The Best Cars for Camping: What to look for and rent

posted on July 5, 2026

Thinking about setting up camp in Yosemite National Park or along the rugged coast of Big Sur? When it comes to the best car for camping, not all vehicles are created equal.

From hauling camping gear and navigating mountain roads to creating a comfortable place to sleep for the night, the best vehicle for car camping depends on your destination, group size, and travel style. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer outdoor adventure, Turo makes it easy to find a vehicle that suits your trip.

In this guide, we’ll be covering:

Toyota Sienna rental in United States on Turo — Toyota Sienna’s hybrid efficiency, roomy cabin and flexible seating keep family camping trips comfortable from Yosemite National Park to Big Sur, book yours on Turo and camp smarter.

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What to look for in a camping vehicle

When comparing cars, campers should get clear on what features matter most. The best camping vehicle for your trip will depend on how, where, and when you like to camp.

Cargo space: This is the single most important factor for most campers. Make sure the vehicle offers enough room for tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, coolers, and clothing. Look for flat cargo floors with rear folding seats for maximum usable space.
All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive: If your trip includes driving through areas where rain, snow, or changing weather are possible, an AWD or 4WD vehicle may be worth considering. For many camping destinations, however, two-wheel drive is all that’s needed.
Fuel efficiency: Camping trips often involve long drives and extended road trips. Fuel economy can make a difference on longer road trips, helping reduce fuel stops along the way.
Towing capacity: If you’re pulling a trailer, pop-up camper, or small boat, towing capacity matters. Most compact SUVs can tow 1,500–3,500 lbs, while mid-size trucks and larger SUVs handle significantly more. Note: Turo’s policy prohibits towing or pushing anything, even if the vehicle is equipped with a hitch.
Roof rack or roof rail compatibility: A roof rack dramatically expands carrying capacity, allowing roof boxes, kayaks, bikes, or rooftop tents without sacrificing interior space.
Durable interior: Camping gear is hard on vehicles, so look for vehicles with rubber floor mats, water-resistant upholstery, and easy-to-clean surfaces to save yourself a hefty cleaning fee.

Planning your next camping trip? Get inspired with iconic driving routes, from the perfect USA West Coast road trip to the ultimate Route 66 road trip guide.

Best SUVs for camping

As far as camping vehicles go, SUVs tend to be the most versatile. SUVs combine cargo space, AWD capabilities, and passenger comfort, while backing it up with high towing capacity for those hauling campers, trailers, or boats.

Subaru Outback

Looking for a camping car that combines ample cargo space with AWD capability? The Outback is an iconic camping vehicle to pick.

The car offers standard symmetrical AWD on every trim, solid ground clearance, a flat cargo floor with folding rear seats (an impressive 75+ cubic feet of space), and even factory roof rails to support everything from kayaks to roof tents.

The Outback is one of the best all-around camping vehicles on the market, ideal for smaller groups or couples looking for a reliable drive that’s surprisingly fuel efficient (~30 mpg highway).

Best for: Drivers looking for the ability to sleep inside comfortably
Cargo space (seats folded): ~75 cu ft
Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs

Toyota 4Runner

Looking for a car that can handle winding roads while hauling all your camping gear? The Toyota 4Runner is a go-to for serious campers seeking a highly capable SUV with proven longevity. The Toyota 4Runner is known for its body-on-frame construction, available four-wheel drive, generous cargo space, and long-standing reputation for durability, making it a popular choice for road trips, camping, and family adventures.

While cargo space is more limited than some larger SUVs, the 4Runner balances passenger comfort, cargo flexibility, and a long-standing reputation for reliability.

Best for: Campers looking to get off the grid and travel to far away destinations with a robust vehicle that will go the distance
Cargo space (seats folded): ~89 cu ft
Towing capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs

Honda CR-V

For a more approachable option, you can’t look past the Honda CR-V. This compact SUV blends cargo space with everyday practicality and an interior space that’s comfortable from day one. With AWD available, this is a solid choice for weekend campers who don’t need serious towing capacity or extreme ground clearance.

Best for: Casual campers looking for fuel efficiency and couples searching for a simple, flexible in-car camping setup
Cargo space (seats folded): ~76 cu ft
Towing capacity: Up to 1,500 lbs

Ford Bronco

Whether you’re heading to a national park or a well-equipped campground, the Ford Bronco offers the passenger space, cargo capacity, and versatility many campers look for.

There’s a lot to love about the Bronco, and plenty of reasons why it’s one of the most capable camping vehicles around. Removable doors and roof panels offer an open-air camping experience, while the choice of two- or four-door configurations lets you find the right fit for your trip.

Best for: Outdoor explorers looking for an incredible open-air experience that allows you to stargaze directly from the comfort of your car
Cargo space (seats folded): ~83 cu ft (4-door)
Towing capacity: Up to 4,500 lbs

Tip from the author: The Bronco’s removable doors are an incredibly unique camping experience, but check the weather forecast before you take them off. Reinstalling them mid-trip in the rain is less fun than it sounds.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Looking for an attractive blend of luxury and performance? The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the perfect SUV to consider for your next camping trip. Its premium interiors and AWD systems make it ready for anything, available with three rows of seating to travel comfortably with large groups. With a heavy towing capacity of up to 7,200 lbs on higher trims, it’s one of the best choices for campers pulling a trailer.

Best for: Couples or solo campers looking for a comfortable glamping experience
Cargo space (seats folded): ~69 cu ft
Towing capacity: Up to 7,200 lbs

Best trucks for camping

Pickup trucks offer exceptional cargo flexibility for camping, with open beds that make it easy to carry bulky gear, coolers, bikes, and firewood while keeping the cabin clean. If you’re packing for a gear-heavy camping trip, a pickup truck is well worth considering.

Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular mid-size pickup trucks in the US, valued for its versatile cargo bed, available four-wheel drive, and reputation for durability. The truck bed easily accommodates camping essentials such as tents, coolers, and other bulky gear, while its mid-size dimensions make it easier to maneuver than many full-size pickup trucks. Depending on the model, the Tacoma may also offer features such as bed tie-downs, power outlets, and under-seat storage to help keep camping equipment organized.

Best for: Weekend trips for those who love hitting trails and hauling gear
Bed length options: 5 ft or 6 ft
Towing capacity: Up to 6,800 lbs

Ford F-150

As one of America’s best-selling vehicles, the Ford F-150 is an ideal camping companion. The F-150’s cavernous bed, wide range of powertrains, and towing capacity (up to 13,500 lbs on properly equipped trims) make it the go-to for campers towing trailers, boats, or larger gear setups.

Best for: Families ready to hit the trails in a vehicle that blends heavy towing capacity with performance
Bed length options: 5.5 ft, 6.5 ft, or 8 ft
Towing capacity: Up to 13,500 lbs (properly equipped)

Tip from the author: A truck bed liner (spray-on or drop-in) is one of the most practical additions for a camping truck. It protects the bed from scratches and makes cleanup after a muddy trip much easier. Keep an eye out for it on trucks available to rent on Turo.

Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline is a different kind of truck. It’s a unibody pickup that drives and handles more like a large SUV, while still offering a true truck bed. Unusually, the Ridgeline also has an in-bed trunk (lockable storage compartment built into the bed floor) that’s one of the most useful features in a camping vehicle.

Best for: Campers navigating long highway drives and looking for AWD as standard
Bed length: 5.4 ft (plus in-bed trunk)
Towing capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs

Best wagons and crossovers for camping

Looking for a safe, smooth driving experience for your next outdoor getaway? Wagons and compact crossovers are ideal for solo campers or couples traveling lightly, and offer a surprising amount of cargo space for a smaller, more fuel-efficient package.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is more compact than the Subaru Outback, making it a practical choice for campers who want a smaller vehicle without sacrificing versatility. Standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, and factory roof rails provide added flexibility for carrying camping gear, bikes, or a rooftop cargo box.

Best for: Solo campers with minimal luggage (keep in mind the cargo space is more limited than a mid-size SUV)
Cargo space (seats folded): ~55 cu ft

Toyota Sienna (hybrid minivan)

The Toyota Sienna is an unexpected choice for camping, but a highly practical one for families. The Sienna’s hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel economy (~36 mpg combined), and with the second and third rows removed, the interior becomes a large, flat cargo area. Plus, some owners even convert the interior and dedicate it entirely for car sleeping.

Best for: Driving to campsites on paved, well-maintained roads
Cargo space (with seats removed): ~100+ cu ft

Best vehicles to sleeping in

If you’d rather camp inside your vehicle (rather than tent camping), you need a vehicle that’s spacious and comfortable. As a popular choice for solo travelers and couples, the best vehicles for sleeping inside share a few common traits: a flat load floor, enough length for a full-sized sleeping pad, and durable interior materials.

Subaru Outback: The Outback’s flat cargo floor and 75+ cubic feet of space make it long enough for most adults (and mattresses) to fit inside.
Toyota 4Runner: With a boxy interior and a removable cargo shelf, you can maximize the amount of usable sleeping space in the 4Runner when camping inside the vehicle.
Ford Bronco 4-door: Want to sleep under the stars? The Bronco’s unique open-air option and removable roof make an ideal choice for anyone sleeping inside their car while camping.
Honda Element: A beloved camping vehicle with flat floors and durable water-resistant interiors.
Minivans: Models like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are wide, flat, and long enough for two adults with rear seats removed.

Best vehicles to sleeping in — Some of the best camping memories begin after sunset, when your car transforms into a warm retreat and the only thing left to do is fall asleep beneath a sky full of stars.

Tip from the author: The key measurement for sleeping inside any vehicle is the load floor length with seats folded. Aim for at least 6 feet for a full-length sleeping pad. Measure or check the spec sheet before you rent or commit to a vehicle.

Best vehicles for family camping

Family camping adds two requirements to the list: enough seating to get everyone there comfortably (even on longer trips), and enough cargo space for everyone’s gear.

Honda Pilot: Expect three rows of seats, 109 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded, and AWD available, making this an ideal vehicle for family camping.
Toyota Sequoia: Traveling with the whole crew? This full-size three-row SUV offers up to 9,000 lbs towing capacity, ideal for those carrying plenty of gear.
Chevrolet Suburban: One of the largest SUVs available, the Chevrolet Suburban offers three rows of seating and generous cargo space for families traveling with tents, coolers, and other camping essentials.

Frequently asked questions about camping vehicles

What is the best car camping option?

For most campers, a mid-size SUV with AWD (like the Subaru Outback or Toyota 4Runner) hits the best balance of cargo space, capability, and fuel efficiency. Pickup trucks offer more raw cargo flexibility and towing capacity, while minivans are an excellent choice for families. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your group size, camping style, and what you plan to bring.

Can you sleep in an SUV while camping?

Yes, many SUVs are well-suited for sleeping inside, particularly those with flat cargo floors when the rear seats are folded. The Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco are popular choices with plenty of sleeping and cargo room. The key spec to check is the load floor length with seats down; aim for at least 6 feet for a full-length sleeping pad.

What size car do I need for camping?

The size of car you need for camping depends on how many people are going and how much gear you’re bringing. Solo campers and couples can do well in a compact crossover like the Subaru Crosstrek. Families or groups with a lot of gear benefit from a mid-size or full-size SUV or a pickup truck. If towing a trailer or pop-up camper, towing capacity becomes the deciding factor.

Is AWD necessary for camping?

AWD is not essential for camping at established campgrounds with paved or well-maintained access roads. It becomes more valuable on wet, muddy, or loose-surface campground roads, mountain passes, and forest service routes. For most weekend camping trips to state or national park campgrounds, AWD is a useful bonus rather than a strict requirement. Note that Turo cars are prohibited from “off roading” or driving on undeveloped or unimproved roads.

Can I rent a camping-ready vehicle on Turo?

Yes. On Turo, you’ll find a wide range of SUVs, trucks, and more available for rent across the US, many of which are well-suited for camping trips. You can filter by vehicle type and message the owner to confirm specific features like roof racks, AWD, or cargo liners before booking.

Find your perfect camping vehicle on Turo

Whether you’re spending the weekend camping with a compact crossover or hauling a full family in a full-size SUV, having a vehicle matched to your trip makes everything easier. Browse Turo for SUVs, trucks, and adventure-ready vehicles across the US, with flexible pick-up options for your next camping trip.

Ford Bronco rental in United States on Turo — Ford Bronco’s rugged capability and flexible cargo space help keep your first camping getaway simple, find the exact Bronco on Turo with easy filters and let the adventure begin.

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Lucinda Starr

Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.

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