There is perhaps no better sidekick than your dog for a great adventure into the wilderness! Choosing the best tent for camping with dogs is one of the most essential pieces of canine camping gear you’ll need to invest in for a safe and comfortable trip to the great out-dogs. Whether you’ll be heading deep into the forest, camping with your dog at the seaside, or creating an epic kayaking adventure with your best four-legged friend, the right tent will make all the difference for your and your dog’s comfort, safety and enjoyment.
With so many styles, options and features available on the market, we’ve created this simple guide to help get you one step closer to your next adventure. Here we’ve gathered the 5 best dog tents for camping and a simple buyer’s guide for choosing which is right for you:
Comparison Chart
5 Best Tents for Camping With Dogs Reviewed
1. Coleman WeatherMaster
Review
The Coleman WeatherMaster 11’ by 9’ tent is a fantastic option for those who want an epic camping adventure with their best canine companion. The tent is designed with both durability and functionality in mind, and the leak-free seams and fully-tapered rainfly seams cover the doors and windows to keep water out. These features provide quality protection from the rain or moisture, and ensure that you, your dog, and your gear stays plenty dry inside.
Constructed of a durable and strong 75-denier polyester fabric which is both water and weather-resistant, this tent is designed to last. The protected and inverted seams dramatically reduce weather from penetrating the shell, and the waterproof floors use welding technology to keep the interior plenty dry and comfortable for you and your dog. This tent footprint is ideal for an added layer of protection on rough or wet terrain, and it helps to keep you and your dog comfortable throughout your camping adventure.
This spacious 6-person tent weighs 32 pounds and offers plenty of room for both you and your dog to spread out and keep comfortable throughout the night. While it is heavier in weight than other options, it also offers a large 9’ by 6’ floorless screened in porch area that’s great for both of you to lounge in space free from biting flies and insects. This area gives you and your dog the opportunity to put your toes in the sand while camping at the beach, or a grassy place for your dog to potty, without having to leave the comfort of your tent.
The frame of this camping tent is constructed to be strong and durable enough to withstand the wind, using redesigned poles and guy-out triangles to secure and anchor the tent in place. Along with this added performance, the WeatherMaster also includes a convenient carrying back for easy toting to and from your favorite camping destination.
This camping tent comes in a brown color, with a choice of 6 or 10 person size.
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CONS
2. Coleman Steel Stake Fast Pitch Dome Tent
Review
The spacious and convenient design of the Coleman fast pitch dome tent is great for outdoor adventures on the go, and those who need quick access to shade from the elements. This 6-person camping tent weighs 19 pounds, and features a 10’ by 9’ interior lounging space, with an attached and separated screen room. This separated space is great for insect-free lounging, and for creating privacy, or a cozy place for your dog to rest after exciting adventures.
The WeatherTec system and rainfly included with this camping tent keeps the interior dry and comfortable throughout use. Made of a durable and water-resistant Polyguard fabric, the strong construction is designed to withstand the elements and last for many outdoor adventures with your dog to come. These features provide maximum protection for you, your dog, and your gear while you’re lounging or while you’re away.
Along with a highly-functional and weather-resistant design, this tent is constructed with protected seams for optimal interior protection. The waterproof footprint is created using welding-inspired technology that enhances its durability against dog nails, outside debris and more. This feature is also great as an added layer of protection between you and rough terrain, as well as insulating the tent during cold nights. Additionally, it features a convenient e-port, interior storage pockets, and color-coded poles for easy setup. Overall, the Coleman fast pitch dome tent comes with high ratings and reviews from outdoor enthusiasts.
This camping tent comes in a grey and green design, and comes in a 6-person size.
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CONS
3. HIKERGARDER Camping Tent
Review
The HIKERGARDEN 8-person camping tent is a highly rated and reviewed tent for it’s functionality and durability in the outdoor elements. Made of a strong and water-resistant 185-T polyester, this product is designed to keep you and your dog warm and comfortable throughout your outdoor adventures. The 14’ by 9 ‘ floor space is separated into sections, offering you plenty of space from your canine companion when needed. This separate room has a large mesh door, 5 mesh windows and a mesh top to provide ample air flow and ventilation on the warmest days. This curtain offers privacy when you need it, and a comfortable place for your dog to rest after a fun adventure.
The 6’ height of this camping tent offers plenty of room for you to stand up, and it comfortably accommodates even the largest dogs. With a matching large footprint, there’s plenty of interior space for you, your dog, and friends or family to lounge out of the elements. The rainfly and water-resistant design provide you with protection from the elements, and keeps your gear plenty dry inside.
This tent has a convenient and lightweight build, weighing only 17.4 pounds, and it also provides an easy and user-friendly setup. It features a smooth 2-way zipper and durable stabilizing poles, along with an easy to tote carrying bag. This is great for quick camping trips on the shore, a mountain camping adventure, or packing light for a hiking adventure with your dog. Additionally, it includes a 1-year quality assurance to ensure you have worry-free purchasing and camping adventures.
This camping tent comes in red, green or blue color choices, and in an 8-person size.
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4. Coleman Dome Tent with Screened Room
Review
This Coleman camping tent is a fast pitch dome tent design, designed for easy and quick assembly. The design features a spacious and separate screened in room with a durable and waterproof floor and plenty of ventilation. This area is ideal for insect-free lounging and extra sleeping space for your best four legged companion. The waterproof floor is great for adding a layer of protection throughout the interior space, and adding a layer of insulation while you and your dog are resting.
Designed to fit 6 or 8 people depending on size, and measuring 10’ by 9’ or 15’ by 12’, there’s ample interior room for camping with your dog. The WeatherTec system, inverted seam design and rainfly keeps water out, and keeps you and your gear inside dry and comfortable from the elements. These features are used to keep rain and moisture out, while keeping everyone inside plenty dry.
Made from a durable 75-D polyester, this tent is also constructed with a strong frame that’s designed for longevity to last for many adventures to come. The inverted seam design and welded corners increase weather resistance, and the frame is wind-responsive to ensure maximum protection in windy conditions. Additionally, the welding-inspired technology used to make the floors ensures that they’re waterproof and able to withstand the outdoor elements while you and your dog adventure. This durability is also great for holding up to dog nails and debris from the outdoors, and to add a layer of protection between you and rough or cold terrain.
This tent comes in a green and black design, and is available in either a 6 or 8 person size.
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CONS
5. Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent
Review
The Coleman Juniper Lake instant dome tent is a more compact style than others listed in this review guide, with a 9’ by 9’ interior space. It’s also the most lightweight option on this list, weighing only 13.04 pounds, making it highly portable and easy to carry. This tent is designed to fit 4 people, offering plenty of room for a fun camping adventure with your dog.
Perhaps the most convenient feature of this design, this tent sets up in around 60 seconds with pre-attached poles. This is great for a camper and their dog on the go, or for someone who appreciates instant access to shade from the elements. While this tent doesn’t feature a separate screened room, it does have a ventilated annex which offers storage for camping gear or added space for your dog to sleep. This space is great for placing a dog cooling pad for your dog to rest. Additionally, it’s added space for storing gear, or for offering food and water when your dog is hungry after an adventure.
Along with a convenient design, this camping tent also has a WeatherTec system, and rainfly to keep you and your gear inside plenty dry from the elements. These features provide maximum protection from the elements, and help to keep rain and moisture out. The durable and water-resistant polyguard fabric used in it’s construction is designed to last for many adventures to come, ensuring you and your dog’s comfort on the go. It packs up with ease into the included carry bag, and features storage pockets for stashing gear you need easily accessible. Additionally, the wind-responsive frame with redesigned poles and guy-out triangles is designed for holding up in windy conditions.
This camping tent comes in a blue and grey color design, and is a 4-person size.
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CONS
Choosing the Best Dog Tent for Your Camping Adventure: Buyer’s Guide
Camping with your dog can be a fun and rewarding way to get back into nature, and spend some quality time together. To prepare for an epic dog camping trip, it’s important that you invest in and pack the right gear to keep you and your canine companion safe, comfortable and protected in the outdoors. Along with a list of dog gear you’ll need to pack for a camping adventure, we’ve also created this buyer’s guide to help you understand the important camping tent features. From the tent weight, material and color, to the interior capacity and footprint, we’ve broken it all down into this simple guide to get you adventuring with your dog as soon as possible!
There are several key considerations you’ll need to make when choosing which camping tent is right for an adventure with your dog. Because there are many styles, options and features available on the market, we’ve created the following guide to make your purchase a simple one. Here are the features to consider when choosing the best dog camping tent for your next adventure:
1. Weight
When choosing a tent for camping with your dog, the weight of your tent will affect your ability to transport it, it’s ability to withstand the elements, and the ease of assembly. Because you’ll need to account for the additional weight for your dog's traveling gear, a tent for camping with your dog should be lightweight and easy to carry or assemble. Many camping tents weigh somewhere between 15-40 pounds, and the best choice for you depends entirely upon your needs and the amount of gear you’ll be camping with.
Entry-level camping tents will typically have less features, and be slightly heavier in weight. More advanced camping tents, on the other hand, tend to be lighter in weight and highly portable. Even though these tents typically have added features, the lightweight design is also ideal for campers who need to pack light.
Consider the following when considering the camping tent weight that’s right for you:
- Interior Capacity Needed
- Carrying Bag and Straps
- Additional Gear Weight
2. Interior Capacity
The term sleeping capacity refers to the interior space of the tent, and the amount of people which can comfortably fit inside. Backpacking tents typically vary between 1-4 person tent capacity, while those that offer more interior space are generally used for camping with friends, family, or even for an adventure with your dog. Because you’ll likely want extra room to spread out, plenty of room for your dog to lounge, and room for their added gear, a larger interior capacity size may be better suited for your adventure.
Added interior sleeping space often means a heavier weight, and this should be taken into consideration when choosing the best model for your next camping trip. While many products are designed to be highly lightweight and portable, it’s important to take your gear weight into consideration before choosing the tent that’s right for you.
3. Cost
Deciding which dog camping tent is right for you is a matter of which features you’ll need, and your particular budget. Entry-level camping tents will fall on the lower end of the price scale, and tend to offer minimal features, heavier weight, and less durability. More advanced camping tents will be both more cost-intensive, and more durable. Additionally, these tents will also provide added features, weather protection, longevity and decreased weight.
The cost of the camping tent you choose will likely determine the following:
- Features
- Weight
- Durability
- Weather Protection
- Longevity
4. Weather Protection
Camping tents vary in weather protection, and if you’ll be camping in dry conditions or warmer months it’s less likely to be of concern. However, cold or wet camping conditions require a tent that offers full protection to keep you, your dog, and your gear safe, dry and comfortable inside. Consider the location where you’ll be camping to determine just how much protection you’ll need from the rain, snow, sun, and more.
Additionally, here are some other weather protection features you’ll find with camping tents:
- Rainfly
- Expandable Window Covers
- Inverted Seams
- Waterproof Floors
- Wind-Responsive Frame
- Welding-Inspired Technology for Waterproofing
5. Tent Material
The camping tents that made it into this list are made of either a durable Polyester or Polyguard fabric, designed to be water-resistant and able to withstand the elements. The material you choose should be suited for the environment you’re traveling into, as should the tent construction. For example, wind-responsive frames are made to hold up in heavy wind conditions and are ideal for open terrain camping.
Most camping tents are made of the following materials:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Polyethylene
- Canvas
- Poly-Canvas
Choosing the right tent material for your needs depends entirely upon your preferences, and the environment you’ll be camping in. Synthetic materials, like polyester, have many benefits, which is why these materials are heavily used in camping tent designs. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, durable and don’t require much maintenance. Natural fiber materials like canvas, on the other hand, are preferred by some campers for their benefits while exploring the great outdoors. While these materials do absorb water and tend to be much heavier, they’re better for insulating than their synthetic competitors.
6. Privacy Features
Many camping tents are designed with added privacy features such as:
- Separate Room
- Privacy Screen
- Screened Room
- Ventilated Annex
These features are designed to add convenience, privacy and comfort for users while you’re exploring the outdoors. There are many benefits to having these areas, specifically while camping with your dog, because it offers a separate space for your pup to lounge that’s insect-free, safe and comfortable. A screened room that’s separated by a mesh door, for example, is a perfect place for your dog to rest while you take a nap or cook lunch that keeps them contained, comfortable and enjoying the view. This will also give you space if you need time to yourself, or if your dog prefers a quiet nap alone.
Other privacy features, like a ventilated annex, offer added interior space for your dog, without separating the areas entirely. To determine which camping tent design is right for you, consider how you and your dog will lounge while using the tent.
7. Tent Color
While the color of your camping tent may not seem like a top priority, some environments are better suited to a certain color palette. Material colors like brown, tan and green are great for blending into natural environments, like wooded areas, prairies, grasslands, mountains and more. Bright colors like blue, red and yellow, on the other hand, are ideal for safety and high visibility. These colors are ideal in emergency situations when your gear can mean the difference between being seen by rescue or not.
Choose a tent color that’s appropriate for the environment you’re traveling to, and one that suits your individual preferences.
8. Tent Construction
The construction of your tent will determine its ability to withstand elements like the wind, and it’s ability to keep you and your dog comfortable for many adventures to come. The construction of the tent is an essential point to consider when choosing which camping tent is right for you. For example, the number of poles needed to keep it standing will speak to how bulky the tent is to transport and pack. While a lighter pole load is typically easier to set up and carry, these designs are often not as sturdy in the long run. Tent setup with more poles tends to provide more stability, but also add bulk and weight while you’re on the go.
To help you choose which tent is right, consider the environment you’ll be camping in, the weather conditions there, and the stability you’ll need from your tent’s frame. For high-wind areas, you’ll likely want to choose a tent construction that comes with plenty of support poles. For low-wind areas, a lightweight or freestanding tent without stakes may work just fine.
9. Footprint
A camping tent footprint is a piece of protective material that acts as a moisture and protective barrier between you and the ground. The footprint is used for both comfort and safety, and most tents today feature a waterproof barrier that’s ideal for a variety of environments. This extra level of padding adds insulation beneath your tent, and protects you and your dog from rough terrain.
A camping tent footprint provides the following benefits:
- Layer of Insulation on Rough Terrain
- Added Layer of Protection
- Waterproof Layer in Wet Conditions
- Keeps Insects Out
Additional Dog Camping Essentials
Camping with your dog can be a fun, exciting and adventurous way to explore the natural world together. Getting up close and personal to nature with your best four-legged friend is simple when you go into your travels prepared. You’ll need to pack gear to keep your dog comfortable, safe, identified, hydrated, protected, and well fed.
Quality dog camping gear on the market today is designed to be highly portable, durable and able to withstand the elements. It should be lightweight and water-resistant, while providing an essential function during your camping endeavours. Many of these products understand your need to pack light, while also providing your dog what she needs, and many serve a multifunction purpose. For example, many dog water bottles feature a dual purpose bottle and serving dish in one. To ensure you choose quality, safe and durable gear to last you and your dog for many adventures to come, choose highly rated and reviewed products used by other outdoor enthusiasts.
Along with a durable, weather-resistant and spacious tent to share with your dog, here are some other dog gear essentials you may need to pack for your adventure:
- Dog Water Bottle
- Dog Bed or Sleeping Pad
- Waterproof Dog Collar
- Microfiber Dog Towels
- Dog Carrier Backpack
- Hiking Harness for Dogs
- Dog Food Travel Container
- Outdoor Dog Leash
- Dog Packs for Hiking
- Dog GPS Collar
- Life Jacket for Small Dogs
- Dog Beach Shoes
- Dog Waste Bags
- Dog Cooling Pad
- Waterproof and large size: Waterproof dog mat is made of Oxford cloth, water resistant for almost all weather, water or rain drops can be easily wiped off the mat instantly Do not recommend leave the water on the mat for long time. This pad is 43 inch *26 inch, large size for medium and large dogs
- Outdoor and indoor use: perfect outdoor dog bed, suitable as a camping mat, sleeping mat for pets, traveling car mat; also perfert as an indoor dog mat, suitable for crate mat, kennel mat.
- Durable and washable: mat is durable with refined stitching, scratch resistant and claw resistant, but not recommended for aggressive chewers; mat is washable, machine washed with gentle circle or hand washed
- Packable and portable: dog bed is packable, a carry bag is in the package, mat can be easily folded and slid into the bag; bag is portable, roll up the mat, convenient for travel, camping and other outdoor activities
- Easy to clean: front side is Oxford material, easy to clean, stains can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best camping tents for an adventure with your dog, you’ve come to the right place! Choosing the right tent for your next adventure is simple using this guide to the 5 best options on the market today. We’ve gathered these reviews and buyer’s guide to help you get one step closer to your, and your dog’s, next adventure into the great out-dogs! Here you’ll find everything you need to know about camping tents for you and your dog, and the features to look for when choosing the best one for you.
Here at Seaside Planet we’re both dog and adventure enthusiasts, and our goal is to get you and your dog exploring safely and comfortably as soon as possible. Has this guide helped you to choose the right camping tent for you and your dog? Join the Seaside Planet Community and share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Megan Jones leads the editorial staff of Seaside Planet. They are a multidisciplinary team of outdoor adventurers, water sports lovers, and passionate beach goers. You can learn more about Meg and the rest of the editorial team here.
