Best cars for camping in 2023
Last updated December 21, 2022
When it comes to cars suitable for camping, there are a few things that need to be considered. Primarily, cars need a big boot (both for storage and for sleeping, if you aren’t one for tents) and they should have a decent towing capacity for caravans or trailers. There are many other extra features that can benefit a camping trip too, such as four-wheel drive if you are planning on driving off-road or pulling a trailer in poor conditions.
So, here are some of our favourite camping cars, all of which can take you, your passengers and all your camping kit to that perfect destination.
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Dacia Duster Estate 1.3 TCe 130 Comfort 5dr
- Boot capacity: 445L with seats up, 1623L with seats down
- Towing capacity: 1500kg
Despite a relatively low list price, the Dacia Duster has a lot going for it when it comes to an SUV perfect for camping.
This is a spacious, practical SUV with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive. The interior is stylish with lots of standard kit and the boot capacity is sure to be enough to hold all your gear and more – as well as having a boot light installed to make it easier to find items. If you pop the seats down, you could even sleep in this car if you wanted to.
Aside from the practical elements, the Dacia car comes with a MediaNav Evolution 7” touchscreen media system including satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, RDS with TMC and Siri voice recognition.
It also has a trip computer, so you’re sure to find your way to your destination even without a map. When you arrive, you can check the outside temperature via the temperature gauge to know whether to wrap up or not.
As well as all the standard equipment you’ll need, there are five roomy seats, giving you enough room for friends and family. Find out more about the Dacia Duster Estate here.
Kia Sorento 1.6 T-GDi HEV 2 5dr
- Boot capacity: 608L with seats up, 1996L with seats down
- Towing capacity: 1650kg
The Kia Sorento is a brilliant, seven-seat hybrid SUV for those that don’t have the budget for a more expensive alternative, such as the Audi Q5. Four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox come as standard, making it ideal for camping trips in the muddiest of sites. Additionally, it comes with roof rails, perfect to attach any of your camping equipment or even outdoor sporting equipment to the car.
Kia’s industry leading seven-year warranty will be valid for a lot of used models too, meaning you’ve got protection throughout your adventures.
This trim also comes along with a reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines, so you don’t have to panic about parking in an overcrowded car park, all integrated into the centre screen. In addition, you will get a Bose Premium sound system with 12 speakers, meaning you can enjoy high-quality entertainment along your travels. On the exterior, the car sits on 19” alloy wheels, which gives the car a sporty look without being impractical.
Learn more about the Kia Sorento here.
Volkswagen Amarok A33 D/Cab Pick Up Trendline 3.0 V6 TDi 204 BMT 4M Auto
- Towing capacity: 3100kg
The pick-up truck has long been an American staple and Volkswagen brought it to the UK in 2012 with the original Amarok. Because this is a pick-up truck, there isn’t a boot capacity available; however, it does have a large load deck for storing equipment, perfect even for a surfboard or some mountain bikes.
The Volkswagen label has a great appeal to non-commercial vehicle users and brings with it a familiar, high-quality interior. Even though the Amarok is a pick-up truck, it still has room for passengers with a three-seater rear bench (with anchorage for children’s seats).
The car’s equipment isn’t as high-tech as some of the others on this list, but it does come prepared for a Bluetooth hands-free kit, as well as with a composition media radio with a 6.33” touchscreen.
This could be the perfect vehicle for a particularly outdoorsy person, who might want to set up camp right in the load deck underneath the stars. Discover the Volkswagen Amarok here.
Citroen Berlingo Estate 1.5 BlueHDi 130 Flair XTR XL 5dr EAT8
- Boot capacity: 1050L with seats up, 3500L with seats down
- Towing capacity: 1250kg
Whilst vans are the most practical option for a camping trip, especially one with lots of equipment involved, they aren’t necessarily the best option for general everyday driving.
The Citroen Berlingo gives you the best of both worlds; it isn’t necessarily the coolest option on our list, but if you find yourself requiring a lot of space in your car or you go on many outdoor trips, this may be the perfect car for you.
The boot is a whopping 1050L with all seven seats up and if you put them down you can increase this to 3500L. There’s plenty of room to sleep inside if that’s what you prefer – you could probably even fit in an air mattress.
Aside from being extremely comfortable for camping trips, it comes with a CONNECT navigation system to allow you to get to your destination with ease. The front seats even have tray tables at the back to allow passengers behind to eat, prop up tablets or play travel games along the journey.
This option is particularly suitable for a family of campers; there’s room for everyone and all the equipment you could require, even including clever storage solutions in the back.
Find out more about the Citroen Berlingo Estate here.
Subaru Outback SE 2.5i SE 5dr Lineartronic
- Boot capacity: 559L with seats up, 1848 with seats down
- Towing capacity: 2000kg
This Japanese brand doesn’t have the highest profile in the UK but can be popular amongst rural drivers. The Outback is a prime example of Subaru’s off-roaders with impressive abilities. You’re unlikely to spot them in the city, but they’re perfect camping cars.
This car comes along with an EyeSight driver’s assist, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist/sway warning and pre-collision braking. You can store items in the spacious boot as well as attaching items to the roof rail – the Outback even comes with tie down hooks in the luggage area.
It doesn’t quite have the seating capacity of the Berlingo, but it has enough room for 3 adults to sit comfortably in the back. The interior is stylish too, with a 7” centre console screen to control the DAB radio and follow the satnav.
Discover more about the Subaru Outback here.
Skoda Kodiaq Estate 2.0 TDi SE 5dr DSG
- Boot capacity: 270L with seats up, 2005L with seats down
- Towing capacity: 2000kg
This is amongst some of the more affordable SUVs and has seven seats to allow you to fit in those additional passengers. It’s not a clunky car and will feel just as much at home on the high street as it will on a campsite.
The storage options for this Kodiaq don’t end with the boot; you’ll find cargo compartments, storage in the centre console, bottle holders in the door panels, foldable roof handles and rear armrests with cup holders.
You can also find small bags on the inner sides of the front backrests, as well as an umbrella in the door panel, which can be helpful if there is a sudden downpour.
The high towing capacity means you can keep all the seats up and attach a trailer for additional storage space or to bring any chunky equipment such as bikes.
Learn more about the brand-new Skoda Kodiaq here.
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 45 TDi Quattro Sport 5dr Tip Auto
- Boot capacity: 565L
- Towing capacity: 2500kg
What this car lacks in boot space, it makes up for in towing capacity and style. Whilst boot capacity and towing ability are basic requirements of a good camping car, a car that is comfortable for the long trip to the campsite must make the shortlist.
The A6 Allroad is essentially an A6 Avant Estate, with a jacked-up suspension, protective plastic mouldings on the bodywork and a four-wheel drive system. You’ll find all the advantages of the Avant, as well as the off-roading abilities of an SUV.
When it comes to the interior, the car has the premium feel that we’ve come to expect from Audi; sleek colour schemes, 4-way electric lumbar support and heated seats in the front of the car and two-zone deluxe electronic climate control.
Whilst this is amongst some of the pricier models on our list, you get what you pay for. If your budget can’t stretch for a brand new car, you could buy a used car instead at a discounted price. Find out more about the Audi A6 here.
Toyota Land Cruiser 2.8 D-4D Utility 3dr
- Boot capacity: 380L
- Towing capacity: 3000kg
This is a car known for its off-roading abilities on multiple different surfaces, including mud, sand and ice.
The cabin is practical and utilitarian in style, but you still get a coloured TFT multi-informational display, as well as push button to start and ECO-driving indicator. The second row of seats slide back and forth, whereas the third row can fold into the floor to maximise boot space.
What’s more, the whopping towing capacity makes it the perfect car for towing a caravan to a campsite, meaning you can go camping in style without needing to spend time building a tent.
Aside from this, the glovebox is lockable, meaning you can store any valuable items whilst you enjoy some camping activities.
Find out more about the Toyota Land Cruiser here.
