Best Rooftop Camping Tents Review 2022
Camping is becoming increasingly popular in North America, but the act of camping on top of a house is a bit trickier than it sounds. Of course, you’ll have to supply your shelter, but with modern materials, it is possible to create a shelter that is at least somewhat pleasant and can accommodate everyone. This is not the type of camping where you’ll be pulling up stakes in your backyard on a whim. The goal is to have a little extra space for a few people to sit around a campfire or sleep in comfortably.
When choosing a camping tent there are several different features you should consider including:
- Personal Comfort – The type of tent you choose will largely be determined by your comfort level and sleeping habits. Take the time to consider these and you can make a lot of difference when it comes to the camp setup. Take into account whether you are a side sleeper or back sleeper, you may find a tent with more roll-away or back foot options a good fit for you.
- Rooftop Locations – Some of the most fun camping locations on the planet are on rooftops! There are a few different types of “rooftop” camping setups, and you may find some of these are a good fit. Airbeds are a popular choice, but you will need to build in some shelter for your legs when you want to sleep on the ground. Portable foot stools are another popular setup that you can set up inside and then can double as a patio chair for the hot summer days.
- Campsite Ability – Most of the time you’ll be camping on the ground, so you should take this into account. If you are going to be on a desert or very sandy beach it may not be a problem, but if you plan to camp near a wooded area, be mindful of how you set up your tent in case it gets too muddy. Some tents offer both, while others have a barebones set up for the outdoors and luxurious living space when you are back inside.
- Water-Protection – There are several different waterproofing options available for tents. If you are using a canopy tent, be sure to bring a spare tent pole with you so that you can stake the canopy down so it doesn’t blow away. Portable tarp tents also come with a built-in shelter to help with rain. This is a good feature to consider when making your choice.
Best Rooftop Camping Tents
Let’s review these camping tents that will set you up for some quality rooftop adventures!
#1. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL
Price: $396.00
Big Agnes makes an excellent line of backcountry tents and with the Copper Spur UL you can sleep up to six people! It features an inflatable body with a deluxe flotation pad that keeps your camp bed fully air-filled even during the rainy season. It also includes an adjustable zippered bug screen and a heated mirror tent ceiling for morning greetings with morning dew.
#2. Jack Sparrow
Price: $899.00
This zero-impact tent will hold up to 7 people in comfort. The titanium frame makes the tent both durable and light, so you’ll be able to hike with confidence while getting a great night’s sleep.
The tent is outfitted with durable canvas material and a dome design. The central dome has an optional mosquito net, which is a great feature to bring along in case you are having some unwanted neighbors.
It also includes an insulated toilet, and an extra body warmer to help keep the heat inside of the tent during the winter.
#3. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL-2
Price: $689.00
This tent was designed to be used in water and looks pretty nice, but is rated as only suitable for dry camping. If you plan on entering a river or making camp in a marsh or other wet area, this tent may not be the best fit.
It also has a lot of ventilation and room for a big family! There is a water bladder option available as well.
#4. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL-3
Price: $799.00
This tent was developed specifically for use in the backcountry, with a lot of attention to detail. The tent has room for up to 6 people to sleep comfortably, and it is highly weatherproof and durable. The Copper Spur UL-3 has a water bladder option as well for use in the wet, including a shower option if needed.
#5. Dorma
Price: $119.00 – $180.00
This tent from Dorma is a cool combination of a canoe/tent! The tent is designed to store in your boat, and it features a 10×8 footprint with a water bladder, a 9-person canopy included.
It also has waterproof material and comes with a down-filled sleeping pad. It is fairly easy to set up as you’ll see it when you will use it.
#6. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL-4
Price: $799.00
This tent has a solid rainfly which will keep the rain off your tent during the rainy season. The tent also has a cool touch fly, which is designed for the zipper to be horizontal.
The tent has room for 5-6 people, but some folks prefer sleeping without an inflatable floor, so that is available as an option.
#7. Spartan Survival
Price: $395.00
This Spartan tent is set up to meet the needs of the modern outdoorsman. It has a floor that folds out in the center and zippered sides which you can utilize to keep out the rain as well as wildlife. It also has a zippered and self-supporting rainfly to keep you dry when it rains!
#8. Pine Inc
Price: $129.00
Pine Inc has come up with the perfect choice if you are looking for something unique for your campsite! The Pocket Ranger hammock is the perfect lightweight, compact place to sleep, hike, or camp. The tent is lightweight and durable and provides great ventilation and great space!
#9. Mini-Zip
Price: $799.00
This is another good budget option, but can be used for all outdoor activities. If you want to lighten your backpack, this little tent will help!
It is mostly made out of polyester fabric, with some polyester webbing and some nylon fly material to protect your belongings from the elements.
#10. Canyoneers Adventure Company Mtn Hammock
Price: $125.00
This is a very cool option for a tent if you want to sleep in the woods. This is a great place to sleep under the stars and has room for 3 people. It comes with a 7-foot bear canister for storage in the tent. The colors of this tent match all of the tree trunks in the area so that’s pretty cool!
#11. Patagonia 20°
Price: $219.00
The 20° is a great option for folks that want to sleep under the stars, but do not want to expose themselves to the light of the full moon.
It has a waterproof fly and dome and comes with a reflective rainfly which is reflective of the moon and stars.
#12. The North Face Bathing Suit
Price: $40.00
This is the perfect solution for camping in a bathing suit. It comes with the tent itself, a rain fly, and a tarp for extra shelter if needed. It is very easy to set up, although you may have to brush off the dirt. It’s pretty easy to get in and out of.
#13. Newell Terra Nova
Price: $199.00
If you like the idea of being on the water, but don’t want to go fishing, then this tent is for you! It has a dry floor with multiple suspension points, a waterproof fly, and a two-person fly that is waterproof and breathable.
It is very easy to set up and it has a weight limit of 500 lbs, so it should be able to handle heavy people who like to camp in a bathing suit.
#14. Therm-A-Rest Backpacker Ultra Lite
Price: $179.99
This backpacker Ultra Lite is super lightweight and will fit even those that are petite. It is a great option if you just want to sleep in the woods for the night, but don’t like sleeping in the rain or the cold. It’s fully waterproof, lightweight, and has plenty of room for camping, or you can carry it by itself for travel.
#15. Coleman Flak Jacket
Price: $69.99
If you want to sleep in the woods with the added benefit of actually staying dry, this is the tent for you!
This tent can be rigged up in just minutes and comes with a nice-sized rainfly. It has a price tag of under $70!
#16. Lycra
Price: $8.00
This tent is a great budget option if you don’t want to spend any more money on a tent. It is designed to fit sleeping bags and covers your belongings in the rain, and has the added benefit of having a cushy floor.
#17. Timber Creek Karp Mountaineering: Tec Spot
Price: $319.00
This tent is well-designed for more demanding backpacking trips. It comes with a solar panel, and it can also be tied to other shelters with other tent poles and climbing rope. If you like to camp on a ledge or rocky area, this tent will hold up and is durable.
#18. Teton Mountaineering: Amigo 3 Tent
Price: $699.00
This tent is designed to be exceptionally easy to set up, especially in rain. It is very lightweight and extremely well-designed, but it is also very expensive.
#19. B.T.P. Midland Mountaineering Teepee
Price: $849.00
This tent is designed with the maximum amount of room and is very high quality. It has a lightweight and waterproof fly that is waterproof and breathable. This is another ultralight, very well-designed tent that is great for use in the rain and the cold.
#20. Haro Terra Halcyon
Price: $499.00
This is one of the lightest tents you can find that comes with all the bells and whistles. It is one of the most expensive tents we could find, but it does come with all the bells and whistles. This is a great tent for those that like to hike in the mountains, and it is perfectly suitable for camping.
#21. Scott Mountain 2 Tent
Price: $299.00
This is the most versatile tent on our list, being able to be used for backpacking, hiking, car camping or even tenting in the rain. This tent is especially well-designed for backpacking and comes with two sleeping bags and rain fly.
#22. Sierra Designs Truven 140
Price: $229.00
The Truven 140 comes with a full 12-inch queen-size sleeping bag and is also nice for car camping or backpacking trips.
It has two of the best poles on our list: The Pterodactyl Rock Top, and the Inversion Grips Top. The Super Fly is also included in the price.
#23. Osprey Orbiter 2 Tent
Price: $499.00
This is the most expensive tent on our list, and it is made to be durable and comfortable. If you want a tent that can take on the rain, it is one of the best on our list.
#24. Lowepro Shockwave Passport
Price: $138.00
This tent is very cheap and very light. It is a great tent to have on your camping trip, as it can fit two pad-less people, and it will keep them very dry.
#25. Werner Perpetua Eureka 10 Tent
Price: $398.00
This is a great tent for backpacking. The Eureka 10 has a waterproof rainfly, and the full room allows you to sleep in comfort.
This tent is ideal for those that want a lightweight tent for the backcountry. It has a stand-up rainfly that does a good job of keeping the rain out.
#26. POC Valhalla 2 Tent
Price: $299.00
This is another tent that is perfect for car camping. It is a little more expensive, but it offers great quality and is great for using while in the backcountry.
#27. ANTIQUE OUTDOOR Mt. Baker Denali ALOHA 2 Tent
Price: $289.00
This is the only tent we could find with a floor and floor frame. The floor and frame do a great job of keeping the rain out, and the rest of the tent is excellent for car camping.
Conclusion
So that’s it! Our list covers the best tents for the most popular activities, and it is updated regularly to keep it up-to-date with the best and newest products out there.
If you do not see your favorite tents on the list, feel free to ask us on Facebook or Twitter. We will do our best to get back to you with the information you need.
If you liked this article, please do not hesitate to share it, and let us know if there is anything else we can help you with!
