There’s nothing more exciting than camping outdoors. But then again, you still need to bring the right gear for your comfort. The last thing you want is to wake up with a sore back after a night of camping, or wet and cold as the ice because of bad weather. There are of course many camping essentials that anyone would need for SUV camping. But the best SUV tents for camping are always very essential.
After all, this is the place you’ll be sleeping and as such, it needs to be as accommodative and as comfortable as it can be.
SUV Tent Reviews
One thing that makes SUV tents so popular is the convenience that they offer.
Think of it as camping in a normal tent only that SUV tents are right there in your car and ready for use anytime. Despite this, finding a good quality SUV tent isn’t always an easy thing.
Even though there are many brands out there, getting through all these options on your own can be hard. But no need to worry.
We did some research for you and came up with a list of some of the best SUV tents for camping out there.
1. Napier Backroadz SUV Tent
The Napier Backroadz is built for a crowd. First, the tent has a sleeping capacity of five and offers headroom of up to 7 feet.
You also get several storage options for added practicality. For instance, a lantern holder is included plus several pockets to hold the rest of your camping gear.
The tent is also fitted with a universal sleeve that allows you to fit it into any SUV. The Napier Backroadz is a properly ventilated tent thanks to its three large mesh windows.
If you’re looking for an SUV tent that delivers plenty of space, sturdy design, and immense value for money, then you won’t find a better option than this one.
2. Rightline Gear-110907 SUV Tent
The Rightline Gear-110907 is a highly flexible and durable tent that will easily accommodate four people. Although it’s not one of the largest SUV camping tents out there, it still has plenty to offer, including outstanding protection from the rain.
In fact, the tent has a waterproof rating of 2000mm, making it the perfect choice for wet conditions. The tent is also fitted with a bathtub base that will keep you safe from puddles, mud, and even flooding.
It also tightly fits into your car, ensuring that you’re safe from the harsh weather outside. Besides, the seams are all sealed with waterproof tape to keep you and all the gear inside the tent dry.
The Rightline Gear-110907 is simply built to keep you safe from the rain and it’s easy to set up as well. But in case you experience any leaks during your camping expedition, you can take advantage of the 1-year warranty offered by the manufacturer. It’s simply one of the best options for an avid SUV tent camper.
3. Napier Family-Tents Sportz SUV Tent
The Napier Family-Tents Sportz is also another expansive tent that works great for families. The tent can accommodate five people.
One of the biggest challenges you get with SUV camping is finding some personal space. But with a large tent like this one, you can be sure this won’t be a problem.
The Napier Family-Tents Sportz is also loaded with an array of other features too. For instance, the tent comes with two distinct partitions, something that will easily grant you privacy from the rest of the family during camping. You also get outstanding versatility simply because you can use the Napier Family-Tents Sportz as a standalone tent and as an SUV tent as well.
There’s also plenty of room for your gear plus you also get a durable and sturdy design that will last for ages. The only downside with the tent is the fact that it can be a bit pricey for some people. But that’s what you should expect from the best SUV tent out there.
4. Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent
So, in order to do SUV camping, you would need a large SUV. After all, most SUV tents are actually made for larger cars. But as we all know, there are also some of us who have small hatchbacks and SUV crossovers. Well, no need to worry because the Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent is made for just that.
The tent fits perfectly to smaller vehicles and gives you the chance to enjoy the outdoors regardless of how big or small your car is. Besides, this tent also has some amazing goodies. To start with, it’s supported by two shock-corded fiberglass poles and pole sleeves for impeccable strength.
The tent also offers a high-quality polyester taffeta for that extra bit of durability and protection from the elements. However, even though the Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent is suited for smaller cars, the tent is quite spacious.
It measures 8.5 x 8.5 feet and you get headroom of up to 6.5 feet, almost the same as the other bigger SUV tents in the market. Most SUV tent reviews we have seen put this tent at the very top and it should be worth your consideration.
5. Napier Sportz Cove SUV Tailgate Shade Awning Tent
The Napier Sportz Cove 61500 isn’t a tent per se but it’s still an integral product that should offer excellent accommodation for an SUV camper.
The tent is actually the perfect choice for people who would prefer to sleep in their cars with the rear hatch open. It gives you an additional protective layer just in case it rains.
That’s why the tent comes with a very durable and weather-resistant design thanks to its polyester taffeta. It also features a mesh screen door, neatly fitted with storm flaps to keep pesky bugs and the rain away.
The Napier Sportz Cove 61500 is incredibly versatile too. Since it offers very good shade, you can even use it on the beach to protect yourself from the sun. If you’re looking for a practical and affordable tent to supplement your SUV, then this is the best option to choose.
6. KingCamp Melfi Plus SUV Car Tent
The KingCamp Melfi Plus distinguishes itself from the rest of the tents in its category based on three main factors.
It’s massive, highly durable, and above all, very convenient to use. If you’re looking for a four-man tent that offers plenty of headroom, then you won’t find a better option than this one.
The tent also comes with a high waterproof rating of up to 3,000mm, making it a great choice for wet areas. But despite its expansive and large built, the KingCamp Melfi Plus is actually very light. It weighs around 36 pounds, making it a great portable option for anyone.
For a tent that measures 15.5 x 9.5 feet and stands up to 7.5 feet tall, that’s surely very light. All these features simply make the tent one of the best tents attached to an SUV and it will offer you great value for money.
7. Hasika Store Versatility Teardrop Awning
This tent from Hasika Store gets into our list for its simplicity and practicality. Say, for example, you’re looking for a tent that you can use in the backyard during a hot summer or just something to give you plenty of shelter on the beach. There won’t be a better option than this one.
The Hasika tent offers additional features as well. The unit offers up to 76 square feet of shade, a feature that ensures you get plenty of accommodation for a large family picnic with tables and chairs included.
The tent also comes with strong supporting poles and a durable polyester canopy that should keep you and your family safe from the rain and of course the tormenting sun.
The Hasika Store is also super easy to install. Although it comes with a very basic minimalist design, it’s still one of the best SUV tents for backpacking.
8. Smittybilt Overlander XL Roof Top Tent
As you know, most SUV tents are connected to the rear of the car. But the Smittybilt Overlander XL is different since it’s installed above the roof of your SUV. In essence, this design keeps you up high over the ground, something that has its perks.
For instance, you can be sure snakes and other creepy crawlers won’t get anywhere near you. And in case there’s flooding in the camping area, you can also be sure that you will be protected. But in addition to this amazing practicality, the tent also offers more features.
First, it’s constructed from heavy-duty polyurethane, a top-quality fabric that’s not only weather-resistant, but one that will actually last for a long time. You also get sturdy frame poles, each constructed from aluminum.
This is the kind of tent that you can use for years in all weather conditions and it will still hold out. And just for your comfort, you also get a 60mm high-density mattress that can support 3 or 4 adults.
How to Pick the Best SUV Tents for Camping
As you can clearly see from the list above, there are just too many SUV tents for camping. But depending on your needs, not all these tents will work for you.
So, it helps to be aware of some of the factors to keep in mind as you begin your search.
Material
Before you find SUV tents for sale, you need to look at the material they are made of. However, a huge portion of tents today are made from three main materials. They include polyester, canvas, and nylon. All these materials are very durable and weather-resistant as well.
But each also offers some unique perks on its own. For example, a nylon tent is relatively stretchy and lightweight. However, it’s not nearly as durable as say a canvas tent.
And besides, nylon isn’t UV resistant. Speaking of canvas, this material is very breathable and durable too. But canvas is heavy and you’ll have a lot of issues carrying it around with you.
Polyester is the best balance between the two. It’s very durable and weather-resistant but also very light as well. But, polyester isn’t as stretchy as nylon so it can tear easily.
Type
Although SUV tents are designed to attach to an SUV, they aren’t the same. There’s a great variety of tents, each with its own unique design.
For example, you’ll find hatchback tents that obviously attach to the SUV’s hatch. This allows you to use both the trunk of your car and the tent as a space, something that gives you plenty of room.
You will also find rooftop tents that are attached to the car’s roof. These ones are designed to keep you safely above ground in case there’s flooding. It’s important to know your options and pick whatever works best for you.
Season
Remember, the primary purpose of a tent is to protect you from harsh weather.
In that case, you’ll need to pick something that’s rated well for the weather conditions you anticipate in your campsite. Season ratings range from 1 to 5.
However, it’s very rare to find tents with a rating of 1, 2, or 5. Most are either 3 or 4. In case you-re planning to camp during harsh weather, then a tent rated 4 will be ideal for this.
Those of you who would prefer camping in the summer when the weather isn’t too bad can pick a tent rated 3.
Size
Size is after all one of the most defining factors of any tent. This is because, while some people camp alone, others may prefer to bring the family or a few friends.
Since you must provide enough room for everyone to sleep, picking a tent that resonates with the people you’re bringing camping is important. For example, large five-man tents are superbly suited for large crowds.
Some tents even feature a partition that divides the tent into separate rooms, something that offers you that extra bit of privacy. However, although size is important, it’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to SUV tent camping.
As much as you want to pick a tent that will accommodate the rest of your party, you must make sure it’s compatible with your SUV and durable enough to keep you safe from the elements.
Waterproof
Remember you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors during camping so getting a tent that can keep you dry is vital.
In case you anticipate camping in wet areas, pick a tent with a seasonal rating of 4. These are literally waterproof. You can also waterproof your tent as well before going out in the woods.
Cost
Finally, you may also need to consider the price as you shop for the best SUV tents for camping. However, don’t just buy the cheapest tent available.
Look for something that offers an incredible variety of great features at a good price. That way, you get so much value for money.
Benefits of SUV Tents for Sale
SUV tents can offer some amazing benefits that you wouldn’t get with normal standalone tents.
- These tents offer added weather protection for you and your gear.
- You can use the tents to maximize your accommodation area by hooking them up to the rear of your car.
- SUV tents are also made to offer more weather resistance and durability compared to traditional standalone tents.
- The tents are also very versatile. Although they work best with an SUV, they can also be pitched without a car and still work great.
Conclusion
Finding the right SUV tent for your camping shouldn’t be that hard. There are many great tents to choose from.
However, in case you simply want outstanding quality, then the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is highly recommended. The tent offers excellent ventilation and comes with a sturdy construction as well.
It can accommodate between 3 and 4 people plus you get a lot of internal space for your gear and camping supplies. And since it’s one of the most budget-friendly tents out there, it will deliver great value for money.