10 Best Cars for Camping

When planning a camping adventure, before you can pitch your tent and toast marshmallows under the stars, you need the right vehicle to get you there. The perfect camping car isn't just about getting from A to B; it's about combining comfort, practicality, and a touch of ruggedness to enhance your outdoor experience.

Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family looking to create lasting memories, there's a car out there that's tailor-made for your camping needs. To set you on your journey, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best cars for camping, each offering unique features to make your outdoor excursions all the more comfortable and enjoyable… 

Key takeaways:

• Look for cars that offer unique features tailored for camping experiences
• Consider cars with flexible storage options, removable seats and off-road capabilities
• Some cars now come with roof tents or pop-up roof options
• Always check overnight parking restrictions before you pitch up
• It is best to book car camping at an authorised campsite

Can you sleep in a car for camping?

There is no specific law against sleeping in your car in the UK. However, where you park and for how long can affect if you are doing so legally:

For instance, sleeping in your car on public land (like roadsides or car parks) is generally not illegal, but there may be local restrictions. If you’re on private land, you will need the landowner's permission to park and sleep on any area designated as private property. Bear in mind that many local authorities have specific bylaws that prohibit overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles in certain areas.

Always pay attention to the parking restrictions in place; many rural car parks have time limits or don't allow overnight parking. In most of England and Wales, wild camping (including in a car) is only legal with the landowner's permission - it’s worth knowing that Scotland has more lenient rules for this. When camping in the countryside, you’ll find that some areas provide designated overnight spots for motorhomes and campervans, which may be suitable for car camping too.

While not strictly a legal issue, always ensure you're parked safely and not causing an obstruction. It's always best to research local regulations for the specific area you plan to visit first - if in doubt, we advise you to opt for staying overnight at official campsites to avoid any potential issues and make the most of your outdoor experience.

The benefits of car camping:

Camping in a car offers many benefits to those searching for a break in the great outdoors, including: 

• Mobility and flexibility
• Easy to change locations quickly
• Ability to explore multiple sites in one trip
• Can adapt plans based on weather
• Protection from the elements, such as rain, wind, and cold
• More comfortable sleeping surface than the ground
• Safer from wildlife compared to tent camping
• Can lock doors for added security
• Easier to store valuables
• No need to set up and take down a tent
• Often cheaper than motorhomes or camper vans
• Can camp in areas where ground camping might be restricted
• Can charge devices using the car's electrical system
• Possibility to run small appliances or lighting

What car is best for camping in?

To answer that question, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 best cars for camping holidays, whether you’re planning a UK staycation, or have set your sights for further afield. Our compilation includes cars of all shapes and sizes, and we’ve even thrown in an electric model too! 

Our top 10 camping cars:

1. Citroen Berlingo
2. Dacia Jogger
3. Hyundai IONIQ 5
4. Jeep Renegade
5. Kia Sorento
6. Land Rover Defender
7. MINI Countryman
8. Peugeot 5008
9. Skoda Kodiaq
10. Volkswagen Caddy California

Citroen Berlingo

The Citroen Berlingo is a versatile MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that's perfect for camping enthusiasts. Its Modutop roof provides additional storage space, ideal for camping gear. The vehicle offers a spacious interior with removable seats, allowing for flexible configuration. Some models come with a pop-up roof tent option, turning the Berlingo into a mini camper van - ideal for weekend camping trips at home or abroad. 

Dacia Jogger

As Dacia's first seven-seater, the Jogger is an excellent budget-friendly option for camping trips. It features roof bars as standard, perfect for attaching roof boxes or bike racks. The rear seats can be easily removed, creating a vast cargo area for camping equipment. Its high ground clearance is beneficial for navigating rural campsites and visiting sites of interest in the countryside.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

This all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 brings eco-friendly camping to the forefront. Its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function allows you to power camping equipment directly from the car's battery - perfect for those rural getaways. Plus, the IONIQ 5’s spacious interior and flat floor make it comfortable for overnight stays, while the long-range ensures you can reach remote camping spots without range anxiety.

Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade combines compact city-friendly dimensions with genuine off-road capability. Its Selec-Terrain system allows you to optimise performance for various surfaces you might encounter at campsites across the UK and in Europe. The ‘My Sky’ removable roof panels offer an open-air experience, perfect for stargazing on those clear nights.

Kia Sorento

This large Kia Sorento SUV offers ample space for both passengers and camping gear. Its self-levelling rear suspension helps maintain stability when fully loaded - ideal for longer trips abroad. Some Sorento models even feature underfloor storage, perfect for keeping camping equipment organised and tidied away when on the road. Fitted with an all-wheel drive system, it provides traction and confidence on unpaved campsite roads.

Land Rover Defender

The iconic Land Rover Defender is built for adventure. It offers exceptional off-road capabilities to access campsites in even the remotest locations. The vehicle can be equipped with a roof tent, and some models feature an integrated air compressor for inflating air beds or bicycle tyres. The optional Explorer Pack adds a roof rack and exterior side-mounted gear carrier so you can be fully equipped while on the move.

MINI Countryman

Don't let its size fool you; the MINI Countryman is a capable camping companion and a firm favourite with many. It offers ALL4 all-wheel drive for tackling rough terrain and can be fitted with a specially designed roof tent, transforming it into a cosy sleeping area for up to two people. Its compact size is perfect for navigating narrow country lanes to reach secluded camping spots.

Peugeot 5008

The seven-seat Peugeot 5008 SUV offers fantastic flexibility for family camping trips. Its third-row seats can be removed entirely, creating a vast load space for camping gear when travelling with fewer passengers. The 5008  features underfloor storage compartments, perfect for storing camping essentials. Plus, the available grip control system enhances traction on slippery surfaces often found at campsites when its been raining.

Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is packed with 'Simply Clever' features that are very useful for camping trips. It includes an integrated LED flashlight in the boot, which is removable for use around the campsite. The door edge protection system helps prevent damage when opening doors in tight camping spots - handy when travelling with children! With seven seats and a huge boot, it's ideal for family camping trips.

Volkswagen Caddy California

Purpose-built for camping, the Volkswagen Caddy California is a compact camper van blended with car-like features. It includes a fold-out bed, a mini kitchen with a gas cooker, and a retractable awning. The California offers plenty of clever storage solutions for camping equipment and its compact size makes the vehicle easy to use as a daily driver when not camping.

Finance your next camping car

As a leading broker of vehicle finance, here at Octane Finance, we can help you source the ideal funding solution for your next camping car. We can provide access to a range of flexible financing options tailored to suit various budgets and needs, making it easier to acquire a vehicle for those sought-after adventures under the stars. 

Whether you're eyeing a versatile Citroen Berlingo, a rugged Land Rover Defender, or a compact Volkswagen Caddy California, we can help secure competitive rates and terms. With options for Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP) and Lease Purchase (LP) agreements, financing enables you to spread the cost of your camping car over time.  

By partnering with a variety of lenders across the UK, we strive to find the most suitable financial solution for each customer, helping turn the dream of owning a camping-ready vehicle into a reality. Get in touch today to find out more.