally support while parked) from the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (how much the tow vehicle and trailer can weigh together when loaded) to determine towing capacity. You may not want to tow a trailer or camper behind your car now, but that can change over time. As you shop around, we recommend considering if you can install a trailer hitch on a vehicle and the maximum weight it can safely tow behind it.

7.  Suspension – This system stabilizes the car and keeps things comfortable when traveling over inconsistent terrain. If the idea of rock crawling to reach base camp appeals to you, many overlanders prefer to upgrade their suspension. That may not be necessary, depending on how and where you plan to camp. For a weekender taking mostly paved roads to state or national parks, any vehicle with stock suspension will be just fine. For driving Forest Service roads or trail roads, going deep into public lands, something with a more robust suspension will serve you well – especially when fully loaded. Are upgrades a worthwhile investment? Maybe, but not something to rush into until you have a clear idea of the experience you’re seeking.

8.  Clearance – Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the surface of the road. Even if you don’t see yourself off-roading, camping in shoulder seasons or inclement weather can significantly impact road conditions. On trail access or gravel service roads, you’ll want at least 8.5 inches of ground clearance. This will help prevent damage to the car while navigating obstacles like rocks, creeks, and ruts. 10.5 inches of clearance should be the bare minimum when it comes to more serious off-roading, like rock crawling. These numbers are just a starting point. The terrain you drive will ultimately dictate the practical minimums.

Vehicles that overachieve on these considerations are Trucks, SUVs, Crossovers, and Vans. There are exceptions, and you will find some great wagons and vehicles in other class categories that can meet your needs. The newest models will have all the bells and whistles, but the market for used vehicles is a great place to find affordable car camping prospects.

Car camping awning      

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Reasons to recommend it

Easy to carry.

Ultraviolet-proof Waterproof.

Good durability and reliability.

Standard size, it can be directly installation.

Easy to install, can be installed and stored quickly.

Meets quality standards, 100% tested before shipping.

Car camping sleeping

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Features

Inflatable car mattress with pump, turns the back of your car into a bed.

You can adjust the mattress backseat according to different cargos areas of SUV, hatchback, minivan or truck.

Made of premium flocking and PVC material, soft, breathable and has comfortable hand touch feeling.

Wide application, suitable for home, outdoor camping, self‑driving tours, etc.

Guarantees a good environment for you to sleep in your car, and comes with a storage bag, it is easy to store.