Tailgate tents are a must-have for game days, camping trips, and festivals. They instantly expand your vehicle’s living space, offering fantastic protection from the sun or rain and creating a comfortable, shaded hub for friends and family to gather.
We’ve sifted through the crowded market, comparing setup styles, weatherproofing, and overall size to find the best options. This guide will break down our top 5 picks, from massive awnings for a party to quick-setup shelters for a small group, helping you find the perfect tent for your next adventure.
At a Glance: Top 5 Best Tailgate Tents
| Product Name | Key Features | Ideal Use |
| JOYTUTUS Tailgate Tent | 11×11 ft, 8-person, dual-use (standalone), mesh roof. | Large groups, versatility |
| Unp Tailgate Tent | 10×9 ft (6-person), 78″ height, standalone option. | Families, all-around camping |
| WildFinder Tailgate Tent | PU3000mm waterproof, sealed seams, 8×8 ft. | Bad weather, durability |
| aomxay Tailgate Tent | Magnetic attachment, no poles, 6×6.5 ft (4-person). | Quick setup, small groups |
| KAMPKEEPER Tailgate Tent | 110 sq-ft awning, one-pole setup, UV-blocking. | Maximum shade, tailgating parties |
Top 5 Best Tailgate Tents 2025
🥇1. JOYTUTUS Tailgate Tent
Best for Large Groups and Versatility: This roomy 11×11 foot tent offers space for up to eight people and is split into two functional zones for living and privacy. It’s a standout for its dual-use design, allowing it to connect to your vehicle or be used as a freestanding gazebo.
- Fits a wide range of vehicles (SUVs, MPVs, CUVs, small RVs).
- Quick 5-minute setup with two people.
- Features a mesh “starry sky” roof for stargazing and airflow.
- Includes a rainfly for storm protection.
- Made from durable 210D Oxford fabric with fiberglass poles.
🥈2. Unp Tailgate Tent
Best for Family Camping: This tent delivers family-sized comfort with a generous 10×9 foot floor plan and a 78-inch center height, allowing up to six people to stand upright. It seamlessly connects to your car but can also be detached for standalone use.
- Roomy 78-inch (6.5 ft) center height.
- Detaches from the vehicle to become a standalone 6-person tent.
- Mesh windows and a mesh roof provide excellent airflow.
- Removable rainfly for enjoying stars on clear nights.
- Made from high-quality polyester for wind and rain resistance.
🥉3. WildFinder Tailgate Tent
Best for Bad Weather: The WildFinder focuses on durability and protection, featuring a PU3000mm waterproof coating and fully sealed seams to handle heavy rain and wind.
- Spacious 8×8 foot tent (over 7 feet high) fits 4-6 people.
- Allows access to your vehicle’s interior for A/C or heat.
- Built tough with reinforced zippers and durable poles.
- Functions as a standalone shelter when detached from the vehicle.
🏅4. aomxay Tailgate Tent
Best for Quick, Pole-Free Setup: Designed for simplicity, this tent uses a smart magnetic attachment system that securely fits to most SUVs and hatchbacks. It requires no poles and sets up in minutes.
- Completely pole-free, hassle-free assembly.
- Measures 6×6.5 feet, comfortably fitting up to four people.
- Waterproof fabric keeps rain and wind out.
- Integrated mosquito netting allows for bug-free airflow.
- Lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for spontaneous trips.
🏅5. KAMPKEEPER Tailgate Tent
Best for Maximum Shade: This tent stands out for its impressive 110-square-foot awning area, providing massive shade coverage for chairs, tables, and cooking setups.
- Simple 10-minute setup with just one main pole.
- Silver-coated interior blocks UV rays and keeps the area cool.
- Zippered awning adds privacy when needed.
- Tough 150D polyester with a PU800mm water-repellent coating.
- Versatile design fits sedans, SUVs, vans, and 4x4s.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best tailgate tent depends on your needs. For maximum space and versatility, the JOYTUTUS is a great all-in-one. For the quickest setup, the aomxay’s magnetic design is unbeatable. If your main goal is creating a large, shaded area for a party, the KAMPKEEPER’s massive awning is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between a connected and a standalone tailgate tent?
A connected tent, like most on this list, attaches to your vehicle’s hatch to use the car as storage or sleeping space. Some, like the JOYTUTUS and Unp, also have a dual-use design, allowing them to be fully detached and used as a standalone tent.
How long does it take to set up a tailgate tent?
It varies. The aomxay uses magnets for a setup in minutes. The JOYTUTUS takes about 5 minutes with two people, and the KAMPKEEPER (despite its large awning) takes only about 10 minutes due to its simple one-pole structure.
Are tailgate tents waterproof?
Yes, most are designed for weather protection. The WildFinder is specifically built for heavy rain with a PU3000mm waterproof coating and sealed seams. Others, like the JOYTUTUS and KAMPKEEPER, have rainflies and water-repellent coatings to keep you dry.
Can I use a tailgate tent on a car that isn’t an SUV?
It depends on the tent. While most are designed for SUVs and CUVs, some, like the KAMPKEEPER, are versatile enough to fit sedans, vans, and 4x4s as well. Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before buying.
Do I need poles for a tailgate tent?
Most tailgate tents, like the JOYTUTUS and WildFinder, use fiberglass poles for their structure. However, the aomxay tent is a pole-free design that uses a smart magnetic attachment system instead, making it ideal for those who want the quickest setup.
