Updated August 21st, 2023
Going camping with your dog is a great way to spend time with your furry friend. You get a great companion to go camping with. They get all kinds of new smells, open spaces to zoom around and chances to meet new friends. If your going camping with a dog, you need to find the right tent to share with them. Some tents are much more suitable for camping with dogs than others. If tent camping with a dog sounds great to you then lets have a look at the best tents for camping with dogs.
Below are our top choices for the best tents for camping with dogs. We considered features, performance, price, durability, and customer reviews in our recommendations. Keep reading below for reviews, tent guide, and FAQ.
The 9 Best Tents For Camping With Dogs Of 2023
- The 9 Best Tents For Camping With Dogs Of 2023
- 1. Top Pick – REI Co-op Base Camp 4 ($449)
- 2. Top Pick – Sea To Summit Telos TR3 Plus ($699)
- 3. Best Value – Coleman Evanston Dome Tent ($87)
- 4. NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P ($399)
- 5. DOD Outdoors El Capitan Super Tent ($999)
- 6. WHITEDUCK Regatta Bell Tent ($499-999)
- 7. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 3 ($131)
- 8. Gazelle T4 Plus ($579)
- 9. ayamaya Pop Up Tent ($159)
- Best Tents For Camping With Dogs Guide
- Best Tents For Camping With Dogs FAQ
- You might also like:
1. Top Pick – REI Co-op Base Camp 4 ($449)
Specifications
- Capacity – 4 person
- Size – 100″ x 86″ floor x 60″ height
- Packed Size – 10″ x 10″ x 20″
- Weight – 16 lbs 14 oz
- Material – Coated 150-denier polyester Oxford floor,
The REI Co-op Base Camp 4 is a heavy duty tent with plenty of space for people and dogs. The tent is designed for 4 people and has 2 large vestibules for gear and animals. It is backed by REI’s satisfaction guarantee and customer service.
The Base Camp 4 has a heavy duty 150 denier polyester floor that will stand up to rough ground and to large dog claws. The rest of the construction from the poles to the zippers is equally durable. REI has a 365 day return policy for members that covers anything broken, worn out or you just don’t like.
This tent has a large floor area that easily fits 4 adults. The dome shape makes the ceiling a bit cramped on the sides. It feels roomy for 2-3 adults sitting or standing. There is a large vestibule on each side with large zipper doors for access. The tent is designed for 3 season use. It has a lot of windows and vents to give it enough ventilation even on hot days.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Very heavy duty construction throughout
- Heavy duty waterproof floor
- 2 large vestibules for animals and storage
- Plenty of room for 3 adults and a dog
- REI guarantee and customer service
- Easy to enter and exit doors
- Plenty of ventilation with lots of window and vent options.
What we didn’t like:
- The dome shape makes it feel not as tall as other 4 person tents
Bottom Line
A rugged heavy duty tent with plenty of room for people and dogs good for cold and hot weather camping
See Best Deals!
2. Top Pick – Sea To Summit Telos TR3 Plus ($699)
Specifications
- Capacity – 3 person
- Size – 90.5″ x 58″ floor x 52.5″ height
- Packed Size – 6″ x 6″ x 19″
- Weight – 5 lbs 2 oz
- Material – Canopy 20-denier ripstop nylon, Floor 30-denier ripstop nylon
The Sea To Summit Telos TR3 Plus is a great tent for backpacking with a dog. It can be setup in a traditional manner but also as a hangout canopy without the tent. It can be setup fly first on rainy days to keep the inside dry.
The tent is made from quality materials and construction throughout. The floor could be a little thicker. The tent is designed for backpacking and weight is at a premium. We recommend getting the optional footprint to keep the floor protected from the ground.
The tent has 2 large opening doors that make entry and exit easy. There is a vestibule in the fly on each side of the tent. You can use one side for gear and make a space for your dog on the other side.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Lightweight innovative design
- Tent can be setup in a variety of configurations depending on need
- Large zipper openings on the doors make entry and exit easy
- Doors and vestibules on both sides of the tent
- Easy to setup in any configuration
What we didn’t like:
- The floor material is lightweight and can be damaged by rough objects on the ground
Bottom Line
A lightweight 3 person backpacking tent that is perfect for 1 or 2 people and a dog or 2. Large doors and vestibules make it easy for people and dogs to get in and out.
See Best Deals!
3. Best Value – Coleman Evanston Dome Tent ($87)
Specifications
- Capacity – 6 person (8 person version also available)
- Size – 10ft x 9ft x 5ft inch height. 10ft x 5ft screen room
- Packed Size – 12″ x 12″ x 24″
- Weight – 20.9 lbs
- Material – polyester taffeta 75D
The Coleman Evanston Dome Tent is a nice value tent with a screened in front porch built in. This tent features typical Coleman great value, quality, and materials. It won’t be as great as a NorthFace or Mountain Hardware tent but it will cost much less. It’s better than a really generic Walmart or Amazon special.
This tent can be put up in 15 minutes by a couple of people after practicing a few times. The included stakes are typical of what most value tents come with. They will work in soft ground but can bend without too much effort. We recommend you put a ground covering underneath the tent to protect the floor material.
The best feature of this tent is the screened in porch. It is a great place to leave your dog for a few minutes while you are busy cooking. Be careful if you have a dog that likes to scratch as they can easily tear the screen door material.
This is a great tent for camping with a dog. The screen room makes a great place to let your dog spend time while you are occupied. It has plenty of room for a family of 4 and a dog inside the tent. This makes it our best value pick among the best tents for camping with dogs.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Screen room porch
- Good ventilation
- Plenty of room for a family of 4 and a dog
What we didn’t like:
- The rainfly doesn’t cover over the entire screen room
- Fabric durability on the tent top
Bottom Line
A great value tent with plenty of room for a couple and a dog. Good quality and durability for the price.
See Best Deals!
4. NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P ($399)
Specifications
- Capacity – 4 person
- Size – 100″ x 90″ floor x 75″ height
- Packed Size – 8.5″ x 8.5″ x 25″
- Weight – 15 lbs 14 oz
- Material – 150-denier polyester floor
The Nemo Aurora Highrise is a large spacious heavyduty tent perfect for people and dogs. It has a 150 denier heavy duty floor and heavy duty aluminum frame. It is tall enough that a 6’4″ camper can stand in without hitting the top. It is available in 4 person and 6 person versions.
The Aurura has 2 large vestibules at each door. One door is full size and easy to get in and out. One door is only half size and not as functional. Both doors have stuff pockets making it easy to keep the door out of the way when opened.
The tent has a large window on each. The rain fly is poled out over them so you can still open and see out the windows with the fly in place. This gives the tent really good ventilation for hot days.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Large spacious tall tent good for campers well over 6′ tall
- Heavy duty durable floor
- Strong aluminum frame construction
- Windows that are protected from the rain but aren’t covered by the rain fly
- Stuff pockets for the doors to hold them open
- Large vestibule areas at both doors
What we didn’t like:
- One door is only a half door
Bottom Line
A big spacious tent with heavy duty frame and floor that is tall enough for big campers. It has 2 large vestibules and plenty of window ventilation.
See Best Deals!
5. DOD Outdoors El Capitan Super Tent ($999)
Specifications
- Capacity – 8 person
- Size – 13.5ft x 12ft floor x 6.9ft height
- Packed Size – 19.7″ x 9.4″ x 10.7″
- Weight – 15 lbs 6 oz
- Material – Nylon
The DOD Outdoors El Capitan Super Tent is a very unique tent. It is designed to be a tent that you can put other smaller tents inside. It creates a very large sheltered areas with a tall roof. You can put a couple small tents inside for you and your family without being in the same large tent. Your dog will have plenty of room to sleep or play inside the El Capitan beside your tent. It is big and tall enough to easily go over a picnic table and still have room for a 2-3 person tent next to it.
The El Capitan uses heavy duty nylon materials and aluminum poles. It takes just a few minutes to assemble. The front and rear open up to create a big open air space. The front doors can be poled out as an awning. They do not include the poles for doing it.
This tent does not have a floor. You can put it over top of picnic tables. You have a large chunk of ground sheltered from the rain to walk on before stepping into your tent. The sides of the El Capitan go down to the ground so there isn’t a gap at the bottom.
The El Capitan is a really useful large shelter that works great for a family and dog to sleep together without everyone in the same tent.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Large open air tent that works as a rain or sun shelter
- Heavy duty high quality construction
- Big enough to fit a couple smaller tents inside
- Large front and rear doors
- Front door can be pulled out as an awning
What we didn’t like:
- Awning poles aren’t included
- High cost
Bottom Line
A very large sized tent that you can put smaller tents inside. It creates a big sheltered area for your dog and family to stay under.
See Best Deals!
Use the Coupon Code RUSH10 for 10% off at DODOutdoors.com
6. WHITEDUCK Regatta Bell Tent ($499-999)
Specifications
- Capacity – 4 person
- Size – 10 ft x 10 ft x 7 ft 6 inches
- Packed Size – 39 x 15 x 10 inches
- Weight – 51 lbs
- Material – 100% cotton 8.5 oz. Army Duck Canvas
The WhiteDuck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent is a well made canvas tent with stove jack. It is a 4 season tent that can be used in summer and winter. It is available in 3 sizes. 10ft, 13ft, and 16 ft. The tent is made in the USA. Construction and materials are high quality and the tent is very well thought out.
The tent is made from 100% Army duck canvas with military grade zippers. The construction feels very heavy duty. The seams and stitching look high quality. This tent feels like it is made to last a long time. There are 4 vents in the ceiling of the tent. They stay open when the tent is setup and provide good ventilation. There are storage bags built into the side of the tent for holding your gear.
There are a variety of accessories available for White Duck tents. These include awnings, room dividers, wind brakes, and more. You can add a separate room for your dog and get an awning so they have some shade in the summer without going into the tent.
The WhiteDuck Regatta Bell Tent is a great choice for those wanting to camp with a dog in the winter. It is well made with heavy duty materials. It has a stove jack to keep everyone warm as well.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Made in the USA with high quality heavy duty materials
- Simple and easy to setup
- Available accessories to make it more comfortable with a dog
What we didn’t like:
- High cost
- Floor is not detachable or made with fireproof materials
Bottom Line
A large canvas bell tent that is suitable for any season. Many available options such as awnings and stoves means you can customize it for you and your dog.
See Best Deals!
7. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 3 ($131)
Specifications
- Capacity – 3 person
- Size – 6’2 x 7’5 floor x 41″ height
- Packed Size – 8″ x 8″ x 21″
- Weight – 6 lbs 2 oz
- Material – 75D 185T polyester fly with 1500mm coating, 75D 185T poly taffeta floor with 3000mm coating
The Alps Mountaineering Zephry 3 is a good tent to take the dog backpacking. It can fit 2 adults and up to a medium sized dog comfortably for a backpacking trip.
This tent is a typical 3 person backpacking tent which means it can fit 2 people. The ceiling is a little higher than average for a backpacking tent. The tent has 2 doors and a vestibule at each door which gives you some more storage space and shelter. The 2nd door is nice so you both can take the dog out without disturbing your partner.
The tent has better than average construction for its price. It uses aluminum poles and heavy-duty tent stakes. Some users found the seams around the door zippers leaked a little bit when new. Getting some seam sealer and running around the zipper seams is a good idea. Do the same around the floor seam as well.
Overall the Alps Mountaineering Zephry 3 makes a good tent for a couple backpacking with a dog. It is well made with 2 doors and vestibules.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- 2 doors and vestibules
- Roof and side vents
- Enough room for 2 plus a dog
What we didn’t like:
- Interior mesh material is on the thin side
- Needs some seam sealer and floor saver when new to be completely waterproof
Bottom Line
A good tent for a couple backpacking with a dog. It has 2 doors and vestibules so you can use one for gear and one for your dog.
See Best Deals!
8. Gazelle T4 Plus ($579)
Specifications
- Capacity – 8 person
- Size – 94″ x 168″ Floor space, 78″ Height
- Packed Size – 13″ X 13″ X 67.5″
- Weight – 58 lbs
- Material – 100% Polyester
The Gazelle T4 Plus is a super easy to put up big spacious tent with a screened in enclosure. The tent features typical Gazelle heavy duty materials and zippers. It can sleep 2 and a dog comfortably in the main tent room or use the screened in enclosure for the dogs.
The screened in enclosure half of the tent has zip down waterproof covers over all the windows. You can have a screened in sunroom or another fully waterproof room. The tent has 2 doors. One in the back and one in the front going to the screened in room.
One really nice feature of this tent is the detachable floor. It is held on by velcro a few inches above the ground. It acts as a waterproof tub over the ground. It makes cleanup super easy since you can detach the floor and hose it out if needed. The main room and the screen room both have their own separate detachable floor.
Overall this is a really good pick for a large tent for camping with dogs. You can use the main room for yourself and the screened in enclosure for the dog. This makes it our top pick among the best tents for camping with dogs.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Very spacious tent with tall ceiling
- Screened in enclosure with waterproof covering
- Detachable floor
What we didn’t like:
- Hubs can pop out in very high winds
- Cheap aluminum stakes
Bottom Line
A big spacious tent with a separate awning and entry room that goes up with just a few very easy steps.
See Best Deals!
9. ayamaya Pop Up Tent ($159)
Specifications
- Capacity – 4-6 person
- Size – 12.5 x 8.5 feet floor x 53.5inch height
- Packed Size – 34.6 x 34.6 x 1.2 inch
- Weight – 10.3 lbs
- Material – 3000mm PU Coated Fabric and Heat Sealed Seams
The ayamaya Pop Up Tent with vestibule is a very easy to setup to setup and lightweight tent. It has a nice screened in front vestibule and plenty of room inside the main tent for 4 adults or a family of 4 and a large dog.
The highlight of this tent is how easy it is to put up and take down. You give it a toss and let it expand and then stretch it out on the ground. There is no poles to put together and run through the tent. Take down involves folding the assembled tent back up. It does take a little bit of work to get it back into the bag. It helps to practice it a few times until you get the hang of packing it.
The tent is made of 3000mm PU waterproof material on the walls and 4000mm PU material on the floor. One of the flaws in this tent is the window design. The rain fly is integrated into the tent. The fly has windows that roll up and down but do not have any seals on the side. Heavy windblown rain can blow into the sides of the window into the tent. We would have preferred a separate rainfly to put on top that didn’t have any windows.
Overall this is a good tent if you want a lightweight, large, easy to put up tent with a screened in vestibule. This makes it my top pick among the best tents for camping with dogs.
Overall Rating
What we liked:
- Very fast easy setup
- Lightweight for a 4 person tent
- Screened in vestibule
What we didn’t like:
- The vestibule floor is not attached to the walls on the sides.
- Window design can leak in really heavy rain and wind
Bottom Line
A lightweight 4 person tent that can be put up in seconds and taken down just as fast. It has a large vestibule for your dog to stay in or for gear storage.
See Best Deals!
Best Tents For Camping With Dogs Guide
What is the best kind of tent for camping with a dog? Let’s start by taking a look at your dog. If you have a large German Shepherd they are going to take up as much space as another person. No screened in or mesh covered enclosure will contain them unless they want to stay where they are. If you have a smaller dog such as a Beagle they need much less space. You need to have some realistic expectations for your dogs size and how they behave when choosing a tent.
What to consider when looking at a tent for camping with your dog
Let’s take a look at things you should pay attention to when choosing a tent to camp with your dog.
Size
Your dog and their supplies are going to take up space in your tent. You should count your dog as another person when looking for a tent. If there are 2 of you and a dog, look for a tent suitable for 3 people. If your a family of 4 with a dog, look for a tent suitable for at least 5 people. Keep in mind that tents say they can hold a certain number of people. To fit that many you have to squeeze in there like a human game of Tetris.
A 4 person tent really only fits 3 comfortably if anyone needs to move or get up. You need space to store your gear as well. Unless you are backpacking and space and weight are highly important, get a tent with some spare capacity.
Materials
Your dog has claws on their paws and can scratch through a thin tent easily. If they are the type that likes to scratch your screen door at home, they might do it to your tent doors as well. Don’t buy the bargain basement tent with the thinnest cheapest materials. Buy something with some quality materials so it will last you a few years with your dog walking around in it. Zippers are also a common failure point in a tent. Something with over sized zippers or quality YKK hardware will last longer.
Vestribute
A tent that has a built in screened vestibule is great for camping with a dog. You can give your dog a place to stay while your cooking and cleaning up where they can still see and watch you. The vestibule can be a good place for your dog to sleep at night and also someplace to put their supplies.
All vestibules are not created equally. Some do not have floors or fully attached floors. They may not have waterproof coverings for rain. Look at the design of the vestibule before deciding on a tent and think about how you will use it. Also, think about how your dog will behave. If it has no floor and your dog is an escape artist, they may figure out how to crawl under the walls.
2 doors
2 doors can make it easier to manage a dog in the tent. Sooner or later they will need to go outside. If you have 2 doors you may not have to crawl over as many people to get outside the tent.
Season – winter/4season or 3 season tent
A 3 season or summer tent will work fine for most of the year. If you plan on camping with your dog in the winter you may want to consider a 4 season tent. These tents have more heavy duty sides to stand up to cold weather. Some have openings or jacks so you can heat them with wood burning stoves. See our article on the best tents with stove jacks for more information on 4 season tents.
Your dog may not like sleeping in cold weather any more than you do.
Dog Camping Supplies
There are a few things you should bring along when camping with a dog. Let’s go through some of the essential items you should not forget if you are bringing your dog camping.
Food and water
Your dog needs to eat and drink. You should use the same water supply for your dog that you use for you. If you need to purify the water to be safe for human consumption, don’t assume it’s okay for a dog. Make sure there is enough clean water for your dog to drink. Your dog likes treats so bring along a few of those as well.
Long leash and harness
Dogs can be very unpredictable when they head out into nature o your camping trip. Some dogs are very timid and will stay close by you. Other dogs will want to head off and explore right away. A leash can be a good idea until you find out how your dog is going to react to your campsite. A longer leash will give them a bit more room to explore. The last thing you want from your camping trip is a runaway dog.
A harness can work a little better than a collar. You don’t know what kind of other wildlife you might encounter that you need to pull your dog away from quickly.
ID tags on your dog
Make sure your dog has some identification on them in case they wander off. We all hope our dog behaves and stays close by. Sometimes they get excited and can’t find their way back. You want to make sure that if your dog is found by someone else they can get them back to you. Make sure whatever collar or harness your using has ID tags on it for your dog.
GPS collar
A collar with a GPS receiver on it can help you locate your dog if they wander off. Halo collar and Tractive are 2 popular options. They can show where your dog is on a map on your phone or other mobile devices. They do need a phone or wifi signal to work. If you are camping somewhere really remote with no phone signal they won’t help much. When your dog wanders back into an area with phone signal it will broadcast where your dog is.
Some GPS collars also have invisible fence functionality. You can set up a virtual fence for your dog around your campsite to keep them from going too far.
Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
- LIVE TRACKING & LOCATION HISTORY – Pinpoint the real-time location of your furry friend when it matters most and see the history of places your dog has visited.
- VIRTUAL FENCE – Define a safe area and get an instant notification if your pet leaves the area. Dog tracking has never been easier.
- ACTIVITY MONITORING: Keep your dog healthy with the integrated dog fitness tracker
- WORLDWIDE LOCATION TRACKING – Use your Tractive GPS pet collar attachment in over 150 countries. Manage all features via the free Tractive GPS app for a iOS and Android or in any browser.
Flea and tick treatment/Bug spray
Ticks carry many diseases that can cause you and your dog serious health issues. Ticks are common out in the woods. It’s a good idea to get your dog a flea and tick treatment before going out in the woods. Check your dog and you for ticks regularly during your camping trip. Look here for more information on removing a tick from your dog if you find one.
Towels
Many dogs love swimming as well as playing in puddles or the mud. Dogs like getting messy. Bring a few towels along so you can dry off your dog if they get wet. The last thing anyone wants is cuddling up to a wet dog at night in the tent.
Blanket or bedding
Your dog needs somewhere to sleep while camping. Bring a bed along or blankets for them. It’s a good idea to get them used to sleeping in this bed before going camping. You can set it out for them in your home to let them get used to it.
Dog toys
Bring a toy or 2 for your dog to play with around your campsite. They may need something to occupy their time while your cooking or other campsite duties.
Best Tents For Camping With Dogs FAQ
Q: Can dogs sleep in tents?
Yes, dogs can sleep in tents. A dog can make a great cuddle buddy inside your tent when it’s cold out. If your dog can sleep in your bed at home, there is no reason they can’t sleep in your tent too.
Q: How do you camp in a tent with a dog?
Camping with a dog can be a lot of fun. When it comes to bed time a few things can make it more comfortable for you and your dog.
- Make sure there is enough space in your tent. A tent with a vestibule can add a lot of space.
- Have a bed or bedding for your dog to sleep on in your tent.
- Let them get used to the tent at home before heading off camping.
- Bring treats and toys along for your dog to have and play with while camping.
Q: Where do dogs sleep when camping?
A dog can sleep in your tent with you while camping. If you have a tent with a vestibule, they can sleep there. Some dogs may like to sleep outside while you are in the tent. If you plan on letting your dog sleep outside while camping, learn what wildlife lives in the area. You want to know what kind of visitors your dog might get at night wandering through your campsite.
Q: How cold is too cold to camp with a dog?
This depends on the breed of your dog. Some dogs are much more tolerant of cold than others. A Siberian Husky can handle almost any level of cold. A Chihuahua can not handle cold weather at all. In general large dog breeds are more cold tolerant than small or toy breeds.
Q: Are Coleman tents any good?
Coleman tents aren’t the best tent available. Coleman tents aren’t the worst tents available. They offer a solid value that can last years if well cared for. They will not be as light and durable as more expensive tents. There is a wide variety of Coleman tents available that can fit almost any camping need. There are small light backpacking tents up to large family tents for car camping. You can find better tents than Coleman but it’s hard to find a better value than Coleman.
Q: Are expensive tents worth it?
That depends. How do you plan on using your tent? Will you backpack long distances? Do you plan on camping a lot? Are you a casual camper who will use a tent once or twice a year or less. If you camp in a tent a lot you will get more value out of a more expensive tent.
If you only occasionally camp, you may not be able to take advantage of what a more expensive tent offers. More expensive means better and lighter materials that will last longer. If you rarely ever camp you may get years our of a cheap tent. If you camp a lot, you may destroy a cheap tent in a few trips. You get what you pay for.
Q: How much should I pay for a tent?
You can find cheap small tents for as little as $50. You can easily spend over $500 for large 4-season tent. You can get a quality tent that is suitable for 2 to 4 people and a dog for $100 to $200. If you want a tent that will last, you don’t want to spend much below $100. Anything over $300 may be more than the casual camper needs.
Q: How much does it cost to camp in a tent?
Once you have a tent, the cost of camping can be very inexpensive. You can find free places to camp in public lands and forests. Campsite costs can run from $10 to $80 per night depending on where you are. Outside the campsite costs, your other costs are food, water, and other supplies.
Q: How do you pick a good tent?
Figure out how much space you need inside your tent. What is your budget for buying a tent? How many people and dogs need to sleep in the tent. Find a tent with the features you want such as good materials and a vestibule.
Q: Should I get a 2 or 3 person tent?
How many people and dogs will be sleeping in your tent? Most 2 person tents only fit one person comfortably. Most 3 person tents only fit 2 people comfortably. If it’s just you and your dog, a 2 person tent may be fine. If it is you, your dog and another person you want at least a 3 person tent.
You might also like:
- 19 Helpful Tips For How To Keep Your Tent Warm In Winter
- How To Lock A Tent And 7 Other Ways To Keep Your Things Safe While Camping
- How To Heat A Tent. 9 Great Ways To Make Your Tent Warm And Cozy At Night
- The Best Paddle Boards For Dogs Helpful Guide
Doug Ryan
Co-Founder & Chief Editor
I grew up back east in Pennsylvania and learned to ski on a family trip to Killington, Vermont when I was 6. I immediately fell in love with the mountains and outdoors and have been skiing across the US and Canada ever since. I went to school for Mechanical Engineering, and have a Master’s Degree in Material Science and Reliability.
I am a total gear nerd and love learning how things work and thinking about how they could be improved. Nothing excites me more than trying out new gear. I’d rather spend 3 hours taking my bike apart and learning how to change something than go to a bike shop. These days I reside in Michigan by the Great Lakes and go skiing, biking, and boating as much as possible.
doug@adventuregearinsider.com
