Car Camping in A Subaru Forester: Setup, Space and Gear

Updated 2026-09-24 · Researched from published specs and verified owner reviews

Quick answerThe Forester trades a little floor length against the Outback for a taller, boxier cargo area and a big square rear hatch, which makes it easy to load and a good fit for SUV tents.. A couple's load takes about 18.7 cu ft and a family of four about 32.2 cu ft, against roughly 23 cu ft of usable space.

WildFinder SUV Tent

$119.99

An SUV or tailgate tent attaches around the open hatch, adding a room to a Subaru Forester. Check the listing's fit notes against your exact model.

Check price on Amazon Specs

The Forester trades a little floor length against the Outback for a taller, boxier cargo area and a big square rear hatch, which makes it easy to load and a good fit for SUV tents.

Subaru Forester car camping numbers
Cargo behind row 2	about 29 to 33 cu ft
Cargo with rear seats folded	about 70 to 76 cu ft
Couple's camping load	18.7 cu ft packed: it fits, with 5 cu ft spare
Family of four load	32.2 cu ft packed: over by about 9 cu ft

Manufacturer-published figures for the 2019 to 2024 Subaru Forester, 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 Subaru Forester for camping?

Moonroof trims lose a few cubic feet of cargo volume: check your exact figure in the manual.
The tall hatch opening suits a tailgate or SUV tent.
Tall sleepers will want the front seats slid fully forward.

SUV and tailgate tents for a Subaru Forester

What should you sleep on in a Subaru Forester?

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 Subaru Forester?

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 Subaru Forester?

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. Subaru Forester usable cargo is about 23 cu ft by our estimate, so it runs about 9 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 Subaru Forester?

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 current prices. No sales sequence.

Used only to send the list. You can also read every setup free on this site.

Safety: Never idle a gas engine or run a fuel-burning heater while sleeping in a vehicle: carbon monoxide is odourless and can build up in the cabin.

Researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures are published specifications or clearly labelled conventions; check your own gear's manual and your campground's rules.