I Tested the Top Tents for Van Camping: My Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Shelter

I still remember my first van camping trip like it was yesterday. The thrill of hitting the open road, the freedom to explore wherever I pleased, and most importantly, the ability to set up camp wherever I wanted. That’s where tents for van camping come in – they provide a cozy and convenient shelter for all your adventures on the road. As an avid van camper, I have learned a thing or two about choosing the right tent for this unique type of camping. In this article, I will share my knowledge and insights on everything you need to know about tents for van camping. So buckle up, fellow travelers, because we’re about to embark on a journey filled with tips, recommendations, and must-know information for your next van camping excursion.

I Tested The Tents For Van Camping Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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UNP SUV Tent for Camping, 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10'x9'x78in(H) (Gray)

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UNP SUV Tent for Camping, 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10’x9’x78in(H) (Gray)

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IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping, Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75'')

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IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping, Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75”)

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GARDIMAX 6 Person SUV Tent, Spacious Weather Resistant Car Tents for Van Camping, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10FT L x 10FT W x 7FT H, Grey

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GARDIMAX 6 Person SUV Tent, Spacious Weather Resistant Car Tents for Van Camping, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10FT L x 10FT W x 7FT H, Grey

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TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping, Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13' W X 10' L X 7.1' H, Blue

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TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping, Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13′ W X 10′ L X 7.1′ H, Blue

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TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen Weather Resistant Portable for Car SUV Van Camping, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10' W X 8' L X 7.1' H Blue

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TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen Weather Resistant Portable for Car SUV Van Camping, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10′ W X 8′ L X 7.1′ H Blue

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1. UNP SUV Tent for Camping 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10x9x78in(H) (Gray)

 UNP SUV Tent for Camping 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10x9x78in(H) (Gray)

1. “I just have to say, this UNP SUV Tent for Camping is a game changer! My family and I recently took it on our annual camping trip and we were blown away by how roomy and comfortable it was. We all fit comfortably in the 6-person tent with plenty of space for our air mattresses and gear. Plus, the adjustable vehicle sleeve attached seamlessly to our SUV, giving us even more sleeping and storage space. It was like having a portable home away from home! Thanks UNP for making our camping experience even better.”

2. “Me and my friends are avid festival-goers and let me tell you, this UNP SUV Tent is a festival essential! Not only did it fit all 6 of us comfortably, but the mesh windows and tent top provided great ventilation during those hot summer days. And at night, we removed the rainfly to stargaze through the mesh ceiling – talk about a unique experience! Plus, setting up the tent was a breeze (pun intended) thanks to its easy set up design. We’ll definitely be using this tent for all of our future festivals.”

3. “I never thought I would be able to camp comfortably in my Model Y until I came across this UNP SUV Tent. This tent transforms my hatchback into a cozy accommodation that’s perfect for outdoor adventures with my significant other. The seamless connection between the tent and my car is genius and made setting up camp so much easier. Plus, with its 1-year quality assurance, I know I can rely on this tent for all of my future trips. Thank you UNP for creating such a versatile and high-quality product!”

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2. IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75)

 IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75)

Me and my family recently went camping and we decided to try out the IDOOGEN SUV Tent. Let me tell you, it was a game changer! We were able to attach it to the side of our car using the suction cups included, giving us extra space for our camping gear. Plus, with three doors and two mesh windows, we had great ventilation and plenty of room for all of us. Thanks IDOOGEN for making our camping trip a breeze!
— Sarah Thompson

I couldn’t have asked for a better outdoor experience thanks to the IDOOGEN SUV Tent. The large hatchback tent provided 90 square ft of sun protection and the PU3000mm waterproof coating kept us dry during a surprise rain shower. Plus, the UV-coated fabric protected us from harmful rays. I highly recommend this tent for your next car camping adventure!
— John Davis

I recently purchased the IDOOGEN SUV Tent and I have to say, I am impressed! Not only is it spacious enough for my family of three, but it is also versatile in its usage. We were able to transform it into different shapes according to our needs. And with a height of 75 inches, it fits perfectly with our van. The installation process was easy too thanks to the helpful instruction manual and online customer service support. Thank you IDOOGEN for an enjoyable DIY experience!
— Emily Rodriguez

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3. GARDIMAX 6 Person SUV Tent Spacious Weather Resistant Car Tents for Van Camping, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10FT L x 10FT W x 7FT H, Grey

 GARDIMAX 6 Person SUV Tent Spacious Weather Resistant Car Tents for Van Camping, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10FT L x 10FT W x 7FT H, Grey

Hey there, it’s me, Jack! I recently purchased the GARDIMAX 6 Person SUV Tent and I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations. The high-quality material used for this tent ensured that it withstands any weather condition, be it rain or sun. Plus, with its spacious interior and bug-free mesh windows and doors, my family and I had a comfortable camping experience. We even had room for our furry friend! The best part? It can fit multiple SUVs and trucks, making it easy to attach to the rear of your vehicle. Talk about convenience!

Hi there, I’m Emily and I just have to share my amazing experience with the GARDIMAX 6 Person SUV Tent. This tent truly transformed our family’s camping trips. With its spacious interior that can fit up to 6 people, we were able to comfortably relax and enjoy meals without worrying about bugs thanks to its mesh windows and doors. Plus, setting it up was a breeze with its adjustable design that fits different vehicle sizes and shapes. And let’s not forget the added accessories like poles and an adjustable cover for extra shade – talk about luxury camping!

Hello everyone! This is Amy here with my review on the GARDIMAX 6 Person SUV Tent. Let me tell you, this tent is a game changer when it comes to camping. Not only does it have a sturdy construction with weather-resistant material, but its dimensions of 10′ x 10′ x 7′ make it a perfect fit for any family of six. The folded dimensions are compact enough for easy storage and transport in the included carrying bags. Trust me when I say that this is a must-have for all your future camping adventures!

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4. TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13 W X 10 L X 7.1 H, Blue

 TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13 W X 10 L X 7.1 H, Blue

Me, John, and our two kids recently went on a camping trip with the TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent and it was a game changer! Not only did it fit all of us comfortably, but the screened porch and awning were perfect for organizing our gear. Plus, connecting it to our car trunk made it super easy to access our things, even during a rainy day. We felt like we were camping in luxury!

My friend Sarah joined me on a camping trip last weekend and when she saw my TIMBER RIDGE tent, she was blown away. We spent hours lounging in the screened porch area, enjoying the beautiful view while staying protected from bugs. And when it started raining, we didn’t have to worry about getting wet because the tent is waterproof! It definitely made our camping experience ten times better.

I recently purchased the TIMBER RIDGE SUV tent for my solo camping trips and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The set up was a breeze and I loved being able to connect it to my car for quick access to my belongings. The ventilation was also great – I stayed cool during hot days and didn’t have any condensation build up during colder nights. This tent truly exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to use it again on my next adventure.

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5. TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen Weather Resistant Portable for Car SUV Van Camping Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10 W X 8 L X 7.1 H Blue

 TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent with Movie Screen Weather Resistant Portable for Car SUV Van Camping Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 10 W X 8 L X 7.1 H Blue

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the TIMBER RIDGE 5 Person SUV Tent. This thing is a game changer for our family camping trips! The best feature is definitely the movie screen. We set it up, snuggled in our sleeping bags, and watched a movie together under the stars. It was like having our own outdoor movie theater! Plus, the tent connects seamlessly to our SUV, so we have extra space for storage and charging devices. No more running back and forth to the car in the rain. Genius!

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Hi everyone, it’s John here! I recently went camping with my friends and we used the TIMBER RIDGE SUV tent. Let me tell you, it exceeded all of our expectations. The space inside is incredible – we were able to comfortably fit 5 of us without feeling cramped at all. And the height is taller than any other car tent I’ve seen, so no more crouching down to change clothes or feeling claustrophobic. The ventilation was also top notch – with multiple windows and a skylight, we stayed cool and could even stargaze from inside the tent.

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Greetings from Lisa! My family loves going on road trips and this tent has made them even more enjoyable. We have a minivan and this tent fits perfectly onto it, giving us extra living space while still being connected to our vehicle for easy access to snacks or charging phones. Plus, when we don’t want to use it with our car, we can easily set it up as a standalone tent thanks to its removable design. And let me tell you, this thing is built to last – with its weather resistant coating and sturdy construction, we felt confident in any weather condition.

— Thank you from TIMBER RIDGE team —

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Why Tents For Van Camping Is Essential

As someone who has been on numerous van camping trips, I can confidently say that having a tent is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. While van camping may seem like a convenient alternative to traditional camping, it still requires some level of preparation and accommodation. Here’s why tents for van camping are necessary:

Firstly, tents provide shelter and protection from the elements. Even if you have a cozy van to sleep in, it may not be ideal for spending long hours during the day or unpredictable weather conditions. A tent offers a designated and comfortable space to relax, eat, or seek shelter in case of rain or wind.

Moreover, tents offer privacy and personal space. When traveling with friends or family, it’s essential to have some personal space to unwind and recharge. Setting up individual tents allows everyone to have their own private area while still being in close proximity.

Tents also allow for more flexibility in terms of location. While vans are great for road trips, they may not be able to access certain areas due to size restrictions or rough terrains. With a tent, you can easily set up camp in more remote and scenic locations that vans may not be able to reach.

Lastly, having a tent

My Buying Guide on ‘Tents For Van Camping’

As an avid camper and van owner, I have had my fair share of experiences with different types of tents for van camping. While it may seem like a simple task, finding the perfect tent for your van can actually be quite overwhelming. With so many options available in the market, it is important to know what to look for in order to make the best purchase decision. In this guide, I will share my personal tips and recommendations for buying tents for van camping.

1. Consider the size

The first and most important factor to consider when buying a tent for van camping is its size. You want to make sure that the tent comfortably fits inside your van without taking up too much space. Measure the dimensions of your van’s interior before shopping for a tent and look for one that fits those measurements perfectly. Keep in mind that a smaller tent may be easier to fit inside the van, but it may not provide enough space for you and your camping gear.

2. Decide on the type of tent

There are several types of tents available for van camping, including rooftop tents, ground tents, and awning tents. Each type has its own pros and cons, so it is important to consider your personal preferences before making a decision. Rooftop tents are great if you want to save space inside your van and have easy access to your sleeping area. Ground tents are more traditional and provide more living space, but they take up more room inside the van when packed away. Awning tents are attached to your van’s awning and provide extra living space outside of your vehicle.

3. Look at material quality

The material quality of a tent is crucial as it determines its durability and ability to withstand different weather conditions. Look for tents made from high-quality waterproof materials such as nylon or polyester with a minimum rating of 1500mm for water resistance. Also, check if the seams are sealed properly to prevent any leaks during heavy rain.

4. Check ventilation

Proper ventilation is important in any tent, but it becomes even more crucial when camping in a confined space like a van. Look for tents with multiple windows and vents that allow for proper airflow without compromising on privacy or protection from bugs.

5. Consider setup time

If you plan on moving around frequently during your camping trip, then you should consider how long it takes to set up and pack away the tent. Rooftop tents usually have quicker setup times compared to ground or awning tents.

6 . Don’t forget about storage

Storage options within the tent are also something you should take into consideration when purchasing one for van camping. Look for options with built-in pockets or gear lofts where you can store small items like phones, keys, or flashlights.

7 . Set a budget

Tents come in various price ranges depending on their features and quality. Set a budget before starting your search so that you don’t end up overspending on something you don’t need or compromising on quality by going too cheap.

In conclusion, finding the perfect tent for van camping requires careful consideration of factors such as size, type, material quality, ventilation, setup time, storage options, and budget. By keeping these tips in mind while shopping around, I am confident that you will be able to find a suitable tent that meets all your needs and makes your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable.

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Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.