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Dogs are natural outdoor adventurers, so if you are a dog owner and a lover of the outdoors, you will love camping with your pup. A good tent is a key feature of any successful camping trip, and that’s why we created this guide to the best tents for camping with dogs. This guide includes reviews of the top-rated dog-friendly tents plus a buyer’s guide to help you pick the perfect tent for you and your canine companion.
Quick Picks: Top 3 Dog-Friendly Tents (read ahead for the guide and individual reviews)
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Coleman Sundome: For a small family or solo camper who wants a simple, no-frills tent, the Coleman Sundome is an ideal option. It comes in sizes for 2, 3, 4, and 6 people. It’s also weatherproof and well-ventilated, so it will keep you and your pups dry and comfortable.
- Coleman WeatherMaster Tent with Screen Room: If you have a large family or simply want a more spacious tent, then the Coleman WeatherMaster is for you. It’s available as a 6-person or a 10-person tent, so it’s great for families with multiple dogs.
- Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent: Wenzel is another highly-rated, affordable tent brand. The Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent has two rooms, so your dogs can have their own room!
Buyer’s Guide for Dog-Friendly Tents
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right tent for camping with your dog. You will want to consider things such as what kind of weather you will be camping in most often and how many people and dogs you will be sharing the tent with.
Size
When shopping for a tent, you will notice that every tent lists the maximum number of people that it sleeps. However, this number can be misleading. When a tent says its made for two people, that doesn’t include space for dogs, clothes, and any gear you will want to keep in your tent such as water and lanterns.
For example, I have two large dogs and the three of us can fit in a 2-person tent, but its snug. I prefer a 4-person tent so that we can spread out, and I can keep my clothes and gear in the tent with me at night.
Don’t rely on the listed number of people the tent sleeps when choosing the right size for you. Instead, look at the dimensions of the tent, and think about what you will want to have in your tent with you. If you want to use a standard queen-size air mattress in your tent, you will want a tent that sleeps at least four people.
Layout
The layout of a tent includes where the door and windows are located. If you don’t want your dogs to see out the windows because they will bark more, consider a tent with high windows. If seeing outside makes your dogs more comfortable, look for a tent with low windows.
Many larger tents have two doors. A tent with two doors is really convenient when you will be sharing the tent with other humans. You can get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night without disturbing your tentmate. Or, you can use the second door as a doggy door!
Larger tents also often have two rooms. Sometimes the second room is a screened-in area with or without a floor to protect you from bugs. Sometimes the main area of the tent can be divided into two rooms using a removable divider. Tents with two rooms are great if you prefer to keep your dogs out of your sleeping area. If you do choose to have the dogs sleep in a separate room, you will want to ensure that they cannot get out of the tent while you are sleeping.
Weather
Most tents are 3-season tents. This means they are good for spring, summer, and fall. If you plan to camp in places with snow, you will want a 4-season tent. Camping in snow with dogs is not recommended unless your dogs already have snow experience.
The main weather factors to consider when purchasing a tent are precipitation and wind. Your dog wants to stay dry just as much as you do, so a waterproof tent is essential. Look for one with inverted seams. For windy areas, look for a tent with a sturdy frame and strong guy lines.
If you will be camping in cold weather often, a smaller tent is better than a larger one because it will retain more heat. For warmer weather, larger tents with good ventilation are best.
Ventilation
The windows and doors play a big role in how well ventilated a tent will be. The more mesh windows and the larger they are, the more ventilated the tent usually is. Tents with large screen walls provide excellent ventilation for camping on hot, summer days.
Some tents have ceilings made of mesh which helps with air circulation and doubles as windows to stargaze from the comfort of your tent. Many larger tents also have a vent located on the bottom of the back wall for increased airflow.
Weight and Packability
If you are planning to take your tent backpacking or to walk-in campgrounds, the packed weight of the tent is very important. Ultralight tents are best for backpacking, but they are quite expensive and may not be sturdy enough for trips with dogs. The key is to find the right balance of price, weight, and durability.
The packed size of the tent is also an essential factor to consider when backpacking. The tent should be as compact as possible. You may also want to consider how easy it is to repack the tent. We all know how frustrating it is when something won’t fit in its container. Check out user reviews for tents to see how easy it is to pack them up after each use.
Key Features
There are two more important features that most tents have.
- Pockets for storing small objects: There should be numerous storage pockets around the tent. I have found that there is no such thing as too many pockets in a tent. This is especially true when you have dogs because you can store stuff away from them.
- E-ports for electrical wires: These small openings in the tent wall allow you to use wired devices inside the tent. If you are at a campsite with an electrical outlet, all you have to do is plug in an extension cord and bring it into your tent through the e-port. The e-ports are designed so that wires can go through but not bugs.
FAQs About Tents for Camping with Dogs
Should My Dog Sleep in My Tent With Me?
For safety reasons, it’s vital that your dog sleeps in a tent when you are camping. Your dog may sleep outside in your yard at home, but at a campground, they may encounter wild animals if left outside. Keep your dog in your tent or in its own dog tent. There are small tents made specifically for dogs; however, if your dog has separation anxiety or is an escape artist, a separate tent may not be a good idea.
Can My Dog Get Out of the Tent While I’m Sleeping?
If your tent is properly set up and the doors are completely closed, your dog should not be able to escape. That being said, you know your dog best. If your dog has proven to be a talented escape artist, you may want to tether them safely while in the tent.
Will My Dog Damage the Tent?
A good quality tent is produced using strong materials that are made to withstand the natural elements, so most dogs cannot damage it. However, it is possible for a rambunctious dog to damage the tent by biting or scratching it. To avoid this, you can bring a small carrier for your dog to sleep in inside the tent.
Can I Leave My Dog in the Tent Unsupervised?
You should never leave a dog unsupervised in a tent. They may damage the tent, get out of the tent, or hurt themselves in the process. Also, remember that during the day, it can get extremely hot if your tent is in the sun. Dogs should never be in the tent during the day without you in there as well to monitor the temperature.
The Best Tents for Camping With Dogs – Individual Ratings
Coleman Sundome
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When it comes to quality, affordable tents, the Coleman brand stands out above the rest. Coleman makes a variety of tents with many different features that are great for camping with dogs. Their tents are extensively tested and made to last. I’ve been using the same Coleman tent for 12 years.
So, it’s no surprise that the overall best dog-friendly tent is the Coleman Sundome. It’s a traditional one-room dome tent that’s great for new and experienced campers. It’s one of the most popular tents on the market, and there are lots of reasons why. One of the most impressive aspects of this tent is its low price point making it affordable for most families.
The Sundome has large windows for air circulation which is important because dogs can get overheated easily. The rainfly offers privacy and includes an awning over the door. The 4 and 6-person Sundomes have enough space for a queen air mattress and a dog bed. If you want to be able to stand up in the tent, the 6-person Sundome has a center height of six feet. Check out the chart below for the dimensions of each size Sundome.
| Capacity | Interior space dimensions | Center height | Packed weight |
| 2 people | 7 by 5 feet | 4 feet | 7.2 pounds |
| 3 people | 7 by 7 feet | 4 feet 4 inches | 8 pounds |
| 4 people | 9 by 7 feet | 4 feet 11 inches | 9.7 pounds |
| 6 people | 10 by 10 feet | 6 feet | 16.6 pounds |
Pros:
- Sturdy and tested to withstand winds up to 35 miles per hour
- Easy to set up in less than ten minutes
- Two colors options: green or navy
- Very affordable compared to other popular tents on the market
Cons:
- Not waterproof in heavy rain
- Only one room
Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a step up from the Sundome, check out the Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent. It has a removable room divider to create two rooms within the tent. There are two doors, so when the room divider is up, each room has its own door. This is really ideal for dog owners who want a separate room for their dogs. The dogs can enter and exit through their own door while you keep your sleeping area clean and free of dog hair.
The tent also has a screen room on the side. The screen room is floorless, so it is not recommended for you to leave your dogs unsupervised in this area of the tent. They can easily slip out under the screen wall. However, this room is great for hanging out in a bug-free space with lots of airflow on warm days. At 9 by 6 feet, it’s big enough to put a table and chairs in. You can eat inside the screen room while your dog lounges on the ground. This is especially helpful when camping in rainy weather.
This tent is really spacious. The main indoor area is 11 by 9 feet with a center height of 6 feet 10 inches. This means that everyone will be able to easily stand up in this tent, and it’s large enough for two queen air mattresses. Coleman’s WeatherMaster tent really delivers a glamping experience. Note that the 10-person WeatherMaster does not have a separate screen room, but otherwise offers the same features as the 6-person version.
Pros:
- Hinged front door for easy entry and exit
- Trademarked weatherproof design with inverted floor seams
- Tent goes through Coleman’s rigorous quality testing
- Expandable carrying case for easy packing
Cons:
- High windows which limits air circulation to your sleeping bags
- Water may pool on the roof during heavy rain
- Weighs 32 pounds when packed
Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The lesser-known brand Wenzel also makes some great dog-friendly tents for both casual and avid campers. The Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent is an excellent option for large families with big dogs. It has two fully enclosed rooms. The front room has large, wall-sized windows that can all be completely zipped up for privacy and warmth. Both rooms are large enough to fit a queen-sized air mattress. You can also use the front room as the dogs’ room.
The wall into the back room can be pinned back for better airflow. There is a large vent on the bottom at the back of the tent for hi-low air circulation. This is great to help keep your dogs cool and comfortable when they are sleeping on the tent floor.
The ceiling is made of mesh which not only helps keep the tent cool but also gives you great views of the stars. A rainfly can be added to keep the tent dry and warm. At 6.5 feet tall, the tent is comfortable for most people to stand up in. These features make this cabin-style tent great for those who want to camp in comfort with their dogs.
Pros:
- Two fully enclosed rooms with mesh ceilings
- Designed for maximum air circulation
- Best tent for camping with large families and dogs
Cons:
- Some users have reported leaking when it rains
- Weights 27 pounds making it too heavy for backpacking
Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another highly rated tent from Coleman, the Red Canyon Tent sleeps up to eight people. And you can rest assured that your tent underwent Coleman’s extensive quality tests.
While this tent doesn’t have a screen room, it comes with removable dividers that allow you to create up to three separate rooms. The total indoor space is 17 by 10 feet with a center height of 6 feet. The size and design of this tent makes it great for people who like to spread out and relax in the privacy of their tent. It has enough space for two queen air mattresses and a dog bed!
Pros:
- Create up to three rooms with removable dividers
- Three colors options: black, blue, and red
- Good value for a large tent
Cons:
- No screen room
- Does not have a lot of ventilation so it can get very hot inside
Kelty Salida Camping And Backpacking Tent
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For backpacking with dogs, one of the most important factors to consider is the weight of the tent. You will probably prefer a smaller tent that’s compact and easy to carry. The Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent is the best option for backpacking with dogs. It’s lightweight but still sturdy enough that your dogs won’t damage it.
The Kelty Salida is a no-frills, one-room dome tent. It comes in three sizes for 1, 2, or 4 people. Backpacking tents are much smaller than camping tents, so you will want to carefully consider the size of your dog when choosing which tent size to purchase. If you have a small dog, it can fit in the 1 and 2 person tents, but for large dogs, you will need the 4-person Kelty Salida which means carrying a heavier tent. The 4-person tent weighs seven pounds, but this weight can be split between two people.
Pros:
- Top-rated tent for backpacking with dogs
- Rainfly includes a large vestibule which can provide shade for your dog
Cons:
- 1 and 2-person tents are too small for large dogs
- Tends to retain heat and moisture on warm days and nights
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent offers impressive features while maintaining a light pack weight and low price point. The tent has two doors, so your dog can have its own door and side of the tent. It’s 7.5 by 5 feet giving you enough space for two people and a medium or large dog. It has a total packed weight of 5 pounds 12 ounces, so two people backpacking with this tent will each be carrying less than 3 pounds of tent weight.
When the rainfly is on, the tent has two vestibules. These porch-like areas are great for giving your dogs a dry, shady place to lounge on rainy or sunny days. These areas are also great for storing gear. The two vestibules are positioned at the two doors of the tent.
Pros:
- Two doors and two vestibules
- Lots of storage pockets inside
- Large mesh windows for maximum ventilation
Cons:
- Only comes in one size
- Some users have reported that the zippers break after light use
Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent with Screen Room, 6-Person
Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch is designed for easy setup. The poles are color-coded and pre-attached, and the whole setup process takes about seven minutes on average. Keep in mind that the first time you set up a new tent, it will take longer than usual. You will get faster at it the more you practice!
In addition to the quick set up, this tent stands out for its uniquely designed screen room. The main room of the tent is a traditional dome style, but the screen room is more cabin style. The front doors of the screen can be pinned up making a front porch for your tent.
Because the screen room is fully enclosed, you can feel comfortable leaving your dogs in it at night. However, this room may get too cold on chilly nights, and it is not waterproof, so it should only be used as a separate dog room on warm, dry nights.
Pros:
- Set up takes about seven minutes
- Includes fully enclosed screen room
Cons:
- Rainfly does not fully cover screen room so this room can’t be used on rainy days
- Not ideal for cold weather
Conclusion
The best tent for the average camper with dogs is the Coleman Sundome. With Coleman, you know you are getting a quality tent at a fair price. The tent comes in four sizes, so you can choose the one that works best for your family and pets. When camping with a large dog or multiple dogs, tents that are spacious and include a separate screen room are ideal.
Keep in mind that there are lots of specific factors that go into choosing the right dog-friendly tent for you. The most important things to consider are the number of people and dogs who will be using the tent and the weather you will be camping in. Considering these factors when searching for highly rated tents will help ensure you have a great camping trip with your dogs!
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