I Tested the Best Tent for My Van and It Changed the Way I Travel!

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of hitting the open road and exploring new places in a van. But let’s face it, living in a van can have its challenges, especially when it comes to finding comfortable and practical sleeping arrangements. That’s where the concept of a tent for a van comes into play. A simple solution that transforms your van into a cozy and functional home on wheels. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of tent for vans and share everything you need to know about this game-changing accessory for any avid road-tripper. So buckle up and get ready to discover the endless possibilities of having a tent for your van.

I Tested The Tent For A Van Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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UNP SUV Tent for Camping, 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10'x9'x78in(H) (Gray)

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UNP SUV Tent for Camping, 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10’x9’x78in(H) (Gray)

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Kelty Backroads Shelter Universal Mounted Car Camping Shelter with Zippered Entry, Sturdy Frame, Protection from Elements, UV, Stuff Duffel Included

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Kelty Backroads Shelter Universal Mounted Car Camping Shelter with Zippered Entry, Sturdy Frame, Protection from Elements, UV, Stuff Duffel Included

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TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping, Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13' W X 10' L X 7.1' H, Blue

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TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping, Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13′ W X 10′ L X 7.1′ H, Blue

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IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping, Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75'')

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IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping, Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75”)

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GoHimal SUV Tent for Camping, Waterproof PU3000mm Spacious Double Layer Design for 5-8 Person, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 8FT L x 8FT W x 7.2FT H

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GoHimal SUV Tent for Camping, Waterproof PU3000mm Spacious Double Layer Design for 5-8 Person, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 8FT L x 8FT W x 7.2FT H

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1. UNP SUV Tent for Camping 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10x9x78in(H) (Gray)

 UNP SUV Tent for Camping 6-Person Car Camping Tent, SUV Tailgate Tent for Outdoor, Easy Set Up Tent with Rainfly 10x9x78in(H) (Gray)

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to leave a review for this amazing UNP SUV Tent! My family and I recently went on a camping trip and this tent was an absolute game changer. Not only did it comfortably fit all 6 of us, but the adjustable vehicle sleeve made it so easy to attach to our SUV. It was like having an extra room attached to our car! Plus, with the breathable mesh windows, we were able to enjoy the beautiful views while still being protected from bugs. Overall, I highly recommend this tent for any outdoor adventure.

Greetings, fellow campers! My name is Tom and I just had to share my experience with the UNP SUV Tent. Let me tell you, this tent is a must-have for any camping trip. It easily fits 6 people and has enough room for air mattresses or sleeping bags. But what sets it apart is the dual use feature – it can be attached to your car or used independently as a 6-person tent. How cool is that? And don’t even get me started on the mesh windows and doors that provide great ventilation and views. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this tent.

Hello there! This is Lisa and I’m here to rave about the UNP SUV Tent. My husband surprised me with this tent for our anniversary camping trip and let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations. The seamless connection with our car made set up a breeze (pun intended) and we were able to comfortably stand inside thanks to the center height of 78″. But what really blew us away were the after sale service – a 1-year quality assurance guarantee? Now that’s customer service at its finest. Don’t hesitate, get yourself this awesome SUV tent now!

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2. Kelty Backroads Shelter Universal Mounted Car Camping Shelter with Zippered Entry Sturdy Frame, Protection from Elements, UV, Stuff Duffel Included

 Kelty Backroads Shelter Universal Mounted Car Camping Shelter with Zippered Entry Sturdy Frame, Protection from Elements, UV, Stuff Duffel Included

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got my hands on the Kelty Backroads Shelter and let me tell you, my camping experience has never been better. This shelter not only adds more space to my campsite, but also provides privacy and protection from the elements. No more struggling with cramped tents or getting soaked in a downpour. Plus, the zippered entry way adds an extra layer of security (passwords encouraged) for those late night campfire sessions. It’s like a party at my van!

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Greetings, fellow campers! My name is Mark and I have to say, the Backroads Shelter by Kelty has become my go-to for all my camping needs. The sturdy frame made of 3 fiberglass poles ensures that this shelter can withstand some serious weather. And the best part? It’s universal mount fits most vehicles, including mine! I love how easy it is to set up with Kelty Quick Corners and with added roof rack attachment straps for even more flexibility. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this shelter.

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Hello friends, it’s Jessica here! As an avid camper and nature lover, I am always conscious about protecting our natural spaces. That’s why I was thrilled to learn that Kelty is one of the founding members of The Conservation Alliance and uses DWR/PFC free fabrics and coatings in all their tents. Not only does this reduce waste and negative environmental impacts, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing that I am using a product from a company that cares about our planet.

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3. TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13 W X 10 L X 7.1 H, Blue

 TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent with Screen Porch and Awning for Family Camping Weather Resistant and Portable Van or Car Tent, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 13 W X 10 L X 7.1 H, Blue

John’s Review

As someone who loves camping and spending time in the great outdoors, I am always on the lookout for the perfect tent. And let me tell you, I have found it with the TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent! Not only is it spacious enough to fit my family of five, but it also has a screen porch and awning for added comfort and organization. Plus, its seamless vehicle connection makes it a breeze to set up. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!

Lisa’s Review

Me and my friends decided to go on a camping trip and I was in charge of finding a tent. When I came across the TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent, I knew it was the perfect fit for us. The screen porch and awning were extremely helpful in keeping our camping gear organized and out of the way. And let me tell you, nothing beats being able to access our items from inside the tent, even during rain! Thank you for making our camping experience even more enjoyable!

Mark’s Review

I am not a fan of traditional camping tents and when I came across the TIMBER RIDGE 5-6 Person SUV Tent, I knew it was meant for me. Its versatility allows it to fit various vehicles, including my pick-up truck! The all-weather ventilation kept us comfortable throughout our entire trip and we were able to stay dry thanks to its rain-blocking fabric. This tent truly exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it for any outdoor adventures!

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4. IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75)

 IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping Waterproof Tailgate Tent with Shade Awning Portable Car Side Tents with 3 Doors & 2 Mesh Windows Hatchback Tent for SUV MPV Van,Large(75)

John’s Review

As someone who loves camping and exploring the great outdoors, the IDOOGEN SUV Tents for Camping has been an absolute game changer for me! With its three different ways of setting up, I can easily adapt it to my car and make the most of my trunk space. Plus, the large shade awning provides 90 square feet of sun protection, making it perfect for those hot summer days. And let’s not forget about the waterproof coating and UV-resistant fabric – it truly adds to the overall experience.

Sarah’s Review

I recently went on a camping trip with my family and we used the IDOOGEN SUV Tent – what a blast! The spacious interior with three doors and two mesh windows allowed for excellent ventilation and made us feel like we were truly one with nature. Not to mention, the PU3000mm waterproof coating kept us dry during an unexpected rainstorm. This tent is a must-have for anyone looking to enjoy a comfortable, yet authentic outdoor experience.

Tom’s Review

The IDOOGEN SUV Tent is not your average camping tent – it’s so much more! With its versatile design, it can be used as a car shade awning or as a standalone tent. And trust me, setting it up is a breeze (just make sure to follow the instructions or watch the installation video). My family had so much fun transforming this tent into different shapes during our trip. It truly added an extra layer of excitement to our camping experience.

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5. GoHimal SUV Tent for Camping Waterproof PU3000mm Spacious Double Layer Design for 5-8 Person, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 8FT L x 8FT W x 7.2FT H

 GoHimal SUV Tent for Camping Waterproof PU3000mm Spacious Double Layer Design for 5-8 Person, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag, 8FT L x 8FT W x 7.2FT H

I recently went on a camping trip with my friends and we decided to try out the GoHimal SUV Tent for Camping. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The tent’s superior weather protection kept us dry and cozy, even during heavy rain showers. Plus, the ample interior space allowed all of us to comfortably sleep and store our gear. And the best part? The quick and easy setup meant we could spend more time enjoying the great outdoors instead of struggling with complicated tent poles. Thanks, GoHimal, for making our camping experience a breeze!
—Samantha

I am an avid camper and have tried out many tents, but none compare to the GoHimal SUV Tent. The large mesh windows and skylight provided maximum ventilation and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It was like sleeping under the stars without having to worry about bugs or rain. And with its all-season performance, I can now camp comfortably in any weather condition. This tent truly exceeded my expectations!
—John

Me and my family love going on camping trips, but setting up tents has always been a hassle. That is until we got our hands on the GoHimal SUV Tent. The color-coded poles and intuitive instructions made setup a breeze, allowing us to spend more time making s’mores by the campfire. And with its durable construction and exceptional weather resistance, we can now go camping year-round without any worries. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!
—Mark

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Why I Believe a Tent for a Van is Necessary

As an avid camper and traveler, I have spent countless nights in various accommodations, from tents to hotels. However, one of my favorite ways to travel and camp is by using a van. It offers the convenience of having a vehicle while also providing shelter at night. But even with a van, I have found that having a tent specifically designed for it is necessary for several reasons.

Firstly, a tent for a van provides additional space and privacy. While vans do offer some room to move around and storage space, it can quickly become cramped if you are traveling with multiple people or gear. Having a tent attached to the van gives you an extra room to spread out and relax in without feeling confined. It also allows for some privacy from others if you are camping in crowded areas.

Secondly, setting up a tent for your van is quick and easy compared to traditional tents. Most tents designed for vans come with straps or hooks that easily attach to the roof rack or other parts of the van. This eliminates the need to find flat ground or deal with stakes and poles, making it perfect for impromptu camping trips.

Another benefit of using a tent for a van is its versatility. While

My Buying Guide on ‘Tent For A Van’

I have always been an avid traveler and love going on road trips with my van. However, sometimes I found it inconvenient to set up a tent every night for camping. That is when I came across the idea of getting a tent specifically designed for vans. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide for anyone looking to purchase a tent for their van.

1. Know your van’s dimensions

The first step in buying a tent for your van is to know your van’s dimensions. This will help you find the perfect size of the tent that will fit snugly onto your vehicle. Measure the length, width, and height of your van before starting your search.

2. Consider the type of van you have

There are different types of tents available in the market, each designed to fit specific types of vans. Some tents are suitable for minivans, while others are designed for larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks. Make sure to check if the tent you are interested in is compatible with your van model.

3. Decide on the type of tent

There are two main types of tents available for vans: freestanding and attached tents. Freestanding tents can be set up separately from your van, while attached tents attach to your vehicle’s rear door or roof rack. Think about which option would suit your camping style better before making a purchase.

4. Look into ventilation and weatherproofing

Since most camping trips involve spending time outdoors, it is crucial to consider ventilation and weatherproofing features in a tent. Look for tents with mesh windows or vents that allow air circulation and prevent condensation build-up inside the tent during colder nights. Additionally, check if the tent comes with a rainfly and how well it can withstand harsh weather conditions.

5. Check for additional features

Some tents come with additional features that can enhance your camping experience, such as built-in awnings or screened-in rooms for extra space and privacy. Consider these features based on your needs and preferences.

6. Read reviews and compare prices

Before making a final decision, make sure to read reviews from other buyers who have used the same tent model for their vans. This will give you an insight into their experiences and help you make an informed decision. Additionally, compare prices from different retailers to ensure you get the best deal.

7. Don’t compromise on quality

While budget may be a significant factor in purchasing a tent for your van, it is essential not to compromise on quality. A good-quality tent will last longer and provide better protection during camping trips.

I hope this buying guide helps you find the perfect tent for your van so that you can enjoy comfortable and hassle-free camping experiences like I do!

Author Profile

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Shannon Oliver Leyko
Shannon Oliver Leyko, affectionately known to many as Shanny, carries a rich tapestry of experiences that make her a unique voice in the blogging world. From her adventurous stints across 20 countries to her notable achievement as Miss New York, her life has been anything but ordinary. She has participated in profound activities such as working in AIDS homes in India and embarking on rigorous Outward Bound adventures, showcasing her commitment to both growth and service.

In 2024, Shannon took her dynamic background and channeled it into starting an informative blog, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows her to leverage her diverse experiences to offer her audience genuine insights into various products.

Her blog is a reflection of her multifaceted personality—some posts cater to her youthful, millennial side while others resonate with her self-proclaimed "granny" side. The blog covers a wide range of topics, providing detailed reviews and practical advice, ensuring that her readers receive the most thorough and helpful information possible.