Top 25 Best Cars to Sleep in when Camping (2024)

Camping in a car has many advantages, such as simplicity. It doesn’t take a lot of extra time to set up, it’s relatively easy to find a place to park for the night, and it’s super quick to pack up and leave in the morning. However, there are some challenges, but with a little bit of ingenuity and by following some easy tips, they can easily be overcome. Even if you plan to sleep in a tent during a long road trip, having the option to sleep in your car can be convenient, especially if you need a quick solution when you can’t find a campsite.

I’ve spent a lot of time camping and sleeping in cars over the years and have found some key factors that make a car ideal for camping. Below, we’ll cover some of these important elements, but if you’re simply looking for a short list of the best cars to sleep in, check out the following lists and click on the links to learn why they earned a spot at the top:

Best Gas Vehicles for Camping and Sleeping

Subaru Outback	Honda CR-V
Toyota Rav4	Mazda CX-50
Jeep Cherokee	Subaru Forester
Volvo XC	Kia Telluride
Honda Odyssey	Chevrolet Equinox
Toyota Prius	+ Ford Transit and Econoline Vans

Best Electric Vehicles for Camping and Sleeping

Tesla Model Y	Subaru Solterra
Rivian R1S	Hyundai Ioniq 5

Camping can take many forms, including sleeping in a tent, in an RV, under the open sky, or even in your vehicle. While some are more common than others, camping is camping. People have been sleeping in cars for as long as they have been driving them. Either because of convenience or necessity, camping out of a car is a viable way to spend the night.

When I was younger, I slept in my car regularly during outdoor adventure trips. For example, after work on Friday, I would leave my home in Philadelphia and head north to upstate NY. Usually, my first night away was spent sprawling out in the back of my vehicle. This was done mainly for convenience, as it was a quick, easy, and free way to camp for the night.

Best Vehicles to Sleep in when Camping

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Honorable Mentions

While the above vehicles are my top choices for a good vehicle to sleep in, there are many other great options to mention. Below is a short list of other vehicles worth checking out. Who knows, they may bump up onto my top list next year.

• Honda Ridgeline
• Honda Element (only available used- but #1 choice for preowned)
• Toyota Sequoia
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Ford Expedition
• Ford F-150 (with Cab)
• Chrysler Pacifica
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Toyota Tacoma
• Toyota Sienna

Top Electric Vehicles for camping and sleeping

If you’re looking for a new vehicle for camping, you now have many options for electric vehicles. The list of options will be rapidly growing year over year, but in 2023, below are the best electric vehicles to sleep or camp in.

Electric vehicles offer many options for camping or sleeping beyond fuel savings. One of my favorites is the ability to have access to power when the car is off without worrying about depleting your starting battery. Some vehicles do this better than others, but when implemented correctly, it’s easy to charge a phone or laptop or run a plug-in cooler overnight.

Some vehicles will even be able to let you run air conditioning or heat while the vehicle is off. While this will use much more energy than simple tasks like charging a phone, it’s a great option to have when needed.

Other Benefits of Electric Vehicles for Camping

• It can be charged at a traditional RV campsite with an electric hookup.
• Quiet if you need to have the car turned on for AC or heat.
• Easy to charge devices or run AC appliances.

Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles for Camping

• Charging can be more difficult in remote locations.
• Options are currently fewer than ICE vehicles.
• More expensive due to newer technology

2024 Tesla Model Y

You can’t talk about Electric Vehicles without discussing Tesla, the leader in the EV industry. Why historical Tesla models were focused on sedans, the Model Y entered the mix with a bang. For many reasons, this could be the best car for sleeping in when you want to most access to comfort features.

The Tesla Model Y, first released in 2020, is a crossover SUV that has the benefits of a sedan with the space of an SUV. It can comfortably seat five passengers and, with an optional third row, increases seating capacity to seven. Like other Tesla models, it comes in several trim levels, an unnamed standard-range version, Long Range and Performance.

The thing that makes the Model Y a great, if not the best, EV camping car is the cargo capacity. The 2023 model offers 76 cu. Ft. of cargo room and has seats that fold nearly flat. The vehicle has several USB ports accessible in the rear of the vehicle and a low voltage port in the back trunk, where you can connect DC devices for charging or operation.

All power ports are active when the vehicle is considered “awake,” meaning that it’s ready to deliver power. This is turned on in what I consider to be a game-changing feature when the car is in camp mode.

When your Tesla is in Camp Mode, it will maintain the optimum temperature and airflow inside the cabin and provide you with lighting. You can also listen to music if you want and have most of the features you use outside of driving it. This mode was created just for this purpose and elevates the Model Y to the top of the list for a car you can sleep in comfortably.

2024 Subaru Solterra

When it comes to sleeping and camping in a car, no manufacturer has marketed this better than Subaru. The Subaru Outback and Forester have been hauling campers around for decades. The Soltera, just like all other Subarus, features the standard all-wheel drive (AWD) benefit of its all-new, all-electric drivetrain.  One of the things that makes this a great camping car is the go-anywhere mantra that Subaru owners love. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, you can safely head down a long bumpy forest road for a peaceful place to camp.

The cargo area of the Solterra is good, with a 73” distance from the hatch to the seats when folded. This is a great size for sleeping. However, the Soltera doesn’t have a frunk, which can be found in other EVs, making it less convenient for storage. It does have a great rack system for carrying bikes, kayaks, or luggage, keeping the adventure benefits that Subaru is known for.

A few downsides of the Soltera when compared to other EVs. One is the lack of camping mode, which is found in the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5. This feature, which lets you turn on specific features of the vehicle when camping, such as AC or heat, is not offered, per se, in the Subaru. Through the Connect app, you can adjust your climate settings before you drive or turn on the car when parked, but it’s a little cumbersome compared to the other options.

Additionally, the range and charging time leaves some to be desired. The okay range of 220 miles is hamstrung by the longer charging times. At a level one charger, it will still take almost an hour to reach an 80 percent charge. Not great when comparing similar models.

However, if you plan to camp close to home, this may not be a big deal. On a road trip, though, you may need to plan some long stops for charging.

Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is essentially the same as the R1T, but with an enclosed rear instead of a truck bed. Aside from Tesla, it’s probably the most versatile vehicle on the list.

Last year, Rivian revealed a new feature for the R1T and new R1S known as Camp Mode, designed to enhance the camping experience. The new feature allows the ability to control various vehicle settings, including noise levels, display settings, and energy management. Additionally, the vehicle features floodlights in the mirrors to illuminate the campsite.

One standout feature of Camp Mode is its capability to modify the truck’s independent air suspension, ensuring the cabin remains level. This function aids in transforming the vehicle into a comfortable overnight stay.

Tesla, a competitor in the electric vehicle market, also offers a Camp Mode. While Tesla’s mode focuses on maintaining cabin conditions and touchscreen functionality for entertainment, it doesn’t provide the unique suspension adjustment feature found in Rivian’s version.

For this reason alone, the R1S is one of the top vehicles for sleeping and camping. While I would love to put it at the top of the list, the price tag of $78,000 makes it out of reach for many. If money wasn’t an issue, I would hands down recommend the Rivian over every other EV on the market.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t expect Hyundai to release one of the best electric vehicles for camping, but when compared to a Tesla, it holds its ground and outperforms in some areas. The Ioniq 5 is one of the best camping cars on the market because they pay attention to the details that people want.

Two of the most impressive features are Utility Mode, similar to Tesla’s Camp Mode, and the addition of 120V outlets to directly plug in electronics or even appliances. In Utility mode, Hyundai hit the mark by prepping a non-running car to take advantage of the onboard batteries. In a recent test, the Iioniq 5 lost about 10 miles of range for a 9-hour night of sleeping in utility mode. That’s pretty darn impressive.

Now, when it comes to powering devices, you have access to USB A power in utility mode, and if you opt for the top-of-the-line model, you’ll also get a 120V household plug. Hyundai also has a converter available that plugs into the bidirectional charging port (where you charge your car) that provides power for almost anything you need. So, if you want to run a coffee pot in the morning, no problem. This is available even when the vehicle is turned off.

The one downside of the Ioniq 5 is the slightly smaller sleeping space as compared to other EVs on the list. At roughly ## in length, it may not be the best option for really tall people. You can extend this a bit by sliding the rear seat up a bit, but you’ll be left with a gap that you’ll need to fill to avoid back pain.

Overall, the Hyindai Ioniq 5 is one of the best and most feature-rich electric cars for sleeping or camping. It has a good range, fast charging, and exceptional connectivity for all your electric needs. When factoring in price, compared to other EVs, this could be on of the best car camping cars available.

Car type and layout that is best for Camping and Sleeping:

Now that you’ve seen some of the best vehicles for sleeping, we’ll go through some of the critical things to remember when prepping to sleep in your car. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to help you decide if it’s right for you.

While you can sleep in any car, some will be more comfortable, provide extra space, and be easier to adapt for privacy. Over the years, I have slept in many different cars, including a Toyota Prius, Subaru Outback, large SUVs like a ford explorer, a pickup truck, and even a minivan. While they all had their plusses and minuses, by large, the most comfortable were the ones with the most space. However, the best car for camping will ultimately come down to personal preference.

An SUV will typically be the best option for a car camper when given a choice. However, what you gain in space, you lose in fuel efficiency, which may be a factor in your decision on what type of car to purchase. The least comfortable and inconvenient are typical sedans with a trunk. While a trunk makes an excellent place to store items out of the way, sleeping on the front seats is less than ideal and a choice I would avoid if I planned to do a lot of camping in my car.

Below are some of the different car style options to choose from:

Camper Van

A camper van is ideal if you’re looking for the most luxurious vehicle to sleep in outside a full RV. It will offer the most space, a separate sleeping area, and even some luxury camping features like water, heat, air conditioning, and storage. Unfortunately, these can get very expensive if you opt for a van with full amenities. However, many design their own, starting with a cargo van as a base.

Minivan

A minivan is an excellent option if you’re looking for a regular vehicle to sleep in but value space. While it may not be everyone’s choice for a daily driver, the extra space will make it a perfect vehicle to sleep in. In addition, many people remove the rear seats, creating an open floor plan, perfect for a mattress and sleeping bag.

SUV

A full-size SUV is a staple for daily driving and car camping. When the rear seats are folded down in the rear, you have a large space, often as big as a pickup truck’s bed. For most people, this will provide more than enough space for sleeping. While fuel efficiency is not great with an SUV, the added space makes up for it if you regularly plan to sleep in it. Also, some SUVs will accept a tent, which can be installed over the vehicle’s hatchback, significantly increasing the living space.

Crossover SUV

A compact SUV is probably the sweet spot regarding fuel efficiency and space. Vehicles like a Subaru Outback or Honda CRV make excellent camping options. There’s a good reason they top the list for some of the best cars for camping. I spent many nights sleeping inside my Subaru Outback and was always comfortable. Length is preferred over height when looking for a compact SUV, as longer vehicles provide more sleeping space, especially for taller people. When you fold down the back seats, you will have plenty of space for sleeping.

Compact car (hatchback)

While a compact car may seem like a poor choice for sleeping at face value, many compact cars make excellent cars you can sleep in. However, the one caveat is that it should be a hatchback rather than a trunk. While a compact car will be shorter than a typical sedan, a hatchback allows you to maximize the total length for sleeping with the rear seats folded down and is a great choice. One of my favorite vehicles for sleeping was a Toyota Prius. The salesperson rolled their eyes when I crawled into the back and laid down, but it helped me pull the trigger on a very fuel-efficient and sleeping-capable car. While the Prius was great on gas, most compact cars are also.

Sedan

My least favorite vehicle for sleeping is a typical sedan. You’ll likely need to sleep on a reclined seat unless you’re short. While some vehicles will have a seat that reclines back to a nearly horizontal position, most will be slightly elevated in the backmost position. Some people like to sleep like this, but I prefer to have a different sleeping area than a seat. The one benefit of this style is a trunk, which allows you to keep all your gear and supplies out of the way. It is usually the quickest vehicle to set up for camping and the easiest to break down. However, the lack of sleeping space puts it at the bottom of my list if given a choice.

Pickup Truck

A pickup truck can make an excellent vehicle to sleep in, or if not set up properly, it can make a very uncomfortable one. The main determining factor is whether you have a cap on the truck’s bed. If you do, a pickup can be the perfect camping vehicle. If not, it isn’t easy to get comfortable and sleep in the truck’s cab. With an enclosed bed, however, you can fit a large mattress, customize the layout for your specific needs, and have plenty of room to store your gear and supplies. 

Can you live in your car?

While it’s not an ideal situation, many people experiencing economic hardships from living in high real-estate priced cities are making the decision to save on rent and live in their car. This is mostly a short-term solution for housing, but it’s something many people are doing. Additionally, many people choosing to travel the country choose this option as a way to save money and do more exploring.

Living in your car is legal, but depending on where you park, that could be a different story. Some cities or businesses strictly prohibit overnight parking. While it doesn’t mean that you can’t sleep in your car, you just can’t do it in these places. I suggest researching laws and rules before staying overnight in your vehicle.

Where can you sleep in your car to camp?

Finding a place to sleep in your car is not difficult, but it’s important to carefully plan where you want to stay for the night. The best place to stay is usually somewhere that allows camping, either at a form campground or a boondocking location. These sites typically provide a convenient place with the least possibility of getting disturbed.

The more challenging location is usually on a public street or parking lot. We’ll cover the legalities of overnight parking in public and private locations later but be aware that it may not be as simple as pulling over anywhere and sleeping.

Some of the best places to camp are certified boondocking locations. This means it’s legal to stay in these locations, usually in scenic areas, free and traditionally quiet. Best yet, locations are available throughout the country, even in areas close to populated areas. Most boondocking spots are located on public lands. Most are on federal lands, but many state and local governments have land available for boondocking. You should be aware that there typically aren’t camping amenities like fire pits, bathrooms, or trash facilities. You will need to plan accordingly for the place you plan to stay.

When you’re looking for a place to sleep, I like to use the power of the internet to find a good location. Some fantastic apps and websites list places to camp for free. Two of my favorites are iOverlander, Campedium, and The Dyrt App. However, there are a bunch of other resources that have their own unique benefits. I like to have a couple of options installed on my phone for the best chance of finding the perfect spot. My favorite resources are the ones that provide reviews from real users.

·        Campendium

·        AllStays

·        The Dyrt App

·        FreeRoam

·        iOverlander

·        Boondocking App

Is it Legal to Sleep in Your Car?

Yes, in many instances, it is entirely legal to sleep in your car. There are no federal or state laws prohibiting it, but some localities may have regulations or ordinances prohibiting it. In some places, it is legal to sleep in a car as long as it is not done in a way that disturbs the peace or poses a safety hazard. In other places, sleeping in a car may be illegal or restricted to certain areas.

It is important to check the laws and regulations in the area where you plan to sleep in your car. Some places may have specific laws regulating sleeping in a car, while in other places, the laws may be more general and apply to overnight parking.

Unless expressly prohibited by local laws, sleeping in your car when parked on a public street is legal. However, more and more municipalities are cracking down on this, so it’s best to check with local authorities before your stay. While sleeping in your car when parked on a public street may be possible, it’s typically loud, won’t offer privacy, and creates an opportunity that someone will disturb you and ask you to leave. Therefore, I recommend this option as a last resort since better options are available. You should also be aware of potential safety risks and take appropriate precautions.

In general, sleeping in a car at a designated campsite or rest area is usually legal if you follow any rules or guidelines that apply to those areas. It may also be legal to sleep in a car in a parking lot if it is not a private property or restricted area. However, checking with the property owner or manager is important to ensure it is allowed.

Some businesses may allow you to stay in their parking lot overnight. Many Walmart locations will allow this as well as Cracker Barrel restaurants. However, their policies regularly change, so ask the store manager before you park for the night. If you are unsure about the legality of sleeping in a car in a particular

area, it is a good idea to contact local law enforcement or a local tourism office for more information.

Do campgrounds let you sleep in a car?

Yes, many campgrounds allow guests to sleep in their cars. Some campgrounds have designated areas for car camping, while others allow visitors to park their car at any campsite and sleep in it.

If you plan to sleep in your car at a campground, it is a good idea to check with the campground beforehand to ensure it is allowed. Unfortunately, some private campgrounds won’t allow this and restrict the types of vehicles you can sleep in. In addition, some campgrounds may have specific rules or guidelines for car camping, such as requiring that the car be parked in a designated area or prohibiting the use of propane heaters.

However, most public campgrounds won’t restrict this, but it’s a good idea to check with the host or when you make a reservation. In general, you will need to be able to park at your campsite. For example, if a campground offers rustic tent camping but offers a parking lot for tent campers, you typically won’t be able to sleep in your car in this situation. Public campsites are usually less expensive than public ones, so keep this in mind when deciding where to camp.

When sleeping in your car at a campground, it is important to follow any rules and guidelines that apply. This may include paying the appropriate fees, respecting the rights of other campers, and being mindful of any noise or other potential nuisances. Overall, sleeping in a car at a campground can be a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of nature.

Tips for Sleeping in a Car:

Stay organized

If you plan to sleep in your car for a long trip, developing a system for staying organized is a good option. Many SUVs will have a roof rack option, a great way to keep your camping gear, luggage, and other supplies out of the sleeping area. This will be even more important if you have a small car.

Another option is to take advantage of your vehicle’s hitch. If you have a hitch receiver, consider purchasing a hitch carrier. While these aren’t ideal for clothing and soft items that may get wet, they work perfectly for coolers and generators.

When getting ready for a camping trip, start by storing your supplies in bins, totes, or bags. If you keep them in the rear of the vehicle, you can quickly move them when it’s time to sleep. On the other hand, if everything is scattered around, you’ll spend a lot of time moving items rather than getting a good night’s sleep.

Don’t run the engine.

Running the engine while sleeping in a car is generally not recommended. There are several reasons why this can be dangerous:

1. Carbon monoxide poisoning: Running the engine generates exhaust fumes containing a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide. If the fumes enter the passenger compartment, they can cause dizziness, nausea, and even death. Therefore, ensuring the exhaust pipe is clear and not blocked by debris is important to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Fire risk: Running the engine generates heat, which can increase the fire risk if it comes into contact with flammable materials. It is important to ensure the engine is in good working order and not leaking any fluids.
3. Noise and disturbance: Running the engine can disturb other people sleeping or camping nearby. It is important to be considerate of others and try to minimize noise and disturbance.

Control humidity

One challenge with sleeping in a car can be humidity. Because of the small space, it’s easy for the inside of the car to get from breathing. This is especially noticeable on cool nights when you have the windows closed. However, there are some easy steps to reduce humidity when sleeping in your car:

1. Park in a shady spot: Choose a parking spot shaded from the sun to reduce the heat and humidity inside the car.
2. Crack a window or sunroof: Opening a window a few inches can help to ventilate the car and allow excess moisture to escape.
3. Use a dehumidifier: Consider using a small, portable dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture from the air. These devices can be powered by your car’s cigarette lighter or a small battery.
4. Use a fan: A portable fan can help circulate the car’s air and reduce humidity.
5. Avoid drying clothes inside the car: Avoid hanging wet clothes or towels inside the car to dry, as this can increase humidity levels.

Best Car Features for Sleeping

Sunroof

Ventilation is a must when sleeping in a car. While you can always roll down the windows, a better options is to open a sunroof if you have one. This allows for better ventilation while improving privacy and safety. While not all cars have sunroofs, you can get one installed if you want. I remember doing this in my 1989 Chevy Beretta (did I just age myself).

Tinted Windows

Privacy is an important part of any car camping or sleeping trip. Tinted windows will greatly help in this department. While some cars come with tinted windows to keep the interior cooler, you can easily add darker tint to windows with a tinting kit or by taking it to a shop that specialized in it.

4-doors and hatchback

Most of the cars that I suggest below are hatchbacks, which maximized sleeping room. However, at a minimum, you should plan to sleep in a 4-door vehicle. While some small sports cars will have two doors, most options out there will meet this spec. However, you will likely be much more comfortable in a hatchback or a car without a trunk.

Rear Outlets

Many vehicles will have 12V outlets up front, but some will have them in the rear of the cargo area too. While you don’t want to plug in a refrigerator to these outlets when stationary, they are great for a quick charge of your cell phone. However, be aware that some 12V outlets turn off when the key is off. You can manually rewire these, but it takes some know-how, which you can usually get from Youtube. Remember that too much charging will drain your battery, so use this option sparingly.

Conclusion

Camping can take many different shapes and forms, and that includes sleeping in your car. While any vehicle is okay to sleep in, some are simply more comfortable. When looking for a good car to sleep in, the best choice is typically the one with the most room. However, this is only half the battle. You also want to ensure you have a reliable vehicle capable of getting you from point A to point B.

You may also have other needs like traveling long distances, towing a trailer, or hauling heavy loads. All of these factors must be part of your decision when selecting a vehicle. Also, while a new model year car sounds exciting, the car payment may not. You may opt to look at some used models and want to ensure that the vehicle is reliable for your travel plans.

Regardless of the vehicle, the best choice will be the one that meets your needs and budget. I highly recommend you open up the hatch, fold down the seats, and lie down in it. You may get some awkward looks, but that’s really the best way to see if the vehicle is right for you. Best of luck and happy trails.