6 Best Dog Camping Tents: Our Dog Friendly Tent Picks
Quick Guide
A comfortable camping trip with your dog is often determined by the type of tent that you sleep in.
Camping tents generally have similar aspects to them, but the size of your dog, amount of people you’re camping with, and weather are massive factors when choosing the best tent for camping with dogs.
While you can get your dog their very own personal tent, what’s the fun in that?! You want your pup snuggled up next to you after an exciting day of exploration and adventure. So, how do you go about choosing that perfect dog camping tent?
Follow our tips to picking the best dog-friendly tent.
What are the Best Dog Camping Tents?
8 Things to Consider When Looking for a Fido Friendly Tent
A large, spacious tent may seem luxurious and fun, but you may feel otherwise when you start to carry it, assemble it or take it down. Since a tent is at the forefront of camping with your dog, picking the best one requires research. Consider these factors when looking for your Fido friendly tent so you don’t make the wrong decision.
- Space – The first component you need to consider when purchasing a dog camping tent is the amount of space you need. Are you camping alone with your dog or with another person? If you have a large dog and you are camping with another human, make sure your outdoor dog tent has enough space for three humans. You also need to think about what you are going to put in your tent. A cot for your dog? Backpacks? A tent will fill up quickly with sleeping bags and your necessities. It may be better to buy a little larger of a tent than be tight on space.
- Security – When comparing tents, look at the apparatus for keeping the door(s) closed and secure. Is there a zipper or lock? Velcro? Snaps? If your dog is an escape artist you’ll want a tent that safely closes and secures. You don’t want your dog running off in the night. Make sure all windows and ventilation properly shut to avoid your dog finding a hole to jump out.
- Weatherproofing – You absolutely want to choose a dog camping tent that is made of high quality, durable material which will hold up in any sort of weather conditions. Always get a tent that has waterproof features or protection of some sort.
- Material – As stated above, you want a durable material for your outdoor dog tent. But you also want something that is comfortable and best suited for the sort of camping that you do. Breathability is an important factor. Some materials could easily tear from rough housing in it due to your dog’s sharp nails, and that is something you obviously want to avoid.
- Ventilation – You will want to buy a well-ventilated tent for camping with your dog. Many tents come equipped with ceiling vents, which can easily be covered and secured. Tents also have windows with an added layer for as much ventilation as you need.
- Number of Doors – Some tents come with one door, others come with several. You may only need one door on your tent if you typically camp alone with your dog. However, the need for multiple doors can differ based on accessibility and ease of entry.
- Weight – You don’t want to purchase a tent that’s too heavy for you to carry, especially if you’re going backpacking with your dog. The material could be lightweight, but the proper pole attachments may add a considerable amount of weight. Always view the total weight of the tent.
- Screen Room – Some tents come equipped with a screen room – think of it as a screened in porch on your tent. They allow you and your dog to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine outside of your tent while keeping the bugs out.
What makes a tent dog-friendly?
There are several factors that make a tent dog-friendly. These include:
- Plenty of space for you and your dog to sleep and move around comfortably.
- A screen room for an extra element of protected relaxation during the day.
- Easy to construct and take down so you spend less time worrying about your tent and more time enjoying your dog’s company.
- Sturdy material to prevent tears from your dog’s nails.
- Plenty of ventilation for summer camping so your dog doesn’t overheat.
- Waterproof in case your wet dog decides to take a dip in the lake and run inside your tent. Or, of course, in the event of rain.
- Large doors if you have large dogs.
- A dark colored tent so it doesn’t show all of the mud, dirt or waste that your dog may track in.
Overall Best Dog Camping Tent
Coleman Carlsbad Tent With Screen Room
The Coleman Carlsbad tent has everything you need for a dog-friendly camping trip. This tent fits four people, which is great for, say, two humans and two large dogs. If you are camping alone with your dog there is plenty of space for all of your personal items, backpacks and a dog cot.
The Coleman Carlsbad is a fantastic outdoor dog tent because it comes equipped with a screen room. There is enough space for you to lounge with your dog in a protected area so the bugs won’t eat you up. This tent also has dark room technology, which means it keeps out a majority of sunlight so you can sleep in if you choose.
This tent is available in four and six person capacity. It’s easy to construct and take down, and fits into a carry bag. Inside the tent you’ll find storage pockets and waterproof technology. Seams are tight to avoid getting rained on, and the floor is a tub-like material in case the ground is wet.
The only potential con of the Coleman Carlsbad tent with screen room is the dark room aspect. If you prefer natural sunlight in your tent, this may not be the best choice for you.
Five More Top Rated Dog Camping Tents
Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
Wenzel makes some fabulous tents for camping with dogs. If you’re camping with several people and pups, the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent is worth looking into. Its sleek design sleeps 8 humans (imagine all the dogs you could get in there with just two people…), and you have a full size screened-in awning.
The Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent comes with weather protection that you can take off to enjoy the view of the stars or the warmth of the sun. Although there are only two windows on this tent, there is plenty of ventilation from the mesh roof and front porch. The polyester fabric is water resistant and all areas of the tent are double-stitched for protection against the elements.
This tent only weighs 25lbs, not bad for an 8 person tent! It’s rated as easy to assemble. The only negative aspect of the Wenzel Klondike tent is the fact that it only has one door. If you have guests or dogs relaxing in the awning, you’ll have to walk through them to get to the main sleeping area of the tent.
Wenzel Alpine 3 Person Tent
For a smaller camping excursion with your dog, Wenzel offers a 3 person tent. At only 8lbs, the Wenzel Alpine tent comes with all of the quality that even the most expensive tents have. This tent is simple, smaller and it doesn’t have a screened awning. You have lots of ventilation with the Alpine tent, as well as a gear loft to store some personal items out of the way.
Pros of the Wenzel Alpine 3 Person Tent include weight, cost, ease of construction, ventilation and quality. The only con would be the lack of screened-in porch.
Coleman Dome 2 Person Tent
If you’re camping with one other person and a small dog or alone with your dog, the Coleman Dome 2 Person Tent could be great for you! It’s cost-effective, has plenty of ventilation and comes with a weather protection dome. The tent is roomy with side storage pockets, and you can sleep comfortably knowing that you’ll stay dry with Coleman WeatherTec properties. Set up time is a mere 10 minutes and this tent will be easy to carry at only 6lbs.
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent
Backpacking with your dog? The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is for you. Weighing only 5lbs, you can easily throw this tent on your back until you’re ready to get a good night’s rest with your dog. There are two large doors and indoor storage pockets for personal items. The sides of the tent can be rolled up to maximize ventilation and views.
Panels on the lower portion of the REI Co-op Half Done 2 Plus Tent help reduce a chilly draft or blowing dust or sand. All paneling can easily be rolled down and secured in the event of a sudden weather change. Assembly is quick, color-coded and simple. Stretch out and get comfortable in this outdoor dog tent which is perfect for backpacking, but you’ll have to skip the covered awning.
Mountainsmith Genesee 4 Person Tent
The Mountainsmith Genesee 4 Person Tent may look basic, but don’t let that fool you. This tent has a large amount of space for four humans (which means one person and lots of dogs). It has two doors for optimal accessibility, and a removable weatherproof covering. This tent really has everything you need aside from the screened lounging area. The Mountainsmith Genesee 4 Person Tent is breathable, lightweight and great for any sort of camping trip!
Remember to look at the weight of your tent if you plan to go backpacking, and the weatherproofing factors if you may experience wet or cold conditions. Whichever tent you decide on, remember to have fun and be safe!