Best Car Camping Tents


Our review process

Picking out a new tent isn't always easy. It can escalate into an overwhelming choice. Luckily for you, we've gathered and analyzed information on more than 500 different tents and also looked at over 17,500 data points for each one so that you won't have to do the same research. Out of these tents, we then inspected 11 car camping tents using our progressive machine learning algorithm. The following article will lay out the pros and cons and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on.

Before deciding on your new car camping tent, there are some things you'll want to know. Car camping tents are designed to be used when camping near your car, allowing you to bring along extra gear to make your experience more comfortable. These car camping tents are great for road trips if you will be driving, not hiking, to the campsite. They are generally sturdier and heavier than lightweight backpacking tents, so they're more reliable and safe in tough weather conditions. These car camping tents provide campers with extra space while spending time in nature, while still fitting conveniently in the back of your car.

Our Top Ranking Tents:
Our Top Ranking Tents
Customer Rating
Brand
Wenzel
Tent Type
rectangular
Dimensions
26.5 x 10.2 x 10
Pole Material
fiberglass
Customer Rating
Brand
Burton
Tent Type
dome
Dimensions
59 x 21 x 13
Pole Material
aluminum
Customer Rating
Brand
Coleman
Tent Type
dome
Dimensions
27 x 8.5 x 8.5
Pole Material
fiberglass
Customer Rating
Brand
Wenzel
Tent Type
rectangular
Dimensions
26 x 7.8 x 7
Pole Material
fiberglass
Customer Rating
Brand
Springbar
Tent Type
cabin
Dimensions
13.2 x 43 x 13.5
Pole Material
steel
Best Overall Score
An image of Wenzel Large Waterproof 9-Person Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26.5 X 10.2 X 10 Inch Tent

Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with the Wenzel Rectangular 9-Person Tent. This Wenzel tent is designed in a rectangular shape, providing ample interior space, making it one of the most common purchases. Perfect for car camping, it is used when you won't be traveling on foot to the campsite, but will be setting up your tent near your vehicle. It is designed to withstand three seasons, so you can use this tent almost any time of the year and it will be able to endure most climates. This Wenzel tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that is 100% rust and corrosion proof.

This Wenzel tent includes hanging pockets and has a gear loft, keeping your essentials elevated off the ground and safe through the night. It features a polyurethane coating to stop moisture from soaking through the fabric. This 159 sq. ft. tent accommodates nine campers for sleeping a big group of people. It is waterproof, is designed with weather resistant materials, and has Weather Armor fabric, protecting you from heavy rains.

    Pros
    • Polyethylene floor does not fall apart with prolonged water exposure
    • Features an easy setup, taking just two minutes to put together
    • Features a lightweight design, giving you coverage and protection without contributing too much weight
    Cons
    • Polyurethane coating is susceptible to peeling off the tent surface after limited use
    • Lightweight tents are usually less spacious than bulkier tents
    • 3-season tents are not designed for areas of very harsh wind
Runner Up
An image of Burton Waterproof Polyester 2-Person Tropical Print Car Camping Dome 3-Season 59 X 21 X 13 Inch Tent

With the Burton Polyester Dome 2-Person Tent, you can plan a great weekend away. This Burton tent is constructed from polyester, so it can be packed down to a small size. Featuring a dome design, it has a lot of headroom as well as strong wind resistance. It has a roomy design for car camping, so bring all your equipment without needing to worry about weight.

This Burton tent is designed for three-season use, has a waterproof treatment, and has storm flaps. It features a polyester floor, which is water-resistant. It has a gear loft, so you can store your small and most important things off the tent floor but still close at reach. This Burton tent has aluminum poles, which can bend under pressure, but due to their high level of durability will not break easily.

    Pros
    • Features polyester construction, making it very simple to move this tent from place to place, due to its virtually weightless quality
    • Built with a lightweight design, making your gear weight feel comfortable enough to hike distances
    • Made with waterproof materials to keep the interior dry during a heavy drizzle
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester has low breathability and is prone to mildew
    • Polyester floor has a limited lifespan compared to other fabrics
For Family Camping
An image of Coleman Montana Large Waterproof 8-Person Blue Car Camping Dome Conventional 27 X 8.5 X 8.5 Inch Tent

Looking for a dependable large tent for your next adventure? Consider the Coleman Montana Dome 8-Person Tent. This Coleman tent has a dome design, which offers enhanced protection when used in windy areas. It is set up conventionally, taking around 10-20 minutes. This tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a cheaper alternative to aluminum poles is 100% rust and corrosion proof. Designed for car camping trips, it is great when you won't be traveling by foot to the campsite, but will be setting up your tent near your vehicle.

This Coleman tent features a wind-responsive frame, is designed to be weather resistant, and has inverted seams, allowing you to continue to stay dry during a thunderstorm. It is designed to accommodate eight people. It has 6 built-in CPX LED lights, providing bright overhead illumination so you can see clearly and easily in the dark. This tent comes with a CPX 6 rechargeable power cartridge and an energy pack.

    Pros
    • Features an easy to transport design, fitting conveniently in any backpack
    • Includes built-in CPX LED lights, providing bright overhead illumination so you can see clearly and easily in the dark
    • Inverted seams prevent water from seeping inside the tent if you get caught in a storm
    Cons
    • 8-person tents are bulky and heavy
    • Dome design has a smaller vestibule area than tunnel tents
Best Affordable Option
An image of Wenzel Pine Ridge Waterproof Polyester 5-Person Green Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26 X 7.8 X 7 Inch Tent

Let's review the Wenzel Pine Ridge Polyester Rectangular 5-Person Tent, rated highly by online shoppers. This tent is made from polyester, eliminating shrinkage when it gets damp, meaning you can ideally use this for years. It is meant for car camping trips, so bring all your equipment without worrying about weight. It is designed in a rectangular shape, providing ample interior room, making it one of the most common purchases.

This tent is designed for three-season use, features Weather Armor fabric, and is weather resistant, allowing for extreme protection against fast wind gusts. It comes with a polyurethane coating, protecting you from the rain while allowing the tent to still be ventilated. It includes hanging pockets, keeping your items secure and safe in one convenient place. This tent has fiberglass poles, which will handle most weather conditions due to their rust resistance. Made of polyethylene, its floor is naturally water-resistant and doesn't require an additional layer of protective coating.

    Pros
    • Made of polyester, making it lightweight, so you can easily take on your next family camping trip
    • Polyethylene floor does not deteriorate with prolonged moisture exposure
    • Features an easy setup, going up quicker than a traditional tent
    Cons
    • Polyurethane coating is susceptible to flaking off the tent surface after limited use
    • Polyester is prone to becoming very hot in direct sunlight
    • Lightweight tents are designed with delicate fabrics that can tear
Best for Bad Weather
An image of Springbar Large Waterproof 100% Cotton Duck Canvas 8-Person Car Camping Cabin 4-Season 13.2 X 43 X 13.5 Inch Tent

If you're going camping with a lot of people, you should take a look at the Springbar 100% Cotton Duck Canvas Cabin 8-Person Tent. This Springbar tent is made from 100% cotton duck canvas, so you can stay safe inside if it's windy outside. With a cabin design, it is a durable choice due to its sturdy build. Meant for car camping trips, it is great when you won't be walking to the campsite, but will be pitching your tent near your vehicle.

This tent is designed for use all year round and is made with waterproof materials, so you don't have to worry about your clothes getting wet during a storm. It has a gear loft, so you will not need to spend time in the morning searching for your glasses or phone. This Springbar tent has steel poles, which can support large amounts of weight and are unlikely to break with applied force. It is designed to accommodate eight people and is perfect for family camping and comes with a carry bag, guy ropes, a repair kit, and stakes.

    Pros
    • Made of 100% cotton duck canvas, providing a smooth texture that will not easily snag
    • Features an easy setup, making it simple to pitch
    • Comes with large windows, allowing for plenty of ventilation to keep you feeling fresh
    Cons
    • 100% cotton duck canvas has a smooth surface and won't tear easily if it gets caught on something sharp
    • 8-person tents are bulky and heavy
    • Cabin design is bulky
Additional Picks
An image of Paha Que Wilderness Waterproof Silver and Gray Car Camping Hoop 28 X 18 X 10 Inch Tent

Pitch your tent on any terrain with the Paha Que Wilderness Hoop Tent. This tent features a hoop design, which works well for mountains or in windy, exposed terrain. It has shock-corded fiberglass poles, which are very durable and difficult to break. Meant for car camping trips, it is great when you won't be travelling by foot to the campsite, but will be setting up your tent next to your vehicle. This tent includes sealed seams and is made with waterproof materials, giving you an excellent water defense system to protect you from heavy downpours. It comes with a carry bag, stakes, and guy ropes.

    Pros
    • Features an easy setup, going up quicker than a traditional tent
    • Comes with No-See-Um mesh panels, allowing in fresh air without letting in any bugs
    • Designed with waterproof materials to keep the rain out
    Cons
    • PU-coated polyester floor is not as durable as silicone-coated fabric
    • Expensive tent designs are a large investment and only suitable for experienced campers
An image of Paha Que Wilderness Waterproof Silver and Gray Car Camping Dome 28 X 18 X 10 Inch Tent

With the Paha Que Wilderness Dome Tent, you can plan a great weekend getaway. This tent is meant for car camping trips, so bring all your equipment without needing to worry about weight. It has shock-corded fiberglass poles, which are highly durable and hard to break. This Paha Que Wilderness tent is built with waterproof materials and features sealed seams, keeping you dry during rainy conditions. With a dome design, it stands by itself without needing guy lines or pegs to keep it sturdy. It has UV-inhibitor coating, keeping water outside the tent. This tent features a PU-coated polyester floor, which is water resistant, lightweight, and flexible. It includes a carry bag, stakes, and guy ropes and is great for trailers.

    Pros
    • Features an easy setup, taking only two minutes to assemble
    • Comes with No-See-Um mesh panels, keeping bugs out while still letting in a breeze
    • Built with waterproof materials to provide you with safe shelter during a storm
    Cons
    • PU-coated polyester floor is not as durable as silicone-coated fabric
    • Dome design requires more poles so they're generally a little heavier than tunnel tents
    • Expensive tents are a big investment and only suitable for experienced campers
An image of Paha Que Wilderness Waterproof Silver and Gray Car Camping 28 X 18 X 10 Inch Tent

The Paha Que Wilderness Tent is meant for car camping trips, so bring all your equipment without worrying about weight. This tent is designed with waterproof materials and features sealed seams, keeping you dry during rainy conditions. It comes with a PU-coated polyester floor, which is water resistant, lightweight, and flexible. This Paha Que Wilderness tent has shock-corded fiberglass poles for a sturdy and easy-assembly option.

    Pros
    • Features an easy setup, taking just two minutes to construct
    • No-See-Um mesh panels deter mosquitoes and other insects from entering
    • Made with waterproof materials to help ensure that water doesn't seep into your tent
    Cons
    • PU-coated polyester floor does not reinforce the strength of the fabric in the same way as silicone
    • Expensive tents are a big investment and only suitable for experienced campers
An image of Columbia Pinewood Large 8-Person Green Car Camping Cabin Fast Clip Setup Tent

Searching for a reliable large tent for your next adventure? Check out the Columbia Pinewood Cabin 8-Person Tent. Featuring a cabin design, this tent is a durable choice due to its stable build. It features a fast clip setup, so you won't need to spend all your time setting up the tent and can focus on enjoying yourself. This Columbia tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a cheaper alternative to aluminum poles will not corrode. Perfect for car camping, it is used when you won't be traveling on foot to the campsite, but will be setting up your tent next to your vehicle. It has storage pockets and is designed with a gear loft, keeping your essentials elevated off the ground and safe through the night. This tent is designed to fit eight people.

    Pros
    • Features large windows, letting in a good amount of fresh air
    • Dual triangle venting ensures adequate air flow into and out of the tent
    • 8-person tents are great for people who often camp in large groups
    Cons
    • 8-person tents are bulky and heavy
    • Cabin design is difficult to carry in a backpack
An image of AmazonBasics Polyester 4-Person Orange Car Camping Dome 3-Season 24 X 7 X 7 Inch Tent

Looking for a tent on a budget? You'll want to hear about the AmazonBasics Polyester Dome 4-Person Tent. This AmazonBasics tent features a dome design, keeping its shape, even in windy conditions. Constructed from polyester, it is lightweight which makes it easy to carry on your back. With the ability to withstand three seasons, this AmazonBasics tent can endure downpours and moderate snow, perfect for late fall and early winter camping. Meant for car camping trips, it is great when you won't be walking to the campsite, but will be setting up your tent next to your vehicle.

This AmazonBasics tent is equipped with a storage pocket, so you can eliminate any clutter and have everything in its place. It sleeps four campers for handling a large group of people. It has inverted seams and is water resistant, making sure that the tent stays untouched during bad weather. This AmazonBasics tent includes a rainfly, stakes, and a carry bag.

    Pros
    • Features a polyester design, eliminating shrinkage when it gets wet, meaning you can ideally use this for years
    • Polyethylene floor does not deteriorate with prolonged water exposure
    • Inverted seams keep water from seeping inside the tent if you get caught in a storm
    Cons
    • Polyester is prone to becoming very hot in warm weather
    • Dome design requires more poles so they're generally heavier than tunnel tents
    • 3-season tents won't resist harsh wind
Everything To Consider When Buying a New Car Camping Tent:
Get to Know the Options for the Material of Your Car Camping Tent
Polyester Tents

If you go camping often, it is important to get the perfect material for your car camping tent. These tents dry fast, saving you time when you want to continue on your adventure. They resist water, so you'll be totally protected in even the wettest of conditions. However, they are more likely to lose their color due to extended sun exposure. Additionally, polyester tents limit airflow, so they might feel stuffy inside. Now that you know all about polyester, you'll want to consider this great one.

100% Cotton Duck Canvas Tents

If you want a car camping tent that's super strong, check out one made of 100% cotton duck canvas. These tents provide good insulation, keeping you from getting cold during the night. With more resistance to UV rays, they are less likely to lose their color due to prolonged sun exposure. They resist water, so you'll be totally protected in the wettest of conditions. Now that you know all about 100% cotton duck canvas, you'll want to consider this great one.

Polyester Taffeta Tents

If you go camping often, it is important to get the perfect material for your car camping tent. These tents dry quickly, saving you time when you want to continue on your adventure. One downside is that they limit airflow, so they might feel stuffy inside. Also, polyester taffeta tents are more likely to lose their color due to prolonged sun exposure. Now that you know all about polyester taffeta, check out this great one.

Some Car Camping Tents Are Designed Only for the Summer Months, Others for Even the Toughest Conditions-Let's See What Makes Sense for You
3-Season Tents

Keeping you protected in the spring through fall, any one of the five car camping tents available will be well-suited for all three seasons. These tents are lightweight, allowing for convenient transport during long treks and they also are suitable to use in spring, summer, and fall, keeping you cool in hot seasons and warm during cold months. They are equipped with mesh paneling to prevent insects from getting into your tent. They are usually designed with vents, allowing moisture to escape rapidly to prevent condensation inside the tent. You can check out this one if a three-season tent is what you're looking for.

4-Season Tents

If you're looking for a winter tent, there's only one car camping tent great for year-round camping. You'll want to check it out! 4-season tents typically have vents to help reduce condensation. They are suitable for any season, so you can use them anytime of year. Something to consider is that they are heavy, making them burdensome to carry if you will be backpacking long distances. Moreover, these 4-season tents are a bit expensive compared to other tents, so they might not be the best choice if you're on a budget.

Car Camping Tents Can Be Found in Unique Tent Designs
Hoop Tents

There is one car camping tent with a hoop design. These hoop tents are typically supported by two poles and have a cylindrical design, creating more space inside the tent, which will make for a more comfortable area. With a lightweight design, they are extremely easy to transport. However, these tents are low rise, minimizing the amount of space you have to stand up and move around. If a hoop design seems like the best choice for you, check out this great one.

Dome Tents

With two car camping tents with a dome design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. These tents are usually supported by cross poles for enhanced load stability. They are easy to set up and take down, making them perfect for those who will be stopping frequently for short stays at different campsites. Featuring a lightweight design, they are very easy to carry. With an aerodynamic build, they are suitable to use in areas prone to high winds. They have plenty of headroom, so your tent will feel and look bigger. If you are interested in learning more about a dome design, you can check out this option available.

A-Frame Tents

The A-frame design for your car camping tent will greatly enhance your next camping adventure. These A-frame tents are typically supported by five poles to create an 'A' shape and keep the tent secure. They are easy to set up and take down, so they are perfect for people who will be making frequent stops for short stays at different campsites. They feature a lightweight build, giving your bones and muscles a break from carrying hefty tents. Something to keep in mind is that they are low rise, so it's hard to move around and sit up in the tent. Camping is all about enjoying the time outdoors and with car camping tents you can greatly enhance your next adventure.