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10 Best Dog Tents for Camping in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Kristin Hitchcock

By Kristin Hitchcock

two dogs in tent

There is nothing more fun than sharing a camping trip with your furry friend. However, bringing your dog camping does make everything just a bit more complicated. You have to consider your own needs and your dog’s needs. Often, this means bringing a lot of extra equipment that you wouldn’t typically need.

You’ll also need a tent that can accommodate you and your dog. However, simply purchasing a bigger tent isn’t usually the best option. You need to ensure that the tent can withstand your dog’s nails, as well.

Below, we’ve listed 10 of our favorite tents for camping with dogs. Hopefully, this list provides you with plenty of options.

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A Quick Glance at Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent
  • Sets up quickly
  • Plenty big enough
  • Completely enclosed
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
  • Multi-room design
  • Plenty of ventilation
  • Extremely waterproof
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent
  • Very big
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to set up
  • Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent
  • Lightweight
  • Designed for backpacking
  • Lots of internal storage pockets
  • Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent
  • Very large
  • Very waterproof
  • Significant screened-in area
  • The 10 Best Tents for Camping with Dogs

    1. Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent – Best Overall

     

    Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent

    Accommodation: 6–8 people

    Out of all the tents we reviewed, the Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent is easily the best overall tent for camping with dogs. It’s plenty large enough for a couple of people and a dog, especially if you purchase the larger size. It’s large enough to fit two queen-sized mattresses inside. It’s also made from polyester, which is waterproof and durable.

    Welded corners and inverted seams prevent water from leaking through, and the rainfly offers even more protection. The odds of getting wet inside this tent are extremely low. It only takes about 15 minutes to set this tent up. When you’re struggling with a dog and popping up a tent, being able to get it up quickly is vital. Because the tent is fully screened, it also keeps bugs out.

    A carry bag is included for easy storage, though many reviewers found it difficult to get the tent back into the bag after getting it out. However, as you might expect, this is pretty normal.

    Pros
    • Polyester for durability
    • Plenty big enough
    • Sets up quickly
    • Completely enclosed
    Cons
    • Hard to get into the storage bag

    2. Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent – Best Value

    Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent

    Accommodation: 9-person

    The Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent is plenty big enough for most dogs while being less expensive than other options. It provides a multi-room floor plan, so you can stay in one area, and your dog can stay in the other. For those with children, this floor plan can be extremely useful, as well.

    The tent body is attached to poles already, and these lock into place relatively quickly. Therefore, setup is only a few minutes, allowing you to start enjoying your trip sooner.

    We also liked that the tent is extremely waterproof. The full rainfly provides plenty of protection, and the sealed seams help resist rain. There are lots of air intake vents, too, and these can be closed or opened as necessary. Don’t forget to open enough to allow hot air to escape, as this can lead to condensation. There are also lots of storage pockets on the inside of the tent. This allows you to store items along the wall instead of just on the floor.

    For all these reasons, we consider this tent to be the best tent for camping with dogs for the money.

    Pros
    • Multi-room design
    • Pops up in only a few minutes
    • Extremely waterproof
    • Plenty of ventilation
    Cons
    • May be larger than some people need

    3. Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent – Premium Choice

    Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent

    Accommodation: 6-person

    The Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent is extremely large and made to accommodate six people. It also works well for dogs because of its larger size. There are several entrances, including a screened-in area that many dogs will absolutely love. You can fit two queen-sized mattresses inside.

    It’s easy to set up, as well. It takes about 20 minutes once you understand the instructions. The hinged door makes getting in and out easy, especially for smaller dogs. Angled windows allow you to keep the tent’s windows open without risking rain coming in.

    With the WeatherTec system, this camping tent is extremely waterproof. It provides welded floors and inverted seams to keep water out of the tent. The rainfly adds an extra layer of protection, too.

    Pros
    • Easy to set up
    • Waterproof
    • Very big
    • Screened-in area
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent

    Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent

    Accommodation: 3-person

    The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent is designed for backpacking. Therefore, we highly recommend it for those that like to backpack with their canine. It’s very lightweight, though that does add to its price. You’re getting what you pay for, as an ultra lightweight tent that can withstand a dog is very difficult to get right. There are several sizes available, but we do recommend going with the three-person tent at the very least.

    This tent is extremely comfortable. It has a comfortable covered area and a vestibule that expands to increase the living space. The double zippers provide multiple access options. It’s great for minimizing wind-driven rain or preventing snow from entering the living area.

    There is a large ceiling pocket that provides plenty of off-the-floor storage. A media pocket makes a handy place to store your phone, and there are tons of other internal loops, as well.

    In the end, this tent is simply very good. However, you’re going to pay a bit extra for all the premium accommodations.

    Pros
    • Lots of internal storage pockets
    • Lightweight
    • Designed for backpacking
    • Plenty big enough for one person and a dog
    Cons
    • Very expensive
    • Not as big as other options

    5. Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent

    Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent

    Accommodation: 8-person

    The Wenzel Klondike 8-Person Tent is extremely large despite not being that expensive. Much of the space is screened-in, though, making it more like a patio than a living space. It does provide plenty of headroom and over 60 square feet of room, though. It’s perfectly sized for larger dogs, who will probably make very good use of the screened-in area. The full mesh roof and two mesh windows help improve circulation while keeping the bugs out. This helps prevent significant condensation.

    We particularly like the fabric, which is extremely waterproof. It’s double-stitched and has extra protection over the seams to prevent water leakage. All the materials, including the zippers and webbing, are treated to help prevent water from leaking in.

    Pros
    • Very large
    • Significant screened-in area
    • Plenty of windows for ventilation
    • Very waterproof
    Cons
    • Not much private space
    • Not as high-quality as other options

    6. Coleman Elite Montana Camping Tent

    Coleman Elite Montana Camping Tent

    Accommodation: 8-person

    The Coleman Elite Montana Camping Tent is very similar to our top pick. However, there are a few add-ons. For instance, this tent features lights, which can be extremely useful in some situations. This tent holds eight people easily, which makes it perfectly suitable for dogs of all sizes. It also features a lot of headroom—up to 6’ 2”.

    This tent sets up extremely quickly. After you understand how to set it up, it only takes about 15 minutes to get it ready to relax. The hinged door provides easy entry and works very well for dogs. The rainfly outside also provides plenty of extra coverage.

    While this tent is wonderful, it is also expensive. Plus, the large size may be more than many people need. What you’re paying for isn’t exactly essential, either.

    Pros
    • Very waterproof
    • Large enough for several people and/or dogs
    • Lots of headroom
    • Quick setup
    Cons
    • Expensive

    7. Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent

    Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent

    Accommodation: 2-person

    If you have smaller dogs, you probably don’t need a huge tent. Luckily, the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent is a suitable option for smaller dogs and a single person. It’s a smaller tent, which also makes it cheaper. Plus, it’s pretty lightweight due to its smaller size.

    It features two doors and two vestibules, providing you with plenty of exit options. It’s a free-standing tent with three poles and is designed to be suitable for three seasons. It’s designed to be set up extremely quickly, though it may take longer than some of the other tents on this list.

    It has a brow pole for increased headroom, which is a huge plus in our opinion. The mesh is extremely tight and designed to keep practically all bugs out. The floor seams are tapered, preventing water leakage.

    Simply put, this is just a great tent. However, it is smaller than others and isn’t suitable for families or larger dogs.

    Pros
    • Two doors and two vestibules
    • Added headroom for comfort
    • Waterproofed well
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Smaller than most
    • Expensive for the size

    8. Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent

    Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent

    Accommodation: 6-person
     

    We really like the Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent, despite it appearing lower on this list. It features durable, Polyguard fabric and a significantly strong frame that is made to last. It has enough room to accommodate six people, which makes it plenty big enough for dogs, too. It features an extra screened-in space for lounging that many dogs will absolutely love.

    The WeatherTec system works extremely well for keeping the rain out. It can help keep the interior dry and comfortable. However, we did find the ventilation system to be wanting on this tent. It just doesn’t work as well as it could. Therefore, you may find yourself getting wet despite no rain entering.

    You can easily use this dome tent to accommodate queen-sized beds. Sadly, though, it isn’t as large as other options. It assumes that you have people sleeping in the front area, too.

    Pros
    • Very waterproof
    • Strong fabric and frame
    • Extra screened-in space for lounging
    • Large enough to accommodate many dogs
    Cons
    • Size assumes people are sleeping in the screened-in portion
    • Not much ventilation

    9. Coleman Camping Tent with Instant Setup

    Coleman Camping Tent with Instant Setup

    Accommodation: Varies

    The Coleman Camping Tent with Instant Setup is a great option for those who don’t want to spend long setting up their tent. It’s made to pop up with very little effort on your part, making it one of the fastest tents to set up. There are several sizing options available. However, we recommend the six-person size for those with dogs. This should be large enough for most individuals with canines.

    The integrated rainfly helps improve ventilation while keeping the inside of the tent dry. It also features welded corners and inverted seams to keep water from getting in. The double-thick fabric is very durable and stands up to the elements with ease.

    This tent only seems to work on flat ground, though. Depending on where you live, this may not even be possible. The tent does not have any “give” to it due to its instant pop-up design. The door also doesn’t close all the way, sadly. This allows pests to get in, but it also makes bugs attracted to the hole.

    Pros
    • Integrated rainfly
    • Big enough for most dogs
    • Setup requires minimal effort
    Cons
    • Only works on flat ground
    • Door doesn’t close all the way

    10. CORE 11-Person Family Cabin Tent with Screen Room

    CORE 11-Person Family Cabin Tent with Screen Room

    Accommodation: 11-person

    We highly recommend the CORE 11-Person Family Cabin Tent with Screen Room if you need a really big tent. It has a very spacious interior, which is its main selling point. You can stand up and move around in it with ease, which isn’t something that can be said about other tents.

    The tent is covered in a water-repellent coating. It features a full rainfly and sealed seams to help keep water out. The ventilation system is completely adjustable using the air intake vents. You can close and open them as you need.

    The screened-in portion makes an extra sitting area where your dog will probably spend most of its time. The screened-in portion is highly recommended for those with outside-loving dogs, as it provides an area for them to be outside and contained.

    Pros
    • Water-repellent coating
    • Large size
    • Adjustable ventilation
    Cons
    • Too large for most
    • Expensive

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Tent for Camping

    Purchasing a tent for camping with your dog is a lot like choosing a regular tent. You need to consider how big the tent is, whether it provides adequate ventilation, and how easy it is to get out of.

    However, there are some unique features that you need to consider, too. For instance, a dog’s nails can easily penetrate through the bottom of most tents.

    Below, we’ll take a look at all the features you should keep in mind when choosing the best tent for camping with your dog.

    Size

    You need a tent that is large enough for you, your dog, and all your stuff. Dogs take up more room than a person of the same size, as they tend to move around a lot more. If you have many dogs, they’ll probably need room to get away from each other, too.

    You’ll likely need at least a three-person tent for you and a dog. However, that size can quickly increase as you add more dogs to the picture.

    Durability

    Look for a tent made from sturdy and durable materials that can withstand the activities of your dogs. Reinforced seams, strong zippers, and a durable floor are essential to prevent damage.

    Dogs tend to do a lot more damage to a tent than your average person. Therefore, durability is even more important in this case than it may usually be.

    girl hug resting dog together in campsite
    Image Credit: A_B_C, Shutterstock

    Ventilation

    Dogs generate body heat, so it’s crucial to choose a tent with proper ventilation to prevent condensation and keep the interior cool. Mesh panels and windows with zippered covers can provide good airflow while keeping insects out.

    Easy Entry

    The entrance of the tent should be appropriate for your dog. Not all tent entrances are low enough for small dogs, for instance. While it is impossible to know how your dog will do with an entrance until you try it out, you can read reviews like ours to see how other dogs adapted to them.

    Floor Protection

    Dogs may have sharp nails that can puncture the tent floor. Consider using a footprint or a durable tarp underneath the tent to provide an extra layer of protection against wear and tear.

    Sadly, most tent bottoms just aren’t suitable for dogs’ nails. Be sure to trim your dog’s nails before you hit the woods to reduce the chance of tearing, but you should also accept that there is a likelihood that it will happen.

    girl having fun with dog in forest
    Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock

    Weight

    If you plan to hike or backpack with your dogs, choose a tent that is lightweight and easy to pack. Look for compact designs and consider the tent’s packed size and weight before making a decision. If you’re pulling your car up to a stop and getting out, this is less of an issue, as you don’t have to carry the tent very far.

    Waterproofing

    Everyone needs a tent that is waterproof. However, when you have a dog relying on you, staying dry is even more important. You may be able to put up with being wet, but do you want to deal with a wet dog, too?

    Check that the tent has a waterproof rainfly and a bathtub-style floor that can keep you and your dogs dry in wet weather conditions. Tents with a higher hydrostatic rating offer better water resistance.

    Noise Reduction

    Dogs may be more sensitive to noises outside, as they have much better hearing than us. Therefore, you may want to consider a tent with sound-dampening materials to reduce the amount of noise that reaches your dog. Unusual noise may make your dog anxious and can prompt barking.

    male hiker with siberian husky dog
    Image Credit: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock

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    Conclusion

    For the average camper, we recommend the Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent. This tent is large enough to accommodate most campers and their dog, on top of being more affordable than most options. Plus, it is very durable and has quality ventilation, helping prevent you and your dog from being miserable.

    However, tents can be expensive, so we understand wanting to save a bit of money. The Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent is cheaper than most similarly-sized tents, making it a great budget option for those just getting into camping.

    There are also eight other tents mentioned above, so just about everyone should be able to find something for themselves and their canine.


    Featured Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock

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