10 Best Suv Camping Tents 2026 in the United States

The Thule Approach M is a medium-sized rooftop tent designed to comfortably fit up to three people, making it a solid choice for small groups or families who enjoy camping from their SUV or similar vehicles. Its modern rectangular shape offers a spacious interior, giving you ample room not just to sleep but also to store gear. Made with nylon and a water-resistant fabric rated at 5000 mm, it can handle most 3-season weather conditions, though it’s not fully waterproof and might struggle in heavy rain. The tent features large panoramic windows and skylights that promote good airflow and offer great views, helping to keep the space cool and well-ventilated. Setup is impressively quick and easy, taking under three minutes from unfolding to ready, thanks to clever lockable mounting brackets that secure the tent safely to your roof racks in less time than traditional rooftop tents.

Despite its sturdy aluminum base and poles, the tent is relatively heavy at 128 pounds, which means it’s less portable if you plan to carry it far from your vehicle. Additional thoughtful features include a removable rain cover with three modes to adapt to changing weather and a limited lifetime warranty ensuring long-term support. The size and ventilation make it comfortable and practical, with the tent best suited for mild to moderate weather camping and vehicle-mounted adventures rather than extreme conditions or backpacking trips.

The TIMBER RIDGE 5-9 Person SUV Tent is designed for family camping with a spacious interior that can fit up to five campers, two air mattresses, or five sleeping bags. Its generous dimensions (13' x 10' with a height of 7.1 feet) ensure easy movement inside the tent. With a screened porch and awning, it offers extra space for organizing and storing gear like shoes and coolers, which helps keep the main living area tidy.

One notable feature is its seamless connection to various vehicles, such as SUVs, CUVs, minivans, and pick-up trucks, providing easy access to your car trunk even during rain. This tent is made from PU2000 polyester fabric, which offers reliable water resistance and ventilation through its double doors and windows with mesh panels. It is designed for three-season use, meaning it can handle spring, summer, and fall conditions effectively. However, in heavy rain or severe weather, additional waterproofing measures might be necessary.

Weighing 31 pounds, it is moderately portable for its size but may be cumbersome for some users to carry over long distances. The assembly process is relatively quick, requiring around three minutes, though the tent includes numerous poles and stakes (10 poles and 19 stakes). This can make setup slightly more complex for beginners. The tent's UV protection and durable polyester material add to its longevity, making it a good investment for frequent campers. In summary, the TIMBER RIDGE SUV Tent is a versatile and spacious option, well-suited for family camping trips and car camping, but its weight and assembly complexity may be drawbacks for some.

The Thule Approach XL is a spacious rooftop tent designed to comfortably fit 3 to 4 people, making it ideal for small groups or families who enjoy camping with their SUV. Its large interior offers plenty of room for sleeping and storing gear. The tent is made from durable polyester material, which combined with a removable rain cover offers good weather resistance, adaptable to different conditions with three protection modes. One of its standout features is the dual-density memory foam mattress, which adds a luxurious touch not common in many camping tents, enhancing comfort.

Setting up this tent is quick and easy—thanks to a smart folding design and lockable mounting brackets, you can go from parking to ready-to-camp in under three minutes, which is great if you want to spend less time fussing with gear. The panoramic windows with breathable mesh provide excellent ventilation and allow natural light and fresh air in, while also giving you the chance to enjoy views of the outdoors, including stargazing at night.

The tent is relatively heavy at 68 kilograms, which means mounting it on your vehicle may require some effort or help. This weight can also affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and roof rack limits, so checking compatibility is important. The Thule Approach XL blends comfort, convenience, and robust build quality, making it well-suited for campers who prioritize quick setup and a roomy, airy tent, but its heavier weight and size mean it’s best for those with suitable SUV roof racks and some physical assistance during installation.