5 BEST Car Camping Tents for Your Next Adventure
Car camping is a great way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.
You can bring along all the gear you need to make your trip enjoyable, including a comfortable and spacious tent.
Car camping tents are designed to be larger and more durable than traditional backpacking tents, making them perfect for families or groups of friends.
When it comes to choosing the best car camping tents, there are a few critical factors to consider...
The first thing to look for is size. You want a tent that's big enough to accommodate everyone in your group comfortably, with enough space for gear and other supplies.
Another important consideration is durability. Car camping tents need to be able to withstand the wear and tear of being set up and taken down repeatedly, as well as exposure to the elements. Look for tents made from high-quality materials that are designed to last.
After researching several different tents - as well as using a couple of these myself - I've identified the top options for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable shelter on their next camping trip.
Best Car Camping Tents for Your Next Outing
As a full-time vehicle dweller, I know that having a great tent can make or break a camping trip. Being spacious and comfortable is key!
Check out the list below to find the perfect tent for your next car camping adventure...
NEH Universal SUV Camping Tent
I highly recommend the NEH Universal SUV Camping Tent for anyone who loves car camping. It's a wise investment for families and groups of friends who don't want to sacrifice tent space and convenience.
Pros
- Sleep off the ground in the comfort of your vehicle
- Extra cargo sleeping space
- Free-standing tent
Cons
- Zippers can be difficult to use
- Instructions are not very helpful
- Rainfly is not very durable
This tent is very spacious and can hold up to eight people. I love that it allows you to sleep off the ground in the comfort of your vehicle, which gives added security and peace of mind. The tent also has extra cargo sleeping space, which is perfect for storing gear or fitting additional campers.
One of the best features is that this is a free-standing tent, which means you can quickly disconnect your vehicle and go about your day, leaving the tent behind. This is great if you want to go on a day hike or explore the surrounding area without having to pack up your entire campsite.
The zippers on this particular tent can be a bit difficult to use, especially when it's dark outside. Also, the instructions that come with the tent are not very helpful, and you may have to figure out how to set it up on your own.
Additionally, the rainfly is not very durable, and according to many online reviewers, it shows wear and tear after just a few uses.
Verdict: the NEH Universal SUV Camping Tent is a great investment for anyone who loves car camping. It's spacious, can be used free-standing, and is fairly easy to use. The cons are minor and can be easily overlooked, especially considering the many benefits of this tent.
JOYTUTUS SUV Tent
If you're looking for a tent with great privacy protection that can fit a group of up to 6-8 people, the JOYTUTUS SUV Tent might be the perfect solution for you.
Pros
- Large sleeping capacity
- Waterproof performance
- Privacy protection
Cons
- Difficult to set up
- Not very durable
- Not suitable for extreme weather conditions
This tent is spacious and can comfortably fit up to 6-8 people, making it perfect for group camping trips. The tent is also waterproof, which is essential when camping in rainy weather.
One of the things I like about the JOYTUTUS SUV Tent is the privacy it provides. The tent has two doors and a window, all with double-layer designs that allow you to pull a shading layer at night for added privacy. The mesh bags in the tent also make it easy to keep the interior space tidy.
Based on feedback, setting up this tent can be a bit of a challenge. The instructions aren't the clearest and that could lead to a frustrating experience. Additionally, while the tent is waterproof, it may not hold up well in extreme weather conditions.
Overall, if you're looking for a spacious tent that provides privacy, the JOYTUTUS SUV Tent is a good choice. However, if you're planning on camping in extreme weather conditions or need a tent that's easy to set up, this might not be the best option for you.
Rightline Gear SUV Tent Attachment
The Rightline Gear SUV Tent Attachment is a winner for anyone looking for a universal fit option, along with some nifty extras at an affordable price point.
Pros
- The adjustable vehicle sleeve allows for a universal fit on any size SUV, with or without a roof rack.
- The tent comfortably sleeps 4 adults, with the vehicle cargo area sleeping an additional 2 adults.
- The tent comes equipped with intuitive features such as gear pockets, an overhead lantern hook, and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty in getting a snug fit between the tent and their vehicle, leading to gaps on the sides.
- The door zipper has been known to get stuck at times.
- The tent is on the heavier side, weighing in at 21 pounds.
The Rightline Gear tent is easy to set up, featuring an intuitive design that makes it compatible with most SUV's. The adjustable vehicle sleeve is a major selling point, as it allows one to use the tent on an SUV without a roof rack.
The tent itself is incredibly spacious, and should comfortably fit four to five adults. The gear pockets and overhead lantern hook are very convenient, allowing you to keep your personal items organized and easily accessible.
The glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls are also a nice touch, making it easy to find your way in and out of the tent at night.
While there are a few minor issues with the tent, such as the door zipper getting stuck at times and the tent being on the heavier side, these are relatively minor compared to the overall quality of the product.
Overall, I highly recommend the Rightline Gear SUV Tent Attachment for anyone looking for a universal fit option that can sleep 4-6 adults.
Napier Backroadz SUV Tent
The Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is perfect for those seeking maximum headroom and a universal fit that will work with all crossovers, SUV's and minivans.
Pros
- The universal vehicle sleeve fits all CUV’s, SUV’s, and Minivans, making it easy to set up and connect to your vehicle.
- The tent is spacious and provides over 7’ of headroom, comfortably sleeping up to 5 adults.
- Napier is a leader in outdoor camping solutions, and manufacturers tough, durable products.
Cons
- The tent doesn't have any seam tape other than on the rainfly, which can cause issues in heavy rain.
- The quality of the material around the poles is not the best and can rip easily.
- The tent can be difficult to set up for the first time.
The Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is an excellent choice for anyone who prefers standing up fully instead of hunching over. The tent is spacious and provides an enormous amount of headroom, making it easy to move around without feeling cramped.
The universal vehicle sleeve ensures that the tent fits all CUV’s, SUV’s and Minivans, making it easy to connect to your vehicle.
One of the best things about the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is the full rainfly and built-in storm flaps. This provides adequate weather protection, ensuring you stay dry in light to moderate rain.
The tent also has three mesh windows and a large door, which offer optimal ventilation and keep the inside of the tent cool and airy.
However, the tent does have a few downsides. The lack of seam tape other than on the rainfly can cause issues in heavy rain, and the quality of the material around the poles is poor and can rip easily.
Additionally, the tent can be difficult to set up for the first time, so it is important to practice before heading out into the wilderness.
Bottom line, the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is a great investment for anyone who wants to camp comfortably and conveniently. With its spacious design, weather protection, and easy set up, it is the perfect addition to any camping trip.
Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent
If you're looking for a smaller, lighter, versatile and easy-to-set-up car camping tent, the Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent is a tough option to beat.
Pros
- The tent's versatile design makes it perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures, from camping in the wilderness to tailgating at a game.
- With its user-friendly attachment system, this tent can be quickly and easily secured to your hatchback, SUV, or minivan, allowing you to spend less time setting up and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
- The tent's spacious interior provides enough room for up to three people, making it an ideal choice for smaller families and groups.
Cons
- The tent's compatible with hatchbacks, SUV's, and minivan models, but may not work with all crossover vehicles.
- Not great for privacy.
- The tent's materials could be more durable and weather-resistant for longer-lasting use.
Many people are impressed with the versatility and ease of use of the Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent. The tent's attachment system is simple to understand and allowed you to set up camp quickly, while the spacious interior provides ample room for a group of three.
A big downside is that of the mesh design, as it doesn't offer much in the way of privacy. Another minus is the tent's materials are not as durable or weatherproof as they could be.
To sum it up, the Camp Toad Universal SUV Tent is a solid buy for those wanting a convenient and versatile car camping tent. While it may not work with all vehicles and could be more durable, its ease of use and light weight make it a solid choice.
Best Car Camping Tents Buying Guide
These are the most critical factors to consider when choosing the right tent for your situation:
Tent Size
The first thing to consider is the size of the tent. How many people will be sleeping in it? How much gear will you need to store inside? Make sure to choose a tent that is big enough to accommodate everyone and everything comfortably.
Tent Style
There are several tent styles to choose from, including dome, cabin, and tunnel tents. Each variety has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Dome tents are lightweight and easy to set up, but they may not have as much headroom as other styles. Cabin tents have more headroom and space, but they can be heavier and harder to set up. Tunnel tents are designed to be aerodynamic and stable in windy conditions, but they may not have as much interior space.
Tent Material
The material of the tent is also important to consider. Look for a tent that is made from durable, waterproof material.
Nylon and polyester are common materials used in tents. Nylon is lightweight and strong, but it can be more expensive. Polyester is less expensive and more durable, but it is heavier.
Tent Features
There are several features to look for in a car camping tent, including:
- Ventilation: Look for a tent with mesh windows or vents to allow for airflow and prevent condensation.
- Rainfly: A rainfly is a cover that goes over the tent to protect it from rain. Look for a tent with a good quality rainfly that covers the entire tent.
- Doors: Look for a tent with multiple doors to make it easier to get in and out.
- Pockets: Look for a tent with interior pockets to store small items like phones, keys, and wallets.
- Setup: Look for a tent that is easy to set up and take down.
By considering these factors, you can choose a car camping tent that is appropriate and fits your specific camping wishlist.
Conclusion
Camping in a car doesn't mean you have to lose the comforts of home.
The best car camping tent will keep you shaded, cool, sheltered from the elements, and provide a cozy canopy to sleep under at night.
In addition, they offer privacy in crowded campgrounds and other bustling places.
Whether you'll be enjoying the outdoors alone, or with friends and family, the tents I've featured in this article will serve all of your needs and should last for many years to come.
I hope to see you out there on the road :)
LIVE WISELY, LIVE WELL!
