Recommended Car-Camping Tents for Road Trips & Festivals

Get ready to hit the road and camp in comfort with durable and easy-to-set-up tents. Shop now for the best deals and enjoy the great outdoors with peace of mind.

Types of Car and Truck Tents

Car and truck campers are essentially small, self-contained living spaces that can be mounted onto the back of a pickup truck or the bed of a car. These campers often come equipped with a small kitchen, sleeping area, and storage space, making them a great option for those who want to be able to camp in comfort without the hassle of setting up a traditional tent. They are also great for those who want to travel long distances and don't want to have to worry about finding lodging along the way.

On the other hand, rooftop tents are a great option for those who want to be able to set up camp quickly and easily. These tents are designed to be mounted on the roof of a car or truck, and can be set up in just a few minutes. They are also great for those who want to be able to camp in more remote locations, as they allow you to camp in places where traditional tents can't be used. Rooftop tents come in a variety of sizes, from solo tents to family-sized options, making them a versatile option for any camper.

Reasons to Get a Rooftop Tent for Your Car

There are many reasons why you might want to use a rooftop tent. For one, they allow you to camp in areas where traditional tents can't be used, such as rocky or uneven terrain. They are also great for those who want to be able to set up camp quickly and easily, without having to worry about finding a flat spot to pitch a tent. Additionally, rooftop tents can provide added security, as they are elevated off the ground and are less accessible to animals or other wildlife.

5 Best Car-Camping Tents on the Market

There are a great selection of brands of rooftop car tents available. Some of the best ones include the following:

• The Crua tent is gray in color, made of polyester material, and has a modified dome shape with a capacity to hold up to three people. It is designed for recreational camping, truck camping, and beach use, with a 4-season rating and one door. The tent comes with one room and a carry bag included. It is the least expensive option at $608.37.

• The Rough Country tent is a rack-mounted option that includes a 12-volt accessory and LED light kit. When opened, it measures 95 inches in length, 64 inches in width, and 48 inches in height, while the collapsed size is 64 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 16 inches in height (with ladder stowed on top). It has a maximum weight rating of 660 pounds and can sleep 2-3 people, with a bed size of 92 inches by 62 inches. The tent comes with a 2-inch thick high-density fire retardant foam mattress with a removable cover, an 83-inch telescopic aluminum ladder, and mosquito screens. It also features a gray tent with a rain fly, mold-free fabric, and 600D Oxford Ripstop fabric with UV protection. The rainfly is made of 420D Oxford Ripstop fabric. Additionally, there is an LED strip included. The tent comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, and prices start at $1,299.95 as part of their start program.

• The RoofNest Sparrow XL is the most expensive option, costing $3,495.00. It can sleep 2-3 people and has an interior measurement of 84 inches in length by 58 inches in width, while the exterior measures 86 inches in length by 61 inches in width. The tent has a height of 11.5 inches when closed and offers a maximum headroom of 40 inches when open. The tent is designed to fit between Roofnest mounting rails, with a minimum distance between rack crossbars of 30 inches. It comes with an integrated 2.8-inch foam mattress, 8.5-foot ladder, anti-condensation mat, detachable pocket, 4x4 ground mat, waterproof storage bag, privacy tent, and interior LED light.

• The Coverpro car canopy is another option and is the most expensive in its category at $249.99. It measures 10 feet by 17 feet and is water-resistant with UV treatment for protection in all weather conditions. The canopy features a drum-tight cover and door panel to protect compact cars and other equipment during stormy weather. The cover attachment keeps the canopy secure, and it has an all-steel 1.27-inch diameter tubular frame with zinc-plated eyelets to resist rust.

• The Wayfair SuperMax Enclosure Casing Side Wall is the least expensive option, costing $156.39. This enclosure kit is only compatible with the canopy frame and cover, which are sold separately. The ripstop tough woven polyethylene fabric is constructed with the same quality fabric and fits all 12 x 26 ft. SuperMax 2-inch diameter canopies. It offers 50+ UPF sun protection, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays. The enclosure casing side wall is constructed of fire-rated ripstop woven polyethylene fabric and provides added UV protection, fade blockers, anti-aging, and anti-yellowing agents. The setup is quick and easy, with bungee fasteners attached to the canopy frame in minutes.

Overall, rooftop tents can make camping a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. There are various rooftop tent options available on the market, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models. Factors such as size, weight, material, and included features should be considered when choosing a rooftop tent for your car or truck. Brands like Crua, The Rough Country, and Roofnest offer reliable and durable rooftop tents that can withstand different weather conditions and provide a comfortable sleeping area. No matter which rooftop tent you choose, it is essential to ensure that it fits your vehicle's roof and weight capacity to ensure a safe and secure camping experience. Ultimately, investing in a rooftop tent can provide you with a new level of freedom and flexibility to explore the great outdoors.