The Subaru Outback has earned a cult following among outdoor adventurers, and for good reason. This AWD wagon-turned-crossover is a trailhead parking lot staple , often considered one of the best SUVs for camping. If you’ve ever wondered “Can I really camp inside an Outback?”, the answer is a resounding yes – and this guide will show you why and how. We’ll explore common questions people ask about Subaru Outback camping setups, what makes the Outback such a camping superstar, creative camper conversion ideas, seasonal tips, and gear recommendations to turn your Outback into a cozy, go-anywhere micro-camper. By the end, you’ll see why so many Subaru enthusiasts skip the tent and camp right in their Outbacks – and how you can confidently do the same. Let’s dive in!
Top Subaru Outback Camping Questions (FAQ)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s address some popular questions people are asking about camping in a Subaru Outback:
- Can you sleep in the back of a Subaru Outback? – Yes! Even though the Outback's rear seats don't fold completely flat, you can make some tweaks to make it a bed space . You get about 63 inches of length until the rear seat's footwell area, and many people will stuff bags in that area to create a longer surface. If a platform is built inside the Outback, you can get a whopping 6' 7" bed length inside! With a 41" width, this is enough for two people to sleep comfortable inside.
- Is the Subaru Outback good for camping? – Absolutely – the Outback is often ranked among the best SUVs for camping. It combines the toughness of an SUV (8.7–9.5 inches of ground clearance, AWD traction) with the comfort and efficiency of a car . You can drive it down rough forest roads to remote campsites, haul lots of gear inside (up to ~75 cu ft with seats down ), strap gear to the roof racks, and even tow a small camper (up to ~2,700 lbs) . All while still getting around 30 MPG on the highway . In short, it’s an ideal adventure vehicle.
- What is the best Subaru Outback camping setup? – Campers get creative with Outback setups. Some do a no-build setup: just fold the seats flat and use a quality air mattress or sleeping pad. Others build or buy a sleeping platform for a level surface and extra storage underneath. You can also attach a tailgate tent (like the Napier SUV tent) to add a “room” at the back of the car . We’ll cover these setup options in detail below, so you can choose what works for you.
- How do I convert a Subaru Outback into a camper? – To “camper-ize” your Outback, you’ll want to solve for three things: a flat bed, storage/organization, and ventilation. Many Outback owners either build a DIY platform or use a drop-in camper conversion kit to create a flat bed in the cargo area . Add a comfy mattress, some screened window vent covers, and organize gear into bins or drawers – now you have a mini camper! We’ll share tips on DIY vs. kit-built conversions, plus gear to make the conversion shine.
- How does the Outback compare to other vehicles for camping? – The Outback holds its own against bigger SUVs and vans. It may not have the height of a van or truck camper, but its 39 inches of rear headroom is comparable to some two-person tents . You can’t fully stand up inside, but the trade-off is a car that drives like a car (easy handling, good MPG) yet still lets you sleep inside. Publications like Gear Patrol and Outside frequently list the Outback (especially the rugged Wilderness edition) as a top camping-capable SUV . It’s a proven platform with a huge community of users sharing tips – meaning lots of inspiration for your own build.
Why the Subaru Outback Is One of the Best SUVs for Camping
What makes the Subaru Outback so beloved for camping and overlanding? Here are the key reasons enthusiasts and experts alike praise the Outback:
- All-Wheel Drive Confidence: Every Outback comes standard with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD, which means you can venture down dirt, mud, or snowy roads with confidence . Along with 8.7 inches of clearance on standard models (a lifted **9.5″ clearance on the Wilderness edition), the Outback won’t get easily high-centered on ruts or rocks . Owners report that it “rolls reliably over every kind of surface, from snow and mud to rocky two-tracks” – all crucial when you’re reaching that remote campsite.
- Ample Cargo & Sleeping Space: Despite being a “midsize” crossover, the Outback’s interior is extremely roomy and efficient in layout. With rear seats up, you have around 32–33 cubic feet for gear. Fold them flat, and you open up over 75 cubic feet of space – a basically van-like cargo volume in a smaller vehicle. The cargo area is long enough and wide enough (about 45 inches between wheel wells) to fit a double mattress . In fact, one longtime owner said his ’98 Outback had “lots of room for a bed… and not terrible gas mileage,” making it his go-to camping car . Unlike many SUVs, the Outback’s seats fold completely flat with no big bumps or angles, creating a sleeping area comparable to a full-size bed . It’s basically like a little cabin on wheels.
- Roof Racks = More Storage: Every Outback comes with built-in roof rails, often with swing-out crossbars. This is a boon for campers – you can easily mount a cargo box, kayak, skis, or even a rooftop tent. Many Outback campers put bulky or dirty gear up top to free up the interior for living space. The car’s ability to carry gear externally (plus an available towing hitch) means nothing has to be left behind. One Outback camper noted that adding a roof cargo box was the first thing he did – it cleared out the interior so he could “comfortably sleep in the back” and store muddy shoes and smelly items outside the cabin .
- Comfort + Driveability: Unlike truck-based SUVs, the Outback drives like a car on long road trips – a big plus if you’re covering hundreds of miles. The seats are comfortable for long drives, and modern Outbacks are loaded with safety features (eyesight driver assist, etc.). Reliability and safety are also part of the equation – the Outback consistently gets top safety ratings, which gives peace of mind when you’re out exploring solo. As one seasoned car camper put it, the Outback was the most comfortable car he’d owned for long road trips – “Long road trip? No problem!” . And when you’re not camping, it’s still a practical daily driver that families love.
- Great Gas Mileage: Adventure rigs like 4x4 trucks or old vans often guzzle gas, but the Outback manages excellent fuel economy (~26–33 MPG highway depending on model). This is huge for extended camping road trips or overlanding expeditions. Fewer fuel stops and more money saved means more freedom to roam farther. The Outback’s balance of efficiency and capability is a standout in its class .
- Outdoor-Friendly Features: Subaru designs with outdoorsy folks in mind. Outbacks have large windows (great for views and ventilation), plenty of tie-down points in the cargo area, and even rear seatback hooks and pockets that campers repurpose (for example, those little hooks above the rear windows make perfect hangers for keys or lights at night , and the molded pockets in the hatch are handy nightstands for your phone, water, or glasses ). The newer Wilderness model even comes with water-resistant upholstery and a front skid plate , anticipating that it’ll be used in muddy, rough conditions. All these little touches make camping easier and more comfortable.
Simply put, the Subaru Outback hits a sweet spot: it’s rugged enough to get you into beautiful backcountry spots, spacious enough to live out of on the road, yet still nimble and efficient enough to drive every day. It’s no wonder you’ll often find multiple Outbacks lined up at campgrounds and trailheads – a fact even Outside magazine noted, calling the Outback the vehicle you see most often on outdoor adventures .
Subaru Outback Camping Setup Ideas and Camper Conversion Tips
One of the fun parts of Outback camping is figuring out your setup. Do you go ultra-minimal with just a sleeping pad? Build a custom platform? Use a tent or awning? Here we’ll explore several Subaru Outback camping setup approaches – from simple to elaborate – so you can choose what fits your style (and budget):
1. “No-Build” Car Camping Setup – Seats Down + Mattress: The simplest way to camp in an Outback is just to fold the back seats and make a bed. Many owners use an inflatable air mattress designed for SUVs, or a combination of foam pads and camping air mats. Solutions include stuffing gear or a foam block in the rear footwells, or using an “extension” that some air beds come with. Overall, the seats-down + mattress approach is quick and easy – setup can be as simple as blowing up your air bed and rolling out a sleeping bag. Just remember to push your camping gear to the front seats at night or stash extra stuff outside (it’ll need to be moved out of the bed area to make room for you) .
2. DIY Sleeping Platform – Level Bed and Storage: If you’re handy or feeling creative, a DIY platform can take your Outback camper conversion to the next level. This typically involves building a raised platform in the cargo area, usually out of plywood and 2x2s or similar. The idea is to create a level surface for sleeping while opening up storage space underneath. Many Outback owners have built platforms ~6 inches high, which still leaves about 2 feet of headroom for sleeping while allowing room for plastic bins or drawers below . For instance, one couple built a folding platform that was 40” wide (wheel-well to wheel-well) and 74” long to accommodate their tall frames, and raised it 6” off the floor – enough to slide storage tubs beneath and still sit up in bed (head clearance ~2 feet) . The platform route requires woodworking, tools, and a work space, but it can be done for relatively cheap (often <$300 in materials) . Advantages: your bed is always flat and ready, you can store gear under you (no need to shuffle everything to the front seats at night), and a well-built platform can feel very stable – no “valley in the middle” like some air mattresses. You can also customize it: add hinges to fold it, carpet it for comfort, or incorporate access doors. The downside is losing a little vertical space and having to either remove or work around the platform when you’re not camping. Pro tip: if you go DIY, take very good measurements and use sturdy plywood (3/4”) to avoid sag . Many have successfully built Outback beds that support two adults without removing the rear seats – it’s all about the design. If DIY sounds intimidating, skip ahead to Option 3…
3. Camper Conversion Kits – Plug-and-Play Platforms: To save time (or if carpentry isn’t your thing), there are vehicle-specific conversion kits available for the Outback – including one from Compass Camper. These kits usually include a fitted platform and sometimes integrated drawers with a slide-out table. The benefit is you get a professional build quality and a design optimized for your Subaru’s dimensions. For example, the Compass Camper Conversion Platform for Subaru Outback is a drop-in kit that gives you a raised sleeping platform plus storage drawers for cooking gear, etc. Unlike a bare DIY board, a good kit will secure firmly and can often be removed in minutes when you need your back seats again. Many Outback owners praise these setups for their convenience. One reviewer of the Compass Camper platform said: “It checks literally all my boxes… ample storage, easy to set up, space for a pull-out kitchen… we got a tri-fold mattress and it’s like having a bed in the forest!” . Another noted that the platform “provides plenty of storage underneath… easy to set up… [the] drawers are very well built and sturdy enough to hold my cooking setup”, turning camping from disorganized to a smooth operation . If you’re looking to quickly transform your Outback into a mini-RV, a conversion kit is the fastest route – just assemble it in your trunk and go.
4. SUV Tailgate Tents and Hatch Extensions: A popular way to add living space is an SUV tent that attaches to the rear hatch of the Outback. Products like the Napier Backroadz SUV tent act as an annex room off the back of your car. One Reddit camper said using the Outback with a rear tent “is so much better than sleeping on the ground… The tent adds a room onto our Subie for gear storage and changing. It’s also nice when the weather isn’t so nice – plenty of room inside for camp chairs and a table.” . Essentially, the Outback becomes one “room” (your bedroom), and the tent is like your living room/kitchen, all connected. This setup lets you stand up to change clothes, cook under shelter, and keep gear out of the car while sleeping. The downside is more setup time (the user above noted it took ~30–45 minutes the first few times, down to under 30 minutes with practice for two people) . Also, if you need to drive away, you have to detach the tent each time. But for basecamp style trips, the car+tent combo is hard to beat for comfort. There are also hatchback awnings and bug net skirts that are simpler – these won’t form a full extra room, but will cover the open tailgate area to keep bugs/rain out and give a bit of shade.
5. Rooftop Tents and Overlanding Gear: Lastly, some Outback owners treat their Subie almost like an overland rig – mounting a rooftop tent (RTT) on the crossbars. A rooftop tent gives you a high, flat tent bed above the car, usually fitting two people. It preserves all your interior cargo space and often has a thicker mattress than a ground tent. Compass points: you’ll likely need upgraded heavy-duty crossbars (RTTs weigh 100+ lbs) and the tent will add wind resistance (and you have to climb a ladder to go to bed). Rooftop tents are great for quick setup and keeping you off the ground – plus you can have a third person or pets sleep in the car while two are in the RTT if needed. Many overlanders love RTTs for extended trips. As one source noted, the big advantage is you won’t be crammed in the car with your gear, and you avoid window fogging by sleeping outside the vehicle . Just be prepared for the investment (RTTs can cost $1,000–$3,000) and the fact that your Outback will handle a bit differently with a big tent on top. If you consistently camp in poor weather, this option can be not as ideal. It only takes a few nights of putting away a frozen and wet tent to make the cozy and dry inside of the car look ideal for sleeping. An awning can complement this setup too – giving you shade for cooking next to the car.
Setup Summary: There’s no single “best” Subaru Outback camping setup – it depends on your needs. If you value simplicity and flexibility, a foldable mattress and maybe a tailgate tent might be perfect. If organization and quick deployment are key, a built-out platform or conversion kit with drawers will serve you well. Many folks start simple, then evolve their setup over time. The good news is the Outback’s generous interior and strong roof mean you have options. Whether you go full #VanLife style with a platform and cabinets, or keep it modular, the Outback can adapt. And you can always mix approaches: e.g. platform inside + rooftop cargo box + a small awning – whatever creates your ideal home on wheels.
Lastly, don’t forget the small creative hacks: use those built-in hooks and grab handles to hang things (wet clothes on roof rail hooks as drying racks , or string up interior fairy lights). Use the rear door pockets as bedside cubbies (perfect for phone, flashlight, or glasses at night) . One Outback owner even noted they put a cheap curtain rod across the width of the car to hang privacy curtains or damp gear. The Subaru community is incredibly inventive, so a little searching on forums/Reddit will uncover countless ideas to optimize every inch of space!