What is a Rooftop Tent?
A rooftop tent is a camping tent designed to be mounted to a vehicle using a suitable roof-rack system.
Rather than pitching the tent directly on the ground, the sleeping area sits above the vehicle and is usually accessed using a ladder.
Depending on the design, the tent may fold out from the roof or open from a hard shell. Many models include an integrated mattress and are designed to remain mounted to the vehicle while travelling.
Rooftop tents are popular with people who want a more self-contained camping setup, but they still require careful planning around vehicle compatibility, fitting and how the tent will be used.
If you are already comparing different tent styles and models, see our How to Choose the Right Rooftop Tent guide.
How do rooftop tents work?
Rooftop tents are designed to travel folded or closed on top of the vehicle, then open into a sleeping space when you arrive at your destination.
The tent is attached to a suitable roof-rack system using the mounting method specified by the tent manufacturer. Once parked, the tent is opened and the ladder, supports or other components are set up as required by that particular model.
Hard shell tents usually open from a rigid outer shell, while soft shell designs commonly fold out to create a larger sleeping platform.
Before driving again, the tent needs to be fully closed and secured, with ladders and other components stowed correctly in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
What about fitting the tent?
Fitting and removing a rooftop tent can be one of the more demanding parts of ownership. Rooftop tents are relatively large and heavy, so some setups may require more than one person or suitable lifting equipment.
For a more detailed look at fitting, removal and practical installation considerations, see our Roof Tent Installation Guide.
If you are interested in how lifting systems could make rooftop tent hire easier for owners and renters, see Lifting the Lid on Roof Tent Rentals.
Types of rooftop tents
Rooftop tents are generally available in hard shell and soft shell designs.
The two styles differ in how they open, how much space they provide and how they travel on the vehicle. Individual models vary considerably, so neither style is automatically the better choice.
If you are trying to decide which style is best suited to your own trips, see How to Choose the Right Rooftop Tent.
For a detailed comparison of hard shell and soft shell designs, including weight, dimensions, sleeping space and other specifications, see our Rooftop Tent Specifications guide.
Does your vehicle suit a rooftop tent?
Not every vehicle or roof-rack system is suitable for a rooftop tent.
Compatibility depends on the exact vehicle, roof type, rack system and rooftop tent being used. Roof bars that are suitable for a roof box or bikes are not automatically suitable for rooftop tent use.
Before buying or hiring, check the complete setup against the relevant manufacturer guidance.
For a detailed compatibility check, see our Rooftop Tent Weight Limits guide.
What rooftop tent camping is really like
Rooftop tent camping can be convenient and enjoyable, but it is not completely hassle-free.
Compared with a conventional tent, you are carrying a larger piece of equipment on the vehicle, so fitting, packing away, weather and vehicle access all become part of the experience.
Setup and pack-down
Once fitted, rooftop tents can provide a convenient camping setup, but you still need to open and close the tent correctly each time you move.
Your vehicle becomes part of the campsite
Because the tent stays attached to the vehicle, driving away usually means packing it down first. That is worth considering if you expect to use the vehicle frequently during your stay.
A little more planning is involved
Rooftop camping also means thinking about weather, fitting, vehicle compatibility and where you are allowed to stay.
The experience can be very rewarding, but it works best when those practical details are considered before the trip.
Weather and wind considerations
Weather can affect whether a rooftop tent is suitable to use, particularly in strong winds or severe conditions.
Different tents have different operating guidance, so there is no single wind-speed limit that applies to every rooftop tent. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model you are using.
Be prepared to change your plans if conditions become unsuitable. This can be especially relevant with hired equipment, where poor weather may affect whether the tent can reasonably be used.
If a tent has to be packed away wet, reopen and dry it thoroughly as soon as practical.
Checking the forecast should be part of normal rooftop camping trip planning.
What about hiring a rooftop tent?
Hiring can be a useful way to experience rooftop camping before committing to buying your own tent.
Because rooftop tents involve vehicle compatibility, fitting and a more involved handover than simpler roof-mounted equipment, make sure the practical arrangements are clear before booking.
For more detail, see our Roof Tent Hire UK guide.
Insurance and security
Check your insurance before fitting or using a rooftop tent.
Insurance policies vary, so ask your insurer whether the tent needs to be declared, whether it is covered against damage or theft, and whether any additional requirements apply.
If you are hiring, also check the rental agreement and understand your responsibilities for the equipment.
See our Rooftop Tent Insurance UK and Roof Tent Security guides for more detail.
Where can you stay with a rooftop tent?
A rooftop tent does not automatically give you the right to camp wherever you can park.
Where you can stay depends on the campsite, landowner, local rules and any restrictions that apply to overnight vehicle use.
Campsites
Many campsites accept rooftop tents, but it is still worth checking before you book.
Some sites may have different rules for vehicles, hardstanding pitches, arrival times or awnings, so confirm that your setup is suitable for the pitch you are reserving.
Private land
Staying on private land generally requires the landowner’s permission.
If you are using a farm, field, private car park or other land outside a formal campsite, make sure overnight stays are actually permitted.
Overnight parking
Being allowed to park somewhere overnight does not necessarily mean camping is allowed there.
Car parks, beauty spots and roadside locations may have restrictions, byelaws or terms that prohibit sleeping in vehicles or setting up camping equipment.
What about wild camping?
Traditional wild camping rights do not automatically extend to vehicle-based camping with a rooftop tent.
In Scotland, access rights are broader than in much of the UK, but they do not give a general right to drive onto land or stay overnight in a vehicle wherever you choose.
Always check the rules for the specific place you plan to stay.
Useful planning resources
Community resources such as Boxspot can help rooftop tent users discover places to stay and get ideas from other campers.
Always verify the latest rules directly with the campsite, landowner or location before travelling.
Planning where you will stay is just as important as choosing the tent itself, especially if your trip includes remote, coastal or popular visitor locations.
Is a rooftop tent right for you?
Rooftop tents suit some styles of travel better than others.
They can work particularly well for road trips and vehicle-based adventures, but they also require suitable roof equipment, somewhere to store the tent, and the willingness to pack it away when you need to drive.
If you are unsure which setup would suit you, see How to Choose the Right Rooftop Tent. If you would rather experience rooftop camping before buying, see Roof Tent Hire UK.
Ready to explore rooftop camping?
Whether you are researching your first rooftop tent or thinking about hiring one for a trip, start by making sure the vehicle, roof-rack system and tent are suitable for each other.
Explore our specialist guides for more help with compatibility, choosing a tent, fitting, insurance and hiring.
