Camping with your furry canine pal can be a great adventure and a bonding experience for you both. However, it’s important to consider the best tent for camping with dog, because bringing Rover along may require the tent to have specific features and more space.
Our pick for the best overall solution within this product roundup is the Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent, because it has plenty of space and is constructed of durable materials. However, many other options will keep you and your dog comfortable.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | Rating | |
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Best Overall |
Wenzel Klondike 8-Person Tent |
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Runner-Up |
Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch 6-Person Dome Tent |
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Best Value for the Money |
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent |
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Coleman Sundome Tent |
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Coleman Red Canyon Car Camping 8-Person Tent |
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ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent |
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Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent |
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Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room |
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Bessport Camping Tent |
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Product Reviews
Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent: Best Overall
- Convertible screen room with inverted "T" style door and inside flap zippered windows
- Removable seam-sealed fly provides versatility
- Mesh roof vents, 2 zippered side windows with inside flaps
- Shock corded fiberglass roof frame with steel uprights and corner elbows combined with pin & ring for easy set up
- Guy out vent at the back of the tent, Two convenience pockets
The Wenzel Klondike 8-Person Tent, with its massive interior size, plenty of ventilation, screen room, weatherproof coating, and strong construction, is the best overall among the larger tents, perfect for camping with a group.
With enough space for eight humans, the Wenzel Klondike tent is an excellent option if you are traveling with your dog, especially if you have family or friends with you as well. The interior of the tent measures 98 square feet, plus there is an additional 60 square feet of space in the attached screen room, which is separated by a zippered wall.
The screen room, which doubles as an excellent dining space, sunroom, gear room, or even a space where your pet can sleep comfortably, provides plenty of ventilation. If you are camping in the summer, your dog (or multiple dogs) can sleep in the screen room without getting too warm.
Speaking of ventilation, the fully mesh roof and zippered mesh windows allow for extra airflow, and there is also a mesh vent at the back of the tent. This will keep you and Fido cool in the summer heat.
For protection from the elements, the Klondike 8 is coated with polyurethane. The tent is constructed with double-stitching on all of its seams, similar to shingles on a roof that keep water out and provide a strong structure. There is also a removable rain fly for further rain protection.
The Wenzel Klondike is overall built for durability, with a fiberglass roof frame, corner supports, and supportive uprights made of steel. You can count on the Klondike lasting many years.
Here is a video review of the Wenzel Klondike Tent:
Overall, reviewers have rated the Wenzel Klondike 8-Person Tent at 9.2 out of 10 stars.
Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch 6-Person Dome Tent with Screen Room: Runner-Up
- 6-person dome tent features a separate screen room for insect-less lounging and extra sleeping space
- Fast Pitch tent design sets up in about 7 minutes
- WeatherTec system and rainfly keep tent interior dry and comfortable
- Durable Polyguard fabric and strong frame designed to last season after season
- Measures 10 x 9 feet with 10- x 5-foot screen room; accommodates 2 queen-sized airbeds
The Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch 6-Person Dome Tent is our choice for the runner-up in the category of dog tents. With enough space for up to six adults, this tent has room for two queen-sized air beds, which is definitely enough space for you and your dogs.
Featuring a convenient screen room, there is plenty of ventilation in this tent, so you won’t have to worry about your dog overheating in the hottest summer days. The insect mesh also protects from pesky bugs.
With plenty of space, the Coleman measures 10 x 9 feet inside, with an extra 10 x 5 feet floor area in the screen room.
One of the main selling points of the Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch is the “Fast Pitch” system itself, which uses color coding on its poles and hubs (which are also pre-attached) to make set-up a breeze. With its “fast fit feet” and “Insta-Clip” suspension, you won’t have to spend much time setting up this tent, which can be difficult to do with a dog.
The Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch uses tough seams, a zippered door cuff, and a WeatherTec system to keep the rain out of your sleeping area. The floors are waterproof, and the windows have awnings to effectively keep water away. The frame can even withstand wind over 35 miles per hour.
The guy lines on the Fast Pitch are reflective, which prevents tripping, making this tent a great option if you have nighttime safety in mind.
According to user reviews, the Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent is rated 9.4 out of 10 stars.
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent: Best Value for the Money
- Backpack-friendly compact folding poles, Gearloft loops, Color coded clip and fly attachment. Wall material: 68D Polyester, 40D No-See-Um Mesh,Floor material: 68D Nylon, 1800 mm
- Roll top cube carry bag, Easy set up, Free standing, Fabric/mesh tent walls
- Kelty hug clip, Easy entry D door, Internal storage pockets, Fully seam taped construction
- Seasons: 3, Number of doors: 1, Number of vestibules: 1, Number of poles: 2, Capacity: 1
- Floor area: 20 ft² / 1.86 m², Vestibule area: 6.5 ft² / .6 m².Wall material: 68D Polyester, 40D No-See-Um Mesh,Floor material: 68D Nylon, 1800 mm
The Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent is an ultralight backpacking tent that is our pick for the best value for the money, because it has just enough space for you and one dog to camp in comfort without the tent being too large and heavy.
With aluminum poles, the Kelty Salida is durable, yet it is also very lightweight at only 3.89 pounds. This, along with its compact folding poles and roll top tube carrying bag, make the Kelty Salida a great option for longer backpacking trips with your dog.
The Kelty Salida also features color-coded clips to make setting up the tent a more straightforward task. The large door also makes it easier for you and your dog to access your tent as well. Lastly, the tent features storage pockets on the interior so you can keep your essential gear organized.
Reviewers have given the Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent an overall rating of 9.6 out of 10 stars.
Coleman Sundome Tent: Best Option for Those on a Budget
- Weatherproof: Welded corners and inverted seams keep water from getting in; Included rainfly offers extra weather protection
- Wind and rain tested: Strong frame withstands 35 plus mph winds
- Great ventilation: Large windows and ground vent for enhanced airflow
- Stay connected: E-port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside
- Easy setup: In 10 minutes
Our pick for the best budget option, the Coleman Sundome Tent provides a comfortable camping experience for two people and a small dog, or one person and a large dog. It boasts 35 total square feet of floor area. Weighing only 6.38 pounds, the Coleman Sundome Tent would be a solid option for longer backpacking trips, as it won’t weigh you down too much on the trails.
The Coleman Sundome Tent was built for extra ventilation because of its wide doors and ground vents, which enhance airflow and make sure that warm air rises up and out of the tent instead of keeping you and your dog too toasty.
Another excellent feature of the Coleman Sundome Tent is the WeatherTec weatherproofing system. The durable waterproof rainfly, tough seams, and corners strongly welded together ensure that rain stays out. This tent is built to withstand winds of more than 35 miles per hour as well, so it is truly a sturdy tent.
The Coleman Sundome is advertised to take only ten minutes of set-up time. There are also mesh pockets inside the walls for easy storage of your important gear. Note that you can also buy the Coleman Sundome in 3-person, 4-person, and 6-person versions.
The Coleman Sundome Tent has earned 9.6 out of 10 stars from experienced reviewers.
Coleman Red Canyon Car Camping 8-Person Tent
- Family camping tent can accommodate eight campers; measures 17 by 10 feet with a 72-inch center height
- Included room dividers allow you to create three separate rooms
- Coleman's exclusive Weathertec System is guaranteed to keep you dry from unexpected wet weather on your camping trip
- Tent setup is easy with its shock-corded poles and easy-to-follow assembly instructions
- Cool-Air port and Variflo adjustable venting system allows you to adjust airflow and access gear
The Coleman Red Canyon Car Camping 8-Person Tent is our pick for the most versatile tent when camping with a very large group with dogs. With this tent, you can create three separate private areas on the interior, which is a great option for families or to give dogs their own sections of the tent.
Very spacious, the Coleman Red Canyon tent features a large 17 x 10-foot interior space, perfect for up to eight people. This is also a great option if you have larger dogs.
Constructed with a rainfly, welded floors, a strong frame with triangular guy lines, cuffs along the door, waterproof flooring, and inverted seams, the Coleman Red Canyon is a tent you can trust in the rain or wind alike. It is rated for four seasons. There is also an included door awning for extra protection from the rain.
Ventilation is plentiful as well, with a ground vent and room for airflow inside the tent. After all, the tent is 6 feet tall in its center, so not only is there plenty of room for air to flow, but there is enough space for a tall adult to stand up comfortably. Also, although the tent is heavy, it packs into a carrying bag to make transportation easier.
Reviewers have given the Coleman Red Canyon Car Camping 8-Person Tent a rating of 9.3 out of 10 stars overall.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
- Number of Vestibules: 2 Vestibules
- Number of Poles: 2 Poles
- Pole Material: 7000 Series Aluminum
- Floor Material: 75D Taffeta with 2000mm Urethane Coating
- Fly Material: 75D Polyester with 1500mm Urethane Coating
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent, another inexpensive option for those on a budget, is our choice for the simplest tent. With enough room for two people or you and your dog, this is a no-frills option that offers great value.
Built with aluminum poles, it is well-constructed and durable. It comes with a rain fly, guy lines, and is 46 inches tall at its center and has two doors. It is marketed as extremely easy to set up, with its free-standing pole design. There is plenty of mesh in this tent, which increases ventilation but makes it less suited for colder nights.
The total floor area of the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent is only 37 feet, so it is definitely on the smaller side of the tents we evaluated in this product roundup. However, this is plenty of space for just two people. Also, its small size allows it to pack down to a small 6 x 20 inches, making it a decent choice for hiking, especially as it weighs only 5 pounds 12 ounces.
Lastly, there are storage pockets on the sides and an overhead gear loft for your convenience.
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent has gained a rating of 9.7 out of 10 stars from its reviewers.
Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent
- 4-person dome camping tent built to set up fast and withstand the elements
- Sets up in around 60 seconds with pre-attached poles
- Ventilated annex offers storage for camping gear or space for medium dog bed
- WeatherTec system, awning, and rainfly keep tent interior dry and comfortable
- Polyguard fabric designed for years of reliable performance
The Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent is our pick for the easiest tent to set up. Advertised to take only 60 seconds of set up time, the Juniper Lake is an easy choice for those wanting to spend more time with their dog and less time fumbling with their tent.
This “instant” set up is made possible due to the tent’s pre-attached poles, which only need to be extended and secured. A minute later, and you are ready to camp.
Equipped with Coleman’s WeatherTec system and welded floors, the Juniper Lake is ready to face three seasons. It comes with a rainfly and door awnings as well for rain protection. There is also a ventilated annex, which is the perfect space for a dog bed.
The Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent also provides convenient storage pockets along its walls for your camping gear. There is also an included carrying bag for easier transportation.
Reviewers of the Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent gave it 9.1 out of 10 stars.
Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room
- Spacious interior: Room for 2 queen-size airbeds and ample storage pockets to keep items organized.
- Easy Entry and Exit: Hinged door for fast, hassle-free access.
- Bug-Free Lounging: separate floorless screen room for insect-free relaxation.
- Weatherproof: WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to ensure dryness.
- Convenient Structure: Angled windows for improved air circulation, E-Port for easy electrical power access, and a durable Polyguard fabric construction.
The Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room is our choice for the most weatherproofed tent. Weighing a whopping 32 pounds and equipped with various weather-resistant features, you can be sure that the WeatherMaster will not blow away in the wind or let the rain inside.
Equipped with a fully covering rainfly, steel poles, polyethylene flooring, and inverted seams, the WeatherMaster is leak-proof and wind-proof. Its zippers and fabric were coated with polyester and crafted with anti-wicking thread, making the tent extra weather-resistant.
The WeatherMaster also has zipper cuffs along the doors and windows to prevent rain from sneaking in. The tent is constructed with redesigned poles that stand up even more effectively to strong winds.
As its center height is 6 feet 8 inches, there is plenty of space for taller adults to stand up comfortably. With a total floor area of 1532 feet, the WeatherMaster is a great option for camping with a large group of family members or friends (or dogs). Its listed capacity is six people, and it also has a separate screen room, which is a perfect space for your canine buddies.
The Coleman WeatherMaster has earned 9.4 out of 10 stars from its users.
Bessport Camping Tent
- ROOMY 2-PERSON TENT: This backpacking tent is spacious enough with two D-Shaped doors and two vestibules to accommodate up to two people. Weight: 5.2lb(2.35kg). Interior floor dimensions: 86.6x48.4in(220x123cm), interior height: 43.5in(110.5cm). Canopy interior area: 31-square-foot.
- WEATHER RESISTANT- seam taped Construction makes an impenetrable barrier against Rain and prevents leakage. Welded floor Design elevates the bottom of the backpacking tent to protect you from wet grounds; full-coverage rainfly for added protection against rain.
- DURABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT, & BREATHABLE- ultra light weight no-see mesh walls, accommodates a free standing ultralight set-up, comes with 7001 Series aluminum alloy stakes, reflective guyline for wind-resistance.
- EASY TO SET UP & FREESTANDING: 2 poles with Clip-pole attachment for lighter weight, easier set up and better breath-ability. Freestanding allows the lightweight tent to be moved and relocated without having to disassemble.
- NO RISK PURCHASE- NO NEED TO RETURN! SEND FREE REPLACEMENT! Making you a happy customer is our main goal. Just try it, and if you don't absolutely Love it, send us a message and we will Refund or Replace your Purchase, NO QUESTIONS ASKED !
The Bessport Camping Tent wins in the category of strongest small tent. Although it weighs only 5.2 pounds, don’t let its small size fool you.
This dome-style tent is ultra-durable and stable against heavier winds and rain, with its welded elevated flooring, heat-sealed taped seams, specially designed aluminum tent poles, cuffed zippers, fixed stakes, and protective rainfly. The included guy lines stand securely against the wind and are reflective for safety at night.
Measuring 86.6 x 48.4 inches for the floor dimensions and 43 inches tall at its center, there is a lot of space for two people. There is also plenty of ventilation, as the Bessport is constructed with high mesh panels.
Note that Bessport allows its customers to try the tent and return it hassle-free. This is a nice extra feature that not all companies provide.
Reviewers of the Bessport Camping Tent have given it 9.7 out of 10 stars.
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Tent for Camping with Dog
Tent Rating
When selecting your next tent, it is important to first understand tent ratings. This way, you can select a tent that is most appropriate for your weather conditions.
One-season tents are the least versatile and are only intended to be used in warmer summer months. They will be constructed of thinner, less durable fabrics and not include a rainfly, so they are unable to withstand wind or rain effectively. Similarly, 2-season tents will not have a rainfly but are also ventilated well. However, they are only meant for mild spring or summer weather.
Three-season tents (for spring, summer, and fall) are much more versatile, as they are well-ventilated but also durable enough to stand up to rain or windstorms. Some 3-season tents are even appropriate for milder winters.
Four-season tents, with double layers of thick fabrics, are designed to hold strong against heavier winter storms, yet they are likely too warm for summer months. There are also 5-season tents, also known as expedition tents, which are specifically designed for severely cold climates and would be inappropriate (and unnecessary) for any less extreme conditions.
Tent Size
To be comfortable, you’ll want to look for a tent with just enough space for you and any camping buddies, all the gear you’ll be bringing, and your dog. Of course, the tent should be spacious enough for your sleeping bags or beds. Many of the reviewed tents even come with an attached screen room, which can be a great separate area for your dog to sleep in a less constricted environment.
While you want to make sure that your tent has plenty of space so that you and your dog can be comfortable when sleeping, the larger family tents may be “too much tent” for just you and one dog, so keep that in mind when shopping. Tents that are too large may get cold too easily or be unnecessarily cumbersome to hike with and set up.
Tent Materials
Stronger tents require solid construction with tear-resistant fabrics, durable frames, and weatherproofing. Most of the tent’s rain flys are made with a polyurethane coating to resist rain leakage.
Many outdoor companies have patented their own weatherproofing design and materials, such as Coleman’s WeatherTec. Coleman’s and similar tent designs include taped seams; an aluminum, steel, or fiberglass frame; door awnings; wind-resistant guylines; zipper cuffs; anti-wicking threads; and waterproofed polyethylene floors.
Look for the above features if you want a tent to withstand strong winds and rain.
When camping with your dog, you also want to be careful that the tent doesn’t get too warm. It’s vital to protect your dog from overheating, as it can lead to heat exhaustion. Ventilation helps prevent overheating and can be provided by features such as mesh panels, large windows and doors, and an effective airflow design that allow warm air to rise up and out.
More: Tentsile Connect Tree Tent Review: Is It a Good Tree Tent?
Kind of Dog You Will be Camping With
Of course, you should also consider the breed of dog you’ll be camping with, as well as the dog’s individual personality and needs.
Large dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Golden Retriever, will not only take up more space but will also have more energy. For these dogs, consider getting a tent with some extra space. Smaller dogs, such as terriers, will likely be fine with a smaller tent.
In addition to size, think about the energy level and personality of your dog. Is your dog disruptive and fidgety at night? Or do you have two dogs that need to be separated? If so, maybe a tent with a room divider would be best.
Also, if your dog is very rambunctious, you will probably want to buy a sturdier tent so that your dog doesn’t accidentally cause damage to it when playing.
Time Needed to Assemble the Tent
You should also consider the set-up time for each tent you are looking at. Some tents will only take a few minutes to set up, while larger and heavier tents, especially those with extra rooms, may take much longer.
If you’re looking for a tent with the simplest set-up, check out the Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent, with its pre-arranged poles and quick set-up design. This maybe your best bet, or you can look for another tent with a similar set-up style.
No matter which tent you choose, it can be a challenge to set it up with your dog. Make sure that you are prepared with a leash and tie-out or that your dog is fully trained to stay near you when off-leash. It would also help to have another person watch your dog or help you with the set-up.
More: Browning Big Horn Tent Review: Is It a Good Tent?
Dog Essentials for Camping
Dog Blanket
If your dog likes to snuggle into a blanket, you may want to consider getting him his own, so you don’t have to deal with fur and fuzz all over your human-style blankets.
Many of these dog blankets will be durable as well as waterproof and odor-resistant, making them long-lasting and easier to clean.
Flea and Tick Medication
When camping with your dog, be sure that they are protected from fleas and ticks. In addition to fleas being an itchy nuisance, ticks are especially dangerous, as they can transmit Lyme disease.
There are several options for flea and tick medication for your dog, such as NexGard, FrontLine Plus, Sentinel, and K9 Advantix. Some of these are in the form of chewable tablets, while others are applied to your dog’s skin monthly. The dose of these medications will depend on the weight of your dog. Be sure to check with your veterinarian for a recommendation before purchasing.
Even with the medication, be sure that you always check your dog for ticks after each hike, especially in hidden areas in the fur.
More: The Best Tent for Camping with Toddlers and How to Find Them
Dog ID Tag
Your dog must have the proper identification so that he can be returned to you if he gets lost on the trails. You can buy stainless steel dog ID tags that you attach to the dog’s collar, or you can also purchase a collar embroidered with your contact information. Be sure that the information is clear and easy to read.
These days, there is an even more effective form of canine identification called microchipping. With microchipping, you don’t need to worry about the dog’s ID tag falling off of the collar, essentially rendering it useless.
A veterinarian will insert the microchip beneath your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds.
In case your dog gets lost, the microchip is scanned to reveal your contact information. Note that you can easily update your contact information in case of a move, so you can be sure that it is always up to date.
The microchip is the most permanent way to make sure your pet finds its way back to you.
LED Lighted Dog Collar
For safety, consider purchasing an LED lighted dog collar so that your dog remains visible even under the darkest of skies. This is especially important if you are camping in an area where people drive, as motorists will be able to see your dog more easily.
The LED collar can also be useful on the trails, as it will light up the path ahead of you. This can help you to navigate the terrain and prevent falls.
More: The Best Tree Tent In 2020 [Review and Buying Guide]
Conclusion
The winner of this product roundup, the Wenzel Klondike 8-Person Tent, gains its winning title thanks to its spacious interior, extra screen room (perfect for your dog to sleep in), weatherproofing elements, and durability. With enough space for eight people, you can be comfortable even if you’re camping with multiple dogs.
Honorable mentions are the Coleman Juniper Lake Instant Dome Tent, with its ultra-fast set-up time, and the Kelty Salida, which is extraordinarily lightweight, making it a perfect choice for longer hiking trips.
No matter which tent you choose, we hope this product roundup helped you to pick the right tent for you and your canine companion!
