Top Waterproof Car Camping Tents


Our review process

Purchasing a tent isn't always easy. It can escalate into an overwhelming decision. Luckily for you, we've already spent many hours gathering and analyzing information on over 500 different tents and also looked at more than 17,500 data entries for each one. Out of these tents, we then inspected 9 waterproof car camping tents using our progressive machine learning engine. The following article will lay out the advantages and disadvantages and show you some more relevant information our research focused on.

Before deciding on a waterproof car camping tent, we think it's important to learn a little more. 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 family road trips if you will be driving, not hiking, to the campsite. Built with materials that are more durable than backpacking tents, they are sturdier and more durable than lightweight tents, but are more resilient to harsh weather conditions. These car camping tents offer campers additional space to easily fit multiple people and all their gear. They do a superb job keeping moisture out, so you can camp knowing that your things inside the tent won't get ruined or wet. Shielding against stormy weather, these waterproof tents are a really great option for those who have gotten stuck in the rain before and know what it's like to have weather get in the way of a good camping trip. They offer better ventilation, so you can keep condensation from forming in your tent, due to humidity, body heat, and wet clothing.

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

Searching for a dependable large tent for your next adventure? Consider the Wenzel Rectangular 9-Person Tent. This tent is meant for car camping trips, so take all your equipment with you without worrying about weight. It features a rectangular design, which provides ample interior space, making it one of the most common purchases. This tent is designed for three-season use, is made with weather resistant materials, and is waterproof, protecting you from heavy rains.

This Wenzel tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that will not corrode. It includes hanging pockets and has a gear loft, helping you save space with an overhead storage unit to keep personal items out of the way. With a polyurethane coating, it protects against water seepage. Made of polyethylene, the floor is naturally water-resistant and doesn't require an additional layer of protective coating.

    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 a great user rating, the Burton Polyester Dome 2-Person Tent could be exactly what you need for your next outdoor adventure. Designed for car camping, this tent is perfect for taking on an epic road trip. With polyester fabric, it is lightweight which makes it easy to carry on your back. Designed to withstand three seasons, it keeps you protected when it's rainy or windy, ideal for summer, fall, and spring weather conditions. It features a dome design, keeping its structure, even in windy areas. It is made with waterproof materials and has storm flaps, providing extra fabric to cover vents and zippers against rain. This tent has aluminum poles, which will stay in good condition even after long-term use. It has a polyester floor, which is water-resistant. It features a gear loft, so you can store your small and most important things off the tent floor but still close at hand. It is designed to sleep two people.

    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

Go for a vacation in nature using the Coleman Montana Dome 8-Person Tent. Designed for car camping, this Coleman tent is perfect for taking on an epic road trip. It has fiberglass poles, which have excellent tarnish resistance and can withstand all temperatures, from high heat to intense cold. This tent is designed with inverted seams, keeping you dry during rainy conditions. It includes a wind-responsive frame, standing up to fierce winds, so you will feel cozy inside the tent no matter the conditions outside. It has a weather resistant design, so you don't have to worry about your equipment getting wet during a storm. Featuring a dome design, it does not need guy ropes or stakes to remain upright. This tent has built-in CPX LED lights, providing a powerful and strong light source for reading or cooking. It is designed to fit eight people and is set up conventionally, which is suitable for those who don't mind spending more time setting up the tent carefully. This Coleman tent includes 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

With the Wenzel Pine Ridge Polyester Rectangular 5-Person Tent, you can plan a great weekend away. 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 has a rectangular design, which provides ample interior space, making it one of the most common purchases.

This Wenzel tent is designed to withstand three seasons, has Weather Armor fabric, and is weather resistant, protecting you against harsh outdoor conditions. It comes with a polyurethane coating, protecting you from the rain while allowing the tent to still be ventilated. It includes hanging pockets, allowing you to store any equipment, so it doesn't get lost or damaged. This Wenzel tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that will not corrode. 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

With the Springbar 100% Cotton Duck Canvas Cabin 8-Person Tent, you can plan an incredible weekend away. This Springbar tent is constructed from 100% cotton duck canvas, so you can stay safe inside if it's windy out. With a cabin design, it is great for accommodating large groups. It has a roomy design for car camping, so bring all your equipment without worrying about weight. This tent has steel poles, which can support large amounts of weight and are unlikely to snap with applied force. It is designed for winter use, coming with sturdier poles and heavier fabric that will be able to handle extreme winds and cold weather conditions.

This Springbar tent has a gear loft, helping you keep track of personal items that can get misplaced over the course of a trip. It is designed to fit eight people. This Springbar tent has a waterproof treatment, so you don't have to worry about your equipment getting wet during a storm. It includes 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

Use the Paha Que Wilderness Hoop Tent for your next epic adventure for the utmost safety and comfort while spending time outdoors. Designed for car camping trips, this tent is perfect for taking on an epic road trip. It has a hoop design, which is suitable for lightweight camping trips. This tent features a waterproof treatment to keep you dry in wet conditions. It has sealed seams, protecting the tent from any wet weather such as rain and hail. It has shock-corded fiberglass poles for a sturdy and easy-assembly option. This tent has a PU-coated polyester floor, which is water resistant, lightweight, and flexible. 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. This tent has UV-inhibitor coating, keeping water outside the tent. It has a PU-coated polyester floor, which is water resistant, lightweight, and flexible. This Paha Que Wilderness tent comes with 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 has shock-corded fiberglass poles, which are very durable and hard to break. Designed for car camping, this Paha Que Wilderness tent is perfect for taking on an epic road trip. It features sealed seams and has a waterproof treatment, making sure that the tent stays dry during inclement weather. This tent comes with a carry bag, stakes, and guy ropes.

    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 GigaTent Large Waterproof Polyester Taffeta 8-Person Car Camping A-Frame 3-Season 216 X 144 X 85 Inch Tent

Sleep comfortbly while hiking with the GigaTent Polyester Taffeta A-Frame 8-Person Tent. With polyester taffeta material, this tent dries quickly, so you don't need to worry about having to delay your morning start because of a wet tent. It has an A-frame design, so you can set it up with ease. This GigaTent tent is meant for car camping trips, so take all your equipment with you without worrying about weight. It is designed to withstand three seasons, so you can take this tent with you almost any time of the year and it will be able to handle most weather conditions. This GigaTent tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that is 100% rust and corrosion proof. This 184 sq. ft. tent accommodates eight campers, so you'll have a lot of space to sleep your entire group. It is built with waterproof materials, so you don't have to worry about your clothes getting wet during a storm.

    Pros
    • Features a polyester taffeta design, keeping you dry
    • Polyethylene floor does not deteriorate with prolonged water exposure
    • Mesh windows promote fresh airflow
    Cons
    • Polyester taffeta has low breathability and is prone to condensation
    • A-frame design requires multiple guylines for structure
    • 8-person tents are bulky and heavy
Understanding More About the Waterproof Car Camping Tents Available:
From Winter Weather to Summer Camping, You'll Want to Know Which Waterproof Car Camping Tents Are Best for Which Season
3-Season Tents

Keeping you protected in the spring through fall, any one of the four waterproof car camping tents available will be well-suited for all three seasons. These 3-season tents have mesh panels, which helps keep mosquitoes out. Built with vents, they are more breathable and less likely to experience condensation. They perform well from early spring all the way until autumn and weigh less than most other tents for convenient transportation during long-distance treks. 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 waterproof car camping tent designed for camping all year round. You'll want to check it out! These tents can endure all seasons, so you can use them all year round. They usually have vents to help reduce condensation. However, they weigh more than other kinds of tents, making them burdensome to carry if you will be backpacking long distances. Moreover, they are a bit expensive compared to other tents, so they may not be the best option if you are looking to spend less.

Decide on Sleeping Capacity for Your Waterproof Car Camping Tent
5-7 Person Tents

If you need a tent to take on your next trip with your family, a 5-7 person tent is a great option to consider. These 5-7 person tents are spacious, so you can comfortably fit your whole family. They are large enough to house lots of campers, plus all the equipment and gear needed for your trip. A potential downside is that they tend to be bulky, so they aren't suitable for backpacking or camping trips that require carrying gear a long distance.

8-12 Person Tents

If you need a waterproof car camping tent that provides a lot of space for large groups, consider one of the three options available that can fit up to 12 people. These tents have a super roomy design, so you can use them to camp out with big groups of people. However, they have plenty of floor space, which makes it more difficult to find a surface wide enough to fit the tent. Additionally, they usually don't have room separators, so they offer limited privacy when camping with friends and family.

Two Person Tents

Need a tent for two? Take a look at this great waterproof car camping tent. These tents can be a good purchase if you usually just go camping with a friend and don't need a tent for bigger groups of people. They feature a compact construction, so they are easy to transport. However, they don't have a lot of room inside, so you might not be able to bring all of your equipment inside.

These Are Some of the Materials to Keep in Mind for Waterproof Car Camping Tents
Polyester Tents

If you go camping often, it is important to get the perfect material for your waterproof car camping tent. These polyester tents efficiently resist water, reducing the chances of them dripping condensation from the top when there is morning dew. They dry fast, saving you time when you want to continue on your adventure. However, these polyester tents are more likely to lose their color due to extended sun exposure. With limited airflow, they can get very hot when it's warm and chilly when it's cold. If you want to see what options are available, click here to get an idea of a fantastic waterproof car camping tent made from polyester.

100% Cotton Duck Canvas Tents

If you want a waterproof car camping tent that's very insulating, consider one made of 100% cotton duck canvas. These 100% cotton duck canvas tents effectively resist water, so you'll be completely protected in even the wettest of conditions. With more resistance to UV light, they won't be affected by ultraviolet rays. With proper insulation, they will keep you warm and cozy throughout the night. 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 waterproof car camping tent. Polyester taffeta tents dry fast, saving you time when you want to continue on your journey. With limited airflow, they can get very hot when it's warm and chilly when it's cold. Additionally, they are more likely to lose their color due to prolonged sun exposure. With this additional information about polyester taffeta, you'll want to consider this great one.