The Sportz SUV 9x9x7.25 Feet Blue/Tan Tent is our best car camping tent which measures 9 feet by 9 feet and it has a total height of 7 1/4 feet in its head room so you get a lot of space to roam around and stand up and it allows from 4 to 5 people to sleep inside the tent plus you can also use the cargo area of your vehicle to have 2 more additional people to sleep on it. Moreover, it is very easy to set up even with just one person due to its pole structure which is made from high quality fiberglass plus steel for durability and stability in any kind of weather and a carrying bag helps you conveniently carry this tent when it is not in use for easy transport. Its total area is 81 square feet so it is quite roomy for a great car camping tent and it is also equipped with a rain protection system for keeping you as dry as possible.
Our step-up pick is the Sportz SUV Blue/Grey Tent w/Screen Room and this awesome car camping tent has a screen room so you can protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes, the elements and other bug bites on your way. The fiberglass and steel poles of this car camping tent add durability to the whole tent system and this high quality car camping tent can also be converted into a ground tent when you remove the vehicle sleeve in its entire build. The head room of this car camping tent is great at 7 1/4 feet and the whole tent measures 10 feet by 10 feet so it is very spacious in its design and it can fit from 5 to 6 people in its overall size. The rain protection system using the rain fly makes it very applicable for bad weather.
The budget pick is the Texsport Retreat SUV Tent and this budget pick car camping tent is perfect for a lot of SUVs and it measures 10 feet by 10 feet and the walls are made from high quality polyester taffeta material that is highly durable against any weather. The rain fly is extra durable at 1000 mm and the mesh used in this car camping tent is a no-see-um mesh to protect against mosquitoes and bug bites. The head room of this car camping tent is 76 inches so it has a lot of head room to consider and there are also storm flaps which have been integrated with the mesh windows of this car camping tent for superior durability.
A Little Background
Camping in the car is a much more practical option for a lot of people who do not own an RV or a trailer home. It is cost effective and all you have to do is to set up a car camping tent and you are good to go. Car camping tents are usually versatile and they have a mechanism that can be converted into a tent.
If ever you are planning a vacation out then you should definitely go for a car camping tent if you have a capable vehicle such as a truck or a van with a big cargo design.
How We Picked
In choosing the best car camping tent, we considered the following aspects:
Size – it should be able to accompany a lot of people depending on its size and your preferences. Some car camping tents are small but some can fit a lot of people all at once, which also makes it a family tent.
Set up – some car camping tents are built to be on the roof top of the car camping tent while some of the tents are used for the back cargo part of the vehicle.
Durability and comfort – the car camping tent should protect the occupants from bad weather with great durability yet provide comfort in the process.
Our Pick
Sportz SUV 9x9x7.25 Feet Blue/Tan Tent
This best car camping tent, the Sportz SUV 9x9x7.25 Feet Blue/Tan Tent, measures 9 feet by 9 feet and it has a total height of 7 1/4 feet in its head room so you get a lot of space to roam around and stand up. The corners of this car camping tent have a height of 6 feet so you still get enough head room in this convenient tent and a carrying bag helps you conveniently carry this tent when it is not in use for easy transport. In fact, you can easily attach the sleeve of this high quality and convenient tent to your vehicle so you can easily make the vehicle into an instant RV or trailer with fewer costs.
It is very easy to set up even with just one person due to its pole structure which is made from high quality fiberglass plus steel for durability and stability in any kind of weather and the vehicle sleeve can also be removed so that you can transform the vehicle tent into a standard ground tent for your preferences. Its total area is 81 square feet so it is quite roomy for a great car camping tent and it allows from 4 to 5 people to sleep inside the tent plus you can also use the cargo area of your vehicle to have 2 more additional people to sleep on it.
You can use this awesome and durable car camping tent for up to 3 seasons in a year and the fabric used in this car camping tent is polyester taffeta with a quality of PU 1200. It is also equipped with two steel awnings for conventionally ventilating and stabilizing the whole tent and there are a total of 4 steel poles and 4 fiberglass poles which contribute to the stability of the car camping tent overall. The tent also makes the use of a cyclone ventilation system which is useful in the summer due to its two skylights for getting in touch with nature.
This car camping tent is also equipped with a rain protection system for keeping you as dry as possible and the vehicle sleeve can be easily adjusted so it will fit nearly every vehicle possible. Its floor has a bath tub style design so it greatly prevents leaking in the long run and the rain fly has been tape seamed for superior protection against the elements. Moreover, shading is not a problem due to its awning system measuring 6 by 6 feet which works in harmony with the rain fly.
This car camping tent has a very durable construction and it only take a few minutes of set up time and it also does not require stakes due to its mounting onto the vehicle. It is backed by a warranty on its parts. Overall, if you want to save up on space costs then you can use this car camping tent for your convenience.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
Despite being our best car camping tent, the Sportz SUV 9x9x7.25 Feet Blue/Tan Tent has a few shortcomings. Take note however that these cons are nothing compared to the big advantages that make this tent our top pick. Nonetheless, they include the fact that the rain fly can be a bit of a hassle to install, but this is given because it is not an ordinary tent since it is a car camping tent that attaches to your car or SUV instead of on the ground.
Step-up Pick
Sportz SUV Blue/Grey Tent w/Screen Room
For our step-up pick, we chose the Sportz SUV Blue/Grey Tent w/Screen Room and this awesome car camping tent has a screen room so you can protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes, the elements and other bug bites on your way. The whole tent measures 10 feet by 10 feet so it is very spacious in its design and it can fit from 5 to 6 people in its overall size and the head room of this car camping tent is great at 7 1/4 feet. The screen room of this car camping tent measures 6 feet by 6 feet although it is floorless so you should provide a tarp for covering the ground and is only ideal for summer use and you can easily attach the car camping tent onto any vehicle due to its sleeve that is very easy to attach and to set up and to adjust as well.
This high quality car camping tent can also be converted into a ground tent when you remove the vehicle sleeve in its entire build and it is also relatively easy to put together even for just one person due to its simplicity and straightforward design. A carrying bag also makes things convenient for you when you want to set the tent up or take it down for traveling purposes.
The fiberglass and steel poles of this car camping tent add durability to the whole tent system and the tent can also allow an additional 2 people to sleep inside the cargo it attaches onto. It is also usable for up to 3 seasons in one given year and the rain protection system using the rain fly makes it very applicable for bad weather. Its rain fly is also tape seamed for superior durability and resistance to bad weather and there are also 3 windows with a no-see-um mesh for bug resistance.
The two entrance doors provide ease of entry and exit and ventilation during the summer and the tent is also equipped with a bath tub style flooring so you can keep safe against leaking and condensation. The polyester taffeta material that is used in the car camping tent is made from 1200 PU quality and there are also 2 awning poles made from high quality steel for superior stability. The 5 fiberglass poles and the 6 steel poles also give the whole tent the stability that it deserves and the awning of the shade measures 6 feet by 6 feet in its total dimensions which greatly support the full length rain fly.
Budget Pick
Texsport Retreat SUV Tent
This budget pick car camping tent, the Texsport Retreat SUV Tent, is perfect for a lot of SUVs and it measures 10 feet by 10 feet and the head room of this car camping tent is 76 inches so it has a lot of head room to consider. Its polyurethane is at 1000 mm on its coating that is applied to the rain fly to give it the best kind of water resistance there ever is for a rain fly for any tent and the tent also has a front door with a D-style design.
The mesh used in this car camping tent is a no-see-um mesh to protect against mosquitoes and bug bites. Moreover, it also conforms to the CPAI-84 due to the very fact that it is a flame retardant car camping tent to consider. Its flooring is made from high quality polyethylene material which provides warmth during the cold weather and ventilation during the summer and the polyester material of the rugged fabric of this car camping tent has a quality of 190T plus PU 80 mm on its walls for superior durability against the rain and the elements and the wind.
The polyethylene floor is also rip stop in its design and this car camping tent can accommodate up to 5 persons in its design and overall size. You can use it as a standalone tent or you can use it for SUVs on its hatchback or cargo area as a car camping tent and the rain fly is extra durable at 1000 mm. The 3 wall pockets are cascading in their design and have taped seams in their design and the walls are made from high quality polyester taffeta material that is highly durable against any weather.
There are a total of 16 stakes in this car camping tent and all of which are made from high quality and durable steel material and there are also storm flaps which have been integrated with the mesh windows of this car camping tent for superior durability. Moreover, there is also a cotton mesh netting on its no-see-um mesh for great durability. The Texsport Tent is backed by a limited manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year.
Car Camping Tent with a Compact Design
TailVeil Tent + Rainfly
Equipped with a rain fly, this high quality car camping tent, the TailVeil Tent + Rainfly, is very durable in its build and it is very convenient due to its carrying case that is included. It is also super light weight at only 5 pounds compared to other car camping tents of this caliber and build and it is very easy to put together and is also easy to take down as a car camping tent because it does not make the use of any kind of pole to set up so you can spend more time relaxing in the car camping tent.
The tent is also very convenient and it will not fly away during a storm due to its 8 tent stakes that keep the car camping tent as stable as possible in its entire build. What’s more, the car camping tent is also very versatile yet it will not disrupt the operation of the doors of your current vehicle due to its ingenious design. This car camping tent can also fit a lot of vehicles due to the very fact that it is highly adjustable in its entire build and in its design.
The tail gate of this car camping tent is upward lifting in its mechanism and design and it is also compact due to its size so you can easily set up it up and store it in your vehicle when it is not in use and then pull it out and set it up when you needed it right away. The tent is made from a high quality and high density material instance of polyester and it will fit just about any kind of minivan due to its versatile sizing and adjustability. In fact, you can use it for children’s sports and sporting events such as soccer games and the like and you can also use it for tailgating events. Overall, it is a great car camping tent for family gatherings, picnic, fishing, outdoor lunch, grilling and the like.
Comfortable Car Camping Tent with Included Mattress
Front Runner Feather-Lite Roof Top Tent
Coming in with a free mattress, this high quality tent for car camping, the Front Runner Feather-Lite Roof Top Tent, makes the use of a top mechanism with a ladder and it is like an upper attic or deck of a house except for the very fact that it sit on the roof top of your current vehicle. It can fit up to 2 people in its size and design or more and its tent fabric used is an Oxford fabric with a quality of 400D to resist tearing and to withstand a lot of force without as much sacrificing the breathability of the whole tent in general. What’s more, its fabric is also resistant to condensation, molding and the rain.
With this camping tent, there are also high quality and visible windows in the car camping tent for providing the best kind of ventilation during the summer and a breathtaking view of the world below and there is also a highly durable ladder made from sturdy aluminum material which is retractable when not in use. What’s more, the treads on the ladder are foot friendly and provide safety and reliability.
A free mattress is also included in this car camping tent that allows you to instantly sleep on it and all you need to provide is the set of pillows and sleeping bags and blankets. In addition to that, the PVC coating of the fabric makes it highly waterproof and UV resistant and comfortable due to the very fact that poly cotton has been used for its heavy duty material build. Also, the screening of the door and the windows help you protect against insects and mosquitoes without obstructing the beautiful view of the outside world around you below.
Ideal Car Camping Tent with a Dome Shaped Design
Sportz Napier Dome-To-Go Tent
If you want a dome shaped tent then you should go for this tent for car camping, the Sportz Napier Dome-To-Go Tent due to its form factor which instantly makes it very simple and straightforward to set up in almost any vehicle possible. The vehicle sleeve can be easily unzipped for use as a standalone ground tent so it is a truly versatile car camping tent to consider and this dome shaped car camping tent can fit up to 4 people in its entire build and dimensions of 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 feet.
The awning on this car camping tent measures 6 feet by 6 feet in its size for a great shade against UV rays of the sun and the rain fly is also full length in its design and is also seamed properly for protection against the rain. The 2 doors are quite large for easy entry and exit and the 3 windows have a no-see-um mesh for easy protection against bug bites while keeping ventilation at its best in any season of the year. Moreover, the fiberglass poles of this car camping tent are shock corded for a convenient set up.
Ideal Car Camping Tent for Truck Vehicles
Napier Outdoors Sportz Camo Truck Tent
This high quality car camping tent, the Napier Outdoors Sportz Camo Truck Tent, can be used on a truck or anything with a similar design to a truck. The car camping tent is available in two sizes – 5.7 feet and 6 feet in size and the awning of this truck and car camping tent measures 4 feet by 4 feet in its size.
You can get a lot of shade from this car camping tent without the need for guiding ropes due to its tailgate design and it also prevents water from entering due to its extension on the sides for an ingenious design. In addition, the car camping tent has a total head room of 5 1/2 feet so it is okay for a car camping tent and you can also stay safe from leaking due to its unique design that is off the ground.
With the Napier Outdoors Truck Tent, there are a total of two windows which are very large for great ventilation and a good view of the outside world. What’s more, there are also two side vents for maximum breathability.
Ideal Car Camping Tent for Minivan Vehicles
Sportz SUV Minivan 9×9 4-5-Person Tent
For minivan owners, your best bet is the Sportz SUV Minivan 9×9 4-5-Person Tent as this car camping tent is the perfect tent if you have a Kia minivan such as Borrego, Sedona, Sorrento, Soul or Sportage. It can fit in 4 to 5 people in its design and in its overall size and dimensions of 9 feet by 9 feet and you can easily store your most important items using the two inside gear pockets. At the corners, it has a head room of 6 feet while at the center it has a 7 feet head room.
You can also get a lot of additional sleeping area using the cargo area along with the car camping tent and you can feel safe from the elements using the GoBe Dry rain protection system. The tent has an awning that measures 6 feet by 6 feet in its design and there are also lead out guy ropes for better stability on the car camping tent. You can also hang any lighting such as a lantern or flash light using the lantern holder from the ceiling and you can also stay safe and have privacy due to its storm flaps that can be attached to the windows.
You can also remove the vehicle sleeve and turn the vehicle tent into a standalone ground tent for convenience and versatility and you can fit in plus two people in the cargo area due to its ample amount of size. The poles are made from high quality steel and dura-wrap material for durability and stability and you can also easily store items using the two inside gear pockets.
Unique Car Camping Tent for the Rooftop
Back to 20s Rooftop Foldable Tent
The Back to 20s Rooftop Foldable Tent attaches to the roof top and is very easy to set up due to its simple design and you can easily lock the car camping tent onto your roof top of your vehicle due to its intuitive design. You absolutely do not need to assemble anything and the whole tent can be set up within 1 minute and the tent is also easily foldable when it is not in use.
A ladder which is light weight yet very sturdy is included for easily going up and down to the car camping tent. The 2 person tent version of this roof top car camping tent measures 145 cm and it measures 125 cm for the 1 person model. The tent shell is made from high quality FRP or fiberglass reinforced plastic which has no worry with rusting so it is very durable. The mattress that is included in this car camping tent is made from high quality memory foam that has a thickness of 3 inches.
Car Camping Tent with Canvas Material
PLAYDO 1-2 Person Canvas Car Tent
The PLAYDO 1-2 Person Canvas Car Tent is also a roof top tent but it is made from canvas material which makes it unique from other tents out there. It is a great car camping tent for 1 person or for 2 persons for mobile living without the hassle of an RV or a large trailer and the annex of the car camping tent has dimensions of 300 by 180 by 220 cm with a PU coating on its cotton canvas which is made from 280g polyester material.
The shell material used in this car camping tent is fiberglass that is very sturdy and water resistant and its cotton canvas which is a 230g polyester material also adds ventilation, UV resistance and durability and it has a water proof index of 2000 mm up to 3000 mm. It is also very easy to mount on top of any kind of vehicle and it is very safe as a car camping tent and its ladder can extend from 70 cm up to 230 cm. The density of the included mattress is 30 and its dimensions is 300 by 116 cm with a thickness of 6 cm. The support is powered by a stainless steel rod for superior stability.
The Competition
When it comes to other car camping tents out there, they did not make it to the list because they were not for cars at all or for vehicles and were only meant for a standalone tent. It is also important that the car camping tent should fit a lot of vehicle types and have adjustability.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is car camping?
A: According Lower Gear , it basically means you use your car or vehicle as a tent or you attach a car camping tent to it to make it comfortable. A lot of camp sites can be your camping ground. Car camping is an alternative if you do not have the budget for an RV or a trailer home.
Q: Can you give us some tips on car camping?
A: According to Active , make sure you have your first aid kit, a lot of food and save up on fuel by using traditional ways of starting a fire. Also, make sure you stay safe while camping in the car and make sure that if you set up a tent, it should be very stable.
Wrapping It Up
To summarize, the Sportz SUV 9x9x7.25 Feet Blue/Tan Tent is our best car camping tent for those who would like to save up on budget and use their car or vehicle to maximize the sleeping area and camping space overall.