Camping is even better when you can bring your furry friend along, which is why we’re reviewing the best tent for camping with dogs.
Whether you have a massive Tibetan Mastiff or a tiny terrier, these tents will make Fido feel more than welcome. Better yet, these models also offer convenience for cleaning and maintenance, as your pet may bring some unwanted spills and hitchhikers along. Here are our top picks for the best pet friendly tents.
If you’re in a rush, the Coleman Evanston Dome Tent wins our review of the best tents for camping with dogs. It comes in 6 and 8 person models, and features a large screen room at the front for the dog to sleep in.
The best tents for camping with dogs are:
- Coleman Evanston Dome Tent With Screen Room (6/8 Person) – Best Overall Tent
- Coleman WeatherMaster Tent (6/10 Person) – Best for Large Camping Groups
- REI Co-Op Passage 2 Tent With Footprint – Best Budget Model
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent (1/2/3/4 Person) – Best Backpacking Tent for Dogs
- Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent
- Kelty 4/6 Person Rumpus Tent With Large Vestibule
- Coleman Sundome Tent (2/3/4/6 Person)
- ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 Person Tent
- REI Co-Op Quarter Dome 3 Person Tent
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Best Overall Tent | Best for Large Camping Groups | Best Budget Model | Best Backpacking Tent for Dogs | ||||||
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
Rating /5 | |||||||||
Tent Size | 6, 8 Person | 10 Person | 2 Person | 1, 2, 3, 4 Person | 8 Person | 4, 6 Person | 2, 3, 4, 6 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person |
Screen Room | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No - but large awning | No | No | No |
Dog Friendliness | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.0 |
Comfort | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.0 |
Weatherproofing | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Durability | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Value for Money | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
Review | This tent holds up well to the weather and has a screen room for your pooch to sleep or lounge in at night. | If you're bringing the family and multiple dogs, you want extra space to move around. This tent has it and more. | Don't break the bank with this tent. Bring Fido along and save money with this compact and lightweight model. | Backpacking is so much better when you bring your best friend along. This ultralight tent is perfect for the trail and won't weigh you down. | If you want an extra-large screen room for your pup, this tent has plenty of space for everyone. Not ideal for rainy or cold weather, though. | This tent has a large front awning but without a floor. We like the extra outdoor space for your dog to stretch and enjoy the weather. | One of the most popular tents in the world but it can feel a bit cramped, and it's not exactly easy for your dog to get in and out. | This tent is lightweight and works well for summer and spring camping. But, the material may not hold up well to mischievous dogs. | This tent is a bit too expensive for what you get. It works well for people but can feel a bit cramped when you have dogs in tow. |
Best tents for camping with dogs Compared
Coleman Evanston Dome Tent with Screen Room (6/8 Person)
Pros
- Plenty of space for most families
- Extra durable seams and welded corners
- Sets up in 15 minutes
- 10 x 5-foot screen room
- Tall interior
Cons
- In rare cases, the rain fly can leak
- Water can leak in through the screen room
Kicking things off for us is the Evanston Dome Tent from Coleman. Since this model is built to fit between six and eight people, it works well if you have a large dog or multiple pups in tow. As with other Coleman tents, the durability is excellent, thanks to inverted seams and reinforced corners. Overall, this model should hold up to most dog activities.
Since this tent has a separate screen room, you can use it as a dog room if you like. That said, the rain fly doesn’t extend past the door, so if it rains, your pooch can get wet. In that case, you might need to bring your pet inside. The screen room is pretty spacious (more than other models), so your dog should have plenty of room to move around and find the perfect spot.
The interior height of this tent is just under six feet, so most people can stand up inside, making it easier to get comfortable. Finally, you can set it up in about 15 minutes, which is impressive given its size.
Coleman WeatherMaster Tent (6/10 Person)
Pros
- Fits up to three queen-sized beds
- Divide the tent into multiple rooms
- Interior height is 6′ 8″
- Sets up in 20 minutes
- Patented WeatherTec System
- Hinged C-shaped door
Cons
- In hot conditions, the poles can bend
- Waterproofing can be questionable
As a 10-person tent, the WeatherMaster is one of the largest models on this list. So, dog owners will appreciate having more than enough room for themselves, their gear, and their pets. That said, if you’re traveling with a large family and dogs, you should still have plenty of space for everyone.
What we like about this tent is that you can divide it into multiple rooms. So, you can set aside a dog room for your puppies, have a bedroom for yourselves, and then another room for your camping gear. This tent fits up to three queen-sized air mattresses with some room to spare, so you should be good no matter what.
The interior height of this tent is also over six feet, so it should accommodate pretty much everyone. A hinged door on the side makes it easier for children and dogs to get in and out. The reason we didn’t rank this tent higher than the Evanston is that it doesn’t repel rain and condensation as well.
REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent with Footprint
Pros
- Adjustable vents for better airflow
- Lightweight model is less than five pounds
- Extra pockets for added storage
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable rainfly
Cons
- May not work well in hot weather
- Not as durable as other models
When choosing the best tent for camping with your dog, what matters is how many people and how many dogs will be on the trip. Tents like the Passage 2 from REI are perfect for solo travelers with one pet tagging along. Not only is this tent easier to carry and set up, but it is one of the more affordable models on this list. There’s no reason to break the bank just because you want a high-quality camping shelter.
One unique element we like about this tent is that the rain fly rolls back in the front, and it extends well past the tent itself. So, you can store some of your gear outside, and you can have a small awning to relax and enjoy the weather. Then, once it starts raining, you can enclose the entire tent to stay dry at night.
Although this tent is lightweight and offers lots of storage pockets, some users have reported that the poles aren’t as strong as other models. Also, some of the tent fabric may rip relatively easily, so you may have to watch your pooch to ensure it doesn’t destroy your shelter.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent (1/2/3/4 Person)
Pros
- Super light design weighs only two pounds
- Built-in awnings for extra room
- Fast and efficient setup
- Double ripstop nylon
- Overhead ceiling pocket
Cons
- Zippers can break relatively easy
- Can feel a bit cramped
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than backpacking through the wilderness with your favorite animal friend in tow. For those occasions, the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent is a must-have. At just over two pounds, this is an ultralight tent that won’t weigh you down. Even better, you can choose from four different sizes, from one to four people. Depending on the size of your dog, you might want to get a model that can accommodate your pup as if they’re a person (i.e., a two-person tent for you and your dog).
This tent is mainly designed for warmer weather, thanks to its light fabric and rain fly. You can also use the rain fly as an awning, thanks to the built-in stands that come with the tent. You can open both sides during a hot summer day and use the tent as a breezy shelter. Then, as the weather gets colder, you can close it all up and stay nice and cozy with your furry companion.
Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent
Pros
- Extra-large screen room
- Mesh roof vents for better airflow
- Durable fiberglass roof frame
- Tall interior to move around easily
Cons
- Water can get into the screen room
- Some of the mesh windows can feel a bit flimsy
When it comes to dog-friendliness, we tend to prefer tents with a built-in screen room. We like that you can keep your dogs separate from the rest of the tent without having to put them outside on the cold or wet ground. This tent from Wenzel Klondike is an excellent choice because of its massive screen room. This one piece is as big as some of the smaller tents on this list.
One primary reason we didn’t rank this tent higher is that it has a lot of mesh openings. So, if you’re planning on camping in wet weather, your stuff will likely get drenched, especially in the screen room. However, if you’re traveling during the hottest parts of the year, this tent can help you stay cool and breezy inside.
We also like that this tent is so tall inside. Also, thanks to the frame design, you can walk around pretty much to each corner without any issues. This is an excellent tent for families with multiple dogs.
Kelty 4/6 Person Rumpus Tent with Large Vestibule
Pros
- Has over 60 square feet of interior space
- Roomy front area for dogs or outdoor equipment
- Fast and easy setup
- Extra storage inside
Cons
- Front area is not very tall
- In some cases, the top vent can leak water easily
If you don’t get a tent with a separate screen room, one alternative is to have an enclosed awning that offers some protection from the elements. This tent from Kelty is meant to have extra storage space in the front for camping gear and outdoor equipment like bicycles. However, if your pooch is used to sleeping on the ground, this awning can help them stay dry.
This tent is easy to set up and use, and the extended rain fly helps you stay dry during wetter seasons. Even if you keep your dog inside the tent at all times, it’s nice to have a dry patch in front. This way, you don’t get wet as soon as you step outside. The interior is also pretty spacious, although it’s not as tall as other models we’ve seen.
Coleman Sundome Tent (2/3/4/6 Person)
Pros
- Durable polyester material
- Keeps rain and wind out
- Excellent ventilation for warmer weather
- Sets up in 10 minutes
- Fits a queen-sized air mattress
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Can feel a bit cramped
- In rare cases, heavy rain can get in
With over 37,000 reviews, this is one of the most well-reviewed tent we’ve seen. Some highlights include durable polyester fabric, excellent weatherproofing, and fast setup times. Overall, if you’re interested in a compact tent for you and your pup, the Coleman Sundome is a fantastic choice.
However, we didn’t rank it higher than other tents for a couple of reasons. First, it can feel a bit cramped inside, thanks to its relatively short dome design. It’s pretty hard to stand up, so moving around with your dog can be a bit challenging. Second, since there isn’t a screen room or awning, you don’t have any options except to have your dog sleep next to you. Unfortunately, if Fido gets wet or muddy, you’re stuck with a dirty dog.
Overall, this tent works if you have a smaller breed that doesn’t like to roll around in the mud. Although this is an excellent camping tent, it’s not necessarily one of the best dog-friendly tents.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 Person Tent
Pros
- Quick and painless setup
- Tons of interior storage
- Relatively lightweight at five pounds
- Waterproof-coating on the floor
- Large zippers for easier opening and closing
Cons
- Poles aren’t as durable as other models
- Mesh parts can tear relatively easily
Here we have another lightweight camping tent that may work for backpacking, as long as you don’t mind carrying a five-pound model. Thanks to its breezy mesh top layer, this tent works well for spring and summer camping. If you plan on heading out in the rain, it comes with a fully-enclosed rain fly that offers extra space in front. As we’ve mentioned, it’s nice to have a dry spot just outside the tent door, so you can step out without getting drenched.
As far as being a dog tent, this model does feel a bit cramped, and the mesh parts are not as durable as other tents we’ve seen. Overall, it works well if you’re traveling light and don’t have a dog that likes to scratch things. Another advantage of this tent, though, is its efficient setup process. You can be ready to go in a few minutes, which is always convenient.
REI Co-op Quarter Dome 3 Person Tent
Pros
- Durable ripstop nylon material
- Exterior vestibules add extra storage space
- Adjustable interior roof vent to control condensation
- Weighs less than five pounds
Cons
- Shock cords can wear out relatively fast
- Interior waterproof coating can peel off over time
Our final tent is this lightweight and easy-to-use model from REI. The Quarter Dome 3 Tent works well for individuals or couples with one dog, as it doesn’t have that much interior space. However, we like the ripstop nylon and the water-repellant rain fly covering the entire tent. The fly also extends past the tent on all sides, so you can store your camping gear on the ground without it getting wet.
One primary issue we’ve noticed with this model is that the shock cords can lose their elasticity over time. Several users have reported that they’ve only used the tent a handful of times, but the poles don’t hold tension anymore. While this issue doesn’t seem to be universal, it’s worth reporting. Also, in some cases, the waterproof coating can wear off, leaving a sticky residue.
What Makes A Good Tent For Camping With Dogs? Our Rating Criteria
While it would be nice for tent manufacturers to make specific “dog tents,” reality is not so simple. So, when comparing the best tents for dogs, we had to figure out which features would be ideal. Here’s a rundown of the components that we feel make a tent well-suited for your furry best friend.
Dog-Friendliness
Dog-friendliness is a subjective term, but we chose to pay attention to a few characteristics that dogs may like, such as:
- Separate Room – Even if you want your dog to sleep next to you, a screen room makes it easier for your pet to stretch out and explore without leaving the tent. Alternatively, tents with multiple rooms allow you to set one aside as “dogs only.”
- Not Too Stuffy – Dogs can’t sweat like we do, so we want to make sure that your pet won’t be panting all night long.
- Accommodating for “Business” – Ideally, the tent will be easy for your dog to get in and out of so that they can do their business without you tagging along.
Related: Looking for a great tent with a screen room? Find out what the best camping tents with a screen room are.
Comfort
Again, comfort is a subjective term, but we prefer tents that offer plenty of space for your gear, sleeping bag, and anything dog-related (i.e., a dog bed, toys, etc.). That said, we know that individual campers can bring their dog along just as a family would, so we didn’t necessarily rank our largest tents as the “best” for this category. What matters is the number of people and dogs sleeping inside the tent.
Weatherproofing
Camping is fun all year round, so you want a model that can hold up to winter chills and summer heatwaves. The best tents offer excellent rain protection while maintaining interior ventilation to help you and Spot stay cool at night. Winter-friendly tents should have thicker material and better insulation once the rain fly is secured.
Durability
Dogs have claws that can puncture mesh and tent fabric easily. Even if you have the most well-trained dog in the world, it might cause some damage by accident. So, we value tents that have extra-durable materials so that you can use them more than once or twice.
Value For Money
You’re buying a tent for you and your pet, so you need to be sure that it can accommodate everyone involved. Top tents will offer plenty of space and dog-friendly amenities without forcing you to break the bank.
What Size Tent Do You Need?
Number of People | Number of Dogs | Tent Capacity Recommended | Top Tent Model |
1 | 1 | 2 | Coleman Sundome Tent |
2 | 1 | 3 or 4 | Coleman Evanston Tent |
2 | 2 | 4 to 6 | Coleman Evanston Tent |
Family | 1 | 4 to 6 | Coleman Evanston Tent |
Family | 2 | 6 to 8 | Coleman WeatherMaster |
Which Is The Most Dog-Proof Tent?
For a tent to be dog-proof, we believe it must have two qualities. First, the tent needs durable materials that won’t rip or shred when a dog scratches it. Second, it should have a secondary dog room so that Fido can sleep away from you if he gets dirty or muddy. The tent that satisfies both of these conditions the best is our top pick, the Coleman Evanston.
Best Dog Tent For Those On A Budget
As we’ve seen, the top tents for dog lovers can get pretty pricey. So, if you’re looking to save money, we highly recommend the REI Passage 2 Tent because it’s the most affordable model on this list. However, if you’re trying to camp with a larger group, the Wenzel Klondike is a good buy. We just recommend bringing a tarp to cover it if rain is in the forecast.
Best Tents For Dogs Based On Specific Situations
Dog lovers can go camping with their furry best friends in many different ways. Let’s see which tents work best for the following camping scenarios.
Family Camping With Dogs
Since dogs are part of the family, it makes sense to bring them along when you have the kids in tow. Our favorite picks for family-sized tents are the Coleman Evanston or WeatherMaster. Since these tents are so large, there’s more than enough room for everyone and their gear. Plus, with divided rooms, it’s easier to keep your stuff clean and dry.
Backpacking With Your Dog
The golden rule of backpacking tents is that they must be lightweight and easy to set up. Even if you’re bringing your dog along, this golden rule still applies. So, we like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV, thanks to its superlight design and convenient setup process. If you don’t mind carrying something a bit heavier, the REI Passage 2 is another decent option.
Ultralight Backpacking With Your Dog
Once again, size and convenience are the main features, and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV covers them in spades.
Which Is The Most Comfortable And Spacious Tent For Camping With Dogs?
Coleman knows how to provide plenty of space for you and your pooches. The Coleman Evanston or WeatherMaster are the biggest tents on this list with decent weather resistance. We like the size and shape of the Wenzel Klondike tent, but it lets in a bit too much water for our taste.
Related: If you’re wanting a huge mesh tent to keep the bugs away, consider picking up a screen house tent.
Which Tent Can Hold Up To The Weather The Best?
If you’re planning on camping in wet and windy weather, you need a tent that can hold up to the elements. Here are our top picks for the weather conditions you’re likely to encounter on your trip.
Which Is The Most Windproof And Waterproof?
Hands down, the Coleman Sundome is the most weatherproof tent. So, if you don’t mind having a somewhat cramped space for you and your dog, you can stay warm and dry all night long.
Which Is Best For Summer Heat?
The abundance of mesh openings means the Wenzel Klondike 8-Person Tent has excellent ventilation. So, if the weather will be hot and toasty during your camping trip, this tent is an excellent choice.
Related: If you’re looking for more fun camping trips, consider going stargazing! Find out what the best tent with a stargazing roof is.
FAQs About Dog Friendly Tents
If you haven’t camped with dogs before, the experience is a bit different than traveling with just humans. Here are some answers to questions you might have.
Will My Dog Feel OK in a Tent?
The short answer is that it depends on your dog. Some dogs don’t mind tents at all, while others can feel claustrophobic. We recommend setting the tent up at home and testing it with your pup. If they seem okay with it, you should be fine. Otherwise, you might have to practice spending time inside the tent so that they can get acclimated.
Can I Keep My Dog in the Vestibule?
Yes, screen rooms work well for dogs. However, if they don’t have a non-mesh opening, keep in mind that your pooch can get wet and cold at night.
How Can I Protect My Tent From My Dog?
If your dog likes to scratch a lot, you can put a tarp on the floor to keep the tent material intact. Otherwise, you can try and train your pup not to scratch while inside the tent.
Final Verdict
Overall, if you’re looking for the best tent for camping with dogs, the Coleman Evanston works in pretty much all situations. It’s durable, spacious, and more than accommodating for everyone involved. Your pups are sure to love it as much as you will.