Subaru Car Camping Guide: Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek Setup

Introduction: Why Subarus Excel at Car Camping

Subarus have earned a cult following among outdoor enthusiasts and car campers. The combination of standard all-wheel drive, respectable ground clearance, and practical cargo space makes Subaru vehicles ideal for reaching remote campsites and sleeping comfortably once you arrive. From the spacious Outback to the compact Crosstrek, there's a Subaru-sized camping solution for every need. Subaru's outdoor-oriented brand attracts adventurous owners, resulting in excellent aftermarket support for camping accessories. The flat-folding rear seats across the lineup create genuinely usable sleeping platforms. And the AWD system means you can confidently access forest service roads and dispersed camping spots that other vehicles might avoid. This guide covers the three most popular Subarus for car camping: the Outback (most space), Forester (best balance), and Crosstrek (most efficient). We'll help you understand each model's dimensions, choose the right mattress, and optimize your setup for comfortable nights under the stars.

The Outback offers the most sleeping space in the Subaru lineup and has become one of the most popular vehicles for car camping.

Outback Cargo Dimensions (2020-Present)

With rear seats folded:

Length: 75-76" (seat backs to tailgate)

Width: 43-44" (between wheel wells)

Maximum width: 54" (above wheel wells)

Height: 36-37"

Cargo volume: 75.7 cu ft

Who Fits Comfortably

Up to 6': Very comfortable sleeping straight

6' to 6'3": Comfortable with slight positioning

Over 6'3": May need diagonal or modified setup

The Outback's 75-76" length accommodates more sleepers than most competitors.

Outback-Specific Setup Tips

Rear seat fold: The Outback's seats fold quite flat, creating a near-level surface. The slight angle is barely noticeable with a good mattress. Power tailgate: Many Outbacks have hands-free tailgate—convenient when arms are full. Roof rails: Factory rails support crossbars for roof boxes, bike racks, etc. Wilderness trim: The Wilderness model adds ground clearance and off-road capability for accessing remote sites.

Best Mattresses for Outback

Luno Air Mattress 2.0 (Outback specific): Perfect fit, dual chambers, ~$280

Full foam mattress (54" × 75"): May need slight width trimming, excellent comfort

Exped MegaMat Duo: Premium self-inflating, fits well, ~$350

The Forester offers excellent cargo space in a slightly more maneuverable package than the Outback, with distinctive boxy styling that maximizes interior room.

Forester Cargo Dimensions (2019-Present)

With rear seats folded:

Length: 70-72" (seat backs to tailgate)

Width: 42-43" (between wheel wells)

Maximum width: 52" (above wheel wells)

Height: 37-39" (best-in-class headroom)

Cargo volume: 74.2 cu ft

Who Fits Comfortably

Up to 5'10": Very comfortable sleeping straight

5'10" to 6'2": Comfortable diagonal or slight adjustments

Over 6'2": Challenging, may need modifications

Forester-Specific Advantages

Best headroom: The Forester's boxy shape provides excellent sitting headroom—best in its class. Visibility: Large windows make the interior feel spacious and provide great views. Rear seats: Fold very flat, minimal gap between seat and cargo floor. X-Mode: Standard feature helps with loose surfaces and light off-road access.

Forester vs Outback for Camping

| Aspect | Forester | Outback | |--------|----------|--------| | Length | 70-72" | 75-76" | | Headroom | Better | Good | | Ground clearance | Similar | Similar | | Cargo volume | Slightly less | More | | Maneuverability | Better | Good | | Fuel economy | Similar | Similar | Choose Forester if: Headroom matters, you're under 5'10", prefer more compact vehicle Choose Outback if: Maximum sleeping length matters, you're over 5'10"

The Crosstrek offers Subaru capability in a compact, fuel-efficient package. It's ideal for solo campers who prioritize efficiency and maneuverability.

Crosstrek Cargo Dimensions (2018-Present)

With rear seats folded:

Length: 68-69" (seat backs to tailgate)

Width: 40-42" (between wheel wells)

Maximum width: 50" (above wheel wells)

Height: 35-36"

Cargo volume: 55.3 cu ft

Who Fits Comfortably

Up to 5'6": Comfortable sleeping straight

5'6" to 5'10": Workable with positioning

Over 5'10": Challenging—consider diagonal or front seat extended

Crosstrek-Specific Considerations

Compact benefits:

Best fuel economy in Subaru SUV lineup

Easiest to maneuver on tight forest roads

Fits in small campsites and parking spots

Space limitations:

Shortest cargo length in lineup

Less gear storage alongside sleeping area

Two-person camping is very tight

Crosstrek Hybrid:

Plug-in hybrid option available

Slightly reduced cargo space

Excellent for road trip efficiency

Making Crosstrek Work

Solo camper under 5'8": The Crosstrek works excellently. Plenty of length, room for gear. Solo camper 5'8"-6': Use front passenger seat extended configuration. Sleep diagonally with feet toward reclined front seat. Two people: Very cozy. Consider it for occasional camping only, or add rooftop tent. Best Crosstrek mattresses:

Narrow/cot size foam (28" × 75")

Twin foam (may need trimming)

Crosstrek-specific air mattress

All Subaru models share similar accessory options for camping.

Window Covers and Insulation

Commercial options:

WeatherTech window shades (vehicle-specific)

Magnetic privacy shades

Custom insulated covers from camping suppliers

DIY option:

Reflectix cut to window shapes

Cheap, effective, basic appearance

Roof Storage

Subaru's factory roof rails support various accessories:

Crossbars: Required base for roof accessories

Roof boxes: Major cargo expansion

Baskets: Open storage for bulky items

Awnings: Attach to crossbars for outdoor living space

Electrical/Power

Factory outlets:

12V outlet in cargo area (most models)

USB ports in cabin

Upgrades:

Portable power stations (charge while driving)

Dual battery setups (more complex)

Solar panels (for extended trips)

Platform/Sleeping Systems

Commercial options:

Luno Air Mattress (Subaru-specific versions)

Subaru-specific platforms from camping suppliers

DIY platforms:

Plywood on folding legs or bins

Creates storage underneath

Relatively easy build for Subaru's flat cargo area

Subaru-Specific Accessories

From Subaru:

Cargo liner/mat

Cargo net

Seat back protectors

All-weather floor mats

Aftermarket:

Seat covers (protect from camping wear)

Upgraded LED interior lighting

Rear cargo area organizers

A key Subaru advantage is standard AWD across the lineup, enabling access to dispersed camping sites.

AWD Capabilities

What Subaru AWD handles well:

Dirt and gravel forest service roads

Muddy conditions (with appropriate tires)

Snow (with appropriate tires)

Loose sand and gravel

Moderate inclines

Limitations:

Ground clearance limits deep ruts and rocks

Not a substitute for true off-road vehicles

Stock tires may limit capability

Ground Clearance by Model

| Model | Ground Clearance | |-------|------------------| | Outback | 8.7" (9.5" Wilderness) | | Forester | 8.7" (9.2" Wilderness) | | Crosstrek | 8.7" | All models offer competitive ground clearance for the segment.

Tire Considerations

All-season tires (stock): Adequate for dry and light conditions All-terrain tires: Significant improvement for rough roads, slight fuel economy penalty Snow tires: Essential for winter camping access

Safe Driving Practices

Scout roads first if unfamiliar

Know your limits—AWD helps but isn't magic

Carry recovery gear (traction boards, tow strap)

Tell someone your plans when going remote

Check road conditions with ranger stations

Can you sleep in a Subaru? Yes—all Subaru SUVs (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek) work for car camping. The Outback offers the most space (75-76" length), followed by Forester (70-72"), and Crosstrek (68-69"). Solo campers and couples can sleep comfortably in Outbacks and Foresters. Which Subaru is best for camping? The Outback is best for maximum sleeping space. The Forester offers excellent balance of space and maneuverability. The Crosstrek is best for solo campers prioritizing fuel efficiency. All three have standard AWD and similar ground clearance. Can two people sleep in a Subaru? Comfortably in the Outback (75-76" × 43-44"). Doable but cozy in the Forester. Very tight in the Crosstrek—consider it for occasional camping only. The width between wheel wells (42-44") is the limiting factor. What size mattress fits in a Subaru Outback? A full-size mattress (54" × 75") fits with slight width adjustment above wheel wells. Twin size fits easily. Outback-specific air mattresses from Luno and others provide perfect fit. Is the Subaru Outback good for car camping? Excellent. The Outback is one of the best vehicles for car camping in its price range. It offers 75-76" of sleeping length (enough for people up to 6'+), standard AWD, good ground clearance, and excellent aftermarket support. What's the difference between Outback and Forester for camping? Outback has more sleeping length (75-76" vs 70-72") and cargo volume. Forester has better headroom and a more compact footprint. Choose Outback for maximum space, Forester for better all-around balance. Can you stand up in a Subaru for camping? No—all Subaru SUVs have interior heights of 35-39". You can sit up comfortably (Forester is best for this) but not stand. This is typical of SUV camping vs. van camping. Is the Crosstrek big enough for camping? For solo campers under 5'8", yes—it works well. For taller solo campers or couples, it's tight. The Crosstrek's advantage is fuel efficiency and compact size for accessing tight campsites. Do Subarus have good ground clearance for camping? Yes—all current Subaru SUVs have 8.7"+ ground clearance, among the best in their segments. The Wilderness trims add even more. Combined with AWD, Subarus access most forest service roads and dispersed camping sites. What accessories do I need for Subaru camping? Essentials: good mattress, window covers/shades, small fan. Recommended: roof crossbars (for storage options), cargo organizers, portable power station. Nice to have: sleeping platform with storage, awning. Can I use my Subaru for winter camping? Yes—with proper gear. The AWD system handles snow well (especially with snow tires). For sleeping, use insulated window covers, a cold-rated sleeping bag, and an insulated sleeping pad. Never run the engine for heat while sleeping.