Getting back to nature with VW: The best cars for camping
If you’re an avid camper, you know that the right vehicle can make all the difference in turning your outdoor adventures into unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the beach or a remote forest, it’s important to do your research and find the best car type for camping escapades. Volkswagen leads the market with some of the best cars for camping – from SUVs to MPVs.
From choosing your camping Volkswagen vehicle to a few tips for camping on the road, here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
- Top 5 Volkswagen cars for camping
- How to choose the perfect VW for camping
- Estate car camping: Top VW picks
- Camping SUVs: Top VW picks
- Best MPV for camping from VW
- Tips for maximising storage space
So, fasten your seatbelt and let’s hit the road!
Top 5 Volkswagen cars for camping
Volkswagen & camping go hand in hand. With an extensive range, each vehicle just as good as the last, VW are frontrunners in the industry. Engineered to deliver comfort, capability and fun, here’s our best cars for camping from Volkswagen, in no particular order.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan tops our list as a versatile and capable SUV that’s equally comfortable on the road and off. With a spacious and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive to navigate bumpy, icy or rainy roads, the Tiguan ensures you’re ready to tackle any terrain.
Its foldable rear seats and adjustable boot floor provide flexibility for storing camping gear of all shapes and sizes. Plus, the Easy Open boot feature lets you pop the boot open hands-free, perfect if you’ve got the tent, luggage and more in tow.
Need to expand the space in your Tiguan for your camping trip? Why not look at a tent box as practical option to your portable home? Easy, convenient and simple!
Picture this: pitching your tent under the stars and waking up to the breathtaking view outside your Tiguan – bliss!
The best family car for camping depends on your family’s size and needs. If you’re a small family, the Volkswagen Golf Estate or Tiguan might be ideal. For larger families, the Volkswagen Caddy Life or a spacious MPV like the Touareg could offer the space and comfort you’re looking for.
Absolutely! Car camping is a popular and convenient way to experience the great outdoors. Volkswagen offers a variety of roomy campervans, such as the VW Caddy Life, VW California and more, each designed with versatile seating and storage configurations, making them perfect for sleeping and storing your camping essentials.
Volkswagen California 6.1 Van
The Volkswagen California is more than just a car – it’s a home on wheels. This iconic camper van comes equipped with everything you need for the perfect camping trip: a pop-up roof for extra sleeping space to sleep four, a fully functional kitchenette, alongside a whole host of clever storage solutions.
Essentially, the Volkswagen California offers unmatched convenience and style for your outdoor excursions – it’s no wonder it’s often hailed as one of the best cars for camping!
Park up, get the camping chairs out and get cooking in the kitchen with the VW California.
Volkswagen Golf Estate
When choosing the best car for camping trips, some people appreciate a classic estate car for the smarter styling and improved driving behaviour on the road. If you’re going to take one on a camping trip, you should consider the Volkswagen Golf Estate.
Spacious and customisable with the adjustable second bench seat, alongside generous space in the boot, your Golf can easily switch from commuting down the motorway to life off of the beaten track.
Additionally, enjoy a scenic view of the sky and stars with the sliding panoramic sunroof, providing an open view of what’s above.
Volkswagen Group as a whole are frontrunners in camping cars, especially when it comes to estate cars. The Skoda Octavia, a key member of the Volkswagen Group, is often cited as one of the best cars for camping due to its practicality and family-friendly features.
Volkswagen Amarok
For those who truly want to enjoy life on the rugged trails, the Volkswagen Amarok is the ultimate companion.
This powerful pickup truck offers impressive towing capacity and off-road capabilities, making it perfect for hauling camping trailers or setting up base in remote locations.
With a spacious double-cab and a range of optional accessories, the Amarok is ready to turn your camping dreams into reality.
Volkswagen Touareg
When it comes to combining luxury and ruggedness for your camping escapades, the Volkswagen Touareg stands tall. This SUV redefines the concept of adventure, offering a premium experience both on and off the road.
With a roomy interior and an expansive boot, as well as a beautiful, expertly-crafted interior, the Touareg ensures your family can sit comfortably and won’t have to compromise on the gear you bring along for your camping adventure
Best cars for camping: Choosing your perfect VW
So, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable camping adventure, and you’ve got your heart set on a trusty Volkswagen to take you there. But with so many fantastic options, how do you choose the absolute best fit for your camping escapades?
Fear not, here’s a few insider tips on how to choose between the best VW cars for camping:
OVERVIEW AND COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT VW MODELS:
- SUVs: The Tiguan and Touareg are excellent choices for adventurers seeking a blend of comfort and capability. The Tiguan’s compact size and versatility make it a great all-rounder, while the Touareg adds a touch of luxury to your camping trips.
- Estate cars: The Golf Estate and other estate variants provide a spacious interior and a smooth ride. They’re perfect for those who value practicality without compromising on style.
- Camper vans: If you’re seeking the ultimate camping experience, the California camper van has you covered. It’s a home on wheels, complete with sleeping quarters and a functional kitchen.
- MPVs: The Caddy Life and Touareg offer spacious interiors, making them ideal for family camping trips.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST CAR FOR CAMPING TRIPS:
- Space matters: Think about how much gear you’ll be bringing along. If you’re a minimalist camper, a compact SUV like the Volkswagen Tiguan might be what you need. Big enough for all the luggage, spacious enough for all the family. But if you’re more of a “pack everything but the kitchen sink” kind of camper, models like the Volkswagen California or Touareg could be your go-to choices.
- Off-road aspirations: Are you aiming for campsites deep in the wilderness? If so, consider an SUV or a rugged pickup like the Volkswagen Amarok, equipped with the latest technology and longer wheelbase to effortlessly conquer rough terrains.
- Group dynamics: Camping solo? Travelling with your family or friends? Choose your Volkswagen camping car depending on who’s joining the adventure. The Volkswagen Caddy Life and MPVs like the Touareg cater to various group sizes, ensuring everyone has a comfortable seat and plenty of storage space.
Versatility of VW estate cars for camping
When it comes to combining style, functionality, and adventure-ready spirit, look no further than Volkswagen’s estate cars.
These sleek yet spacious vehicles are the unsung heroes of both camping adventures and commutes or school runs, offering a perfect blend of practicality and comfort. Here’s the lowdown:
Benefits of using an estate car for camping
BOOT SPACE
Estate cars, with their elongated bodies, provide an abundance of room in the back, making them ideal for hauling camping gear, tents and other essentials.
FLEXIBLE SEATING CONFIGURATIONS
The foldable rear seats allow you to configure the interior space to suit your needs. Whether you need more room for gear or a cosy sleeping setup, estate cars offer the versatility you need.
EASY LOADING AND UNLOADING
The low loading height of estate cars makes it a breeze to load and unload heavy camping equipment, even if it’s the ever-so-awkward camping table that usually gets left behind!
Popular VW estate models
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ESTATE
The Golf Estate is a crowd-pleaser with its well-balanced design and spacious cabin. It’s perfect for couples or solo campers who want comfort and practicality in one package.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ESTATE
For those seeking a touch of luxury in their camping journey, the Passat Estate delivers. With a refined interior and advanced features, it’s a great choice for estate car camping, and for campers who value both style and substance.
Camping SUVs: Combining adventure and comfort
Not only built for completing the school run, SUVs are also equally at home in the great outdoors. Let’s take a look at the benefits of a camping SUV, and run through a few VW choices:
Advantages of using SUVs for camping:
ROOM TO ROAM
SUVs offer more interior space compared to regular cars, making them a fantastic choice for family camping trips or those who simply like to stretch out.
OFF-ROAD PROWESS
Many Volkswagen SUV models come equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive, allowing you to conquer bumpy, rocky and weathered terrains with ease. Camping spots off the beaten path? No problem!
TOWING CAPABILITY
Planning to bring along a camper or trailer? SUVs often have greater towing capacity, giving you the freedom to bring more along for the adventure.
Volkswagen’s lineup of SUVs offers a range of spacious options for camping enthusiasts. Models like the Tiguan and Touareg boast roomy interiors, ensuring you have ample space for passengers and gear alike.
Both estate cars and SUVs have their unique advantages for camping. Estate cars are often more compact and fuel-efficient, making them great for solo or small group camping trips, alongside being more practical for everyday use. On the other hand, SUVs offer more space and off-road capabilities, making them ideal for larger groups or those seeking more adventurous terrain.
Top VW SUV models for camping
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
This versatile SUV strikes the perfect balance between city living and outdoor exploration. With its optional 4Motion all-wheel drive and flexible boot room, the Tiguan is ready to tackle camping adventures head-on.
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
For those who appreciate a touch of luxury while camping, the Touareg offers a refined experience. Its spacious interior and advanced features make it a premium choice for the adventurous.
So, whether you’re navigating through challenging trails or simply cruising to your favourite camping spot, Volkswagen SUVs are your ticket to a camping adventure that’s both exhilarating and comfortable.
Best MPV for camping with the family
Volkswagen’s MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are designed with your comfort, convenience and camping needs in mind.
Volkswagen’s MPVs are the ultimate solution for families who want it all – ample space, versatile seating arrangements and the ability to bring everyone and everything along for the journey. These vehicles strike the perfect balance between city practicality and open-road adventure. Here’s a look at some MPVs on the market, but for now, here’s our top VW models:
Comparing different MPV models
VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN
The Touran is the compact yet roomy option for families, even crowned the best MPV in 2021 by WhatCar?. With its clever storage solutions and flexible seating configurations, it’s the go-to choice for those who need a vehicle that adapts to their changing needs.
VOLKSWAGEN CADDY LIFE
For families that believe in combining comfort with versatility, the Caddy Life is your go-to choice. It offers ample space for passengers and gear, ensuring every journey is an enjoyable and comfortable one.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN ALLSPACE
Experience the freedom of space with the Tiguan Allspace. Its extended dimensions and adaptable interior ensure everyone has their own corner of comfort, making family camping an absolute delight.
Ready to take the plunge into unparalleled family camping adventures? An MPV could be your first-choice solution.
Tips for maximising storage and space on the road:
- Organisation is key: Invest in storage solutions like collapsible bins, hanging organisers, and travel-friendly storage bags. Keeping things organised not only saves space but also ensures you can find what you need quickly.
- Utilise roof storage: If your VW model supports it, roof racks and cargo boxes can significantly expand your storage capacity, allowing you to bring along larger items like kayaks, bikes, or extra gear.
- Fold and rearrange: Most Volkswagen models offer foldable rear seats, allowing you to create a custom storage space. Experiment with different configurations to find the one that maximises your available space.
- Pack smart: Prioritise essentials and versatile items that can serve multiple purposes. Think about meals that require minimal cooking equipment and clothing that suits various weather conditions.
Pack your things and hit the road!
And there we have it! That’s a wrap on our go-to guide to Volkswagen, camping and the best cars for camping adventures.
From rugged trails to serene campsites, Volkswagen’s lineup of cars is here to fuel your passion for adventure.
Whether you’re seeking the comfort of estate cars, the versatility of SUVs or the family-friendly charm of MPVs, there’s a Volkswagen model perfect for you. Ready to roam? Start your journey today!