Car Camping vs. Roof Tents: Pros, Cons, and Costs

In the last decade, roof-top tents have gone from niche overlanding gear to mainstream camping setups. Scroll through any outdoor forum or parking lot near a trailhead and you’ll see plenty of vehicles sporting fold-out tents perched high above the roof rack. They look adventurous, and for some people, they make camping easier. But are they really better than a simple car camping setup? Both options let you sleep on the road, but they come with very different costs, comfort levels, and practical considerations. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

The Appeal of Roof-Top Tents

Roof tents turn almost any vehicle into a lofted campsite. Sleeping above the ground feels novel, and the built-in mattresses often beat standard sleeping pads.

• Comfort: Elevated beds with mattresses improve sleep quality.
• Views: Opening the tent flap to a sunrise above the trees is unforgettable.
• Setup: Once mounted, many models unfold in minutes.

Other advantages include freeing up the interior of your car for storage and giving campers a sense of security away from wet ground or bugs. For travelers who frequent drier climates and road-trip-friendly highways, roof tents can feel like the perfect hybrid between a tent and a camper.

The Downsides of Roof Tents

While they look good on Instagram, roof tents aren’t without drawbacks.

• Cost: Expect to pay $1,000–$4,000 for the tent itself, plus $500+ for a roof rack that can safely hold the weight.
• Weight: At 100–200 pounds, they reduce fuel efficiency and change the way your car handles.
• Convenience: Every bathroom break means climbing up and down a ladder.
• Weather Limits: In high winds or sideways rain, fabric walls are less comfortable than being inside your vehicle.

Removing or installing a roof tent isn’t simple either—many people just leave them on year-round, sacrificing gas mileage and aesthetics even when they’re not camping.

Why Car Camping

Car camping setups keep your bed inside the vehicle. A platform build creates a flat sleeping space and storage underneath, transforming a hatchback, wagon, or SUV into a micro-camper.

• Affordability: A Camp N Car platform and basic gear might cost $500–$1,500 total.
• Weatherproofing: Hard vehicle walls shield you from wind, rain, and snow.
• Stealth Factor: Park on a quiet street, and nobody knows you’re camping.
• Simplicity: No ladder, no unfolding—just roll out your bedding and sleep.

The trade-off is space. You won’t be able to stand or sit upright in most cars, and cooking will happen outside. But with smart organization, a car camping build is comfortable, versatile, and highly mobile.

Cost Breakdown

• Roof Tent Setup: $1,000–$4,000 tent + $500–$1,000 rack. Fuel costs increase due to added weight and drag.
• Car Camping Build: $500–$1,500 for platform, drawers, and gear. Normal vehicle mileage, no special racks required.

Over five years, the difference can add up to thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance savings.

Practical Pros and Cons

Roof Tent Pros: Elevated sleeping, built-in mattress, unique views.

Roof Tent Cons: Expensive, heavy, fuel-hungry, inconvenient in poor weather.

Car Camping Pros: Affordable, stealthy, weatherproof, quick setup.

Car Camping Cons: Less headroom, smaller sleeping area, requires organization.

Real-World Scenarios

• Summer Road Trip: Driving across Utah or Nevada, a roof tent shines. Quick setups at roadside camps and warm nights make elevated sleeping comfortable.
• Rainy PNW Weekend: In Washington’s fall drizzle, car camping is the smarter bet. Staying dry inside the vehicle beats dealing with wet canvas and slick ladders.
• Stealth Camping in Towns: Roof tents make it obvious you’re camping. Car camping lets you tuck into a side street unnoticed.

Which Setup Is Right for You?

If your budget allows, you love the elevated views, and you primarily camp in dry, fair-weather climates, a roof tent can be a fun addition. It’s part of the overland look and offers a unique way to sleep outside. But for most travelers—especially those in the Pacific Northwest who camp year-round—car camping is the more practical, cost-effective, and versatile choice.

Roof tents might win points for style, but when it comes to affordability, stealth, and bad-weather reliability, car camping setups remain the smarter option. A platform build keeps you ready to roll at a moment’s notice, without sacrificing half your savings or gas mileage. Camp N Car makes car camping easy with builds for camping in any vehicle. Shop now!