Car camping is another great way to enjoy the beauty of nature. If you happen to have the opportunity, you need to make sure that you have a comfortable space to spend the night. This is where the best tents for car camping come into play. Nevertheless, there are almost five hundred options available out there. How do you know which one is working for you?
Well, that’s precisely why you’re here! We’ve rounded up some of the best tents for car camping around, including the best tent for SUV. There are a total of 13 car tents for you to choose from. All are recommended based on their price, quality, and unique features. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, head over to our tips section for some great tips on choosing the best tents for car camping for yourself!
Table of contents
- Coleman Skydome
- Kodiak Canvas 8
- Klymit Cross Canyon 2
- Big Agnes Blacktail
- MSR Habitude
- Eureka Copper Canyon
- Quechua 2 Seconds Fresh
- Big Agnes Tiger Wall
- Big Agnes Salt Creek
- The North Face Wawona
- Marmot Tungsten
- Thule Tepui Kukenam
- Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
- How to Choose The Best Tents for Car Camping
- Is It Warmer to Sleep in Car or Tent?
- Can You Run Out of Oxygen in a Car Trunk?
- Which Tents are Best for Camping?
Coleman Skydome
13
Don’t go camping that often? Then the Coleman Skydome is one of the best tents for car camping to consider. Available at bargain prices, this simple-to-set-up tent is a great option when you don’t have much to spend.
As we said earlier, cheaper tents will force you to compromise comfort. But with Coleman Skydome, you don’t have to sacrifice that much. With a floor area of 35 square feet and a height of 48 inches, this 200 bucks product is a solid entry-level tent. It won’t hurt your wallet and does just enough to keep you entertained.
- What We Love:
- Available at bargain prices. Great if you don’t go camping that often.
- Pros:
- Quick pitch
- More headroom
- Weather protection
- Wider door
- Cons:
- It’s a bit heavy
Kodiak Canvas 8
12
Available at over 1,000 bucks, the Kodiak Canvas 8 is not a cheap tent. But if you see it as the best tent for SUV, this shelter is a great low-cost alternative. It has canvas walls to protect you from the heat, which will come in handy when you go on a summer trip.
Want to take the tent with you on a winter vacation? It doesn’t matter. Just add a mini heater in the middle, and you get yourself an excellent shelter to protect you from freezing temperatures! Another reason to go with this tent is its steel rods. They have a spring mechanism to provide exceptional durability against the wind.
And speaking of camping, don’t you want to invite your furry friends to enjoy the beauty of nature together? Check out our best tents for camping with dogs and find out how you can do it!
- What We Love:
- It has hot walls to protect you from the heat and steel rods with a spring mechanism to withstand strong winds
- Pros:
- Hydra shield
- 100% cotton duck canvas
- Flex-bow frame
- Easy to setup
- Cons:
- The zippers are easy to get stuck in the rain
Klymit Cross Canyon 2
11
Klymit Cross Canyon 2 is an impressive lightweight tent. It’s made of breathable material for optimal airflow. There are plenty of storage options for your equipment and essentials. And thanks to its freestanding design, this 200 bucks tent allows for multiple sleeping configurations.
Portability should be your primary concern when hunting for the best tents for car camping, and that’s precisely what you get with the Klymit Cross Canyon 2! This two-person tent is super easy to pack. It can be rolled up and allows for easy storage, which is great when you don’t have too much room to work with. And with multi-anchor points, this temporary shelter will give you more than enough vestibules to protect you from rain and wind.
- What We Love:
- Comes with a freestanding design, allowing for multiple sleep configurations
- Pros:
- Freestanding
- Easy-to-pack
- Durable construction
- Extra room
- Cons:
- A little too heavy for backpacking
Big Agnes Blacktail
10
Big Agnes Black Tail Hotel 3 is an upgraded version of the previous model. It now has double walls and a 28 square foot vestibule for added convenience. It’s no wonder this massive tent has become a new favorite among the climbing community. It’s a lightweight, best tent for SUV that’s strong enough for back-country trips.
This massive tent also has rich storage space and is guaranteed to make your fellow car campers jealous. It’s both spacious and robust, with the support of asymmetrical post structure and ultralight tent stakes. And if you’re not convinced, every Big Agnes product comes with a limited lifetime warranty. If your product is defective or damaged, send it back and get a new one!
- What We Love:
- A massive tent with large vestibules and plenty of storage options
- Pros:
- Spacious
- Strong
- Limited lifetime warranty
- I-Beam aluminum construction
- Cons:
- Don’t leave much room for error
MSR Habitude
9
MSR Habitude is a hell of a tent. Seriously, there seems to be nothing this product can’t handle! You can throw this shelter in windy conditions, humidity, or uneven ground, and it’ll still work as expected. The secret lies in the 68D polyester fabric, which is made to be both super sturdy and flexible.
Designed to accommodate up to four campers, the MSR Habitude is one of the best tents for car camping to consider. It has high ceilings and vertical sidewalls for ultimate comfort. Meanwhile, the door pocket allows for easy access. The built-in porch light is available if you need an additional light source (batteries are sold separately).
- What We Love:
- A super-sturdy tent designed to cope with the harshest conditions
- Pros:
- Spacious
- High ceiling
- Vertical walls
- Durable fabrics
- Cons:
- There are several reports regarding its customer service
Eureka Copper Canyon
8
Considered one of the most comfortable mobile shelters, Eureka Copper Canyon is the best tent for SUV you’re looking for. This four-person tent boasts a cabin-like design and promises a home away from home. It provides 64 square feet of floor space, seven feet of ceilings, and no less than four zipped windows.
Another great thing about this three-season tent is that it’s easy to set up. You only need about 5-7 minutes to make this shelter fully habitable. There’s an extended fly for extra protection against the weather. Meanwhile, the E! The Powerport allows for easy cable management, ensuring that everyone’s electronics are kept running and fully charged.
- What We Love:
- Boasts a cabin-like design for ultimate comfort
- Pros:
- Full standing height
- Steep walls
- Extended fly coverage
- Large mesh windows
- Cons:
- The floor is a little thin
Quechua 2 Seconds Fresh
7
Quechua 2 Seconds Fresh is designed for young campers. This portable shelter has a super-simple setup and is perfect for teens just getting into the world of camping. Compared to other similar products, this tent boasts a flat design. It also has three feet of floor space and a disc-shaped bag with a buckles system.
Get a heat-free camping experience, thanks to the tent’s extendable flysheet. When you need some extra fresh air, pull on the side guy ropes and let the breeze go through the sleeping area. As for durability, the Quechua 2 Seconds Fresh has been tested to withstand winds of 50km/h and has a waterproof rating of 200mm per hour.
Before moving to the next one on our list, check out our best tents for family camping. We’ve rounded up some of the most fantastic shelters to accommodate the whole family in one memorable camping session!
- What We Love:
- One of the best tents for car camping with a lightning-fast setup. It only takes approximately two seconds to fully assemble.
- Pros:
- Easy assemble
- Heat reduction
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Cons:
- The built-in floor makes some noise
Big Agnes Tiger Wall
6
For those with a passion for lightweight tents, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL is a great option to consider. This portable shelter weighs around 2.75lbs and will be perfect when you need to move fast or go on a short mission. There are two doors and a vestibule, giving you easy access and extra space to rest.
Overall, we’re satisfied with this purchase. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 delivers precisely what you pay for. It’s ultra-light, easy to stand up, and the rain fly works as expected. If you need the best tents for car camping, this freestanding shelter will be a superb choice.
- What We Love:
- Gives exactly what you pay for. It’s ultra-light, easy to stand up, and the rainfly works as expected.
- Pros:
- Sustainable
- Comfortable
- Easy to pitch
- Strong
- Cons:
- Not recommended for harsh weather
Big Agnes Salt Creek
5
While this isn’t the lightest tent we’ve come across, the Big Agnes Salt Creek has everything you’d expect from the best tent for SUV. These tents are comfortable to live in and have plenty of great features. It has more than enough space for the whole family or many furry friends.
Big Agnes Salt Creek offers no less than three doors for super-easy access. There are two side doors with vestibules and one head entry with extra ventilation. There is no need to worry about the setup process, even if you’ve never pitched a tent before. That’s because Salt Creek has pre-cut guy lines and reflective stripes, which will come in handy when you need to pitch the tent at night.
- What We Love:
- It’s easy to pitch, offers three different doors for easy access, and features reflective guy-lines
- Pros:
- Three doors
- Roomy
- Strong
- Packable
- Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a footprint
The North Face Wawona
4
With 86 square feet of floor area, The North Face Wawona is a spacious tent with plenty of headroom. You can set up a pair of small chairs and a table if you want! As for the pitching process, Wawona includes color-coded poles to simplify the whole thing. You should be able to get this tent fully erect in less than five minutes.
For storage options, Wawona offers large mesh pockets. You can use it to place some of your gears and essentials. With a total weight of around 20 lbs, the TNF Wawona isn’t the lightest tent around. However, this shouldn’t be a big deal considering you’ll be doing car camping. If you don’t mind spending 450 bucks, this is one of the best tents for car camping worth your time.
- What We Love:
- Includes color-coded poles for an easy setup process. Comes with a large mesh pocket for storage options.
- Pros:
- Spacious design
- Integrated storage
- Waterproof
- 6-person tent
- Cons:
- The window can’t be closed from the inside
Marmot Tungsten
3
The Marmot Tungsten is a lightweight and well-built two-person tent. It promises a bug-free night’s rest experience, thanks to the interior mesh walls and ventilated enclosure. Meanwhile, the extra-durable outer fabric will keep you dry, even when it’s raining outside. We also appreciate that the Marmat includes a free footprint, an accessory that is generally sold separately.
We’ve spent a few weeks with the Marmot Tungsten, and so far, everything is going well. This tent is super-quick to set up, and it has plenty of room to live in. The mesh walls don’t leave much for storage pockets, but you’ll have an excellent tent for stargazing. We also love the extra space provided by the rainfly, which is great when you can’t spend time outside.
Before we reveal our runner-up, check out our best tents for heavy rain. Discover some of the toughest heavy-duty shelters to keep you warm and dry during the harsh weather!
- What We Love:
- One of the best tents for car camping with 100 percent 40D polyester and 68D polyester taffeta fly fabric
- Pros:
- Freestanding
- Aluminum pole
- Zipper closure
- Easy setup
- Cons:
- Only comes in green
Thule Tepui Kukenam
2
Got a car with a roof rack? Then you’ll love Thule Tepui Kukenam Explorer. This three-person tent is made to sit on the top of your car. It has a durable construction, made from polyester and cotton blend. Meanwhile, the ripstop fabric ensures that the tent will remain stable under rain and snow. There’s a ladder, and a mattress is included as a bonus.
Being the best tent for SUV, the Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam is a breeze to build on. It’ll pop up quickly during the setup process. But before you decide to go with this tent, make sure that you understand the weight limit of the top of your car. The Tepui Explorer weighs around 130 lbs in total, and that’s not counting the campers.
- What We Love:
- A breeze to establish. The tent pops up easily during the setup process.
- Pros:
- Accomodates up to three people
- 600 denier polyester
- UV resistant
- Mesh panels
- Cons:
- The ladder locking system could be better
Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
1
The Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent will be perfect for any glamping trip. It has plenty of living space to accommodate up to nine people at once. There’s a total of 14×9 feet of floor space, more than enough to fit two queen-size mattresses. Pick between the olive green and red wine models, depending on your preference.
With over 78 inches of headroom, the Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent is one of the best tents for car camping to consider. It offers a waterproof outer fabric and mesh ceiling for optimal airflow. If you’re looking for a cabin-style tent for large group camping, the Core 9P will be a fantastic choice.
- What We Love:
- Perfect for all types of glamping trips. Provides 14×9 feet of floor space, more than enough to fit two queen-size mattresses.
- Pros:
- Zipper closure
- Hand wash
- Instant 60-second setup
- Room divider
- Cons:
- No information about warranty
How to Choose The Best Tents for Car Camping
Since you’ll be spending most of your night in it, choosing the best tents for car camping isn’t something you should take lightly. There are several key factors to consider, including flexibility, spaciousness, and the assembly process. All of this will lead you to a pleasant night’s rest experience during your camping trip.
And if you’re still not sure which best tents for car camping to get, we’ve got you covered. Below are the three most important factors you need to consider in choosing the best tent for an SUV. Without further ado, let’s dive deeper into them!
Spaciousness
The most significant advantage of car camping is that you don’t have to worry about the tent’s weight. In other words, you can entirely focus on the size of your shelter! Therefore, ensure you get the best tents for car camping with lots of floor space. See if there’s enough space to put your bag, so you don’t have to get down to the car to get a change of clothes or other equipment. Apart from that, check whether the tent has enough vestibules or not, so you can put your shoes on or even set up a chaise longue if you want!
Price
Getting the best tent for SUV will cost you a lot. However, with careful calculation and a little patience, you can get a better deal for your camping gear. Just remember that cheaper tents will force you to sacrifice protection and comfort. This is usually won’t be a problem if you’re camping in the sunnier seasons. So unless you’re a frequent camper, investing in a sturdier, more expensive tent isn’t mandatory.
Before moving on to the next entry, why don’t you check out our best tents under 200? Discover some of the most recommended portable shelters that won’t cost you an arm and a leg!
Packing Size
Space management isn’t the biggest challenge in car camping. Nevertheless, it’s still worth thinking about. In case you want to fit more stuff in your trunk, getting the compact-sized best tents for car camping is a must. Check whether they can be folded down to a small size or not. Make sure that you have enough space for your tent and other items.
Is It Warmer to Sleep in Car or Tent?
First of all, you need to understand that a tent is smaller than a car. Therefore, they’ll warm up faster. Apart from that, most of the tents are made of a specific blend of fabrics to trap heat longer. To conclude, the tent is much warmer than the car.
Can You Run Out of Oxygen in a Car Trunk?
No, you won’t. Even in the most sophisticated cars, the trunk isn’t airtight. You may feel hot or uncomfortable, but you won’t run out of air while you’re inside.
And while you’re here, check out our best tents for 6 persons. They’re great when you want to have a large group camping with your friends or family.
Which Tents are Best for Camping?
REI makes some of the best portable shelters around. Eureka has some great products to consider if you want something ultralight. And for those who don’t have much to spend, Marmot’s tents would be a great option.
