Sick and tired of buying tents that need replacing every few years? Fed up with complicated set-ups and pack-downs? Looking for a tent you can really make a home? Sounds like you need a canvas tent!
Canvas tents are incredibly durable and most can be used year-round, they’re way quicker to set up than your average nylon or polyester tent, and, with the right care, there’s no reason why your canvas tent shouldn’t last you a lifetime.
On top of that, canvas tents tend to be way more spacious than ordinary camping tents (they’re a great shout for taller folk), and many have tonnes of extra features that we love, such as stove jacks, removable bases, and fantastic ventilation. Oh, and let’s face it, they look super cool.
Although a decent canvas tent will set you back more than your average camping tent, it’s totally worth the investment. However, as with all investments, you want to be sure you’re choosing the right product for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best canvas tents currently on the market, weighed up their pros and cons, and given you some top tips on what to look for when you’re shopping around – so you can finally stop umming and aahing over whether or not to buy a canvas tent and go for it!
Top Pick
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Best Value for Money
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Best Cabin Tent
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The Stout Bell Tent is a durable, stylish canvas tent built for up to four people for 4-season use.
Built from the highest quality materials from top to bottom, there really is no reason why this tent shouldn’t last you a lifetime. The waterproof, mold-resistant canvas has been constructed using heaps of double stitching, with even more stitches at potential weak points for added durability.
The heavy-duty PVC floor won’t let any leaks in either. We also love the metal sliders on the guy ropes that, unlike the plastic ones found on cheaper tents, won’t snap and let you down.
This cotton bell tent also has great ventilation thanks to the four vents and four mesh-covered four windows and doors. Plus, you can also unzip the groundsheet if you want an extra draft. Although many bell tents have this feature, it can leave you prone to attack by mosquitoes or other bugs during the night, as the bottom of the sidewall isn’t protected by mesh.
That’s why we were super excited to see that there’s a compatible extended mesh inner wall you can assemble inside the tent (purchased separately).
The camping tent also features a stove jack AND the height of the stove jack can be customized in a local store in case your stove isn’t compatible – perfect! It also features dual e-ports in case you like to stay hooked up.
Unfortunately, quality doesn’t always come cheap, and the Stout Bell Tent is no exception. It does come with a 5-year warranty though so if you do splash out, you know you won’t have to buy another tent anytime soon.
You really will be happy if you buy the Happybuy Bell Tent…
This 4-season tent is constructed of treated 300GSM cotton canvas and features double-stitching and a (removable) bathtub floor that make it fully waterproof. It’s also windproof thanks to the sturdy nylon rope and nails that come included. On top of that, double-stitching, a sturdy iron center pole, and galvanized frame tubes make this one sturdy tent from top to bottom.
If you’re looking for a way to stay warm when camping during those winter months, then why not make use of one of our favorite features, the stove hole, and cook yourself up a nice hot meal. Just be warned that it is s little low, so it might not be compatible with any very tall stoves.
Don’t worry if things heat up a little though, this tent offers fantastic ventilation – there are four mesh windows and a large screen door that allow airflow when you need it (but they won’t let the bugs through).
On top of that, you can roll up the sidewall at the base to catch any passing breeze. As well as providing great ventilation, these options also let you take in your surroundings from the comfort of your bed.
This canvas tent is available in a range of sizes, but we think that this model, with its 12-person maximum capacity, offers the best value for money – it’s cheaper than many 6-person canvas tents out there! Plus, it’s a fantastic option for any taller fold out there who are sick of hunching over thanks to its whopping 11.5-ft center height!
Although this capacity means this is by no means a lightweight tent, it’s certainly not as heavy as we’d expect for a capacity this large. If you’re after a 4-season camping tent big enough for large groups at a fantastic price, then look no further, you’ve found the one.
If you like the sound of a high-quality canvas bell tent, but you’re after something a little smaller, then the Free Space Bell Tent might be right up your street.
This canvas bell tent sleeps up to four people comfortably, and would make a luxury tent for two, and is another fantastic option for anyone tall thanks to its center height of almost 10 feet – say goodbye to bad backs from camping!
Constructed from double-stitched 100% cotton canvas and treated with water repellent, this bell tent can stand up to the elements year-round. It also has fantastic ventilation thanks to four (zippered) windows, four vents, and the option to roll up the sidewall. Plus, the door and all vents and windows are lined with mesh to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
The groundsheet is sewn into the inner layer for ease of set-up, but the entire inner layer can be removed if you want to go for a minimal camping experience in hot weather. There’s also a stove hole at around 18 inches so you don’t have to give up gourmet food while you’re out in the wilderness. We wish we knew how much this tent weighed, but we’ve not managed to find this information online…
It is slightly expensive for a four-person camping tent – but then again, it’s packed full of great features too – you even get a mallet included! With great ventilation, a stylish appearance, and suitable for 4-season use, this is certainly one of our favorite canvas tents.
With its classic safari-style appearance, the TETON Sports Sierra Tent instantly worked its way into our hearts (although it’s also available in white if you prefer).
This Teton Sports 4-season canvas tent fits up to 10 people, although if you like your space, we’d recommend using it as a 6-person tent. But no matter how many people you squidge in your tent, you’ll be able to sneak in and out without waking anyone up thanks to the reliable zipper pulls and extra-large door (which also makes moving gear around a lot easier).
The 100% waterproof canvas, reinforced corners and seams, and large weather skirt will make sure you stay nice and dry in bad weather. And when the sun is shining, you can remove the flooring completely, roll up the sidewall, and hang out in a well-ventilated canopy instead or, if this is too much, simply crack open the zippered windows and let them (and the vents) cool you down.
We also love that this tent features e-ports, so you can stay hooked up even when you’re off-grid. The stakes could be a little thicker and there’s no stove hole but, overall, there’s very little to complain about with this tent! Oh… and it comes with a lifetime warranty too, so you can relax about finally shelling out for a canvas tent.
And now for something a little different… the Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent. This 2-person tent is perfect for couples looking for all the protection and durability that a canvas tent offers but in the form of a truck tent.
One of the best things about trucking adventures is being able to battle the weather in your vehicle, but what’s the point if your tent lets you down? The Kodiak Canvas Tent is made of waterproof 100% cotton duck canvas and designed for year-round use (although Kodiak states not to use it in snowy conditions).
A sturdy steel tubing system connects the tent to temporary rails on the back of the truck (compatible with a range of vehicles). Unfortunately, all this metal does mean that this is one heavy 2-person tent… but you’ve got your truck with you so what does it matter?
There are tonnes of windows for ventilation, plus a cab window so you can access the front of the truck no problem. The domed roof maximizes space inside the canvas tent, and the large D-shaped door makes entering super easy – and features our favorite YKK zippers – and is covered by an extension, which gives it a porch-like fee.
So what’s the catch? Sadly, the Kodiak Canvas tent is one of the most expensive 2-person tents we’ve come across… but you really can’t put a price on the freedom of being able to drive and pitch up wherever you like all year round.
The DANCHEL Bell Tent is a great option for any couples looking for year-round luxury in the great outdoors.
Constructed from double-stitched waterproof canvas and with a bathtub-style floor, this canvas tent is waterproof, windproof, and even snowproof.
It also features not one but two stove jacks, so you really can cook in style (but don’t worry – they can be covered with flaps when not in use). You’ll also be pleased to know that the material surrounding the jacks is lined with fire-resistant strips, so you don’t have to stress about the main fabric getting too hot.
It’s super simple to set up – just erect the center pole and door frame and you’re done. The main door has a mesh lining so you can let a gentle breeze flow through and keep you cool while keeping the bugs out – just watch out for the zippers as they need a good tug. We also love that with its great center height, you won’t give yourself a bad back from hunching over.
One of the main drawbacks of this canvas tent is the price – it certainly isn’t the cheapest option out there, although it is covered by a 5-year warranty so you won’t have to purchase another any time soon. It’s also very heavy, but if you’ll be driving to your campsite, then this isn’t such a big issue.
Overall, if you want a high-quality tent that’s great even in the coldest of temperatures, then this could be the one for you.
If you want a canvas tent that feels more like a lakeside cabin on the inside than a tent, then we recommend the Trek Tents Family Tent.
This fantastic tent sleeps up to 9 people and has a really homey feel about it. The roof gradually slopes towards the tall center, maximizing interior space and making it a great option for tall people. The door is also extra tall, which makes transporting your gear in and out a doddle and also allows great ventilation through the mesh screen.
The airflow is further improved by the three extra-large windows but, don’t worry, you can zip them up and cover the zippers with storm flaps when you need protection from the elements.
This canvas tent is suitable for 4-season use thanks to the sturdy canvas used for its construction, including at the base, which is further reinforced with vinyl. We absolutely love that the steel frames are powder-coated to protect against rust and abrasions, and the interior pockets are a nice home comfort you don’t often see in canvas tents.
It’s also not too heavy considering its large capacity, but we do wish it was a little more affordable. It would be nice if it had a stove jack too, but we guess you can’t have everything eh.
Last but by no means least on our list of the best canvas tents is the TETON Sports Mesa Tent. This tent merges the design of classic pointy tents with cabin-like tents, resulting in the best of both worlds.
The waterproof canvas provides 4-season protection, and the door is absolutely huge for ease of access as well as great ventilation when you need it. The zippers are sturdy, the stakes are made of carbon steel, and the floor is constructed from heavy-duty waterproof interwoven polymer so you know it won’t let you down.
The tall walls and rectangular roof maximize headspace, yet there are tonnes of features usually reserved for classic tents. These include dual mesh overhead storage areas, a door that can be propped up to form a porch, and a hanging organizer full of pockets. Oh, and there are dual e-ports too so you can keep yourself powered up.
Like most high-quality canvas tents, it isn’t the cheapest – but it’s not too bad for a 6-person tent either. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty so, with the right maintenance, you may never need to invest in a tent again. We wish it had a stove jack too but, overall, we still can’t get enough of this tent.
There you have it – the best canvas tents currently on the market. But what is it you should really be keeping an eye on when you’re shopping around?
Canvas tents tend to be way larger than classic tents, but it’s worth checking the dimensions out fully. Bell tents in particular can have a verge large center height, but not actually have loads of space up top due to the sloped roof (cabin-like tents avoid this issue) so it’s worth thinking about how much space you really want.
If you want your canvas tent to survive year-round use, then it needs to be made of high-end materials. 100% cotton canvas is great, but remember that it does need retreating to be fully waterproof – this is often already applied but if not you can do this yourself (and will need to eventually when the original wears off).
It’s a good idea to get a reinforced floor (rubber, PVC, etc) to make sure no water gets in through the bottom. Double-stitched seams are great for general durability too.
As we’ve seen, there are tonnes of quirky features that set canvas tents apart from one another – stove jacks, interior pockets, extra windows, e-ports… just to name a few. Although these can be fun, just bear in mind that loads of extra features will most likely bump up the price, so you want to make sure they’re worth it.
And finally, what are our absolute favorite canvas tents?
If you’re after a super spacious canvas tent that won’t break the bank, then we recommend the TETON Sports Sierra Tent.
Its huge interior, extra-large door, and e-ports really do make this feel more like a mansion than a tent! Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty… and all at a very reasonable price – what a winner.
Our top cabin canvas tent is the Trek Tents Family Tent thanks to its incredibly homey vibes. It’s also super spacious… with a large ceiling, large windows, and a large door you’ll probably feel like you’ve shrunk a few feet in here!
Durable, stylish, and with loads of internal storage options, this tent really does have a lot to offer.
But what’s our number one canvas tent? It has to be the Stout Bell Tent – how could it not be with all its cool features?
The customizable stove jack, e-ports, and tonnes of accessories are all fantastic touches, plus it’s one of the most durable canvas tents we’ve come across (we don’t think they could fit any more stitching on there if they tried!).
With a 5-year warranty included, this is one investment you won’t regret, trust us.