Planning a weekend camping adventure? Your choice of SUV can make the difference between a smooth getaway and a frustrating experience filled with cramped quarters and gear left behind.
While any vehicle can technically get you to a campsite, the right SUV becomes your mobile basecamp, offering the perfect blend of cargo space, capability, and comfort for those memorable outdoor escapes.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
The Outback Wilderness takes Subaru’s already camping-friendly formula and dials up the adventure factor. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, it handles rough campground access roads without breaking a sweat.
The spacious cargo area easily swallows weekend gear for four people, and when you fold down the rear seats, you can create a usable sleeping setup for two with the rear seats folded and a pad/mattress.
Toyota 4Runner
This truck-based SUV remains refreshingly unchanged in a world of car-based crossovers, and that’s exactly what makes it shine on camping trips. The 4Runner’s body-on-frame construction and serious four-wheel-drive system can tackle the kind of backcountry trails that would leave other SUVs stranded.
Its rear cargo area is perfectly sized for camping gear, and the power rear window is a genius touch for loading longer items like fishing rods or camp chairs.
Honda Pilot
Sometimes you need an SUV that can haul both people and camping gear without making anyone miserable on the drive there. The Pilot’s three-row seating configuration is surprisingly flexible – drop the third row and you’ve got a massive cargo area that can handle everything from coolers to camp stoves. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system provides confidence on sketchy campground roads, while the comfortable cabin keeps everyone happy during those longer drives to remote spots.
Ford Bronco Sport
Don’t let its compact size fool you: the Bronco Sport punches well above its weight class when it comes to camping utility. The clever cargo management system includes rubber floor mats that hose clean after muddy adventures, and the rear seats fold completely flat for maximum gear hauling.
Ford’s Terrain Management System takes the guesswork out of different trail conditions, adjusting the vehicle’s settings based on the drive mode you select (sand, mud/ruts, etc.)
Chevrolet Tahoe
When your camping group includes extended family or you’re planning a week-long adventure, the Tahoe’s sheer size becomes its greatest asset. According to GM Authority, when properly equipped, this full-size SUV can tow up to 8,400 pounds, making it perfect for hauling larger camping trailers or boats to lakeside campsites.
The cavernous interior means everyone gets their own space, and with the rear seats folded, you could practically set up a small tent inside the cargo area.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee strikes that sweet spot between everyday usability and weekend adventure capability. Its available Quadra-Trac 4×4 system automatically adjusts to changing conditions, whether you’re navigating muddy campground roads or dry forest trails.
The cargo area is thoughtfully designed with a low load floor and wide opening, making it easy to pack and unpack your camping essentials without throwing out your back.
Ready for Adventure
The best camping SUV is ultimately the one that matches your specific adventure style and group size. Whether you prioritize maximum cargo space, serious off-road capability, or fuel efficiency for those long drives to distant campgrounds, there’s an SUV on this list that can enhance your outdoor experiences.
Remember, the most important feature of any camping vehicle is reliability; after all, the best adventure stories shouldn’t involve getting rescued from the wilderness.