The Best Truck Bed Tents for 2024

For most campers, an on-the-ground tent is perfect for their camping adventures, but truck bed tents can alleviate common complaints about rocky and uneven terrain, wet conditions, and even insects and critters.

Truck bed tents take advantage of a truck bed’s ample flat space, and they often offer extensions for even more useable room. A truck bed tent may also take away some of the hesitations of early or late-season camping, and they might even make you want to even try winter camping.

Many feel that their truck is like a great friend. They’re reliable, they go everywhere with you, and they keep you safe. When paired with a specifically-designed tent, a truck can also be a rather comfortable place to rest your head. Here are the best truck bed tents of 2024.

Our Top Picks

• Best overall: Offroading Gear Truck Bed Tent With Awning
• Best four-season truck bed tent: Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
• Best budget pick: Rightline Gear 2-Person Truck Tent
• Best standing height tent: Fofana Truck Bed Tent
• Best compact truck tent: Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
• Best alternative: KingCamp 2-Person Truck Bed Tent

Best Overall Truck Bed Tent

Offroading Gear Truck Bed Tent With Awning

For the price, features, and easy setup, the Offroading Gear Truck Bed Tent gets the highest of marks. With a good-rated sleeping bag and more, it’s possible to use this tent year-round. Color-coated poles make it simple to put up and take down, and it stores easily in a bag when not in use. That same storage bag features directions for set up sewn in, so no chance of losing them. It can be set up by one or two campers.

The rainfly offers privacy and waterproof protection when needed, but is removable for ventilation. The rear access window is great for truck bed outlets and cab access.  A storm flap for the rear access window keeps elements out.

Three mesh windows offer privacy while letting a breeze come through. Open them up for airflow, or zip them closed for more solitude. The built-in floor means a cleaner, drier, and warmer night’s sleep, especially with the waterproof coating.

Two larger mesh pockets (one on each side of the tent) are perfect for easy access to car keys, lip balm, or a water bottle. The awning allows for airflow with protection during wet weather and provides shade too. Included tent stakes and tie-downs keep the awning in place even if the wind picks up. The 6.5 box length is available without a canopy if desired.

Rails and tonneau covers are not an issue. Elasticized straps with rubber clips prevent scratches and stretch for simple installation. A pouch holds an adjuster to protect paint and also lets you lengthen or tighten the straps. The tent packs down into an oversized carrying bag for quick pack-up and storage.

Pros

• 210 Polyester with UV coating is more rugged than many other truck bed tents
• features rear-window cab access
• sewn-in waterproof floor and an integrated shoe bag keep campers and their gear nice and dry

Cons

• rainfly doesn’t extend
• poles for the opening side and front of the tent are the last to be installed and have had some issues snapping, though the company quickly sends replacement poles and responds to warranty issues

Specs

• Weight: ‎Under 10 pounds/ under 4.5 kilograms
• Person capacity: 2 adults plus
• Season:3-4 season
• Floor length: 66 inches
• Dimensions: 28.5 x 9.29 x 8.27 inches
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Truck beds including 5.5’, 6.5’ and 8’ box lengths; fits nearly any truck including GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram and the Ford F series

Best Four-Season Truck Bed Tent 

Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent

The Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent is made from durable cotton duck canvas. Hydra-Shield treatment not only makes this tent 100% waterproof, it makes it breathable for four-season camping.

The tunnel shape gives the tent five-foot ceilings in the center and throughout giving a more spacious feel and room to move about. The steel tube frame clamps down onto truck bed rails with C-clamps. The tailgate-down design adds more useable space to this tent. The floorless tent allows for easy setup, but it also exposes the truck bed.

This tent features five windows allowing for plenty of light and airflow. A cab access window is perfect for any charging you need to do or for plugging in appliances such as a heater or cooking apparatus. Front and back awnings protect the front window and rear door to keep insects and elements out. The d-shaped door allows for easy in and out. YKK zippers offer extra protection and struggle-free zipping and unzipping.

Two strategically placed gear pockets hold camping essentials from headlamps to cords. The tent works with most tonneau or retractable covers, toolboxes, and folding bed toppers with some adjusting.

“A well thought out tent. Strong frame and tight canvas makes for a great weather tight and roomy place of refuge from the elements. Thank you Kodiak Canvas,” said a happy reviewer.

Buyers said difficulty setting the tent up is the biggest complaint with a desire for color-coded poles. Installing the rails can be tedious and tricky. The given instructions aren’t clear, so users recommend finding an online video. The tent is quite heavy due to its materials and durability, making it harder to carry and put up without help. It is also pricey compared to other models.

Pros

• heat, rain, wind, and snow: none of these bother this 100% waterproof tent
• tunnel shape maximizes five feet of headroom throughout the tent

Cons

• tent’s C-clamps may be too small for many bed rails
• not designed for heavy snow
• can be difficult to initially setup, even with instructions

Specs

• Weight: ‎30 pounds/13.6 pounds
• Person capacity: 2
• Season: Four Season
• Floor length: Truck bed length
• Dimensions: 48 x 10 x 10 inches
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Mid-size and compact truck beds 5-6.5 feet, full size 5.5-6.5 feet, full size 8 feet

Best Budget Pick

Rightline Gear 2-Person Truck Tent

This easy-to-set-up tent has a lot of bells and whistles for the price. Most users suggest setting the tent up on the ground next to your truck with one to two people using the instruction sheet that is conveniently sewn into the storage stuff sack. The fiberglass poles are color-coded to help with assembly.

The storm cover and tent walls are made from fire-resistant, UV-protected waterproof 1800mm PU 68D polyester with tape-sealed seams. The large doors make it easier to get in and out. Paired with large windows, it is easy to get a nice breeze and airflow.

The glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls are a nice extra. Storm covers keep the rain or other moisture out if the weather comes in. A sky vent allows additional light and air to come in. It also offers a spot to view the stars from your sleeping bag.

Since it sits on top of bed rails, the floorless design allows campers to keep gear in the truck bed without removing it. Two generous gear pockets keep campers organized and serve as a good place to store phones, headlamps, sunglasses and more. A lantern hanging hook is conveniently located, so you can enjoy a book to wind down or get your sleep setup dialed in before you hit the hay. Five feet of height means a spacious interior.

The plastic buckles and heavy-duty straps keep the truck bed tent in place, minimizing the potential for any truck damage or scratches. The tent completely covers the tailgate. “I bought one of these, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Easy to assemble and has enough screens for the breeze to flow through,” said a happy camper.

Durability has been the biggest complaint with this tent, but with the budget price, there is some give. Tears at contact points and broken poles have been some of the issues. A few reviewers stated, “The instructions are unclear, unable to install the product correctly.” Rightline has a phone number to handle repairs and installation questions at (888) 685-GEAR.

Pros

• easy setup can be completed solo or with two people
• simple floorless design and structure
• glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls help for getting in and out of the tent during nighttime

Cons

• durability and longevity may be an issue

Specs

• Weight: ‎9.3 pounds/ 4.2 kilograms
• Person capacity: 2 adults
• Season: 3 Season
• Floor length: 23.3 inches
• Dimensions: 23.3” L x 14.2” W x 14.2” H
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Truck beds ranging from 5 to 8-foot beds in compact, mid or full

Best Standing Height Truck Bed Tent

Fofana Truck Bed Tent

Tall campers will rejoice with the Fofana Truck Bed Tent, named by Forbes as the industry’s best truck tent. Designed with tall outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the pop-up design of this tent makes setting up camp quick especially using their setup guide.

A sew-in floor creates a tidy sleeping space that also stays dry. Made of waterproof fabric, the tent keeps the elements out. This truck bed tent does not lack storage, and S hooks allow you to hang lanterns and other items. A zippered port hole makes running cords to the truck cab for charging a cinch.

All you need to do is stand up and take in the view. Tall dual-layer mesh windows offer plenty of ventilation and panorama views. It even has a 180-degree night sky view. Window flaps close the tent up for privacy or weather protection.

A removable rain fly helps with ventilation although reviews state that the fly material is flimsy, often resulting in tears. If this happens, Fofana quickly makes things right by sending out replacement fly covers. Fitting loosely around the tent, moisture may build between the fly and the tent.

Tent issues have included problems with seams and tears. A call to Fontana customer service is the best step to getting replacement parts or troubleshooting.

Rails and covers don’t affect the setup of the Fofana Truck Bed Tent. The Fofana Truck Bed tent is available in mid or full size to fit a large range of trucks.

Pros

• six feet of stand-up height and ample living space
• porthole allows charging from the cab
• gear loft and roomy interior pockets

Cons

• some issues with seams and tears

Specs

• Weight: ‎12.8 pounds/ 5.82 kilograms
• Person capacity: 2 adults
• Season: 3 season
• Floor length: 73 inches
• Dimensions: ‎46.7 x 8.9 x 8.7 inches
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Two sizes- mid fits 5’-6’ beds including Jeep, fits all  5.5-foot bed, 6.5-foot and 8-foot full-size truck beds- Ford F150, Dodge Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, Titan

Best Compact Truck Tent 

Napier Backroadz Truck Tent

Like most tents these days, the Napier Backroadz Tent features color-coded poles for simple setup. Color-coded sleeves add to the ease of installation. It also comes with a storage bag.

Made of 68D polyester taffeta with a 185 thread count and a polyethylene floor with a sewn-in floor for cleaner, dryer, and warmer accommodations for the night. A full-coverage rainfly with reinforced-taped seams

Storm flaps for the door and two mesh windows offer extra protection from strong winds and rain. Windows open for breathability. However, the compact size of this tent is best for warmer weather conditions.

You’ll love the storage in this compact truck bed tent. The center point lantern holder maskes it easy to find your lantern in the dark for any extra light you may need. Pockets and an overhead gear locker keep your essentials handy and not lost in the mess of sleeping bags, blankets and pillows.

“While I do rate this a 5 star product, it is 5 star[s] because it delivered on the claims and my expectations based on those claims. This is by no means is a premium tent but a great tent for a great price,” one reviewer stated.

This tent works with retractable tonneau covers and rolled-up covers that are less than 6 inches high. If over 6 inches, you must remove it or line the tent up against the cover. Bed liners are not an issue. Bedside rails need to be less than 3” tall. Place the tent over any toolboxes to minimize the water that can enter in the gaps. Be sure to cover toolbox corners to minimize the chance of the tent tearing.

Tent pole snaps are common tent owner complaints. “Door has only one set of toggles to hold both door and screen a second set would be nice for the screen door otherwise it just hangs waiting to be damaged,” said a reviewer.

The need for better craftsmanship is also mentioned in reviews. “Workmanship around side windows are not as clean as one might expect however it is secure,” one user said. Many buyers suggest that an awning would make for better overall coverage.

Pros

• easy color-coded installation
• comfortable 58″ to 62″ of head space
• ideal for short truck beds

Cons

• poles can be susceptible to snapping
• some users have experienced quality/materials issues

Specs

• Weight: ‎13 pounds/ 5.8 kilograms
• Person capacity: 2 adults
• Season: 3 season
• Floor length: 29 inches
• Dimensions: 60″L x 42″W x 66″H
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Compact short bed 5-5.2’ and compact regular bed 6-6.2’

Best Alternative

KingCamp 2 Person Truck Bed Tent

The KingCamp Truck Bed Tent is highly rated as a top truck bed tent due to its reliability and full weather protection. A fully integrated floor helps keep heat in and dirt and water out.

The full cover removable rainfly is made of flame retardant Oxford with 3000 mm water-resistant coating. The expandable 4 x4 awning offers extra protection from the sun and rain. This tent has one large mesh door for ease of getting in and out and three mesh windows offer ideal ventilation. Storm flaps offer additional protection on the door and windows to keep a breeze going even in stormy weather.

This spacious tent makes it easy to sleep two people. The 5.5 feet of headroom is an added bonus. Color-coded poles make pitching this tent a breeze and can be done in less than 15 minutes. An overhead gear loft keeps items at the ready. Mesh pockets allow for additional storage for your camping essentials. A hook overhead allows you to hang a lantern for light you may need at nighttime.

“This is a nice bed tent that was easy to set up. The covering is a good quality and once set up the tent is stable. The truck bed makes you feel like you are in more of a structure, just feels more homey. We like it and think you will too,” said a happy purchaser.

The KingCamp only fits full-size truck beds from 6.4′-6.7′ cutting down on the trucks it will fit. Pole snaps have been a big downside to this tent. “My biggest complaint, so far, would be with the quality of the poles,” said one reviewer. KingCamp reached out quickly post review to send new ones.

Pros

• easy to setup and organize the interior
• sun protection with 4×4 awning
• 5.5′ of headroom

Cons

• only fits full-sized truck beds
• poles may have quality issues over time

Specs

• Weight: ‎15.2 pounds/ 6.89 kilograms
• Person capacity: 2
• Season: Three Season
• Dimensions: 79” L x 71” W x 65” H
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Full-size truck beds between 6.4′-6.7′

Truck Bed Considerations

When considering a truck bed tent, there are a lot of pros but several cons too.

Depending on the tent, you may have to remove gear you have stored in the bed or make adjustments for tonneau covers, tool boxes and bed liners. They do not come with a ladder or accessory to help you get in and out.

You can’t drive with the tent set up, so if you leave your site to fish, hike or paddle the tent must be broken down. The size is limited to your truck bed size making it tricky for families and if you have a trusted four-legged friend that you take everywhere too.

FAQs

How do I know what size truck tent to buy?

The biggest issue truck tent purchasers have is with compatibility with their truck bed size. Measure both the width and length of your truck and compare with manufacturer specs for both your truck and the tent you are looking to buy. Most truck tent brand websites can help you with measuring for proper fit.

Can my truck bed still be used for storage with my truck tent set up?

This is dependent on whether or not your tent has a sewn-in floor or not. If the truck tent does not have a floor, you can still use the bed for storage by placing the gear all the way to one side of the truck. Gear will have to be removed for tents with sewn-in floors. Many tents will work with toolboxes installed with some adjusting.

Can I drive with my truck bed tent set up?

Unfortunately, no. If you leave your site, you must take the tent down. Keeping it up could cause damage to the tent or even loss. A tent can also obstruct views when driving for both you and other drivers.

What is the advantage of a truck bed tent over a standard camping tent?

There are many advantages to truck bed tents over a standard camping tent. There is no need for level ground. A truck bed tent gets you off the rocky ground and dry. Bugs and wildlife can’t get into the tent. Truck bed walls also offer stability and weather protection.