The best cars, trucks, SUVs and EVs for camping, so you can get away from it all

By Nelson Ireson

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 not want to 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 can do a great deal to lessen your impact on your campsite and its immediate surroundings. Although PHEVs do use gasoline like normal vehicles, they can also run in electric-only mode, often for 20 miles or more, potentially allowing you to travel near your camp or even go off-roading without burning a drop of gasoline.

Learn more: What is EV, BEV, HEV, PHEV? Here's your guide to types of electric cars

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 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, to help ensure your camping vehicle purchase is the right fit for you. Prices quoted below include MSRP and destination fees, but do not include other mandatory fees like tax, title, and licensing. The prices quoted are for the base trim unless otherwise specified.

Check out: It's one of the latest trends in camping-why drive an RV when you can have it delivered?

Best trucks for camping

2024 Ram 2500

Starting price: $47,245

The 2024 Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup with heavy-duty towing, hauling, and even off-road capability. That combination 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.

2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Starting price: $48,395

For serious off-road capability in a more compact form, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is a great choice, especially in range-topping, off-road-focused Colorado ZR2 form. 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.

2024 Ford F-150

Starting price: $38,765

One of America's most popular trucks is also a great choice for camping. The 2024 Ford (F) F-150 is Kelley Blue Book's Full-Size Truck Best Buy of 2024 thanks to its capability, comfort, and extensive range of available configurations. Features like 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 land, the F-150 has a variant for you.

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Starting price: $32,995

The Toyota Tacoma has long been a favorite of campers and off-road enthusiasts, and the all-new 2024 Toyota (TM) Tacoma takes it to a new level. 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 2024.

2024 Ford Maverick

Starting price: $25,410

The 2024 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 AWD, but the optional hybrid is front-drive only. An available Tremor off-road package upgrades the suspension, bumpers, and under-body protection.

2024 Honda Ridgeline

Starting price: $41,145

Refined and comfortable in a way no other midsize truck is, the 2024 Honda (HMC) 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 (AWD), 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 audio directly in the truck bed.

2024 Jeep Gladiator

Starting price: $39,790

The Jeep of pickups, the 2024 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.

Read more: The 2024 Jeep Gladiator: This distinctive, versatile truck will take you farther into the wild than any of its rivals

Best cars, SUVs, and vans for camping

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting price: $38,290

The 2024 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 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.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport

Starting price: $31,390

If you're looking for funky, rugged style in a modern SUV, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport has plenty, as well as solid safety scores, standard AWD, 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. 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.

See: Review: The Ford Bronco Sport gets updates for 2024 and a new retro trim-you'll dig it

2024 Ford Bronco

Starting price: $41,525

When it comes to outdoor adventure, you can't mention the Bronco Sport without including its bigger, highly capable 2024 Ford Bronco sibling. Available with two or four doors, hard top or soft, the Bronco has a 4WD 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.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

Starting price: $57,345

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser marks an all-new generation of the adventuring icon, with fresh new style, new technology, new powertrains, and even more camp-friendly features and ability. The new Land Cruiser is hybrid-only, with a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of trail-taming torque. Full-time 4WD with locking center and rear differentials enhance 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.

More: Toyota's iconic Land Cruiser is reborn and redesigned-and they nailed it. When can you get one?

2024 Subaru Outback

Starting price: $30,240

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