ReviewHub logo

Tech

Outdoors

Kitchen

Appliances

More

The Best Canopy Tent for Camping and Picnics

Updated Dec 11, 2022
When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Canopy tents go by a lot of names: screen houses, outdoor canopies, camping shelters, day tents, camping gazebos, patio shelters, portable shelters, and (our favorite) portable gazebos. No matter what you call them, though, a good one should protect you from the trifecta of outdoor discomforts—sun, rain, and bugs—while you’re picnicking or camping, and it should be intuitively designed and pleasant to sit in. Our favorite of the eight canopy tents we tested, the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter ticks all those boxes. However, it isn’t meant as a place to sleep; for that you should choose a regular car-camping tent.

REI Co-Op Screen House Shelter, the best canopy tent for camping and picnics

REI Co-Op Screen House Shelter

The best canopy tent for camping and picnics
Our favorite canopy tent is a simply designed, comfortable shelter that offers protection from bugs, sun, and rain.
We recommend
L.L.Bean Woodlands Screen House, similar to our top pick, but less headroom

L.L.Bean Woodlands Screen House

Similar to our top pick, but less headroom
A lower roof makes this shelter feel notably smaller than our top pick, but it’s also durably made and ready to pair with a superior rain fly (sold separately).
Another good choice
Coleman Mountain View 12 × 12 Screendome Shelter, a bigger and more versatile option

Coleman Mountain View 12 × 12 Screendome Shelter

A bigger and more versatile option
The Coleman Mountain View is a spacious, adjustable canopy that offers more sun protection than either of our top picks. But it also suffers more durability complaints and frequently goes out of stock.
Another good choice
Clam Quick-Set Escape, heavier duty canopy tent, for harsher weather

Clam Quick-Set Escape

Heavier duty canopy tent, for harsher weather
The Quick-Set Escape is a tougher, heavier shelter, and it sets up in a snap.
Another good choice

Subscribe to the newsletter

Get notified about promotions, exceptional deals, and stay up to date.


© 2023 ReviewHub. All rights reserved