5 Best SUV Tents for Your Next Camping Road Trip

Last Updated on November, 2024

Did you know? Camping saw a massive boom after COVID-19 due to so many people facing problems caused by lockdown restrictions. 

In 2020, more than 48 million American households identified as campers, and this number rose to 92 million in 2022. 

And these numbers aren’t slowing down. More and more people have started to plan camping trips to spend time out in the wild and those who are short on budget or don’t have many people, have become fond of car camping.

Which brings us to SUV tents. The best part about camping in your SUV is that it enables you to pack a few more additional items to make your outdoor adventures a tad bit more enjoyable and comfortable. 

You can use the trunk of your car as an extra space to pack different items such as camping gear, coolers, and backpacks. 

A quality SUV tent can provide the extra sleeping space required. Therefore, you need to go for a tent that can handle the weather conditions, and is compatible with your vehicle as well. 

We have developed this guide to help you find the best SUV tent for your upcoming road trips. So without any further ado let’s get to our top 5 best SUV tents of 2024. 

Best SUV Tents 

1. Napier Sportz SUV Tent (Model 82000)

Napier Sportz SUV Tent (Model 82000) product image
  • Capacity: 5 people
  • Dimensions: 9 feet x 9 feet x 7.2 feet
  • Weight: 37 pounds. 

The Napier Sportz SUV tent is the best SUV camping tent on the market because it offers excellent shelter for your entire family of five. Another superb feature of this tent is that it is compatible with most family trucks and sports utility vehicles. 

When it comes to weatherproofing, the design and construction quality of the Napier SUV tent make it an ideal option for kids as well as adults. It is made of sturdy polyester taffeta with durable tape-sealed seams and PU coating that can keep you safe during heavy rain. 

PU coating provides additional weather resistance and keeps the interior space of your tent more liveable regardless of the temperature outside. The tent has a spacious interior and it also comes with a detachable screen room for safe family time and shelter for meals. 

The reason why this tent is compatible with so many vehicles is its universal vehicle sleeve that fits different car models. It also doubles the vehicle cargo space for additional storage. 

However, some users of this tent did find it a bit tricky to set up until they got the hang of it. The poles and stakes that come with this tent make it a bit easier to set up, but you still need a few more tries to get used to it 

However, many customers were more than happy with the durable design and robust construction of this tent. 

Pros

  • The Napier Sportz SUV tent has a solid construction and it can handle tough weather conditions. 
  • Excellent weather resistance with PU coating polyester taffeta materials. 
  • Comes with a rain fly and awning attachment.
  • Compatible with different vehicles. 
  • Equipped with a detachable screen room. 

Cons

  • Setting up this tent needs a few trials to get used to. 

2. Kelty Caboose 4 SUV Tent

Kelty Caboose 4 SUV Tent product image
  • Capacity: 4 people
  • Dimensions: 7 feet x 9.9 feet x 7.8 feet
  • Weight: 21 pounds

If you’re looking for an SUV tent that comes with a roomy interior, but is still lightweight and compact for convenient storage, then consider going for the Kelty Caboose 4 tent

One of the best features of this tent is that it is much easier to set up and take down. You can connect it to the rear of your vehicle, and you’ll have access to plenty of useful living space. You can also install an awning between the tent and your vehicle. 

The Kelty Caboose Tent is one of the best SUV tents because it is made of weather-resistant materials, including the 68 denier polyester taffeta and highly breathable mesh panels or mesh windows. Therefore, your tent will be a stable shelter during harsh weather conditions. 

It also features a removable rainfly to keep the interior properly ventilated. The interior of the tent also has several storage pockets that you can use to store your personal belongings. 

You can also use this freestanding tent as a conventional shelter. With a peak height of 78 inches, it has enough space inside for you to comfortably stand and move around. The tent also features a large door and windows for proper ventilation. 

The color-coded poles, guy lines, and stakes that come with the Kelty Caboose tent make it easy for you to install and take apart and make your camping experience much more convenient.

Moreover, the tent also comes with instructions that you can use for assembling and disassembling the tent until you get the hang of it. 

Pros

  • Setting up the tent is super easy.
  • It is compatible with different vehicles. 
  • It comes with inbuilt storage pockets to store your personal belongings.
  • Features a large door and windows for proper ventilation 
  • Made with sturdy materials for maximum durability. 

Cons

  • Not ideal for large families. 

3. Napier Sportz Dome-to-Go

Napier Sportz Dome-to-Go Tent product image
  • Capacity: 4 people
  • Dimensions: 8.5 feet x 8.5 feet x 6.5 feet
  • Weight: 31 pounds

This tent by Napier Outdoors comes with slightly more interior space without compromising on head space while standing. This hatchback attachment tent can turn your SUV into a nice and comfortable home out in the wilderness. It’s one of the best budget camping tents on the market.

It features an adjustable vehicle sleeve that works with most small SUVs and hatchbacks out there, making it one of the best SUV tents. You just need to connect these SUV tents to the vehicle cargo area and create an additional living space. It will enable you to access those power outlets from your vehicle as well. 

This SUV tent has a simple pole hub construction that enables you to quickly set up the tent in less than 10 minutes. The tent also comes with a full rainfly and taped seams with zipped storm flaps on the door, vents, and windows for top-notch weather protection and privacy. 

The tent is made of quality and durable 75 denier 190T polyester taffeta materials for enhanced weather protection. It also features some storage pockets on the inside that you can use to place your personal belongings. 

The floor of this tent is also made of quality polyurethane material that will keep you clean and dry. It also comes with an inbuilt gear loft and gear pocket, along with an overhead lantern hook. 

With a freestanding design, you can detach it from your automobile and use it as a conventional ground tent. It also comes with an expandable carry bag for convenient storage. 

Pros

  • It comes with an expandable carry bag.
  • Quality and durable zippers. 
  • Separate gear loft and pocket.
  • The floor is made of durable polyurethane materials. 
  • Comes with taped seams and a removable rainfly for proper protection from rain. 
  • Storm flaps for vents and windows. 

Cons

  • Not suitable for large families. 
  • Some users experienced longer set up times.

4. Smittybilt Overlander

Smittybilt Overlander Tent product image
  • Capacity: 2 people
  • Dimensions: 5 feet x 4.5 feet x 1.2 feet
  • Weight: ~140 pounds

Need to go for a rooftop tent that you can set up over the top of your vehicle’s roof? Then consider the Smittybilt Overlander because this is one of the most robust options out there. 

These rooftop tents are excellent for both your hiking and camping trips thanks to their compact and lightweight design.

This tent also comes with an inbuilt bedding and a 12V socket and offers top-notch water resistance. And with its vehicle-mounted design, you can conveniently set it up right on top of your car. 

The poles and stakes of the tent are made of aluminum to make it lightweight and stable. It comes with an inbuilt double or full mattress that has a high-density construction. 

This SUV camping tent is made of quality 600 denier waterproof material, and it also comes with a sunroof, rainfly, and wide windows. Moreover, this tent also comes with mosquito netting to keep any nasty critters from invading your tent. 

This tent boasts an easy setup and the PVC cover will keep your tent dry and safe from harmful UV rays. 

The zippers are smooth and solid and won’t break no matter how you use them. It has a versatile design that makes it easily accessible from both driver’s as well as passenger’s side. 

The tent also comes with an 18-inch wide robust ladder, so you can easily climb up and enter your tent. It is one of the more solid tents out there, and you can even use it in extreme weather conditions. 

Pros

  • The tent is easily accessible from both sides of the automobile. 
  • Its windows and door have mosquito netting. 
  • This SUV tent is an ideal choice for all-season use. 
  • It comes with a wide ladder. 
  • Has a sunroof and rainfly. 

Cons

  • Only suitable for couples. 

5. North East Universal SUV Tent

North East Universal SUV Tent product image
  • Capacity: 8 people
  • Dimensions: 8 feet x 8 feet x 7.2 feet
  • Weight: 19 pounds

These SUV tents by North East Universal are ideally suitable for large family road trips involving 8 people. In other words, it works well for small groups. 

The tent comes with stakes and poles and you won’t find any difficulty in setting it up. Most users found it pretty easy to set it up and take it apart in less than 15 minutes. 

The square-shaped tent is suitable for all seasons and it comes with a carry bag as well, so you can store it away nice and dry after using it. The tent itself can sleep 6 people with an additional two in the cargo area, and it has enough head room to enable you to move around with ease. 

This SUV tent works well with a wide range of vehicles thanks to the intuitive design of its sleeve. You can further secure it with the provided straps by attaching them to your hood. 

The North East tent is made of solid 420 denier polyester taffeta material and works well in all seasons. The rainfly also features a durable awning design, which enables it to stay dry even when it’s pouring down. 

The elevated bathtub floor is made of polyurethane materials and it will keep you dry and comfortable throughout your trip. The poles and stakes of this tent are made of aluminum to keep it lightweight yet sturdy for a much more convenient camping experience. 

The best part is that you only need to hand wash this tent. Make sure that you don’t machine wash it to keep the weather-resistant materials and coating safe from any damage. 

Pros

  • The tent is the ideal choice for large families or small groups, thanks to its spacious interior. 
  • Setting up and taking apart this tent is pretty convenient. 
  • Sturdy constructions and durable materials make it the top choice for all seasons. 
  • Compatible with different vehicles. 
  • Plenty of headroom to easily move around.

Cons

  • A bit on the expensive side. 

What to Look for When Buying the Best SUV Tent?

Outdoor camping using a SUV tent

There are all kinds of different SUV tents available on the market. Therefore, choosing the best option can be pretty confusing. And that’s why we have developed this guide to sort things out for you when it comes to choosing the best SUV tent. 

We have listed down some of the important features that you must consider before you choose the right tent to meet your needs.

Budget

SUV tents can be between $200 and $650, depending on the features and various other aspects. If you’re looking for more features, you need to pay for them. For example, tents with weather resistance capabilities come with a high price tag. 

Similarly, larger tents with roomy interiors and other features such as more internal storage pockets, awnings, aluminum poles, etc, have a bigger price tag. 

You’re essentially investing in your comfort to ensure a more enjoyable trip. So going for the best budget tent and compromising on some essential features won’t be wise. 

Compatibility & Size

These SUV tents are compatible with most vehicles and models. However, you must check that the tent you’re looking for is compatible with the automobile you own, to avoid any inconvenience later on. 

If you’re not sure about it, you must check the dimensions of the tent and your vehicle to ensure that the tent will fit with the rear end of your car. 

Materials & Durability

SUV tents are made of durable yet lightweight materials including ripstop nylon, polyester, and nylon taffeta. These materials are highly regarded for their robust construction, strength, and abrasion resistance. 

These materials also keep your tent water-resistant and protect it from harmful UV rays. You must also consider the materials used in the development of tent poles. Sturdy fiberglass poles or those made of aluminum tend to work well. 

Layout & Interior Space

You must also check the floor dimensions of the SUV tent you are looking to buy. Make sure that it’s a spacious tent and has enough room for campers as well as your gear. 

The dimensions of these tents come in feet. Consider the peak height of a tent and how much head room you’ll have when moving around comfortably within the tent. 

Ventilation Capabilities

Person holding the ventilation part of a tent

Excellent ventilation in your tent is critical when it comes to camping. Therefore, you must consider tents that feature mesh panels, sunroofs, and at least two or three windows to ensure maximum airflow. 

Proper ventilation will limit the amount of condensation within the tent while keeping you safe from outside elements during your camping trip. 

Weather Resistance 

Consider a camping tent that comes with appropriate waterproof ratings measured in millimeters. This rating indicates how much water penetration a type of fabric can resist. 

A higher number of millimeters means better water resistance. You need to cover a tent with at least 1000 mm water resistance if you’re looking for a 3-season tent. For more challenging weather conditions, you must consider higher ratings. 

Look for an SUV tent that features a bathtub floor, as this design provides better water protection from the ground. This design has the floor extending up the sides of the tent walls for added protection. 

User-Friendliness to Setup & Take Down

Make sure that you consider SUV tents that are user-friendly. In other words, you need to buy one that is easy to set up and take apart. 

You must look for tents that come with color-coded poles and instruction manuals to guide you through the setup process, at least for the first few times. 

Look for freestanding tents that enable you to drive your car away after setting up the tent, if you need. This way, you don’t need to take apart your tent to detach it from your automobile. 

Portability

In most cases, you’ll end up storing away your tent in the back of your car. Therefore, you need to consider the portability of your SUV tent and how easily you can pack it away. 

Consider going for SUV tents that come with a carrying bag or a stuff sack for easy storage. 

Additional Features

Any additional features can only make your stay more comfortable with an SUV tent. 

Therefore, consider SUV tents with some extras such as screened in-rooms, a large sleeping area, in-built LED lighting sockets, a spacious interior, large storage gear pockets, lantern holders, windows, doors, and sunroofs. 

Moreover, consider additional options such as vestibules and a separate sitting area with a roof if you need more room for sitting outside the tent. 

User Reviews & Tent Manufacturer Reputation

Another important aspect to consider, which is often overlooked, is looking into manufacturer reputation and user reviews of different car camping tents. 

Only consider manufacturers and brands that have good market reputations so you don’t have to deal with any issues while using their tents as they will be well-designed.

You can look for feedback from users and what they think about a particular tent model and how it performs outdoors. 

SUV Tent Camping Tips

Setting up a SUV tent

Let’s have a look at some important tips for SUV tent camping:

  • Make sure that you look for a flat spot where you can park your vehicle and set up your tent. 
  • Be sure to take your time in setting up your tent properly. It will ensure that you won’t have to deal with any leaks later on. 
  • Any of those freestanding models are ideal for car camping because you can use them as separate tents detached from your vehicle. This means that you can always drive your car away if you want, once you have set up your tent. 
  • Look for lantern holders in your SUV tents because you can use them to hang lights and light up your tent in the dark. 
  • Invest in a quality mattress for your camping trip to enhance your comfort. 

Read more:

Final Thoughts

The best car camping tent for SUVs that the market has on offer in 2024 is the Napier Sportz SUV tent. It has enough room to sleep 5 people and there is plenty of leg and head space to make it more comfortable during your trip. 

It comes with enough pockets for you to place your personal belongings and gear. And the best part is you can use it with your truck or SUV thanks to its universal sleeve. 

There’s plenty of sleeping space in it, and it will alleviate your car camping experience to a whole new level. It is also one of the best budget options out there, considering the value that it has to offer.

FAQs

Yes, you can set up a rooftop tent on your SUV, but ensure you have compatible rooftop racks to secure the tent properly.

Yes, SUV tents often require compatibility with your vehicle, but many come with universal sleeves to fit most SUV models.

SUV tents attach to the rear of the vehicle, while rooftop tents mount on top. Rooftop tents are typically smaller, ideal for two people.

Yes, it’s better to go for an awning to go over your tent because it will keep your tent safe from external elements. 

Yes, if the truck tent has a universal vehicle sleeve compatible with SUVs.

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Dillon Morrison
I have been involved in the flashlight community since 2007. My brother has a flashlight shop from where I have tested and reviewed more than 600+ different types of flashlights. You can find more about me here.

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