10 Best Tents for Camping with Dogs

The one who owns a dog knows what an integral part of the dog is in their daily lives. How a dog is not just his best friend, but the person to go to when one wants to be alone. A road trip, a camping journey and you leave your pet behind.

Most dogs love being in the outdoors, they love the thrill and chase of wilderness. Chasing squirrels and birds, roughing it out, running to abandon. It’s all probably their dream come true.

But going on a trail with a dog just like that is not possible. You need to be prepared or you need to leave behind your dog. If such a situation is unpalatable to you, you need to read in the best tents for camping with dogs review. We have tried to cover all that you can need.

The first consideration should be space. When selecting a tent it is not only imperative that there is a lot of space for the dog to be in, but it is also comfortable and cozy. Ventilation is another very big factor for the dogs.

Best Tents for Camping with Dogs Reviews [2020]

Here is the list of best tents for camping with dogs:

1. Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping | Red Canyon Car Camping Tent

This is a complete family tent. This tent has enough room for an 8 person family and their canine member. It doesn’t encroach on privacy and hence has three dividers which give the tent three separate compartments. The setup is fairly simple as the poles are shock-corded making them hassle and stress-free.

For a seasoned camper to set this kind of a tent up would take less than 10 minutes. This is easy to set up. The poles are color-coded with pre-attached poles, making them an easy setup. For times one needs a quick setup, they have an option for instant 1-2-3 setup as well.

This is our choice of best tents for camping with dogs as they have a good space for your pet as well. The ventilation is brilliant which helps reduce the claustrophobia feeling. They have a unique Cool-Air port and Variflo adjustable venting system that always keeps a steady supply of oxygen in the tent.

This Red Canyon car camping tent features a WeatherTec which is a dry keeping technology. It helps keep you dry at all times because of their inverted seams which prevent water getting inside through the needle holes.

It also can withstand high wind velocity because of its guy-out triangles and wind responsive frame and poles. It has a super resistant, weather durable fabric, which provides protection against all weather conditions. They even feature a waterproof floor.

2. Wenzel Great Basin Tent

This tent is a good 10 person tent. The space is large enough for you to accommodate your pet dog and have him stay comfortably. For those who have a huge dog or someone who is energetic and excited, the space in this tent is why these features in our best tents for camping with dogs review.

It is a 16 by 11 feet tent. The inside surface area is 98 square whereby 5 people can stay, there is an additional small room that can either house 2-3 people or have a zipped area that can safely house your dog.

To prevent suffocation or discomfort because of increasing or fluctuating it has mesh windows and adequate ventilation. This is a durable tent that can be carried on for years to come.

The tent is constructed with a material called polyurethane and a weather-resistant polyester. The seams are lap-felled while being stitched twice and having zippers that have been treated chemically to be water repellant.

The double-stacked corners are good protection to the cold winter winds that blow. There are internal walls that separate the cabins and these walls are completely zipped and are screened.

3. Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent

If you are a backpacker and are looking for the best tents for camping with dogs then you have to simply pick Kelty Salida Tent. The compact, 2 fold pole design is by far the easiest to set up and is super compact.

The 360-degree mesh panel is a great boon when you want an outside view and unrestricted air circulation increasing the breathability inside the tent. The tent can accommodate 4 people or 2 people and a large dog well enough.

The wall is made up of 68D polyester, 4D see-through mesh, whereas the floor is 1800mm 60D nylon. Overall it is extremely durable and water-resistant. The floor area is nearly 55 sq meters which are quite decent in a backpacking tent.

The backpack tent is a three-season tent. With the large D sized door, 2 poles, color-coded at that, gear loops, this is a safe and dog-friendly tent.

The tent is extremely lightweight, yet the low weight doesn’t affect its durability or strength. It has a seam-taped construction that prevents water from seeping in. The fabric walls make it very comfortable. It comes with a portable carry bag.

4. Crua Core | 6 Person All Weather Insulated Breathable Family Camping Tent

If you are looking for the best tents for camping with dogs that have just about everything, then you can not move beyond Crua Core. Previously known as Crua Trio, this product is manufactured from a material which is not only breathable but is fire retardant polyester.

This even has a water-resistant outer layer which HH5000 mm, With 16 feet wide, 12 feet long, this has the camping space of 4 tents in 1. Therefore, camping with a dog in this will be super comfortable and the dog will have enough space without inconveniencing anyone.

This is an easily accommodating 6 person tent which is ideal for hiking, fishing, camping and every other activity. The tent completely blocks out the sunlight. Which not only is beneficial in winters when the sun rays are harsh, but also for those who prefer sleeping in.

The space inside is huge. Even if it is claimed to be a 6 person tent, from our experience, 6 people and a dog can comfortably sleep in the area. The best part about it is the insulation. It is a rumor that insulation is only effective when you are camping in harsh cold climates or winters.

Insulation works in all ways. Insulation keeps the heat from the harsh sun also outside, so this would be cooler and more comfortable than other tents in summer. Basically this insulation works as climate control. The tents also thus keep the noise outside. There will be no sound of owls or gushing winds and keep it calm and quiet.

The thickness of the groundsheet has been doubled, this prevents the groundsheet from being punctured. Another important aspect is the conspicuous absence of plastic poles.

This uses all aluminum poles making the durability very high and keeping it in proper shape for ages to come. The high-quality fabric doesn’t wear or tear or get affected by the weather outside. Neither does direct sunlight affect it.

5. Mountainsmith Morrison 2-Person 3-Season Tent

The ones we discussed earlier were too heavy to be just a backpacking tent. This one is lighter than most others and is the best tent for camping with dogs in the wilderness. This is a two-person tent that is not very high on space, so the pet and you have to be snuggling or cuddling.

This is a tent that gives importance to portability. The additional add-on features that are value-added in a car camping tent is absent in this, it is a no-frill design without lights or compartments. It just features a storage area for your gear and a cozy sleeping area for you and your pet.

That being said, this is not a pre-functional plain basic tent. This tent is equipped with two doors that help you enter and exit from either side, the rainfly of the tent is expertly designed in two vestibules, each one near the door.

The Mountainsmith Morrison tent has a bathtub floor construction. This is a design where the bottom material of the tent extends to the side of the walls. This protects the walls of the tent from the claws of the dog and also provides a better and safer area to keep your belongings dry.

The presence of a rainfly provides ventilation windows and is a water-resistant sack. The tent measures a compact 4.5 feet by 7.5 feet with 3.5 feet high in the center. Each vestibule is around 7 square feet.

This is a 3 season tent that has a clip pole attachment for lighter weight. It is extremely easy to set this up.

6. Gazelle 22272 T4 Pop up Portable Camping Hub Tent, 4 Person

A hunt in the wilderness is best with friends. Most of us take our dogs along on our quest. We need a tent which is not just spacious enough for us but also can accommodate our dogs. The Gazelle Pop Up Portable Tent gives you that and more.

This is a hub style tent which is a pop-up tent that sets up in 90 seconds and that too without any hassles. This has an innovative framework which uses all metal and fiberglass poles creatIng a strong structure that can withstand winds and weather.

The weight is so light at 48 pounds, that it is almost like a backpacking tent and can be carried along with you. You can carry it in a 63-inch duffle backpack with the utmost ease.

The zippers in a tent are the one that undergoes the maximum rough use. They are most susceptible to wear and tear. The use of YKK zippers in this tent does away with the trauma of a broken zipper especially when hiking.

This tent is accompanied by a waterproof rainfly. This rainfly has trapped seams The integrated poles while popping up the roof insert the poles in the corner. You can choose to keep it open or close as per your mood. The rugged polyester floor is well secured by a strip of hook and tape. It is easily cleanable by just shaking it.

7. Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent with Screen Room, 6-Person

If you are one of those who prefer to spend your time hiking with nature, rather than setting up the tent or making about the basic necessities or have more than one dog, then the best tent for camping with dogs is Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent.

This is essentially a car tent. But this also a tent which gives you everything that your dog could possibly need in a tent. There is a large screen room which can easily house two large dogs. The mesh walls give the dogs a sense of openness and don’t make them claustrophobic. The mesh also protects against bugs and mosquitoes by acting as a net.

The floor despite not being of highly robust materials, is not much of a concern as the dogs have a separate screen room. Constructed from sturdy Polyguard fabric, this tent is extremely lightweight and sturdy.

It is a tent that can be carried in a backpack by some seasoned hikers and shall last you for decades to come. The protected seams and zippers are using welded technology and prevent rain or water from seeping in.

It is a tent that pitches up really fast and effectively. It doesn’t take any time for the tent to be pitched. The use of color-coded poles with their pole hubs reduce the setup time by 50%. To assure safety, this tent features reflective guylines that save you from tripping when you wake up or move in pitch darkness. It also has a good carrying case.

It is a tent which can easily house around 6 people. At 10 feet by 9 feet in entire size, the screen room is 10 by 5 feet. The weight of 19 pounds for this size is low.

8. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent

Everybody gets the city burnout, when you choose to take some time out and hit the wilderness and you are not in a mood to carry anything remotely heavy or space-consuming, then Alps Mountaineering Lynx is your best tent for camping with dogs.

This is a free-standing easy to pitch and set up tent design. The pioneering brand has been known for its top-notch products and high-quality craftsmanship. It is so easy to pitch up and barely takes any time.

This is a two-person tent which is large enough for you and your pet to sleep in. You won’t need to cuddle your dog to be comfortable. There is a vestibule den for your dog. He can sleep or play with his toy there. As discussed earlier, zippers are the most abused in hiking, the presence of extra large and strong zippers help it be pitched up well.

Made up of 75D polyester, it is sturdy and long-lasting. The presence of mesh walls helps provide ventilation and doesn’t make a dog feel claustrophobic. The tent also has an additional door. The second door can be used as a ventilation design if need be.

The water resistance feature of the polyester construct is well aided by a poly taffeta floor of 2000 mm coating which keeps one dry even during monsoon.

9. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL Classic Backpacking Tent

This is a brand that truly believes in its motto of being motivated by years of sleeping in the dirt. This award-winning design is extremely lightweight, compact enough to be liked and carried by minimalist hikers. This is a tent design featuring vertical walls, a large interior volume, vestibules and two-doors.

The vestibules are a big hit if you are camping with a large dog or two medium-sized dogs. It gives them enough space and keeps them safe. It is designed in a Pressfit pole system with lightweight hubs. The ultralight plastic clips attach itself to the pole to prop up the body. It uses the hub pole design to be spacious and comfortable.

It has 5 interior mesh pockets, 2 media pockets, 8 DAC aluminum J stakes. The gear lofts included are a boon. The vestibule has ample space and ventilation in the vestibule where one can store their belongings while the zipper on the rainfly is low enough to keep rainwater from seeping inside.

This tent has the largest floor space as compared to all other tents. It has two vestibules and two doors with storm flaps where the oversized drop door allows for easy entry.
This is a very spacious, lightweight product.

10. Coleman Evanston Screened Tent

When affordability plays high on your list of requirements, yet you are looking for a camping tent that is spacious and durable as you camp with a dog then the best tent for camping with dogs for you is Coleman Evanston Screened Tent. This is a car camping tent.

The main camp compartment area is then attached to a screened vestibule. Constructed from 75D Polyester Taffeta, it is adequate for weekend camping trips but can not handle the rough terrain.

Evanston Screened Tent product features Coleman brands patented WeatherTec technology, whereby the floor boundaries are welded with the seams being inverted to prevent any water seepage from the rain or the ground. It is easy to pitch the tent and there are claims of it being pitched within 15 mins.

It has screened viewing to help circulate the air and the single door function helps keep your canine safe. The rainfly is like shelter over the window, helping you keep the windows open even when it rains to prevent claustrophobia.

This tent can sleep 6 people along with a large dog comfortably. The compartment measures 10 feet by 9 feet.

What are the prerequisites of a dog-friendly tent?

The mere fact that you are reading this means that your dog matters to you. It is imperative for you that you don’t leave your dog behind when you go out to camp. From our experience with dogs, we tend to believe that a dog will never enter a tent until and unless accompanied by a human. They are frightened of confined places.

In case you plan to spend a lot of time inside the tent, you would need a tent with a larger space because dogs tend to get claustrophobic in two people’s tents. Then again, it may differ from dog to dog.

Therefore what matters the most in a tent for camping with dogs is the sleeping area for the dog. If you have a dog who is easily frightened or tosses and moves while sleeping, you might want one with a compartment.

To explain more, let’s look into the features that a tent for camping with dogs must-have.

Interior space

The size of the tent is a dominating factor when it comes to choosing a tent. How many of you plan to camp together, the size of your dog, the space he requires to sleep, how well do they sleep or not.

The other gear that you carry with you also shall take up space in the tent, so you must account for that as well. The design with which it is constructed. It may have a lot of floor space but the design could be tapered at one end and become narrow, or it could be a hub design with symmetric spaces.

Vestibule

Also understood as the storage area or additional rooms. These are the best to manage an over-energetic dog or a restless sleeping dog. The vestibules are mostly screened which allows your pet to see you, hear you, smell you, but still be apart.

This helps give you both your own space. Some tents have compartments formed on either side due to rainfly and therefore act as the storage area for your and the dogs’ gear.

Ventilation

Airflow is extremely important while camping. Proper ventilation is imperative for the dog and you, especially after a grueling day of the hike. In the case of hot days, you’d need a lot of windows and have tent doors. It is also imperative to have rainfly’s to adjust the ventilation you need.

Seasonality

Which weather you want to camp in plays an important factor. In case you camp in winters or in colder climates, you would need a tent with high insulation to keep you warm at nights and cool during the harsh sun rays. Otherwise, a three-season tent should suffice. Three seasons have more ventilation, whereas all seasons have higher insulation.
Doors

Two doors are a bonus because that way when you keep your gear in, which may include bikes, backpacks amongst others, at night when you or your dog need to go out, you don’t have to jump over gear, or other sleeping people. You can simply use the other door.

Freestanding or non-freestanding

Any tent which is supported by using tent poles are dual walled, have a distinct rainfly and stand without stakes is known as the freestanding tent. They are generally heavy in nature and are preferred by those who go camping in cars. They are also commonly and loosely referred to as car-camping tents.

Non-freestanding tents are generally for those ultralight backpackers, who need to support the tent structure with a tent pole. They are a single-walled design that has a rainfly built in it.

The breed of your dog

If you have a dog who is of a small breed, or puppy, then they tend to fit into any space reserved for humans. For medium to large-sized dogs’, it is important to understand their need for space. A dog with a thicker coat would be more comfortable in a tent with more ventilation. A snuggler dog would prefer his separate area to sleep in.

The time required to assemble the tent

Are you a novice or a seasoned camper? What is your expertise in the setting of a tent? These two questions are very important. As a novice, you might want an easy to set up, without complicated tents. In case you are seasoned, you’d prefer one with more features.

Rugged Materials are important

The claws of a dog are sharp. It is important to understand that the claws may tear or damage the tent. This will reduce the chances of wear or tear and damage, though nothing can guarantee it. Avoid tents which are flimsy and trim your dogs’ nails before a trip.

To invest in a separate tent for the dog or not?

In all honesty, as our experience says, it is pointless, unless and until you know for sure that your dog shall stay alone in a tent. It is an alternative preferred by some who do not want to sleep with their dogs in the tent. Dogs are animals who react to confinement in a negative manner. Therefore it can be an impossible task to get your dog inside a tent alone.

Other alternatives if you don’t want the dog to sleep with you

Sleeping bags

Only and only if your dog has a prior proven lifestyle where he needs something firm and smooth below him to sleep, or if you think your dog wouldn’t be comfortable otherwise, then invest in one. Otherwise, it seems a waste of money. In the event, you choose to buy one, then choose a cave style sleeping bag as it mimics their natural habitat.

Sleeping hammocks

Some people who camp in clear weather conditions also invest in hammocks for pets. They tie it to trees and hoist the dog in it. How comfortable or safe a dog feels in it is up for discussion/

What are the things one should carry when camping with a dog?

GPS Collar

If you think it is hard trying to find your dog when he gets lost in your neighborhood, you can’t imagine how difficult it is to look for them in the wilderness. It is extremely important during camping that you don’t lose track of your canine.

A GPS collar uses the global positioning system to keep a track of your dog and even find him in case you get separated. Choose a model with features that work for you and in your range.

Dog backpack

It is an important gear for those backpackers who like camping with their dog. A canine saddlebag is where you keep all the dog essential items like food and water amongst others in their bag, to prevent additional weight for you to carry. The thumb rule is to make the dog carry a maximum of 20% of the dog weight. Choose something which is breathable, has a lot of compartments and is adjustable to give a good fit.

Canine shoes/booties

When hiking or camping, the paws of a dog gets most affected as the dog is not used to the terrain. In case you hike in winters then paws could become chilled and the dog could fall ill. It also helps keep the tent cleaner. You could remove it in the tent.

Dog’s coats and clothes

Believe it or not, they also play a dominant role. You need to carry a weather-appropriate coat or clothing for your dog. In winters something warm, in summers something which saves their skin from getting wet.

Easy to identify dog ID

Though this is most obvious, it is important that one needs to have a dog id tag which is visible and clear. Preferably you could have one with a microchip implant that has GPS tagging. The tag will enable anyone who finds her to know their detailed history and be able to reunite them with you.

Pre camping flea and bug treatment

You never know when you camp what bugs would your dog encounter with and how would it affect them. A flea-bitten dog can become miserable on the entire camping trip. But not just fleas and ticks, but mosquitoes and heartworms are also a potential danger. You should also carry a dog mosquito or bug repellant along with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a dog tent and a regular tent?

structurally there is not much difference. You can select a regular tent with more room. Ideally though one should select a tent with a vestibule, durable material, space amongst others.

2. Do dogs feel suffocated in a tent?

There are some dogs who don’t prefer being inside a tent. They don’t like being confined, they prefer open spaces. But suffocation is not what they feel in a tent because the tent is well ventilated. It has clear meshes which allow free-flowing air. If you are concerned, you could select one which has a large space.

3. Are the tents comfortable for the dogs in all weather conditions?

Yes, that is if you select the tent carefully. There are numerous options available for each weather condition you prefer to camp in. There are some 3 season tents and some all-season tents too. For winters choose an insulated tent, for summers prefer a 3 season tent.

4. How much time and expertise do you need to set up a tent?

The type of tent you choose and the size of the tent play a very dominant factor in it. If you are a novice you select an easy to pitch tent which pitches as early as 90 seconds. If you are a seasoned one you could choose tents which take 15-20 mins to pitch but are more comfortable and capacious.

5. What do you need to carry for your dog when going camping?

The things which are must-have are a long leash, a short walking leash, freshwater, mosquito and bug repellant, dog blanket, towel and food bowls. Also, carry basic dog SOS medicines.

Conclusion

Dogs are the ones we all need to spend quality time with and nothing bonds better than time in the wilderness together. We tried to give you a collection of the best tents for camping with dogs available.

This is a quest to see your camping plans become easier, stress-free and materialize. It is also important to check the health of the dog, the fitness before you embark on such a trip.

The needs and habits of dogs vary from one to another, it is important to understand your dog. Just prepare carefully and wisely before embarking on a trip so that you come back well-rested and with wonderful memories.