Are you seeking the best canvas tents for everyday adventures? We researched more than 50 models available in 2023 and tested the best 8 side-by-side. These are our top picks for canvas tents for camping so that you’re getting the best quality canvas tent for a great price.
Canvas tents are made of a durable material that will last a lot longer than a regular nylon tent. They also tend to be more expensive than nylon tents because of their construction and the way they’re made. You might be wondering: why should I choose a canvas tent over a nylon tent? It’s because they’re a much better option than nylon tents if you plan on using the canvas tent through all 4 seasons. Their thick material means you can use it during the cold winter seasons, and their ventilation means you can use it in the warm summer months.
Considering that all canvas tents are heavy, durable and weatherproof, we did not estimate these features as highly important, yet we built our ranking on tent weight since there are different models with the same dimensions but very different weight. Most canvas tent’s parts come in 2 or even 3 different packages, which we did not take into account for on this review.
All canvas tents are heavy, bulky, expensive but durable, breathable, UV protected and can be used in all 4 seasons. Depending on your preferences, many of these tents offer awesome features like extra wind protection from heavy winds, durable material that’s 100% waterproof, stove-friendly compatibility, easy assembly for one person, and roomy interiors.
Comparison Table
| Best Feature | Dimensions | Weight | Material | Capacity | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best All-Around Canvas Tent
Flex-Bow Deluxe
Kodiak Canvas
|
84″ x 78″ awning | 65 lbs. | Polyester-reinforced vinyl | 8 persons |
|
|
|
Best Windproof Canvas Tent
Alpha Kilo 4000
Bushtec Adventure
|
10′ x 10′ x 7′ | 80 lbs. | Military Rip-stop canvas | 6 persons |
|
|
|
Best Canvas Tent for Stove
Bell Tent
Happybuy
|
16.3' x 16.3' x 9.8' | 81.5 lbs | Waterproof Cotton | 10-12 persons |
|
|
|
Best Canvas Truck Tent
Truck Bed Tent
Kodiak Canvas
|
Tall 5' ceiling height | 45 lbs. | 100% Cotton Duck Canvas | 2-3 persons |
|
|
|
Best Canvas Tent for 2 Stoves
Bell Tent
DANCHEL OUTDOOR
|
10'-20'diam/10' height | 83 lbs. | 300gsm cotton fabric | 2 persons |
|
|
|
Best 1 Person Canvas Tent
Swag Tent
KODIAK CANVAS
|
80” x 35” x 27” | 17.5 lbs. | 100% cotton duck canvas | 1 |
|
|
|
Extra Large Canvas Tent
Alpha Wall
WHITEDUCK
|
10'x12' – 16'x20' | 192 – 379 lbs. | Fire/Water Repellent | 8 – 14 |
|
|
|
Best Bang for Your Buck
Large Tent
GEERTOP
|
82.6 | 10.58 lbs. | High density nylon mesh | 4 persons |
|
|
Best All-Around Canvas Tent – Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow
| Dimensions | 84″ x 78″ awning |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65 lbs. |
| Material | Polyester-reinforced vinyl |
| Capacity | 8 persons |
The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow is the best all-around canvas tent. It has a 6’6” ceiling height, which allows you to comfortably walk around your tent without having to duck your head. There are two D-shaped entry and exit doors to make it easy to zip up your tent with its #10 YKK zippers, and four windows with no-see-um mesh, which means that you can still get the ventilation or sunlight without having to worry about bugs coming into your tent.
The 12-inch steel rods keep it steady and durable, even in inclement weather. It weighs 65 pounds, which means it’s not too heavy to carry around with you. Cross ventilation is easily attained with its two funnel-flow vents, which will help with temperature control and the flow of a breeze coming into and out of your canvas tent. You can hang out underneath the 84x78-inch awning, which will give you nice shade on the hottest days.
We’ve tested this product and found that there is no pole in the middle of the tent, which can be a bit difficult if you’re a tall person. It takes 1 person to set up, making it the easiest to set up in the entire best canvas tent list. You don’t have to worry about taking this out in any kind of weather, since it’s absolutely waterproof. There are no leaks whatsoever, even in hard weather. One of the only disadvantages of this canvas tent it that the sloped sides provide less room than expected however, so you may find it feels a bit smaller than you would think by just looking at it.
- Very easy to set up – only takes 1 person
- Waterproof – no leaks in rainy or snowy weather
- No pole in the middle of the tent
- Sloping sides provide less room
Best Windproof Canvas Tent – Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000
| Dimensions | 10′ x 10′ x 7′ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 80 lbs. |
| Material | Military Rip-stop canvas |
| Capacity | 6 persons |
The Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000 has a frame that is spring steel and powder coated, meaning the tent is durable and sturdy. There are dual inner and outer flaps making it well ventilated in warm weather and insulated in cold weather. They treat their 550gsm canvas during the production of the canvas tent, to give you ultimate protection from the wind. Easily stand up and walk around in its roomy 7” ceiling. You can bring this tent winter mountaineering or when you’re camping during heavy snow accumulation. The top air vents with its double ceiling allow for great ventilation, which is convenient in warm weather. Enjoy the extended porch from the canvas top cover that extends outwards.
We’ve tested this canvas tent and found that it’s much more resistant to strong winds than any other tent in the list, except for small 1 person and truck tents. It withstands the wind of 100mph as advertised, so if you’re going camping in a windy place, this tent is a great option. One of the downsides is that it’s much more difficult to set up than the Kodiak Canvas Swag Tent and Kodiak Canvas Flex-Blow canvas tent, which means that you should realistically have at least one other person camping with you to help you set up the tent. It weighs 80 pounds, 15 more than our top-1 pick Kodiak Flex-Bow. It would definitely be our top-1 best canvas tent pick if not for the weight and complicated set up process.
- Resistant to winds up to 100 mph
- Sturdy steel frame
- Very difficult to set up
Best Canvas Tent for Stove – Happybuy Bell Tent
| Dimensions | 16.3′ x 16.3′ x 9.8′ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 81.5 lbs |
| Material | Waterproof Cotton |
| Capacity | 10-12 persons |
The HappyBuy Bell Tent is our top pick for canvas tents for stoves. It has four holes in the top for smooth exhaust, which means that you can cook inside the comfort of your canvas tent without having to worry too much about the weather outside or worry about bugs getting into your food. It’s very large and can fit about 10 people. There are several sizes to choose from depending on which kind of size is most comfortable for you. It comes in 13.1 ft, 16.4 ft, and 19.7 ft with the stove hole. The galvanized tube frames and tight nylon rope are fixated with wind rope nails that keep it steady even in high winds and rainy weather.
Upon testing, we’ve found that it’s 200$ cheaper than Danchel Outdoor canvas tent, but it lacks an extra hole for the second stove, meaning you’ll have to stick to just one stove if you have this tent. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem if you can manage your meals with less equipment. The chimney hole location is quite low, meaning it doesn’t suit every kind of stove (25”). The heavy-duty zippers are difficult to work after a year of use, which means you might have to get them replaced. This can be frustrating especially if you’re looking for a long-term tent that doesn’t require much fixing up. It’s easy to set up, almost as easy as the Kodiak Flex-Bow canvas tent. If you’re looking to get the best canvas tent for camping plus a stove, then the Happybuy Bell Tent is your best option.
- Cheaper option when compared to other canvas tents with a stove
- Large tent that can fit a lot of people
- Heavy-duty zippers might need replacement after 1-year
- Low chimney hole not suitable for every kind of stove
Best Canvas Truck Tent – Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
| Dimensions | Tall 5′ ceiling height |
|---|---|
| Weight | 45 lbs. |
| Material | 100% Cotton Duck Canvas |
| Capacity | 2-3 persons |
The Kodiak Canvas Trust tent is the best canvas truck tent on the list. It’s 100% cotton duck canvas, meaning it’s a durable, sturdy material that will last a long time. Its ¾ inch steel tube frame connects it to the clamp rails which keep it well-connected to the truck. Even though it’s a good canvas tent for most seasons, it’s not recommended to be used during heavy snow as you might not get the protection that you need.
We’ve tested this product and found that it’s unfortunately not as breathable as it should be for a canvas tent. Technically, it can get very hot during the warm months so if you’re using it in a hot climate, you might want to consider parking your car under some shade during the hottest part of the day to make up for this. It has good ventilation with 5 windows and a big D-shape door. It also provides a cab access window.
One of the biggest downsides is that it’s really difficult to set up and takes a lot of time, especially when compared to the White Duck Alpha Wall canvas tent, which has different colored poles for easier set up. On the other hand, canvas truck tents typically take a while to set up. If you’re camping with someone else, it will be easier to set up and can even be fun! It has a reliable big net, which means it keeps out the bugs and provides a comfortable sleep without having to worry about any annoying pests.
- Big D-shaped door
- Reliable big net
- Not as breathable as it should be
- Very difficult to set up
Best Canvas Tent for 2 Stoves – Danchel Outdoor Bell Tent
| Dimensions | 10′-20’diam/10′ height |
|---|---|
| Weight | 83 lbs. |
| Material | 300gsm cotton fabric |
| Capacity | 2 persons |
The Danchel Outdoor Bell Tent is one of the best canvas tents for camping, especially when it comes to a tent for 2 stoves. Its high temperature resistant material makes it one of the safest and long-lasting tents that can take up to 500 degrees, without burning or melting. It comes with a 5-year warranty, so if you have any major accidents while cooking, you’re covered! When you’re not using the stove, you can easily cover it with a flap. When cooking inside of your tent, it’s important to make sure it’s well ventilated to prevent against carbon monoxide poisoning. The zippers on the floor and wall can be rolled up and down for easy access. They’re designed to keep bugs out and give you ultimate protection from any critters or pests that you might encounter while you’re camping.
Our team tested this canvas tent and found that it has incredible snow and water-resistant material, even better than the Happybuy Bell Tent. On the other hand, it’s $200 more expensive than the Happybuy Bell Tent, but it’s worth the price so you’re guaranteed to have more durable material that will last a lot longer. This canvas tent is a great choice if you are ready to spend extra 200$ for the second chimney hole and more weather resistant material. The tent is supported by one pole in the middle, and then stakes and pegs on the sides. The chimney hole diameter is 3.9 inches, professionally installed to give you the best design on the market.
- Snow and water-resistant material
- Second chimney hole for extra stove
- $200 more expensive than its competitors
Best 1 Person Canvas Tent – Kodiak Canvas Swag Tent
| Dimensions | 80” x 35” x 27” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17.5 lbs. |
| Material | 100% cotton duck canvas |
| Capacity | 1 |
At nearly 3 feet wide and 6’8” long, the Kodiak Canvas Swag Tent is the best 1-person canvas tent on this list. Its roomy and there’s a comfortable flannel cover and 2-inch foam mattress pad included. You’ll have an amazing, comfortable sleep when you’re camping in this canvas tent! The top unzips, so you have good screen protection. You’ll have extra temperature management because of the zippers and the way they open from head to toe. If you’re feeling too warm, simply unzip them, and if you’re feeling to cold, simply zip them back up! The zippers also act as a screen shelter which you can use to keep the bugs outside and control the temperature on the inside. You’ll also be protected from noise from the outside, as it’s insulation keeps noise out to give you one of the most comfortable sleeps you’ve ever had.
Our tested experience has found that it’s very easy to assemble, which is great since you’ll be camping by yourself! It’s also small enough for car or motorcycle camping, making it really easy to carry around with you when you go on a solo road trip. On the downside, there’s only enough room only for 1 sleeping bag or pad; it lacks a bit more space for gear or a dog for the price that you’re going to pay. You might need to pack light if you have the Kodiak Canvas Swag Tent. If it’s just you and a little bit of gear, then you’ll find this tent gives you just what you need.
- Includes flannel cover and 2-inch foam mattress
- Small enough size for car or motorcycle camping
- Lacks space for gear or a dog
Extra Large Canvas Tent – White Duck Alpha Wall
| Dimensions | 10’x12′ – 16’x20′ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 192 – 379 lbs. |
| Material | Fire/Water Repellent |
| Capacity | 8 – 14 |
The White Duck Alpha Wall is the best extra-large canvas tent. It has a 5” stove jack and is very durable. It has three layers of protection so if you’re caught in the middle of a storm, you don’t have to worry! It comes with a waterproof tent bag so you can be extra prepared if you’re ever caught in a massive rainstorm. It also comes with an aluminum frame and floating PVC floor, so you don’t have to make any extra purchases.
The triangular windows are large and allow for proper ventilation and insulation in all sorts of weather. The military grade YKK zippers are durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace them like you would with the Happybuy Bell Tent. The seams are double stitched, so you won’t have to worry about the wear and tear that happens over time with canvas tents.
Our team has tested the White Duck Alpha Wall and found that it’s not as easy to set up as the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Blow tent, since it needs at least 2 people to set up. This means that you’ll probably need to go camping with at least one other person if you purchase this tent canvas. It also weighs over a hundred pounds, which is much heavier than the 80-pound Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000. The 6” sun and weather shade protects from the sun and the rain. It’s extra protection that’s necessary when you’re camping and can’t predict the weather!
Luckily, the poles are marked in green and red color for easier set up, meaning that instructions are easy to follow, and you won’t spend hours trying to put together the tent. It’s also quite affordable for other canvas tents of the same rank, meaning you’re getting more for what you pay.
- Poles are marked for easy assemble
- Three layers of protection from weather
- Difficult to set up with one person
Best Bang for Your Buck – Geertop
| Dimensions | 82.6 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.58 lbs. |
| Material | High density nylon mesh |
| Capacity | 4 persons |
The Geertop is the best bang for your buck and is great for 4 people, in all 4 seasons. The quality material means it’s both long-lasting, waterproof, and durable, so you’ll have this tent for years to come. It’s also incredibly easy and straightforward to set up. You can do it in three simple steps, which means you’ll be hanging out with your friends or family in no time! Simply unfold the poles and slide them together. There are two long poles, two middle sized poles, and one short pole that you need to connect to either the gray or black color poles to set up the tent.
We’ve tested this tent and found that it has 2 mesh doors, which means that it has great ventilation. If you’re camping with several other people, these 2 doors will give you the feeling of having tons of room and space. The flysheet also has five vents, so you’ll get a nice breeze during the warm camping months. It’s roomy from the inside, so you can go camping with friends or family and have plenty of space to stretch out. It weighs only 10.5 pounds, which is great for a canvas tent and means it’s that much easier to transport from one place to the next. This tent is affordable and you’ll get the most out of what you pay. You can use the money you saved to buy more clothes, supplies, hiking gear, and camping gear to bring with you on your next big camping trip.
- Two mesh doors and five vents
- Roomy
- Lightweight
- Not as weather resistant as competitors
Buyer’s Guide
There are many important things to consider when you’re choosing a reviewed product. Firstly, you have to choose a product that suits your budget. Once you figure out your budget and how much you’re realistically willing to spend on a product, it will make it that much easier to choose something. You’ll want to pick a product that is worth the price you’re going to pay – meaning, if you’re going to pay a lot of money for a canvas tent, it better deliver everything you’re paying for!
You’ll want to ask yourself what sort of camping trips you’re going to take. Are you going to be camping mainly in warm weather climates? Or cold weather climates with a lot of wind? Even though canvas tents are made for 4 seasons, there are some features of certain tents that offer better protection in certain types of climate or certain types of detrimental weather like heavy rain or wind. If you’ll mostly be in warm weather climates, you’ll want to choose a tent that offers a lot of ventilation. If you’re going to be in cold weather climates or wind, you’ll want a canvas tent with a lot of ventilation that is wind resistant, even up to 100 mph winds. Additionally, you’ll want to look for tents that are waterproof and protected from UV rays. If they’re waterproof, you won’t have to worry about the harmful effects from the buildup of condensation, which can easily happen as moisture levels rise, when the temperature drops below its dew point.
How spacious you want the interior to be really depends on if you’re going to be camping with friends, family, a lot of gear or even a pet. The more space you have, the better. This will take into account any extra things you might want to bring, such as extra food, water, cooking supplies, or hiking gear. If you’re going camping in a cold weather climate, then you’re definitely going to bring extra clothes and thicker sleeping bags than you would if you were going camping in a warm weather climate. If you’re mainly sticking to warm places, you might be better off getting a tent with less space so it’s easier to carry around with you. If you travel with a dog, you’ll want to consider getting a tent with that much more space so you and your dog have enough room to lounge around inside of the tent.
Setting up the tent and the ease at which it can be done is another factor you’ll want to take into consideration. If you’re camping by yourself, then purchasing a tent with easy setup is a good idea. If you’ll mainly be with other people, then in reality, you can get a tent that’s a bit more difficult to set up since you’ll have an extra pair of hands to help you. For example, the White Duck Alpha Wall canvas tent has color coded poles which makes it easy to assemble, however you need another extra pair of hands in order to actually put the tent together. Canvas tents can take some extra time to set up since they’re heavier and bulkier than nylon tents. Some tents, like the Kodiak Canvas Swag Tent, is easy to set up for just one-person. This is a big factor to consider when you’re purchasing a canvas tent.
How to choose a canvas tent for your dog?
If you’re planning on camping with your dog, then you’ll want to take some extra considerations into hand to make sure that you and your dog are both safe while camping. You’ll want to choose a canvas tent that offers extra dog safety. You don’t want to buy a tent that’s easy to open and risk having your dog slip through and run away into the woods. You also want a tent that prevents outside animals from entering the tent, should they smell your dog! You’ll want a well-ventilated tent that protects from every sort of weather and doesn’t get too hot in the sun or too cold in the winter. Make sure your dog is used to sleeping in your tent before bringing them camping for the first time to help reduce their stress and anxiety levels.
Make sure you choose a tent with a waterproof floor and one that’s padded so your dog feels comfortable sleeping on the ground. Choose a tent that’s roomy, so you don’t feel claustrophobic with both you and your dog inside of the tent together.
Conclusion
It can seem daunting choosing just one of the best canvas tents to go camping with. Our top pick is the Kodiak Canvas-Flex Blow, since it’s very easy to set up, which is good if you’re only one person. It’s also waterproof, and despite the pole in the middle which can be annoying for very tall people, it’s still one of the best quality canvas tents. The Geertop is the best bang for your buck, since it’s very lightweight and easy to carry around and roomy, even though it’s not as weather resistant as its competitors.
If you’re looking for a canvas tent for your truck, then the Kodiak Canvas Truck tent is the best option. It has a big D-shaped door and reliable net, though it can be very difficult to set up. Camping in windy weather will require the Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000, since it does very well in winds up to 100 mph due to its sturdy steel frame, even though it can be difficult to set up. For cooking with a stove top, choose the Happybuy Bell Tent, since it can fit a lot of people even though the zippers aren’t as durable as they could be.
For camping with friends, family, and large groups of people, the White Duck Alpha Wall tent is the best option, as long as you have helping hands for assembly. For you solo campers, get the Kodiak Canvas Swag tent, even though you’ll probably have to pack lightly. The Danchel Outdoor Bell Tent is the best option for 2 stoves, even though it’s a bit pricier than other tents.
Whichever tent you choose, you’ll have an amazing time camping, a comfortable sleep, and protection from all sorts of weather. Canvas tents are a much better option than nylon tents even though they’re more expensive. They last a lot longer, so you’re getting a return on your investment. If you purchase a nylon tent, there’s a big chance you’ll have to continuously replace it and end up spending more money than you would buying one expensive canvas tent. Additionally, you will have more protection from rain and sun when you’re in a canvas tent. If your gear gets damaged from rain or snow, then your camping trip might be ruined! However, with high-quality canvas tents, you won’t have to worry about damage from the weather, as long as your tent is set up correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canvas tents are so expensive because of the material they’re made with. Canvas tents are UV protected, waterproof, durable, and long-lasting. They use much higher quality material than simple camping tents made of nylon. However, this investment is well worth the price you pay, since you won’t have to continuously replace parts or replace the tent if it gets damaged due to something like wear and tear, heat exposure, or water damage. Because canvas tents are bulkier and heavier than nylon tents, you’ll want to make sure you won’t have to lug the canvas tent great distances. If you’re camping close to your car, then this won’t be a problem since you can simply pack the canvas tent inside of your car and you’re good to go.
Canvas tents are also expensive because their cotton material and water and UV resistant coating means you won’t face as many troubles as you would with a nylon tent. You don’t have to worry about condensation, exposure to the sun, or objects getting ruined from heavy rain.
They are not machine washable. If you throw your canvas tent into a washing machine, even on a gently cycle, it can damage the seam tapings, mesh, coating on the fabric, material, and more. If you want to wash your canvas tent, then it’s recommended that you instead scrub the tent gently with a mixture of salt, water, and lemon. Using soaps or detergent on your canvas tent can damage the material and is very tough to rinse out. It can also be tough on material and may stain it, so it’s better to use gentler products that aren’t damaging. The good thing is that your canvas tent doesn’t have to be washed too often, as long as you don’t have any major spills inside.
Yes, canvas tents are treated with fire retardant chemicals that make it less likely to be flammable should anything happen. This is especially true with tens such as the Danchel Outdoor Bell Tent and the Happybuy Bell Tent, which are stove-friendly tents. Some canvas tents, such as the Danchel Outdoor Bell Tent, can take temperatures up to 500 degrees while cooking. On the other hand, canvas tents aren’t necessarily resistant to flames, so be careful if you’re lighting a fire near your tent. Make sure it’s at a safe enough distance away in case the wind starts to pick up.
You’ll want to make sure you’re camping on a hard surface without any rocks or glass that can cut through the material or make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep. If you clear the ground before setting up your tent, then you’re sure to be protected from any uncomfortable objects left on the ground.
