7 Best Tents for Camping with Dogs | Get Them Right Now

Nothing refreshes the mind and reconnects one to nature like a camping trip. In the great outdoors are untold treasures, waiting to be discovered by the curious mind.

If you own a dog, then you know there’s none more curious than her! Leaving her out of your camping trip is inconceivable. Not only will she prove to be a courageous companion, but a soft and cuddly one too.

However, in order to have the best experience camping with your dog, you’ll obviously need to find the best tent for camping with dogs. And finding one that suits your needs can be difficult.

Not to worry! Below we’ve reviewed the best tents and provided a comprehensive buying guide. Let’s get started!

Best Tents For Camping with Dogs Reviews

With no further ado, let’s jump into our reviews of the tents most suited to camping with your dog in. We have kept not only your furry friend but also you in mind while making these picks, so we’re sure you’ll find something you’ll like!

1. Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room

Strong and Dependable Construction

If you frequently go camping in less than ideal weather conditions, then you’re definitely going to appreciate everything this tent has to offer. Constructed from premium quality polyester, this tent is equipped with a robust frame that easily keeps out rain and wind.

Spacious and Comfortable

Measuring 15×12 feet with a height of 6 feet, this is a tent that is meant for large camping parties. Needless to say, both you and your pup will have lots of space to lounge and lay in, as will up to 5-6 companions. Furthermore, you will be able to enjoy comfortable air circulation thanks to the tent’s window awnings.

Fail-safe Waterproof Construction

What makes this tent our favorite out of all those we have researched is undoubtedly its waterproof construction. With a combination of protected, inverted seams, welded corners, and weather-resistant zipper cuff, this tent will keep you and your furry companion perfectly safe. Yes, even the floors are waterproof, so don’t worry!

Pros

• The screen room makes a perfect sleeping spot for your furry friend
• Weatherproof construction with a strong frame and durable polyester body
• Inverted seams, weatherproof zipper, and waterproof floors for a comfortable camping experience
• Included mesh storage pockets allow you to store necessities with ease

Cons

• The poles might be liable to breaking under pressure

Bottomline: Without a doubt, this Coleman dog tent is one of the best polyester tents we have found for you and your fur baby. Durably constructed and made to contend with harsh weather, its mesh screen room is a perfect spot for your companion, as well.

Related: Top 8 Waterproof Tent For Camping

2. Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent

Traditional Design with Puppy Space

This backpacking tent from Kelty is one of our favorites in terms of size and design. With a maximum occupancy of 4 people, this tent is ideal if you and up to 2 other human companions are looking to bring your pup along with you on your camping trip. For those of you with smaller dogs, too, this tent will be a hit; you can easily assign the vestibule to your dog!

Bug-proof Construction with Sturdy Frame

This zippered, free-standing tent is one of the most efficient in terms of keeping out bugs and other outdoor annoyances. Plus, with all of its seams taped, this tent can also be expected to keep out unpleasant weather.

Straightforward and Swift Set-Up

We don’t know about you, but we think the process of setting up the tent might be one of the most tedious parts of camping. With that in mind, Kelty has made this tent super easy to set up and get ready for your nightly stay. Plus, it’s super lightweight, so collapsing and carrying it back home is also a walk in the park!

Pros

• Super lightweight and portable despite the sturdy build
• Made from strong polyester and lightweight polyester
• The attached vestibule is a perfect resting spot for your dog
• Fully seam taped to keep out unpleasant weather

Cons

• The tent lacks a proper ventilation system

Bottomline: If you came to this article searching for the best backpacking tent for two plus dog, we dare say you’ve probably found it. Well-constructed, easy to set up, and conveniently designed, this is a reliable tent. However, if you’re thinking of camping in a humid climate, you might find the tent’s ventilation system lacking.

3. Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping

Spacious and Comfortable

This tent from Coleman is the ideal choice for those of you who love to camp in big groups. The interior of this tent measures 16 feet by 7 feet, while its ceiling is 6 feet away from the floor. As you can imagine, this all translates to ample space for both human and canine occupants!

Weatherproof Build and Secure Design

The rainfly is not the only impressive weatherproof feature of this tent; equipped with Coleman’s WeatherTec system, it comes with welded floors, inverted seams, and angled windows, which you can leave open even during the wind. Rain or shine, you and your pup are going to have a wonderful time!

Quick and Effortless Set-Up

One of the best things about Coleman tents is, in our experience, the ease with which they can be set up. The continuous pole sleeves, together with Coleman’s patented pin-and-ring system, allow for an easy set-up with no chance of annoying snags.

Pros

• The hinged door allows for easy entry and exit from the tent
• Mesh storage pockets allow you to keep your essentials close at hand
• Rainfly allows you to enjoy the wind even in the rain
• Available in 3 appealing colors: green, black and blue

Cons

• Prone to leaking if not set up properly

Bottomline: For big camping groups— whether it’s made up of humans or canines— we can’t imagine a better tent, particularly for camping in rough weather. And, if a tent with a dog door is what you were looking for, this Coleman offering will suit your needs nicely.

4. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent

Perfect for Solo Camping

If you love to experience the outdoors on your own but hate the thought of leaving your pup behind, then this tent from ALPS will certainly appeal to you. With a base size of 5″ x 7’6″, this tent is made to fit up to 2 human occupants. Yes, it’s the ideal solution for a solo camper and their dog!

Easy to Set Up

One of the best things about this tent is undoubtedly the ease of use that it offers. Your purchase will include zippers, gear loft, storage pockets, and guy ropes, which you will be able to use to set up your tent within as low as 15 minutes. The best part is that this tent weighs only 5 pounds, so it’s super portable as well!

Dual Entry/Exit Points and Vestibules

If you have an especially active dog, then you will undoubtedly appreciate the double doors on this tent, which will allow both you and pup to come and go easily. Furthermore, the two vestibules will also allow you two to enjoy the sounds and sights of nature in peace.

Pros

• Double doors give ample entry/exit space for you and your dog
• Available in three attractive color combinations (clay/rust, blue/gray, and blue/green)
• Designed to enhance ventilation for your comfort
• Numerous storage options for all your essentials
• Durably built extra-large zippers to make your life easier

Cons

• Poles might be prone to breaking or bending

Bottomline: With its sturdy polyester construction, aluminum poles, and UV-resistant rainfly, this is a tent that can take a beating. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can take your pup camping even when it’s raining! Also, thanks to the two vestibules, you’re not limited to just bringing your pup–why not invite a friend?

5. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup

Ample Space for Pups and Humans

One of the absolute best things about Coleman tents is their spaciousness. With an interior measuring 10 feet by 9 feet and a height of 6 feet, this is a tent that will easily house both you and your canine companion(s).

Comfortable and Homely

In our eyes, proper ventilation and insulation are must-haves for any good tent. With its integrated rainfly, this tent will allow you to enjoy any type of weather with a lungful of fresh air. What’s more, the tent is capable of blocking out at least 90% of sunlight during the daytime, giving you a much-needed respite from the heat.

Patented WeatherTec Protection

One of the things Coleman is known best for is their WeatherTec weatherproofing technology. Made up of tub-like floors, covered seams, and welded corners, the tent is able to effectively keep out wind and rain. When it’s time for a rainy-day camping trip with your pup, it doesn’t make sense not to choose Coleman, to be honest.

Pros

• Available in 4-, 6- or 10-person variations
• Waterproof construction with inverted seams and welded corners
• Takes only 60 seconds to set up for your convenience
• The intuitive design prevents 90% of sunlight from entering the tent
• Able to fit up to 2 air beds of queen size

Cons

• Some users report that the waterproof system is defective

Bottomline: When it comes to camping at large parties, an 8-person Coleman tent can’t possibly let you down. With such roomy interiors, you can even bring along multiple canine camping companions! And, thanks to the WeatherTec system and sturdy build, you can depend entirely upon this tent to keep you and your pup(s) safe.

6. Coleman Steel Creek Fast-Pitch Dome Tent

Ideal for Large Camping Parties

As is the case with all other Coleman tents that we have reviewed today, this one is also super spacious, with 10 feet by 9 feet floor. But that’s just the start! Included with this tent are two screen rooms, which you can not only use to house your pet but additional campers as well.

Durable Construction with Robust Frame

Equipped with a highly durable body made from Polyguard fabric, this is a tent that you might even be able to pass down through generations. What’s more, the frame of the tent is made from aluminum, which only adds to its strength!

WeatherTec System Keeps You Dry

We believe that a comfortable camping experience is a dry one. And it seems Coleman agrees with us if their WeatherTec system is any proof. Complete with welded seams, waterproof floors, and weather-resistant construction, this tent promises to keep you, your friends, and your pups perfectly dry!

Pros

• WeatherTec system keeps you dry, warm, and comfortable
• Weather-resistant Polyguard fabric construction with sturdy aluminum frame
• Multiple integrated storage pockets keep your things close at hand
• Color-coded poles allow for an easy and quick set-up

Cons

• Some users report the screened compartment is not waterproof

Bottomline: Although the users of this tent aren’t the biggest fans of its screened room, the rest of the tent leaves very little not to like. With a signature sturdy Coleman construction, spacious design, and convenient functionality features, this tent will suit you and your companions just perfectly, be they canine or human!

7. Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent

Perfect for A Couple and their Dog

Looking for tents suitable for dogs, particularly in the market for backpacking tents, can be a difficult task. But this Mountainsmith Morrison tent is here to fix all of those issues, thanks to its spacious two-person accommodation and added dual vestibules where your fur baby can curl up in peace.

Strong Yet Light Free-Standing Design

From the looks of it, you would never be able to tell just how hardy this little tent is. With a tough polyester body and a robust frame, this tent must be set up with a clip-pole attachment that enhances breathability. The fly windows only enhance the ventilation system!

Designed for Convenience

Not only is this tent super easy to set up and take down, but it’s also bound make your life easier when you’re using it, as well. Its two-door design allows you and your human/canine companions to enter and exit with ease, while the mesh storage pockets and gear loft allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.

Pros

• Lightweight polyester construction with a sturdy frame
• Spacious 34 sq ft floor with 17 sq ft vestibule for your dog
• Includes removable gear loft and mesh storage pockets for your convenience
• Tension lock cord adjustment enhances set-up convenience

Cons

• The tent’s zippers are not very durably built

Bottomline: If you’re thinking of a day out in the wilderness with no one but your fur baby as a company, then this Mountainsmith tent will act as the perfect traveling companion for you. We love how it’s built and its design with the vestibules. However, we would advise against going for this one if you have a particularly excitable pup or one who is prone to scratching/tearing when anxious.

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Best Tents for Camping with Dogs Buying Guide

Out of all the dog camping gear you can buy, it’s the tent that must be prioritized. Without the right tent, much can go wrong. So, remember to keep the following factors in mind before you choose a tent.

Size

As you can imagine, a tent that will accommodate a dog, as well as human occupants, must, understandably, be spacious. But it’s not enough to just pick a tent that seems big enough. You need to account for the size of your furry friend as well!

Usually, it’s good to account for the space required by one other person when considering the tent capacity required; this rule applies to medium-sized dog breeds that are less than 70 pounds, such as Dalmatians, Terriers, and Spaniels. If your dog will be joining you and one other camper, you would need a tent that can comfortably house at least 3-4 people.

On the other hand, if your pup is a large baby, the likes of Greyhounds, Huskies, Retrievers, or Border Collies, then you should account for extra space required by two human occupants. Remember, dogs love to sprawl and stretch just as much as they love curling up. That little extra bit of space—even if you think you can do without it—can make all the difference in ensuring the comfort of your pup.

Vestibule

An alternative to buying a larger tent that some dog owners prefer is to buy one with a vestibule. A vestibule, in case you are unacquainted with its existence, is a screened, auxiliary room attached to the main tent body. The vestibule can usually be accessed quite easily, which makes it a good spot for your fur baby to sleep when the camping day is done.

Tents with vestibules will suit you well if you want to avoid cleaning the extra dirt and mud that your dog is (most certainly) going to track into the tent. Plus, keeping an eye on her won’t be difficult given that most vestibules come with a see-through mesh partition.

All that said, vestibules are not recommended for dogs who are easily given to separation anxiety. Especially if you’re going to a new campsite that is unfamiliar to your dog, she might get spooked easily while sleeping separately from you. And an anxious dog can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you want to keep your tent intact. More on that below.

Construction Material

Under regular circumstances, it’s typically a good idea to only invest in sturdily made tents. If you’re a backpacker or if you like to travel light, then you’ll have to pass up the ruggedness for a more lightweight and portable tent. However, this is not recommended at all when camping with your dog.

Why? Because most dogs have a tendency to start scratching and biting when they are faced with heavy anxiety.

We’re sure you have a relaxing and calming camping trip planned, but you can never know what might or will go wrong. Accordingly, buying a tent made of thin or cheap materials—one that your dog can easily damage—in the hope of saving a few extra bucks is not really a good idea.

Here are your options when it comes to tent construction material.

Canvas

Easily the most popular material for tents, the canvas is highly durable, provides reliable insulation, and will guard against your pup’s nails and teeth. Canvas is also ideal if you’re going to be camping in harsh weather conditions. One drawback of the canvas, other than its relative expensiveness, is that it’s not very lightweight.

Nylon

Nylon-made tents are ideal if you’re looking for something lightweight and portable. A PVC coating usually helps to keep nylon tents from the impact of severe weather conditions. However, unless you have a very well-behaved dog which you’re absolutely sure won’t start gnawing or clawing at the tent, we would suggest skipping nylon.

Polyester

Polyester is a great in-between option if neither canvas nor nylon appeals to you. It’s as tough and sturdy as a canvas but much lighter, like a nylon tent. If you’re going to be camping in very hot or very cold weather, though, you might want to skip polyester as it lacks somewhat in breathability and good insulative properties.

Design

Entering and exiting a tent can sometimes be a bit of a hassle, as you probably already know. Well, it can be much more uncomfortable for your furry friend, who will be sharing your space with you. The solution is usually to go for a tent that has multiple openings. That way, there is more than one entry/exit point that can be used by both human and canine tent occupants.

Final Words

The best tents for camping with dogs are those that are spacious, can put up with potential scratching and biting, and offer functionality features. And remember, even if you’re on a tight budget, you should never skimp out on the quality of the tent.

We hope that you and your furry friend have a capital time in the wilderness!