Best Tents For Camping With Dogs: Top 7 Picks And Buying Guide

Camping is the ultimate gateway for nature-loving adventure seekers, and taking your dog along makes it even more fun! If you want to find the best tents for camping with dogs, then this article is for you!

Today, we’re reviewing the top 7 dog-friendly tents on the market and sharing a detailed buying guide to help you land the right deal for your camping needs and budget.

7 Best Tent for Camping with Dogs Reviews

1. Outdoor Camping and Backpacking Tent by Featherstone

Designed to serve the idea that amazing trips begin with the right shelter, the Outdoor Camping Tent from Featherstone is an ideal match for camping enthusiasts in need of a sturdy yet lightweight tent for themselves along with their canine pets.

The floor of this tent has dimensions of 84 × 51 inches, which means it offers enough room to comfortably fit 2 individuals. This makes it a great option for going on solo adventures with your dog and spending some one-on-one time together.

We appreciate that the Featherstone tent is on the affordable side, so campers on a budget can feel at ease. Despite the lower price point, this tent features a single aluminum pole to support its structure, which makes for a simple setup and takedown process.

Additionally, the package includes 12 aluminum stakes to secure your tent in place. It also comes with a rainfly cover, which -as well as the flooring- is made out of Ripstop polyester that’s waterproof and resistant to tears.

The entire construction is seam-taped to eliminate leaks, whereas the bathtub style of the floor protects you, your dog, and your equipment from dealing with wet ground. Ventilation-wise, this tent is equipped with micro-mesh fabric to promote better breathability for a less stuffy experience.

Finally, we love how compact the Featherstone Tent can get, folding down to a size of 17 x 6 inches. It’s available in orange and green color options.

Pros

• Fast setup process
• Highly portable
• Sturdy, no-leak construction
• Impressive waterproof performance
• Budget-friendly price

Cons

• Not big enough for more than 1 person and their dog

Bottom Line

This is a durable yet comfortable tent that’s perfect for solo trips with your dog.

2. Weathermaster 6-Person Tent by Coleman

This tent model from Coleman is the first one the company released as part of its Weathermaster series. It’s packed with impressive features, starting from its 3-room design.

The tent offers plenty of space in the form of 2 normal rooms and a screen room. Its main floor has dimensions of 11 x 9 feet, allowing it to comfortably accommodate 6 people at the same time.

This means that the Weathermaster is big enough to fit your dog whether inside the primary section or in the screen room. This tent is a cabin type, so it has a pleasant livable design supported by a tall, almost vertical layout.

Also, keep in mind that as a 3-season tent, the Weathermaster can handle pretty much any outdoor condition, as long as it’s not a storm with too much rain and violent winds.

The Weathermaster 6-person tent is equipped with a unique hinged door design that facilitates getting in and out. Using the company’s WeatherTec system, this waterproof tent protects you from getting wet thanks to its welded platform and inverted stitchings.

We appreciate that the Weathermaster tent has a peak height of 6 feet and 8 inches because this allows you to freely stand and move around. Not to mention, the lining of the roof and windows is made out of mesh to improve ventilation and block annoying insects.

What’s more, this tent includes mesh pockets to give you an extra storage possibility where you can keep your dog’s treats and other essentials without affecting your personal space.

Pros

• Spacious design
• Has a screen room
• Equipped with mesh pockets for additional storage
• Convenient hinged doors

Cons

• The setup is easy but can take as long as 20 minutes
• The stakes material could be improved

Bottom Line

If you don’t mind a bit of a splurge and looking for a tent to accommodate your dog plus a few others, then consider the Coleman Weathermaster 6-person tent.

3. Weanas Professional Backpacking Dome Tent

The Weanas Professional Backpacking Dome Tent is a fantastic option for campers on a budget looking to buy a reliable and comfortable for their next outdoor adventure with their barking buddies.

The Weanas tent sports a somewhat old-school design with a conventional interior layout for lying down and sleeping. It does have a pretty neat feature where you can open the door from both sides, and when you open it to the outer side, you can use 2 poles to support it and create a roof for your pup outside of the tent.

Taking a closer look at the construction of the Weanas Dome Tent, we were impressed with the rugged aluminum frame and poles. To maximize durability and resist tears, the tent walls are made using a polyester and nylon blend.

Additionally, you’ll receive a polyester rain cover coated with PU (polyurethane) to boost its waterproof capability. There are even 2 huge mesh windows to promote better ventilation when it gets warm.

The Weanas Dome Tent comes in 3 different sizes suitable for up to 4 people, so you should have no issues finding a size that’ll accommodate your dog.

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• The door can turn into an outdoor roof
• huge mesh windows
• Lightweight design

Cons

• Not very high
• The stakes are a bit weak

Bottom Line

The Weanas Dome Tent is a good option for budget-conscious campers who prefer solo trips with their dogs or just one or two people more.

4. CORE Family Cabin Tent

From the popular brand CORE, we have an option that offers plenty of room to accommodate the whole family including the canine pets. The Family Cabin Tent is a massive tent that can fit a few dogs without issues, which means no one has to be left behind and you won’t even have to sacrifice your gear storage space.

This should come as no surprise when you learn that the dimensions of the primary floor are 12 × 10 feet. What’s more, there’s a large screen room measuring 8 × 7 feet, which gives you more freedom when it comes to sleeping arrangements.

As for its height, the CORE Family Tent stands just over 7 feet at the center. This makes it even more comfortable when you’re standing and moving around.

What’s more, this tent features adjustable vents that support a cross-ventilation system. This means they pull cool air from the bottom and push warm air up to exit the tent via its large mesh roof.

The construction of the CORE tent uses 68 denier polyester to enhance durability and offer impeccable water resistance. Not to mention, it’s thermally sealed to avoid leakage incidents.

Keep in mind, however, that this tent is a bit heavy and more expensive than most of the other candidates today given its enormous size. As such, we recommend you use it for camping trips with minimal relocating.

Pros

• Offers plenty of space
• Remarkable ventilation capabilities
• Can fit multiple large dogs
• Tall enough for you to stand straight
• Comes with a 1-year warranty

Cons

• On the heavy and bulky side
• Quite costly

Bottom Line

If you’re on the hunt for lots of space to fit multiple dogs and people, then the CORE Family Tent can be exactly what you need.

5. Elite Sundome 6-Person Tent by Coleman

The Coleman Elite Sundome tent is one of the best entry-level options for campers looking for a roomy outdoor shelter that also works for dogs. It’s full of features to maximize ease of use and convenience.

This tent adopts the WeatherTec system in its construction to make sure you stay dry. The inverted seams and welded floor provide extra protection during rain.

The package also includes Insta Clip attachments that you swiftly snap onto the poles to deliver more stability when it gets windy. Not to mention, the snag-free sleeves of the poles promote a simple setup to help you get the job done as quickly as possible.

Space-wise, you have nothing to worry about with the Coleman Elite Sundome. The dimensions of its floor are 12 x 10 feet, totaling up to 120 square feet of living area for you and your pups. Factoring in the 6-foot center height, this tent has more than enough room for you to stand straight and move around without hassle.

One aspect that really impressed us in the Elite Sundome tent is the patented hinged door. The special thing about it is that you open it just like you open a regular door!

There’s no need for unzipping and zipping every time you decide to enter or exit the tent. The door structure comes complete with some velcro to stay shut. What’s more, there’s another door equipped with zippers to serve as a traditional unit.

The Elite Sundome tent features 2 doors and 2 rooms. This improves its privacy score because it allows you to separate kids from grown-ups, couples from singles, or even dogs from people.

We also love the LED ceiling lights in the Elite Sundome tent because they’re just so handy! Powered by 8 D batteries with a runtime of up to 22 hours, these lights offer 3 brightness settings: high (100 lumens), low (40 lumens), and night light.

Additionally, you don’t need to be concerned about the wiring since all of it lies inside the sleeves in the tent. This way, you can be sure that you and your pets are safe from electrocuting and tripping accidents.

The Elite Sundome has excellent airflow thanks to the 2 automatic roll windows, the ground vent, as well as the fact the rainfly falls about halfway down the walls. This design minimizes stuffiness, unpleasant odors, and moisture buildup.

For even better air circulation, the tent sports a couple of small mesh windows integrated into the doors. Even the tent’s ceiling is made out of mesh to cool down the interior during hot days.

Pros

• A convenient hinged door design
• LED ceiling lights
• Plenty of space
• Insta Clip pole sleeves for effortless installation
• Great for privacy
• Boosted air circulation

Cons

• The setup process takes at least 10 minutes
• The “halfway” rainfly doesn’t cut it when it comes to heavy rain; you’ll need a full-size rainfly
• We expected better quality for the stakes

Bottom Line

The Elite Sundome Tent from Coleman is a terrific choice for serious campers looking for a feature-packed and durable outdoor shelter that offers great privacy and plenty of ventilation.

6. Elite Montana 8-Person Tent by Coleman

If you’re a fan of the Coleman Elite Sundome but you wish it was bigger to accommodate more dogs (or people), then the Coleman Elite Montana is pretty much the answer to your prayers!

This 8-person tent is equipped with a huge floor size of 16 x 7 feet. Despite the generous dimensions, setting up this tent is super simple — all you need to do is slide the included poles into the sleeves and secure them via a pin and ring mechanism.

Other than that, the Elite Montana tent offers the same features we discussed in the Elite Sundome review. This includes the LED ceiling lights, the WeatherTec technology, and the automatic roll windows.

It also comes with the patented hinged door design and efficient air circulation structures.

Pros

• One of the largest tents on the list
• A convenient hinged door design
• LED ceiling lights
• Insta Clip pole sleeves for effortless installation
• Great for privacy
• Boosted air circulation

Cons

• Collapsing the tent can be tricky
• Not the best water resistance

Bottom Line

If you’re in the market for a feature-packed, reliable outdoor shelter like the Elite Sundome but with extra space, then the Elite Montana tent is what you need.

7. Klondike 8-Person Tent by Wenzel

A lot of people like the amount of space that larger tents such as the Elite Montana tent offers but hesitate to buy them due to the high cost. Luckily, reliable alternatives that are easy on the wallet are available on the market, and the Wenzel Klondike Tent is a prime example.

As with other tents of similar size, the Klondike tent is great for camping with multiple dogs and a few friends or family members. It helps you keep everyone inside one unit as comfortably as possible.

The Wenzel Klondike features a main room and a smaller screen room. The primary compartment gives you 98 square feet of living area, whereas the screen room boosts that number by 60 square feet more.

Accommodating up to 8 adults, the screen room is equipped with an upside-down ‘T’ shape door that facilitates going in and out of the tent. It also promotes better air circulation with the aid of the mesh ceiling, the back vent, and the 2 mesh zippered windows.

For rainy days, you get a removable fly with sealed seams to protect you and your pets from getting wet. Additionally, the setup is simplified thanks to the integrated pin and ring mechanism.

As for durability, this tent is pretty solid due to the shock-corded fiberglass construction of the frame. The Wenzel Klondike also includes 2 pockets built into the tent’s interior for extra storage space.

Pros

• Good value for money
• Roomy interior
• Features a back vent
• Extra pockets for convenience

Cons

• The zippers tend to get stuck
• Installing the rainfly by yourself is a hassle
• On the heavier side

Bottom Line

The Wenzel Klondike Tent is suitable for families with multiple members looking for a simple yet spacious outdoor shelter that doesn’t cost as much as other units of similar size.

How to Choose the Best Tents for Camping with Dogs

When shopping for the best tents for camping with dogs, you should consider the following points to make sure you end up with the right product for your unique needs:

Size

The very first thing you should decide on is the size of the tent. This feature is very important because it plays a huge role in the tent’s level of comfort and convenience.

Camping tents are available in a wide range of sizes and dimensions, from 11-person mega tents to small 2-people tents. Determine how much space you need depending on how many dogs you own and how many individuals will accompany you.

To figure out the space offered by a tent, take a look at its dimensions; length, width, and peak height). This way, you can make sure whether or not it can cater to your capacity needs.

When camping with dogs, you generally want a tent that’s big enough for you and your dog to comfortably sit, stand, and move around.

Don’t forget to check the peak height of the tent as well. If you’re on the taller side, headspace will be especially crucial for your comfort.

Weight

Needless to say that the tent’s weight goes hand in hand with its size. This means it’s up to you to strike a decent balance between space and portability.

Your camping tent should be lightweight enough to carry and transfer without too much effort. Of course, if you’re planning on taking a car for camping, the tent’s weight won’t be an issue so you can go as big as you want.

Setup

Another crucial aspect to think about when shopping for a tent to go camping with your dog is how easy and quickly you can set it up.

Luckily, many tents are “pop-up”, which refers to a simple setup process that typically takes a few minutes to finish. You can even get it done faster once you try it out a couple of times.

That being said, larger tents usually come with more complicated instructions for setup, requiring you to invest extra time and effort.

Foldability

As with setup, you need to also check how easy it is to take down the tent. You don’t want to be stuck trying to collapse the tent back into its package size to be able to carry it somewhere else or transport it back home.
While the ease of foldability and setup may not be a priority for many people looking to buy tents, it can make all the difference when it comes to the convenience of your outdoor experience.

Construction Material

The construction materials of the tent directly affect its durability and longevity. Not only are these qualities crucial to endure harsh weather conditions outdoors, but your tent should also be tough enough to endure the not-so-gentle playing and tugging of your dog(s).

Polyester is the most common material used in making tents’ covers nowadays, whereas fiberglass and steel are the standards for poles and frames.

Design

A tent that’s suitable for camping with dogs should bear a design that supports both practicality and convenience. This includes features such as a wide entrance and extra pockets for storage.

Speaking of which, we recommend tents with 2 doors because they make getting in and out of the shelter a lot easier, even if you’re opting for a smaller backpacking tent.

Otherwise, you’ll have to step over your camping companion every time you need to enter or exit and they’re in the way. Also, moving gear inside and out of the tent can get really tricky if your pet is already inside.

This is where a tent with 2 doors comes in handy. It allows you to get in and out using the most convenient side at the time, so you won’t have to climb over your companion or go through much hassle when bringing gear in and out.

Also, don’t forget to account for other folks who may be sharing the tent with you but aren’t necessarily fond of sleeping right next to dogs. Some tents include sectioned rooms that are useful in such situations.

Waterproof

You never know what the great outdoors will throw your way when it comes to weather conditions. As such, your tent has to be properly equipped to keep you dry whenever it rains.

This is where waterproofing becomes important. The level of a tent’s resistance against water varies across different models, which is why you should check the waterproof rating for every option you consider.

The higher the waterproof rating, the better protection said tent can provide against getting wet.

Ventilation

Nobody wants to sleep, hang out, or change in a smelly room, especially when that stuffiness is amplified by a dog. Our canine pets are cute -no doubt about it-, but they can also be the cause of some unpleasant scents that are even worse in confined spaces.

This is why ventilation is an important aspect to consider when picking a tent for camping with dogs. Efficient ventilation is all about generating adequate airflow across the tent to keep the atmosphere inside clean and fresh.

Look for mesh roofs, special vents, or side mesh windows to make that happen. However, keep in mind that a lot of windows can backfire when your companion is a dog.

Depending on your dog’s age, energy level, and breed, many windows around the tent can raise its alertness and provoke it to bark more frequently every time it sees movement outside.

Budget

Camping tents aren’t cheap, but they don’t necessarily cost a fortune. Granted, you’ll have to spend some cash if you want something of good quality, yet tents come in a range of prices that are bound to meet your budget requirements.

Bonus Features

Additional features mean additional convenience. This is why some tents are more special than others.

Tents can come with several extra “jazz” such as extra storage pockets, carry bags, clotheslines, and removable flooring.

Tips for Camping with Dogs

1. Always keep track of your dog’s whereabouts. It should never be unattended for more than a couple of minutes.
2. Besides selecting a dog-friendly tent, do your research and choose a dog-friendly campsite.
3. It’s best to keep your dog on a leash so you can keep it under control (especially when you’re staying put in one place for a long time) to avoid causing any incidents with your camping neighbors. Be sure to take a leash of an adjustable length to efficiently accommodate different situations.
4. Always clean up after your dog goes to the bathroom. Poop bags are meant for picking up purposes and they keep you sensible to other campers.
5. Don’t forget to bring the essential items for taking care of your dog. The following list offers a guide on what to take when going camping with a dog:

• • A collar with a built-in GPS.
  • A dog backpack.
  • An ID tag for your dog with its upgraded information.
  • A sleeping bag for your dog. This is especially important if you’re going camping in a particularly cold area where your dog needs to be kept warm.
  • Dog food because you shouldn’t depend on your dog “hunting” in the wild.
  • Dogs reward positive behavior when outdoors.
  • A water bowl to make sure your dog stays hydrated. Some bowls are even foldable to be more portable.
  • A first-aid kit to treat any small injuries.
  • Any special medication your dog needs.
  • Toys suitable for outdoor use as regular toys can easily get stained beyond cleaning due to mud. They can also suffer damage from water. Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be something fancy — a ball can do just fine.
  • If your dog’s paws are prone to get injured, then you’ll want to give them protection against rocks and rough terrain when camping. A pair of rugged dog boots will do the trick.
  • Cleaning pet wipes to help you keep your dog clean and fresh between baths. They also help remove dirt after, particularly messy situations.
  • Finally, a recent photo of your dog to help you find your dog as soon as possible in the event it got lost.

Wrap Up

Choosing the best tents for camping with dogs can be a challenging task, especially when you need to consider so many features such as size, dimensions, weight, and setup. This is why we made sure to include only the top-performing tents on the market so you end up with a reliable deal no matter what.

That being said, if you’re looking to go on solo camping trips with just you and your dog, we recommend you get the Outdoor Camping and Backpacking Tent by Featherstone. It offers enough room, good ventilation, and impressive waterproofing.

However, if you need something to accommodate bigger groups or more dogs, check out the Weathermaster 6-Person Tent by Coleman. It provides ample air circulation, sturdy construction, and plenty of living space.