Truck camping tents are catching on fast as a cheaper, lower-maintenance alternative to RVs.
But what’s the appeal? How do you narrow down the best truck camping tent for you?
We’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of the top truck camping tents available to take the guesswork out of buying the perfect setup.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Runner-Up for Best Overall:
JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent
Best Budget:
Guide Gear Truck Tent
Best Luxury Option:
Yakima SkyRise HD
Best for Hunters:
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent, Camo
Best Truck Camping Tent
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Our pick for the very best truck camping tent is the Napier Backroadz tent! The Backroadz truck camping tent comes in five different sizes, making it one of the most diverse options on this list.
No matter what size your truck bed is, you’ll be able to order a Backroadz truck camping tent that fits like a glove!
This tent only fits two people comfortably, no matter what size you choose. After all, even the largest truck bed doesn’t offer too much space.
However, it allows you to avoid issues that come with ordinary tent camping. No more roots or rocks digging into your back!
If you’re comfortable with squeezing together and making room, you can fit more people inside. Just be prepared for a pretty tight fit! Of course, if you’re a parent with small children, this might not present as much of an issue.
The Backroadz truck camping tent has two windows with the option to zip them shut for privacy. You won’t need to worry about nosy passersby peeking in your windows!
It includes a rainfly, which means you’ll be prepared in case of unexpected rainstorms. However, it isn’t considered “waterproof.”
Thanks to the many sizes available, it’s hard to beat this truck camping tent. It can be difficult to track down a truck camping tent that fits the exact specifications of your truck bed. The convenience of having multiple sizes to choose from already puts it head and shoulders above other truck camping tents!
Pros
- Multiple sizes
- Multiple windows designed for privacy
- Rainfly included
Cons
- Only sleeps two comfortably
- Not technically waterproof
Runner Up
JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent
Our runner-up for the best truck camping tent is the JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent!
This tent also comes in multiple sizes, but the measurements aren’t as exact as those of the Napier Backroadz tent. If your truck bed falls in between sizes, we recommend sizing down rather than up.
The JoyTutus truck camping tent is waterproof, not just on the top but on the bottom! You don’t need to worry about rainstorms in this truck camping tent. Even if your truck bed has a tendency to take on some rainwater, the floor of this tent is waterproofed to keep leaks from occurring.
After all, the last thing you want while camping is to wake up in a puddle of water. And without a waterproof bottom layer, even if you sleep on an air mattress, you could end up with musty and mildewy camping supplies.
This truck camping tent prevents such disasters by doubling up on waterproofing!
Another nice feature of the JoyTutus tent is that it has three windows. You can close them for privacy or unzip the outer layer to let the fresh air and sunlight in. Like most truck camping tents, this one only comfortably sleeps two—”comfortably” is the keyword.
Again, how many people and/or pets you’re comfortable with packing into your truck camping tent is up to you. Just know that it’s not going to be a spacious sleeping arrangement with more than two!
Pros
- Thorough waterproofing
- Multiple sizes
- Three windows
Cons
- Only sleeps two comfortably
- Less specific measurements
Best for Budget
Guide Gear Truck Tent
While the Guide Gear truck camping tent lacks some of the features that the best truck camping tent and our choice of runner-up have, it’s a great starter truck tent. It’s also more budget-friendly for those not wanting to spend too much on their truck camping tent.
The Guide Gear tent is not technically waterproof, though it is water-resistant. It won’t keep the rain out quite as thoroughly as the JoyTutus, but it will do the job decently!
The Guide Gear has two windows, able to be opened and closed. However, if you put the rainfly on, it will cover the windows.
The Guide Gear truck camping tent can fit an air mattress—either a twin or a full—inside, so you don’t need to worry about sleeping bags on this trip! You can sleep in comfort with your mattress fit snugly into the back of your truck.
The one major downside to the Guide Gear tent is that it only comes in one size. Before purchasing, measure the back of your truck and ensure it’s big enough! This tent is on the larger side of available truck camping tents, sitting about six and a half feet long.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Rainfly included
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Only one available size
- Rainfly covers up windows
Best Luxury Truck Camping Tent
Yakima SkyRise HD
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line truck camping tent, look no further than the Yakima SkyRise!
This beauty is truly top-notch. While considerably heavier than previously mentioned truck camping tents due to their mount, this addition is worth the extra weight!
Thanks to the mount, you can sleep elevated above the truck bed, which prevents any potential flooding. It also increases your storage space since the truck bed remains open for holding the rest of your gear!
The SkyRise includes a ladder to make climbing in and out of the tent an absolute breeze. However, this may not be the best tent for you if you have very young children. While not very high up, the ladder can present a hazard for children who can’t climb up or down independently.
Including the “skylight” on top of the tent, the SkyRise has four sizable windows. You can close them all for privacy or open the skylight at night to watch the stars.
The SkyRise only comes in two different sizes—however, this is actually a point in its favor. Since it doesn’t sit in the actual bed, the size doesn’t matter as much—which means it can be bigger!
The SkyRise can either sleep two or four people, depending on which size you purchase.
If your truck doesn’t have a roof rack, or the ability to install one, you won’t be able to use the SkyRise, so keep that in mind.
This also might not be the best choice for dog owners unless your dog is small enough to carry—or agile enough to climb the ladder!
The SkyRise is also waterproof, meaning no worries about rain leaks from the topside unless it starts raining when the skylight window is open.
Pros
- Multiple sizes—can sleep two or four
- Sits above the truck bed, freeing up storage
- Waterproof
- A “skylight” window
Cons
- Requires a roof rack
- Not suitable for young children or certain pets
Best For Hunters
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent, Camo
Feeling some déjà vu? Yes, we’ve been here before—but there are differences to this Backroadz tent!
This truck tent is the best for hunters thanks to its additional features. This version of the Backroadz tent is waterproof, which means it’s better suited to any camping conditions, rain or shine. No worries about having to call off the hunting trip due to the weather.
This will also keep your hunting equipment safe and dry. It also comes in camouflage print, meaning it will blend into your surroundings.
The Camo Backroadz tent also comes in five sizes, suitable for many different truck beds! However, it also only sleeps two people comfortably.
Pros
- Comes in camouflage print
- Waterproof
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- Only sleeps two
Buyer’s Guide
When buying a truck camping tent, your biggest concern should be the size. If the tent is bigger than your truck bed, whether length or width-wise, you’re going to have major difficulties attempting to get it set up.
Sizing down is always better than sizing up if you’re in doubt.
You should always do a test run setting up your chosen truck camping tent before your actual trip. You don’t want to get all the way out in the middle of nowhere just to discover you can’t sleep comfortably in the tent!
This is especially true if you’re trying to squeeze more than two people into your tent. Estimating how uncomfortable it might be without testing the sleeping arrangements first is impossible.
You’ll also want to test breaking down your camp setup before heading out on your trip. If any issues arise, return your truck tent and try out a new model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you go camping in your truck?
There are far more places to go car—or truck camping—than you might think! You can go to just about any ordinary campground and book a normal campsite if you like. Using a truck tent will give you more space to take advantage of on your site!
You can use this extra room to set up outdoor activities and games, a canopy and tables, or your camp cooking setup. If you have a camp stove, you can arrange a whole outdoor kitchen out there.
You can also go remote camping in your truck in certain areas, but only in places you can drive to. There are also many stores and restaurants where you can camp in your car or truck for free. This includes Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, and more!
You can also camp in your truck anywhere you can camp with an RV. All in all…the sky’s the limit!
Why choose a truck tent over a regular tent?
There are several perks to camping in a truck camping tent rather than an ordinary one.
One is that it’s considered safer. Being off the ground, you’re less likely to run into interference from animals, such as raccoons or snakes…or even bears!
You’re also much less likely to have issues with flooding or other weather-related issues because your truck bed provides an extra barrier. It keeps you far off the ground and protects your tent from being buffeted by the wind.
It also makes for a simple breakdown process. When you break down camp, it’s already packed in the truck! Truck camping tents are also a great choice for campers who like to switch campgrounds throughout their trip.
Another perk? It creates level “ground” for your tent. This means you can set up an air mattress and sleeping bags without worrying about accidentally setting yourself up on an incline. It also means you won’t end up with a root or rock digging into your back.
Are truck tents more difficult to set up?
Truck camping is certainly a different animal than ordinary tent camping, but it’s not as complicated as you might think. Most truck camping tents are created with the simplicity of setup in mind. So even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be just fine!
Can truck tents be used with other types of vehicles?
Truck tents are not compatible with other kinds of vehicles. The only type you can use with other vehicles is one like the SkyRise, which relies more on a roof rack than a truck bed.
Set Up Your Truck Camping Tent and Get Adventuring!
Once you choose the right truck camping tent, you’re all set to head out on your first adventure.
For more information on camping in your car, visit our Car Camping page now!
- About the Author
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Cassidy Eubanks is a proud Michigander, an avid reader, and a writer for Apple Pie Media. Her bachelor’s in Creative Writing has fueled her love of storytelling in all its forms…including campfire stories!
With many years of both tent camping and RV camping under her belt, the ability to roll her ankle multiple times without actually spraining it while hiking, and a foolproof method for making the perfect s’more, Cassidy loves sharing different tips, tricks, and tools on Beyond the Tent to make your camping trip as simple and stress-free as possible.