Truck camping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a convenient way to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing all the comforts of home. One of the essential items for truck camping is a truck bed tent, which provides a comfortable sleeping area in the back of your truck.
When it comes to purchasing a truck bed pop up tent, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that the tent is compatible with your specific truck model and bed size. Secondly, you should look for a tent that is easy to set up and take down, as well as durable enough to withstand the elements.
We are national park and camping experts and after researching and testing various options, we have identified the best truck bed tents on the market. These tents offer a comfortable and convenient camping experience and are suitable for a range of truck models and bed sizes.
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What’s the best truck camping tent for the bed of your truck?
Want to cut right to the chase? After trying all top five choices, what was our favorite? Our pick for the best truck bed tent is the Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Tent.
Why? Well, let’s look at each of the main things to consider:
Size and Compatibility
There are 7 models & 5 sizes, so finding a model compatible with your truck is a sure thing. They also provide a size chart to make it easy to pick the right model.
The tent has good headroom and you can buy an additional attachment tent to add even more space.
Material and Durability
It has a sewn in floor and is made from polyester.
Ventilation and Privacy
There’s a large rear access panel that gives easy access to the truck cabin and provides ventilation. There’s also an optional additional 4′ x 4′ shade awning that secures to the tailgate so it can be set-up anywhere.
Ease of Setup and Takedown
Although it isn’t the easiest of the five tents to install, the color-coded pole and sleeve system helps.
Comparison Chart of the Top Camper Tents for Pickup Trucks
This handy table lets you compare tents for the bed of your truck at a glance. We’ve listed our top truck bed tents, so you can compare camping tents with ease.
If you are reading this on a mobile device, you might need to swipe to scroll across.
| Name | Image | Sleeps | Our Rating (/5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napier Backroadz | 2 | 4.8 | CHECK NOW | |
| Guide Gear Full Size | 2 | 4.5 | CHECK NOW | |
| Kariyee Double Layer | 2 | 4.6 | CHECK NOW | |
| Sportz Truck tent | 2 | 4.9 | CHECK NOW | |
| Vevor Standard | 2 | 4.7 | CHECK NOW |
Best Truck Bed Tent Picks
If you’re an avid camper or adventurer, you know that sleeping in a tent on the ground can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. That’s where truck bed tents come in!
These tents are designed to fit snugly over the bed of your truck, providing a comfortable and elevated sleeping area.
In this article, we conducted extensive research into the tents available and then tested our top five picks, so feel confident that those listed here are the best truck bed tents on the market. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a cross-country road trip, we’ve got you covered.
1. Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Compact Short Bed
If you’re looking for a pickup bed tent, we highly recommend the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Compact Short Bed as a top pick for best pickup truck bed tent for camping. We’ve used it multiple times and it’s been a great addition to our camping gear.
Pros
- The color-coded pole system makes set-up a breeze. I can easily set it up in under 10 minutes.
- The bathtub floor keeps you clean from your truck and dry from the elements.
- The full rainfly with taped seams, zippable windows, and door storm flap provides water protection.
- More headroom than most, which is good for tall people like me.
Cons
- The tent is designed for compact short beds only, so it may not fit all truck models.
- The mesh windows are not completely opaque, so privacy may be an issue in some locations.
- We’ve taken it on trips in regular weather conditions and it’s been great, but it’s not suitable for extreme weather conditions.
We’ve found that the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Compact Short Bed is perfect for a spontaneous road trip or a trek to the national parks. It’s comfortable to sleep in and has ample headroom, comfortably sleeping two people. The sturdy frame and strapping system keeps you secure in the windy conditions, and the two large mesh windows and rear ceiling vent provide optimal ventilation.
If you’re like me and need a little extra help staying organized, this tent is great. It comes with a gear loft, lantern holder, and I personally love the interior pocket that I use keep small items like my phone and flashlight organized.
The compact carry bag makes it easy to store and transport. Plus, for every product sold, Napier Outdoors plants one tree in partnership with Trees for the Future.
Overall, we highly recommend the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Compact Short Bed for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use pick up tent camper. It’s perfect for car camping and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts.
>> See these Napier Backroadz pickup bed tents here
Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent for Camping
We highly recommend the Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent for Camping for anyone who loves camping and wants to take their campsite anywhere with them.
Pros
- The tent is very easy to set up and comes with 4 total poles. It took us only 10 minutes to set it up.
- The tent is made of 190T polyester with 1500mm water-resistant coating, which makes it very durable and weather-resistant. We were very comfortable and dry in the tent, even during heavy rain.
- The tent fits most full-sized beds measuring 79-81″ with the tailgate down. It fits perfectly on my mate’s Chevy Silverado when we took for a test trip.
Cons
- The tent is a bit heavy and weighs 11 lbs, which makes it a bit difficult to carry around.
- The tent is not very spacious and can only accommodate 2 people. It wouldn’t use it for more than that.
- The tent does not have a lot of ventilation, which made it a bit stuffy at times.
We used the Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent for Camping on our recent camping trip and we were very impressed with its performance. The tent is very easy to set up and comes with 4 total poles, which makes it very stable and sturdy.
Overall, we highly recommend the Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent for Camping for anyone who loves camping and wants to take their campsite anywhere with them. This pick up truck tent camper perfect for couples or small groups who want to enjoy the great outdoors without having to worry about setting up a traditional tent.
>> Check latest price for this Guide Gear back of truck tent here
Kariyee Double Layer Truck Tent
If you’re looking for a waterproof truck bed tent that is easy to set up and provides ample space, the Kariyee Truck Tent is another great option.
Pros
- The tent is made of durable ripstop material that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- The color-coded pole and sleeve assembly makes the setup process quick and easy (though the instructions are a bit confusing).
- The sewn-in floor ensures that dirt and debris from your truck bed won’t get inside the tent.
Cons
- The instructions could be better illustrated. I found it a bit confusing and was glad I practiced setting it up at home before my trip so I figured out how to do it before heading off.
- The tent only fits full-size long bed pickups, so it’s not suitable for those with short beds.
- Some users have reported issues with missing or defective poles, though I didn’t experience this myself.
We recently took the Kariyee Truck Tent on a camping trip and were impressed with its overall performance. Once I figured out the instructions, the tent was pretty easy to set up. The color-coded poles helped me to figure out which piece went where.
The tent is spacious and provides ample headroom, making it comfortable to move around in. The two large mesh windows provide excellent ventilation, and the full rainfly offers great weather protection. We also appreciated the additional storm flaps covering the windows and doors.
The tent is made of ripstop material that is durable and long-lasting. It also features a lantern hook and inside storage pocket, which were convenient additions to our camping experience.
Overall, we would recommend the Kariyee Truck Tent to anyone looking for a waterproof truck bed tent that is easy to set up and provides ample space. This camper tent for truck beds is perfect for those who enjoy camping, hiking, or tailgating, and want a comfortable and convenient sleeping option.
>> Read more about this truck bed tent camper HERE
Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Tent
We recently tried out the Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Tent for a weekend camping trip and were impressed with its ease of use and comfort.
Pros
- The sewn-in floor adds an extra layer of protection from the elements and keeps the tent clean.
- The large rear access panel and entrance door provide easy access to the truck’s cab and plenty of ventilation.
- The color-coded pole and sleeve system help with setup.
Cons
- The tent can collect moisture, so be sure to keep the vents open when it’s wet outside.
- It’s not the easiest for one person to install, so you may need a helping hand.
- The setup instructions could be more detailed.
The tent offers occupants over 5.6 feet of interior headroom – enough for some (though not me) to stand up in. An access panel is another great bonus as it allows you to access the cab area while camping, meaning you can store gear in there.
BONUS: There is also a 4-person attachment tent you can buy to increase the sleeping capacity to 6. Tents on trucks are usually limited in size, so if you’re looking for a 6 or 4 person truck tent, this is a great option.
Overall, we would recommend this tent for the back of your pickup truck for anyone looking for a convenient and comfortable camping experience in the back of their truck. This tent truck camper perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of setting up a traditional tent. It also has the flexibility to be expaned with the additional attachemnt tent.
>> See current prices for this tent for your pickup bed here
Vevor Standard Truck Tent
If you’re looking for a reliable truck bed tent, the VEVOR Truck Tent is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The weatherproof structure of this pickup bed tent makes it perfect for camping in any season.
- The spacious inner space of the tent can comfortably sleep two adults.
- The tent is easy to assemble and comes with a set-up & pack-up instruction for quick and fast assemble.
Cons
- I thought that the poles and pole pockets are not very sturdy.
- The tent may not fit all truck models and sizes.
- The quality of the storage bag could be improved.
We recently used the VEVOR Truck Tent on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The tent is constructed with water-proof fabric with tape sealed seams (PU 2000mm), which kept our truck clean and dry during a rainy night. The heavy-duty belt and buckles of the tent also did not damage the paint of our truck.
The tent provided ample headroom and comfortably slept two adults. We also appreciated the large viewing windows that allowed us to enjoy the panoramic sky and provided more light, better vision, and ventilation. The fully stitched waterproof floor ensured that we stayed dry.
The tent was easy to assemble, and we were able to locate the poles quickly thanks to the easy-to-use poles and pole pockets. The set-up & pack-up instruction was included, which made the process quick and fast. We also liked the fact that a flashlight was included for our convenience.
Overall, we would recommend the VEVOR Truck Tent for anyone looking for a reliable truck bed tent. It’s perfect for camping, tailgating, fishing, or even lounging at the beach.
>> Read more about this tent truck bed for camping here
Buying Guide: Finding the best truck bed tents for camping
When choosing the best truck bed tent, there are a few features that you should consider to ensure that you get a product that meets your needs. Here are some factors that we’ve found helpful to keep in mind:
Size and Compatibility
The first thing to consider is the size and compatibility of the tent. Make sure to measure your truck bed to ensure that the tent will fit properly. Additionally, some tents are designed to fit specific truck models, so be sure to check the compatibility before making a purchase.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the tent are also important factors to consider. Look for a tent made from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and provide a comfortable camping experience. A tent with a sturdy frame and reinforced seams will be more durable and long-lasting.
Ventilation and Privacy
Ventilation and privacy are also important considerations. Look for a tent with plenty of windows and mesh panels to allow for airflow and keep the interior cool.
Ease of Setup and Takedown
Finally, consider the ease of setup and takedown. Look for a tent that is easy to assemble and disassemble, with clear instructions and minimal parts. A tent that can be set up quickly and easily will save you time and hassle on your camping trip.
By considering these factors, you can find the best truck bed tent for your needs and enjoy a comfortable and convenient camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about tents for the bed of a truck
What are the main types of truck tent camping tents?
There are two general types of truck tents – tents for beds of trucks and tents that go on top of trucks. This guide is all about truck bed tents.
What is a truck bed tent?
A truck bed tent is a type of tent that is designed to attach to the bed of a pickup truck. It provides a comfortable and elevated sleeping area that is protected from the elements.
What are the advantages of a tent for the truck bed?
Using a truck bed tent offers several advantages. It provides a comfortable sleeping area that is elevated off the ground, which can help keep you dry and comfortable in wet or muddy conditions. It also provides protection from insects and other pests, as well as from wildlife.
A tent for bed of a truck is more affordable than rooftop tents. Tents for pickup beds also tend to be lightweight and therefore easy to transport. They also require no rack for fitting. Plus, you don’t need to climb a ladder to get into them which is more comfortable if you have any mobility difficulties.
Are all tents that attach to trucks the same size?
No, truck bed tents come in a variety of sizes to fit different types of trucks. It is important to choose a tent that is designed to fit your specific make and model of truck.
Most of the tents for a truck bed listed here come in different size options. If you want see more sizes, click on the tent’s link and then scroll down to see which other sizes are available. Most manufacturers make all sizes, from short bed truck tent products to long bed truck tent models.
Be sure to choose a size that fits your truck. Check the tent and your vehicle specs carefully before you buy.
What size truck bed tent do I need?
To determine the size of truck bed tent you need, measure the length and width of your truck bed. You will also need to consider the height of the tent and the amount of headroom you require.
Can you sleep in a truck bed tent?
Yes, truck bed tents are designed to provide a comfortable sleeping area. They are sometimes equipped with a foam or air mattress, and some models even have built-in storage compartments and other amenities.
What are some things to consider when choosing tent campers for trucks?
When choosing a tent for a truck bed, it is important to consider factors such as the size and type of your truck, the climate and weather conditions you will be camping in, and the number of people who will be using the tent.
Ideally it will have a way to hang a lantern inside and some storage. Some also come with a back doorway that gives direct access to the cabin – great if you have gear or a family member staying in the truck cabin.
Are truck bed tents waterproof?
Most truck bed tents are designed to be waterproof or water-resistant. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the tent you choose is suitable for the climate and weather conditions you will be camping in.
How do you set up a truck bed tent?
Setting up a truck bed tent typically involves attaching the tent to the bed of your truck using straps or other fasteners. The tent may also require assembly, which typically involves inserting poles and securing them in place. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that the tent is set up properly and safely.
Which is the best pick up truck tent for you?
The answer will depend on your truck, what size tent you’re looking for and how important the various pros and cons are for you? By looking at these top five picks, you should be able to find the right tent for you.
Whichever you choose, I hope this article helps you pick from the best camping tents for trucks out there.
Enjoy your next adventure!
Do you have another pick for the best pickup truck tent camper? I’d love to hear what it is. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
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About the Reviewer
James Ian has dedicated his life to travel and has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. He’s visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including Time Business News, Savoteur, and Wired. He also has several published detailed itineraries in addition to many free online guides.
James has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.
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