Top 5 Motorcycles for Camping in 2023

Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect from the frustrations of day-to-day life, and using a motorcycle to get to your destination makes the experience even better. But let’s be honest, “camping” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Some people are looking to rough it survivalist style as far from civilization as possible. Others want an air mattress and access to a warm shower. Whatever your preference, there’s a bike that’ll get the job done. We’ve selected five of the best to meet the needs of those at either end of the extremes, and those that fall somewhere between.

One of the Yamaha XT250′s most extravagant bits of tech is an electric start, so you won’t need to worry about the government tracking your whereabouts via GPS. This air-cooled 249cc single-powered machine is lightweight and designed to traverse just about any type of terrain. It has a 2.6-gallon tank and a claimed 76 mpg range, which would get you a little over 196 miles before you have to open up a reserve tank from your stockpile. You can easily tie down a sleeping bag or go bag to the tailsection, and the slim chassis is nimble and easy to maneuver through heavily wooded areas.

Honda’s XR650L is a workhorse that’s light enough to muscle around in tight terrain, but robust enough to carry all the camping gear you need and the 30-pack you promised to bring. The 644cc air-cooled single has punch where you need it, and the long-travel, adjustable suspension provides a nicely cushioned ride in a wide variety of scenarios. Its 2.8-gallon tank and claimed 52 mpg is good enough for the weekend, and the off-road-focused design of the machine opens the doors for a lot of backcountry fun.

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R is a phenomenal machine, capable of handling anything you can throw at it, on and off road. It has numerous ride modes suited for every type of terrain, sophisticated suspension and chassis design, and an exciting 889cc powerplant. It is certainly capable of taking you deep into the wilderness but is also a blast tearing up fire roads. It’s a great option for the camper who wants some exhilaration on their next camping trip and to show off (just a little bit) how well they’re doing in life right now. Add on some quick-release cases so you can pack in all the camp essentials and you’ll be ready to roll.

So you’ve reached that point in life where the stock options have paid off, the kids are off to college, and the call of nature is once again too strong to ignore. The venerable BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is the only suitable machine for you, with its class-leading design, electronics package, and performance capabilities. The 1,254cc boxer-twin-powered bike requires an experienced hand to coax through the really tough terrain, but you’re as experienced as they come. Of course you upgraded to the Premium Package too, because Gary isn’t going to be the only one on this trip with dynamic suspension, heated grips, and pro ride modes…

You don’t have time or energy for arduous adventures in the woods and there’s no way you’re camping without your two-room insulated tent, queen-size air mattress, gas-powered cooktop, Yeti cooler, solar-powered blender, and s’more kit. That’s why you opt for the comforts of a reserved-space campground, and why you ride a Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra with a trailer. The Tri Glide Ultra is luxurious for rider and passenger, with just about any creature comfort you could imagine while still being able to feel the wind in your face. The hitch install isn’t too expensive, a few hundred bucks, and the trailer will set you back a few thousand, but it’s all worth it once you’re sitting around the fire pit, sipping a cool margarita, and looking up at the stars.