Looking for the best tents for camping with dogs? We have you – and your pooch – covered!
Camping with your dog is one of the best experiences you can have together. It’s an opportunity for him to spend hours running around outdoors – and he makes a great companion to cuddle up with at the end of the day.
But camping with your dog means paying special attention to your tent. There are a few features you will need to look for to ensure your trip is safe and comfortable for you both.
The obvious one is extra space – it’s a good idea to look for a tent that’s a bit bigger than the one you’d usually go for.
You also need very good ventilation – dogs overheat easily – and durability. Whilst it’s a good idea to make sure your dog’s claws are clipped before you go, you still run the risk of the tent tearing if it is made from low-quality materials.
To make things easier, I’ve put together this handy list of the five best tents for camping with dogs. I’ve included options for both car camping and backpacking, so you’re sure to find something that will work well – no matter what type of adventure you and your pet prefer.
Ayamaya Pop Up Tent With Vestibule
You and your dog will need plenty of space to feel comfortable in your tent, making this model from Ayamaya an excellent choice.
Roomy enough for 4 to 5 people and lots of luggage, it has a vestibule design – a real advantage when you take your dog along on the trail.
That separate room can be very useful if your dog comes back wet from a swim, for example, as it gives him somewhere to sleep without soaking everything in the main tent!
This model is very well ventilated and features a unique double layer to prevent condensation from forming. The inner and outer layers are connected by hooks and have a gap between them, ensuring a good flow of air.
Setup takes just seconds, as this tent has pre-assembled poles that simply pop into shape when you remove it from the bag.
Offering great protection from the elements, the tent has heat-sealed seams to keep out the water, a PU-coated oxford groundsheet, and a 3000MM waterproof PU-coated polyester fabric roof.
There is also a handy sunshade with poles, providing the perfect cool spot for your dog to nap.
Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent
This 6-person tent has a spacious separate screened room that allows you and your pet to lounge bug-free. Depending on how many are in your group, the extra space can also provide a comfortable sleeping area for your dog at night.
Easy to set up in around seven minutes, the tent comes with color-coded poles and a ‘Fast Pitch’ system using snag-less Insta-Clip suspension.
According to Coleman, the system means you can assemble this model up to 50% quicker than their conventional tents. This lets you spend less time on chores and more time having fun!
Both you and your pet can stay comfortably cool thanks to the excellent ventilation.
I especially like the extended window awnings, these effectively keep out the rain but allow you to let in the maximum amount of air.
Meanwhile, the redesigned poles of the frame make the entire tent sturdy and responsive to strong wind.
There are lots of other special features, too, including handy storage pockets sewn into the side of the tent’s walls, and an E-port. This allows you to run an extension cord into your tent, providing power for lights and charging your devices.
When it’s time to go home, the tent fits comfortably into the storage bag that’s provided with it. The bag extends with a rip strip, providing a little extra storage space – always useful when camping!
Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Water Resistant Tent
If you are setting off in your car or RV, then this model is the best tent for camping with your dog.
The main room is incredibly spacious and the vestibule is huge compared to other tents! If you have a large dog, then it would give him more than enough room to stretch out.
There is enough room for you to feel comfortable, too, with a generous center height of 6.5 feet.
You can completely zip up the wall that separates the screened room from the rest of the tent. This might be something you’d prefer to do if you and your dog are not used to sleeping in close quarters!
This is a durable tent, made with high-quality materials and designed to keep you dry, whatever the weather. A polyurethane water-resistant coating covers the polyester fabric, whilst the double-stitched, lap-felled seams prevent any water from seeping in.
A vent at the back and the mesh openings at the top keep the air circulating freely so that you and your dog stay cool and comfortable. There are also two storage pockets, handy for keeping everything from your keys or phone to treats for your furry friend!
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent
The best tents for dogs are usually the larger ones designed for at least 4 people, as they tend to be more spacious and durable. But if you are planning on backpacking, then this small tent is ideal for you and your dog to share.
Because it is so small and portable, it won’t have all the advantages of a larger tent. But one thing I really like about it is that it has two doors.
This can be a really useful feature when you are camping with your dog, especially if space is limited.
Your dog will also appreciate the vestibules created by the design of the rainfly, which provide the perfect spots for him to take a nap.
Well designed to resist bad weather, this tub has a bathtub-style floor. This is where the base material extends up the sides, better protecting you, your dog, and your gear from rainwater.
It is relatively simple to set up and the instructions you need are conveniently printed on the stuff sack, so they won’t go missing when you need them!
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe
The best tents for camping with dogs – especially those likely to jump up and claw at the walls – are those made of canvas. Canvas is much stronger than nylon and far less prone to tearing.
Whilst the extra durability is reflected in the price of this model, it is definitely worth considering if you camp regularly.
It is available in three different sizes and is constructed with exceptionally high-quality materials.
The Flex-Bow frame is very sturdy, keeping the fabric of the tent taut at all times. It’s also easy to set up and can be quickly managed by one person.
There are four large mesh windows to provide a good view and plenty of ventilation, and the steep walls allow you to walk around upright. The awning is large and creates a lovely shaded spot for your pooch to nap, or sit and watch the world go by.
Other cool features include a customizable gear organizer system, storage pockets, and a handy zippered storage bag to pack it all into.
Final Thoughts On Tents For Camping With Dogs
The best tent for camping with a dog depends to some extent on the type of camping you are doing and the kind of pooch you have.
I hope that this list of the best dog-friendly tents has helped you find just the right one for you both to be comfortable on your next outdoor adventure.
Love bringing your dog on your outdoor adventures? Read one of the following blog posts:
