The 11 Best Desert Camping Tents For 2023 - Staging.mapsovercoffee.com (2024)

If you’re looking for the best desert camping tent, you’ve come to the right place.

I know what you’re thinking: The best desert camping tents sound like a pretty dry subject to me…

Wait! Let’s stop right there for a moment. First off, this is a very interesting post about a very exciting subject written by a very engaging author. Secondly, this is a serious article. And C, surely there is a less obvious joke to kick off a discussion about desert camping tents.

Sorry to bring the heat. I don’t mean to throw shade at your humor. Or rain on your parade. Ok, I’m done. Let’s get started.

There are a number of tents on the market that are specifically designed for desert camping, and these tend to be more durable and sturdy than other types of tents. If you are looking for a new desert camping tent, you’re in the right place.

Read on to see our recommendations. Or skip to the summary now.

We’ll talk about what to look for when camping in the desert a little later in this article. For now, let’s cut to the chase and show you our top picks if you are serious about dry camping in the desert.

Our Top 3 Recommendations:

Product	Features	Rating	Price
	MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent, Without Xtreme Waterproof Coating	4.9	Check Price on Amazon
	The North Face Stormbreak 3, Golden Oak/Pavement, OS	4.8	Check Price on Amazon
	Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent with Screened Porch, Weatherproof 6-Person Family Tent with Included Rainfly and Carry Bag, Easy Setup Tent with Screened-in Porch	4.6	Check Price on Amazon

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Kodiak Canvas Flex Bow VX

All things considered, this is the best tent you can take with you into the desert. It has the perfect balance of keeping you cool, plenty of space, and is incredibly durable for harsh conditions.

Let’s get started with the full list now!

The 11 Best Tents for Desert Camping

1. The Best Tent For Cold Weather Desert Camping – MSR Hubba Hubba NX

Looking for a tent that’s both lightweight and strong? Look no further than the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent. This bad boy is easy to set up and features great ventilation to keep you cool while you sleep. Plus, the optional gear shed turns it into the ultimate desert base camp.

The mesh ceiling makes it the perfect choice for stargazers and nature lovers alike. And if you’re looking for something extra durable, it features MSR’s Easton’s Syclone Poles – made from aerospace composite materials, these poles are virtually indestructible in challenging and windy conditions.

2. The Best Tent for Budget Backpacking in the Desert – The North Face Stormbreak

The North Face Stormbreak is one of our favorite overall tents. In fact, the 3 person size made our list of best tents under $200. Any size of this tent has the same quality build, so you are getting a bargain for any conditions you’re camping journey takes you on. Even when camping in the desert.

North Face Storm Break 3 is truly a tent for all occasions. It’s the perfect tent for anyone looking for a spacious and lightweight option for both backpacking and car camping. This easy-pitch design boasts two full doors and vestibules, making it perfect for couples or (very) small families.

Plus, the high-low ventilation system ensures a comfortable night’s sleep, even on hot desert nights. So whether you’re embarking on an epic cross-country hike or just taking a weekend trip to your favorite campground, the North Face Storm Break 3 is the tent you’ll want to have along for the adventure!

3. Best for Small Families – Coleman WeatherMaster

The Coleman WeatherMaster Tent with Screen Room is the perfect solution for campers who want to enjoy desert camping without having to worry about pesky critters getting into their gear.

The screen room provides a safe space to store your belongings scorpion-free, while the WeatherTec system ensures you stay dry even in the rain. Setup is a breeze (about 20 minutes), and it easily packs away in its expandable carry bag.

4. Best Ultralight Desert Backpacking Tent– Big Agnes Copper Spur

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL tent is the perfect option for ultralight backpackers looking for a strong, lightweight tent with ample headroom and storage. This tent is easy to set up and provides excellent shade from the sun.

It comes with a unique awning style opening with its vestibule, making it quite versatile. With tons of storage options and clever TipLok buckle system quickly sets up as an ideal basecamp. And the material and poles make it surprisingly robust against the desert elements.

5. Best Overall – Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tent

The Kodiak Canvas Flex Bow VX may be the perfect tent for desert camping. It’s durably constructed and watertight, so you can be sure that you’ll stay dry even during inclement weather.

Plus, the breathable canvas ensures that you won’t overheat, even if things get a little bit stuffy inside. And with its spacious 6’6″ ceiling height, you’ll have plenty of room to move around comfortably.

Finally, two large D-shaped doors make it easy to get in and out of the tent, no matter where you’re positioned.

The only major downside is the weight. At 68 lbs, it has some serious heft. But in the end, the comfort, durability, and size make this our best overall tent for the desert.

6. Affordable Durability – TETON Sports Mesa

Teton Sports has you covered with a cabin style tent that’s easy to set up and super comfortable.

The waterproof canvas is prepared for any surprise rains, yet breathable enough to keep you cool in the desert. Especially with the extra wide front and back doors, mesh windows, and protective awning, there will be plenty of cross breeze.

Plus, the extra tall ceilings keep this tent from feeling stuffy and cramped at night. For a 6 person tent, this is a good base camp. Your home away from home for your desert adventure.

7. Best Budget Tent for Car Camping – Coleman Instant Cabin Tent

The Coleman Instant Cabin Tent is the perfect tent for desert campers who want to get set up quickly and enjoy the great outdoors. This tent is easy to assemble – just unfold, extend, and secure it in 60 seconds!

The integrated rainfly offers added protection from the rain and improves airflow without the need for extra assembly. The WeatherTec system’s welded corners and inverted seams keep sand and water from getting in, while the double-thick Polyguard 2X fabric stands up to the elements season after season.

The only wind you need to be concerned with is the assembly because setup is a breeze!

8. Coolest Tent for Warm Nights – Coleman Instant Family Tent

And if you need a little more room,the Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent is perfect for family campouts. With patented poles that are pre-attached, it sets up quickly and easily in just three simple steps.

You’ll appreciate the WeatherTec system with inverted seams and welded floors that keep the sand out while you sleep soundly through the night. The integrated rainfly helps keep water from seeping into your tent so you don’t have to worry about a thing if you take it camping outside of the desert.

Plus, this large tent has enough room for two queen-sized airbeds so everyone can have a comfortable place to rest.

9. Easiest Setup – Gazelle T4 Pop Up Camping Hub

The Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent – is the perfect pop-up camping tent for up to four people. This spacious and tall tent is easy to assemble, with a hub design that makes set-up a breeze.

The tall ceiling height helps with ventilation and the extra floor space gives you plenty of space to spread out.

You’ll have plenty of room to move around in this 78” tall tent, and it also features enough storage space for all of your gear. So whatever you’re doing outdoors – camping, attending an event, or just enjoying some backyard relaxation – the T4 Hub Tent is the perfect solution.

10. Best Ventilation – Near Zero Ultralight Mesh Backpacking Tent

Weighing in at under five pounds, this Near Zero DynaLite 3P tent is the perfect option for ultralight backpacking, especially in the desert!

Made from durable silicone 20D ripstop nylon, it has the added durability to withstand the rigors of the desert. It features two doors and eight internal mesh pockets for plenty of storage. And don’t forget the included compact carrying bag!

11. Best Luxury Desert Camping Tent – White Duck Luxury Avalon Canvas Bell Tent

Looking to upgrade your camping experience? Look no further than the White Duck Luxury Avalon Canvas Bell Tent! This is the top of the line, ultimate desert camping tent.

The DYNADUCK fabric is made with high-quality army duck cotton canvas and a water repellent, mold & UV resistant finish to keep you dry and comfortable all night long. Plus, their galvanized steel poles are extra strong and durable, meaning you’ll be able to withstand any harsh weather conditions that come your way.

And for those extra chilly desert nights, they’ve pre-installed a heat resistant silicone-coated stove jack with a 5-inch pre-cut pattern.

I had to throw this one in here because, well, it would be awesome. But it’s way beyond budget for most of us. But if it is in your budget, let’s be friends. I’ll bring the hot dogs.

And Here Are all 11 of Our Favorite Desert Camping Tents

What to Consider When Purchasing a Desert Camping Tent

There are some 33 deserts in the world with a huge variety of conditions. Everything from subtropical to the frozen tundras near the poles. But one thing they have in common: the conditions can get pretty rough.

That means your tent has to be able to stand up to some brutal conditions. Most likely you are looking for a tent in the warm, dry desert. The ones in the United States tend to be warm but with cold winters. And some very chilly nights.

Here are some of the criteria that went into our assessment for the top desert camping tents:

Weatherproof

One of the biggest challenges of desert camping is dealing with the heat. The desert can get extremely hot during the day (duh). And if you’re not prepared for it, you can easily suffer from dehydration or even worse.

The second biggest challenge, and maybe more surprising to the uninitiated, is the cold. We have camped all over the southwest, from the Grand Canyon to Moab. One thing they all had in common: freezing temperatures at night.

I don’t know if you can tell by my profile picture, but I don’t have a butt. That’s because I froze it off in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes in southern Utah. What we thought would be a warm escape from the frigid midwest in March turned into a freezing desert camping trip.

To say the least, we have learned a thing or two about camping in the desert. We have since figured out how to survive in cold weather camping. But hot weather camping can be another challenge. With desert camping, you have to be prepared for either condition.

Weight

When camping in the desert, it is important to have a sturdy tent that can withstand the wind. A lightweight and compact tent is ideal for desert camping, as it will be easier to carry and set up. Especially if you plan to hike or backpack into your campsite.

But in the desert, there are few if any windbreaks. So while you want a light and airy tent, you also need it to be stable. The wind can pick up quickly and once your tent starts blowing, it can collapse. Or worse, roll into the next county.

Choose a desert camping tent that has a good support system. And be sure to stake it out and guy it down adequately.

That can be a challenge in the desert. Since you are likely camping on soft sand or hard soil, be prepared.

When camping in the sand, you may have to dig down to bury your tent stakes. We recommend at least 6” to get a solid bite into the desert floor.

But if you’re on hard-packed ground, your stakes will have to be driven into the ground pretty hard. Be sure to bring a mallet and heavy-duty stakes that can take a beating.

Thin aluminum rods wouldn’t be ideal here. Buy some composite stakes. They are cheap and lightweight but can take a lot of abuse without bending or breaking.

Durability

When camping in desert conditions, it is important to have a tent that is tough enough to handle the harsh environment. The scorching sun and the blowing sand deliver a beating on a tent over time.

Canvas tents tend to be the most durable at keeping sand out. They also block more of the sunlight out to give you more shade.

But, we don’t just recommend canvas tents for camping in the desert and you’ll see why in our next section:

Ventilation

When it comes time to go desert camping, there are some things you should look for in your tent. Deserts tend to be very dry places, so look for a tent that provides ample ventilation so that you don’t have to worry about the air becoming too hot during the day.

Try to find a tent with a mesh body and a separate fly sheet in order to provide maximum breathability. But balance that with the need to keep blowing sand from getting through the mesh. A finer fabric is recommended since it will allow more air through while filtering out wind-blown sand.

A desert tent should also provide ample shade to protect you from the desert’s strong sun. You’ll want a tent that can be shaded well so that you don’t have to worry about getting burned as the desert sun beats down on your tent during the day. At night, remember.

For extra shade in the summer, we can’t recommend getting a good tarp for camping. The desert can be a very barren place, and if you’re not careful, you can easily find yourself without any shelter from the sun. A tarp provides shelter with the most ventilation.

You also need to consider keeping bugs like scorpions outside the tent, and outside of your shoes. Try to find a tent with enough room to keep your clothes inside. At the minimum, check your shoes before putting them on.

And a desert tent needs to keep you warm on cold nights. This is especially a concern during the wintertime since deserts can get quite cold. But even in the summer season when temperatures soar during the daytime, it can be surprisingly cold at night.

Of course, not all deserts are the same. So be sure to research before heading out on your desert camping trip. High deserts tend to have greater swings in temperatures than at lower elevations, so keep an eye on average temps during your trip.

There are plenty of things you can add to keep you warm. From the ground cover, insulated sleeping bags, and warm socks. But a tent can help keep you warm if it has a good rainfly that reaches the ground.

Since it will be warm and dry during the day, you can keep the fly off until night time. Then, add it before sunset. It’s just easier to set up with adequate light.

Poles and Stakes

An integral part of the durability along with the ease of use are the poles and stakes. Many come with aluminum poles which are lightweight and easy to use. But they can bend in a good storm.

On the other hand, fiberglass poles tend to become brittle over time. While carbon fiber is usually the most durable.

As for stakes, keep reading for the best stakes for desert camping.

Tent Size

It should seem obvious to get the right size tent, but desert camping can be different than in colder weather. Buying a larger size allows for more ventilation and space between you and your very warm tent mate.

While you won’t have extra winter clothing to store, there are some nasty creatures that you want to keep out of your stuff. Having a tent with enough room to keep your things inside helps to assure your success in avoiding bites, stings, and the heebie jeebies.

Ease of Assembly

This should go without saying since we would never recommend a hard-to-assemble tent. Except to whoever writes Ikea instructions. Just kidding.

Ideally, the tent should be foldable into a backpack-sized case or car trunk space. This will make it easy to transport and set up when you reach your camping destination.

That being said, there are a few tips and tricks to setting up your tent when camping in the desert.

How to Set Up Your Desert Camping Tent

When camping in the desert, it is important to stake your tent down securely to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. Here are a few tips for staking a tent in the sand:

Desert Camping Tent Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

Even with the best tents, there are still a few things to make your stay in the desert more comfortable.

Camping Fan

A camping fan can take the edge off during warm nights.

Check prices on camping fans from Amazon.

Tent Air Conditioner

But the reality is, staying cool is much easier with an air conditioner for tent camping. I’m just sayin’.

Check prices on tent air conditioners from Amazon.

Down Comforter

On the other hand, staying warm all comes down to insulation and a heat source. Besides a good sleeping bag and camping mat, try a down comforter made for camping.

Check Amazon’s prices for camping down comforters here.

Propane Heater

But for a heat source, try a small propane heater. When extra blankets just won’t quite touch the chill, it’s time to bring in the heat. You can thank me later.

Check prices on Amazon for propane camping heaters.

Best Tent Stakes for Desert Camping

We’re not going to do a full review for desert camping tent stakes. But we would be remiss if we didn’t give you a few options.

One good desert camping tent that didn’t quite make our list is the Big Agnes Tensleep Station 6. This tent provides 360-degree ventilation for excellent airflow, along with mesh walls that help promote an open feel. It has a large door in front that allows you to go in and out easily, while the large windows provide excellent desert views. The Tensleep Station 6 is waterproof and has a sealed floor to keep moisture and wind from getting in.

Another desert camping tent that does well in dry climates is the Coleman Instant Cabin. This tent is durable and uses WeatherTec technology. It also has the heavy duty bathtub floor that works great for camping in the desert.

FAQs

How can you prevent sand from coming into your tent?

Note which direction the wind tends to blow in from and face your door in the opposite direction.

Set up a walk off mat just outside the door to wipe your feet before entering.

Take off your shoes and leave them just inside the tent. (Outside is too tempting for the scorpions to resist.)

How to deal with desert bugs and reptiles in the camp?

Don’t leave clothes and shoes on the ground.

Check any clothing before putting it on.

Keep your tent zipped at all times.

Are canvas tents better for desert camping?

Yes because they can endure the blowing sand much better than polyester tents.

And they tend to be darker to provide more shade.

Does the color of the tent matter?

Yes. Choose a lighter color tent to reflect more of the heat away from the tent.

How to keep cool in your tent?

Make sure you have good airflow. Try to create a cross breeze, or find a tent with good ventilation.

You can also consider a portable air conditioner for camping. We have our eye on this one.

Wrap Up – Which is the Best Desert Camping Tent For You?

We hope you’ve found this review helpful. Remember, be prepared for different challenges when camping in the desert. It can be hot and dry, or cold and snowy depending on the desert.

Make sure your tent is ready for anything. We’re sure that one of the 11 tents on this list will be the perfect desert camping tent for you.

Want More Camping Gear?

We have a growing collection of gear guides. Starting with tents, we went all in to find the best tents for the money. See our top 25 tents for under $200

Our recent guide for camping gear is up to date. Check out the best gear of the year in our 2023 camping gear guide.