Choosing the best tents for camping with dogs can be rough, or should we say “ruff”? Bombarded with too many choices, so you want something more specific with better insights?
Got your back! This is not going to be a run-of-the-mill buying guide. Let’s say it’s everything you ever need to know about accommodating your canine buddy for a camping trip.
| Product images | Product name | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room | 4.9 | See latest price on Amazon | |
| Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent | 4.9 | See latest price on Amazon | |
| Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened Tent | 4.8 | See latest price on Amazon | |
| Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping | 4.8 | See latest price on Amazon | |
| Coleman Sundome Tent | 4.7 | See latest price on Amazon | |
| Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor Home for Pets | 4.7 | See latest price on Amazon | |
| Pettom Dog Cat Camping Tents | 4.6 | See latest price on Amazon |
7 Best Tents For Camping With Dogs – Comprehensive Review
#1. Coleman 8-Person Evanston Camping Screened Dome Tent
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The Coleman 8-Person is roomy enough for both your family and your furry buddy. The screen room also gives an extra sleeping space, making the tent more versatile in warmer nights.
Coleman’s screen room has long been an outstanding feature of the brand. It has an entry to kick shoes off, so you can reduce the sands and dirt tagging along that may end up inside the tent.
With bug-free lounging and extra ventilation, this Coleman tent ensures your comfort while not compromising the tent exposure to the outside environment. And as it is a large tent for big groups, the window awnings are extended to enhance air circulation.
The tent sets up quickly and tears down also fast. You can easily put everything back in the carrying bag without having a hernia from overexerting.
What may not thrill you is that the rainfly is not durable enough to prevent the floor when it rains cats and dogs. And because the back panel is an open screen, if the rainfly is on, there will be less ventilation.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Roomy interior space for everyone’s comfort
- Extended window awnings for more light and air
- Screen room with entry to reduce sands and dirt
Cons
- Provide less ventilation if it rains heavily
We actually have an article about this tent and why we like it, click here for more detail.
#2. Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent
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The design of Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent separates the living/storage compartment from the sleeping space. This sectioning style ensures your sleeping area will be relatively dirt-free.
The durability of the tent is also a worth-buying feature. The waterproof lap-felled, double-stitched seams and sewn-in tarp going up some inches on to the wall provides good shelter in the event of rain.
Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent comes with a lot of detailed instructions. Whether it is how to pitch the tent, how to properly fold it, how to minimize moisture, or avoid bugs, you will find the newbie-friendly guide for it.
Quite comparable to the Coleman 8-Person, this tent is packed with two queen-size air mattresses. But it would be a bit cramming if eight people actually stay inside the tent. It is ideal for a 6-adult group with one or two dogs.
The plastic tent pins also may get loose overnight, especially when it is windy. You will need to beware of the weather at night and exert more force to tighten them while setting up.
Pros
- Separation of living and sleeping area to reduce dirt
- Durable design and material
- Detailed instructions
- Good waterproof feature
Cons
- Can be quite crammed to accommodate eight people
- Loose tent pins
#3 Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6 Screened Tent
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Despite being labeled as a smaller tent than those 8-person options, Coleman Elite Weathermaster is still roomy enough to accommodate your canine companion. It stands up straight, so most campers won’t need to hunch over when getting inside.
As the name refers, this Weathermaster tent should be your tent of choice when camping in bad weather. With protected seams and holes, robust frames, and weather-resistant zipper cuffs, heavy rains or strong winds won’t be much of a challenge. Let’s say you may accidentally left the window open overnight; there will be just some inconsiderable drops in the tent the next day.
This Coleman Elite Weathermaster is obviously more compact than the two mentioned formers. It doesn’t take much space in your car while moving around.
The hinged door makes it easy for you to enter or go out without zipping and unzipping many times. The self-rolling window gives good ventilation and more view, so your big furry doggo won’t feel trapped inside.
The LED light inside is highly functional with three color settings – bright, low, and amber. However, a word of advice is that don’t use it when it’s raining. It may no longer work well after a few times being switched on under the rain.
Another side note when using Coleman Elite Weathermaster is that you should never pack it when it’s still wet. The dark color will soon stain on the bright-colored areas.
Pros
- Durable even in extreme weather
- Compact design for less car camping carry-on
- Easy-to-enter hinge door
- LED lights with three ambiance settings
Cons
- LED light is not durable under the rain
- Get stains when packed wet.
#4 Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Car Camping Tent
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In the battle of large-capacity camping tents, the Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon has its own edges. The rainfly offers wide coverage, and even though it does not cover all the way to the ground, there’ll be no problem with water entering unless it’s a crazily heavy rain.
The full setup of the tent gives you three rooms, so you can easily separate your group’s living area while still having enough space for your dog. It also comes with a little pet door at the rear, but it is actually only convenient for small-size dogs.
The attachable gear loft and the extra mesh side pockets are a huge plus on this rent. They give you more room to effectively categorize and store your camping stuff.
What really stands this tent out from its counterparts is the instant setup and fastpitch features. The tasks of folding, unfolding, extending, securing are all very newbie-friendly.
A downfall of Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon is windows. There is one window in the back and the other one in the front attached to the hinged door. Then there are mesh openings to either side of the tent that cannot be completely zipped shut.
For this reason, it could be too much air and wind coming in, quite a problem when you are camping in the cold season.
Pros
- Wide coverage
- Instant setup and fastpitch
- Enough room to store camping tools
- Three separate living areas
Cons
- Mesh opening cannot be zipped shut
- Too much ventilation in cold seasons
#5 Coleman 4-Person Sundome Tent
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Coleman 4-Person Sundome is overall a to-go tent for small groups coming with one or two small pooches. The carry bag is neat enough for all tent utilities, so if you want something compact for a light camping trip, this is it.
The floor is waterproof and heavy-duty with tarp material. The tent posture is up straight and will hold up well with good care. There is also a small zippered panel so that you can extend the cord into the tent.
Coleman 4-Person Sundome comes with large screen ceiling panels, giving a great view when the rainfly is not on. And there is an extra window and screen on the door so that your canine buddy can enjoy the view as well.
The rent offers decent airflow. Near the rear of the tent, there is a vent to ensure enough ventilation inside.
The stakes on this rent are mainstream skinny steel, so you may want to consider buying some extra to make it stand up better.
Pros
- Neat and compact carry bag
- Heavy-duty tarp floor
- Large screen panels for better view
- Easy to bring electrical power inside
Cons
- Small living area
- Not durable stakes
#6 Petnation Port-a-crate Home For Pets
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If you are considering having your pet sleep in a separate tent, the Petnation Port-a-crate should be the choice. It is a portable home that is large enough for all medium and big-sized canine buddies.
Petnation Port-a-crate comes in 4 sizes – 24-inch, 28-inch, 32-inch, and 36-inch, so you can choose the fit size for your pet. The outside is made of tight weave mesh fabric and a durable steel frame. The tent will then stay in form for a long time.
Cleanup is a breeze with Petnation Port-a-crate. The cover from the steel frame is washable, and the floor is water-resistant. You can wipe out the pet waste or wash the cover with ease.
However, the net inside is quite easy to scratch. If your playful pet enjoys digging or scratching, the net will soon be torn. The zipper is also not tight enough; some big friends may manage to claw the zippers and let themselves out.
Pros
- High portability
- Come in many sizes
- Durable outside material and design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Inside net is easy to scratch
- Loose zippers
#7 Pettom Dog Cat Camping Tent
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If you cannot stand letting your little pup or small doggo at home, this tent is a good choice of pet’s accommodation for camping. As the tent is lightweight and minimal, you can place a pet bed inside the tent to make it more comfy for their sleep.
Pettom Dog Cat Camping Tent is packed with zippered doors and breathable mesh windows. The tarp bottom is waterproof, and the rods are flex fiberglass. These features provide good ventilation and view for your pet while still preventing them from bugs and mosquitoes.
The carrying bag with smart design makes this tent suitable for all levels of camping. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t take much room in your storage.
While setting up the rent, be careful on the poles. They may get flimsy quite quickly, especially in bad weather.
And as there is no instruction included, you may need to have some background on tent setup. Still, it’s a pet tent, and the structure is minimal, you will soon get the feel and be familiar with it.
Pros
- Lightweight and minimal package
- Customizable interior
- Good protection from bugs and mosquitoes
- Smart design carrying bag
Cons
- Poles may get flimsy soon
- No instruction included
What To Consider When Choosing A Tent For Camping With Dogs?
Size
There’s no way you can fit in a 2-person tent with your full-grown Husky. Depending on dog size and on the number of tent users, you can decide the size of the tent accordingly.
We also just reviewed some of the best tents for camping with dogs that are spacious for big companions, such as the Coleman or the Wenzel Klondike Tent.
However, if you want your dog to sleep separately, the tent size can be smaller. In these cases, the Petnation Port-a-crate or Pettom Dog Cat Tent would be a better choice.
Ventilation
As you are going to keep a pet in a confined space, ventilation is an important factor to ensure their comfort and safety. Make sure the tent comes with good airflow to keep your pet cool and to keep the air inside fresh and breathable all the time.
A tent with good ventilation can also keep you and your pet away from molds. We all exhale a lot of moisture while sleeping; a quality tent should be able to reduce the condensation trapped inside the tent.
Materials
The three staples when it comes to a good tent material are Durability, Tear-Proof, and Thick Floor.
No matter how weather-wise you are, there is no way to be 100% sure it’s going to be a nice day. So your tent should hold up well against unwanted weather conditions.
Tents with tear-proof materials and thick floors are also good to go as they will stand the test of time even after the scratches caused by your dog.
Openings and Vestibule
The openings should be large enough for easy in and out. Most quality tents can be easily opened with one hand. However, it also needs to be tight close enough so that your dog cannot let himself/herself out too easily.
The vestibule area under the rainfly keeps a good shelter for your dog from wind and rain. So your storage should be light, making it easier to accommodate your dog inside the tent.
Price
The best tents for camping with dogs come in different price ranges. Still, it is normally more cost-effective to buy one online rather than from the brick-and-mortar shops.
Sometimes “You’ll get what you pay for” is not always right. There are highly affordable tents that come with superior features. It’d be a better value of money if the features are no more or less than your need and expectation.
Security
Doors, windows, meshes, openings should be safe for you and your pet. You want them to be easy to open and close but, at the same time, secure from the outside.
I’d be a lot of toss and turn without knowing if your tent is safe. So make sure to double-check all the locks and zips before settling down for your sleep.
Number Of Doors – Doggy Doors
There are tents that are designed with dog-friendly features in mind. They offer enough ease of entry and exit for your dog with small flaps so that it can go in and out if necessary.
When you sleep, you probably want your dog to be near you. But when you go outside, you don’t want to trap it inside. That’s why doggy doors come into play.
Type Of Your Dog’s Breed
If your pet is still a pup or small little pooch, there’s not much of a problem when choosing a tent. It can fit in almost all human tents.
However, if it is a medium or big-sized dog, especially those with thick fur coats like Golden Retriever, Husky, or Alaska, you will need a tent with bigger size, better ventilation, more durable materials, and larger openings and vestibule.
When Keeping Dog Inside The Tent
Not all dogs are playful and enjoy getting themselves dirty. So if your dog is needy for cuddling and chilling with you, that buddy should stay in the tent.
Still, they should have their own zone in which they can get as dirty and comfy as they want. It is then easier for you to make the decision to let them in or out.
And if you are comfortable with your dog staying inside with you, there are some prep works you need to do:
- Laying foam titles, blanket, or a thick sheet of carpet
- Trimming your dog’s nails
- Exhaust your dog so they won’t play inside
When Keeping Dog Outside The Tent
If your dog stays outside of the tent, it’s necessary to have a shelter of their own. Such large tents as the Coleman 8-person or Wenzel 8-person have vestibules that can be zippered to separate from the inside of the tent.
It’s an ideal place for your dog to eat, sleep, or have a drink. They are not really inside with you while you can still look over them now and then.
If you are planning to use the vestibule for your dog, it’s recommended to tie them so they won’t roam around or get lost after chasing wild animals.
How Many People (And Pets) Will Be In The Tent?
The answer is harmonized by four things – number of people, number of dogs, dog size, and amount of carrying gear.
If you are a couple with a light package, a 4-person tent will be enough for you and one or two medium-sized dogs.
However, with a heavy package, big dog, or if two dogs are not getting on well with each other, it’d be like adding one or two other people to the trip.
Alternatives To Sleeping In A Tent With Your Dog
Hammock Camping
Hammock camping is suitable for a one-day light hike or trekking. If you just need a quick nap during the trip, a hammock for you and your four-legged friend is just ideal. Setup and cleanup are all quick and easy.
Separate Tent For Your Dog
In case you go for smaller tents with small or no vestibules, consider having a separate tent/ outdoor bed for your dog. You won’t want them to endure the wind and the rain outside alone. They deserve to have their own comfy place to take a rest throughout the night.
FAQs About Camping With Dogs
Is There Any Difference Between Dog Tents And Regular Tents?
No. There are just big tents that are roomy enough for both dog and dog owner. Most regular tents with large capacity, good ventilation, and durable materials can be used for camping with dogs.
Should Your Dog Stay In Your Tent With You Or A Separate Tent?
The decision is all up to you. Both options have their own pros and cons.
Letting your dog stay in your tent with you will save the cost, space, setup and cleanup effort for two separate tents, ensure the intimacy between you and your furry friend, and avoid disturbing other campers.
On the flip side, having your dog stay in a separate tent will give you more living space. Your tent is also free from scratches, hairs, and dirt from the dog’s paws.
If You Prefer To Keep Your Dog Inside The Tent, How Much Space Should You Have?
If you don’t think letting your dog sleep outside is a good idea; preparing a space for it inside the tent is vital. Here are some factors to consider when deciding how space you need.
Dog size and number of dogs – One small or medium-size dog normally takes up 0.5 extra capacity of the tent. Larger dogs will need to be counted as one or even two people.
Number of people in your group – How many people in your group and their physical size will also affect the tent size in need.
Storage – A standard packing for 1-3 days will not take too much space in the tent. But if you are a heavy packer, your storage capacity may take up as one extra person.
How Will My Dog Sleep While Camping?
You may toss and turn when sleeping outside your house. The same thing happens to dogs. As they have excellent senses of smell and sound, it could take quite a while for dogs to get used to a new sleeping area. Bringing the blanket or toy of their choice will help familiarize them with the tent.
Is There Such Thing As A Dog Sleeping Bag?
Yes. There are sleeping bags that are specifically designed for dogs, and they come in many different sizes. Normally, the bid of the dog sleeping bag is rounder so that they can curl up on it.
How Will My Dog Act Around Wildlife?
Your dog may have sleeping issues because of strange noises and smells, but it should not last for long. What can be more of the issue is wild animals. You cannot be sure if they are friendly or dangerous. So it’s better to always use the dog bells to keep your buddy away from predators.
My Dog Was Sick While We Were Camping?
If your dog is not familiar with the wildlife and too playful with the dirt, rock, grass, trees, etc., there may be some tummy problems. Bringing their favorite treat and some pet medicines will be helpful in such situations.
Will The Dog Feel Suffocated Inside The Tent?
No, if you have a quality tent that can accommodate your dog in it. And as we already reviewed the best tents for camping with dogs, you now have choices that provide good ventilation, ample airflow, and large living areas.
Do Dogs Like Tents? And Can They Sleep In Tents?
There is no set answer for it. If they feel comfortable and secure inside the tent, they will pretty much enjoy it. And there are ways to make this happen.
You can train your dog to be familiar with sleeping in a confined place. This practice does not need to be always on a campsite; it is totally feasible at home as well.
Also, if you provide all the essentials to make them calm them down for living inside the tent (toy, food, drink, warm and dry sleeping place), good chances are that they will totally enjoy it.
Related: Camping with dogs (The Ultimate guide)
Conclusion
Having a quality tent is important for a safe and comfy trip with your four-legged camper. With our recommendations on the best tents for camping with dogs, it’s hopefully easier for you to make the buying decision.
If you also want the best for your furry friend, stick to the recommendations. Each tent has its own selling point, so you can select one that is the best fit for your needs.
However, taking versatility and durability as significant factors, it’s fair to say that the Coleman 8-Person Evanston really edges out the competition. You will sleep with a good dream, and so will your doggo.
Further Reading:
- 7 Tips for Staying Happy in Nature
- 9 Expert Tips for Camping and Hiking with Dogs
- Benefits of Camping with Dogs
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Taking Your Dog Camping
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