The Best SUV Tents of 2024 [Reviews & Guide] (2024)

The right SUV tent can transform your camping experiences. They offer more covered space at your campsite and allow you to sleep off the ground in the comfort of your SUV, CUV, minivan, or truck with a bed cover.

I've traveled throughout the United States, the Baja Peninsula, and mainland Mexico with countless camping setups, from single-person backpacking tents to four-wheel-drive RVs. I caught myself returning time and time to the comfort of my SUV tent attached to the rear of my 1995 Toyota Tacoma truck bed and topper.

In my opinion, different camping shelters are ideal for varying outdoor adventures. My backpacking tent is far more convenient when my truck can't go with me. And an RV offered the necessary creature comforts when camping for four whole months each winter.

However, the SUV tent is the one I come back to again and again for camping trips with friends, solo drives across the country, and weekend getaways. I think it's ideal for the recreational camper who likes a comfortable, convenient, and inexpensive home base.

Based on my camping experience and extensive research, it pays to purchase a durable, spacious, and waterproof SUV tent that attaches seamlessly to the back of the vehicle.

The best overall SUV tent I've found is the Napier Sportz DomeToGo Tent. It's spacious with plenty of headroom and ready to endure the elements. In seconds, it transforms the cargo area of an SUV into a comfortable home away from home.

Larger families or groups will benefit from the additional space and separate rooms in the KingCamp Melfi Plus SUV Tent.

Truck campers who want to use the bed of the truck for storage will appreciate the convenience and easy setup of the Front Runner Rooftop Tent.

I wrote this guide to help connect you with the best SUV tent for your needs, whether you travel solo or with friends and family in tow. The following are my picks for the top 10 SUV tents in 2022.

Buying guide: How to Choose the Best SUV Tent

Best SUV Tents: Our Top 10 Picks

I've thoroughly researched the top 10 SUV tents of 2024, providing all the information you need in one easy-to-access place.

Napier Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent

UVX windowNapier Outdoors has been a leader in camping tent design since the 1990s. The company offers a variety of quality SUV tents, rooftop tents, truck tents, and camping accessories. The Napier Sportz DomeToGo Tent is a simple, functional, and affordable option from one of the top names in the industry.

The DomeToGo is 8.5 feet long and 8.5 feet wide. It is a traditional dome-shaped camping tent that easily attaches to hatchbacks and small CUVs. It's currently one of the only hatchback tent options on the market. The floorplan is spacious with two large doors, three large mesh windows, two inside pockets, and a convenient gear loft for off-the-ground storage. The available 6-foot by 6-foot awning is a recommended addition for superior outdoor comfort and living space.

This SUV tent is made from top-quality polyethylene and polyester taffeta to ensure it can endure the elements year after year. The fiberglass, shock-corded poles keep the tent lightweight while making setup a breeze. Assemble this tent in just 15 minutes from start to finish.

A significant advantage of the Napier Sportz DomeToGo Tent is that it can function as a standalone tent. Remove the vehicle sleeve that attaches to your SUV, and you can take the DomeToGo on adventures your vehicle can't access. The lightweight construction is an advantage for buyers interested in backpacking adventures and SUV camping.

The Napier DomeToGo Tent includes a one-year warranty.

Technical Specs

Rightline Gear SUV Tent

The Rightline Gear SUV Tent is a premium quality, durable, and versatile SUV tent. It sleeps up to six individuals and can attach to SUVs, minivans, crossovers, hard-top Jeep Wranglers, wagons, and trucks with caps. Campers can choose to sleep in the SUV tent or off the ground in the comfort of their vehicle.

This Rightline Gear SUV Tent easily attaches and detaches from the vehicle, so it can serve as a traditional tent while you're out exploring in your SUV. It's also perfect for camping or backpacking excursions when you have to leave the vehicle behind.

It's water-resistant with rainfly and waterproof flooring, taped seams, and zipper covers. The no-see-um mesh doors and windows include storm covers for privacy at night. Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, a lantern hook, and gear pockets are additional features that improve the convenience of tent camping.

The Rightline Gear SUV Tent comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty.

Technical Specs

DAC Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan Tent

The DAC Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan Tent convert your vehicle into a comfortable sleeping or lounge area for an affordable price. All-in (shipping included), it will cost less than $200. The price alone makes it an excellent option for campers who don't want to splurge on a costlier and more technical rooftop tent.

This tent features an easy setup with shock cords that hook to the wheel wells. Once the cords are attached, the user unzips the doors and raises the vehicle's lift gate. Poof -- the tent is in place and operable without the need for heavy, cumbersome poles. It can even be used when a vehicle is attached to a boat. or utility trailer.

The rear door panels pull up for ventilation or can be closed for nighttime privacy. A no-see-um insect screen is another must-have to keep mosquitos and other insects out for summertime camping. The DAC Explorer 2 gets you off the ground, sleeping in a safe, comfortable, dry, and ventilated space inside your vehicle.

This tent is extremely lightweight and compact. It weighs just four pounds and can fit in an area the size of a shoebox. The DAC Explorer 2 fits most SUVs and minivans, but check the company website or contact DAC to ensure compatibility.

Technical Specs

North East Harbor Universal SUV Camping Tent

This SUV tent is one of the best-selling products from North East Harbor. That's likely because it's an ideal family camping tent that allows everyone to sleep comfortably, whether it's a sunny day in the desert or a rainy night in the mountains. The interior of the tent measures 8 feet by 8 feet. The universal fit allows the tent to attach to nearly any minivan, SUV, crossover, Jeep Wrangler hard top, wagon, or pick-up truck with a bed cap.

Notable features include a universal sleeve that fits perfectly, never allowing water or debris to enter. A sewn-in, raised bathtub floor keeps water away, and large ventilation windows and doors add comfort. The dual awning adds extra protection from the elements, including the heat of the sun and excessive rain.

Sturdy fiberglass poles and the tent's weatherproof polyester taffeta material add to its quality construction. The tent is durable, functional, easy to use, and affordable, making it an excellent option for practical campers who need enough space for the whole family or friends.

Technical Specs

Napier Outdoors Family-Tents Sportz SUV Tent

Napier Outdoors is a leader in the SUV tent category, and that's because they offer a variety of top-quality tents to suit different types of campers. This Sportz Family SUV Tent appeals to families with a spacious 10-foot by 10-foot layout. It offers more than 7 feet of peak height and comfortably sleeps five to six people. The floorless screen room provides additional space and 6 feet of headroom. The tent can fit even more campers or extra gear if you take advantage of the space inside the SUV, CUV, or minivan.

The Napier Family-Tents Sportz SUV Tent is made for adventure, no matter the season. The waterproof vehicle sleeve is adjustable to accommodate all types of hatchbacks and SUVs. It seamlessly connects to the vehicle's rear, keeping water, insects, and debris out. The full rainfly includes taped seams for even more protection, and the large awning provides additional living space.

Similar to the Napier Outdoors DomeToGo Tent, this tent can detach from the vehicle and travel easily via an expandable carrying bag. Two large doors and three massive mesh windows offer the ventilation needed for hot and humid summer days. However, they can be tightly closed for superior privacy and insulation when temperatures drop.

Napier Outdoors manufactures all camping tents and accessories from top-quality materials. This tent is made from ultra-durable polyester taffeta and polyethylene to accommodate years of use. Fiberglass tent poles are long-lasting, lightweight, and make setup easy.

Technical Specs

KingCamp Melfi Plus SUV Car Tent

The KingCamp Melfi Plus SUV Tent offers all the extra space a family of up to nine people needs. This oversized SUV tent includes two rooms with 7.5 feet of headroom. The side room measures 28.3 inches by 13.8 inches by 13.8 inches, and the front room is 28.3 inches by 13.8 inches by 13.8 inches.

The tent features 190T breathable polyester with a 150T polyester flysheet that's 3000mm waterproof-rated. The interior mesh organizer and top hook for a hanging light are added features for comfort and convenience.

An additional feature of this oversized tent is the rainfly, which can easily detach and serve as an awning or canopy. Three doors and multiple windows create cross ventilation to keep the tent cool on hot, humid summer camping days. The Melfi Plus converts in seconds to adjust to varying weather conditions in the wilderness.

Similar to the Napier Sportz DomeToGo Tent, the KingCamp Melfi Plus easily converts to a stand-alone tent. However, its size and weight make it heavy for a backpacking excursion.

Large families or groups looking for a spacious, durable, and comfortable SUV will find the KingCamp Melfi Plus provides everything they need and more.

Technical Specs

Napier Backroadz SUV Tent

The Backroadz is another SUV tent from the iconic Napier camping company. It is a simple 10-foot by 10-foot dome tent with 7 feet of headroom. Five people can sleep and lounge comfortably inside.

This tent quickly transforms any CUV, SUV, or minivan into an outdoor living oasis. The adjustable straps on the sleeve keep the tent watertight and bug-free. The Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is ready for the elements with taped seams, built-in storm flaps, and a full rain fly.

Setup is simple with just two fiberglass, shock-cord tent poles. The process takes only 10 minutes from start to finish. Napier Outdoors offers a one-year warranty, and the company plants a tree with Trees for the Future for every Backroadz tent sold. The goal is to get campers outside more often and more comfortably while aiding the environment.

Technical Specs

Front Runner Rooftop Tent

Rooftop tents offer comfort, convenience, and security from harmful or unwanted critters. The Front Runner Rooftop Tent is a favorite option for adventurers who prefer easy setup and the opportunity to sleep above the ground. Rooftop tents typically stay cleaner from sand and debris as well as insects and pests.

The Front Runner Rooftop Tent includes a mattress, which means additional comfort and savings because you don't need to purchase or lug around an air mattress. It opens in an instant and includes screened windows and a door for superior bug protection and ventilation.

A rooftop tent is constructed differently than a traditional tent. This one by Front Runner is 4.3 feet wide by 8.2 feet long. It is ultra-lightweight, which makes it easier to set up and more forgiving on the vehicle below. When closed, it measures just 7.87 inches tall to reduce wind resistance.

An ultra-durable cover protects the tent from the elements and wear and tear of the road when not in use. An insulated aluminum base keeps the cold at bay and can mount on most roof racks or load bars.

Added features of the Front Runner Rooftop Tent include an HD fly-sheet cover made from a 200D weatherproof Oxford fabric. This fly-sheet provides sun protection in the morning and helps decrease condensation. It also allows windows to stay open in the rain, so campers don't feel quite as trapped when rain hinders adventure plans.

Technical Specs

Smittybilt Overlander Tent

Rooftop tents are comfortable and convenient. Many avid campers prefer them to traditional SUV tents and stand-alone tents for their easy assembly and disassembly. The Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent is remarkably easy to set up and take down, and it includes a PVC cover that keeps the tent completely dry when not in use.

This tent is loaded with features designed by outdoor enthusiasts. The waterproof rainfly features the most durable 60000 rip stop polyester, waterproofing and polyurethane integration. The sunroof offers ventilation and an excellent lookout point for taking in unforgettable camping views. There's an external shoe storage bag, mosquito netting, a heavy-duty travel bag, and interior LED strip lighting.

The Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent is for hardcore adventures in all seasons. It features a roughly 1-inch aluminum/polyurethane sandwich base with a 660-pound load capacity. The anodized aluminum tent poles include stainless steel hinges for protection against rust. The mattress is high-density fire retardant foam with a removable cover, and the flysheet is a waterproof 420D Oxford material with durable spring steel poles and tension rods. Smittybilt knows its customers want and need a rooftop tent built to last.

The Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent offers all-season use and includes a one-year warranty.

Technical Specs

HASIKA Versatility Teardrop Awning

The Hasika Versatility Teardrop Awning isn't exactly a tent, but it's a useful addition to any SUV, truck, or car camping adventure. It's a lightweight, durable canopy offering a massive shade area ranging from 60 square feet to 76 square feet. It's big enough to cover an entire vehicle or all of your camping gear, including tables, chairs, pet play areas, and more. Place the awning over your SUV or camping trailer to protect your vehicle's exterior and interior from the sun.

The Hasika Versatility Teardrop Awning has to be durable because it protects campers from the sun and other elements. The material is 210T rip-stop polyester made from an integrated production line process that guarantees better quality. This product includes a satisfaction guarantee.

A major attraction of the Hasika Store Versatility Teardrop Awning is that you won't just use it for camping. It's also ideal to use as a ground shelter or shade for sporting events and festivals. It's a purchase you can make to improve your SUV camping experiences but may also benefit other areas of your recreational life.

Technical Specs

How to Choose the Best SUV Tent

Understanding what makes an excellent SUV tent can help you choose the one that's best for you and your camping buddies. Performance is a critical factor in selecting an SUV tent. Avid campers will want a durable tent that is the right size for their usual camping crew. A lightweight tent is also easier to transport, assemble, and disassemble.

The following are several commonplace features of a quality, comfortable SUV tent:

• easy installation (quick setup time)
• made from durable materials
• lightweight construction
• waterproofing with a full-coverage rainfly
• ample ventilation (window and door ventilation)
• weather-resistant tent walls for bad weather

A quality SUV tent is thick, rugged, and made from water-resistant, durable material.

Waterproofing and ventilation are critical to maintaining comfort inside, especially when the weather is wet, excessively hot, or chilly.

Tent Size

A solo camper generally needs less space than a family of four. However, the amount of sleeping space required inside the SUV tent is dependent on your preferences.

Consider how many people will be sleeping inside and if you want additional room for camping gear, lounging, and more. Don't forget to research the tent's headroom if there are taller campers in your group.

SUV Tent Price

A reasonable price is a vital factor in choosing an SUV tent. It is critical to review tents, their features, size, and how much bang you'll get for your buck. The most expensive SUV tent isn't necessarily the best one.

Familiarize yourself with any warranty, repair, and return information. A long warranty or lifelong guarantee may be worth paying a little extra upfront.

Design

SUV tents come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and setups. Pockets, storage spaces, doors, windows, and screens, are just a few features you'll want to consider when choosing the best tent for you.

An SUV tent with many windows can offer more comfort, but windows reduce privacy. The design of the SUV tent you choose should rely on your specific needs.

The Final Answer

A quick internet search will lead you to dozens of SUV tents claiming a long list of features.

The 10 tents listed above are durable, waterproof, and sturdy to protect you, your family, and your friends from the elements while you make lifelong memories.

Each SUV tent on the market offers its own set of pros and cons, but here are a few we believe are the best of the best:

• Editor’s Pick: Napier Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent
• Upgrade Pick: Rightline Gear SUV Tent
• Best Value: DAC Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan Tent

We studied the best SUV tents on the market in 2022, so you can make an educated decision quickly. After all, the idea is to spend your days off out in the wilderness, not researching tents online.

Zero in on the best product for your needs, load up your SUV, and we'll see you out there!