Car camping has become one of the most popular ways to explore the outdoors, and car tents have made it even more convenient. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop tent for SUVs, an SUV tent attachment, or a truck bed tent, choosing the right car tent can completely transform your camping experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ Best car tents for different vehicle types
✔️ Essential gear for car camping
✔️ Top places for car camping in the U.S.
Let’s find the perfect car tent for your next outdoor adventure!
Why Choose a Car Tent for Camping?
A car tent allows you to camp anywhere your vehicle can go. Instead of dealing with uneven ground, damp conditions, or long tent setups, you can enjoy a quick, comfortable, and elevated sleeping space.
Benefits of Using a Car Tent:
🚗 Convenience – Attaches to your vehicle for easy setup.
⛺ Elevated Comfort – Keeps you off the cold or wet ground.
🏕️ Protection – Offers better insulation and weather resistance.
💼 Space-Saving – Leaves more room in your car for gear.
🌎 Flexibility – Camp in remote locations, campgrounds, or even parking areas.
Best Car Tents for Different Camping Styles
1. Best Rooftop Tents for SUVs & Cars
Rooftop tents mount on your vehicle’s roof rack, providing an elevated sleeping space with built-in weather protection. These are ideal for overlanding, road trips, and remote camping.
🔹 Top Pick: Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent – A durable, all-season rooftop tent for SUVs and trucks.
✅ Quick setup in under 5 minutes
✅ Spacious interior fits 2-3 people
✅ Heavy-duty material for all-weather camping
Best SUV Tent Attachments
SUV tent attachments create a large, sheltered sleeping area by connecting directly to your vehicle’s rear or side. Perfect for campers who want extra space and easy access to their car.
🔹 Top Pick: Napier Backroadz SUV Tent – A versatile tent that turns your SUV into a cozy sleeping area.
✅ Spacious 10’ x 10’ design
✅ Water-resistant material
✅ Connects directly to your SUV’s cargo area
- Mesh
- Imported
- Vehicle sleeve designed to accommodate all CUV’s, SUV’s and Minivans
3. Best Truck Bed Tents
For pickup truck owners, a truck bed tent provides a secure, off-ground sleeping space in the back of the truck.
🔹 Top Pick: Rightline Gear Truck Bed Tent – A high-quality tent that fits most truck beds.
✅ Floorless design for easy setup
✅ Waterproof fabric for rainy conditions
✅ Fits most truck models
- Nylon
- Imported
- Camping Tent For Truck Bed: This tailgate tent keeps you dry and allows you to sleep comfortably off the ground inside y…
4. Best Budget Car Tents
If you’re looking for an affordable car camping tent, there are great options that offer durability and comfort without a high price tag.
🔹 Top Pick: Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent – A cost-effective, easy-to-set-up car tent.
✅ Fits smaller cars & hatchbacks
✅ Easy-to-assemble dome design
✅ Water-resistant construction
