10 Best Camping Canopies (for a Sunny Adventure)
The best camping canopy can make your camping trip a lot better, especially if you’re going with a large group of friends and/or family.
Not only that, but a good canopy gives you a place to relax outside. If it’s raining or super sunny, the canopy is the best place to hang out and enjoy the outdoors. They are also an awesome place to set up a table for cooking on and enjoying all your meals without crouching around a campfire in the rain or sun.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Camping Canopies
- Best Of The Best Wenzel Magnetic Screen HouseJump To Review
- Best Allrounder Coleman Instant CanopyJump To Review
- Best On A Budget/Backpack BaiYouDa Beach Tent TarpJump To Review
- Lightest Canopy ANYOO Camping Tarp ShelterJump To Review
Not all camping canopies are made the same though, and there are loads to choose from, so how do you ensure you find a good one? By reading our reviews of some of the best camping canopies below.
Top Product Overview
 | Best Of The Best
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 | Best Allrounder
| SEE ON COLEMAN →SEE ON AMAZON → |
 | Best On A Budget/Backpack
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 | Lightest Canopy
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
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| SEE ON AMAZON → |
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| SEE ON AMAZON → |
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Best Camping Canopy
Wenzel Magnetic Screen House
The Wenzel Magnetic Screen House is an excellent camping canopy that provides an excellent space to hang out in and enjoy the outdoors while being protected from bugs, sun, and rain.
This camping canopy is made from a 68D polyester taffeta which is both lightweight, durable, wind, and waterproof to provide you with adequate protection from the elements.
The mesh sides are also 68D polyester for durability and the micro mesh provides great ventilation while blocking bugs of all sizes from getting inside.
There are 2 large mesh doors for access with magnetic closures ensuring they stay closed stopping any bugs from sneaking in.
The Wenzel Magnetic Screen House is incredibly spacious with 99 square feet of space and a height of 7.5 feet. You can fit a table for 10 inside if you want to.
The entire thing weighs just 17lbs and packs down quite small making it pretty portable for camping. The structure is also solid being made from steel and fiberglass and handles the wind well.
It is quite an expensive camping canopy though, and the mesh walls will let a bit of rain through, otherwise, it’s an awesome option.
Pros
- Big and spacious inside
- Mesh walls to block bugs
- Solid canopy for blocking sun/rain
- 2 large auto-closing doors
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Mesh walls will let rain in
- A little expensive
Product Information
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: 26.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches
- Dimensions: 11' x 9' x 7'6
- Material: Steel/Fiberglass/68D Polyester Taffeta
Coleman Instant Canopy
If you’re going car camping then a great camping canopy to take with you is the Coleman Instant Canopy.
The Coleman Instant Canopy goes up in just a few minutes, hence the name. The entire structure comes assembled and is telescopic.
Setting it up does require two people but is incredibly simple. All you need to do is open it up until the roof structure is open, add the canopy, and adjust the telescopic canopy legs to raise it up, and you have a canopy.
Once you find a good spot for the canopy, use the included pegs to secure the large stainless steel feet to the ground, after which it will handle the wind well.
Once up, the canopy is 10ft by 1o ft. providing 100 square feet of shade from both the sun and the rain. There is enough space for around 5 people or more to hang out and enjoy a meal.
Packing it up is as easy as setting it up, and it folds down into a bag with wheels that you can just roll to your car with ease.
One tricky thing about this camping canopy is the height, taller people might have to duck to enter.
Pros
- Quick and easy to assemble canopy
- Gives you around 100 sq ft of shade
- Comes in a portable rollable bag
- Good rain and sun protection
- Tough and well made
- Steel feet for good stability
Cons
- Needs to be pegged down in the wind
- You might need to duck to enter
Product Information
- Weight: 37 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: 54.25 x 11.25 x 9 inches
- Dimensions: 10' x 10'
- Material: Stainless steel/polyester
BaiYouDa Beach Tent Tarp
If you’re on a bit of a budget or looking for a canopy to take when hiking to a campsite, the BaiYouDa Beach Tent Tarp is probably the best camping canopy you’re likely to find.
The entire canopy, poles, ropes, and pegs weigh just 7.71 lbs in the handy and compact carry bag. This means it’s very possible to add this to a backpack and take it with you when hiking.
The canopy is made from serious tough 210D silver coated oxford cloth and comes with a PU 1500mm waterproof coating that provides you what excellent protection from both the sun and rain, plus it sheds water excellently too.
Setting up isn’t too hard, as there are just two poles and then a series of ropes to secure to the ground with the included pegs. Once up, there is enough room under the camping canopy to fit 5-7 people with ease.
It’s also an ideal place to create your mess area with tables, chairs, and cooking equipment, and then you can place your campfire just outside it for evening warmth.
The one downside to this camping canopy is that with just 2 poles, it might not handle strong winds very well.
Pros
- Super lightweight and portable
- Can be used when hiking
- Great rain and sun protection
- Very affordable
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sheds water very well
- Comes in a handy carry case
Cons
- Not great in the wind
Product Information
- Weight: 7.71 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 22.83 inches
- Dimensions: 216.54 x 220.47(inches)
- Material: Aluminum/210D silver coated oxford cloth
ANYOO Camping Tarp Shelter
The ANYOO Camping Tarp Shelter is a great camping canopy if you’re camping out solo or camping with just one friend/partner.
It’s incredibly light at 5lbs and packs down super small so you can take it with you when hiking, cycling, or on any other kind of camping mission.
Setting up it easy between the two poles, 18 reinforced attachment points, and the 18 guy ropes. You can use the poles and ropes to make a free-standing structure or string it up to nearby trees.
You can also use the canopy in lots of other ways such as covering your tent for extra protection, covering a hammock, or simply making an emergency shelter.
Once up, the waterproof polyester canopy stops any rain and it is treated with a silver lining to block any UV rays too.
While this camping canopy is very affordable it does sit low to the ground, isn’t very spacious, and isn’t the best in the wind when used with the poles.
Pros
- Provides excellent shelter from the sun or rain
- Versatile range of uses
- Reinforced corners for durability
- Lightweight and very portable
- Easy to setup
- Great for backpacking
Cons
- Not the most durable tarp
- Doesn't work well in high winds
- Sits low to the ground
Product Information
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: 6.94 x 8.94 x 24 inches
- Dimensions: 157.48 x 157.48 inches
- Material: Aluminum/polyester
KingCamp Awning Sun Shelter
The KingCamp Awning Sun Shelter is an awesome camping canopy if you’re going car camping or when hiking to your campsite with a small group.
The canopy is made from tough 210T polyester that features a 1500mm PU waterproof coating. It’s excellent against abrasion and provides great protection from the sun and rain.
You’ll also find mesh windows and vents that provide great airflow to keep you cool on a hot day.
The canopy comes with poles to create a solid structure and two large poles that you can use to hold it up on one side.
This means you can set up the canopy by attaching one side to the ground and then having the poles on the other, or by attaching to the other side to the trunk of your vehicle for tailgating.
This is also a great camping canopy for backpacking as it weighs just 9 lbs and is super packable, so you can easily strap it to your pack when hiking into a wilderness campsite.
While this is a great camping canopy option, rain can sneak in through the vents and it doesn’t handle high wind speeds very well.
Pros
- Great airflow for hot days
- Waterproof and anti-UV for protection
- Light, packable, portable
Cons
- Rain sneaks through the vents
- Not great in high winds
Product Information
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: 23.6" x 6.3" x 5.9"
- Dimensions: 124" x 84.6"
- Material: 210D polyester
EAGLE PEAK Pop Up Canopy Tent
If you’re looking for a good camping canopy to take car camping then the EAGLE PEAK Pop Up Canopy Tent is a great option.
The frame of the camping canopy is built from super durable nylon and features Easy Peak Center Push Technology which allows you to set up the frame in minutes, just open it up, add the canopy and you’re good to go.
The canopy fabric is also tough 150D Oxford that provides full 150D Oxford UPF 50+ UV sun protection and its waterproof coating blocks any rain too. There are also vents in the ceiling to give you ventilation on a hot day.
Once open, the camping canopy provides 100 sq ft of shelter and the canopy legs are adjustable so you can find the perfect height for your needs. You can also peg it down to ensure it handles and windy conditions with ease.
This camping canopy is not made for backpacking as it weighs a huge 34 lbs. But, it does come in a solid rollable bag making it ideal for car camping.
Pros
- Durable & waterproof
- Waterproof for rain protection
- Handles the wind very well
- Spacious 100 sq ft of shelter
Cons
- A bit too heavy
- Not for backpacking
Product Information
- Weight: 33.62 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: na
- Dimensions: 10’ x 10'
- Material: 150D Oxford
CLAM Quick-Set Pavilion Camper
The CLAM Quick-Set Pavilion Camper is less of a camping canopy and more of a little hotel room on wheels. It is very luxurious as far as camping canopies go but it is very expensive so don’t fall in love with it too easily.
When it comes to space, this camping canopy is huge. It measures 12.5 x 12.5 ft and is 7.8 feet high. You’re getting over 156 sq ft of space which is more than enough to seat 8 people around a lunch table.
The canopy fabric is very durable 210D Poly-Oxford that provides protection from both the sun and the rain.
The walls are all adaptable, you can either have them wide open, closed with a bug mesh, or fully closed to protect you from any wind or rain.
There is also a removable floor for even more protection, in fact, the canopy is so protective, you could even sleep inside it.
Setting up the camping canopy is very easy, as it comes assembled. Just open it up slowly to pitch it and then peg/tie it down to secure it. It comes with everything you need in a handy carry bag.
This only drawback is that this camping canopy is heavy and for car camping only, not for backpacking.
Pros
- Provides 156 sq ft of shelter
- Excellent height of 7.8 ft
- Durable 210D Poly-Oxford canopy
- Adaptable with mesh/solid walls
- Comes with a removable floor
- Loads of space for a dinner table
- Blocks rain, sun, and bugs
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Too heavy for backpacking
Product Information
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 81.5 inches
- Dimensions: 150" x 150" x 94"
- Material: 210D Poly-Oxford fabric
ABCCANOPY Patio Pop Up Canopy Tent
The ABCCANOPY Patio Pop Up Canopy Tent is another great camping canopy that you can use when going car camping, as it’s a bit too heavy for backpacking at 52 lbs.
The frame of the canopy comes assembled and opens telescopically making it very easy to pitch with two people. You can have it up in a matter of minutes and adjust the height to a maximum of 7 feet.
It also comes with pegs and sandbags to secure the base to any kind of ground, even sand or tarmac, so that it doesn’t blow away in heavy winds.
The canopy is made from super-tough polyurethane that is 100% waterproof to protect you from the rain and it blocks the harmful UV rays from the sun too.
Once pitched the camping canopy provides a whopping 100 ft squared of shelter and you will easily be able to fit your mess area underneath it.
The entire setup comes in a roller bag for portability that you can easily slide into the back of your car ready for your camping trip.
Pros
- A spacious and larger shelter
- Durable canopy
- Great sun & rain protection
- Easy to set up with 2 people
- Roller bag for portability
- Sandbags for stability
- Good in the wind
Cons
- Very heavy
- Not for backpacking
Product Information
- Weight: 52.8 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 49
- Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 133 inches
- Material: Polyester
What To Look For In The Best Camping Canopy
Protection From The Elements
The main reason to own a camping canopy is to provide you with some protection from the sun, rain, wind, and even bugs when you’re out camping so that you can have a comfortable place to hang out at your campsite.
Now, all of the camping canopies featured provide great sun and rain protection but not all of them protect you from bugs or the wind. Be sure to pick a canopy the provides all the protection you want for your camping trips.
Price
If you’re looking for protection from just the sun and rain, then you’ll be able to find a good quality camping canopy for not too much money but if you want one that has bug screens and walls that block the wind, you’re going to have to spend around double, so don’t be surprised when you see the prices.
Canopy Size
Not all canopies are the same size and range quite a bit in the amount of shelter they will provide. You can find ones with up to 160 sq ft of coverage will others will only give you around 60 ft. Be sure to buy a canopy that provides enough space for you and your camping buddies to hang out under.
If you want a camping canopy for around 8 people, then around 100 sq ft of coverage is what is needed to accommodate everyone.
Portability
If you’re car camping, then you won’t have to worry much about the packed size and weight of the camping canopy you buy. But, if you like to hike to your campsite then a 52lb wheeling bag with a camping canopy inside it isn’t going to work.
Luckily, you can find camping canopy options that are under 10lbs in weight and pack down pretty small, so even if you’re backpacking some of our featured camping canopies will work fine.
Our Favorite Camping Canopies
The best camping canopy featured is the Wenzel Magnetic Screen House. More of a house than a canopy, this option provides a 90 square foot and 7.5-foot high area that is completely protected from bugs and a roof that blocks both the sun and the rain. It’s so spacious, you can easily fit 10 people inside.
There are 2 doors for easy access that close magnetically and it’s pretty durable, light, packable, and portable. It’s a hard camping canopy to beat but it is a little expensive.
- SPECS: Tent Floor: 11 FT x 9 FT, Inside Area: 99 SQ FT, Peak Height: 90 inches, Packed Weight: 17 lbs 7 oz, Packed Size: 26.5 inches x 8.5 inches x 8.5 inches, Material: 68D Polyester Taffeta and 68D Mesh, 2 Doors
The all-around best camping canopy featured is the Coleman Instant Canopy. This canopy goes up in minutes thanks to its telescopic design and between the pegs and the large stainless steel feet, you can use it on the beach, dirt, asphalt, and tarmac if needs be.
It’s pretty spacious too providing 100 sq ft of shade from the elements and it comes in a wheeling bag so you can roll it to where ever you want to set up camp.
- Outdoor canopy tent delivers 35 sq. ft. of shade and shelter
- Sets up in 3 steps and 3 minutes without having to reach over your head
The best camping canopy, if you’re on a budget or backpacking, is the BaiYouDa Beach Tent Tarp. This camping canopy weighs just 7lbs and packs down small enough to be strapped on the outside of a backpack, so you can hike to your campsite with it.
It’s made of durable 201D oxford with a waterproof coating and provides enough space for 5-7 people to get shelter from the rain or sun.
- High Quality:Ultra-light and breathable tent,Sun protection and rain protection powerful.High quality waterproof 210D silver coated oxford cloth and PU 1500mm coating allows for high water resistance and essential sun protection offers long-lasting wear with excellent water-shedding capabilities. This tarp can keep you dry in sudden rainstorms and provide you a safe shelter. With silver coating on the reverse side, it can also protect you from harmful uv rays.
- Tarp Unfold Size:216.54x220.47(inches)/550x560(cm).Package Size:3.94x3.94x22.83(inches)/10x10x58(cm).Weight:7.71 lbs/3.5kg.This tarp is perfect for 5 to 8 people when camping, hiking or picnic.
