If you’re planning a desert camping trip, one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need is a tent that can withstand the harsh conditions of the desert environment. But with so many different types of tents on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best tent for your desert camping needs. In this guide, we’ll cover the top tents for desert camping
Best Tents for Desert Camping
1- Dome Canvas Tents:
Dome canvas tents are a popular choice for desert camping due to their sturdy construction and ease of setup. These tents typically feature a dome-shaped design with curved poles that create a spacious interior with a low center of gravity, making them resistant to high winds.
One great example of a dome canvas tent is the Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000 Tent with steel poles. This tent is made from heavy-duty canvas material and features steel poles for added durability. It also has a built-in awning that provides shade and protection from the sun, and multiple windows and vents for ventilation.
Specification
- Capacity: 6 persons
- Weight: 90 lb (40.8 kg).
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 ft (305 x 305 cm).
- Area: 49 sq. ft. to 216 sq. ft.
- Area per person: 24.5 sq. ft. to 27 sq. ft. per person
- Peak height: 4′ to 8′
- Packed size: 50 x 18 x 13 in (127 x 46 x 33 cm).
- Frame: Steel or aluminum
- Setup time: 10-30 minutes
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Durable and strong construction
- Breathable and temperature-regulating materials
- Reliable performance
- Suitable for all seasons
Cons
- Heavy and may not be ideal for backpacking or long hikes
- A higher price point may be a consideration
- Can be bulky when packed, making transportation difficult
2- Framed Tents:
Framed tents are another popular option for desert camping, offering a sturdy and spacious shelter that can withstand high winds and harsh weather conditions. These tents feature a freestanding frame that you attach the tent to, which provides added stability and support.
One great example of a framed tent is the White Duck Outdoors Alpha Wall Tent 12 x 14. This tent is made from heavy-duty canvas material and features a durable aluminum frame that provides added stability and support. It also has multiple windows and vents for ventilation, as well as a built-in awning that provides shade and protection from the sun.
Specification
- Capacity: 10 persons
- Weight: 30-100 pounds
- Dimensions: 14 x 12 ft (427 x 366 cm).
- Area: 100 sq. ft. to 320 sq. ft.
- Area per person: 12.5 sq. ft. to 40 sq. ft. per person
- Peak height: 8.5 ft (259 cm).
- Packed size: 24″ x 8″ x 8″ to 36″ x 12″ x 12″
- Frame: Aluminum or steel
- Setup time: 20-45 minutes
- Warranty: 1-5 years
Pros
- Strong steel frame
- Breathable and temperature-regulating materials
- High ceiling height for ample headroom
- Suitable for use in all seasons
- Heavy-duty, puncture-resistant floor material
- Stove Jack included for heating and cooking
Cons
- Heavy and not ideal for backpacking or long hikes
- Bulky when packed, which may make transportation difficult
- Higher price point than some other options on the market
- No built-in storage pockets or compartments
- The floor is not sewn-in, which may make it more difficult to keep dirt and sand out
- The single-room design may not be suitable for larger groups or those who want more privacy
3- Canvas Tents with Air Beams:
Canvas tents with air beams are a relatively new type of tent that has become popular in recent years. Instead of traditional poles, these tents use inflatable beams to support the structure, making them easy to set up and take down.
One great example of a canvas tent with air beams is the Robens Aero Yurt 8-Man Airventure Air Tent. This tent features a spacious yurt-style design with plenty of headroom and living space. It also has multiple windows and vents for ventilation, as well as a built-in awning for shade and protection from the sun.
Specification
- Capacity: 4-10 persons
- Weight: 69.2 lb (31.4 kg).
- Dimensions: 177.2 x 177.2 in (450 x 450 cm).
- Area: 181 ft² (16.8 m²).
- Area per person: 10 sq. ft. to 40 sq. ft. per person
- Peak height: 106.3 in (270 cm).
- Packed size: 24″ x 8″ x 8″ to 36″ x 12″ x 12″
- Frame: Inflatable beams
- Setup time: 5-20 minutes
- Warranty: 1-5 years
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable tent
- High-quality windows for ventilation and light
- Great waterproof floor rating
- Made from top-quality materials
- Air beams make setup and takedown easy
Cons
- Heavy and not ideal for backpacking or long hikes
- No built-in storage pockets or compartments
- Higher price point than some other options on the market
4- Cabin-Style Canvas Tents:
Cabin-style canvas tents are a popular choice for desert camping, featuring a rectangular shape with nearly vertical walls and a high ceiling. These tents provide plenty of living space and headroom, making them ideal for families or groups of campers.
One excellent example of a cabin-style canvas tent is the OzTent 30-Second Expedition Tent RV 5. This tent is designed for instant setup and is freestanding, meaning it doesn’t require stakes or guylines for support. It is made from heavy-duty canvas material and features multiple windows and vents for ventilation.
Specification
- Capacity: 5 persons
- Weight: 30-150 pounds
- Dimensions: 8’x8′ to 16’x20′
- Area: 64 sq. ft. to 320 sq. ft.
- Area per person:72 ft² (6.7 m²).
- Peak height: 6′ to 10′
- Packed size: 24″ x 8″ x 8″ to 36″ x 12″ x 12″
- Frame: Aluminum or steel
- Setup time: 30 seconds.
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Strong and durable construction.
- Breathable materials.
- The tall height provides ample headroom.
- Suitable for use in all seasons.
- Thick floor material.
- The stove jack is ready for use.
Cons
- Heavy Weight
- Bulky when packed.
- Expensive cost.
- No built-in storage features.
- The floor is not sewn-in.
- Single room design.
5- Tipi Tents for Desert Camping:
Tipi tents, or teepee tents, are a modern take on the traditional Native American dwelling. These tents are typically designed with a conical shape and a single pole in the center for support. They offer plenty of headroom and a spacious interior, making them ideal for families or groups of campers.
One great example of a freestanding tipi tent for desert camping is the Ozark Trail 12′ x 12′ Instant Teepee Tent. This tent is designed for easy setup and takedown and is freestanding, meaning it doesn’t require stakes or guylines for support. It is made from durable materials and features multiple windows and vents for ventilation.
Specification
- Capacity: 7 persons
- Weight: 15-50 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’x10′ to 20’x20′
- Area: around 108 ft² (10 m²).
- Area per person: 7.8 sq. ft. to 31.4 sq. ft. per person
- Peak height: 6′ to 12′
- Packed size: 24″ x 8″ x 8″ to 36″ x 12″ x 12″
- Frame: Central pole
- Setup time: 10-30 minutes
- Warranty:6-month limited warranty.
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Comfortable and spacious.
- Tall tent with ample headroom.
- Quick and easy setup.
- Some models are freestanding.
Cons
- The tent can be long when packed up.
- May lack of privacy or separation in the tent’s interior.
6- Dark Rest Tents:
Dark rest tents, also known as dark room tents or lights-out tents, are a great option for desert camping in areas with high levels of sunlight. These tents are made from dark materials that can reduce sunlight by up to 99%, providing a completely dark interior even in the brightest of conditions.
One typical example of a dark rest tent is the Ozark Trail 20′ x 10′ Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent. This tent is designed in a cabin style and features a pre-attached frame that allows for easy setup and takedown. It also has multiple closable mesh sections that provide ventilation while keeping dust and other particles out.
Specification
- Capacity: 12 persons
- Weight: 54 lb (24.5 kg).
- Dimensions: 8’x8′ to 16’x20′
- Area: 64 sq. ft. to 320 sq. ft.
- Area per person: 5.3 sq. ft. to 40 sq. ft. per person
- Peak height: 80 in (203 cm)
- Packed size: 24″ x 8″ x 8″ to 36″ x 12″ x 12″
- Frame: Aluminum or steel
- Setup time: 2-minute setup.
- Warranty: 6-month limited
Pros:
Pros
- Creates a dark and pleasant sleeping environment.
- Provides privacy and organization with separate rooms or dividers.
- Often reasonably priced.
- Multiple windows allow for ventilation and natural light.
Cons
- It may be too small for the number of campers advertised to accommodate.
What if there is lots of sand in the air?
Desert camping comes with its own unique challenges, including sandstorms that can quickly ruin your camping experience. While the tents listed above are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, you may want to consider a tent with solid windows if you expect lots of sand in the air. These types of tents rely on vents for ventilation, and they can be closed when necessary to keep sand out.
However, it’s important to note that most tents with solid windows are tunnel tents that are not freestanding. This means you’ll need to make sure you can stake them down properly, particularly at the front and back where they are most vulnerable to wind. That being said, dark-rest tents can also be closed to reduce glare and may be useful in the presence of dust.
What Else to Consider:
When choosing a tent for desert camping, there are several other factors to consider. Here are some additional features to look out for:
- Sewn-in floor: Enclosed tents with sewn-in floors and dense mesh on the windows are ideal for keeping snakes, scorpions, and spiders out of your tent. Be sure to keep your gear inside as well to avoid unwanted critters in your boots.
- Awning configuration: An awning is a great feature to have in any tent, but it’s particularly useful in desert areas where the sun can be intense. This feature provides some much-needed shade during the day and can also help keep your tent cool.
- Vents: Good air circulation is important in synthetic tents, and even in breathable canvas tents, having floor and roof vents is a plus. This feature will help keep your tent well-ventilated and comfortable, particularly in hot weather.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tent for desert camping is crucial. Consider the pros and cons of each tent, as well as factors such as ventilation, sewn-in floors, and awning configurations. By taking these factors into account, you can find a tent that is well-suited to the unique challenges of desert camping. So, take your time, do your research, and find the perfect tent for your needs and budget.
