While many people prefer to look for a new roof cargo box based on the type of vehicle that they own and are going to be using, it’s also a great idea to consider what you will be using your roof box for so that you can make sure that you choose the right one for your needs.
If you are going to be going camping, then your needs are going to be different from the needs of another person.
Make sure that you have enough space inside for your gear, that your box is waterproof so that nothing will get wet on the road, and that you can easily lock the box to protect food or other belongings from wild animals.
Choosing the best roof cargo box for camping is a personal decision, but any of the options on this list are sure to make packing and traveling for your camping trip easier and more enjoyable.
- Our Top Choice - Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- Best Runner Up - Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box
Table of Contents
Camping Roof Cargo Boxes Overview
| Volume | Size | Opening | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Thule Motion XT | 16 cu ft | L: 90" W: 35" H: 15" | Both sides |  |
 Thule Pulse Cargo Box | 16 cu ft | L:89" W:26" H: 13" | Passenger | |
 Yakima Showcase Rooftop Cargo Box | 9 cu ft | L:47" W: 27" H: 17" | Passenger | |
 Thule Hyper XL Rooftop Cargo Box | 17 cu ft | L: 76" W: 33" H: 16" | Both sides | |
 Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Rooftop Cargo Box | 14 cu ft | L: 74" W: 33" H: 16" | Both sides | |
 Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box | 21 cu ft | L: 90" W: 36" H: 12" | Both Sides |  |
 Thule 682 SideKick Cargo Box | 8 cu ft. | 54 x 25 x 16 | Passenger | |
Best Roof Cargo Box for camping - The Details
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier - **Our Choice**
This means that no matter how deep into the woods you are going to be going for your camping trip, you won’t have to worry about how aerodynamic your new roof box is.
Additionally, this roof box is very easy to set up and to attach to your vehicle, making it the best roof box for camping if you are worried about ensuring that your belongings will be secure when you are on the road.
Because you may have to park close to trees and will find it difficult to access the items in your roof box, you are sure to love that this option opens from both sides.
This means that you can take the first available spot in the woods without having to worry about how you will get your clothing, tent, or other supplies out of the box.
Yakima Showcase Rooftop Cargo Box
This means that when you are going deep into the woods or making your way through mud, you won’t have to worry about the condition or safety of the items you have packed, as they will be secure and dry when you finally arrive at your campsite.
Unlike some roof boxes, this one is perfect for use on smaller vehicles as well as larger ones, which means that you aren’t limited in what car you want to take on your camping trip. The internal stiffeners in the lid prevent the lid from being difficult to open or close and ensure that you can easily reach inside when you need to get something out.
Additionally, the design of the roof box is aerodynamic and will prevent the box from being knocked off of your car or damaged if you drive under low-hanging tree limbs.
Thule Hyper XL Rooftop Cargo Box
Not only is it designed to be incredibly aerodynamic and to slice through the air and wind when you are on the road, but it is also very attractive and looks slick and well-designed.
Not only does this roof box look great, but it is very easy to attach and remove from your vehicle, making it ideal for last-minute camping trips. One problem that many people run into when they are considering this roof box for camping trips is the high price tag.
However, it’s easy to see why Thule is asking such a high price, as this roof box is incredibly high-quality and offers many features and details that make it easy to use. Enjoy the expanded mounting points, the audible “clicks” when installed correctly, and the integrated light that makes loading and unloading in the dark a breeze.
Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box
If you are worried about the way that your new roof box will look once you have it attached to your car, then you will definitely want to consider this option from Thule. Not only is it designed to be incredibly aerodynamic and to slice through the air and wind when you are on the road, but it is also very attractive and looks slick and well-designed. Not only does this roof box look great, but it is very easy to attach and remove from your vehicle, making it ideal for last-minute camping trips. One problem that many people run into when they are considering this roof box for camping trips is the high price tag. However, it’s easy to see why Thule is asking such a high price, as this roof box is incredibly high-quality and offers many features and details that make it easy to use. Enjoy the expanded mounting points, the audible “clicks” when installed correctly, and the integrated light that makes loading and unloading in the dark a breeze. 
Thule 682 SideKick Cargo Box
This roof box is a lot smaller than many other boxes on the market, but that doesn’t mean that you should discount it as the best roof box for camping for you and your family. Thule has created a box that can easily carry up to 110 pounds of gear and cargo, making it perfect for storing heavy camping equipment. Additionally, the box has been made out of strong and durable ABS plastic that is impact and UV resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your box being damaged while you are out enjoying nature. Unfortunately, this roof box only opens on the passenger side, which means that you need to be aware of where you park and how easily you can access the items inside the box. That’s a small price to pay, however, for a durable and aerodynamically designed roof box. The two locks won’t just secure the contents of your box, but they will also secure your box to your carrier so that there aren’t any concerns about losing your gear on the road. 
Keeper 07203-1 Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag
While not technically a box, this roof top cargo bag can hold its own against any of the hard boxes on this list and will offer you all of the protection for your gear and equipment that you need when you are going camping. Thanks to the spacious inside – at 15 cubic feet – it’s easy to see how you can bring almost everything that you need with you on your camping trip when you select this option. While some people balk at giving up the protection that hard boxes offer, when you choose this soft option from Keeper, you will enjoy many major benefits. The soft sides of this bag allow you to easily stuff oddly shaped equipment and gear into the bag and stow it on your car without problems. Additionally, when your bag isn’t in use, you can remove it from the roof and collapse it for storage in your trunk or your garage. This makes it an ideal option for people who don’t have a lot of room in their homes to store a hard and bulky box. Finally, the lower price on this bag makes it a great option for anyone who wants to camp on a budget. While you may have thought that a hard box was the only way to go, this bag may be the thing that changes your mind. 
Thule Pulse Cargo Box
There’s no reason that you can’t go camping and skiing on the same trip, but unless you have a roof box that is designed to provide you the storage that you need, you will find it very difficult to bring all of your gear with you. That’s why many people consider this box from Thule to be the best roof box for camping trips in the snow. Not only can you pack this roof box full of warm clothing and soft items that will compress easily, but you can bring with you up to 3 boards or 6 pairs of skis. The profile on this roof box is only 12.5 inches, which means that you can’t store bulky or oversized items inside, but it’s very easy to mount and to remove from your car, and since the passenger side opens easily to load and unload the box, you don’t have to worry about getting items out once you have reached your destination. Whether you are going to ski into your campsite or set up a base for your daily ski excursions, this is a great roof box for your next camping trip. Yakima RocketBox Pro 12 Cargo Box
It can be tricky, if you own a smaller car, to find a roof box that will fit easily on top of your vehicle and still provide you all of the storage that you need to take your camping items with you on a trip. This roof box offers 12 cubic feet of storage, which may not seem like a lot, but is plenty if you need an extra place to stash camping gear, blankets, or food for your upcoming excursion. Smaller cars generally need smaller roof boxes so that you can be safe while you are on the road, and this is a great option for any small car owner. Thanks to the push button security, you can easily access the items you have packed away inside your roof box from either side of your car, which means that you can easily get to your gear when setting up your campsite. It has been designed for use on smaller cars, it is aerodynamically designed and will allow you to travel without negatively affecting your gas mileage. Additionally, an optional additional cargo net can be used with the box to increase your storage space. 
Thule Sonic Cargo Box
If you are going to be camping for a few days, have a number of people going with you, or simply don’t know how to pack light for a trip, then you are sure to love the sheer size offered by this Thule roof box. Unlike other roof boxes on the market that top out around 15 cubic feet of space, this large roof box offer an impressive 22 cubic feet, so you can easily pack all of your cargo without worrying about leaving anything behind. Not only is it huge, but it is very sleek and aerodynamic, so you won’t feel weighed down by your gear and equipment. Additionally, this roof box opens on both sides and clicks into place so that you can be sure that all of your gear will be secure. The securelock prevents you from accidentally driving away without the box closed securely, so there won’t be any concern over your box opening while you are on the road and all of your items falling out. While other larger roof boxes may negatively affect your gas mileage, the sleek design and nose of this box prevent you from overspending on gas for your trip. Conclusion
Finding the right cargo box for your upcoming camping trip can take some work, but any of the roof boxes on this list are sure to provide you with the secure storage space that you need.
When you use a roof box, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you have the space to bring all of the necessary gear and equipment with you, and by opting for one that is easy to attach to your roof, you can leave the option of last-minute camping trips open so that you are always ready to go at the drop of a hat.
Make sure that you choose a box that is large enough to hold all of your gear and will fit securely on your vehicle so you can enjoy the best camping experience possible.
