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20 Best Cars For A Camping Trip


20 Best Cars For A Camping Trip


Are You Ready For Adventure?

Let's face it: a great camping trip always starts with the right vehicle. A great camping car combines superior off-road capability with all the comforts and features you'll need to get the most out of your experience. These are the types of cars that will get you to where you need to go while enjoying every minute of it! So, let's explore the 20 best cars that will ensure your next camping trip is full of adventure and unforgettable memories. 

Ali KazalAli Kazal on Pexels

1. Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is like a time machine on wheels; instead of taking you to the past, it's leading the charge into an all-electric, eco-friendly future. This reimagined classic microbus brings vintage vibes with a modern twist, offering a spacious interior perfect for turning into a cozy camper setup. 

File:Volkswagen press conference, IAA 2017, Frankfurt (1Y7A2075).jpgMatti Blume on Wikimedia

2. Toyota Tacoma

Need a vehicle that can handle anything? The Toyota Tacoma is a top choice for campers who need off-road capability and practical utility. With its powerful engine, durable suspension, and high ground clearance, it efficiently handles rough trails. The spacious truck bed also offers endless customization options. 

File:Toyota Tacoma (N300) TRD IMG 6050.jpgAlexander Migl on Wikimedia

3. Volkswagen California Camper

Picture this: a scenic mountain backdrop and a cozy bed steps away. The Volkswagen California Camper turns camping into a seamless escape. A pop-up roof creates extra space, a built-in kitchenette keeps meals simple, and a foldable bed ensures restful nights under the stars. 

File:Volkswagen Camper at Blackhawk Automobile Museum.jpgJay Cross from Berkeley, California, US on Wikimedia

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4. Land Rover Defender 110

Rugged and refined, the Land Rover Defender 110 blends off-road muscle with luxury. It features an electronic air suspension and an advanced terrain response system that adjusts to any environment. With its versatile interior, you can easily store all the equipment needed for long expeditions and remote adventures.

File:Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon 2016 - front.jpgDeFacto on Wikimedia

5. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4

Versatility meets adventure in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4, a favorite for camper van conversions. Because of its high ground clearance and ample cargo space, it supports full-fledged mobile homes-on-wheels. Whether crossing deserts or navigating forests, this vehicle ensures comfort and capability in every setting.

File:Mercedes Benz Sprinter 315 CDi 4x4 2014 (14061251847).jpgorder_242 from Chile on Wikimedia

6. Subaru Outback

Few crossovers match the Subaru Outback's all-terrain handling and cargo capacity blend. Standard all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and X-Mode traction control keep it steady on dirt roads. Its spacious cabin and roof rail system provide room for sleeping bags and rooftop tents.

File:SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK,SUBARU OUTBACK (BS) China (2).jpgDinkun Chen on Wikimedia

7. Ford Transit Custom Nugget

If you prefer a pre-converted van setup, the Ford Transit Custom Nugget delivers a ready-made camping experience. Designed with Westfalia, it maximizes interior space with a pop-up roof, kitchenette, and foldable seating area. Everything is built-in, so all you need to do is hit the road and start exploring.

File:Ford Tourneo Custom Nugget (2023) IAA 2023 1X7A0569.jpgAlexander-93 on Wikimedia

8. Ram ProMaster

Few vans make camper conversions as effortless as the Ram ProMaster. A high-roof design allows for full standing room, making life on the road less cramped. Its front-wheel-drive layout improves fuel efficiency and maneuverability, while the spacious cargo bay easily accommodates kitchenettes and storage. 

File:Fiat Ducato RAM ProMaster HTS Systems Hand Truck Sentry System.jpgMobiusDaXter on Wikimedia

9. Toyota Land Cruiser

Rocky trails or endless highways—nothing fazes this beast. It's designed for serious off-grid adventures with a 4WD system built for extreme terrain, a high towing capacity exceeding 8,000 pounds, and an interior that balances ruggedness with luxury. When the journey gets rough, the Toyota Land Cruiser just gets started.

File:Reflection on the Salar de Uyuni, bolivia.jpgChristopher Crouzet on Wikimedia

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10. Honda Element With ECamper Conversion

The Honda Element proves that big adventures don't always need a big vehicle. This car has an ECamper conversion that turns it into a micro camper with a pop-up sleeping area. Its boxy design maximizes cargo space, and the all-wheel drive handles light off-road trails easily. 

Honda%20Element%20With%20ECamper%20Conversion.jpgMechanic Builds The Ultimate Honda Element E-Camper by Stephen Aldaco

11. Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

Space meets power in the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, two full-size SUVs built for long-haul camping and outdoor adventure. Thanks to its seating for up to nine and a towing capacity exceeding 8,000 pounds, these SUVs can handle everything from camper trailers to kayaks and bikes. 

File:Chevrolet Tahoe 2.jpgCalreyn88 on Wikimedia

12. Nissan NV3500 HD

Have you ever dreamed of turning a cargo van into the ultimate camper? Although only available in used car markets, this van's cavernous interior and powerhouse V8 engine allow it to handle heavy loads and full camper conversions with ease. So, if you seek a custom adventure rig, nothing beats the Nissan NV3500 HD.

File:2016 Nissan NV3500 HD SL Passenger in Brilliant Silver, Front Right, 2024-03-12.jpgElise240SX on Wikimedia

13. Kia Carnival

Who says minivans are just for soccer practice? The Kia Carnival changes into a road-trip warrior with its luxurious reclining rear seats and flexible cargo configurations—perfect for stargazing or catching some Z's in the great outdoors. Its spacious interior allows you to throw in a mattress and store camping gear easily.

File:KIA CARNIVAL (KA4) China (3).jpgDinkun Chen on Wikimedia

14. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Adventure-ready and built for the wild, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited excels in off-road terrain with best-in-class ground clearance and 4WD technology. Its removable doors and roof create an open-air experience, while the interior offers ample space to store your essentials for the journey ahead.

File:Jeep Wrangler Unlimited front 20081213.jpgRudolf Stricker on Wikimedia

15. Fiat Panda 4x4

This little dynamo is like a mountain goat on wheels. Thanks to its lightweight build and all-wheel-drive capability, it effortlessly tackles muddy trails and snowy slopes. Its size makes it perfect for squeezing into tight camping spots where bigger SUVs wouldn't dare venture. 

File:Fiat panda 4x4.jpgGravitatas on Wikimedia

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16. Dacia Duster

Whether tackling gravel roads or cruising the coast, the Duster quickly handles it. Its spacious boot is perfect for stashing camping gear, and if you fold down the seats, you've got a makeshift camper bed. Simple and adventure-ready, this is the ultimate budget-friendly ride. 

File:Dacia Duster III GIMS 2024 1X7A2358.jpgAlexander-93 on Wikimedia

17. Suzuki Jimny

Small but mighty, the Suzuki Jimny is a dream for campers who crave off-road adventures. Its small size and lightweight frame make it agile on rugged terrain, tackling trails where larger vehicles struggle. Despite its modest dimensions, the Jimny's boxy design maximizes interior space with foldable rear seats. 

File:Suzuki Jimny (4th generation) 1X7A6314.jpgAlexander Migl on Wikimedia

18. Renault Kangoo

The Renault Kangoo is a hidden gem for camping enthusiasts that is compact yet impressively versatile. Its spacious interior, foldable rear seats, and high roofline create a surprisingly roomy sleeping space, perfect for overnight adventures. Designed for practicality, it offers ample storage, sliding side doors for easy access, and efficient fuel economy.

File:Renault Kangoo III 1X7A6972.jpgAlexander-93 on Wikimedia

19. Jeep Cherokee XJ

Lightweight yet incredibly durable, this classic SUV features a solid front axle and a dependable 4WD system, allowing it to conquer remote trails and rugged campsites easily. Its boxy design isn't just for nostalgia—it maximizes cargo space, making room for camping gear and rooftop tents.

File:Jeep Cherokee XJ Wien 29 July 2020 JM (2).jpgJohannes Maximilian on Wikimedia

20. Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon

Few SUVs can match the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon when it comes to tackling long-distance expeditions. Combining rugged off-road capability with premium comfort, this powerhouse is built for adventure, whether navigating rocky trails or camping anywhere. 

File:2003-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser -- 04-11-2012.JPGIFCAR on Wikimedia




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