Finding the right suv tent for camping can be hard when so many choices fill the market. Most SUV tents attach to your car trunk and turn your vehicle into part of your camping space.

This guide will help you pick the perfect tent based on size, weather rating, and how it fits your car. Read on to make your next outdoor trip more fun!

Key Takeaways

• SUV tents come in three main types: tailgate tents for quick setup, rooftop tents for off-ground camping, and standalone tents for more space.
• The best family tent is the Napier Backroadz, which fits 6-8 people and takes about 20 minutes to set up.
• Look for tents with 190T polyester and 3000mm waterproofing to stay dry during rainy camping trips.
• Most good SUV tents have mesh screens to keep bugs out while letting fresh air flow through.
• Always dry your tent fully before storing it to prevent mold and damage to the fabric.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing an SUV Tent

Picking the right SUV tent means looking at key details that match your camping style. Your tent choice can make or break your outdoor trip, from rainy nights to hot summer days.

Size and Capacity for Individuals or Groups

SUV tents come in many sizes to fit your camping crew. Family tents hold 2 to 10 people, while backpacking options work for 1 to 6 campers. We took our KingCamp Square tent on our last trip, and it slept all seven of us with room for our gear! The North East Harbor model is another roomy choice that fits 6-8 people easily.

Your family size matters most when picking a tent. A couple might need just enough space for sleeping bags and an air mattress, but parents with kids need extra room for bedding and play space.

My kids loved having their own “room” in our big tent last summer – it saved us from hearing “he’s touching me!” all night long.

Weather Resistance and Waterproofing

Rain can ruin a camping trip fast if your tent leaks. Good SUV tents have strong water protection to keep you dry. The best ones use 190T polyester with a 3000mm PU coating. This means water beads up and rolls off instead of soaking through.

My family learned this lesson the hard way last summer when our cheap tent left us in puddles during a storm.

Look for tents with sealed seams and rain flaps over zippers too. These small details make a big difference when clouds roll in. The KingCamp model stands out with its 3-season design and 3000mm waterproof rating.

This level of protection works for most camping trips except in very harsh weather. Mesh panels help air flow while keeping bugs out, so you don’t feel stuffy on humid nights.

Ease of Setup and Portability

No one wants to spend hours setting up a tent after a long drive. The Hasika Tailgate Shade Awning Tent takes just 5 minutes to set up, perfect for tired parents with cranky kids. Most SUV tents come with simple poles and clear steps that even first-time campers can handle.

Look for tents with color-coded parts or snap-in connections to make the job faster.

Your tent should be light enough to carry from your car to the campsite. The North East Harbor Universal SUV Camping Tent weighs only 19 pounds, making it easy to move. Tents that fold into small bags save space in your already packed SUV.

Some camper van owners prefer the Rightline Gear SUV Tent because you can detach it from your vehicle when you need to drive somewhere. Now let’s check out the different types of SUV tents you can buy for your next camping trip.

Compatibility with Different SUV Models

After setting up your tent, you need to make sure it fits your car. Not all SUV tents work with every car model. The size of your vehicle matters a lot when picking a tent. Small tents like the Hasika Tailgate Shade fit cars and small SUVs.

Larger options work better with full-size SUVs and vans.

Check if the tent connects to your car’s back door or roof rails. Some SUV tents have straps that wrap around your car’s frame. Others clip onto your roof rack. The Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp offers many ways to attach to different cars.

Always look at the maker’s list of cars that work with their tent before you buy.

Types of SUV Tents Available

SUV tents come in three main types that fit different camping needs and car models – from quick-setup tailgate options to fancy rooftop models that keep you off the ground, and roomy standalone tents that give you extra space to stretch out during your outdoor trips.

Tailgate Tents: Best for Quick Setup and Versatility

Tailgate tents attach right to the back of your car, making them perfect for quick trips. Our family loves how fast they set up – the Hasika model takes just 5 minutes! These tents open from your SUV’s rear door to create more space without taking up extra ground.

You can keep food and gear in your car while still having room to sleep.

These tents work great for parents with kids who need fast shelter at sports games or beach days. Most models fit many car types and pack down small for easy travel. The best part? You can leave the tent up while driving your SUV to get supplies, which saved us during a rainy camping trip last summer.

For camping gear that works as hard as you do, tailgate tents give you the most bang for your buck.

Rooftop Tents: Ideal for Elevated Camping

Rooftop tents give your family a fun way to camp above the ground. These hard top or soft top shelters mount right on your SUV roof, keeping you away from bugs and wet ground. Your kids will love sleeping up high while you enjoy better views of nature all around.

Most models pop up in minutes, so you can focus on making memories instead of fighting with tent poles.

Many parents pick rooftop tents for safer camping trips. You won’t need to worry about critters or water getting in during rainy nights. The built-in foam pads feel much better than sleeping on bumpy ground.

Plus, you can park your off-road truck almost anywhere and have an instant bedroom ready to go – no need to search for the perfect flat spot to pitch a tent!

Standalone SUV Tents: Great for Extended Space

Standalone SUV tents give you the best of both worlds. They connect to your car but also work on their own. I love how these tents let my family spread out during our trips. The kids get their own space while my wife and I can sleep in the SUV or tent.

Most models fit 6-8 people, just like the Napier Backroadz and Rightline Gear tents. You can set them up next to your SUV and use the car for extra storage.

These tents are perfect for longer camping trips where you need more room. My family used one last summer, and we had plenty of space for our gear. The tent stayed up while we took the SUV to explore nearby trails.

The best part? You don’t need to take down your whole camp just to drive to the store! Many water-resistant options keep you dry even in bad weather. For the best mix of space and value, these standalone tents can’t be beat.

Top-Rated SUV Tents for Camping

We tested dozens of SUV tents to find the best options for your next camping trip. Our top picks include models perfect for families, solo trips, and everything in between.

Best for Families: Napier Backroadz SUV Tent

Families need space, and the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent delivers big time! This roomy tent fits 6-8 people when you count the SUV trunk space. My kids loved the “secret cave” feeling of crawling through our SUV into the tent area during our last camping trip.

The tent measures 10 feet wide by 10 feet long, giving everyone plenty of room to spread out sleeping bags or air mattresses. I found the water resistant coating kept us dry even during a surprise rain shower at Lake Powell last summer.

The setup takes about 20 minutes with two adults working together – much faster than most campervan add-ons we’ve tried. The mesh screens let fresh air in while keeping bugs out, which was perfect for our night under the stars.

Unlike some off-road truck tents, this one has good insulation that keeps the inside cozy even when temps drop. You can even fit a small memory foam pad inside for extra comfort! The best part? You don’t need fancy freight to haul it – it packs down small enough to fit in your trunk with all your other gear.

Most Versatile: Rightline Gear SUV Tent

Rightline Gear SUV Tent stands out as the top pick for families who need options. This tent hooks up to your car but also works on its own when you want to drive away. The glow-in-the-dark zippers make it easy to get in and out at night without a flashlight.

Mesh windows keep bugs out while letting fresh air flow through the tent space.

Families love how this tent fits 6-8 people when connected to the SUV trunk. You can set it up fast, even after a long day of off-road driving. The tent stays dry in rain and holds up well in wind.

Many campers pair this with hammock camping for the perfect outdoor setup. Next, let’s look at the best choice for solo travelers who need less space.

Best for Solo Campers: Hasika Tailgate Shade Awning Tent

The Hasika Tailgate Tent stands out for solo campers who want quick setup and basic shelter. I tried this tent last summer and loved how it took me just 5 minutes to set up – perfect after a long drive! This tent fits small SUVs nicely and earned a solid 4.5/5 rating from users.

My favorite part was the shade awning that kept me cool during hot days while I read books at my campsite. The simple design makes it easy to pack up and store in tight spaces.

Many off-road truck owners pick this tent for day trips because it doesn’t need a lot of space. The mesh screens let fresh air in but keep bugs out – a must-have feature I wish I’d had on my first camping trips.

Next, let’s look at some key items that can make your SUV tent camping even better.

Important Accessories to Enhance Your SUV Tent Experience

The right gear makes your SUV tent feel like a real home away from home. A few smart add-ons can turn a good camping trip into a great one – think cozy floor mats, handy storage pockets, and solar lights for those late-night trips to the bathroom.

Rainfly Covers for Added Protection

Rainfly covers are must-have tent accessories for your SUV camping trips. These special covers fit over your tent to keep rain and morning dew from soaking through. I once went camping without a rainfly and woke up in a puddle after a surprise storm! Now I never pack my SUV tent without this key piece.

Most good rainflies extend past the tent edges to direct water away from doors and windows.

Good rainfly covers use strong waterproof materials that still let air flow. This stops that sticky, humid feeling inside your tent during rainy days. Many modern covers for SUV tents come with extra stakes and cords to stay put in windy weather.

Your family will thank you when they stay dry all night while rain drums on the rainfly above!

Mesh Screens for Bug-Free Ventilation

Bugs can ruin a perfect camping trip faster than rain. Mesh screens in SUV tents keep those pesky bugs out while letting fresh air flow through your space. The Rightline Gear SUV Tent comes with great mesh windows that work like magic for families who hate being eaten alive during their outdoor trips.

These screens act like shields against mosquitoes, flies, and other tiny pests that want to join your camping party.

Most good SUV tents now include these mesh parts as a must-have feature. They work best on warm nights when you need air but don’t want unwanted guests. Your kids will thank you for picking a tent with strong mesh that keeps the creepy crawlies outside where they belong.

Next, let’s look at how storage bags make your camping life easier.

Storage Bags for Easy Transport

Good storage bags make your SUV tent trips much easier. Most tent makers include carry sacks with their products. These bags protect your tent from dirt and damage while you travel.

The KingCamp SUV tent packs down to just 28 x 13 inches in its storage bag – small enough to fit in any trunk space! Look for bags with strong handles and zippers that won’t break.

Some fancy bags even have wheels for rolling instead of carrying.

Families will love storage bags with extra pockets for tent stakes and poles. This keeps small parts from getting lost. A well-made bag also helps your tent last longer by keeping it clean and dry between trips.

Many off-road truck owners choose bags with tough, water-proof bottoms that can sit on damp ground while you set up camp. Your kids can even help carry lighter parts if the bag has multiple sections!

Tips for Maintaining and Storing Your SUV Tent

Your SUV tent will last many years if you take good care of it. These simple tips will help keep your camping shelter in top shape for all your off-road trips.

1. Clean your tent after each use – shake out dirt, wipe down surfaces with mild soap and water, and let it dry fully before packing away.
2. Check for tears or damage right after your camping trip – small fixes now prevent bigger problems later.
3. Store your tent in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to stop fabric fading and weakening.
4. Never pack your tent while it’s wet – this causes mold and bad smells that ruin the material.
5. Park on flat ground with your emergency brake on when setting up your tent to avoid stress on the attachment points.
6. Turn off all interior SUV lights during camping to save your car battery for the trip home.
7. Spray waterproofing on your tent once per year to keep rain out during wet weather camping.
8. Use a soft brush to clean zippers and then add zipper lubricant to keep them working smoothly.
9. Roll your tent instead of folding it to avoid creating permanent crease lines in the fabric.
10. Keep tent poles in their own bag to stop them from poking holes in your tent material during storage.

Conclusion

Finding the right SUV tent makes all the difference for your camping trips. We looked at size, weather protection, and how easy tents set up with your vehicle. From tailgate models to rooftop options, each type serves different needs.

The best choice depends on your group size, camping style, and budget. With proper care, your SUV tent will last through many outdoor adventures. Now grab your gear and hit the road – amazing camping experiences await with your perfect SUV tent!

FAQs

1. What makes a good SUV tent for camping?

A good SUV tent connects to your car and gives you extra space. It should be easy to set up and take down. Look for one that fits your off-road trucks or SUV model perfectly.

2. How do I attach an SUV tent to my vehicle?

Most SUV tents attach to your car’s rear with straps or sleeves. You simply secure it around your open trunk door. Some fancy models for off-road trucks have special connectors that make setup a breeze.

3. Can I use my SUV tent in bad weather?

Yes! Quality SUV tents have waterproof floors and rain-resistant tops. Many tents made for off-road adventures include strong poles that won’t bend in wind. Just check the weather rating before you buy.

4. How much should I spend on a good SUV tent?

Prices range from $100 for basic models to $500 for fancy ones with rooms and screen porches. The sweet spot is usually around $200-300 for a tent that won’t fall apart after one camping trip. Off-road truck owners might want to invest more for extra durability.