No matter what kind of camping you’re into, you have to get to the campsite before you can start camping, so you’ll need a car, truck, SUV, or van that will get you, your stuff, and your companions there in comfort, safety, and style. Not every car is well-suited to the demands of camping, whether you’re at your nearest carefully manicured state park or deep in the wilds of America. Still, fortunately, many are, and you won’t even have to break the bank to afford one.
That’s not to say you can’t spend six figures on a camping vehicle — you can, quite easily, and that’s before you start customizing — but it is to say you don’t have to. In fact, it’s possible to get a great vehicle for camping for as little as $10,000. Buying used can also allow you to afford more vehicle than you would when buying new, so it’s not only about tight budgets, either.
Getting Away From It All
For instance, there are a lot of good reasons to want to not bring the noise and pollution of the city to the great outdoors when you go camping. To that end, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) can do a great deal to lessen your impact on your campsite and its immediate surroundings. Although PHEVs do use gasoline like combustion vehicles, they can also run in electric-only mode, often for 20 or more miles, potentially allowing you to travel near your camp or even go off-roading without burning a drop of gasoline.
This is especially true near campgrounds and trail systems with chargers installed, like those on the Jeep 4xe Charging Network at Moab, the Rubicon Trail, and Big Bear, which provide Level 2 charging at the trailhead, or Rivian’s Adventure Network, which also plans to include some trailheads. Wherever you might want to camp, apps like PlugShare can help you find exactly what you’re looking for — including filtering for charging stations at campsites. Whether it’s a PHEV in electric mode or a pure EV, the silence of electric power can open a new aspect of the experience of traveling into the wild.
Whatever kind of vehicle you’re looking for, we’ve put together a list of some of the best camping vehicles on the market today. We’ve also compiled some great camping advice from Ben Stewart, a writer and expert on the topic, in the links below to help ensure your camping vehicle purchase is the right fit for you. Prices quoted below include the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and associated destination charges, but do not include other mandatory fees like tax, title, and licensing. The prices quoted are for the base trim unless otherwise specified and are accurate as of this story’s publish date.
Best Trucks for Camping
2025 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty
Starting Price: $47,660
The 2025 Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup with heavy-duty towing, hauling, and even off-road capability. For 2025, it gets updated styling and features, plus updated engine and transmission options. The Ram 2500’s combination of abilities means it’s great for reaching remote places, even if you need to tow a trailer or haul a lot of gear, and that’s a fantastic set of capabilities for camping. The available trailer reverse steering system makes hooking up your camper trailer a breeze. If you opt for the Ram 2500 Power Wagon trim, you’ll get some serious off-road upgrades like a disconnectable front anti-roll bar, a Warn winch, electronic locking differentials, and more.
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2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Starting Price: $51,295
For serious off-road capability in a more compact form, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is a great choice, especially in range-topping, off-road-focused Colorado ZR2 form or the more slow-speed off-roading, the ZR2 Bison. The ZR2 trim upgrades ground clearance to 10.7 inches while adding Multimatic off-road dampers, unique fenders and body trim, 33-inch off-road tires, and more. The Colorado’s smaller size means it tows and hauls a bit less than a full-size pickup, but its smaller size also means it can access even more rugged and remote areas.
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2025 Ford F-150
Starting Price: $39,445
One of America’s most popular trucks is also a great choice for camping. The 2025 Ford F-150 was Kelley Blue Book’s Full-Size Truck Best Buy of 2025 thanks to its capability, comfort, and extensive range of available configurations. Features like the Pro Power Onboard generator make it easy to keep your camping must-haves powered up. Off-road-biased trim levels can get you further into the woods. Whether you’re a trailer camper who loves staying in state parks or a more adventurous wild camper who likes to explore BLM public lands, the F-150 has a variant for you.
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2025 Toyota Tacoma
Starting Price: $33,085
The Toyota Tacoma has long been a favorite of campers and off-road enthusiasts, and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma takes it to a new level thanks to the arrival of the all-new model last year. Several trim levels cater to off-roaders, including TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road models. Look for the Trailhunter model for overlanding capability from the factory. The Tacoma is also Kelley Blue Book’s Midsize Truck Best Buy of 2025.
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2025 Ford Maverick
Starting Price: $29,840
The 2025 Ford Maverick is a relative newcomer to the compact pickup space, but if you don’t need all the space in the world, the Maverick’s small footprint, both physically and environmentally, may be appealing. In standard form, the Maverick gets a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), and for 2025, you can get the hybrid with all-wheel drive, too. An available Tremor off-road package upgrades the suspension, bumpers, and underbody protection.
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2025 Honda Ridgeline
Starting Price: $41,600
Refined and comfortable in a way no other midsize truck is, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline‘s unibody construction takes the best from the world of cars and crossover SUVs and blends it with the practicality and utility of a pickup truck. The Ridgeline is packed with features that make it a great campsite companion, including standard all-wheel drive, an in-bed trunk that can serve as secure storage or an ice chest, a 2-way tailgate that makes for easy access, and even power and available audio directly in the truck bed.
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2025 Jeep Gladiator
Starting Price: $40,095
The Jeep of pickups, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator combines midsize pickup utility with Jeep’s go-anywhere ability. The result is a vehicle that was seemingly made for the dedicated camper, the removable doors and roof immersing you in the outdoors even when you’re on the move. There is also a huge range of trims and options in the Gladiator line, with models like the Mojave adapted for desert use and the Rubicon setup for maximum trail capability. The 2025 model ditches the manual transmission, and there’s a new hybrid variant due toward the end of the year.
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Best Cars, SUVs, and Vans for Camping
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Starting Price: $39,030
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is excellent on- and off-road, with genuinely premium materials and features in top trims. It’s also roomy and powerful, giving it serious cargo space and up to 7,200 pounds of towing capacity. The Quadra-Lift air suspension on 4-wheel-drive (4WD)-equipped Overland and Summit models adds extra ride height when off-road, and it tucks back down again for more efficient cruising on the highway.
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2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Starting Price: $32,590
If you’re looking for funky, rugged style in a modern SUV, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport has plenty, as well as solid safety scores, standard all-wheel drive, and a range of trims and styles to suit different needs. There’s an available MOLLE strap system inside so you can store bottles, multitools, and more. The cargo floor is rubberized, making it easy to clean. Mountain bikers can fit two upright bikes in the interior with the available rack. If off-road ability is a priority, consider the new Sasquatch trim, with increased ride height, upgraded torque-vectoring rear drive unit, all-terrain tires, steel bash plates, and more. For the campers out there, Ford offers a Camp Outfitter bundle that includes roof rail crossbars, a Yakima Skyrise HD two-person rooftop tent, a Yakima awning, and all-weather floor mats.
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2025 Ford Bronco
Starting Price: $39,890
When it comes to outdoor adventure, you can’t mention the Bronco Sport without including its bigger, highly capable 2025 Ford Bronco sibling. Available with two or four doors, hardtop or soft-top, the Bronco has a 4-wheel-drive powertrain that works with a Terrain Management System, making it easy to go exploring. Electronic locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting front anti-roll bar, and Trail Turn Assist give the Bronco incredible off-road capability. The Bronco can get you far beyond the campground, deep into the backcountry. Ford also offers roof rails with crossbars, rooftop tents, camp shower, and several canoe and kayak carriers.
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2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
Starting Price: $58,150
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser marks the second year of an all-new generation of the adventuring icon, following last year’s all-new model with fresh style, new technology, new powertrains, and even more camp-friendly features and abilities. The new Land Cruiser is hybrid-only, with a total output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of trail-taming torque. Full-time 4-wheel drive with locking center and rear differentials enhances the Land Cruiser’s climbing ability even further, along with multi-terrain traction modes, an available front stabilizer bar disconnect, and even an exterior video system to help spot your way up the trails without needing someone outside the vehicle. Toyota also offers an optional cool box for drinks. Plus, you can get camp chairs, a tent, camp tables, and more gear through your dealer.
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2025 Subaru Outback
Starting Price: $30,430
An all-new Outback is just around the corner, but the 2025 Subaru Outback is the all-arounder wagon-meets-SUV you never knew you needed. With SUV-like ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and a capacious rear cargo area, as well as plenty of room for five adults, the Outback is an excellent camping companion. The Wilderness model gets even more ground clearance, underbody protection, roof rails upgraded to support a roof-top tent, and even an upgraded all-wheel-drive system with special modes.
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2025 Toyota 4Runner
Starting Price: $42,220
Brand-new but old-school, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is the best of both worlds in many respects. It’s loaded with safety features and modern tech (including smartphone integration), but it’s built with a truck-style body-on-frame structure (shared with the new Tacoma) that makes it extra rugged on the trails, especially when equipped with the optional part-time 4-wheel-drive system. There’s even a TRD Off-Road trim level that includes Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, as well as a TRD roof rack. Toyota also offers a full line of accessories, including a cooler, recovery gear, camp chairs, and a fridge/freezer.
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2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
Starting Price: $42,425
Completely redesigned last year, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has a fresh, edgy look, but it also has an all-new off-road-focused variant called the Santa Fe XRT, which is very different from the previous generation trim. In addition to standard 3-row seating and ample cargo space, the Santa Fe XRT adds off-road tires and 1.3 inches more ground clearance and increases towing capacity to 4,500 pounds. The electronically controlled AWD system helps make trails easier, too.
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2025 Volvo V90 Cross Country
Starting Price: $60,995
Like a more luxurious, refined version of the Outback, the 2025 Volvo V90 Cross Country combines the space, comfort, and convenience of a wagon with more off-roadable ride height (8.3 inches of ground clearance) and suspension setup, as well as a 295-horsepower hybrid drivetrain good for 25 mpg combined. The result is a wagon that’s just as at home making the morning coffee run as it is sidling down a dirt path to the campsite.
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2025 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition
Starting Price: $51,875
What’s this, a minivan? Yes, the 2025 Toyota Sienna is not only Kelley Blue Book’s Minivan Best Buy of 2025, but it’s also a fantastically practical and capable camp vehicle, especially when outfitted in Sienna Woodland Edition form — and it gets even better for 2025 with updated tech, screens, and features. The Woodland package adds all-wheel drive and a modest suspension lift to give the minivan more SUV-like capabilities. It also comes with easy-to-wash SofTex-covered seats and a 1,500-watt power outlet — and it’s packed with tons of Toyota conveniences.
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Best EVs and PHEVs for Camping
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Starting Price: $62,485
Combining a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the already excellent 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee makes it an even more attractive option for those looking to off-road in electric elegance. In fact, if you want the rugged Trailhawk trim, you’ll have to choose the PHEV — it’s not available on the regular Grand Cherokee. The 4xe treatment gives the Grand Cherokee up to 25 miles of all-electric range, and the available air suspension and standard 4-wheel drive make light work of most trail obstacles while the spacious interior packs plenty of space for people, pets, and camping gear.
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2025 Rivian R1T/R1S
Starting Price: $71,900/$77,900
More affordable than you might think and very capable off-road, the 2025 Rivian R1T and its SUV sibling, the R1S, offer even bigger EV ranges for 2025 (up to 420 miles), bigger EV power (533 horsepower minimum, up to 1,025 horsepower), standard AWD with multi-terrain modes, and a host of unique EV features that are useful around camp, like external storage cubbies, a spacious front trunk, a built-in air compressor, a flashlight built into the driver’s door, and two 120-volt outlets in the bed. Oh, and it can tow up to 11,000 pounds — perfect for even a large RV trailer. Rivian also offers a 3-person rooftop tent (with ladder, of course), cargo crossbars, recovery boards, and an off-road recovery kit.
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2025 Kia EV9
Starting Price: $56,395
The 2025 Kia EV9 electric vehicle was all-new last year, and is still fresh, with standard 3-row seating and a spacious interior combined with a surprisingly affordable price considering the 230-mile minimum range (304 miles maximum range) and available all-wheel drive. The Light RWD base model gets rear-wheel drive and 215 hp and a 230-mile range, but the EV9 Land (and Wind and GT-Line) adds dual motors and all-wheel drive for a total of 379 hp. While the EV9 isn’t the off-roadiest EV round, it’s capacious and capable of going wherever a typical crossover can — while burning no gas at all.
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2025 Kia Sorento PHEV
Starting Price: $49,405
The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is one of the best options for a plug-in SUV with the space for people and gear you need for camping, and for 2025, it gets an updated look inside and out, more tech features, and some trim lineup changes. The Sorento PHEV’s all-electric range is up to 32 miles, and there’s 3-row seating, standard AWD, and Kia Drive Wise assist features for safer road-tripping.
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2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Starting Price: $45,615
Perhaps the best-known name on this list is changing for the new model year — the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the new name for the former RAV4 Prime. Whatever you call it, it’s the PHEV version of one of America’s most beloved SUVs, with all of the practicality and comfort you’d expect, plus up to 42 miles of all-electric range. Camping-friendly features include standard all-wheel drive, built-in Trail Mode, 2,500-pound towing capacity, and nearly 70 cubic feet of total cargo space.
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2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Starting Price: $42,480
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of the only plug-in hybrid 3-row SUVs on the market (the others being the Sorento and XC90), and the Outlander is considerably less expensive. Nonetheless, it offers up to 38 miles of all-electric range, standard all-wheel drive with active yaw control for improved cornering and traction, and even offers DC fast charging to top up the Outlander PHEV’s battery by 80% in as little as 38 minutes.
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2025 Volvo XC90 T8
Starting Price: $74,295
Stylish and luxurious, the plug-in hybrid 2025 Volvo XC90 T8’s 6- or 7-seat interior and 33-mile all-electric range make it a great low-impact option for camping, road-tripping, or daily adventure. Standard all-wheel drive and 455 hp make for plenty of traction and pep, while the 5,000-pound tow rating and 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space mean you don’t have to leave anything behind.
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10 Best Used Cars and SUVs for Camping
2009-2011 Honda Element
Price Range: $8,800-$11,000
The Honda Element has been popular with outdoorsy people since its introduction, thanks to its rugged, washable interior, ample cargo space, and myriad accessories. Honda’s all-wheel drive is available for excursions farther afield, and the rear seats flip up to make stowing camping gear or hauling bikes a lot easier.
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2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler
Price Range: $11,000-$27,000
The Jeep Wrangler needs no introduction, its long lineage of war-born and trail-tested off-roading ability having built a reputation around the world. It’s that off-roading ability that makes the Wrangler a great camping companion, with the potential to get you to sites you wouldn’t be able to get to any other way.
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2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser
Price Range: $42,500-$76,000
For excellent off-road ability and legendarily plush on-road comfort, a recent Toyota Land Cruiser is an exemplary option. Advanced safety and driver assists plus 9,300 pounds of towing capacity make light work of the road trip to your destination. The Land Cruiser’s 381-hp V8 and advanced 4-wheel-drive system are ready to tame the trails once you’re there.
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2017-2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Price Range: $11,000-$20,000
More civilized campers will appreciate the all-purpose flexibility of a car like the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. You typically won’t need wild ground clearance and 4-wheel drive to make it to your local state or national park campground, and the Alltrack’s spacious cargo area, standard all-wheel drive, and 30 mpg highway rating are great features to have when you’re not camping, too.
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2014-2018 Subaru Forester
Price Range: $7,300-$17,500
The Subaru Forester is the roomier, taller cousin of the Outback, and all the reasons that make the Outback a great choice for camping apply here, too. As a bonus, the Forester is typically less expensive than the Outback (while also a bit less luxurious), yet it still offers EyeSight advanced driver assists, X-Mode with hill descent control, and more.
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2012-2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
Price Range: $20,000-$35,000+
If off-roading isn’t a significant part of your camping adventure, or you’d like to build your campsite right into your vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is an incredibly flexible option. With a range of heights, wheelbases, and fitments, you can make a Sprinter for nearly any occasion. The Sprinter 2500 offers extra payload capacity over the Sprinter 1500. There’s even the option for 4-wheel drive, though the height and length of some models of Sprinter will make it a challenge to fit, let alone maneuver, on rough trails. The used market offers a host of up-fitted models from which to choose also — a savvy shopper might find the perfect van at a cheaper price than DIY.
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2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Price Range: $15,000-$23,000
Everything you love about the RAV4, with the added benefit of hybrid efficiency, makes the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a great vehicle for just about any use, including camping. The RAV4’s sensible balance between cargo space, passenger capacity, compact exterior size, and fuel efficiency is a perfect complement to the “leave only footprints, take only memories” school of camping.
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2010-2013 Chevrolet Suburban 2500
Price Range: $11,000-$20,000
If you need to do a bit of everything while bringing along seven or eight of your best friends, the extreme capability and size of the Chevrolet Suburban 2500 are just what you need. With seating for up to nine, the ability to tow more than 9,000 pounds, available 4-wheel drive, and a standard V8 engine, the Suburban 2500 is up to the challenge — provided your wallet is up to the task of feeding it. The 6.0-liter V8 under the hood rates 10 mpg in town and 16 mpg on the highway.
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2011-2015 Nissan Xterra
Price Range: $6,200-$16,000
The Nissan Xterra, like the 4Runner, is a newer SUV built with older methods, and that body-on-frame construction does lend it old-school ruggedness and ability. While it never got quite as popular as the 4Runner, there is good aftermarket support for the Xterra, especially when it comes to outfitting it for adventure. The Xterra PRO-4X model includes a nice setup from the factory, with 4-wheel drive, a locking differential, and more.
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2008-2014 Chevrolet Express 2500 AWD
Price Range: $8,000-$23,000+
Van fans who don’t want to spring for the Sprinter will find the Chevrolet Express 2500 a fantastic alternative as well as great value. While it’s less than optimal off-road, the Express also offers all-wheel drive. For those with serious camping trailers, the Express 2500 van can tow more than 10,000 pounds when properly configured. If you’re angling to tow heavy while also hauling lots of gear, consider the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. As with the Sprinter, the Express is often available in the secondhand market with significant up-fitting for camping and adventuring, so be sure to see what’s out there.
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The Features Your Vehicle Needs for Camping
By Ben Stewart
The Case for All-Wheel Drive
Campsites and the roads that lead to them are incredibly varied. Some sites can be accessed from the pavement and have bathrooms nearby, which is quite convenient. But many recreational campers want to tread a little further away from civilization. And that means leaving the paved roads behind. Dirt roads that lead to remote locations tend to become a little less like roads and more like trails the farther you go. If this sounds like a fun adventure, consider choosing a vehicle with all-wheel drive and more ground clearance than a typical car. There is a wide range of trail-capable vehicles out there for all levels of off-road ability.
To reach truly remote locations, you’ll need to take off-road trails. Go for a vehicle with a classic 4-wheel-drive system that includes low-range gearing. In short, be sure to know the type of terrain you want to explore before buying a vehicle.
The Deeper You Go, the More You Bring
Pack your vehicle for just one overnight, and you will realize just how much stuff is required to camp out. The longer your trip, the more things you’ll need to bring with you. Extra food, water, and clothing take up space and add weight. Venture further into the wild in a 4×4, and you might want some specialized off-road equipment, too. To be well prepared for off-road exploring, stock your vehicle with basic emergency supplies, recovery gear, and perhaps a few tools, too, should something break— and something usually does. Yes, this stuff will add even more weight to your vehicle.
Storage Space and Payload
How much cargo space do you need?
Once you have an idea where you might travel and for how long, you can zero in on the best vehicles for that lifestyle. No surprise, a larger SUV, pickup truck, or van will provide the most space and have the ability to carry more weight. But smaller vehicles are more maneuverable and easier to manage on tight trails.
Many campers strike a balance — they get vehicles that can carry lots of equipment and remain highly maneuverable. That’s why it’s essential to know how many cubic feet of cargo space is available with the seats up and with them folded. This will provide a standardized number for comparisons, and it will help you figure out if the vehicle you’re eyeing can carry what you will need.
How much cargo weight can your car carry?
You need to know how much weight the vehicle can handle — that is called the payload. This spec can be found on the inside of the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. Be aware the total payload weight can add up very quickly. For example, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a payload that ranges from around 850 pounds up to 1,300 pounds, depending on how the vehicle is optioned from the factory.
That number doesn’t just count the weight of the cargo on board; it also includes the people. So, two 200-pound passengers and their gear could take up a sizable chunk of Wrangler payload. And that’s assuming the Wrangler owner has not bolted on serious off-roading equipment. That electric winch and those heavy-duty steel bumpers add serious weight.
Tents and Rooftop Tents
One way to shave some weight from the camping equation is to forgo the tent option and sleep inside your vehicle. But generally, tents aren’t too heavy unless you opt for the rooftop variety. Rooftop tents are popular, especially for overlanding, which is long-distance off-road camping. They can provide a great sleeping experience because many are roomy, include plush mattresses, and are high off the ground (away from critters).
Plus, they save space inside the cargo hatch for other gear. But these tents can be heavy, ranging from around 80 pounds up to 200 pounds. That extra heft eats into your vehicle’s available payload. And because the heavy tent is also up high, it can affect the vehicle’s handling on the road and off.
See Best SUVs for Towing.
How much does all your camping gear weigh?
Let’s pack up for a virtual weekend camping trip and find out what kind of weight a typical trip could add to a vehicle. These weights are just an approximation and could vary wildly depending on what you might want to bring. We are packing for two people on this mock adventure who each weigh 180 pounds, plus a 40-pound dog.
Rooftop tent: 130 pounds
Sleeping bags and pads: 6 pounds
Clothing and toiletries: 15 pounds
Four gallons of water: 32 pounds
Three days of food: 12 pounds
Propane stove and fuel: 20 pounds
Cooking equipment/mess kit: 6 pounds
Two folding camp chairs: 20 pounds
Large cooler: 25 pounds
Shovel and tool kit: 10 pounds
Miscellaneous (soap, trash bags, etc.): 20 pounds
Gear total: 296 pounds
The combined weight of our adventurers and all this gear is 696 pounds. That’s quite a bit of weight. The good news is that plenty of SUVs carry a payload rating right around 1,000 pounds. However, packing for longer camping trips could require more weight capacity.
Smart Engineering
When shopping for a good camping vehicle, look for intelligent ways that automakers help make gear-hauling easier. Here are a few we have found.
Ford offers a cool cargo management system for the Bronco Sport. It allows you to create shelves and separators in the cargo hold. You can even remove the unit and use it as a camp table. Similarly, Toyota offered a sliding rear cargo deck for the 4Runner through the 2024 model year. It is rated at 440 pounds and has two positions, the farthest of which slides out past the bumper and can make loading gear easier.
Chrysler’s Pacifica goes beyond the minivan’s inherent usefulness by offering Stow ‘n Go seating. At the touch of a button, the second- and third-row seats can disappear beneath the floor. That allows for a completely flat platform behind the front seats — a perfect space to sleep.
Ford offers the option of several onboard generators for the F-150, which can help power lots of equipment around a campsite. In addition, 2021-2024 Ford F-150 pickups were available with an onboard cargo scale to make sure you don’t overload your truck with gear. Also, a continuously controlled damping system smooths out the ride by compensating for gear in the bed or a trailer on the hitch. And Honda offers official tents through its accessory division for both the Pilot and Ridgeline.
The Honda Ridgeline’s underfloor storage can be used as a cooler. There is available bedside storage in trucks including the Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, and Ford Super Duty.
