Budgeting your camping trip expenses can be a big challenge, especially if you want to bring the whole family along.
The last thing you want to worry about while on vacation is the price of fuel or how much extra you’ll spend on gasoline once you hit the open road. If you’re searching for an economical vehicle to meet your camping needs, consider purchasing a minivan.
A minivan may not be the first choice for off-roading enthusiasts, but if you want to enjoy your camping experience more and less worrying about getting your vehicle unstuck from the mud, then it’s definitely the right choice.
In fact, with all the additional storage space and comfort features on offer, a minivan is one of the best vehicles available to help you go camping in style.
RV’s or motorhomes are best when it comes to enjoying outdoors while on the move but they are also costly and come with wide variety of things/issues to consider, so that is not for all.
Can you go camping in a minivan?
Of course, you can go camping in a minivan! In fact, minivans are the perfect camping vehicle. They have plenty of space for all your gear, are comfortable to sleep in, and are easy to drive.
The most important thing when picking out a minivan is how many people it sleeps comfortably. If you plan on sleeping with more than three people, it’s best to look at vans or SUVs instead because they offer more room.
Sleep comfort?
One of the best things about minivans is that they’re comfortable. You can sleep comfortably in a minivan and camp together comfortably with up to four people.
Plus, minivans have plenty of storage space for all your camping gear. They also have safety features like backup cameras, Bluetooth connections, lane departure warnings, and more. And don’t forget all the excellent aftermarket features like bike racks or rooftop tents!
Best Minivans for Camping
Whether you’re looking to save money on a hotel room or just love being outdoors, camping in a minivan can be a great option. But not all minivans are created equal when it comes to camping. Here are a few best minivans for your camping needs.
- Toyota Sienna
This eight-passenger minivan is spacious enough to sleep four adults comfortably in the backseat with a set of bunk beds. The front seats fold down completely flat, and there’s plenty of storage space behind the second row of seats for gear that won’t fit inside the vehicle like tents, coolers, bikes, etc.
It has an 18-gallon fuel tank capacity, making it perfect for long road trips.
The tank also helps save on gas mileage because it will last much longer before needing to fill up again. However, one thing to keep in mind is that it only gets 36 mpg which could make a big difference depending on how much driving you do.
What’s more? Toyota Sienna is an all-wheel-drive vehicle, so it might be the best choice if you live in snowy areas or plan to drive through mountainous terrain.
The seats are removable and come with covers that convert into sleeping bags. If you have kids and want them to have their own space, this minivan will also work well for you.
- Kia Sedona
If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish, and spacious minivan for camping, the Kia Sedona is a great option.
It has plenty of room for sleeping, storage, and all your camping gear. Plus, it has standard features like a sunroof and entertainment system that will make your camping trip even more enjoyable.
It boasts less fuel economy than other minivans but still offers quality power and functionality at an affordable price.
The seats can accommodate up to 8 people, so if you have a big family or want to take some friends along on your next adventure, this might be the perfect vehicle.
With 24 mpg, the Kia Sedona may not be the most fuel-efficient minivan out there, but it provides a high level of comfort, style, and convenience that makes camping with kids a breeze.
The fantastic thing about this camping minivan is that the generous interior space for cargo and passengers makes loading and unloading much easier.
It also has a flat roof that allows you to add a roof rack, which is handy for those times when you need to carry extra equipment or supplies. For families who love camping, a vacation home, fishing trips, bike tours, road trips, kayaking expeditions, and the list goes on, the Kia Sedona minivan could be the perfect vehicle for your next adventure.
- Honda Odyssey
If you’re planning a camping trip with your family, one of Honda’s best minivans might be just what you need.
The Odyssey has a reputation for being reliable, safe, and versatile, which makes it ideal not only as a car that can help get you to your destination but also as something that can carry all of your equipment while still leaving room for four to sleep.
The available sliding second-row seats mean that you have even more storage space than most other vehicles would allow.
The passenger seat comes standard with features like easy-to-clean upholstery, heating and cooling functions, reclining functionality, adjustable headrests, and an armrest between the seats.
Of course, the Odyssey is built to handle off-road conditions, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck when the going gets tough.
With 28 mpg, you won’t have to worry about running out of gas on your way home from a weekend at the campsite. Plus, there’s plenty of cargo space behind the third row bench seat if you want to bring along your canoe or kayak.
- Chrysler Pacifica
If you want your minivan to do it all, including taking you to campsites across America, then Chrysler’s Pacifica might be what you need.
This minivan can double as a family sedan with your kids in school on weekdays, but it can also provide everything you need for an adventure off-road on your weekend getaways.
For example, the rear seats fold completely to create an extra storage area for gear or groceries. There are LED lights underneath the front and rear bumpers for when you’re setting up camp after dark.
And integrated coolers will keep your snacks cold no matter how long it takes to set up your tent. You’ll also find options like power-folding side mirrors and a safety system called Lane Departure Warning. The 25 mpg combined rating means you’ll save money on fuel, while the 19-gallon tank will let you go quite far before needing to refuel.
The stow-and-go seating lets you configure the interior according to your needs.
Standard amenities include heated and ventilated leather seating, rows of high-speed USB ports for charging devices, ambient lighting for reading maps in low light conditions, hands-free Bluetooth capability (including streaming audio), panoramic sunroofs with ventilation screens, and blackout shades.
The hatchback and dual sliding doors make loading and unloading a breeze.
- Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a great option if you’re looking for a minivan specifically designed with camping in mind. It has a built-in cargo floor mat to protect your gear from dirt and debris, and it even has a storage system that lets you store away your camping gear when you’re not using it. Plus, the Grand Caravan has a comfortable interior perfect for long road trips.
What’s more? It is a front-wheel-drive van which makes it easier to navigate off-road terrain.
The 20-gallon fuel tank gives you plenty of range without stopping at gas stations too often, and the rows of seats are spacious enough for all of your friends.
As an added bonus, the Grand Caravan’s rear doors have been redesigned, so they open wider than before. If you’re considering an excellent minivan for camping, Dodge Grand Caravan is a long van that can accommodate up to seven people.
With a sleek design and tons of features, this vehicle offers everything you need for outdoor adventures on any terrain.
- Ford Transit Connect Wagon
One of the best minivans for camping is the Ford Transit Connect Wagon. Although many people associate it with commercial or cargo vans, this vehicle has several features that make it great for camping.
For starters, there are seven seats inside, so you don’t have to worry about running out of room for your friends and family when you’re on a trip.
The back bench seat also converts into a table to hold your food or other items when you stop to picnic along the way, making things easy and convenient no matter where you go.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power without any problems. A large panoramic roof lets sunlight in and allows you to feel like you’re outside while still being protected from bugs, rain, wind, and other elements that can ruin your day at the campsite.
It’s got an automatic transmission and a low-speed off-road mode for getting through tough terrain if needed.
- Mercedes-Benz Metris
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is the perfect minivan for those looking for a luxurious camping experience. With its spacious interior and comfortable features, the Metris is ideal for hauling all your camping gear.
Plus, its All-Wheel Drive system means you can take your camping adventure off the beaten path. It is also available in the Cargo and passenger version, giving you more flexibility when packing your supplies.
The good thing is that you can remove the 2nd and 3rd-row seat belts and fold them down if they are not needed. That way, there’s plenty of space inside the van for anything else you might need while on your trip.
The Mercedes-Benz Metris makes camp life as easy as 1,2,3 with its stylish exterior and comfortable interior. Head out with family or friends this summer for an unforgettable camping experience.
The only downside of this vehicle is that it’s costly, but if you’re looking for luxury camping with ease of use, the Metris may be the one for you.
- Ram ProMaster City
ProMaster City offers a variety of features that make it a great option for camping. The vehicle is easy to drive, and maneuver, has plenty of storage space, and is comfortable for long trips.
Plus, ProMaster City’s towing capacity means you can easily bring all your camping gear. It is available in passenger and cargo wagon versions.
With seating for up to five passengers and room for six-foot items inside, the ProMaster City has everything you need to go camping without sacrificing comfort or style.
What’s more? You can rearrange fold and tumble rear seats up to nine configurations and get access to enough cargo space. A sliding side door opens into the passenger compartment and provides easy entry/exit, while handy tie-down points are perfect for securing bulky loads.
- Nissan Quest
Last but not least is the Nissan Quest, which offers comfort and convenience to travelers. With enough seating for passengers, there’s plenty of room for friends and family.
When looking forward to cutting costs on mileage, this minivan is a perfect choice with a fuel economy of up to 22 miles per gallon.
The rear seats can be removed, making loading groceries or luggage easier.
Another plus with the Quest is its towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. This means it’s easy to pull small trailers or boats when taking camping trips. Therefore, this is an excellent option if you’re looking for a luxury vehicle without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Minivans are the best vehicles to get you from point A to point B and camping. They have ample space and can handle difficult terrain with ease.
With a large enough cargo area, it’s easy to pack up all your gear so that you don’t need anything but what you bring on your trip back home. Additionally, minivans offer many safety features like lane departure warning systems and side-curtain airbags that make driving down bumpy roads much smoother.
The amount of power these vans provide is phenomenal, meaning they’ll easily conquer any mountain or creek.
