Last updated on February 1st, 2023 at 07:18 pm
Bringing your dog along on your camping trip is a great bonding experience. Plus, it can save you on doggy daycare costs. However, you may be wondering what type of tent is best for camping with a dog, or if just any tent will do. It turns out there are several unique factors to keep in mind if you’re bringing your pup, so read along to see the best tents for camping with a dog.
The Best Tents for Camping with a Dog Are...
We’ve kept both your and your pup’s comfort and convenience in mind when choosing our final tent options. After comparing on dog-friendly attributes, we found the following deserved special mention:
Best Overall: Mountain Smith Morrison EVO 2 person
Best Backpacking Tent for Dogs: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
Our Favorite for Car Camping and Large Dogs: Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6 Person
Best on a Budget: Coleman Evanston 6 Person Dome w/ Screen Room
Below we go into more detail on these favorites, plus several others we thought deserved a mention.
Comparison Table of Dog-Friendly Camping Tents
To help you break down our finalists for best tents for camping with a dog. We hope the table below provides a good side-by-side comparison to help you get outdoors together faster.
As you can see there are many great options for the best tents for camping with a dog. We go into further detail on our top 5 below. Plus, we reveal our determining factors for our testing of tents to see which are best for camping with your dog.
1. Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2 Person
Lightweight and durable, the Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2P is great for backpackers hitting the trail with their pups. We found it to have an efficient construction that helps with setup and take down.
Plus, you’ll be comfortable with adequate room for sleeping, two doors for easy entry and exit, and plenty of water resistance.
Two Doors and Two Vestibules
First and foremost, freedom of movement is an important feature when you’re camping with a dog. We love the two doors that the Mountainsmith Morrison offers!
This allows you and your pooch to enter and exit with ease. And, if you haven’t camped with a dog yet, this becomes important for frequent bathroom trips.
In addition, the Mountainsmith Morrison’s rainfly design also provides two small vestibules near each door. These provide a little extra space for your pup to hang out in. We found these vestibules to also be great for stashing leads, poop bags and boots for quick access.
Water-Resistant and Durable
Additionally, when camping with a dog, it’s important that your tent has scratch-resistant, durable materials.
In fact, the Mountainsmith Morrison features a durable polyester material in order to resist abrasion. Plus, it also comes with a footprint to further protect the bottom layer of your tent and help keep out moisture.
The Mountainsmith Morrison also has a water-resistant PU coating and a bathtub floor construction. This style of construction extends the floor material of your tent up the sides a bit in order to lock out water.
Furthermore, this design is excellent for avoiding water pooling in your tent, which can help keep you, your pup, and your gear dry. Plus, it reduces the risk of your dog escaping under your tent’s walls.
Lightweight and Portable
Finally, as the tent is designed for backpacking, the Mountainsmith Morrison weighs in at just 4 lbs and 11 ounces. This makes it a great trail and hiking companion when you’re looking for minimal weight.
Because of its minimal style, it doesn’t include extra rooms and is mainly for sleeping. It offers 43 inches of height, which is enough for two people (or you and your pup) to maneuver a bit.
Pros and Cons of the Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2P
Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2P PROS
- Weighs only 4 lbs and 11 ounces
- 43 inches of height
- Rainfly provides two vestibules
- Water-resistant PU coating
- Footprint included
- Durable polyester material
- Interior pockets for gear storage
- Two doors for easy access
- Water-resistant stuff sack
- Bathtub floor construction to keep water out
Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2P CONS
- Not a lot of extra space
Who is The Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2P Perfect For?
The Mountainsmith Morrison features a durable construction, which is important for resisting claws. And, with gear storage pockets, fast pitch this, and sturdy construction, this tent serves backpackers with dogs well in many seasons.
2. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
Next, our favorite for backpackers is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL. We found this tent to be ultralight without sacrificing durability.
And, with tons of storage space and a good-sized footprint, it makes going ultralight very comfortable.
Ultralight and Tear-Resistant
Firstly, the Copper Spur features an ultralight packed weight of just 3 lbs, 2 oz. The best part, however, is that it also features durable Nylon double ripstop fabric.
In short: the Big Agnes doesn’t trade durability for weight, or vice-versa. This tent is great for backpacking and simultaneously protecting from punctures and tears.
Optimizes Storage Space for Pet Owners
Additionally, if you need a lot of storage, then Big Agnes on your next camp excursion.
For instance, the Copper Spur HV UL features a large mezzanine off-the-floor bin to help keep valuables safe and dry. Plus, it also has an oversized ceiling pocket for storing items above you and out of the way.
But the Big Agnes doesn’t stop there. It also comes with media pockets for cord routing devices away from the living area, as well as interior loops for attachments. As result, dog owners avoid a lot of frustration with tangled pups and music interruptions.
Awning-Style Vestibule for Added Space
Finally, the Copper Spur HV UL also maximizes its space with awning-style vestibules. These extend outward on stakes and provide extra covered space.
We found these to be excellent for added shade, shelter from rain, and extra storage for poop bags, leads, and boots for quick access.
Pros and Cons of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL PROS
- Ultralight ripstop Nylon fabric
- Large, off ground foot bin storage
- Oversized ceiling pocket
- Media pockets for cords
- Double zippers
- Two doors and two vestibules
- Awning-style vestibule for more space
- Quick stash door keeper
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL CONS
- No common complaints from customers
Who Will Love The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL?
Ultimately, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL is designed for ultra lightweight campers who need a durable, dog-friendly tent. The Big Agnes offers ripstop, puncture-resistant fabric to help prevent tears. Plus, it also expands its covered living space with awning-style vestibules. We love this tent for many different styles of camper.
3. Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6 Person
Next, the perfect option for larger dogs and for car campers is the Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6 erson. For instance, this deluxe-sized tent features two large rooms, an attached screen room, and built-in illumination to keep your dog (or dogs) and your comfortable.
Lots of Room for the Whole Family
The Coleman Elite Weathermaster is designed to sleep six. As such, it can fit two queen-sized beds inside and features a high ceiling with a 6′ 8 ” center height.
Plus, it also features an attached screen room that not only keeps bugs out, but provides more lounging room.
This extra room is excellent for providing your family with plenty of space. This is especially helpful if you’ll be camping for multiple nights.
Built-In Illumination
Additionally, the Weathermaster also features built-in illumination.
This includes overhead, adjustable LED lighting. Plus, an illuminated wall switch allows you to choose from three settings: low, high, or nightlight.
If your dog needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, being able to switch on a light quickly is a blessing.
This lighting system operates on a CPX 6 cartridge or 4 D-cell batteries. However, we found it to drain quickly if you leave it on.
WeatherTec System
Finally, this tent couldn’t also be titled “weathermaster” without weather protection. In fact, the Weathermaster offers a WeatherTec system that includes several water-resistant features.
The first is inverted seams, a technique which hides seams inside the tent to avoid water leakage. Secondly, its wind-responsive frame includes guy-out triangles to offer reliable wind stability.
And, yet another protective feature includes zipper cuffs made of water-resistant fabric, plus waterproof floors.
Pros and Cons of the Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6 Person
Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6P PROS
- Spacious interior (can fit two queen-sized airbeds)
- Built-in LED overhead lighting
- Attached screen room
- Illuminated wall switch with three modes: low, high, and nightlight
- Mesh skylight
- WeatherTec system keeps you dry
- 75D polyester taffeta material
Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6P CONS
- lighting system uses up battery pretty quickly
- Heavy at 43 lbs
Who Will Love The Weathermaster?
Overall, the Coleman Elite Weathermaster 6-Person tent is designed to provide ample space and weather protection. It will comfortably fit 6 individuals (including your pup) and two queen-sized beds. However, because it’s a heavier option, this tent is great for car campers. With all its features, you and your pup should be content with plenty of room, durable fabric, weather protection, and illumination.
4.Coleman Evanston 6 Person Dome w/ Screen Room
Additionally, the Coleman Evanston 6 Person Dome w/ Screen Room brings spaciousness, ventilation, and weather protection to your next adventure. Plus, it’s also an affordable family-sized tent option, so you and your family can enjoy a reasonable price as well.
However, the Evanston 6P weighs a hefty 19.2 lbs which makes it only reasonable for car campers to enjoy.
Patented Weatherproof Technology
Firstly, the Evanston features patented Weatherproof technology that helps shield you from rain and wind. It includes inverted seams to keep water out, plus welded floors to prevent pooling.
In addition, this Coleman also offers a “windstrong” frame to remain sturdy against wind. Add in zipper cuffs made of weather-resistant material, and you can rest assured you and your family will remain dry.
Spacious, Enough for Multiple Dogs
Additionally, the Evanston delivers the space you need to stretch out. In fact, it can fit two queen-sized beds, and also comes with an attached screen room.
This ample size, ceiling height, and extra room can remove the claustrophobia of standard tents. Plus, large or multiple dogs will be able to lounge comfortably.
Additionally, the Evanston’s screen room is also an excellent place for your dog to enjoy the sounds and smells of the outdoors, even if its raining. Furthermore, the fine mesh screen also keeps out bugs, so you can lounge comfortably.
Window Awnings + Storage Pockets
Finally, the Evanston also boasts viewing windows that increase ventilation.
And, to add more air flow, the windows even have an awning feature that lifts the rainfly even when it’s raining. We found this to greatly help with airflow and reducing condensation on the inside.
In addition, the Coleman also includes storage pockets to hold your valuables off-ground. This helps ensure they’ll remain dry and out of the way.
Pros and Cons of the Coleman Evanston 6 Person Dome w/ Screen Room
Coleman Evanston PROS
- WeatherTec system for extra weather protection
- Welded corners and inverted seams
- Spacious interior (10 ft x 9 ft, with a 5 ft 8 in ceiling height)
- Set up in 15 minutes
- Large, attached screen room
- Mesh pockets in tent walls
- Window awnings for ventilation
Coleman Evanston CONS
- Rainfly does not adequately provide protection to the entire screen room
- Heavy at 19.2 lbs
Who Will Love This Tent?
The Coleman Evanston 6-Person Dome Tent is excellent for car campers looking for space and weather protection at a reasonable price. It offers an incredibly roomy interior that can fit two queen beds, plus ventilated windows with awnings. Mesh pockets also allow for storage of your family and your pup’s valuables. Plus, a spacious screen room offers extra hang out space for your pup to lounge.
5. MSR Access 2
Finally, if you’re backingpacking or camping in chilly temps, the MSR Access 2 provides the durability and features you need. For instance, the Access 2 remains ultralightweight without losing durability, making it a fine companion to you and your pup’s adventure.
We found this to be just fine for one person and one small-medium sized dog. The Access 2 is ideal for the elements and for a quick, suitable tent for minimalist excursions.
Breakage-Resistant Construction
First and foremost, the Access 2 is designed to stand strong in the face of all weather situations, including high winds and snow. In fact, it features an XtremeShield waterproof coating that resists hard rain, plus rainfly vents to reduce condensation.
Plus, you’ll find a central-support frame design, which helps resist wind and snow loads.
And, this durable construction is rounded out with Easton Syclone poles that are designed to resist breakage from winds.
Retains Warmth
Additionally, since the Access 2 is built for frigid weather, it features less mesh. This helps keep heat inside, while rainfly vents still allow for adequate ventilation. With a dog, we found it to be great for winter, but a little hot in the summer unless you keep the doors open also on a hot night.
Lightweight
Finally, the MSR Access 2 packs all of these durable features into an ultralight design, weighing in at just 3 lbs and 10 ounces.
This is great for backpackers hitting alpine trails or slopes who want strong design and material without added weight. If you have a dog that’s up for long adventures, you’ll love this tent.
Pros and Cons of the MSR Access 2
MSR Access 2 PROS
- Ultralight, weighing just 3 lbs 10 oz
- Xtreme Shield waterproof coating
- Limited mesh to hold in warmth
- Central frame resists snow loading
- Breakage-resistance poles
Rainfly vents to reduce condensation - Vestibules add extra space
MSR Access 2 CONS
- Higher price point
Who Would This Tent be Perfect For?
If you’re looking for a lightweight option for camping with your dog in winter terrain, look no further than the MSR Access 2 tent. This one is ideal for all seasons, but is specifically designed for frigid temps. It features weather and breakage protective features, so you and your pup can stay dry and warm. Plus, its vestibules add extra space, and its rainfly vents help keep air circulating.
What Makes a Great Tent for Camping with a Pup?
As we know, our furry friends are slightly different from us. They move around quite a bit, have claws, and sometimes need to be on a leash. Because of these factors, choosing the best tent for camping with a dog will also come with different considerations. Our recommendations take into consideration things like portability, ventilation, and more. Here is a full breakdown of what we look for:
- Lightweight: If you’re car camping, light weight won’t be too important. However, backpackers and through hikers will need to balance their needs with how much weight they’re willing to carry through the woods.
- Enough Room: This goes hand in hand with weight, as larger tents that can accommodate your family will weigh more. Tents over 4 people are best for carrying only short distances or for car camping. Depending on the size of your dog, a 2-3 person tent is all you need for you and her.
- Durable Materials: Double stitched seams and thick ripstop fabric will be essential to endure your dog’s happy feet. And if they have a prey drive, performance zippers and quality materials (we don’t trust velcro screens) will keep everyone comfortable and safe. Especially if you’re camping in inclement weather or damp underbrush. Unfortunately, the most durable materials are usually utilized in large car camping tents and rarely in lightweight backpacking models.
- Features: We like tents that feature gear lofts for fido’s treats and hiking leads. Also, if your pup is a wanderer, we’ve found that tents will sun/screen rooms to be essential. We also love models with two exits for convenience. And, tents with an e-port (hole for extension cords) are great if you need to run a lead to a tie-out stake. In fact, tying your dog out while in a tent eliminates them wrapping themselves around said tree.
Bring the Whole Family
Camping with your dog is an exciting bonding experience for both you, your dog, and your family. Keeping these tips and tents in mind for your next camp together will create a seamless, fun adventure. When choosing a tent, durability and space are key when it comes to bringing a dog along. We hope these options bring you plenty of great memories with your dog at the campsite and on the trail.
About the Author
Todd Alexander
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