When it comes to car camping, the vehicle you choose can make or break your experience. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for quick getaways or a full-time road tripper ready for months on the road, picking the right car for your conversion is critical. At Camp N Car, we’ve had the pleasure of working on a variety of vehicle builds, each offering unique advantages for car camping. Dive in below as we share our favorite cars for car camping conversions so that you can find the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Honda Element
Best for Compact Car Camping with Maximum Flexibility
It’s no surprise the Honda Element tops our list—it’s where our story began! Our founder Steve’s custom Honda Element build sparked the creation of Camp N Car. This quirky box-shaped SUV has proven itself time and again as one of the best vehicles for car camping conversions. With removable seats, an interior that’s easy to clean, and a durable design, it’s a car camper’s dream. The Element’s spacious interior offers plenty of room for a sleeping platform, while its all-wheel drive makes it ideal for exploring rugged terrain. Our Trunk Bunk fits perfectly inside, giving you a comfortable sleeping space with room to store gear underneath.
Subaru Outback
Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Off-Road Adventures
The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite for adventurers due to its reliability, off-road capabilities, and spacious interior. The Outback is a solid choice for those looking to escape deep into the woods or find a remote campsite. It offers plenty of cargo space for camping gear, and with the back seats down, it can easily fit a sleeping platform like our Basic Bunk and Under Bunk Storage, creating a comfortable and functional space for sleeping and storing your gear. The Outback’s high ground clearance and all-wheel drive make it a top choice for off-the-beaten-path excursions.
Toyota 4Runner
Best For: Rugged Off-Road Exploration
For those who crave off-road adventures but still want the convenience of car camping, the Toyota 4Runner is a fantastic option. Its robust suspension and high ground clearance mean it can tackle rugged terrain, and the roomy interior can be transformed into a cozy camping setup. Whether you’re venturing into the mountains or cruising along sandy beaches, the 4Runner’s ample cargo space can accommodate sleeping platforms like our UnderBunk Storage Unit and other customizable storage solutions. Plus, it’s known for its longevity, making it a reliable partner for countless adventures.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Best For: Off-Roading with a Touch of Luxury
The Jeep Grand Cherokee combines rugged off-road capabilities with a more refined, comfortable ride. It’s perfect for car campers who want to explore rough terrain without sacrificing comfort. The Grand Cherokee’s spacious cargo area can be converted into a comfortable sleeping space, with room for DIY kits. It’s an excellent choice for both short camping trips and long road trip adventures.
Toyota Sienna
Best For: Family Road Trips and Group Camping
The Toyota Sienna is hard to beat when it comes to car camping with family or friends. This minivan offers plenty of space for a full car camping conversion, with ample room for sleeping platforms, storage solutions, and even a kitchen setup. Its versatility and comfort make it a top pick for longer road trips or group camping adventures. With one of our Custom Van Conversion Kits, you can transform your Sienna into a mobile campsite that fits the whole crew, perfect for spending nights under the stars with your favorite people.
Mazda CX-5
Best For: Casual Campers and Weekend Getaways
For campers who prefer shorter trips but still want the convenience of a car camping setup, the Mazda CX-5 offers a sleek, stylish option with surprising interior space. Its fold-flat seats make it easy to install a sleeping platform, and its smaller size makes it a breeze to navigate through tight roads or busy campsites. We recommend pairing the CX-5 with our Fold-Flat Sleeping Platform for a simple, functional camping solution ready for weekend adventures.
Ready to Build Your Adventure?
No matter what vehicle you have, Camp N Car can help you turn it into a cozy home on wheels. Whether you’re embarking on your first car camping trip or you’re a seasoned traveler looking to upgrade your setup, we have the tools, kits, and expertise to help you create the perfect car camping setup. Let’s get started building your dream adventure vehicle today!