Best Truck Bed Tents
Don't Pitch, Pack! Then, camp exactly where you park!
Don't Pitch, Pack!
Forget having to search for the flattest campground or lugging your tent around with you. With a truck bed tent, you can transform the back of your ride into a secure and cozy spot for sleeping each night. That way, no matter where your journey leads you, you'll be able to make yourself at home in style especially if you bring your own porch in the form of an awning - and who doesn't love that?
Create an awesome camping experience each time by seamlessly fitting these innovative pieces of gear into your rig. And when it's not being put to use as a bedroom on wheels? Stow away in minutes and keep the extra space inside for all those other awesome things like bikes and kayaks! Truck tents have been quickly gaining popularity over the last few years. Its no wonder why.
Make sure that wherever life takes you next...you're getting there comfortably with a truck bed tent. Transform Your Truck Into A Home (Far) Away From Home- Take a look at our list to get started on your journey.
Get your free downloadable camping checklist here!
Truck Bed Tents
Truck bed tents are an ideal choice for camping on the go, as they provide a quick and easy way to set up your own private sleeping space. These tents are designed to fit onto the back of your pickup truck or SUV, providing an elevated platform for sleeping in comfort and privacy. Features like weatherproof fabrics and sturdy poles ensure that you stay safe and dry no matter where you camp. Plus, many models have built-in storage pockets for stowing away essential items.
The size and shape of truck bed tents vary greatly, allowing you to find one that fits both your camping needs and the size of your vehicle's bed. If you're tall, look for a roomy tent with enough headroom to stand up comfortably inside. If you're looking for something more low-profile with a cozier feel, there are plenty of options available too. In terms of footprint, these truck tents come in all shapes and sizes – from small half-dome designs to large models with extra features like awnings or vestibules.
When it comes to materials, truck bed tents are typically made from either polyester or canvas fabric – the former being lighter weight and easier to transport but not as durable when exposed to harsh conditions; while canvas is stronger but heavier overall. Fiberglass poles provide stability and rigidity while setting up the tent, plus they offer superior strength in windy or wet conditions. All these features come together in order to create a lightweight yet robust shelter that won't take up too much space in your truck bed. But don't put the cart before the horse, check to ensure the trucks or SUVs you are thinking about have models designed for them first.
How We Choose Truck Bed Tents
Traditional tents can be a bit of a pain to set up, and if you're not used to it they can be downright frustrating not to mention uncomfortable.
Finding the right spot for the tent can often be the trickiest part of all. once you find the perfect spot, then the work begins to clear it, because there's no guarantee that there won't be any rocks or roots in the way. Outdoor Verified has the perfect solution - a truck bed tent. We understand in the National Forest and BLM land, improved camping spots can be at a premium. Our recommendations will help you quickly move from one site with awesome scenery to the next with more speed and efficiency.
These truck tents set up in minutes and fit securely in the back of your pickup truck, giving you all the space you need to sleep comfortably without having to worry about finding a good spot. If you can park, you can camp!
Keep in mind, we consider the use of the product with features and benefits and THEN price when recommending the best value. We do NOT simply find the least-expensive item out there and suggest it is a good value. The purpose being accomplished reasonably well is always first and foremost.
What we like
Are you ready to take your outdoor adventures in a different direction? With Napier SportZ Truck-Bed-Tents, adventurers of all levels can access an exciting and comfortable camping experience with minimal effort. Perfect for families, hikers, and campers alike, these tents give you the freedom to set up quickly in just 15 minutes.
It has exclusive rear access panels that in turn allow you to store your gear and stay connected to power outlets inside the truck. The expandable carrying bag makes storage and transport simple. And don't forget about the optional large 4’ x 4’ awning that in turn offers shade and extra room for bulky items - perfect for days when the weather banishes you to the campsite.
More details
This truck bed tent will provide a spacious interior filled with comfort and ventilation. Enjoy over 5.7 feet of headroom and take advantage of features like the full rainfly with taped seams and storm flaps, full tent floor to keep you clean from your truck and dry from the elements, 3 mesh windows, a large entrance door, and 2 ceiling vents. These are many of the reasons this truck bed tent is among the favorites.
Drawbacks
- Setup is not the fastest.
- Some customer service concerns
- The warranty covers the whole tent, not individual pieces. So, save the box.
What we like
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent is great for hikers, campers, and backpackers alike, this truck tent is like none other. It's as easy to assemble as it is to take down, so you can enjoy your camping trip without worrying about setting up your tent.
Plus you get the added security of being in the bed of your truck if those unfriendly critters pass by. The spacious interior offers plenty of headroom and comfortably sleeps two adults, while full rainfly and storm flaps in windows and doors provide privacy and weather protection. Mesh windows provide optimal ventilation so you don't wake up in a sweat.
An added gear loft, gear pocket, and lantern holder help to keep all your items organized - so you can worry more about making s'mores instead!
More details
Easily assemble and enjoy a spacious interior with an included sewn-in floor with this. And the best part is that they offer 5 different models so you can be sure to find one that fits almost any truck on the market. With the Napier Backroadz Truck Tents, you won't have to worry about where to lay your head down for the night.
Drawbacks
- Poles are not the sturdiest.
- Rain fly does not cover the entire tent.
What we like
The Guide Gear Truck Tents offer a fast, comfortable shelter that sets up in minutes without sacrificing quality even though the price is the lowest on this list.. With excellent ventilation and tons of adaptable options, you’ll be able to relax in style — all while discovering what you’ve been missing with traditional tents. Campers, backpackers, and families alike will appreciate the uniqueness of this tent as well as its affordability.
More details
This lightweight and rugged tent is perfect for hikes, camping trips, and even just backyard (driveway) sleepovers. With plenty of room and 4.75 feet of headroom, it's big enough to sleep two comfortably.
Its water-resistant coating keeps you dry as a bone come rain or shine. You can rest easy knowing you've got this trusty tent in your corner thanks to its heavy-duty polyester bag and full rainfly!
But don't take our word for it; this truck tent comes with super easy setup instructions, and fits most trucks measuring 72"-74" beds - perfect for Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota and beyond. It is a real bargain and a great way to try out this method of camping.
Drawbacks
- Weak poles
- Could do with another round of seam sealing.
- Customer service challenges.
What we like
The Guide Gear Truck Tent by AWTC is ready to take your next camping trip and hiking adventures to the next level. The tent is made of durable, waterproof Oxford Cloth with PU2000MM waterproof coating and rain fly and is prepared in the face of bad weather despite the low price.
With sturdy fiberglass poles to support the entire structure, you don't have to worry about it caving in on you while you're sleeping. This tent also fits conveniently into most 5-5.2 foot truck beds so you don't have to deal with a tent hanging over the tailgate on your expeditions. Even novices will rejoice in how easy it is to put together.
More details
It comes complete with a set of poles, pole pocket, flashlight, carry bag, and installation instructions so you’ll be ready to hit the road in no time. Plus, a hanging hook on top means you can easily hang insect-repelling lamps or lanterns from the inside.
The tent has two mesh windows plus a side and top ventilation skylight so you can enjoy sweeping views while still enjoying plenty of fresh air. And, this truck tent also enjoys an impressive one-year warranty plus lifetime technical support.
Drawbacks
- New product to market. Long-term testing is required.
What we like
Introducing the revolutionary Fofana Truck Bed Tent Automatic Setup. That's right, no wrestling with poles or time wasters that take away from your enjoyment of nature. With the automatic setup, you'll be relaxing in record time.
The interior is roomy enough for two adults with a 6-foot standing height so you can stretch out and store your gear - all while keeping waterproof and dry! There are some mega storage pockets and a gear loft to make sure all your necessities are accounted for. If you're a hiker, camper or backpacker who loves camping but doesn't want to sacrifice convenience or comfort, this may be a great option for you.
More details
This universal-fit tent fits over any full-size truck bed, from 5.5' beds to 8't long beds, allowing you to take the comforts of home anywhere you go. Get an unreal view with the massive full-height windows, giving you a 360-degree panoramic view and 180-degree celestial sky views.
If that's too much exposure for you, just zip up the convenient window flaps for a little privacy. Setting up has never been easier with Fofana's unique automatic setup feature: just pull it out, plug it in, connect, and voile! You've got yourself a tent home away from home.
Whether you own a Ford F150, Dodge Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado, Nissan Titan or Toyota Tundra – our tent will provide coverage for any of these major truck brands. You won't even have to spend time assembling this tent before you can hit the road; it sets up quickly and easily – allowing you to concentrate on your most important mission: having fun in nature. Now with additional coverage, there's no excuse to not go camping!
Drawbacks
- Rain fly does not cover tent to floor.
- Long-term durability a question.
What we like
The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent. This thing is a beast! Anywhere you can take your truck, you can set up camp with the Kodiak. Crafted from durable machine washable Hydra-Shield 100% cotton duck canvas, this tent keeps you off the ground and under a watertight and breathable canopy.
With its unique clamp-on rail design and strong 3/4" steel tube frame, setting it up is a breeze - no more struggling with poles and stakes as if you're playing some strange game of Twister with your vehicle! It's rated for all-season use so go ahead and hit the road whenever the mood strikes. With five windows plus a cab access window for powering your appliances or charging your phone, there's plenty of natural light streaming in no matter where you wind up camping.
Seamlessly enter through top-of-the-line YKK zippers, storing items in the convenient gear pockets before lying down beneath the 5ft ceiling height.
More details
With its Hydra-ShieldTM fabric, this tent is both watertight and breathable, so you know you will be dry and relaxed wherever your travels take you. It also features a 3/4 inch steel tube frame, providing superior strength that is built to last.
Not only is the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent extremely durable, but it’s also designed to maximize interior space. The tunnel-shape design gives ample room while the floorless tailgate configuration creates additional useable space. These features make it easy to customize your set up in any type of truck bed.
Five windows provide an open atmosphere with plenty of ventilation and even a cab access window allows for more convenience. Plus, the D-shaped door features top-of-the-line YKK zippers that hold up exceptionally well against all weather conditions. Also available for mid-size trucks!
Drawbacks
- Can get warm inside.
- Is more challenging to setup.
FAQs For Truck Bed Tents
Camping is a great way to get away from it all, but trying to find a place to camp can be a pain.
Not only is finding a place to camp difficult, but you also have to worry about packing the right gear and making sure you're not infringing on anyone's territory.
Outdoor Verified is helping to make camping easier. With our recommendations or truck bed tents and list of FAQs, you will be armed with the knowledge you need to make the right decision for yourself.
What is the point of a truck tent?
A Truck tent is a highly specialized form of tent that was invented back in 1990 by Roman Napieraj, the founder of Napier Enterprises. Truck tents allow campers to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort and convenience of their pickup truck bed, providing a unique camping experience complete with the added protection and coziness of sleeping off the ground. Definitely shop around for your vehicle specifically. And, keep in mind they suv tents are available for about the same money. SUVs are so ubiquitous that your spouse may have one that would be great in the backcountry. The selection is truly amazing. They ship free. So go back to the cart where you left that tent and place the order.
Does a truck tent work with a tonneau cover?
If the height of your rolled-up tonneau cover is 6” or less, you can easily place and fold the truck tent on top of it without any issues. However, if your tonneau cover is taller than 6” high, you'll have to take a few extra steps in order to make the truck tent fit properly. You can either completely remove the tonneau cover or just place the truck tent up against it for a snug fit.
How many people can sleep in a truck bed tent?
The truck tent is an ingenious invention that is designed to fit snugly over most standard pickup trucks and constructed with durable waterproof fabric so you can keep your truck looking pristine and dry even when camping. It provides a spacious interior that can sleep two adults comfortably and the setup is easy enough for anyone to do without having to ask for assistance. This ingenious tent creates the ultimate camping experience right in the back of your open-bed pickup, so you don't have to worry about finding a campsite or pitching a tent!
What size truck tent do I need?
With your tailgate opened and ready for measurement, you can easily measure the length of your truck bed starting from the back of your truck cab in a straight line. Once you have obtained this figure, take a second measurement from wall-to-wall to get an accurate width. Generally speaking, full size trucks tend to be 68-77 inches wide while compacts range from 56-63 inches in width. Remember that an easy way for additional coverage is by adding an awning to your vehicle, whether its an SUV or a Truck. One company we did not speak about is Rightline gear. Rightline gear sells truck tents and SUV tents along with the accessories like awnings. There are many brands like Rightline gear, each with their own price structure and feature offerings.
Final Thoughts
Camping has always been a favorite way to get away and explore the greatness of nature. It brings us closer together with our loved ones as we delve into what mother nature has hidden from us. And with truck bed tents, there's no longer a need to leave or to search for a suitable spot for pitching your tent – all you need is the back of your truck!
Plus it will add an extra bit of old-school country charm to your camping experience. If camping in the back of your pickup truck sounds like something that piques your interest, why not check out a few models of these amazing tents? Tap on the buttons below the products to check current pricing and availability, and who knows – perhaps one could be yours soon enough!
If this article was helpful, consider becoming Outdoor Verified by subscribing so you won't miss any updates on camping and outdoor gear recommendations. We even send out sale items when we find them to subscribers!
~ Ron
Comments ()