Car Camping in a Honda CR-V: Setup, Space and Gear
WildFinder SUV Tent
Under $250An SUV or tailgate tent attaches around the open hatch, adding a room to a Honda CR-V. Check the listing's fit notes against your exact model.
Check price on AmazonSpecsThe current CR-V has a big, low cargo floor for a compact SUV, and the rear seats fold nearly flat, which makes it one of the better compact SUVs to sleep in.
| Cargo behind row 2 | about 39.3 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Cargo with rear seats folded | about 76.5 cu ft |
| Couple's camping load | 18.7 cu ft packed: it fits, with 11 cu ft spare |
| Family of four load | 32.2 cu ft packed: over by about 3 cu ft |
Manufacturer-published figures for the 2023 on Honda CR-V, rounded; they vary by trim, moonroof and year, so check your manual. Load volumes are estimates from typical packed sizes, via the cargo calculator.
How do you set up a Honda CR-V for camping?
- The adjustable cargo floor has a higher position that sits nearer the folded seat backs: use it for a flatter bed.
- Two people fit on two narrow pads; a single 30 inch wide pad suits one.
- Plenty of room behind row two for a family tent load.
SUV and tailgate tents for a Honda CR-V
WOLFWILL SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Waterproof SUV Tents forUnder $100Check priceSpec sheet
Economical Car Camping TentUnder $100Check price
Napier Sportz CoveUnder $250Check price- WildFinder SUV TentUnder $250Check priceSpec sheet
TIMBER RIDGE 5-9 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning forUnder $250Check priceSpec sheet
Napier Sportz SUV TentUnder $500Check priceSpec sheet
What should you sleep on in a Honda CR-V?
Measure the floor with the seats folded before buying anything. A thick self-inflating pad (3 to 4 inches) follows small slopes and steps in the folded seats better than an air mattress, and insulates the cold floor. SUV-specific air mattresses that fill the rear footwell suit people who want the widest bed and do not mind the pump. Either way, add a foam layer when nights drop below about 50F: the car floor is cold.
Pads and mattresses for the cargo floor
Screens, shades and comfort
Extra cargo space
A roof box needs crossbars and your vehicle's roof load limit; a hitch carrier needs a receiver.
Keep planning
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep in a Honda CR-V?
Yes. Measure your own from the tailgate to the back of the front seats with them slid forward, then pick a pad or mattress about 2 inches shorter. Ventilate with two windows cracked behind mesh screens, and never idle a gas engine for heat while you sleep.
Will a family camping load fit in a Honda CR-V?
A family-of-four load of a 6-person tent, two coolers, four chairs, bags, pads, stove, table and duffels comes to about 32.2 cu ft packed. Honda CR-V usable cargo is about 29 cu ft by our estimate, so it runs about 3 cu ft over: a rooftop cargo box of 14 to 18 cu ft usually solves it.
Is it safe to run the engine while sleeping in a Honda CR-V?
Do not idle a gas or diesel engine for heat or air conditioning while you sleep. Exhaust can leak into the cabin, and snow or a nearby wall can trap it, and carbon monoxide is odourless. Use insulation, a warm bag and a pad for cold, and a battery fan and window screens for heat. Carry a battery carbon monoxide detector either way.
Get the car camping checklist
One printable page: the full packing checklist plus our three complete setups with budget ranges.
After the list, a few short emails, then a couple a month at most. Unsubscribe anytime. You can also read every setup free on this site.Researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures are published specifications or clearly labelled conventions; check your own gear's manual and your campground's rules.
