This truck is set up for camping with a tent and a ladder

Trucks & SUVs

What Are the Best New Trucks and SUVs for Camping?

Does the wilderness call to you? You can go there and enjoy a camping adventure with one of these trucks or SUVs.

by Nathaniel Ehinger

Published on June 25, 2022

3 min read

When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, a quick and cheap way to spend some time in the wilderness is to go camping. Some trucks and SUVs are great for camping and become your tent, which means you don’t need to bring one. Choose a vehicle with 4WD or AWD and enjoy the added benefits of some off-road capability that allows you to get deeper into the wilderness and truly get away from the rest of the world.

Camping in trucks and SUVs; there’s more to it than you think

Before we get into some of the vehicles, let’s consider some things to look for when choosing a vehicle that is the right camping partner. CarBuzz offers some things you should think about, which are:

Is it a good off-roader?
Does it have all the essentials?
Can it haul your family and your gear?
Will it keep you safe?

You want a vehicle that can go deep into the wilderness, offer the comfort you need, has enough room for everyone and everything, and is reliable to drive. This brings us to our list.

What are the best trucks for your wilderness adventures?

Ram 2500

Kelley Blue Book tells us the Ram 2500 is an excellent choice with a smooth-riding suspension and a high tow rating. The Ram 2500 is offered in the Power Wagon trim, which is a true off-roading truck. If you want lots of power and know you’ll have a wide path to your destination, this could be the right truck.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The most capable midsize truck is the one you want when it’s time for some serious fun in the outdoors. Set up your camping spot, and then take this truck to a mud pit, dry lake bed, or over some rocks for some serious off-road fun. The Colorado ZR2 sits higher than the regular model and could have a diesel engine, which offers plenty of power to haul a heavy load.

Ford F-150

The max-recline front seats of the F-150 make it the perfect place to go when a bad storm strikes. This could be the right truck for your camping adventures with its towing capacity and variety of trims. Find the right F-150 for your fun and put your sleeping bag in the truck’s bed on a clear starry night for an amazing outdoor experience.

What are the best SUVs for camping?

Jeep Grand Cherokee

It’s easy to see what the Grand Cherokee offers that put it at the top of the list. This Jeep boasts a large cargo area behind the rear seat, a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, and some impressive off-road qualities. You could sleep in the back of the Grand Cherokee or pitch a tent next to it while keeping all your stuff secure in this SUV.

Ford Bronco Sport

If your idea of getting away is to go camping alone or with one other person, the Ford Bronco Sport is an excellent option. This small SUV has off-road chops to take you anywhere. It’s also capable of carrying up to 1,100 pounds in the cargo area. The tough and rugged interior means you can get it dirty and clean it up once you return to civilization.

Subaru Outback

We couldn’t have a list of great SUVs for camping without the Subaru Outback. The off-road capabilities of this SUV have made it the ideal vehicle when it’s time to hit the trails. The ground clearance and cargo room allow you to go deep in the woods and bring everything you want along for the ride. This SUV could be the perfect companion for your weekend outdoor adventures.

Don’t forget the ten essentials of camping and hiking

Now that you know which trucks and SUVs could make your camping trip more enjoyable, you want to pack up and head out into the wilderness. Just remember to take long the 10 Essentials. These are explained in detail by Voyageur Tripper. Basically, they ensure you have everything you need to survive in the wilderness.

Have fun and happy camping.