13 Best Tents for Desert Camping

With jaw-dropping sand dunes and rock formations, stunning desert vegetation, and magnificent night skies, desert camping was a life-changing and unforgettable experience for us. Staying in the best tents for desert camping has become one of our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors. Not only is it less crowded, but also it offers easy access to clear nighttime skies. Plus, sand was a lot more comfortable to sleep on than rocks or hard dirt!

That said, camping in such hostile conditions could be challenging, especially since no one wants to get caught in sandstorms or be stuck in a flimsy tent that can’t handle the heat. Plus, with very little shade, a tent is also the only hope of escaping the heat. And, of course, extreme cold at night could also be a factor depending on which desert one is camping in. In fact, people tend to forget that deserts cool down dramatically at night! That’s why we’ve come up with this useful guide to the best tents for camping out in a sandy environment, along with a handy guide.

While you’re checking out tents, also begin your desert adventures by reading about the biggest deserts in the world.

The North Face Stormbreak 3

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Best value for money. The North Face Stormbreak 3 is cozy for three people but big for two people, making it an excellent midsize option. Costing less than 220 USD, it’s one of the best tent options offering the best bang for your buck. Since we didn’t plan on hiking far, the total weight of 7 lbs was just about perfect for us. We especially loved the spacious vestibules, considering they accommodated our gear too. What’s more, there were enough nooks within the tent too. Although the entrance/exit on the side meant that we’d have to crawl in and out, the D-shaped doors were spacious enough to do so without any difficulty. Overall, the Stormbreak 3 provided durability and efficiency for outings and camping. It’s no wonder that the North Face is considered one of the best tent brands for camping.

• Poles: Aluminum
• Tent Material: Polyester
• Weight: 6.5 lbs/2.9 kg
• Peak Height: 46 in/3.8 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

Naturehike Cloud-Up 2-Person Backpacking Tent

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Best for couples. Couple camping in the sandy wilderness doesn’t get any better than with the Naturehike Cloud-Up 2-Person Backpacking Tent. While it isn’t ultralight, the setup is quick and foolproof, which was perfect for us beginners who didn’t have much experience putting a tent together. What’s more, all the poles are connected, and there’s just one way in which they’d fit into the tent.

“We were looking for a tent for us two when we went camping, and this Naturehike tent was amazing in every way.”

WOW Travel

We also appreciated that it came with a footprint and that the mesh walls didn’t extend to the floor. Thus, it greatly helped keep the sand out while allowing us to get stunning night sky views. If you think this design limits ventilation, the handy slit at the rainfly’s back allowed air to move through the tent. It might not be perfect, but it was enough to offer protection against the elements while keeping condensation to a minimum.

• Poles: Aluminum
• Tent Material: Polyester
• Weight: 4.6 lbs/2 kg
• Peak Height: 39.4 in/3.3 ft
• Number of Doors: 1

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Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent

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If weight is not an issue, the Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent is one of the most perfect tents for desert camping. Since we were going to the desert by car and didn’t have to carry this 30 lbs tent, we didn’t have an issue at all. What made it all the better is that we could set it up within 90 seconds. This is thanks to the pole and hub system, allowing it to pop into place with very less effort. With a 6.5-foot peak height, we didn’t have to duck in order to stand up straight inside. Plus, the ginormous space on the inside meant that there was a lot of room for us four adults to spread out comfortably, along with all our individual gear. Moreover, the structure is solid against wind and is sandproof too. The best bit? The floor is removable for easy cleaning.

• Poles: Fiberglass
• Tent Material: Oxford
• Weight: 30 lbs/13.6 kg
• Peak Height: 78 in/6.5 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent

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The name might be funny, but the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent is hardly a laughingstock when it comes to good sand camping tents. For a two-person tent, the Hubba Hubba 2 is very spacious and was able to accommodate not just the two of us but also a third person. This could be attributed to the floor, which doesn’t taper but rather has the same width throughout. Moreover, the large vestibule on each side of the tent could easily fit our boots, pack, and anything else we didn’t want to bring inside. This was especially helpful when we’d camped somewhere barren without sand blowing. Furthermore, the fabric and poles were durable enough to withstand strong winds, and the mesh didn’t begin until halfway up the tent. Hence, we still had good ventilation with the rainfly on without letting too much sand get in.

Check out the glowing reviews about this product on the official product page.

• Poles: ‎Carbon fiber
• Tent Material: Nylon
• Weight: 2.9 lbs/1.3 kg
• Peak Height: 40 in/3.3 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

NEMO Aurora Tent

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Are you indulging in stargazing in a dry desert like the Atacama Desert or the NamibRand Nature Reserve? We’re sure you’ll love the Nemo Aurora Tent, which is one of the best tents for stargazing. While the Aurora is slightly heavy for serious backcountry camping in the sandy expanse, its durability is well worth the weight. Since the desert where we were was non-sandy, we loved that the walls and ceiling were all mesh when the rainfly was off. Hence, it allowed for excellent airflow and visibility. On clear nights with minimal wind, we were able to thoroughly enjoy stargazing due to this feature. And if it got slightly turbulent, the lack of openings ensured no unwanted elements entered the space. And even though the rainfly covered the tent thoroughly, there were no issues with condensation either.

• Poles: Aluminum
• Tent Material: Nylon
• Weight: 6.4 lbs/2.9 kg
• Peak Height: 44 in/3.7 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

Marmot Tungsten 2-Person Tent

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Most durable. The Marmot Tungsten 2-Person Tent is a tanky tent and is one of the most durable tents we’ve come across. So, it was easily able to withstand the strong winds that blew across the desert when we were pitching our tent. Since the mesh didn’t start until halfway up the tent, it also provided excellent protection against the sand. Usually, two-person tents are designed keeping solo backpackers and their gear in mind, but not the Tungsten. Here, we were two adults who could sleep comfortably next to each other and have some breathing room. Moreover, the near-vertical walls added headroom, so we could sit comfortably in the corner instead of just in the middle. Wrapping up the features is the lampshade and inner pockets, which securely held a headlamp to provide ambient light.

• Poles: Aluminum
• Tent Material: Polyester
• Weight: 5.8 lbs/2.6 kg
• Peak Height: 42 in/3.5 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent

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Every time we look at the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent, we can’t help but think, “This was designed for use in the desert.” And there are many reasons for the same. As you also can see, the makeshift awnings on each side of the shelter could be propped up easily (we used trekking poles). So, when we wanted to relax outside the tent, they made for a luxurious respite from the sun. Plus, they’re really good for ventilation too. What’s more, it’s very lightweight for a 3-person tent, weighing just 3.5 lbs. And despite the thin nylon build, the tent is surprisingly sturdy and was able to withstand strong gusts of wind without breaking the poles or tearing. The best bit? The tent floor is removable if you want that option for you.

• Poles: DAC NFL
• Tent Material: Polyester and nylon
• Weight: 4 lbs/1.8 kg
• Peak Height: 43 in/3.6 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

Coleman 8-Person Instant Cabin Tent

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Best group tent. We were worried about a tent for our larger party of eight people – until we found the Coleman 8-Person Instant Cabin Tent, of course. This tent could accommodate four queen air mattresses, two for both rooms within the tent. The rooms themselves come from the room divider, which also ensured added privacy, and the instant setup had us all inside and relaxing in no time at all. We especially loved the darkroom technology, which offered UV protection from the desert sun and kept it cool inside the tent. Thanks to the presence of the many mesh windows, they provided excellent ventilation and kept our tent cool as well. That said, we recommend seam seal, though, so sand won’t seep in.

• Poles: N/A
• Tent Material: Polyguard 2X double-thick fabric
• Weight: 42 lbs/20 kg
• Peak Height: 74 in/6.1 ft
• Number of Doors: 1 double door, 1 single door

The North Face Stormbreak 2

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From the North Face Stormbreak series comes yet another amazing tent, The North Face Stormbreak 2. This affordable and reliable tent was perfect for us cost-conscious desert campers. There are a lot of things we liked about this tent. For one, it boasts a spacious interior with a surprisingly tall center height. So, we didn’t have to duck a lot inside or always sit towards the center of the tent either. At the same time, the fabric paneling throughout the lower half blocked the wind, thus preventing sand from entering. And thanks to the mesh around the canopy ceiling and upper walls, thus increasing breathability. Wrapping up the features is the adjustable vestibule system, which provided us with extra shade on hot days in the sandy expanse.

Check out the detailed YouTube video review of this tent by We Live A Lot.

• Poles: Aluminum
• Tent Material: Polyester, tafetta
• Weight: 5.9 lbs/2.7 kg
• Peak Height: 43 in/3.6 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

Whiteduck Avalon Canvas Bell Luxury Tent

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Most luxurious. If money isn’t an issue and you want to glamp out in the desert, then there’s no better tent than the Whiteduck Avalon Canvas Bell Luxury Tent. Comfort is king in this premium luxurious tent, which was perfect for our party of six people. We loved the full-cotton canvas construction, which made this tent highly breathable and UV-resistant. So, it was a solid selection for our outing into the desert. What’s more, the double-stitched seams throughout the tent ensured added durability in windy environments when we were camping. What we liked was that despite the canvas being naturally breathable, the tent has vents on the roof as well as mesh windows on each wall.

• Poles: Galvanized steel
• Tent Material: Canvas
• Weight: 77 lbs/35 kg
• Peak Height: 101 in/8.4 ft
• Number of Doors: 1

Nemo Dragonfly Tent

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Best for backpacking. Since desert backpacking is more our travel style, we love the Nemo Dragonfly Tent, which struck the perfect balance between weight savings and ruggedness. What’s more, its components are made from some of the most durable materials on the market. However, we particularly liked this tent due to the design of the inner body. For one, it comes with extremely spacious bathtub-style floors made from heavier 20D nylon for extra durability. Moreover, the lightweight fabric panels on the tent walls’ lower halves prevent sand from accumulating inside. At the same time, we loved the full mesh canopy overhead, which was perfect for stargazing. Plus, the rigid struts integrated into the rainfly’s storm flap can be propped open to ensure adequate ventilation. The best bit? They can be neatly folded away when not in use. That’s why it’s considered one of the best one-person tents for backpacking.

• Poles: Aluminum
• Tent Material: Nylon
• Weight: 3.4 lbs/1.5 kg
• Peak Height: 40 in/3.3 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe Canvas Tent

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The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe Canvas Tent is, again, an excellent tent for large parties camping out in the sandy expanse. One of the best things we liked about this tent was its durability, which came from the steel, non-bendable poles, and non-ripping Hydra-Shield canvas. What’s more, the floor was thick and performed well, too, while the canvas build was excellent at keeping sand at bay, even in heavy wind. But, most importantly, the thick material also provided excellent UV protection, which was important in the desert sun. We had the most fun with the awning, which helped when we wanted to sit outside the tent, but in the shade.

• Poles: Alloy steel
• Tent Material: Canvas
• Weight: 54.5 lbs/24.7 kg
• Peak Height: 73 in/6.1 ft
• Number of Doors: 2

Snugpak Scorpion 2 Tent

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The Snugpak Scorpion 2 Tent is yet another two-person tent and our top pick for camping out in sandy expanses. This robust tent is made from a strong blended fabric of polyurethane, nylon, and polyester, ensuring it’ll last a lifetime. Despite being lightweight, the Scorpion 3 tent came with 16 alloy stakes, press-fit connectors, and DAC light aluminum poles, allowing us to install it easily. Setup was particularly easy due to the color-coded poles that made the process all the easier. Since the height of the tent was 6 feet, we didn’t have to crouch when we were on the inside. Wrapping up the features is the waterproof flysheet made from polyester, that’s ideal if you’re camping somewhere that’ll have sudden rainy spells. 

• Poles: Anodised aluminum
• Tent Material: Nylon
• Weight: 6.8 lbs/3.1 kg
• Peak Height: 41 in/3.4 ft
• Number of Doors: 1

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the tent options for camping out in sandy expanses, the ones below are slightly more special due to their specific features:

• Best value for money: The North Face Stormbreak 3
• Best for couples: Naturehike Cloud-Up 2-Person Backpacking Tent
• Most durable: Marmot Tungsten 2-Person Tent
• Best group tent: Coleman 8-Person Instant Cabin Tent
• Most luxurious: Whiteduck Avalon Canvas Bell Luxury Tent
• Best for backpacking: Nemo Dragonfly Tent

How To Choose The Best Tents for Desert Camping?

Durability and wind resistance

First and foremost, we checked on the tent’s durability. We wanted to choose a tent that could withstand the extreme conditions of the desert. Hence, we went looking for tents made from high-quality, rugged materials such as reinforced polyester or heavy-duty canvas. After all, those are the only materials that could withstand something as strong as sandstorms.

Additionally, we also looked at tents that came with stakes. While normal stakes work well in dirt, they’re absolutely useless when it comes to sand. So, we looked for stakes with flatter designs with holes down the spine rather than cylindrical stakes. Since sand would fill these holes, the stakes would further lock in place, thus strengthening the tent.

Ventilation

Next up is ventilation. Camping in the sandy wilderness can get pretty toasty during the day, so we looked for tents that allowed for proper airflow. If you’re camping in a barren expanse with little sand, you could get a tent with a large mesh roof or mesh windows. That will prevent condensation from building up within the tent and will help keep you cool while also protecting you from desert dust and sand.

Weight, size, and shape

Finally, we have to consider the physical specifics of the tent, beginning with size. While we wanted a tent that was big enough to accommodate us and our gear, we also didn’t want to be lugging around a heavy, huge tent that was a pain to set up. So, the trick is to look for tents that strike the right balance between weight and size and that are easy to set up.

What’s a shiftpod?

Shiftpods are tents designed to be used in hot desert environments. They’re made from high-tech reflective materials that allow you to stay comfortable and cool while in the desert heat.

What are the four types of tents?

Almost all tents can be grouped into four categories based on their shape. They’re dome tents, hoop tents, pyramid tents, and A-frame tents.

Why do people in deserts use tents as shelter?

There’s little natural shelter in the desert, so most desert tribes use tents lined with animal fur. That helps keep them warm on cold, wintry desert nights.