Top-Notch Dwellings for Long-Term Camping (Permanent Residential Tenting in 2024)
Living in a tent full-time is a unique and exciting adventure, offering countless benefits such as saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, living healthier, and exploring extraordinary places. However, before diving head-first into this lifestyle, it's essential to consider essential factors to ensure you find the perfect tent for long-term camping.
First and foremost, focus on the tent's quality as a low-quality option will not serve you well in the long run. Weather resistance is crucial, as you'll be exposed to the elements – be it strong winds, heavy rain, bright sun, or cold weather. Additionally, pick the right size tent to ensure you feel comfortable and at home without compromising on space.
When deciding on the ideal tent for long-term living, remember that durability and livability are key. Look for a tent that can withstand harsh weather conditions, provide immaculate ventilation during warmer seasons, and enable warmth during colder periods. Remember to incorporate practical features to make your extended stay in the tent as convenient and enjoyable as possible, such as ample storage and organization options.
In the following sections, discover our curated list of six incredible tents suitable for long-term camping, each boasting fabulous qualities to make your transition into this exciting and unconventional lifestyle effortless and fulfilling.
The 6 Best Tents to Live in Full-Time
Editor's Choice - White Duck Alpha Wall Tent
White Duck produces some of the top-quality canvas tents currently available on the market, offering free shipping and a lifetime warranty on all products. Their Alpha Wall Tent, selected as the Editor's Choice, is one of the most livable tents available due to its exceptional weather protection, and it's ready for every challenge long-term camping might throw at it. With remarkable space, the tent provides a 6'6'' door height and 7'6'' center peak height for total comfort, especially in the interior. The tent is available in six different sizes, making it easy to find one that fits you and your needs perfectly. Overall, the White Duck Alpha Wall Tent is an impressive tent designed for long-term camping, featuring quality canvas, an exceptional weather resistance, and space for a single camping stove, making it suitable for year-round living.
Specifications
- Best Use: Best Overall
- Dimensions: 8 x 10 feet
- Peak Height: 7'6''
- Capacity: 6 campers or two glampers
- Weight: 153 lbs.
- Fabric: 10.10 oz. Army Duck Cotton Canvas
- Frame: Galvanized steel
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Highlight: Quality Canvas tent with a spacious interior and enough space for a single camping stove, making it suitable for year-round long-term camping.
Kodiak Flex-Bow VX - Portable Canvas
Kodiak's Flex-Bow VX 10 x 14 is a versatile and portable canvas tent, perfect for those who want to travel frequently without sacrificing strength and durability. The tent boasts exceptional weather resistance, setup in minutes by just one person, and durable canvas materials. With a 6'6'' ceiling height, the tent allows you to move around upright comfortably, and it offers six large windows with no-see-um mesh for optimal ventilation. The Kodiak Flex-Bow VX offers a suitable solution for those who want a portable yet durable tent suitable for long-term camping, though it may not be ideal for winter living due to the absence of a built-in stove jack.
Specifications
- Best Use: Moving around frequently
- Dimensions: 10 x 14 feet
- Peak Height: 6'6''
- Capacity: 8 people
- Weight: 79 lbs.
- Fabric: Cotton Duck Canvas
- Frame:
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Highlight: An extremely weather-resistant canvas camping tent that's small enough for a quick setup at regular campgrounds.
Vagabond Rooftop Tent + Annex - Best for Overlanding
The Vagabond Rooftop Tent, a product from adventure company Roam, is an ideal option for those who plan to spend extended amounts of time on the road yet prefer not to invest in a conversion van. The tent features a lower annex that doubles as a ground tent for daily activities, such as cooking and bug-free outdoor hangouts. With a telescoping aluminum ladder and a 3'' high-density foam mattress, the tent is easily accessible and comfortable. This tent is perfect for long drives and overlanding, providing quick setup and practical features without compromising on strength and durability.
Specifications
- Best Use: Overlanding & long drives
- Dimensions: 56 x 96 inches
- Peak Height: 52 inches
- Capacity: 3 people
- Weight: 130 lbs.
- Fabric: polyester, cotton, and 600D nylon
- Frame:
- Warranty:
- Highlight: A rooftop tent that includes an annex and lots of functional space for long-term overlanding and extensive road trips.
Fernweh Canvas Tent - Bell Shaped
Life in Tents produces some of the highest-quality and most versatile canvas tents, along with fantastic customer service. The Fernweh canvas tent, a bell-shaped design with a 16' diameter, showcases incredible weather protection, resistance to winds of up to 50 mph, and ultra-durable materials. This tent's design offers flexibility, allowing you to roll up the lower side wall for optimal ventilation during warmer days and zippered windows for comfort during cooler evenings. What makes this tent truly unique is its built-in stove jack, allowing for wood stove compatibility in colder winter weather. The Fernweh canvas tent is an outstanding choice for long-term camping, year-round, in a variety of weather conditions and climates.
Specifications
- Best Use: Glamping year-round
- Dimensions: 5M (16') diameter
- Peak Height: 9'8''
- Capacity:
- Weight: 110 lbs.
- Fabric: 11.5 oz. canvas
- Frame: Galvanized steel (center pole and door pole) and aluminum (wall poles)
- Warranty: 30 months
- Highlight: Canvas bell tent that's perfect for long-term tent living year-round in a variety of weather conditions and climates.
North Face Wawona 8
The North Face Wawona 8 combines modern design, lightweight materials, and portability with ample space for standing upright and easy setup for mobile long-term campers. The tent is ideal for car camping and three-season living, capable of accommodating eight people or four comfortably on queen air mattresses. With an oversized vestibule and optional front porch add-on, the Wawona provides plenty of exterior space for storing gear and adequate protection during adverse weather. The North Face Wawona 8, while not winter-ready, presents a fantastic option for those seeking a car camping tent suitable for temporary long-term living.
Specifications
- Best Use: Regular camping tent
- Dimensions: 168 x 96 inches (14ft. x 8ft.)
- Peak Height: 78 inches
- Capacity: 8
- Weight: 24 lbs. 3 oz.
- Fabric: 75D rainfly and canopy, 150D floor
- Frame: DAC MAX aluminum
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Highlight: Modern camping tent that's tall enough to stand up straight and has a quick setup time for mobile long-term campers who want to fit in at campgrounds.
Kodiak Grand Cabin with Awning
Kodiak's Grand Cabin is an exceptional three-room canvas tent, complete with an included awning and an optional wall enclosure for a giant screen room. The tent can accommodate up to twelve people, boasting three separate bedrooms, each with its own exterior door, multiple large mesh windows, and a luxurious homey feel. This tent offers a fantastic semi-permanent or long-term solution, providing privacy and spacious living areas. With exceptional weather protection and the grand cabin's robust materials, it can withstand harsh conditions and extend your camping adventures effortlessly.
Specifications
- Best Use: Multi-room canvas tent
- Dimensions: 26 x 8 feet
- Peak Height: 7.5 ft.
- Capacity: 12
- Weight: 174 lbs.
- Fabric: Hydra-Shield cotton duck canvas
- Frame: Steel tubes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Highlight: Three bedrooms plus a large awning make this canvas tent one of the most livable tent options on this list.
Thing to Consider When Choosing a Long-Term Tent for Your Next Camping Trip
When searching for the perfect long-term tent for your adventure, consider the following factors to ensure you make the best possible choice.
Weather Protection
Living in a tent long-term means constant exposure to weather conditions, including strong winds, rain, sun, and potentially cold temperatures. Strong winds are prevalent in coastal, mountainous, and open areas – you must take extra precautions, such as using guy lines and stronger tent stakes, to secure your tent. Exposure to the sun's UV rays can be minimized by covering your tent with a tarp or using a white tent, while darker tents may absorb heat and increase interior temperatures. Specifically, for winter weather conditions such as cold and snow, invest in a canvas tent equipped with a stove jack to retain heat and stay warm.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is crucial to keep your gear dry, especially in rainy or humid conditions. High-quality modern tents usually come with a waterproof rating of 1200mm, while canvas tents may require occasional treatments to maintain their waterproof properties. Nonetheless, take care in choosing the right tent size to ensure you have enough space for necessary equipment without overcrowding the interior.
Size and Layout
A spacious tent with a tall ceiling and separate areas for sleeping and storage is ideal for long-term camping. Depending on the space available for setup, opt for a tent that fits comfortably in your chosen campsite without compromising on important features or taking up precious square footage unnecessarily. A tent with multiple doors, vestibules, and windows will offer easier access to the tent and provide additional covered outdoor storage options.
Assembly
If your goal is to relocate frequently, opt for a tent with a quick setup time – the time it takes to set up a tent will impact the viability of setting up a new campsite every few days. Conversely, if you plan to establish a semi-permanent or permanent campsite, durability and spaciousness should take priority over ease of assembly.
Conclusion
Throughout our curated list, we've highlighted various exceptional tent models for long-term camping, each offering unique advantages and adaptability for your specific needs. Whether you opt for the Editor's Choice White Duck Alpha Wall Tent or one of the other fantastic options, embrace this opportunity for adventure and prepare for a life-changing experience. In the spirit of honoring this newfound lifestyle, continue reading to learn more about things to consider when selecting a long-term camping tent, ensuring the best possible living situation for your future expeditions.
Our #1 Recommendation: Editor's Choice
The White Duck Alpha Wall Tent offers a beautiful balance between quality, weather protection, ventilation, space, and durability. It's a versatile canvas tent that's suitable for long-term camping and year-round living, making it a fantastic pick for those looking for a reliable, comfortable, and long-lasting home-away-from-home.
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- The White Duck Alpha Wall Tent, selected as the Editor's Choice, is a top-quality canvas tent with a lifetime warranty, offering exceptional weather protection for long-term camping.
- The Kodiak Flex-Bow VX 10 x 14 is a portable and versatile canvas tent, perfect for frequent travelers seeking strength and durability for long-term camping.
- The Vagabond Rooftop Tent is an ideal option for overlanding enthusiasts planning extended amounts of time on the road, featuring a lower annex for daily activities.
- The Fernweh Canvas Tent, a bell-shaped tent, offers flexibility, exceptional weather protection, and a built-in stove jack for winter-ready year-round camping.
- The North Face Wawona 8 combines modern design, lightweight materials, and portability with ample space for standing upright, making it an excellent option for mobile long-term campers.
- The Kodiak Grand Cabin is an exceptional three-room canvas tent, including an included awning and optional wall enclosure for a giant screen room, perfect for partial- or semi-permanent living.
- When choosing a long-term tent for extended camping trips, consider factors such as weather protection, waterproofing, size and layout, and assembly, to ensure the best possible living situation for your journey.
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