We’ve been big fans of car camping for many years, especially since we made road trips our primary means of travel in 2020. We’ve had our fair share of vehicles, from coupes and sedans, to hatchbacks. So when it came to deciding the best car to sleep in, we didn’t want to be limited to sleeping in the reclined front seats and also wanted to have plenty of space for gear and a car with a liftgate. But the main decision maker at the end of the day was length.
As two 6ft+ people we needed to have room for our long bodies, but still wanted a car rather than an SUV or van. With all this said, there’s no doubt in our minds that station wagons are the best cars for car camping. When it comes to station wagons for sleeping in, there are so many benefits to sleeping in a station wagon with length being the biggest positive.
Is it legal to car camp?
First off, it’s important to address that it’s not legal in every country to sleep in your car. Here is a brief summary of what to expect.
Car camping in the USA
The US currently has no Federal laws specifically saying you can’t sleep in your car, but there are some limitations like trespassing on private property without the owner’s permission, or being in your vehicle while under the influence. Even when not operating your vehicle this could get you arrested and prosecuted for a DUI.
Certain states and cities also have different laws when it comes to sleeping in your vehicle.
The best places to sleep in your car would be Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land which is free, or designated areas in National parks with a fee. You can camp on private property only when given permission, and certain Wal-Mart parking lots will allow you to stay overnight.
Car camping in the UK
England and Wales do not allow sleeping in your car unless you do so on private land or ask permission from the landowner. However Scotland does allow car camping.
Car camping in Europe
In Europe it varies country by country, but the general consensus is that if you are parked legally then you can. Again, this really varies depending on where you are so make sure to look up the laws in the country you are in.
Car camping in Australia and New Zealand
Australia does not allow car camping however New Zealand does allow car camping and has a whole industry built on being able to pull up and set up camp on the side of the road in beautiful nature!
So no matter where you are before you settle down for the night we recommend you look up the local laws and regulations.
So, why are station wagons the best car for sleeping in?
They have a lot of space in the back
The obvious answer to this article is the space in the back of the car which makes station wagons the best vehicle to sleep in.
With a station wagon, you tend to have a long cargo area with back seats that flatten down which allows you to lay down straight, no more uncomfortable recliner like sleeping positions. It means you can easily accommodate a single or twin air mattress or camping mattress, making it one of the best cars to sleep in for camping.
You’ve got a large opening (basically the whole rear of the car) which makes it easy to hop in and out and also means maximum room to pack your gear in easily or leave it open at a campsite for a covered, unrestricted view.
Most station wagons have no trunk lip
Most station wagons have no trunk lip which means you have a flat surface so you can sit on your tailgate and take a break, easily load your cargo, or even install drawers that pull out to store gear and camping equipment.
This ease of access is also what makes station wagons the best cars for sleeping in, so you can get in and out easily.
The flat long roof of the station wagon is more practical
If you’re camping and sleeping in your car regularly, chances are you’re traveling with a good amount of your gear as well!
Moving your gear into the front seats in order to set up our bed each night is a viable option that many use especially on a quick trip.
But having a flat long roof means it’s a lot easier to attach a roof rack for a roof box, basket, or a roof top car bag on your station wagon. These can be used to attach sports and leisure equipment like a bike, kayak or surfboard to get more out of your experience.
This additional roof space makes station wagons top for the best vehicle to sleep in.
More dirt friendly station wagon trims
Compared to most other car body options, station wagons come in a variety of off road capable versions.
Most off road trimmed station wagons come with AWD standard, higher ground clearance, and rugged designs to take the bumps and scrapes. This enables you to go further off the beaten path and take your car camping to another level.
How do Station Wagons drive?
Station wagons more often than not handle just like a regular car, but are just a bit longer so be wary of your blindspots and backing up. However, depending on what brand and trim you own, you can significantly alter your driving experience.
They are an ever evolving market so many come with different trims to fit your lifestyle. These include higher ground clearance AWD offroad versions, high horsepower performance sports wagons, top of the line luxury, or a economical fuel efficient daily driver.
What are the best station wagons for car camping
Now when talking about vehicles you can sleep in, we suggest the station wagons you should use for camping and actually taking your car beyond paved roads should have a bit more capability, ground clearance, and AWD to really enjoy the outdoors.
For the best vehicle to sleep in, here are just few adventure-ready station wagons for car camping:
- Subaru Outback (US, Europe, AUS/NZ)
- VW Golf Alltrack/wagon S (US used, Europe, AUS/NZ)
- Subaru Outback (US, Europe, AUS/NZ)
- Skoda Octavia/Superb Scout estate (Europe, AUS/NZ)
- Volvo v90/v60 cross country (US & Europe)
- Audi Allroad (US & Europe)
- Buick Regal TourX (US discontinued model/second hand only)
Tips for car camping in a station wagon
1. Set up a proper sleeping space
While you can get custom made car sleeping mats, a simple roll mattress or air mattress is a great option for setting up a station wagon to sleep in. The best vehicle to sleep in shouldn’t need extensive customization for you to enjoy it.
Most of the wagons listed above will fit a twin or double camping air mattress. You can also create a DIY bunk shelf which is raised off the floor. This is great to create a flat surface to sleep on, but also to create additional storage space in the hollow area under the shelf to store your gear.
2. Add a tailgate tent or boot tent for extra space
Adding a tailgate tent is an easy way to create more space if your wagon is too short to sleep in, or as an extra living area if you’d like some extra space to set up camping chairs, cook from in bad weather or perhaps to stand up straight to throw on some clothes for the day’s adventure.
Even a small tent to pitch next to the vehicle can be a great idea to keep gear dry without taking up space inside the car while you sleep.
3. Use a roof top cargo box/basket/bag to save space
Another great option for storing your belongings is to have a roof top cargo box, basket, or rooftop bag. This means your belongings aren’t taking up precious space in your car but they’re still secure.
4. How to set up if it’s raining
If you’re parking up for the night and it’s raining, make sure to face the rear of your car (or main entrance that you use) in the direction the rain is blowing. This means the trunk will create a natural shelter, rather than the rain driving into the car – keeping our belongings as dry as possible.
5. Consider covers for your windows
It will get bright in the morning inside the car when you’re camping – your curtains don’t have to be fancy, but consider getting some dark material or blackout covers to go over your windows if you’re regularly sleeping in the car.
Also consider netting or mosquito nets for your car windows. It can get hot inside a sealed car and you might want to crack the window to get air and moisture out of the car. However, keeping the bugs out is important, especially if you’re car camping somewhere warm or humid.
6. Pack your most important items last.
Things like your tailgate tent, camping stove, flashlight, rain coats or warm clothes are the things you’re going to use most, so make sure you pack them last so they’re closest to the entrance of the boot so you can grab them easily.
Summary: Car camping in station wagons – the best cars to sleep in
We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much freedom and enjoyment there is to car camping – particularly in a vehicle that fits your needs. Which is why we think station wagons are the best cars to sleep in for camping.
Consider all the options for you and your travel party and whether there are any suitable DIY customizations you can make before buying expensive gear or adapting a vehicle.
It can often take a few tries of car camping before you learn what helpful additions you need to make to your gear or what improvements you can make to your car camping setup. Because the best vehicle to sleep in is the one that meets your needs.
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