Camping is a timeless hobby millions enjoy, but it’s also an important responsibility. Spending time in outdoor environments is crucial for our overall health. You must make the experience enjoyable with the right gear, starting with the Best Vehicles For Camping.
Choosing The Best Camping Van:
There are several things to consider when choosing a camping van. The size and type of van, the number of people using it, and the amenities you need are all important factors.
Size is an important consideration when choosing a camping van. If you have a large family or group, you’ll need a van to accommodate everyone comfortably. Van sizes range from small cargo vans to full-size passenger vans. Choose a large enough van for your needs but not so large that it’s challenging to manoeuvre.
The type of camping van you choose will also be based on your needs. Cargo vans are great for hauling gear but are not as comfortable sleeping in as passenger vans. Passenger vans have more room and typically come with features like captain’s chairs and rear air conditioning, but they’re more expensive. Choose the type of van that’s right for your trip.
The number of people using the van is also an essential factor to consider. If you’re travelling with a family or large group, you’ll need a van to seat everyone comfortably. Vans typically seat between seven and 15 people, so choose one appropriate for your group size.
Finally, decide what amenities you need in your camping van. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, you might want a van with an outdoor kitchen. If you want to relax in comfort, look for a van with features like a television and music player. Choose the amenities that are most important to you and your family.
Gear You Need For Van Camping:
If you’re planning on doing some van camping, there are a few things you’ll need to make sure you have with you. Here’s a quick list of gear you’ll need to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
- A comfortable sleeping setup. This could include an air mattress, sleeping bag, and pillows.
- A small stove or campfire grill for cooking.
- A cooler to keep food and drinks from going bad.
- Plenty of storage containers for food, cooking gear, clothes, and other belongings.
- Basic cleaning supplies, like wipes, a small broom and dustpan, and garbage bags.
- A first-aid kit in case of any accidents.
- Games and activities to keep everyone entertained.
Of course, you’ll also need a comfortable van to sleep in and enough space to store all your gear. But with some planning and preparation, you’ll be all set for a great van camping trip.
Choosing a Van Based on the Type of Camping Trip
When planning a camping trip, one of the first factors to consider is the type of camping trip. Will you stay in one spot or pack up and move around frequently? The type of camping trip will also dictate what kind of vehicle is best suited.
For example, an RV or trailer would be a good option if you plan on staying in one spot for an extended period. RVs and trailers provide all the comforts of home while still being in the great outdoors. They come in various sizes so that you can choose one best suited for your group.
If you travel from place to place, a van or SUV would be a better option. This will allow you to pack up all your gear quickly, and you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park a big RV. You can also take advantage of the many scenic drives and campgrounds off the beaten path.
Whatever type of camping trip you have planned, there is a vehicle that is perfect for the job. By taking the time to consider your needs, you can ensure that you have a great time, no matter where you go.
Best Trucks For Camping
The best camping pickup trucks don’t need to be bulky and overpowered. They need solid attributes across the board: Strong towing capacity, a wide bed, a capable set of tires, and comfortable seating for five. These trucks check all the boxes.
1. Ford F-150
The classic F-150 is the best-selling truck in America and the pinnacle of outdoor trucks. This is one of the Best Vehicles For Camping. It has the size and strength to navigate any campsite. The bed is just over 50 inches wide, big enough to fit a four-wheel ATV. The interior seats five, and the seats fold down to create a spacious sleeping area for two. The F-150’s popularity also means you can make numerous modifications and upgrades at a lower price.
2. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Colorado ZR2 is Chevy’s best camping truck. Its suspension is two inches taller than the original model and has other potential off-road mods, making it a highly versatile vehicle. The mid-size bed has less space than the other trucks on this list. However, it can still tow 1,300 pounds and has one of the more spacious back seats among pickups.
3. Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is the SUV of pickup trucks, with handling and seating space similar to other SUVs on this list. It also has a sizable truck bed with a waterproof trunk, so it’s ideal for heavy packers. Honda even includes a fitted camping tent with each model that fits inside the mattress, providing the perfect setup for car camping.
4. Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator carries on Jeep’s reputation for making exceptional off-road vehicles. It handles like a classic pickup and has all the features you’d expect from a Jeep: Removable doors, a detachable roof, and a fold-down windshield. Another nice thing about the Gladiator is that you can make many mechanical adjustments before and after purchase to fit your outdoor needs.
Best Vans For Camping
If your group has more than five people, a spacious van with good fuel economy and plenty of storage space is the car you want. These three minivans – and one cargo van – are ideal for your camping trip.
1. Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler has always made top-tier minivans, and the Pacifica is among the best. Its all-wheel drive (AWD) feature can tackle those sketchy dirt roads while providing up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway. If you get a model with stow-and-go seating, the second and third rows of seats fold down to provide a roomy sleeping area.
2. Toyota Sienna
The Sienna is another van with AWD capabilities and slightly more ground clearance than the Pacifica. It also has climate control settings, making it perhaps the most comfortable car for sleeping on the list. The hybrid models provide enough electricity to power any devices you want.
3. Honda Odyssey
The Odyssey is larger than the previous two vans, containing more space for storage, seating, and sleeping. It has a long road life with proper preventive maintenance, which should be easy and affordable because of the model’s popularity. These factors make it a top choice for experienced campers who convert vans into mobile homes.
4. Ford Transit Connect
The Transit Connect is a larger cargo van with unmatched seating and storage space compared to minivans. It’s not quite tall enough for adults to stand, but it’s still big enough to fit four sleepers comfortably. Many people hesitate to buy cargo vans because they don’t want to devote their whole budget to gas, but the Transit reaches up to 29 mpg on highways. It’s also much more affordable than similar vehicles from Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, and other manufacturers.
Best SUVs For Camping
There are many high-quality sport utility vehicles, but we narrowed it down to seven. These cars are well-equipped for off-road driving, have excellent gas mileage, and are spacious enough to serve as sleeping quarters.
1. Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner has been among the best all-around outdoor adventure vehicles for decades. Its four-wheel drive (4WD), 5,000-pound towing capacity and famous durability make it a perfect choice for camping trips. This car can last 20 years and 300,000 miles if you take good care of it.
2. Subaru Outback
The Outback is Subaru’s best camping vehicle to date, and that’s saying something. Its AWD, generous ground clearance, minivan-like storage space, and additional safety features provide everything you need. When the back seats are folded down, it has enough sleeping space for two. It’s the perfect mix of a highway warrior and a rugged off-roader.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is another one of Jeep’s quality off-road vehicles. The Trailhawk model is incredibly gifted at navigating rough terrain. It also tops other SUVs in towing capacity by a long shot, handling a maximum of 7,200 pounds. Finally, it’s one of the last vehicles in its class with a V8 engine, giving you extra power to get through the mud and up those steep hills.
4. Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder has an aerodynamic frame and top-notch navigability. It tows up to 6,000 pounds and has three rows of seats, making it an excellent choice for prominent families. The latest models also have innovative telematics systems for better safety and efficiency. Nissan’s creative team knew what it was doing when it named this vehicle “Pathfinder.”
5. Volvo V90 Cross Country
The V90 is perhaps the most upscale SUV on the list, but it still belongs among these well-known outdoor vehicles. The B6 powertrain and all-wheel drive enable it to handle just about any off-road environment, while the interior is spacious and comfortable for five. It also tops the other SUVs with over eight inches of ground clearance.
6. Rivian R1T
We had to include at least one all-electric option, and the Rivian R1T is an easy choice. It has two battery options of 400 and 314 miles – both generous amounts for electric SUVs. The AWD feature has unique drive modes for sand, snow, and other rugged types of terrain. The built-in camp stove accessory is the icing on the cake.
7. Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
The Golf Alltrack is smaller than the other SUVs mentioned, but that works in its favour. As the name suggests, its AWD and 4WD features offer the best handling in any environment, bar none. It makes winding dirt roads feel like a drive through the suburbs. If you’re a solo or couples adventurer, the Alltrack is the camping vehicle you want.
Best Van Camping Destinations
The first is Joshua Tree National Park in California. Joshua Tree is an excellent place for van camping because it offers many camping sites and plenty of hiking and other activities to keep you busy. The weather is also fairly mild, making it a comfortable place to camp for extended periods.
Another excellent van camping destination is the Olympic National Park in Washington State. The Olympic National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and there are several camping sites to choose from. The weather can be rainy, but it’s still a great place to camp and explore.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota is an excellent option if you’re looking for a more rustic van camping experience. The Boundary Waters is an extensive network of lakes and rivers, and there are several primitive camping sites available. The Boundary Waters is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, so it’s a great place to get out on the water and explore.
Finally, one of the most unique van camping destinations is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains offer a wide variety of camping sites and several activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Great Smoky Mountains is also home to some historic sites, making it a great place to learn about the area’s history.
So, there you have a few of the best places to camp in a van. Whether you’re looking for a place to get away from it all or a place to explore and learn about new things, there’s a van camping destination out there for you.
Find a Vehicle to Enhance Your Camping Experience
Experienced campers and outdoor enthusiasts develop a close bond with their vehicles. The cars protect them from the elements, take them to new territories, and allow them to check items off their bucket lists. If you want a vehicle to give you that life-changing experience, look closely at these trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Author Bio:
Jack Shaw is an avid writer and regular contributor to Modded.com, a men’s lifestyle site. In his free time, Jack enjoys kayaking and reading.