Rooftop Tent vs. Car Camping: Build Your Overland Setup Your Way

Overlanding doesn’t require a rooftop tent to begin, but it does require good gear. Whether you’re dipping a toe into off-grid camping or you’ve already got trails bookmarked for next weekend, starting with car camping is a smart, cost-effective way to get into the lifestyle.

Start Smart: Car Camping with Purpose

You can do a lot with the vehicle you already have. Add a few modular pieces, like the Timber Creek SUV Annex or Timber Creek Window Canopy, and you’re building a reliable shelter system that keeps you covered, ventilated, and protected from the elements. These are low-commitment, high-impact upgrades that work with nearly any vehicle, giving you sleeping space, changing room privacy, and extra shade, without the weight or height of a tent on top.

Timber Creek SUV Annex

• Universal Vehicle Fit
  Works with SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and trucks with camper shells—turns your rear cargo area into a seamless shelter.
• Private, Versatile Interior
  Use it as a changing room, gear closet, or extra sleep space. Keeps your setup organized and your gear out of sight.
• Quick Setup & Takedown
  Go from packed to pitched in minutes. Ideal for on-the-move campers who need flexibility without the fuss.
• Built-In Weather Canopy
  Provides shade in the heat and shelter from unexpected rain—perfect for unpredictable conditions.
• Vertical Wall Design
  Nearly 7 feet tall and 4 feet deep, with straight walls to maximize standing room and usable floor space.

Why It’s Great for Car Camping:

The SUV Annex adds serious function without the bulk. It turns your everyday vehicle into a more capable basecamp, giving you the extra room and privacy car camping often lacks, without jumping into a full tent setup. Lightweight, easy to deploy, and built for real use in the wild.

Timber Creek Window Canopy

• Universal Vehicle Fit
  Compatible with most SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and trucks and installs quickly over your car windows.
• Built-In Mesh Screen
  Lets air in while keeping bugs out which is ideal for sleeping inside your vehicle without the stuffiness.
• Weather-Resistant Canopy
  Stay ventilated, even in bad weather. The outer canopy deflects rain and wind while your window stays open.
• Privacy Zip Flap
  Fully closable for added privacy when you’re parked in public spaces or bedding down for the night.
• Optimized for CVT SUV Gear
  Integrates seamlessly with the Timber Creek SUV Annex so you can build a full shelter system piece by piece.

Why It’s Great for Car Camping:

Small but mighty, the Window Canopy adds airflow and privacy when you sleep inside your vehicle. It solves one of the biggest challenges of car camping (ventilation) with an easy, packable design that works anywhere you go.

Ready to Elevate? Try a Rooftop Tent

When you're ready to take it up a notch, rooftop tents offer next-level comfort, speed, and separation from the ground. Whether you lean toward softshell or hardshell designs, each has its advantages: softshells tend to be more lightweight and spacious, while hardshells offer faster setups and sleeker profiles. It all comes down to your style, terrain, and how you like to camp.

Models like the Pioneer Series, La Sal, Wasatch, and Mt. Hood bring different benefits to the table, from integrated crossbars to premium fabrics and quick-deploy systems, but all of them are designed for serious use, trip after trip.

Find the perfect rooftop tent for your adventures, read our CVT rooftop tent guide.

Build a Setup That Grows With You

Overlanding isn’t about maxing out your gear list from day one—it’s about building a system that adapts to your journey. Start with smart, simple upgrades. Get outside. See what works. And when it’s time to evolve your rig, you’ll know exactly what to reach for.