If you’ve ever been caught in a rainstorm trying to change clothes at the back of your car, or wished for a bit more privacy while camping in the wild, you’re going to love the simplicity and genius of a car boot tent.
For outdoor lovers, festival-goers, and weekend adventurers, these clever bits of kit turn your vehicle into a mini basecamp. Whether you’re parked at a beach, a campsite, or even in a lay-by on a long road trip, a tent that attaches to your car gives you extra space, shade, and shelter in minutes. However, if you’re new to this concept, let’s begin at the start.
A car boot tent is a specially designed portable shelter for car camping that attaches to the rear of your vehicle, usually the boot or tailgate area. You open your car’s boot, and the tent connects around it, creating a covered and partially enclosed space that extends your usable living area. Some versions are fully enclosed with ground sheets and mosquito nets, while others are more like a car boot awning, offering shade and light rain protection.
Think of it like a hybrid between a tent and a gazebo that uses your car as part of the structure. It’s ideal for camping, giving you a bit of privacy and shelter without setting up a full tent across the grass.
These tents are incredibly popular in the UK because they’re compact, easy to carry, and perfect for everything from road trips to Sunday picnics.
So, what can you actually do with one of these things? Turns out, a lot.
1. Camping Adventures
If you’re the kind of camper who doesn’t want to sleep fully in your car but also doesn’t want to wrestle with a huge tent, a rear tent for your car gives you the best of both worlds. Sleep in your boot, store your gear, and still have space to stand and move around.
2. Festival Essentials
Heading to Glastonbury or Download Festival? A boot tent for your car offers extra space to get changed, store muddy boots, or hide from the elements. It’s your personal dressing room, gear locker, and chill-out space in one.
3. Beach Trips & Day Out
Whether you’re surfing, swimming, or sunbathing, a car tailgate tent gives you shade, privacy, and somewhere to change. No more awkward towel-changing dances!
4. Dog-Friendly Shelter
Need a cool spot for your furry friend to rest? A boot tent provides your dog with shade and security when you’re parked.
5. Cooking & Dining Space
Turn your boot into a kitchenette or table area for road trip meals. A bit of shelter from wind and drizzle makes all the difference when brewing a cup of tea or frying up breakfast.
Aside from making you feel like a road trip pro, there are loads of practical perks to using a boot tent.
1. Quick and Easy Setup
Most designs either pop up or inflate, so you can get shelter up in just a few minutes. No stress, no complicated instructions.
2. Space-Saving and Lightweight
They’re small enough to keep in your boot, perfect for spontaneous adventures. You never know when you’ll want extra space or protection from the rain.
3. Weather Protection
A proper car boot tent keeps you shaded from the sun and dry during unexpected downpours. Look for ones with good waterproof ratings and sealed seams.
4. Privacy on the Go
Whether you’re changing clothes or just need a break from the crowd, these tents offer that little bubble of personal space.
5. Versatility
Use it for overnight trips, day hikes, festivals, fishing, or even as a portable shop canopy at car boot sales. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
There are a few styles to consider, depending on your vehicle and how you plan to use the tent:
1. Pop-Up Boot Tents
These spring into shape and are great for quick use. Perfect for festivals or beach trips where you don’t want to spend ages setting up.
2. Full Enclosure Boot Tents
These attach around the boot and form a full room, with sides, doors, and often a sewn-in groundsheet. Great for overnight stays and full car camping gear setups.
3. Boot Awnings
More open and airy, these offer sun and rain protection but without the fully enclosed space. They’re ideal for day trips and family outings.
4. Inflatable Tailgate Tents
Using air beams instead of poles, these go up quickly and are very sturdy. Vango makes some cracking options for UK buyers.
5. Universal vs. Vehicle-Specific Tents
Universal fit boot tents work with most hatchbacks, SUVs and estates. Others are designed for specific models (like VW Transporters). Always check compatibility!
Before hitting “add to basket”, here’s what you’ll want to consider:
Compatibility: Does it fit your car’s shape and boot height?
Weatherproofing: Look for waterproof materials, sealed seams, and UV protection.
Ease of Setup: Is it inflatable, pop-up, or pole-based? How quickly can you get it ready?
Size & Layout: Will it provide you with enough space for your gear and guests?
Ventilation & Access: Mesh windows, zip-up doors, and side openings make a big difference.
Extras: Built-in groundsheets, storage pockets, blackout material for sleeping, etc.
Buying the right boot tent means thinking about how you travel, camp, and spend your outdoor time.
You don’t need a camper`van to enjoy a comfortable, flexible outdoor shelter. A car boot tent transforms your hatchback or SUV into a mini campsite, giving you shade, space, and shelter wherever you park up.
Whether you’re into festivals, road trips, beach days, or just impromptu weekends in the wild, this little bit of kit can turn your car into your home from home. It’s one of those upgrades you never knew you needed until you try it.
So if you’re planning your next adventure and want to keep things lightweight, low-hassle, and high-comfort, a tent that attaches to your car could be the best bit of car camping gear you’ll ever buy.