Best Tree Tents? (9 Crowd Favorites)

For a unique camping experience that’s fun and exciting, a tree tent is hard to beat. Plus, sleeping high above the ground offers a whole host of great benefits for backcountry campers.

Finding the right tree tent can be tricky, though, especially if you’ve never used one before. These niche camping shelters are also quite complex pieces of gear, so it’s understandable if you’re not quite sure where to begin when it comes to finding the right model for your adventures.

To get you started, here’s our ultimate guide to the best tree tents on the market today. Up next, we’ll review 9 of the most popular models on the market today and offer some top tips for choosing the option that’s best for your upcoming camping trip.

Here are 9 of the absolute best tree tents available on the market today:

1. Tentsile Stingray 3

• MSRP: $699.00
• Weight: 24.4lbs (11.1kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 3 

For small-group camping trips, the Tentsile Stingray 3 is a comfortable treeline abode for up to three people. With the comfort of a hammock and the size of a multi-person tent, this sturdy shelter is a nice choice for car camping trips and short backpacking trips in forested areas. However, it’s a bit heavy for more remote wilderness adventures.

The Stingray has a maximum load capacity of 880 lbs (400kg), so it can accommodate up to 3 adults or a small family. It’s also strong enough to handle a decent amount of movement, making it a nice choice for groups with small children.

One of the coolest things about the Stingray is that it comes with under-floor storage nets as well as 3 internal storage pockets. That way, it’s easier for you to keep your gear organized, even if you’re camping high above the ground.

This tent also has a built-in no-see-um bug net to keep the flies and mosquitos out at night. It comes with a waterproof rainfly that extends far beyond the tent so you can also use the dry ground underneath for gear storage.

More info at: tentsile.com

2. Lawson Hammocks Blue Ridge

• MSRP: $199.00
• Weight: 4.9lbs (2.2kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 1

The Lawson Hammocks Blue Ridge is a revolutionary hammock/tree tent combo set up for a single camper. This award-winning tent is designed to be suspended in between two trees, just like a regular hammock.

But, it has a flat base and a sturdy construction, which means it provides just as much comfort as your standard 1 person tent. The Blue Ridge comes with a no-see-um bug net, as well as a removable rainfly for added protection from the elements.

The entire thing can be set up in just a few minutes, using the tent’s shock-corded aluminum arch poles. It also has a single zippered entry system that helps to keep bugs out when you need to enter or exit the tent at night.

For added convenience, Lawson Hammock also designed this tent with two interior storage pockets so you can easily organize your gear. Thanks to the tent’s relatively light weight and portability, it’s also a good choice for longer backpacking trips through rugged forested terrain.

More info at: lawsonhammock.com

3. Tentsile Connect

• MSRP: $499.00
• Weight: 20.8lbs (9.5kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 2

Tentsile’s Connect tent is a 2 person shelter for car-camping adventures. It’s built on Tentsile’s proprietary 3 point anchorage system, which is specifically designed to give you a strong and comfortable surface for a good night’s sleep.

Crafted with four-season use in mind, the Connect has a 70D polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon fabric rainfly to keep you dry, even in the winter. It also comes with a durable no-see-um mesh netting to keep the biting flies and mosquitoes away from you at night.

One of the coolest things about this tent is its separate sleeping bays. To help prevent you from rolling into the middle as you snooze, Tentsile designed the Connect to have completely self-contained sleeping sections with an anti-roll strap in between. That way, you can get a more comfortable night’s sleep, even while suspended in the air.

Other great benefits of the Connect include its two-pole pop-up design and its 8ft (2m) long sleeping area. It also has multiple internal storage pockets and an under-floor storage net to help keep your gear organized.

More info at: tentsile.com

4. Treez Tree Tents Aelph Omega

• MSRP: $1,499.00
• Weight: 12lbs (5.4kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 2-3

Treez Tree Tents’ Aelph Omega is a self-contained sleeping system for larger groups. It can comfortably fit up to three adults or a family with small children for extra fun during your camping trips.

Unlike many other 2-3 person models on the market today, the Aelph Omega is light enough to take on backpacking trips in remote areas. This tent also packs down into two stuff sacks, which makes it easier to carry on long adventures.

It’s made with super-strong fabrics and cords that can easily support a group of rambunctious kids. The tent has two large sets of double doors for easy access. This allows every camper to enter an exit the tent without disturbing anyone else.

Plus, the Aleph Omega is made in Vermont by a small family-owned company that’s also willing to make custom shelters to suit your unique needs.

More info at: treeztreetents.com

5. Tentsile UNA

• MSRP: $299.00
• Weight: 4.4lbs (1.9kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 1

When weight savings are a priority, the Tentsile UNA is a top pick. This nifty 1 person tent is light enough and compact enough to bring on remote adventures and longer thru-hikes in forest locales.

Built with the same great 3-point anchor system that Tentsile is known for, the UNA is strong enough to hold up to 265lbs (120kg). It features a lightweight 20D coated nylon and polyester rainfly fabric to help keep you dry during rainy nights in the woods.

Plus, it comes with a spacious no-see-um mesh bug net that’s held up by a single arched pole. Inside the tent, there are multiple storage pockets to help you keep your gear organized on the go.

Oh, and the rainfly on the UNA is large enough to cover 30 square feet (3 sqm) of space so you can create a covered porch area for gear storage while camping in rainy environments.

More info at: tentsile.com

6. Vivere Reto

• MSRP: $289.97
• Weight: 15.7lbs (7.1kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 2

If you’re looking for a cozy tree tent to pitch in your backyard for relaxation and fun, the Vivere Reto is hard to beat.

Crafted by renowned Canadian outdoor furniture company, Vivere, the Reto offers a spacious place to sit back and lounge from the blissful comfort of a tree. It has a total surface area of just over 33 square feet (3.1 sqm), which is enough space for two adults to comfortably sleep.

Although it’s more designed for daytime use, Vivere crafted the Revo with a thick mosquito net and an all-weather canopy to keep you dry. So, it’s a great option for backyard camping, particularly for young kids who are apprehensive about spending their first night outside.

More info at: vivereltd.com

7. Tentsile Trilogy Super Tree Tent 3.0

• MSRP: $1,350.00
• Weight: 67.2lbs (30.5kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 6

The Tentsile Trilogy is a masterpiece of a tree tent. This 6 person tent is actually three separate 2 person Connect tents that are all combined into one luxurious super tent for front country camping.

Designed with Tentsile’s classic three-point anchor system, the Trilogy is just as easy to pitch as any of the company’s smaller tents. But, it can hold up to 2640 lbs (1200 kg), making it an ideal choice for larger groups and families with older children.

It features a burly 204D nylon composite rainfly that’s treated for maximum waterproofing. The entire tent also has no-see-um mesh netting to keep the bugs at bay.

For added versatility, you can even disassemble the Trilogy into its separate 2 person Connect tent components if you want to head out on a solo adventure or just with one other camper.

More info at: Learn More

8. Tentsile Universe

• MSRP: $1999.00
• Weight: 110.6 lbs (50.3kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 3

The Tenstile Universe is an innovative tent option for campers that really enjoy a bit of adventure. As the world’s first “three-element” tent, the Universe can be set up in the trees, on land, or even floating on flat water.

It has enough space to house up to 3 adults and their gear with a maximum load capacity of 880 lbs (440kg) when suspended in the air. For on-the-ground camping, the Universe can accommodate up to 5 adults.

One of the most unique features of this tent is its inflatable floor. This allows it to float on the water. It also provides a soft cushion for on-the-ground camping and minimizes sag when the tent is suspended in the air.

Additionally, the Tentsile Universe has separate sleeping bays for tree-line adventures. That way, you don’t have to worry about rolling into the middle of the tent and disturbing your fellow campers’ sleep in the middle of the night.

More info at: tentsile.com

9. Cocoon Tree Tent

• MSRP: $5,200+
• Weight: 529.1 lbs (240kg)
• Sleeping Capacity: 6+

The Cocoon Tree Tent is unlike any of the other models in our review because it’s designed to be permanently installed in your backyard. This luxurious camping tent features burly metal wires that can be used to suspend it from trees, cliffs, or anything strong enough to support its weight.

It’s built with a T6 aeronautical-grade aluminum frame with a high-quality waterproof fabric stretched fabric for weather-resistance. The Cocoon can also support up to 4,600 lbs (2,086kg) of weight, making it large enough for the whole family. Inside, the Cocoon comes with a spacious bed for relaxing and snoozing high up in the trees.

The downside to the Cocoon is that it’s expensive, heavy, and difficult to set up. However, if you’re looking for a tent to permanently set up in your backyard or on a seasonal or recreational property for some outdoor fun, the Cocoon is a solid choice.

More info at: cocoontree.com

Why You’ll Love Camping with a Tree Tent

If you’ve ever seen photos of tree tents gracefully floating above the forest floor, then we completely understand why you’re hooked on these awesome camping shelters. 

While many people think that tree tents are just for fun, they offer plenty of advantages for campers. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider one of these magical tents for your camping trips:

• No Bugs! Okay, while we can’t guarantee that your tree tent will be bug-free, being suspended above the ground certainly makes it harder for creepie crawlies to get inside your tent. Plus, most tree tents come with a built-in bug net, so they’re more bug-resistant that your standard hammock.
• Added Comfort. Although hammocks are awesome, they’re not for everyone. Tree tents allow you to get all the benefits of using a hammock without affecting your sleep quality each night.
• More Campsite Options. When you camp with a regular tent, you have to work pretty hard sometimes to find a flat spot to pitch your shelter. With a tree tent, however, you simply need to find three properly-spaced trees. That means it’s easier to find quality campsites, even in sloping terrain.
• Space For The Whole Family. Unlike hammocks, which can generally only fit 1-2 people, many tree tents are designed to accommodate 3 or more people. Some models are even large enough to house 6 or more campers, so they’re a more functional option for larger groups.
• It’s Fun! Above all, tree tents are just plain fun. Even if you’re not too keen on heights, being suspended just a short distance above the ground is a lovely way to sleep under the stars.

How To Choose A Tree Tent

Choosing a tree tent for your camping trips is no walk in the park. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind as you shop:

Hanging vs Suspended

Tree tents are offered in two basic set-up designs: hanging and suspended. Hanging models, like the Vivere Reto are quick and easy to pitch, but offer little in terms of stability, particularly in windy conditions.

Suspended models, which include all of Tentsile’s offerings, are very strong and stable. They can often accommodate hundreds of pounds of weight, making them the better choice for longer camping trips in remote environments with large groups.

Sleeping Capacity/Weight Capacity

Each tree tent will have a maximum weight capacity or sleeping capacity. For the most part, the weight capacity of the tent is the more useful metric, as you want to be sure that you don’t overload the tent, which can cause it to break. When in doubt, get a tent that’s larger than you need, especially if you plan to have a lot of gear in the tent with you at night.

Weather-Resistance

No one likes to get rained on while camping, so a tree tent that has a thick waterproof rainfly is a must. while the trees will provide some semblance of weather protection, they’re no substitute for a proper tent rainfly. A good bug net is also a must on any tree tent to help keep the mosquitos and biting flies away from you as you snooze.

Gear Storage

Many tree tents now come with under-tent storage options, which allow you to keep your gear safe and dry at night. Some have built-in interior pockets for easier access to your most important pieces of gear while others offer over-sized rain flies that create a sheltered porch area for storing your packs and other bulky items.

Considerations For Pitching A Tree Tent

Pitching a tree tent is a bit more complicated than pitching a regular tent, at least at first. If you’re new to the world of tree tents, here are some tips for setting yours up properly:

Camping Location

It’s important to keep in mind that tree tents can only be used, well, where there are trees. This means that if you’re planning to camp in the desert Southwest or alpine zones, particularly in the Rockies, Cascades, and High Sierra where there are no forests, you might have a hard time finding a place to pitch your shelter.

Additionally, trees in some locations, such as Joshua Tree National Park are protected, so you’re not allowed to use them for pitching hammocks, slacklines, or tree tents, even if they seem like a great place to camp.

On the other hand, the forest of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast all make for great locations for tree tents. If you’re below treeline in the Rockies, Cascades, and Sierra, you’ll also likely find some good places for a tree tent.

Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions

Chances are pretty high that your tree tent manufacturer provides detailed instructions about how to use their tent. If so, follow them! Read the instructions thoroughly before your first trip and don’t be afraid to reach out to the manufacturer if you have questions.

Size of Tree Considerations

Your tree tent is only as strong as the trees you attach it to. So, choose large, live trees that are strong enough to support your weight. As a general rule, trees with diameters under 2 ft (0.6m) should be avoided whenever possible.

Get Your Angles Right

The majority of tree tents (with the exception of the Lawson Hammocks Blue Ridge and the Cocoon Tree Tent) need to be attached to 3 trees during set-up. While your trees don’t have to be at a perfect angle to each other, most tents require trees that have relative angles of less than 90º during set up to be both strong and comfortable enough for sleeping.

If you’re struggling with finding a good set of trees to use, there is a cool app available on the Apple App Store. The app landing page is in Dutch, but the app itself is in English and it can help you measure out the right angles for your trees.

 

Tree Tent Safety Tips

When installed properly, a tree tent is just as robust and reliable as a regular ground tent or hammock. But, since tree tents are suspended above the ground, mistakes during set up or camping can be serious. Here are some top safety tips to keep in mind as you camp:

Pitch Your Tent Low To The Ground

You’ve probably seen photos of people sleeping in tree tents that are suspended more than 20 feet (6.1m) off the ground. While this certainly looks cool, it’s not very practical and it can be quite dangerous. In general, try to pitch your tree tent no more than 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5m) above the ground to prevent large falls or other accidents.

Be Smart With Where You Pitch Your Tent

Camping above a waterfall or a ravine might seem really cool, but it won’t be if your tent suffers a catastrophic failure in the night. Although tree tents are designed to be super strong and reliable, anything can happen out there, especially if human error is introduced into the mix.

So, don’t pitch your tent above anything you wouldn’t want to fall on if your tent broke. Soft, pine-covered forest floors are preferred.

Don’t Exceed The Weight Capacity

Most tree tents have a maximum weight capacity and for good reason – no one wants to break their tent in the middle of the night. In general, it’s best not to exceed 80% or so of the tent’s maximum capacity to ensure that you don’t have any potentially dangerous mishaps in the middle of the night.

Final Thoughts…

Tree tents are a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing sleep quality. If I had to choose just one of these great tents, I’d probably go with the Tentsile UNA for solo camping trips and the Tentsile Trilogy for adventures with my friends and family. In the end, the key is to understand your unique camping needs first before selecting the tree tent that you’ll take on all your upcoming camping getaways.

 

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