Car camping by vehicle
Quick answerMinivans and three-row SUVs are the easiest cars to sleep in; compact SUVs and wagons suit one or two people; sedans are tent cars. Pick yours for cargo numbers and gear that fits.
By vehicle type
- Car camping in an SUV30 to 40 cu ft behind row 2
- Car camping in a three-row SUV40 to 48 cu ft behind row 2
- Car camping in a minivan75 to 90 cu ft behind row 2
- Car camping in a sedan13 to 16 (trunk) cu ft behind row 2
- Car camping in a hatchback20 to 25 cu ft behind row 2
- Car camping in a wagon30 to 35 cu ft behind row 2
- Car camping in a pickup truckbed: about 5 ft (short) to 6.5 ft (standard) cu ft behind row 2
- Car camping in a Jeepabout 30 to 38 cu ft behind row 2
By model
- Subaru Outback2020 to 2025
- Subaru Forester2019 to 2024
- Subaru Crosstrek2024 on
- Subaru Ascent2019 on
- Toyota RAV42019 on
- Honda CR-V2023 on
- Toyota 4Runner5th generation, 2010 to 2024
- Toyota Highlander2020 on
- Jeep Wrangler UnlimitedJL, 2018 on
- Jeep Grand Cherokeetwo-row, 2022 on
- Tesla Model Y2020 on
- Toyota Prius2016 to 2022
- Honda Element2003 to 2011
- Honda Fit2015 to 2020
- Toyota Tacoma3rd generation, 2016 to 2023
Gear for sleeping in or beside the car
Car Rear Side Window Shades for Pickup Trucks,7 Seats Larger SUVsUnder $25Check price
Camping Fan with Remote ControlUnder $50Check price
Onirii Queen Size Double Camping Air Mattress Bed with Air PumpUnder $50Check priceSpec sheet
Queen Air Mattress with Built-in USB Rechargeable Air Pump (QueenUnder $100Check price
WOLFWILL SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Waterproof SUV Tents forUnder $100Check priceSpec sheet
KUST Car Window Shades for Tesla Model Y Juniper 2025-2026Under $100Check price
WildFinder SUV TentUnder $250Check priceSpec sheet
Napier Sportz SUV TentUnder $500Check priceSpec sheet
Gift guide Shopping for a car camper? See the Car Camping Holiday Gift Guide 2026 for picks by budget, from the big gift to stocking stuffers.
Researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures are published specifications or clearly labelled conventions; check your own gear's manual and your campground's rules.
