Camp Smarter with Your Vehicle
Vehicle camping has exploded in popularity — and for good reason. Whether you're pulling up to a designated campsite in a family SUV, overlanding in a 4x4, or heading out in a pickup truck, your vehicle opens up a world of camping possibilities that backpacking simply can't match. More space, more comfort, and the freedom to go further.
But not all tents are created equal when it comes to vehicle camping. The right shelter depends on your vehicle type, your camping style, and how much comfort you want at camp. Here's your complete guide.
Types of Vehicle Camping Setups
1. Ground Tent Camping (Next to Your Vehicle)
The most common and accessible setup. You park at your campsite and pitch a tent on the ground nearby. Your vehicle acts as storage and shelter for gear, while your tent is your sleeping space.
Best for: Families, beginners, campsite camping, any vehicle type
Tent recommendation: A spacious inflatable tent — fast to set up, roomy inside, and no poles to manage after a long drive.
2. Tailgate Camping (Truck Bed Tents)
Truck owners can take advantage of their bed with a purpose-built truck bed tent. These attach directly to the bed of your pickup, creating an elevated sleeping platform off the ground.
Best for: Truck owners who want to sleep elevated and keep gear secure
Key advantage: Off the ground means away from insects, moisture, and uneven terrain
What to look for: A tent sized to your truck bed (short, standard, or long bed), with a waterproof rating of at least 3,000mm HH
3. SUV Tent Extensions
SUV tents attach to the rear of your vehicle via the tailgate or hatch, extending your sleeping space from the boot into an attached tent. You can sleep partly inside the vehicle and partly in the tent extension.
Best for: SUV and hatchback owners who want a seamless indoor-outdoor sleeping setup
Key advantage: Elevated, weatherproof sleeping with easy access to your vehicle's interior
What to look for: Universal fit or vehicle-specific models, good ventilation, and a solid waterproof rating
4. Rooftop Tents
Mounted on a roof rack, rooftop tents fold out above your vehicle for an elevated sleeping platform. They're a favourite in the overlanding and 4x4 community.
Best for: Overlanders, off-road adventurers, and those camping on uneven or rocky terrain
Key advantage: Completely off the ground, fast to deploy, and works on almost any terrain
What to look for: Weight rating compatible with your roof rack, hard-shell vs. soft-shell options, and ladder quality
Choosing the Right Ground Tent for Vehicle Camping
If you're going the traditional ground tent route — which suits most campers — here's what to prioritise when choosing your shelter:
Size and Headroom
Vehicle camping means you can bring a bigger tent without worrying about weight. Take advantage of this. Look for:
- A tent with a peak height that lets you stand up comfortably
- Separate sleeping and living areas for longer trips
- A porch or awning for outdoor cooking and gear storage
Setup Speed
After a long drive, the last thing you want is a complicated tent setup. Inflatable tents shine here — most are fully pitched in under 10 minutes with a single pump, no poles required.
Weather Resistance
Vehicle campsites can be exposed. Look for:
- Hydrostatic head rating of 3,000mm minimum (5,000mm+ for serious weather)
- Taped or welded seams
- Strong guy rope points and quality pegs for wind stability
Ventilation
Condensation is the enemy of a comfortable night's sleep. Choose a tent with multiple vents, mesh inner panels, and good airflow design.
Top Tips for Vehicle Campers
- Arrive in daylight — Setting up camp is always easier before dark, especially if it's your first time at a site.
- Use your vehicle as a windbreak — Position your tent on the leeward side of your vehicle to reduce wind exposure.
- Keep valuables in the car — Your vehicle is your secure storage. Use it.
- Level your pitch — Even a slight slope makes sleeping uncomfortable. Use a spirit level app and bring levelling ramps if needed.
- Pack a welcome mat — A simple mat at the tent entrance keeps mud and dirt outside where it belongs.
The Vehicle Camper's Shelter Checklist
- ✅ Tent sized for your group (add 1 to stated capacity for comfort)
- ✅ Groundsheet or footprint to protect the tent floor
- ✅ Mallet for pegs on hard ground
- ✅ Extra guy ropes for exposed sites
- ✅ Pump (if using an inflatable tent)
- ✅ Repair kit for emergency patches
Find Your Perfect Vehicle Camping Shelter
At Bestyle Camping Store, we specialise in premium inflatable tents and canopy shelters that are perfectly suited to vehicle camping. Fast setup, generous living space, and serious weather resistance — everything you need to make your campsite feel like home.
Browse our full range and find the shelter that fits your vehicle, your crew, and your next adventure.