5 Best Camping Canopy Tents in 2021
If you don’t have a camping canopy in your camping gear arsenal, you’re missing out!
This multi-purpose structure can greatly enhance your next camping trip. You’ll surely be wondering how you ever went camping without one!
Let’s take a look!
What Is a Camping Canopy Tent?
Camping canopies are portable structures that provide a screened-in space. These canopies create an escape from the elements, whether it’s the blistering summer sun, an abrupt rainstorm, or a swarm of pesky mosquitos. In fact, they’re great for camping, picnicking, or watching sporting events.
Camping canopy tents often have sidewalls made of a mesh-like material. These sidewalls protect campers from having to seek refuge in an RV, camper, or tent. It’s never been easier to enjoy nature during less than ideal weather conditions.
What To Look For When Buying a Camping Canopy Tent
We don’t want you to waste your money or have a bad camping experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind before buying your next camping canopy tent!
Ease of Use
A camping canopy tent must be easy to use, or it’ll surely sit in storage. Many camping canopies assemble in less than five minutes and require no tools or extra sets of hands. Assembly is equally as important as dismantling. So be sure to invest in a canopy with a reputation for being easy to use.
Storage and Portability
Whether you’re planning to use your canopy tent all year round or a couple of weekends during the summer months, it must be easy to store. If a camping canopy tent isn’t easy to store or not very portable, you eventually won’t want to use it. A camping canopy’s portability often differentiates good camping canopies and great camping canopies.
Durability
When you’re spending a significant amount of money on a camping canopy, it needs to last. Continually replacing camping canopies certainly is not cost-effective and wastes money that could go towards future adventures. Be sure to read reviews and see what users have to say about the reliability of any camping canopies you are considering. A durable canopy with a quality warranty is even better. You don’t want to waste your money buying items twice.
Wall Screen or Tarp Options
One of the best ways to enhance your camping experience is by choosing a canopy with wall screens or tarp options. These usually velcro or otherwise securely attach to the walls of the canopy to protect against wind and rain. These walls also provide shade from the sun as it moves across the sky. Ideally, a canopy would provide optimal shade with wall screens for every side.
Pro Tip: Try these simple camping hacks under $10 to make your next camping trip easier!
Best Camping Canopy Tents
We value your time and know you’re mindful of the money you invest in camping gear. We don’t want you to buy just any camping canopy, but the best. Let’s look at five of the best camping canopies on the market!
#1: Clam Quick Set Canopy Tent
The Clam Quick Set Canopy Tent is a six-sided canopy and costs approximately $300. It’s one of the most popular and highly ranked camping canopy tent options. It provides 110 square feet of total space and easily fits a standard picnic table inside. The no-see-um mesh screens keep even the smallest of bugs out. In addition, the seams are taped for added protection to prevent leaks from ruining your camping experience.
This canopy tent is ready to use right out of the box. Set up in as little as 45 seconds means you’ll be enjoying the shade and a bug-free zone in no time. We highly recommend purchasing the canopy walls to help create shade and block the wind and rain.
At the end of your trip, all 37 pounds of this canopy easily store in the included carrying bag. With its compact storage design, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to store this essential piece of camping equipment.
#2: Quest Screened Canopy Tent
The Quest Screened Canopy Tent is a four-sided canopy that’s less than $100. It’s a 12×12 structure that provides 100 square feet of shade. Whether you’re having a picnic or an outdoor party, this camping canopy tent will do the job. The mesh walls help keep bugs out but also provide ample air circulation to keep you cool.
The shock-cord poles support the structure and allow for a quick and easy setup and tear down. Anticipate 15-20 minutes to assemble the tent at first. The time for setup and tear down will improve with every use.
This camping canopy weighs 12 pounds and is a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight one. It will easily store in the smallest of locations during your travels.
#3: Master Canopy Pop Up Canopy Tent
The Master Canopy Pop Up Canopy Tent is another four-sided tent and is in the middle of the pack with pricing at $160. With three adjustable height settings, the 10×10 foot pop-up canopy provides 100 square feet of covered space. Despite having no included mesh walls, there are additional wall options to protect against the elements.
Utilizing a push-button system, setup and tear down is made incredibly simple. You’ll be able to store and transport this canopy easily with the included carry bag. You’ll be safe from the elements with 99% water-resistant and 50+ UV-resistant materials. This is the perfect canopy for a day at the beach or eating dinner at the campsite.
#4: Coleman Instant Canopy
The Coleman Instant Canopy is four-sided and provides shelter from rain and the sun, but only costs $150. Additional sidewalls are available to provide further coverage from the elements. The 10×10 camping canopy allows for 100 square feet of shade and is 9 feet 4 inches at its center height.
You’ll love the ease of setup and tear down of this canopy. Setting up your canopy in three minutes or less means more time enjoying your campsite. This is a great camping canopy for occasional uses as it easily stores away and weighs only 37 pounds.
#5: Coleman Screened Canopy Tent with Instant Setup
Our final recommendation for the best camping canopies is the Coleman Screen Canopy Tent with Instant Setup. The $230 price tag may make you want to move on, but what keeps your attention is the 60-second setup, 45.2-pound weight, and the carrying case that fits in most cars. It’s easy to see why this one is on our list.
The Coleman canopy is similar to the ever-popular Clam. However, the Coleman Screen Canopy Tent doesn’t come with or have windscreen walls available for purchase. The double fabric material is 50+ UPF and helps keep campers safe from harmful sun rays. This canopy is a great choice whether you’re camping on the weekends or traveling the country full time.
Make Memories with a Camping Canopy
Having a camping canopy is a game-changer, especially when the weather is unpredictable. With a quality canopy, you’ll be able to make memories for years to come – rain or shine, bugs or no bugs. Do you camp with a camping canopy? How much do you love it?
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