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11 Of The Best Tents For Desert Camping In 2024

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Are you searching for the best tents for desert camping?

Finding the best tents for desert camping can be a game changer when you are camping amongst the heat, sand, and desert climate.

We absolutely adore camping and we know how important it is to find a tent that will stand up against different elements.

After hours of research, we came up with the best tents for desert camping to enjoy in those warm and sandy environments.

Below you will find our list of the ultimate best tents for desert camping so that you have the best possible experience while camping in the dry climate.

One of the best tents for desert camping set up near rocks.

Don’t have time to read the whole post? Check out our top 3 picks below!

Best Tents for Desert Camping Quick Guide:

🌟 #1 Pick: Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe

  • Canvas material
  • Year round tent
  • Extra ventilation

👉🏼 Check out this link to purchase your Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe today!

⭐️ #2 Pick: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent

  • Lightweight
  • Extra storage
  • Great for backpacking

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to learn more and buy your own Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent!

⭐️ #3 Pick: Whiteduck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent

  • Many size and color options to pick from
  • Very spacious inside
  • Year round tent

👉🏼 Click here to get your Whiteduck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent!

Sam and Clover walking with sand dunes in the distance.

The Ultimate List of the Best Tents for Desert Campings:

1. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe

The Kodiak Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe is one of the all time best tents for desert camping and remains our favorite choice for the best hot weather tents for camping as well. 

This tent stands out amongst the crowd because of its quality canvas material, different size options to choose from, and its thorough design and intricate features such as the large ceiling height and double doors. 

Pros:

  • Three Sizing Options – You can pick between a 4, 6, o 8 person tent in this model
  • Canvas Material – This material allows for excellent breathability, it keeps water out, and it is very durable
  • Double Doors – This allows for easy exit and entry at both the front and the back of tent
  • Large Windows – We are huge fans of large windows in tents because it allows for increased visibility and ventilation 
  • Awning – Another feature that is amazing about this tent is its large awning which was created to easily provide shade outside of the tent so you do not have to shelter inside of your tent to get away from the sun and heat
  • Year Round Camping Tent – This tent was designed to be used in all four seasons which is awesome so that you do not have to purchase various tents depending on the weather and temperatures

Cons:

  • Heavy – This tent weighs roughly 80 pounds so it is definitely on the heavy side which can be a pain to haul around
  • Expensive – Whether you pick the 4, 6, or 8 person options, this tent is pretty pricey

👉🏼 Click here to get your own Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe for your next camping adventure!

2. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent

Big Agnes is an incredible brand that makes truly incredible backpacking gear ranging from tents to sleeping bags to apparel and practically everything in between!

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent is one of the best tents for desert camping because of its unique design, sun protection, storage and a wide array of other features that are sure to make your camping experience memorable.

Pros:

  • Multiple Size and Color Options to Pick From – We love that this tent comes in a wide array of colors to pick from as well as different sizes ranging from 1 person to 5 person dimensions
  • Lightweight – The Big Agnes brand makes incredible backpacking gear that is designed to be lightweight so you can easily carry your gear into the backcountry. This tent is no different and is an incredible lightweight tent for desert camping!
  • Storage – This tent is designed with countless storage pockets so that you can store all of your belongings and can easily access your valuables and most used items
  • Durable Material – This tent was designed with material that not only is lightweight but is made to hold up and withstand rips and tears
  • Awning – The awning is a great feature so that you can sit under the shade without having to crawl into your tent to get out of the sun and heat

Cons:

  • Expensive – This tent is a splurge purchase but due to its incredible design, lightweight material, and endless durable features, we think it is worth the high price 

👉🏼 Check out this link to get your own Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent!

3. Whiteduck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent

For those looking to splurge on a truly remarkable tent, you must check out the Whiteduck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent.

We love that this desert camping tent comes in a variety of colors and sizes to choose from.

Additionally, we adore the breathable fabric, the amount of space inside of the tent, and the large features that were created to allow for easy ventilation. 

Pros:

  • A Handful of Size and Color Options to Pick From – You can pick from several different color and size options depending on your personal preference and desire
  • Ventilation – This tent was created with two large windows and 2 large doors which allow for easy ventilation and breathability 
  • Spacious – The inside of this tent was created to have plenty of room for several people and the ceiling was designed for individuals to be able to stand up inside 
  • Year Round Tent – We absolutely love that this tent was designed to be used in all four seasons so that you do not have to worry about purchasing multiple tents depending on the weather and temperature that you plan on camping in

Cons:

  • Expensive – This tent is definitely a splurge purchase but keep in mind that it is a great investment piece that can be used year round and it comes with great features and a quality design

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to learn more about pricing and purchase your own Whiteduck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent to enjoy on your next wilderness adventure!

4. Kodiak Swag 1-Person Tent

The Kodiak brand creates some truly remarkable canvas tents, sleeping bags, and other camping accessories that are sure to make your camping trip all the more enjoyable! 

For those searching for an incredible one person tent for desert camping, you must check out the Kodiak Swag 1-Person Tent.

This tent is excellent for those looking for something to suit just one individual, has great ventilation, and is made out of high quality canvas material.

Pros:

  • Canvas Material – Canvas allows for increased durability, it is weather resistant, and it allows for significant breathability
  • Specifically Designed for 1 Person – For those looking for a simple design that suits just one individual, this tent is perfect for you 
  • Comfort – This tent comes with a foam mattress pad and cover to keep you comfortable while resting and sleeping

Cons:

  • Bulky – This tent is fairly large to be designed for one individual and is best used when car camping and not on backpacking adventures that require a long haul
  • Expensive – To be a tent specifically designed to house one person, it is pretty pricey

👉🏼 Check out this link to buy your Kodiak Swag 1-Person Tent today!

5. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup

The Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup is an excellent option for desert camping.

Not only is the Coleman brand known for creating exceptional outdoor products and gear but they carefully craft and thoroughly design each product with the user in mind. 

We specifically love this tent because it is easy to assemble and can be set up in right around one minute!

This is a fantastic characteristic especially when pitching a tent in the desert because you will want to do it as quickly and easily as possible so that a bunch of sand does not accumulate inside. 

Additionally, we love the integrated WeatherTec system and rainfly in order to keep you and your items dry from inclement weather. 

Pros:

  • Quick Assembly – This tent was designed to be pitched quickly and easily and should only take a minute or two to assemble
  • The Integrated WeatherTec System and Rainfly – We love that this tent comes designed to keep rain out in case any inclement weather comes out of nowhere

Cons:

  • Water Leakage Issues – Many people have complained that water can leak through this tent during hard rain or storms 
  • Carrying Bag Problems – The bag that was designed to hold and carry this tent is not the best quality and it can be pretty hard to put the tent back into the bag after using it

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to order your Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup!

6. Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Backpacking Tent

Another excellent lightweight backpacking tent that is phenomenal for camping in the desert is the Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Backpacking Tent.

We specifically love this tent because of its lightweight design, easy set up, and one year warranty!

Pros:

  • Warranty – Not only does the Naturehike brand have a one year warranty for this tent in case of quality related problems but they also have a 30 day money back guarantee in case you do not like the tent within the first month of purchasing it.
  • Lightweight – This tent was designed for backpacking and therefore it is not only lightweight but is also highly compact which is great for squeezing into your backpack
  • Durable Material – This tent was created out of polyester and the poles are made out of aluminum in order to withstand inclement weather and hold up after multiple uses in the wilderness
  • Great Price – Compared to other brands and tents on the market, this one comes at a great price for all of its features and lightweight design
  • Easy Set Up – This tent was designed to be able to set up quickly and easily for a fast assembly

Cons:

  • Short Rainfly – The rainfly does not go all the way to the ground and is quite short compared to the tent
  • Not the Highest Quality Stakes – The stakes that come with this tent are not the most durable and many people recommend buying better ones to go along with this tent

👉🏼 Click here to purchase the Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Backpacking Tent for your next camping trip!

7. Teton Sports Mesa Canvas Tent

Another fabulous option for the best tents for desert camping is the Teton Sports Mesa Canvas Tent.

This tent is a great option for those searching for a larger tent specifically designed for families or large groups. 

We love the Teton Sports Mesa Canvas Tent because of its canvas material, size options, and the amount of space and room that this tent was created to have. 

Pros:

  • Quick Set Up – This tent was created to have an easy set up which is a huge plus for a tent that can house 6 or 8 people (depending on which option you purchase)
  • Durable Material – The canvas material of this tent was designed to keep rain out, increase breathability, and to keep in its pristine conditions and not wear and tear during usage out in the wilderness
  • Spacious – This tent was designed to have high ceilings, wide doors, and plenty of storage pockets to make this tent feel homey 
  • Two Sizing Options – You can pick from a 6 or 8 person size option depending on your preference and how many people plan to stay inside

Cons:

  • Expensive – This tent is pretty costly but it is quite large and has a handful of incredible features that will make your camping trip all the more enjoyable
  • Heavy – This tent is roughly 70 pounds which can be quite heavy for hauling 
  • Lacks Windows – Although this tent does come with some pretty large doors, it does lack windows which would be nice for added visibility and ventilation

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to get your own Teton Sports Mesa Canvas Tent!

8. MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Person Backpacking Tent

For those searching for a quality 2 person tent that is lightweight and great for backpacking, you must check out the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Person Backpacking Tent.

We specifically love its lightweight design, rectangular flooring, and its durable design. 

Pros:

  • Rectangular Flooring – This allows for sleeping pads to lay flat without overlapping one another
  • Lightweight – This tent was designed for backpacking and therefore it was created to be very lightweight and compact to easily fit in a backpack
  • Durable Design – The tent is made out of waterproof fabric, come with syclone poles, and has reinforced patches so that this tent can withstand weather and usage and stay in great shape

Cons:

  • Not Many Frills – Although this tent was carefully crafted and has a few great features it does not come with many frills such as large doors, extra ventilation, or high ceilings like some other tents do 
  • Expensive – As I just mentioned, this tent does not come with many frills and has a pretty simple design, compared to other tents on the market with more unique features and designs, yet the cost is still quite hefty 

👉🏼 Click here to get your own MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Person Backpacking Tent!

9. Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent

The Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent is another incredible option when it comes to desert camping tents.

We specifically love the amount of ventilation and breathability that this tent has with its large doors and many mesh windows. 

Pros:

  • Great Ventilation – This tent was designed with six mesh windows and two large doors to create a significant amount of breathability and ventilation which is crucial when desert camping
  • Easy Set Up – It is easy to set up and assemble this tent which is excellent for desert camping so that endless amounts of sand does not wind up in your tent
  • Spacious – Not only is this tent large and spacious for four people but it also has a significant amount of height where you can stand up and move around 

Cons:

  • Relatively Small Doors – Compared to the overall size and space of this tent, the doors seem to be a bit small and could be a little larger for easier entry and exit
  • Not the Best Stakes – The stakes that come with this tent are not the most durable 

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent!

10. Quechua 2-Second Pop Up Tent

This tent is an excellent option for those looking for one of the best tents for desert camping that can be quickly pitched and has significant UV protection integrated into the tents material. 

Pros:

  • UV Protection – The material that this tent was created with is designed to provide SPF protection of 30 against UV rays
  • Waterproof Design – Quechua puts all of its tents through an intense test to insure that each tent keeps out water and stays dry inside 
  • Easy Assembly – This tent was designed to be put up in just seconds 

Cons:

  • Poor Ventilation – There is an upper air ventilation system on both sides of this tent but they do not do a great job at providing significant breathability and airflow throughout

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to purchase your Quechua 2-Second Pop Up Tent for your next desert camping trip!

11. KAZOO Outdoor Camping Tent

For those searching for a more budget friendly desert camping tent, the KAZOO Outdoor Camping Tent is a great option for you.

We love that this tent was created to be lightweight, comes in a variety of color options, and is super budget friendly!

Pros:

  • Budget Friendly – Compared to other tents on the market, this tent is very budget friendly 
  • Easy Entry and Exit – This tent comes with 2 large doors that have dual zippers which allows for easy entry and exit of the tent
  • Lightweight – This tent was created to be lightweight which is excellent for hauling and transportation
  • Rip-Stop Polyester – The material of this tent was designed to withstand inclement weather and to stay in pristine shape while being used in the great outdoors

Cons: 

  • Thin Material – Many people have complained about how thin the tent material is which can cause easy snags and rips 
  • Not the Best Assembly – It might take a little bit to assemble this tent and many people recommend having more than one person to put this tent up 

👉🏼 Click here to order your KAZOO Outdoor Camping Tent!

💡 Features to Consider When Purchasing the Best Tent for Desert Camping

There are countless features that you should consider when purchasing the best tent for desert camping including the amount of UV protection provided by the tent, how easy it is to assemble, along with many other characteristics.

Check out our ultimate list of considerations below!

✅ Assembly

No one wants to spend countless hours trying to assemble their tent while on a camping trip, that is why assembly is a huge factor to take into consideration when purchasing one of the best tents for desert camping. 

✅ Size

Be sure to think in advance on who all will be joining you on your camping adventure and how much room you will want to have when sleeping in your tent.

You can pick from all different shapes and sizes of tents so it is crucial to pick the perfect size for you and your needs.

✅ Color

When buying the best tent for desert camping, we recommend sticking with lighter colors such as white or beige so that your tent stays extra cool.

✅ Weight

Weight is another huge factor to consider when looking for a tent.

If you plan on backpacking, you will want to get as light of a tent as possible.

However, if you plan on mostly car camping or camping not far from your vehicle, you can afford to purchase a tent that is a little heavier since you will not haul it for long. 

✅ Ventilation

Be sure to look for a tent that has quite a bit of ventilation especially when desert camping so that you can stay cool.

We recommend purchasing a tent with several windows and large doors for optimal ventilation and breathability!

✅ UV Protection

Many tents come with UV protection throughout their material, this is awesome for hot weather camping or camping in the desert so that you can stay protected from the sun.

However, it is important to note that you should still wear sunscreen and take the appropriate precautions to protect yourself and your skin. 

✅ Material

There are countless different materials to choose from when it comes to buying a tent.

Our favorite material for desert camping is canvas because of its breathability, waterproof capabilities, and its strength. 

One of the best tents for desert camping set up on a sand dune.

Desert Camping Essentials:

There are countless items that you should bring with you when desert camping.

Below you will find a few of our top recommendations besides the typical items you should bring such as a tent, sleeping bag, shoes, etc.

  • Plenty of water
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Plenty of socks – Check out our article on the best hiking socks to prevent blisters so that your feet stay comfortable whether you are camping or hiking!
  • Layers
  • Camping fan – Be sure to check out our article on the best camping fans to keep you cool outdoors
  • Flashlight – You will want to make sure that you bring your favorite camping flashlight so that you can see at night time
  • Energy bars – Read all about our favorite hiking energy bars that will keep you happy and healthy on the trails as well as camping!

The desert with foot prints scattered throughout.

FAQs About The Best Tents for Desert Camping

What is the best tent for desert camping?

The best tent for desert camping is the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe.

We love that this tent is made out of durable and breathable material and has a wide range of unique features that are sure to make your camping experience memorable. 

This is a great tent for camping in the desert or for camping in an area such as Saguaro National Park because it performs so great in hot and dry climates due to its immense ventilation systems.

What tent is best for wild camping?

We recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent for wild camping or for camping in the backcountry. 

How do you secure a tent in the desert?

You will want to use durable tent stakes and pegs to secure your tent in the desert.

Additionally, another great option is to use canopy weight sand bags to keep your tent tied down.

What is the use of a tent in the desert?

A tent will provide you shelter from the sun and inclement weather as well as protection from sand and wildlife.

How do you tent camp in the desert?

There are countless things to take into consideration when tent camping in the desert.

One of the most important things to remember is that It is extremely important to bring an immense amount of water with you when you tent camp in the desert. 

Two of the best tents for desert camping set up in North Carolina in the wilderness.

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best tents for desert camping! For similar posts, be sure to check out The Best 2 Person Camping Hammock 2023. Happy Camping!