Best Cars to Buy for Camping in 2027
28th Oct 2026
Getting out into the great outdoors can be a wonderful experience for families, solo travellers, and friends. Whether it's part of a bigger adventure or just a few days of peace and quiet, camping is a fun vocation that, with the right preparation, can be relaxing and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There's plenty you can do to make sure you're fully prepared, including choosing the right vehicle for the job. A large boot, camping features, towing capacity, and room for outdoor gear are just a few things to consider when looking for a car suitable for camping.
With this in mind, we've brought together a list of the 10 best cars for camping, highlighting some of the key features that make each one well suited to adventuring in the great outdoors.
- Citroën Berlingo
- Dacia Bigster
- Suzuki Jimny
- Peugeot E-Rifter
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Volkswagen ID.Buzz
- Jeep Wrangler
- Land Rover Defender
- Ford Ranger
- Citroën Holidays
- Frequently Asked Questions
Citroën Berlingo
SUVs make up some of the best cars for camping and countryside driving, but they can lack the space needed to carry passengers, luggage, and camping gear together. That's where MPVs come in handy, and the Citroën Berlingo is one of the UK's most popular people carriers for many reasons, due to its practical nature and functional design.
With a range of powertrains, including an efficient petrol, a long-distance diesel, and an all-electric option with up to 212 miles of WLTP range and emission-free driving, the Berlingo offers a powertrain to suit every camping and driving lifestyle.
No need to think twice about lifting heavy items over a high threshold, as the Berlingo's large sliding doors make it easy to load and unload your outdoor gear.
The cubbyholes alone offer a brilliant 186 litres of storage, and the standard boot is around 775 litres. Remove the rear seats, and you're left with a surefooted 1050 litres of storage space for any amount of camping goods. And if you need a bit extra, Citroën offers a useful roof box and a removable towing bar dedicated to the Berlingo.
For a keenly priced, camping-oriented car, you can't go wrong with a Citroën Berlingo.
Search New Citroën Berlingo Search Used Citroën BerlingoDacia Bigster
To be honest, Dacia offers a range of Models that suit camping. The Jogger is an MPV with space for seven, while the Duster has four-wheel drive (4x4). However, the third option, the Dacia Bigster, tops the three, offering a larger interior space and 4x4 capability.
The four-wheel drive (4x4) mild hybrid is well suited to outdoor use, delivering a solid 152bhp for tackling muddy banks and uneven campsite locations. It also has decent ground clearance of 219mm and an approach angle of 24 degrees.
Inside, the Bigster offers the usual comforts, with the top trim offering a good range of outdoor-orientated equipment such as a refrigerated compartment, modular roof bars, rubber mats, washable seats, and Media Nav Live. Plus, its boot space is a good 556 litres, opening up to an impressive 1856 litres with the rear seats folded.
One area where Dacia really stands out is its range of camping accessories. Items include a sleep pack that turns the rear space into a bed, blackout blinds, and even a three-person tent that attaches to the tailgate, converting the SUV into a functional outdoor space. With this in mind, the Bigster is a top choice for those who take their camping trips seriously.
Search New Dacia Bigster Search Used Dacia BigsterSuzuki Jimny
Compact and very capable, the Suzuki Jimny is an ideal off-road camping car that handles muddy roads and offers everything a camping enthusiast needs.
Its smaller footprint is part of its appeal, offering true 4x4 with its 100bhp 1.5-litre powertrain, while its low-range transfer box is designed for scrambling and hill climbing. It looks every bit a 4x4 with a very box-like design, about as aerodynamic as a brick, but makes up for it in practicality and that Jimny character.
Inside is quite utilitarian, offering just the basics, although it does have a DAB radio and Bluetooth, perfect for soundtracking your camping adventures. Its hard plastic design isn't for comfort seekers; instead, it's there to be wiped down after you come in from a hard day of hiking in the mud.
Boot space is quite small, but it gives you a solid 863 litres with the rear seats folded, or if you have the later van version with no rear seats. And, if you have a family, there is also a long-wheelbase version which gives you extra boot space. With the Jimny being a much-loved car in the 4x4 community, there are lots of good examples on the used car market.
Search Used Suzuki /JimnyPeugeot E-Rifter
This smallish, all-electric van-style MPV is a great camping companion for those who want to keep things clean and comfortable when out in the wild.
The Peugeot E-Rifter's box-like profile gives it a practical edge, while its quiet electric 134bhp motor has enough power to tackle uneven terrain and muddy tracks. Plus, you get 205 miles of WLTP range, allowing you to venture further on a single charge.
You can opt for a five- or seven-seater, depending on your outdoor preferences. While the five-seat version is well suited to camping, the longer-wheelbase seven-seat model gives you two extra seats for larger families. Alternatively, if you don't need the third row, you can fold the seats away to free up even more room for outdoor gear, with up to 1,050 litres of boot space available. The middle row also folds flat to the floor, so if you can't be bothered to put your tent up, there's enough space for you to sleep inside.
The GT trim is particularly tailored to campers, with SUV-inspired details like plastic wheel-arch cladding for protection, roof bars, and a slightly higher ride height, making it ideal for driving around campsites. And if you need more camping-oriented equipment, Peugeot offers rubber floor mats, a removable tow bar, a bike rack, and a roof box as optional extras.
Search New Peugeot Rifter Search Used Peugeot RifterHyundai SANTA FE
Big and imposing, the Hyundai SANTA FE offers two four-wheel drive powertrains: a 1.6-litre turbo petrol full-hybrid (HEV) and the same engine in a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version. Both are powerful enough to pull the SANTA FE through the wilderness, thanks to its HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system, which adjusts the torque split between the axles, and the terrain mode, which adjusts the drive depending on whether you're on sand, mud, or snow.
If you have the charging infrastructure, the PHEV is the preferred choice as it features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system. This smart piece of tech can power a fridge, air pump, and even an electric cooker, making it extremely useful when camping.
All the seats fold down to create a very useful cargo area, or you can add a camping mattress for a safe sleeping space. And if you're bringing some extra gear such as bikes or other outdoor equipment, the optional outdoor pack adds a roof box and bike rack, along with other useful outdoor-related accessories.
If comfort, space, and practicality are at the top of the list for outdoor exploration, the bold-looking Hyundai SANTA FE might be worth a look. It comes in six- or seven-seat variants, and while it's a solid camping partner, it also offers plenty of features and standard equipment for everyday driving.
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With vintage appeal and lots of space, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz could be a strong contender for those who want a retro-inspired camping experience in a modern electric vehicle.
Although there are different trims available, the one to focus on is the GTX, which offers all-wheel drive (AWD) thanks to its dual-motor setup, ideal for working your way across a grassy field to your pitching destination. It also seats up to seven people, so you can configure the ID Buzz to meet your lifestyle needs. Plus, both the third and second rows can fold flat or be removed altogether to create a roomy sleeping area.
The WLTP range is 278 to 294 miles, and optional extras include a camping socket for charging or running smaller appliances, a heat pump that helps maintain range in colder weather, and a tow bar that lets you tow up to 1,800kg on the AWD trim.
Although there are more dedicated camping cars, the ID Buzz has a level of equipment that is useful for outdoor living, plus ample boot space for all your outdoor gear. While there isn't a campervan version of the ID Buzz, Volkswagen has expressed interest in developing the Buzz into a dedicated camper in the future.
Search Used Volkswagen ID. BuzzJeep Wrangler
Serious campers, listen up: if you want a solid car with exceptional off-road ability made for the wilderness, a Jeep Wrangler should be at the top of your list.
The Wrangler is fine as an everyday car, with comforts such as a 12.3-inch infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while its rear-view camera helps with reverse parking. However, it really comes to life when it's traversing muddy hills or navigating rocky terrain, and it has a sizable 533–litre boot space (898 litres to the boot roof) for camping equipment.
Its 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 268bhp, which is enough power to get the Wrangler along any uneven terrain. It also comes with a series of off-road features such as Command-Trac and Rock Trac 4x4 systems, and Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, plus a wading depth of up to 760mm and chunky tyres, which, in layperson terms, means it's really got everything you need to take it off-road.
The Wrangler's off-road capability makes it an ideal camping car, especially if you're off to the Scottish Highlands or further afield like the Bavarian Forest where the elements don't hold back. And it's fine for popping to the shops when you're not driving up a mountain.
Search New Jeep Wrangler Search Used Jeep WranglerLand Rover Defender
When you think of camping, off-roading, and towing, the Land Rover range certainly comes to mind. Thanks to the Defender's rugged looks, spacious interior, and excellent off-road capabilities, it's a natural choice for our list. Available in three body designs, with up to six seats in the 90, five to seven seats in the 110, and eight seats in the 130, the Defender is well suited to bringing the whole family (and the dog) along on a camping adventure.
It can handle just about any terrain you encounter on your camping trip, with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance making it a reliable choice for driving off the beaten path. Plus, there are plenty of powertrain options to choose from, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for more efficient touring.
Where the Defender really comes into its own as a camping car is its compatibility with roof tents, which can mount directly onto the roof to provide a comfortable and elevated sleeping space. It also features durable rubberised flooring, making it easy to clean when you arrive home with muddy hiking boots.
If you're looking for a luxury all-rounder that can tackle challenging terrain while still offering plenty of comfort, space, and practicality for longer camping trips, the Land Rover Defender is certainly one to consider.
Search Used Land Rover DefenderFord Ranger
Not everyone camps in a traditional tent; some prefer something a little more solid, like a caravan or a trailer tent. With that in mind, a good towing vehicle with off-road capability is on the cards, and that's where the Ford Ranger pickup comes in.
With a range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid, and 4x4 in some trims, it can tow up to 3,500kg braked capacity, making the Ford Ranger a good choice when you want to bring a caravan or lots of outdoor gear like bikes or boats along on your trip. It can also carry a maximum payload of 1,200kg in its 1,33 litre cargo space, so even if you're not towing, it's got the room for plenty of camping equipment.
Inside, it has all the modern comforts you'd expect in a modern car, including a central infotainment touchscreen with voice command, a 360-degree camera, and dedicated off-road driving modes for when you've left the tarmac behind.
And for dedicated off-roaders, the Ford Ranger Raptor has enhanced suspension, an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system, and Trail Control™; a low-speed cruise-control system that lets the driver focus while navigating challenging routes.
If you tow regularly and need space for camping gear, the Ford Ranger is a compelling choice. It combines serious towing ability with genuine off-road capability and plenty of room for outdoor equipment, making the Ranger suited to those who want to venture further off the beaten track without leaving their home comforts behind.
Search New Ford Ranger Search Used Ford RangerCitroën Holidays
Okay, so the Citroën Holidays isn’t technically a car, but it’s worth including as an alternative to a car and tent. If you want more space and home comforts when camping, a campervan could be the way forward.
The Citroën Holidays comes with a solid diesel engine, offering 178bhp, which is good for motorways, or autobahns if you're driving further afield. It has all the modern comforts up front, including a heated steering wheel, a 10-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and a pair of captain's chairs, making the Holidays especially suited for longer drives. These chairs can also rotate 180 degrees when you're settling in for the night.
It sleeps four easily, with the rear seats folding to create a spacious double bed, while the roof pops up for another roomy sleeping space. The Citroën Holidays is also well equipped for life on the road, with a removable kitchen that comes with a twin gas stove and sink, plus a 16-litre fridge to keep food fresh. An outdoor shower and pull-out toilet complete the package, giving you everything you need for a comfortable camping trip.
If life in a tent gives you the shivers, if you're staying on the road for an extended trip, then opting for a well-equipped campervan like the Citroën Holidays is a great alternative to traditional tent camping, giving you more comfort and convenience while still letting you enjoy the freedom that the countryside has to offer.
Search New Citroën Holidays Search Used Citroën HolidaysFrequently asked questions
To choose a camping car, consider how much space you need to store gear and where you plan to camp. SUVs and estates can work well for occasional trips, while larger SUVs, MPVs, and campervans offer more room. For off-road adventures, look for all-wheel drive (AWD) / four-wheel drive (4x4), good ground clearance, and suitable driving modes; roof rails, a large boot, and V2L can also be useful.
Sleeping in a car isn't automatically illegal in the UK, but where you park and stay overnight is important. Local bylaws, parking restrictions and signs may prohibit overnight stays, while camping on private land generally requires the landowner's permission in England and Wales. Scotland has different wild-camping rules, but these don't give you unrestricted permission to park a vehicle anywhere.
Large SUVs, estate cars and MPVs can be suitable for sleeping in if the rear seats fold flat and there's enough length. Models such as the Škoda Superb Estate, Hyundai SANTA FE and Volkswagen ID. Buzz offer plenty of space, with the ID. Buzz particularly well suited to camping thanks to its van-like interior. Always check the actual load-floor dimensions to make sure there's enough room to sleep comfortably.
Discover the best cars for camping in 2027
Whether camping and sleeping under the stars are a big part of your life, or you just like the occasional weekend away, choosing the right vehicle to fit your outdoor lifestyle is essential to making the most of your time outdoors.
Whether you want a full campervan with all the features and camping gizmos, or a practical MPV that'll fit all your outdoor gear, there are plenty of options to suit different needs and budgets.
To learn more or test drive a vehicle today, contact your local Evans Halshaw retailer.
