Subaru Forester Camper: 8 Inspiring Builds

Feature image via Outdoorsy

The Subaru Forester is an excellent vehicle to convert into a camper. This SUV is reliable and has great cargo volume, plenty of roof rail capacity, and decent ground clearance.

It’s no surprise that Subaru Forester campers are quite popular. Those who bought the Outback version, which is virtually the same vehicle, have done the conversion, too.

The great roof rail capacity offers many options: you can mount a rail to store bikes, a roof box, or fit an awning. Alternatively, you can mount a rooftop tent. The roof can hold up to 700lbs of stationary weight.

Bear in mind, though, that the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are SUVs, so they are not huge – they’re still cars.

You’ll be able to fit a lot of gear in them, but you’ll need to sit inside them at all times. They are ideal for solo campers or minimalist couples who just need to crash at a trailhead for the night.

A quick tip: always carry some extra engine oil with you on the road; Subaru Foresters tend to consume quite a lot.

Let’s look at some of the camper conversions that are out there. There are no professional kits advertised as suitable for this car, but we have found DIY full-on builds, as well as simple and cheap set-ups.

Keep reading to see the 8 Awesome Subaru Forester campers we have compiled below!

$80 No-Build Subaru Forester Camper Conversion

FrontrangeForester decided to convert his Subaru Forester on a Thursday, just before a weekend away. Having a small budget, no space, and very little time, the man opted for a simple, quick, and cheap conversion.

The best way to go was no-build, of course. FrontrangerForester worked on the project in the parking lot of his apartment complex.

At the back of the Forester, he left the regular storage compartment unchanged and covered it with standard coverings. He used two 2ft by 4ft sheets of plywood he bought from Home Depot to create a sleeping platform.

These slide into the Subaru Forester camper to make a single bed. To make the sheets level with the passenger seat, which is folded down, FrontrangeForester used a couple of blankets he had no use for.

On top of the plywood sheets, he laid a rubber mat, on top of which he placed a sleeping mat and sleeping bag.

During the day, he uses the ply sheets to set up a low table where he can cook and eat.

Next to the bed, in the back of the vehicle, he keeps his cooler and propane camping cooking stove. Behind the front passenger seat, in the footwell, there is a big bin he uses for storing his cooking gear and some food. Simple but effective. Not bad for a 2-day DIY conversion.

Backcountry-Style Subaru Forester Camper

SoftroadingTheWest decided to turn his 2012 Subaru Forester into an adventure vehicle on which to explore the Oregon backcountry.

First, he upgraded the wheels to install bigger off-road tires. This improved the performance of the car on the trail.

Then, he installed a lift kit to improve the suspension. He also added a light bar to mount extra lights on the front of the vehicle. On top of the car, SoftroadingTheWest installed a roof rack, on which he places a roof box for storage.

For camping, the man built a completely removable plywood kit, which he keeps in storage.

Whenever he heads off, he slides the pieces into the back of the Subaru Forester camper and he’s ready to go in minutes. The kit includes a bed platform, with a foam mattress and sleeping bag, and a storage unit.

The last allows him to keep his cooking gear and cooler at the rear of the vehicle. The platform bed hides a flip-out table. The cooker is mounted to a second slide-out panel, which comes out of the storage unit.

This build shows that you can adapt your current vehicle to your adventures, rather than going all out and buying a 4×4.

Sprinter vs. Transit: The Nitty Gritty

Let’s see how these two vans compare in four critical areas.

1. Maintenance Costs

Let’s face it: every vehicle needs repairs, and taking care of issues is crucial when your vehicle is also your home!

Aside from budgeting for regular oil and tire changes, you’re well-advised to have extra savings when something unexpected happens.

A Ford Transit is not only more affordable upfront, but it’s also cheaper to maintain.

Replacement parts are affordable and widely available, which is a huge bonus.

You’ll also have extra peace of mind in a worst-case scenario since Ford dealers and mechanics are in almost every town.

Maintenance is one of the main reasons solo US female van lifer Ricki (@rickiontheroad) chose a Ford Transit to call home: “I went with a Transit because it’s less expensive and more places will service it. While Sprinters may need maintenance less often, the thought of needing maintenance in a remote town and no one willing to work on my vehicle was enough to get a Transit.”

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) agree with Ricki: “The ease of maintenance and servability of an American-made camper van was crucial for us. Living on the road full time, we have heard horror stories of Sprinter owners having to pay for 200+ mile tows when they break down, or parts being really difficult to source. Fords are everywhere here, and we have never had an issue with towing or parts.”

Things are a little different when it comes to owning a Sprinter. Internet forums are full of horror stories about DEF sensor failure, black death, and the dreaded limp mode.

When a serious problem arises, a dealership is often the only place able to help, so you’ll have to find your way to the nearest big city.

Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) are full-time van lifers who live in a Sprinter van, and they agree that the initial cost of the cargo van plus the more expensive maintenance costs are the only cons to choosing a Sprinter vs. a Transit.

“In our opinion, the only con is the price because a Sprinter costs slightly more (not always). You might spend more on parts to fix it, but we bought a new van and haven’t had any fixes because we keep up with all the maintenance. We’ve always had a good experience with Mercedes, trust in them as a brand, and love to see how much they’ve embraced the van life space,” said Keith and Hannah.

Add in the fact that repair costs can be substantial and you may have to wait weeks for parts to arrive, and it’s no wonder this is a sticking point for many people in the Ford Transit vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter debate.

2. AWD/4×4 Options

For those traveling back roads, especially during winter, a 4×4 Sprinter is the most attractive option. The downside is you’ll have to purchase a 2022 model (or earlier) since Mercedes-Benz no longer makes 4×4 Sprinters as of 2023.

A 4×4 Sprinter has a much higher clearance than a standard 2WD model, and it can go just about anywhere, making it ideal for off-grid adventuring.

As of 2023, Mercedes-Benz makes AWD Sprinter vans with diesel engines. Although you’ll need to spend more upfront for a Sprinter van with AWD or a 2022 (or earlier) model with 4×4, it will hold its value if you ever want to sell it.

The AWD Transit and Transit Trail are becoming increasingly popular, though they’re only available with a gasoline engine.

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) wrote an article on their blog about why they chose a Transit over a Sprinter (and ProMaster). They said they like how a Transit has “the shorter wheelbase of the Transit driving more like a car and the AWD drive train.”

Although it’s a big step up from the 2WD Transit, you’ll need to pay for a lifted suspension if you want more clearance on a standard Transit. As mentioned earlier, the Transit Trail at least has a significant lift of 3.5” compared to the standard Transit.

If you still want a 4×4 campervan and are leaning towards a Ford Transit, you can pay for an after-market 4×4 conversion.

Although you’ll pay around $13,000 for a Quigley’s conversion from Sportsmobile, the overall cost could be less than what you’d pay for a 4×4 Sprinter, leveling the playing field in the Sprinter vs. Transit game!

3. Suitability For Conversions

As we’ve already seen, there’s much more interior standing space in a High Roof Transit and High Roof Transit Trail, which could be the clincher for taller friends.

Although there’s less space in a Transit, the square shape makes it easy to do a quick and affordable conversion.

Another big plus is the Transit’s interior width, which makes it possible to install a bed width-ways, freeing up more living and storage space inside the van.

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) have chosen Transit vans twice (about to be three times)! They said that one reason they prefer them for a conversion is the added height: “The Transit is the tallest of the three more common chassis. The interior standing height of the Transit is 4” taller than the Sprinter. Eric is tall so this was a must for us!”

When converting a Sprinter, the biggest advantage is the ample space inside, especially in the 170″ wheelbase extended model.

If you plan on living in your van full-time or with kids, the huge space inside a Sprinter could make it a clear frontrunner. 

Although you’ll probably have to sleep lengthways in your van unless you are shorter and install flares, there are loads of ways to integrate storage space into your design.

4. Diesel vs. Gasoline

When considering the Sprinter vs. Transit question, one of the most important differences is the fuel each van uses.

Most Sprinters have diesel engines, which means better fuel economy and a longer lifespan.

The fuel economy of a Sprinter is one of the reasons why van lifers Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannah) chose a Sprinter for their DIY conversion: “Sprinter vans are super reliable, have a great fuel economy even after the vans are built out, and hold their value. We’re not tall, so livability is perfect, and in our opinion, it looks the best.” 

That said, diesel is more expensive at the pump, and locating the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) that Sprinters require could be a real problem if you travel to Central or South America.

If you plan on extended foreign journeys in your camper van, you’re probably better off going with a Ford Transit van, despite its inferior fuel economy.

Why I Chose a Sprinter Van

When my husband and I shopped for a campervan to call our home and live in full-time, we researched popular modern chassis, including Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters. 

I considered the Ford Transit Trail over the Sprinter. I liked the cheaper price tag, and my husband and I grew up driving Ford vehicles.

Plus, since my husband is tall at 6’5”, I wondered if he could stand more comfortably in a Transit Trail.

However, I knew I wanted a professional conversion and needed my van finished when my apartment lease ended. I had to rule out the Transit Trail as those vans were not readily available then.

I ultimately went with a 2022 Sprinter van to have 4×4, a reliable van for full-time living, and a van with excellent resale value.

I also like the look of a Sprinter, and my husband found he could stand up inside it without needing to squat or bend.

I appreciate having the peace of mind of a 4-wheel drive van on steep, rocky roads and during winter conditions in Colorado (where we spend much of our time).

Ford does not make 4×4 vans, so I already felt hesitant about going with one of those vans in case I ever found myself in a difficult position on the road.

Since I planned to live in my van full-time with my husband and dog, I wanted a reliable and high-quality chassis.

Although services on Sprinters are expensive, I appreciate how Sprinter vans don’t need to be serviced as often and rarely have parts that need replacement since they are made with quality from the get-go (in my experience).

I also chose a Sprinter over a Transit due to the resale value. I knew my family would do van life for 1-3 years and eventually want to sell the van.

I have not yet reached the point where I’m looking to sell my Sprinter van, but I feel confident that I will get a pretty good return on investment when the time comes.

Appearance was not a huge factor in our decision, but since my husband is a photographer and enjoys taking drone shots of our van in epic places, it is a definite plus!

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Should I Get a Sprinter or Transit?

If you’re hoping for a verdict on which vehicle is better for van life, you’re out of luck!

Sprinter and Transit vans are excellent choices for van dwellers, and each has unique pros and cons.

Although Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) chose a Sprinter van, they said, “A Transit van would be a close second!”

I agree and could easily see us switching from a Sprinter van to a Ford Transit (specifically the Transit Trail) someday, especially if we purchase a home and want a van for part-time traveling.

I have nothing negative to say about the Sprinter other than the initial high price tag and expensive service costs.

The Sprinter vs. Transit debate rages on, so you must weigh the pros and cons and decide which best fits your needs and budget.

I hope you’ve found this article interesting and helpful in your quest to find your dream van. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below!

Other Van Life Stories You’ll Love:

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• These car camper conversion kits might change your life
• 4 Cool Sprinter Van Bunk Beds And Where To Buy Them

Subaru Forester Camper For Two People

Liv and Dylan have converted a Subaru Forester into a road-trip-ready camper for a couple, with the help of Liv’s dad.

They used all the space available at the rear of the vehicle to install a plywood sleeping platform. The platform rests on some supports, which create a decent amount of storage.

The guys covered it with flooring foam and a layer of carpet to make it more comfortable. The front part of the platform flips up to allow for more space at the back of the car during the day.

The couple carries foam mattresses to sleep on and uses the space under the platform to store their camping gear. That’s it. Simple and functional.

You may also be interested in 7 Best Cars to Live In: How to Choose the Right One

A Road-Trip-Worthy Subaru Forester Build

Nicole and Matt decided to go on a three-week, 7,000-mile-long road trip across the States during the pandemic.

To keep things safe, they bought and converted a Subaru Forester into a small camper. The guys wanted to be able to use their SUV as a car after the journey, so the conversion isn’t permanent.

Even though Nicole and Matt had no carpentry experience, they managed to build a few custom items, which they installed in the Subaru Forester camper.

They created a bed platform with two drawers underneath. These contain their kitchen gear and act as tables.

For the trip, they simply used the platform as a storage area while driving. They put storage boxes and a cooler on top of the bed during the day and then moved them onto the front seats at night.

Matt ran out of time for installing a big, permanent solar panel on the roof. So instead, he simply wired up two smaller panels, which they pulled out of the back of the car at campsites when they needed power.

There is also a water tap at the back of the car, which extracts water from a big jug. While this camper isn’t very elaborate, it allowed them to escape the pandemic for three extra-fun weeks.

Fully Removable Subaru Outback Conversion

Chase swapped from a truck to a Subaru Outback for camping, because the bed was too short and he was getting too cold in the winter.

He self-built his own removable conversion, which he can slide into the vehicle on his days off and weekends.

Inside his Subaru Forester camper, there is a single bed with a foam mattress and sleeping bag. Under it where the passenger seat used to be, there is a well for storage.

Next to the bed, there is a cabinet, which contains batteries and his kitchen gear. All his kitchenware fits inside a drawer, while he stores a water jug on top of the cabinet.

For cooking, he installed two slide-out platforms, which act as a table. Behind the cabinet, there is a cooler and a seat, where he can work at his laptop.

On the roof, Chase added a rack, on which he stores any extra gear. This cool rig allows Chase to head off to the wilderness any weekend.

Looking for gear? You might find The Best Truck Camper Accessories For Life On The Road helpful!

A Glamping Set-Up In A Subaru Forester

Allison was looking for an adventure vehicle that would allow her to travel, without bumping into anyone during the pandemic.

She looked at all options online, but ultimately, she didn’t want to spend a lot of cash and time on the project. So she decided to convert her 2018 Subaru Forester SUV into a camper – a simple, quick, and cheap solution.

However, she upgraded her build with lots of impressive equipment, which makes her outdoor adventures a lot more comfortable.

First, she built a sleeping platform out of three pieces of 3/4 inch plywood sheet, leaving enough room for storage underneath it. On top of it, she stuck carpeting and fit a 4inch twin-size folding mattress.

For storing her gear, Allison uses transparent boxes, which slide out from under the bed.

On the roof, she installed a roof rack with an awning, which offers protection from the sun and rain. It’s really handy for sitting up in any conditions – she isn’t stuck inside the car all the time.

When camping, she brings along a cooler, fire pit, a cooker, a power station, portable solar panels, a pop-up tent pod, and a heated portable sink and shower.

This allows her to work, cook, and stay clean on the road. Glamping out of an SUV – who would have thought it possible?

No-Tools, $100 Subaru Forester Camper Build

Adam and Elise needed a no-build, cheap solution for sleeping at trailheads. After searching the internet for a solution, finding complicated plans only, Adam decided to improvise.

It took him a total of one hour to create the sleeping platform. He used zero tools and spent a total of $100.

He used some plywood, a mattress, some foam mats, and two old ex-military canisters. Any heavy items will do.

He got the ply cut at Home Depot. Then, he measured the gap in height between the back of the boot and the top of the folded backseats. He used two ex-military canisters that fit the measurement.

All he needed to do to complete the build was place the canisters at the back of the car, place the foam mats on top of them and on top of the folded seats, and slide in the bed platform.

He then added a foam mattress and bedding. The guys place some mosquito netting on top of the side windows, held in place by magnets, to be able to keep the Subaru Forester camper ventilated.

Mini Subaru Forester Camper

If you’re not too worried about keeping your SUV stealthy, you could copy Janiel’s excellent conversion idea. At campgrounds, she attaches a tailgate shade awning tent at the back of her Subaru Forester.

This allows her to keep the back hatch open at night for a fantastic van-life-style view from the bed.

The tent has mosquito netting, so you can get a nice flow of air at night. Inside her conversion, she simply laid down a mattress and her camping equipment. A set of plastic drawers can be easily pulled out to be used outside.

Janiel likes her privacy, so she also carries a collapsible toilet tent, where she stores a portable toilet. For her energy needs, she uses a solar panel and a battery.

Subaru Outback Camper Conversion For Tall People

Brian is 6ft2in tall, so he needed to convert his Subaru Outback (virtually the same vehicle as a Forester) in a clever way.

He built a sleeping platform out of plywood, with the help of his dad. The bed makes the most of the space between the front seats and the back hatch, so when Brian sleeps, the front passenger seat is folded. Under the bed, there’s a cooler and all of Brian’s camping gear.

He uses the other passenger seat to sit and work, thanks to a hanging table. At the back, he fit a slide-out table, where he can cook, and a water jug. Brian uses the front passenger seat as a closet – he stores two bags with his clothes in them.

Subaru Forester Conversion Kits

Not a fan of DIY projects? You can opt for buying a conversion kit. All you need to do is wait for it to be produced and install it in your Subaru.

Sleep’In Kit by VanPackers

The Sleep’In Kit will transform your Forester into a very practical camper. The wooden platform bed features two openings at the rear of the vehicle. One of these has a double slide-out table on which you can cook. A bed panel can be removed and used, in conjunction with a table leg and support, as a camping table outside.

Included in the package there are also a retractable sink and a custom storage bag. However, you can complete the camper by adding a 2″ mattress, a cooler, a 2-burner camping stove, and custom-made curtains.

We love this kit and we think the price ($1,295 CAD) is also very attractive. The company is based in Canada, but will ship to the US.

Check out the VanPackers website for more details.

Subaru Forester Camper Conversion Kit by Compass Camper

This conversion kit has been designed specifically for the Subaru Forester. It’s essentially a platform bed made out of aluminium and wood with two big drawers attached underneath, which slide out at the rear of the vehicle. The frame is lined with foam, so you don’t need to place a very high mattress on top of it.

The best bit? You don’t need to permanently install the camper in your SUV; it simply fixes in place via the SUV’s D-rings.

The kit fits all Forester models produced between 2008 and 2022. You can buy add a slide-out table, a split bed extension, and mosaic drawer faces.

Find out more on the SimplerWays website.

Bounty Hunter Compact by Freeways Camper Kit

The Bounty Hunter Compact is a low-profile camper kit, which you can fix on top of the folded-down passenger seats of your Forester. It features a flip-out platform bed with storage underneath and a slide-out table at the back. On the table, you can cook and wash up in the fitted collapsible sink. It’s a minimalistic kit, which is extremely practical.

You can buy it with raw or tinted wood finish and add extras, such as a foldable mattress and cover.

You can read more about this kit on the Freeway Camper Kit website.

Camping Kit For SUV by RoadLoft

The RoadLoft conversion kit is made to fit a number of SUVs, among which are Subaru Forester models from 2018 onwards. It’s similar to other campers; however, the drawer at the back of it has enough space for a cooler. Under the cooler, there is a slide-out retractable sink, which opens towards the centre of the vehicle. The bed frame is made out of four ventilated panels, which can be lifted to reveal the storage underneath.

Installation takes five minutes and a screwdriver; while assembly takes about 20 minutes. Before installing it, you can choose the height at which the bed platform sits – really handy.

To get $100 off your Roadloft order, use the coupon code TWH100.

Find out more on the RoadLoft website.

Nestbox Camper by Egoe Nest

The Nestbox Camper is a modular camper suitable for a number of SUVs. The grid layout of the bed frame allows you to make the most of the space inside your vehicle and adapt the bed to the space available in your car’s interior. Super clever! At the back, there is a big drawer, which acts as a kitchen. A collapsible sink and flip-up table extend from it, away from the vehicle.

Egoe Nest is a European company based in the Czech Republic; however they ship to the USA.

More information is available on the Egoe Nest website.

Subaru Forester Conversion Kit by Oasis Campervans

Please note: this kit is not always available for sale.

Are you traveling solo? Then make the most of the space available in your Forester with this rad kit by Oasis Campervans. It features a single bunk bed on the right and a higher platform which serves as a table on the left. You can work or cook on this while sitting inside the car. At the back, there’s one big drawer on the left, in which you can store your stove and kitchen gadgets. Hidden inside the drawer, there’s space for a cooler.

The kit fits inside Foresters produced between 2009 and 2013.

Find out more on the Oasis Campervans website.

Our Favorite Subaru Camper Conversion Gear

Now that you’ve got some good inspiration for converting your own Subaru Forester or Outback, it’s time to window shop for some of the gear you’ll want to install or bring with you.

We have selected our favorite pieces of gear, keep reading to see them below!

1in ADF Lift Kit

Do you dream of going off-road with your Forester or Outback? It’s a good idea to improve the ground clearance with a lift kit.

Anderson Design And Fabrication make 1in and 2in kits for this model. It may not sound like a lot of extra clearance, but it does make a difference when you’re out on rough terrain.

Rally Light Bar By Rally Innovations

A light bar is a fantastic addition to your Subaru Forester, if you plan to go on off-road wilderness adventures.

It allows you to mount extra headlights, which allow you to see better in the dark. It has also a hidden, secondary advantage. It offers extra protection to the front bumper.SoftroadingTheWest recommends the Rally Innovations Rally Light Bar.

Mosquito Netting

Keeping a window or two open will allow you to keep decent ventilation in your vehicle and prevent moisture. This is especially important in the summer.

Buying a big sheet of netting like this one and then cutting it to size is an easy, cheap way to get it done. Many campers fix it in place with magnets.

Others sew two layers of netting together, so they can slide the sleeve over the top of the door. Closing the car door keeps it in place.

See mosquito netting on Amazon.com

Portable Power Station And Solar Panels

If you plan to travel for a while, you’ll need a way to recharge your electronics. Many YouTubers recommend the impressive Jackery Explorer 1,000 setups.

These have a huge capacity, allowing you to charge a laptop, tablet, phone, and camera batteries multiple times. However, they do come at a hefty price.

If you don’t need to work on the road and are just starting out, why not try out a cheaper product first? This ECO-WORTHY set costs under $100 and has excellent reviews.

Check out the ECO-WORTHY on Amazon.com

Travel Heated Blanket

Want to keep camping even in winter? Rather than going for an expensive and complicated diesel heater install, why not invest in a cheap travel heated blanket?

You could keep it on your legs while relaxing and pre-heat the bed before going to sleep. For under $50, you could get one off Amazon.

If you’re trying to stay on a budget, you could always buy a couple of hot water bottles and fill them with boiled water in the evening.

Check out a heated blanket or hot water bottle on Amazon.com

Fire Pit

A heated blanket won’t last a long time. You’ll only be able to use it to help you fall asleep.

To stay warm outdoors, why not get a fire pit? We like this foldable portable one from Amazon. It’s super easy to store.

You can collect deadwood at your campsite to reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack. A fire on which to roast marshmallows or meat completes any campground.

Check out this portable fire pit on Amazon.com

Side Awning

Camping in a car means traveling light and being able to go almost anywhere. However, the space inside the vehicle is extremely limited. A platform bed that’s too high means having little headroom for sitting up.

So creating an area where you can sit outside, protected from the elements is an excellent idea. There won’t always be a picnic table and BBQ waiting for you. We love the Rhino-Rack Sunseeker – a sturdy and easy-to-assemble side awning.

Butane stove

Being able to cook while camping is essential. Eating cold food gets old quickly. If you stick to short trips, a cheap one-burner stove will do. For longer weekends and holidays, opt for a double-burner with wind-blocking panels.

Check out these single or double burner stoves on Amazon.com

Conclusion On Subaru Forester Campers And Outback Camper Conversions

Subaru Forester and Outback campers are an inexpensive vehicle in which to go camping. As they are SUVs, the room inside the car isn’t huge.

There is no standing headroom, of course. And if you need to bring a lot of gear with you, it’s best if you go solo.

However, they make for an excellent small adventure camper for solo travelers and minimalist couples.

If you need to turn your car into a camper just for the weekends and holidays, then a Subaru Forester camper is an excellent solution. No need to buy, maintain, and store an extra, bigger vehicle. Just slide in your gear and set off on a new adventure.

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