Best Bell Tent | Upgrade Your Camping Gear!
Get ready for the perfect summer of camping with these amazing bell tents! Find out which is best for you and upgrade your gear!
Are you looking for a new and exciting way to camp?
Traditional camping can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a little bit monotonous.
That’s why we love bell tents – they add a touch of excitement and luxury to your camping experience. With their unique design, you can enjoy all the benefits of traditional camping while also having some extra space to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Not only are bell tents perfect for camping but they can also be used for other outdoor activities like festivals and glamping. So, if you are looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience, one of these tents is definitely for you!
How We Picked
You want to buy a bell tent, but there are so many options out there. How do you know which one is the best for you?
It can be tough to figure out which bell tent is the right fit for your needs. With so many options available, it's hard to know where to start.
We've done the hard work for you. After reading thousands of reviews and scouring the internet, we've brought you the best bell tents on the market. Whether you're looking for a family-sized bell tent or something smaller for solo camping trips, we have something perfect for you.
Disclosure: We only recommend things we’ve personally used or come highly recommended by trusted peers. Using one of our referral links might give us a small commission which helps support this website at no additional cost to you. If you’d like to learn more check out our disclaimer page.
Why We Chose
Unique adventures start with the WHITEDUCK Avalon Canvas Bell Tent. With extraordinary quality and heavy-duty construction, it's no wonder that this tent is a great investment.
When you're looking for the best canvas tent, they have established themselves as the premier supplier of quality tents that are built to last.
It's both functional and well-made, designed to be set up in no time whatever terrain you're in.
Additionally, it has been tested by some of the toughest conditions, like exceptionally high winds, freezing temperatures, and still not one drop of water has found its way inside.
The Rundown
Crafted with 10.10 oz Army Duck canvas in natural white, this breathable and lightweight material is treated with an eco-friendly PFC-free finish that's both waterproof & UV resistant, ensuring a safe and fun experience no matter where you go. And just to make sure you're extra prepared: it can also come fire retardant too!
- Enjoy maximum functionality thanks to heavy-duty trouble-free top-grade zippers on both windows and doors.
- With an easily detachable zip/zip floor as well as two layer of protection from critters while still allowing in that cool night breeze, you won't be disappointed with your choice!
Material: Canvas | Weight (6 person): 82lbs | Center Height: 8' 5"
✔ Detachable floor |✖️ Expensive
✔ Built-in stove jack
✔ 4 season capable
✔ Looks great
Why We Chose
This tent has been put to the test in multiple instances, and it always comes out on top. From its superior ability to keep you dry even during the rainiest of times, to how cozy and warm it kept us on our last outing when temperatures dropped down into the low 30s, this tent proves why it’s the perfect companion for any outdoor excursion.
And even with four adults and all of their gear stuffed inside, we still had more than enough room.
The Rundown
- 100% cotton 8.5 oz Army Duck Canvas is the cream of the crop with its Beige color and extra features like Waterproof & UV resistance as well our Fire Retardant finish option.
- This top-grade shelter features a high-quality sewn-in PE groundsheet, four strategic vents for extra ventilation, heavy-duty zippers to ensure reliable function and a galvanized steel entrance pole plus center pole.
- Complete with convenient access points such as a 5” wide stove jack opening or mesh doors/windows - topped off by an all-inclusive tool kit (packed in a waterproof bag).
Material: Canvas | Weight (6 person): 83lbs | Center Height: 9' 8"
✔ Easy setup in 15 minutes
✔ High ceiling
✔ Stove jack cut out
✔ Excellent waterproofness
✖️ Pricey
Why We Chose
This amazing tent is constructed from sturdy cotton canvas that is designed to withstand even the toughest storms. Just ask one happy customer: a massive tree branch landed on the A-frame near the front door of their tent and it didn't budge.
And don't worry about leaking, this tent is completely waterproof. On top of all that, its side walls are spacious enough to accommodate lots of people. Ready to make your camping dreams a reality? Then don't hesitate to buy this remarkable tent – you won't regret it!
The Rundown
Outfitted with 8.5oz/yd² (285gsm) canvas khaki fabric, this waterproof yurt blocks out the rain while allowing air to move freely throughout - keeping interiors cooler in scorching heat and warmer during blustery chills!
- With a 5-inch side wall grommet, you can run an extension cord to power your lights or home appliances.
- 4 roof vents and mesh design windows that can be raised in the summer for better views.
- Enjoy a secure camping experience with the durable A-FRAME. With its heavy-duty zipped front door.
Material: Canvas | Weight (4 person): 60lbs | Center Height: 8.2ft
✔ Lightweight for a canvas tent
✔ Extension cord hole
✔ Removable groundsheet
✖️ Stove jack is located on the side
✖️ Only recommended for 3 seasons
Why We Chose
This generous 16-foot tent can provide you with enough space to fit your family, without sacrificing any of the comfort. The Sierra Canvas is ideal for backyard camping adventures and luxurious glamping trips alike!
Set up takes mere minutes: simply roll out the groundsheet, stake it down, pop in the center pole and stakes, and voila - you've got yourself a cozy tent. When it's time to leave, taking it back down is just as easy. The special carrying bag included allows you to pack up quickly and easily without needing a tube-style bag.
But that doesn't mean that quality has been sacrificed; this tent is made of high-grade materials that guarantee years of outdoor fun. Not only does it boast an effortless setup, but also has excellent door frame efficiency, waterproof coating, and customizable comfort levels.
The Rundown
Forget about enduring the elements; with waterproof canvas you can enjoy all-season protection and optimal airflow, ensuring a comfortable family camping experience.
- Dynamic design features a removable floor so you can switch between an elegant canopy and a cozy tent for any outdoor adventure.
- With reliable zippers and extra-large pulls, this oversized tent door lets you easily get in and out of your tent.
- Provides ample room along with convenient access ports to keep you powered up, plus a large weather skirt for keeping out Mother Nature.
Material: Canvas | Weight (10 person): 56lbs | Center Height: 8.16ft
✔ Easy to set up
✔ Removable floor
✔ Large door
✖️ Small size
✖️ No rainfly
Why We Chose
The MC Canvas Tent Bell is the perfect pick for any roaring campfire, sleepover, or romantic evening in the woods. This tent is specially designed to be strong and durable - no matter what kind of rain or storm hits, you'll stay cozy and warm inside thanks to its waterproof construction and leak-proof design.
With plenty of room inside for two cots, gear, and even a heater, this tent ensures you'll have that extra bit of space and comfort when you need it most.
What's more? This tent sets up easily- just ask a friend to lend a hand while you stake it down- and offers ample headroom so no one has to feel cramped. Whether you're preparing for a camping trip where temperatures range from 40s to 60s or enjoying an evening in your own backyard, the MC Canvas Tent Bell has got you covered!
The Rundown
Our tent is made of the same durable and high-quality poly/cotton canvas as found at a famous Danish brand.
- Water resistant, it can handle even light to moderate rainfall like a champ. Plus its breathable fabric keeps things smelling fresh inside, making camping trips all around more enjoyable.
- Get your essentials organized and within easy reach with the built in storage bag – the perfect companion for cell phones, flashlights, keys, or any other personal items.
- With four windows, 4 roof vents, an impressive 5.1-inch stove jack installed on the roof, a fire-resistant fabric to keep you safe from harm's way.
- All seams are double-stitched with reinforced corners that make this structure robust enough to handle strong winds and even snowfall conditions like a champ!
Material: Canvas | Weight (2 person): 36.6lbs | Center Height: 6.6ft
✔ Built in storage bags
✔ Stove jack hole built-in
✔ Removable groundsheet
✖️ Not waterproof
Frequently Asked Questions
You've just seen a beautiful bell tent online and you're wondering if it's the right choice for your next camping trip.
It can be hard to know if a bell tent is the right purchase for you, especially if you've never slept in one before.
We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about bell tents so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing. From what type of ground to put your bell tent on, to how much space it takes up, we have all the answers here.
What is the advantage of a bell tent?
Bell tents are known for their luxurious comfort. They often have larger interior spaces than a traditional tent, making them ideal for families who want to spread out and enjoy themselves during their camping trip.
- The walls slope inward slightly which makes the tent stronger against wind and rain, something you won't find with canvas wall tents.
- The versatility in design means that most models come with additional features like ventilation systems, mosquito screening, or wall pockets to store small items.
Next, these tents provide remarkable insulation capabilities due to the cotton canvas material they are made out of.
- This allows campers to stay warmer on cold nights without needing extra blankets or additional insulation layers inside the tent itself; perfect if you're looking to save space and weight when packing for your outdoor adventure!
- Also worth noting is that because most canvas tents breathe so well condensation will collect on its surface rather than inside it; this means less moisture collecting around you as you sleep at night!
Finally, a bell-shaped tent serves as a fashionable focal point wherever they go - adding style and flair from afar - but also looks great when used at home too!
- From wedding receptions and garden parties to elegant (or rugged) campsites –bells tents serve as eye-catching centerpieces no matter what the occasion is.
Can you leave a bell tent up all year?
Yes, you can leave a bell tent up all year! With proper maintenance, set up, and storage techniques, bell tents are an ideal way to create a comfortable and enjoyable camping space that can last through every season.
First and foremost, it's important to properly pitch your bell tent. Make sure the base is absolutely level to ensure the structure stands strong against windy conditions.
Additionally, securely anchoring the tent with high-grade guy ropes is essential for keeping your setup in place during storms or heavy rain showers. The most popular stakes for anchoring your bells are Y-stakes (aka shepherd’s crook) or 'V' stakes which come with an angle of around 20 degrees from vertical action - both types should be hammered into the ground at least 6 inches deep so they won't pull out easily.
If you live in a particularly windy area or want extra security during extreme weather events like thunderstorms, tie down your stakes using additional lines wrapped around large rocks (this will also help keep out any small critters!).
To make sure mold doesn't grow on the canvas fabric of your bell tent during colder months where condensation may occur overnight due to temperature differences inside/outside of the tent - use a good quality breathable waterproofing spray (such as Nikwax TX Direct).
Having well-ventilated openings when possible will also reduce humidity build-up & mildew growth since damp air can escape more easily than if everything was sealed tightly shut!
Just remember regular inspection & maintenance including waterproofing treatments periodically throughout each season as well as proper storage preparation when entering cold winter periods –and most importantly taking note of how weather changes might affect these aspects over time mean that yes indeed you CAN leave a certain type of camping equipment such as this structure free-standing outdoors all year round.
Are bell tents warmer than normal tents?
Yes, bell tents are generally warmer than normal tents. This is because of the unique properties of bell tent fabrics and design.
The fabrics used to make bell tents such as cotton canvas, synthetic canvas, and polycotton are thicker and more robust than those used in regular tents – typically only Polyester or Nylon. These materials inherently provide better insulation against cold weather elements such as wind and rain.
Is a yurt the same as a bell tent?
Yurts and bell tents are both considered temporary structures—and they were designed to be quickly set up and taken down when needed.
- Yurts are circular structures made with a wooden frame that’s covered in felt or some other type of fabric.
- Bell tents, on the other hand, use aluminum poles as the structure but also include fabric as part of its construction—just like yurts do.
- Plus yurts often come equipped with windows, doors, floors, and roofs that will last several years or more; making them perfect for semi-permanent uses such as camping sites or glampsites.
- Bell tents may not last quite as long due to their less-durable construction materials so they're typically recommended for short-term uses such as festivals or trips away from home.
Are bell tents practical?
Absolutely! Bell tents are great for adding a bit of style and luxury to your camping experience. With their spacious interiors, they provide plenty of room to move around and set up a comfy place to sleep or relax in.
There are lots of practical benefits too – they’re lightweight so easy to transport, have thick canvases like those on traditional tents which will last for many years with proper care, and are very quick and easy to put up.
They’re also surprisingly resistant in bad weather. Many models come with waterproofing layers that help keep water out if you get caught in a downpour while camping.
What wind speed can a bell tent withstand?
It depends! Bell tents are wonderfully resilient and have the flexibility to withstand a variety of wind speeds depending on their make, material, design and how you pitch them.
Generally speaking, bell tents can withstand anywhere from 15 mph winds up to gusts of 40+ mph.
However, it’s important to note that this is an estimate based on ideal pitching conditions; if you don’t properly secure your tent (e.g., by stretching out any guy ropes as much as possible) then it may not be able to handle stronger winds as effectively (even if its rated for those speeds).
Do bell tents need waterproofing?
Yes, bell tents absolutely need waterproofing. This is because even though bell tents are made from a tightly woven canvas material that has been treated to be water-resistant, rainy weather can still seep through the surface of the tent.
Fortunately, you don't have to worry about this as waterproofing your bell tent is relatively straightforward and easy! The most common method involves applying a waterproof sealant or spray directly on the surface of the tent fabric. This will help keep out any potential rain and dampen condensation levels inside the tent when camping in wet climates.
How do I keep my bell tent cool in the summer?
The first step is to consider where you are planning to pitch your bell tent. Avoid sites that are in direct sunlight for long periods of time and instead pick ones that have ample shade protection like a thick canopy of trees or other natural shade structures.
During peak sun hours, you should also angle/orient your bell tent so it isn't facing the sun directly - this will help keep its interior cooler.
Second, think about how well-ventilated your environment is. To increase airflow into your space, make sure all sides of the bell tent remain open when possible (e.g., not zipped up).
If there's no hope of any wind blowing through naturally, using fans strategically placed around your tent space may be helpful in cooling things down quickly on especially hot days!
Are bell tents good in snow?
Yes, bell tents are actually a great choice for camping in the snow! They offer plenty of warmth and protection from winter weather. The tough waterproof canvas provides great insulation and keeps snow from accumulating inside your tent.
As an added bonus, the sloping sides of bell tents mean that if any snow does collect on top of your tent it will slide off easily due to gravity - ensuring you don’t get stuck under heavy piles of snow!
Rather than simply keeping out moisture, however, the canvas also helps create a warm micro-climate inside so that even during extremely cold periods you can stay comfortable with minimal effort.
- Its waterproofing means not just rain but also wind is kept at bay so you remain dry and cozy while experiencing the best views winter has to offer.
Lastly – if freezing temperatures aren’t enough - bell tents usually have pipe cutouts in the roof for a wood-burning stove.
Should I put a tarp under my bell tent?
Yes, using a tarp under your bell tent is highly recommended for several reasons.
First, it provides additional protection from water pooling underneath and eroding the floor material of the tent. It also creates an extra barrier between the ground and your expensive gear or furniture that you may have inside.
Additionally, using a tarp will also help to keep dirt and bugs from entering your tent through the bottom seams.
When looking for a tarp to use with your bell tent, make sure to get one that is slightly larger than the base diameter of your flattened-out bell tent so that you can tie down both sides for added protection in windy conditions.
Generally speaking, lightweight synthetic tarps perform better than traditional canvas tarps because they are more waterproof and lighter-weight options are available if portability is important to you.
No matter what type of tarp you choose though, make sure it's properly secured (i.e., weighted down with sandbags or rocks) so that it won't blow away in strong winds or become overly stretched against minor shifts in tent placement throughout use!