Choosing the Best Canopy Tent

Contributor

Conner Lund

Favorite Trip

Backpacking Ozark Trail

Home Base

Bowling Green, KY

Favorite RV

Winnebago Revel

About Contributor

Conner Lund is a Technical Content Writer. He has both hands-on experience and real-world knowledge. He’s an avid outdoorsman: camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, hunting, and fishing are all things he enjoys that you could find him doing on any given weekend. He loves to travel and see new places. He does most of his exploring and camping out of his overlanding truck with a rooftop tent.

Camping is all about being engaged in your surroundings — soaking in all that Mother Nature has to offer by way of breathtaking views and dreamy weather. However, being one with the environment doesn’t have to mean subjecting yourself to unfavorable weather.

How do you achieve this? How do you enjoy the benefits of nature without suffering the consequences of its bad days? With a canopy tent, that’s how. The best canopy tents allow you to be in, around, and one with nature without being overheated, drenched, bitten, or stung by it.

Not sure how to choose the best canopy tent for you? No worries. We’ve got you covered. (See what we did there?)

What to Look for in a Canopy Tent

Tailgate Tent Canopy
Photo by Camping World

The first thing to note is that canopy tents go by several different names. Why settle for one thing when you can be many, right?

Canopy tents are also known as portable shelters, screen houses, outdoor tent canopies, pop-up canopies, canopy shade tents, and other monikers.

Regardless of what you call them, they have one important thing in common — protection. Whether it’s protecting you from bugs, rain, sun, or all three, a good canopy tent should make wherever you’re using it a pleasant place to be.

Get to Know Canopy Tent Sizes

Coleman One Source Canopy Tent
Photo by Camping World

Finding a canopy tent that’s the right size for you depends heavily on how many people will be using it and the space it needs to cover. If you’re camping with a group, your pop-up canopy needs to ensure everyone can fit underneath it comfortably. Camping solo? Feel free to go with a smaller shade tent.

It’s worth mentioning that the larger the canopy, the heavier it’s likely to be. So, if you’re camping a hike away from your vehicle or RV, consider the weight you’re willing to carry back and forth.

Explore Easy Setup Canopy Tents

Coleman Oasis 13' x 13' Canopy Set Up
Photo by Coleman

Nobody wants to arrive at camp and spend forever setting up. Explore instant canopy tents that are quick and easy to set up. Look for one-piece frames or pop-up canopy tents that can be set up by one or two people without a struggle. You can find the nicest canopy tent on the market, but if you’re wasting half the day setting it up, it’s doing more harm than good.

Consider Durable Canopy Tents

Gazelle Gazebo Wind Panels
Photo by Gazelle

It’s no secret that Mother Nature is unpredictable, and bad weather is often inevitable, so you want to choose a canopy tent that can withstand the elements. The material, or fabric, should protect you from the sun’s UV rays and also be waterproof to protect you from the rain.

The frame itself should be durable with solid construction. Look for a tent that has a sturdy powder-coated steel frame or a robust steel frame that can withstand high winds. The last thing you want to do is set up your canopy tent only to have it blow away and leave you exposed.

Don’t Forget Canopy Tent Accessories & Safety Tips

Coleman Oasis 13' x 13' Canopy Stake
Photo by Coleman

Contingent upon your camping style, the features of your canopy tent might make all the difference. Unless you’re only looking for a basic frame with a canopy top, which is fine, the features can make or break your decision.

Here are a few popular tent accessories to consider:

  • Ropes & Stakes. These accessories provide additional support and security for the tent and frame when the wind kicks up.
  • Screens. Some canopy tents come with screened walls that allow you to experience nature without the hassle of bugs. Remember how the entry door secures, or mosquitos will crash your party.
  • Floors. If you’re looking to prevent water or bugs from getting in from the ground up, consider a canopy tent with a floor. The additional layer provides extra protection from the elements.
  • Carrying Case or Bag. If your canopy is heavier or larger, consider an option with a carrying case or bag. Transportation and storage will be much easier.
Canopy on beach with friends
Photo by Camping World

Regardless of which pop-up canopy shelter you choose, these tips will help you extend the lifespan of your tent:

  • Always stake it down. Weather is unpredictable. Even if you’re setting up on a calm day, use your stakes to secure your canopy tent.
  • Take it down before inclement weather. Heavy rains and strong winds are your pop-up shelter’s biggest enemies. If you know either is in the forecast, pack your tent up to avoid damage.
  • Consider alternative tie-downs. Depending on your campsite, you may not be able to hammer in stakes adequately. If you’re camping on hard ground and staking isn’t possible, weigh down your canopy’s legs with sandbags or canopy weight plates.
  • Never place a canopy over an open fire or portable grill (unless rated to do so). Fireproof materials aren’t common in instant shelters. Avoid a costly and dangerous mistake by placing your canopy a safe distance (minimum 10 feet) away from potential ignition sources.

What is the Best Canopy Tent for 2024?

Considering these factors, choosing the best canopy tent should be a breeze. Below are a few of the most popular, best-rated canopy tents on the market today.

North Shore 8-Person Cabin Tent

North Shore 8 Person Tent
North Shore 8-Person Cabin Tent

Cover the whole family! This eight-person cabin-style North Shore Tent has a straight wall design that provides plenty of space for everyone. There’s even a room divider to create separate spaces. The best part? Assembly is super easy, and it comes with a zippered duffel carrying case.

Venture 5-Sided QuickSet Screen Shelter

Couple setting in canopy tent while camping
Venture 5-Sided QuickSet Screen Shelter

One of the best when it comes to pop-up canopies, the Venture Screen Shelter is small enough for convenient storage and transportation yet big enough to fit a folding camping table underneath. Boasting a 45-second setup, this tear-resistant mesh tent will quickly become one of your camping staples.

Kozy Kanopy Portable Fire Pit Shelter

Kozy Kanopy Portable Fire Pit Shelter

If you’re looking for a canopy to help stay warm, the Kozy Kanopy Portable Fire Pit Shelter is just what you need. This canopy is made of fire-resistant material, making it perfect for use over a fire. The removable opening allows smoke and ash to escape while keeping the heat inside. The best part is that it’s easy to set up and carry, weighing under 50 pounds. 


Whether you’re camping for a weekend or setting up an afternoon picnic, there’s no reason to be left out in the sun without any protection. You can use a canopy in many ways — eat under it, sleep under it, hang out under it — whatever it is that best meets your needs.

Hopefully, these tips for choosing your canopy tent have made the decision much easier.

What are you looking for in a camping canopy? Tell us in the comments below!

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