4WD camping setups compared: swag, tent, rooftop tent or camper trailer

Choosing a 4WD camping setup is about trade-offs. Swags are simple and robust, ground tents are cheap and roomy, rooftop tents are fast to set up but add weight up high, and camper trailers are the most comfortable but add significant weight, towing rules and track limits. The best setup is the one that suits your trips, vehicle and group.

This guide is part of our 4WD touring guide. We do not sell camping gear. For camper trailer makers, see our camper trailer guide.

Swags

A swag is a canvas bedroll with a built-in mattress and a small tent structure.

• Pros: quick to set up, durable, fits in or on most vehicles, low cost.
• Cons: limited space, little room to sit or store gear inside, less comfortable in long periods of rain.
• Best for: solo travellers or couples in single swags, short stays, dry climates.

Ground tents

Ground tents range from lightweight dome tents to heavy canvas touring tents.

• Pros: lots of space, affordable, flexible, packs into the vehicle.
• Cons: setup and pack-down take longer, especially canvas; wet canvas needs drying.
• Best for: families, longer stays at one camp.

Rooftop tents

Rooftop tents mount on a roof rack and fold or pop open.

• Pros: fast setup, off the ground, mattress stays inside, frees space in the vehicle.
• Cons: weight high up affects handling and fuel use; you must pack up to drive anywhere; climbing a ladder at night; cost.
• Important: check the vehicle's roof load rating and the rack's rating. Roofs often have a lower dynamic (driving) rating than static rating.
• Best for: couples moving camp often.

Camper trailers

Camper trailers range from soft-floor tent trailers to hard-floor and hybrid designs.

• Pros: comfort, storage, kitchen setups, extra water and power, quick to set up on some models.
• Cons: weight, cost, towing limits and licence rules, harder on difficult tracks, some tracks are closed to trailers, extra maintenance.
• Important: know your vehicle's towing capacity and the trailer's ATM; see towing a camper trailer off-road and the NSW towing guidance.
• Best for: families, long trips, travellers wanting comfort.

Comparison table

Questions to ask before you buy

1. What trips will I actually do? Weekends or months away? Easy or hard tracks?
2. Who is coming? Solo, couple or family?
3. How often will I move camp? Daily moves favour quick setups.
4. What is my vehicle's payload and towing capacity?
5. Where will I store it at home?
6. What is my budget, including accessories and maintenance?
7. Can I hire or borrow one first?

Camping responsibly

Whatever the setup, follow park rules, use designated campsites where required, take your rubbish with you and avoid damaging vegetation. See our tread lightly guide and check the relevant authority, such as NSW National Parks.

Where to go next

• Back to the 4WD touring guide
• Camper trailer guide
• Towing a camper trailer off-road
• 4WD touring FAQ