Car Camping in A Subaru Ascent: Setup, Space and Gear
WildFinder SUV Tent
$119.99An SUV or tailgate tent attaches around the open hatch, adding a room to a Subaru Ascent. Check the listing's fit notes against your exact model.
Check price on AmazonSpecsThe Ascent is Subaru's three-row family hauler. With row three folded it carries a full family camping load while seating five; with both rear rows folded two adults can sleep inside.
| Cargo behind row 2 | about 47.5 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Cargo with rear seats folded | about 86.5 cu ft |
| Couple's camping load | 18.7 cu ft packed: it fits, with 17 cu ft spare |
| Family of four load | 32.2 cu ft packed: it fits, with 3 cu ft spare |
Manufacturer-published figures for the 2019 on Subaru Ascent, rounded; they vary by trim, moonroof and year, so check your manual. Load volumes are estimates from typical packed sizes, via the cargo calculator.
How do you set up a Subaru Ascent for camping?
- Folded rows leave a small step at the second row; a thick pad smooths it.
- Family of five? Row three down, coolers against it, bedding in a roof box.
- Standard roof rails make a cargo box an easy add.
SUV and tailgate tents for a Subaru Ascent
WOLFWILL SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Waterproof SUV Tents for$61.95Check priceSpec sheet
Economical Car Camping Tent$89.99Check price
Napier Sportz Cove$111.98Check price- WildFinder SUV Tent$119.99Check priceSpec sheet
TIMBER RIDGE 5-9 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for$229.99Check priceSpec sheet
Napier Sportz SUV Tent$399.99Check priceSpec sheet
What should you sleep on in a Subaru Ascent?
Measure the floor with the seats folded before buying anything. A thick self-inflating pad (3 to 4 inches) follows small slopes and steps in the folded seats better than an air mattress, and insulates the cold floor. SUV-specific air mattresses that fill the rear footwell suit people who want the widest bed and do not mind the pump. Either way, add a foam layer when nights drop below about 50F: the car floor is cold.
Pads and mattresses for the cargo floor
Screens, shades and comfort
Keep planning
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep in a Subaru Ascent?
Yes. Measure your own from the tailgate to the back of the front seats with them slid forward, then pick a pad or mattress about 2 inches shorter. Ventilate with two windows cracked behind mesh screens, and never idle a gas engine for heat while you sleep.
Will a family camping load fit in a Subaru Ascent?
A family-of-four load of a 6-person tent, two coolers, four chairs, bags, pads, stove, table and duffels comes to about 32.2 cu ft packed. Subaru Ascent usable cargo is about 35 cu ft by our estimate, so it fits, with care.
Is it safe to run the engine while sleeping in a Subaru Ascent?
Do not idle a gas or diesel engine for heat or air conditioning while you sleep. Exhaust can leak into the cabin, and snow or a nearby wall can trap it, and carbon monoxide is odourless. Use insulation, a warm bag and a pad for cold, and a battery fan and window screens for heat. Carry a battery carbon monoxide detector either way.
Get the car camping checklist
One printable page: the full packing checklist plus our three complete setups with current prices. No sales sequence.
Used only to send the list. You can also read every setup free on this site.Researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures are published specifications or clearly labelled conventions; check your own gear's manual and your campground's rules.