Regardless if you are camping with your dog in the wilderness or your backyard, you will surely need a camping tent.
But it can be overwhelming when it comes to buying the best tent for camping with dogs as there are too many options available on the market.
Not to mention, not all camping tents are dog-friendly.
That’s why we’ve decided to put together some of the best tents for camping with dogs to make things easier for you!
Here are the 10 top-rated tents for dog owners.
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Best Tents for Dog Owners: Quick Picks
1. Our Top Pick - ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 Person Tent
ALPS Mountaineering is a camping gear manufacturer incorporated in 1993 and pride itself on its high-quality outdoor products.
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 Person Tent is free-standing and features an aluminum 2-pole design to make it easy to assemble. Coupled with high-quality 75D 185T polyester fly to resist UV damage and ensure it stays taut at all times. It also has a durable poly taffeta floor with a 2000mm coating and factory sealed seams to achieve excellent weather protection.
This tent only weighs 5 pounds and has everything you need to camp with your dog. It comes with durable zippers, storage pockets, guy ropes, aluminum stakes, and 2 doorways. Plus, the 2 vestibules, allowing you to store your gear outside the tent.
Features:
- Free-standing, 3-season tent
- Aluminum two-pole design
- Coated 75D 185T poly taffeta floor for wet-weather protection
- UV-resistant and water-resistant polyester tent fly
- Two vestibules
- Storage pocket
- Gear loft
- Two doorways
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Proper venting
- Easy to install
- Not spacious enough for large dogs
2. Best Value - Coleman Sundome Tent
Coleman offers an extensive range of outdoor recreation products, and with more than 120 years of experience, it is hard to go wrong with their tents.
The Coleman Sundome Tent has continuous pole sleeves that make it very easy to pitch. It comes with a patented welded floor and inverted seams to keep you dry when it rains, along with ground vents and 2 large windows for increased air circulation to ensure you and your pooch’s comfort. Plus, the door awning and rainfly to keep the sun and rain out.
Additionally, it has an E-Port that gives you the ability to bring electrical power inside the tent and has storage pockets for keeping things organized. This durable tent also features weather-resistant fabric and a sturdy wind frame for extra protection.
Features:
- Fast-pitch dome tent
- Polyester taffeta 75D flysheet
- Integrated door awning
- Patented WeatherTec system
- Tub floor for extra rain protection
- Large windows and ground vent
- Storage pockets
- E-Port
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Tested to be able to withstand 35+ mph winds
- Has continuous pole sleeves to prevent snags during installation
- Has a large amount of space for large dogs
- Can bring electrical power inside
- Backed by a 1-year limited warranty
- No vestibule
- Very few owners complained that the roof leaks during heavy rain
3. Best Overall Performance - Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
Wenzel is another camping gear giant on the market that creates products with quality in mind.
The Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent features the Weather Armor, polyester fabric with a polyurethane water-resistant coating to protect you from the rain. Combined with double-stitched, lap-felled seams, water repellent threads, zippers, and webbing for added rain protection.
This tent has also achieved a great combination of comfort and stability. The full mesh roof, 2 mesh windows, and the vent at the back ensure proper air circulation, while the shock-corded fiberglass roof frame and steel supports make sure it can stand in any situation.
The interior is spacious and has a peak height of 6.5 feet. The entry room can also be zipped up to be used as a second room and has a mesh wall to keep your tent cool.
Features:
- Shock-corded fiberglass roof frame
- Polyester fabric treated with a water-resistant coating
- Double-stitched seams
- Convertible camping porch
- Removable seam-sealed fly
- Mesh roof vents
- Three zippered side windows with roll-up flaps
- Gear loft
Pros
- Spacious enough to sleep eight people, meaning even the largest dogs will have lots of room to walk around
- Guy ropes come pre-attached
- Has hi-low ventilation for summer camping with dogs
- The wall between the main compartment and screened area can be zipped up
- Plenty of pockets to stash equipment, electronics, and your dog’s essentials
- Comes with a 10-year warranty against defects
- Need two or more people to set up
- A bit heavy
4. Runner-Up Overall Performance - CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
CORE is a privately owned company that aims to create gear that can provide you a better outdoor experience.
The CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent is made of durable 68D polyester fabric with a water-resistant PU coating and heat-sealed seams from the rainfly to the bottom of the tent to keep the moisture out. It also features advanced vents, designed to draw cool air in, and lantern hook gear loft and pockets to keep things organized.
What’s more, there is an electrical cord that allows you to run power inside the tent. It can fit in 3 queen airbeds and sleep up to 9 people with a center height of 6 feet tall. It also has 2 additional ridge poles to maximize the interior space for optimal comfort.
Features:
- CORE H20 Block Technology
- Traditional fiberglass poles
- Adjustable ground vents
- Gear loft with lantern hook
- Storage pockets
- E-port
- Includes carry bag
Pros
- Able to fit three queen size airbeds
- Heat-sealed seams from the rainfly down to the floor
- Has two additional ridge poles to maximize interior space
- Advanced venting
- Can conveniently run an extension cord into the tent through the E-port
- Need two or more people to set up
- Not as durable as expected
5. Most Luxurious - Coleman Elite Montana Tent
This tent is another excellent product from Coleman that uses the patented welded floor and inverted seams to keep the water from getting in. And as you can see, it is a lot bigger than the Coleman Sundome Tent, designed to let you and your fido camp in luxury.
You also notice it has angled windows. The purpose is to allow you to keep them open for better airflow even when it rains. It is waterproof and made of thick double fabric to ensure it can hold up to any weather condition.
The Coleman Elite Montana Tent includes a rainfly and door awning to protect yourself from sunlight and rain. With the built-in LED that can run up to 81 hours depending on the settings you use, you can keep the party going and play with your dog at night. This weatherproof tent also features self-rolling windows when you unzip it, and the roof mesh allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature from the inside.
Additionally, it has storage pockets for keeping your items and has a roomy interior space, meaning you and your canine will have a lot of room to move around. The patented hinged door also makes it easy for you to get in and out of the tent.
Features:
- Four-pole modified dome design
- Polyester taffeta 75D flysheet
- Patented welded floors and inverted seams
- Angled windows
- Extended door awning
- Storage pockets
- Hinged door
- LED tent light with three settings
- Includes an expandable carry bag
Pros
- An excellent family tent for camping with your four-legged family members and friends
- Durable
- Has enough room to stretch out on three queen-size airbeds
- The continuous pole sleeves and the patented pin-and-ring system make it easy to set up
- Comes at a higher price point
- The fly is a bit tricky to put on
- Pockets are a bit small
6. Best All Weather - Coleman WeatherMaster 6 Person Tent with Screen Room
Yes, Coleman tents are that good, which is why 3 of their tents have made it to our 10 best tents for camping with dogs.
This tent has a similar design to the Coleman Elite Montana Tent, with the angled windows and a hinged door for better air circulation and easy access. It is made of polyester taffeta 75D to ensure it is durable. It also uses the patented WeatherTec technology to prevent leaks and keep the inside dry. Not only is it waterproof, but it also has a sturdy frame designed to be more responsive to strong wind.
Apart from that, the Coleman WeatherMaster 6 Person Tent with Screen Room has a screened-in porch that can keep bugs away while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful views. The spacious interior can fit in 2 queen airbeds, offering lots of space for you to play with your dog.
Features:
- 1,000-denier polyethylene floor
- 68-denier polyester mesh inner tent
- 75-denier polyester taffeta fly
- Patented welded floors and inverted seams
- Separate floorless screen room
- Hinged door
- Interior gear loft
- Storage pockets
- E-port
- Includes an expandable carry bag
Pros
- The frame is strong and wind-responsive
- Uses welding technology to strengthen the floor and eliminate needle holes to keep water outside
- Has a bathtub style bottom that is resistant to your dog’s paws
- Equipped with an auto-closing screen door
- The weather-resistant fabric zipper cuff can protect the door from the elements
- Has a screen room that offers bug-free lounging
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
- Not suitable for backpack camping as it is a bit heavy
- The top and sides are not waterproofed, so make sure to coat it with waterproofing spray before heading out
7. Best Ventilation - Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent
Mountainsmith is another camping gear giant, founded in 1978. They are a respected manufacturer and known for their high-level performance outdoor gear.
This award-winning 2 person tent is free-standing and has a shock-corded aluminum frame for stability and clip-pole design to allow for a quick setup. It also has outstanding weather protection thanks to the durable material used for construction.
Additionally, the tent fly is made of 185T breathable poly to ensure you and your dog are comfortable inside the tent, and both the main fly and floor seams are factory sealed.
The Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent has a floor area of 35 square feet and comes with 2 vestibules for stashing gear. It also includes reflective guy lines with tension lock cord adjustment and external guy loops to ensure it can stay taut in any weather condition.
Features:
- 3-season, free-standing tent
- 185T breathable poly tent fly
- Ventilation windows
- Clip-pole attachment
- Bathtub floor
- Removable gear loft
- Interior mesh storage pockets
- Two doors
- Two vestibules
Pros
- Easy installation
- Has proper ventilation
- Bathtub style construction, which the bottom extends up the sides of the walls a few inches to protect your belongings from water and your fido’s claws
- Easy entry and exit
- The two vestibules aren’t too spacious
8. Most Lightweight - Kelty Salida 2 Person Tent
Kelty is known for manufacturing high-end outdoor recreation products and was the first to produce external-frame backpacks.
The Kelty Salida 2 Person Tent has a 360-degree mesh panel for breathability and a 68D polyester sidewall to provide privacy. It is free-standing and utilizes DAC press-fit poles and color-coded clips for easy setup. The floor is made of 68D nylon fabrics and has an area of 30.5 square feet to ensure your comfort. Also, the full-coverage rainfly is fully seam taped, designed to keep you dry when it rains.
This 3-season tent has an easy-entry D door and only weighs 4.57 pounds, making it very portable. It includes internal pockets and gear loft loops that allow you to keep small items and one vestibule to stash your gear. Ideal for those looking for a comfortable backcountry escape with dogs without putting too much strain on their back.
Features:
- Free-standing design
- Backpack-friendly compact folding poles
- 68D polyester, 40D No-see-Um mesh
- Fly attachment
- Fully seam taped construction
- Internal storage pockets
- Easy-entry D door
Pros
- An excellent backpacking tent with dogs
- Lightweight and durable
- No-see-um-mesh for stargazing
- Easy to assemble
- No windows
9. Best for Budget - Bessport Camping 2 Person Tent
You probably have never heard of Bessport. They have been quite successful with their camping tents lately, offering high-quality products at an affordable price.
This tent is another lightweight, free-standing tent that you can quickly relocate without having to disassemble it. Built to resist any weather, with a welded floor, full-coverage rainfly, and seam taped construction to protect you from getting wet. It has no-see mesh walls for privacy and top mesh panels to allow for better ventilation.
Additionally, it includes 7001 Series aluminum alloy stakes and reflective guy lines for wind-resistance. The interior area is 31 square feet, which is large enough for you and your dog to sleep comfortably.
It also has 2 large D doors, allowing you to get in and out with ease, and 2 vestibules to store your gear. If you are on a budget, look no further than the Bessport Camping 2 Person Tent, an affordable option without compromising on quality.
Features:
- Free-standing design
- Seam taped construction
- Welded floor
- Full-coverage rainfly
- Two D-shaped doors
- Two vestibules
Pros
- Its free-standing design makes it easy to relocate without having to disassemble and reassemble
- Has two large D-doors
- The 7001 Series aluminum alloy stakes anchor down the tent well
- The quality of the plastic zippers isn’t of the best
10. Easiest to Set Up - AbcoSport Pop Up Tent
AbcoSport might not be as popular as Coleman or Wenzel. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their tents aren’t good.
Unlike other tents, which require some time to pitch, this tent is just like its name implies, pops up anywhere and anytime you like. It is incredibly easy to set up and fold to a compact size when not in use. Not to mention, it also has excellent breathability thanks to the mesh windows on the front and the back. Plus, it has robust nylon flaps that you can roll down for privacy.
It can accommodate up to 2 people and includes 2 doors on both sides. If you love casual camping with your dog and don’t want the hassles of pitching a tent, you may want to consider the AbcoSport Pop Up Tent.
Features:
- Waterproof and UV coated fabric
- Two mesh windows with roll-up shades
- Two doors
- Comes with a carry bag
Pros
- Affordable
- A perfect option for casual camping with your dog
- Pops open into a ready-to-use form instantly
- Has two mesh windows for breathability, which can also be rolled down for privacy
- Backed by a 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee
- No vestibules
- May not be able to handle strong winds
- Aren’t of the best quality
Best Tent for Dog Owners Buying Guide : What to Consider
1. Your Dog’s Breed and the Season
It is crucial to keep your dog’s breed and the season in mind when buying a tent as different dogs have different levels of hot and cold tolerance. For instance, if you have an Arctic breed like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes, you will need a good ventilation tent like the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent to ensure it won’t get too hot for them, especially for summer camping. Similarly, if you have a short-haired dog who doesn’t do well in cold weather like Greyhounds, you would want a well-insulated tent when it comes to winter camping.
2. Sufficient Interior Space for a Restful Sleep
Then, pick the size of the tent depending on how big your dog is. Always consider your dog as an extra person to ensure that they can move around and sleep comfortably at night. This is especially crucial for multi-day trips as you need to make sure both you and your furry friend sleep well and are fully recharge for the next day.
3. Waterproof, Well-Sealed Seam and Sturdy Frame to Offer Protection Against the Weather
It is always good to prepare for the worst and get a waterproof and well-sealed seam tent to prevent you and your dog from getting wet if, unfortunately, that it rains. And of course, picking a sturdy and stable tent like the Coleman Sundome Tent with a strong wind-resistant frame is also vital, as that can prevent strong winds from blowing the tent away.
4. Thick, Tear-Resistant Floor to Prevent Leakage
Also, the camping tent needs to have a thick, heavy-duty, and tear-resistant floor. The reason is that your dog’s paws can unintentionally damage the floor and cause leakage if it is not rugged enough. And that also means it is imperative to trim your dog’s nails regularly.
5. Ventilation or Insulation to Ensure Your Dog’s Comfort
A good ventilation tent can help control the internal condensation, and as a result, prevent you from waking up damp and cold in a muggy tent. So the best camping tent needs to be able to bring fresh air in and allow the hot air out through the vent during the warmer months. But if you plan to go camping in winter, you would want to avoid tents with a screen room and select those that are well-insulated to protect both you and your fido from the bitter cold.
6. Pockets and Vestibules to Stash Gear and Equipment
Another feature you should also consider is if the camping tent has pockets or an extra space where you can keep your items and your dog essentials safe. A vestibule is an excellent example of this in which you can make sure your gear is covered safely on the outside while allowing you to enjoy the full interior space with your dog.
7. Choosing the Right Tent Depending on the Type of Camping
Lastly, make sure to select the right tent depending on the type of camping you do. The two most common camping types are car camping and backpacking.
Car camping is an easier way to camp, which will require less effort. All you need to do is get your stuff ready and drive out to the campsite to pitch your tent and enjoy nature with your dog. If you are considering car camping, choosing a family tent such as the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent and Coleman Elite Montana Tent may be a good idea as you will have a bigger interior space to rest.
However, backpacking is a more adventurous and challenging type of camping beyond setting up a tent beside your car. You will have to put on your pack when you arrive at the trailhead and start walking into the wild. If this is what you are going to do, a lighter and easier to pitch and disassemble tent may be a better option. The reason is that you will have to walk for miles while carrying lots of things, including your dog essentials, unless otherwise, you let your pooch wear a dog backpack.
An Alternative Approach to Camping With Your Dog
The Best Dog Tent - Petego Umbra Portable Pet House
Features:
- Unique umbrella mechanism
- claw-proof, see-through mesh windows
- Includes a rain cover and carry bag
Some people prefer to let their dog sleep with them inside the same tent, while some prefer not to. For people who don’t want to share the tent with their dogs, your pup doesn’t necessarily have to sleep in the vestibule. Consider getting them a pet tent to give them better protection!
The Petego Umbra Portable Pet House is specially designed for dogs, giving your furkid their own sleeping space during camping trips. It is incredibly lightweight, and there’s no need to put together anything thanks to its unique umbrella mechanism that will pop open in seconds and can be collapsed in the same amount of time.
It has claw-proof, see-through mesh windows to provide ventilation and visibility. Plus, it includes a rain cover and comes with a travel bag for easy carrying.
Pros
- A perfect “pup-tent” for camping with your dog
- Lightweight
- Has an ingenious umbrella mechanism to allow for quick set up and disassemble
- There’s a small front porch area that will make your canine feel like they are home
- Can fit in the back of SUVs
- Some dogs may prefer to sleep with their human best friend, especially when out on a camping trip
Gear You Should Also Bring When Camping With Your Dog: For Your Canine’s Safety
In addition to food, treats, and water or a portable water bottle, there are a few more things you should also need to pack for the camping trip to ensure your dog’s comfort.
1. Dog GPS Collar Tracker
One of the most important things you have to bring is a dog GPS collar tracker so that you can keep tabs on their whereabouts as there will be times they will try to sneak out to the pond nearby for a swim. Or what if they decide to explore alone without you even noticing. Locating your pup in a wilderness area without a dog GPS tracker is like finding a needle in a haystack.
2. Outdoor Dog Bed and Blanket
3. Flea and Tick Collar
Bugs and insects can cause discomfort to your dog during camping trips, and perhaps the most annoying ones are fleas and ticks! So, ensure to use a flea and tick collar on your dog so that you can keep the nasty pest from crawling to your pooch’s skin to feed on the blood, ultimately avoiding the unwanted diseases. You may also want to bring a tick removal tool with you just in case.
4. Dog Harness
A dog harness is another gear you need to bring and is a better option than a dog collar as it gives you better control over your furkid. Not to mention, you can also use the top handle to help them over obstacles.
5. Dog Pack
A dog pack is an alternative to a dog harness. While it doesn’t add much value if you are going to do car camping, it can be extremely beneficial for backpacking. Not only can it help to take some strain off your shoulder, but it can also provide your four-legged friend a sense of purpose, and most importantly, a good workout!
6. ID Tag
Though a dog GPS tracker should be enough to do the job when it comes to locating your pup, an ID tag increases the chances of reuniting with them. Sure, your fido may be microchipped, but other campers that found your dog won’t be able to contact you without a vet or shelter reading the chip.
Dog Friendly Camping Tent FAQ
Should I get my dog a separate tent?
It’s probably a better idea to let your dog stay inside with you in the same tent. That way, you don’t have to carry two separate tents for your camping trip. Plus, your canine will sleep better in a strange environment with you by their side. However, getting your pup a separate tent ensures you both have more space to sleep at night. It is also more hygienic as they won’t be tracking germs and bacteria into your tent.
What size tent do I need if my dog is sleeping with me?
It depends on your dog’s size and how many people will be staying in the same tent. Ideally, you would want to count your pup as an extra person. If you have four people (five, including yourself) plus your dog, you will need to select a six-person tent. And of course, you can choose something larger for a more comfy experience.
How long does it take to assemble a pet-friendly camping tent?
It depends on the type of tent you buy. However, most can be pitched within 10 to 20 minutes. Some come fully assembled and allow you to pop open into a ready-to-use form straight away with very minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Your dog is more than just a pet, which is why you are here on this page, looking for the best tent to go camping with your four-legged family member. So, make sure to consider everything we’ve mentioned earlier in the buyer’s guide, such as your dog’s breed, the season, material used, interior space, and the storage area.
Still not sure which one to pick? Go for our choice, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent. It is a 3-season tent, by far the most popular type of tent for camping with dogs due to its lightweight design. A 3-season tent can also shield you and your fido from the rain, wind, and sun and has ample mesh panels to provide as much ventilation as possible to prevent condensation build-up. One thing though, they aren’t the best choice for sustaining in harsh storms, violent winds, and heavy snow.
