The Best Vehicles for Car Camping and Sleeping In

Are you itching for a night under the stars but not quite ready to commit to the whole tent setup? Car camping might just be your new best friend. With the right vehicle, you can infuse your next adventure with both comfort and freedom. Here at Pacific Adventure Works, we're all about making adventure approachable for everyone, and that includes finding the perfect vehicle for those camping nights. Whether you're cruising in an SUV, a truck, a minivan, or even something a bit unconventional, there’s a ride out there ready to be your home away from home.

SUVs: Versatile and Spacious

SUVs are a popular choice for car campers, and it's not hard to see why. They offer a great balance between comfort, space, and off-road capability. With the back seats folded down, many SUVs provide ample room for a couple of campers to snugly tuck in with a sleeping bag or a camping mattress. For more detail see our post on the Best SUVs for Sleeping in.

Tip: Consider a sleeping platform like Hideaway to maximize sleeping space and comfort in your SUV. It's a quick way to transform your vehicle into a cozy sleeping area.

Trucks: Rugged with Room to Spare

Trucks bring the added benefit of a truck bed, which can be easily converted into a sleep space. With the addition of a camper shell, you'll gain protection from the elements without losing the rugged charm of truck camping. Plus, the high clearance of most trucks makes accessing remote campsites a breeze.

Adventure Idea: Tack a sleeping platform into your truck bed to make the most of your truck's space. It's a perfect way to ensure you have a flat, comfortable surface for resting.

Minivans: The Hidden Gem

Don't sleep on the minivan — literally and figuratively! With their spacious interiors and easy handling, minivans might be the underrated hero of car camping. Many models come with seats that can be removed or stowed away, offering a vast area perfect for a restful night. For more detail see our post on The Best Minivans for Car Camping.

Thoughtful Tip: Use removable storage boxes to keep your gear organized in the minivan while leaving your sleeping space uncluttered.

Considering Alternatives

If your heart pulls you to a less conventional vehicle, remember that car camping is about comfort and the experience, not the label. Almost any vehicle can become the perfect adventure mobile with a little creativity and planning.

Check out our 10 Best Cars for Car Camping blog post too!

No matter what vehicle you choose for your car camping adventures, the most important part is getting out there and embracing the night sky. At Pacific Adventure Works, we're here to give you a nudge to explore and make those adventures feel within reach. So grab your favorite vehicle, gear up with confidence, and let the open road lead you to your next unforgettable adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pacific Adventure Works is a brand born out of a passion for the great outdoors. We’re a small company with big dreams—committed to responsibly making high-quality gear that lasts while minimizing our impact on the planet. Our goal? To make your outdoor adventures a little more comfortable and a lot more memorable—one trip at a time.

The Hideaway Sleeping Platform is a vehicle sleeping platform designed to create a comfortable, elevated, and adjustable sleeping surface inside your car, SUV, or truck bed. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and requires no permanent modifications—giving you the freedom to camp wherever the road takes you.

Yes! The Hideaway Sleeping Platform comes with a 7-year warranty. For full details, refer to our warranty page.

You can reach us in a few ways:
• Visit us: 1336 Brommer St. Ste A1, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
• Email: info@pacificadventureworks.com • Call: 831-200-3490 (P.S. a real person will actually answer!)
• Or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly!

We offer free ground shipping on all U.S. orders—except for Alaska and Hawaii.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. To be eligible, your item must be in the same condition you received it—unused and in its original packaging. You’ll also need proof of purchase. To start a return, visit our returns page for more details.