13 Best Motorcycle Tents [Top Tents for Motorcycle Camping]

Reviewed by Jodelle Marx
Last updated:

*This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Short on time? Our pick for the best motorcycle tent is the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel Bikepacking Tent.

Find the best motorcycle tent to help you stay comfortable on the open road.

Camping on a motorcycle trip is the ultimate expression of freedom. You can drive wherever you want and sleep under the stars without the (literal) pain of hauling your riding gear on your back (like those silly backpackers). 

Moto camping offers you the freedom to explore rural areas without having to make it to the next town by nightfall, and it saves a ton of money on extended trips. 

As motorcycle camping becomes more popular in America, an increasing number of tent manufacturers are putting out specialized motorcycle camping tents that include a large vestibule to protect your baby overnight. 

Whether you’re looking for the lightest, strongest, cheapest, or most spacious, I’ve found the best motorcycle camping tent for each situation. 

Plus, I’ve got tips on how to pack your bike with all the essential motorcycle camping gear you need for a successful trip. Happy camping!

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

A roaring campfire with an ax beside it, and in the background a motorcycle and one of the best motorcycle tents.

#1 REI Co-op Passage 1

Best Solo Motorcycle Tent

Product photo for the REI Co-op Passage 1.

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Area (sq. ft): 20
Peak Height: 40″
Packaged Weight: 4lbs 10oz
Vestibule: No
Vestibule Area (sq. ft): 9.5
Number of Doors: 1
Seasons: 3

Since freedom is one of the main draws of biking on the open road, I know many of you will be looking for a cozy little cottage for one. 

If you’re searching for a small motorcycle camping tent, check out the REI Co-op Passage 1. This free-standing backpacking dome tent cozily sleeps one person. 

Two features that make it a perfect motorcycle tent are its small size and low weight. A single rider can easily pack this tent, which weighs just under five pounds. 

And since this motorcycle camping tent packs down to 7.5 x 17 inches, it won’t overwhelm the back of your bike. 

The Passage is a beloved REI tent, and while it’s not designed as a motorcycle tent specifically, it has many redeeming features. 

For one, this tent has enough space for one person, plus the vestibule is decent for the tent’s size. You won’t fit a bike under there, but packs and saddlebags will fit easily. 

The inner tent features lots of mesh on the walls which are great for ventilation. Additionally, the tent comes with a stuff sack and footprint for enhanced ground protection. 

The design features two main poles that form an X, and I can attest that this design is super simple to set up. 

Finally, this tent won’t break the bank. The Passage is a budget tent that comes with REI’s generous return policy. 

Every tent is flawed, of course. While this tent has a peak height that would be enough for most women, 40″ may be short for taller bikers. Additionally, the inside of the tent is relatively narrow.

PROS

  • X-pole design is easy to set up
  • Footprint included
  • Plenty of storage space outside
  • Large vestibule

CONS

  • Not great if you’re over 6′
  • Narrow interior

#2 Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel Bikepacking Tent

Best 2-Person Motorcycle Camping Tent

Product photo for the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel Bikepacking Tent

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Area (sq. ft): 33
Peak Height: 42″
Packaged Weight: 6lb 11oz
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: 28 + 9 sq. ft
Number of Doors: 2
Seasons: 3

If you’re traveling with a partner or a doggo– or you just want more room to starfish out– you should look for a motorcycle tent that sleeps two. 

The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel Bikepacking Tent is the best two-man tent for motorcycle touring. Big Agnes always makes a quality tent, and the Blacktail is no exception. 

First, Big Agnes uses minimal irritating chemicals in their tents, and they seal the taped seams without VOCs or PVCs. 

This tent is specifically for bikers. It includes an enormous vestibule (28 sq. ft) on one side and a smaller nine-square-foot vestibule on the other. You should be fine with gear storage here, as the vestibule is almost as large as the interior floor space!

At 33 square feet, this freestanding tent has plenty of sleeping area for two.

There is a mesh net outside the tent for helmet storage and a daisy chain loop for hanging gear or a clothesline. The Blacktail has a gear loft, but you must purchase it separately. 

At just under seven pounds, you should have no problem carrying this two-man tent solo. 

One downside to this camping tent is that it’s challenging to get it back in its original bag (although that’s a common problem with all tents).

PROS

  • Helmet storage on the exterior
  • Motorcycle vestibule included
  • Eco-friendly fabric
  • Packed size fits in most panniers

CONS

  • Gear loft sold separately
  • Hard to re-pack

#3 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent with Hotel Rainfly

Best 3-Person Motorcycle Camping Tent

Product photo for the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV.

Our Rating: 5/5
Area (sq. ft): 41
Peak Height: 43″
Packaged Weight: 3lbs 14oz + 2lb 3oz (fly)
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: 27 + 9 sq. ft
Number of Doors: 2
Seasons: 3

Are you planning to camp with two buddies? There are several reasons why the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent with a Hotel Rainfly is the best motorcycle camping tent for three. 

This backpacking tent is solid on its own. At just three pounds and 14 ounces, it’s an ultralight tent with room to sleep three people. 

If you purchase the hotel rain fly, the Copper Spur becomes an ideal motorcycle tent. The fly adds 27 square feet of usable space for bikes plus nine square feet for packs and other gear. 

While some moto tents come as a single-wall piece (meaning the vestibule and tent body are one), the Copper Spur allows you to use the tent with or without the vestibule. 

You can take it off to enjoy the night sky or use it for backpacking or car camping. 

While it is a great tent, the pack size is a bit on the long side at 6” x 21″, but that isn’t uncommon with three-person tents. 

As always with Big Agnes, you can expect eco-friendly taped seams and fabrics. 

All these premium features come at a price, however. The Blacktail is by no means a budget tent, and with both pieces together, you’re looking at a four-figure price tag.

PROS

  • Multi-use tent
  • Eco-friendly fabrics
  • Huge vestibule

CONS

  • Expensive. 
  • Fly and body are sold separately
  • Large pack size

#4 Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent

Best Pop-Up Tent for Motorcycle Camping

Product photo for the Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent.

Our Rating: 5/5
Area (sq. ft): 60
Peak Height: 77″
Packaged Weight: 14lbs
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: 25 sq. ft
Number of Doors: 4
Seasons:3

The Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent is the best motorcycle camping tent with a fast, pop-up setup because it boasts a one-minute setup. It’s hard to beat that!

The flexible aluminum poles are hoop-shaped. This quasi-tunnel design works well in high wind and creates nearly vertical walls for a more spacious-feeling interior. 

Have you ever put on slightly damp clothing after a night of camping? It’s gross, right? In addition to the fast setup, the Redverz is highly waterproof. 

The floor uses 70D polyester with a 10,000mm waterproof rating. I’m generally impressed with anything over 3,000mm, for reference. The rain fly has 68D polyester with a 4,000mm waterproof rating. 

Aside from the waterproof floor, you also have a large moto bay to store your bikes. 

This sturdy camping tent sleeps up to three people and is very comfortable with just one or two. 

Unlike other moto tents, the Atacama has an enormous peak height of 77 inches. You can stand up inside this tent, which, let me tell you, is game-changing on the comfort scale.

Honestly, there’s not much to complain about with this tent. Even the price is reasonable, considering the quality of materials and size.

If I had to pick one thing to gripe on, it’s the packed size (21 x 10 inches) which, while bigger than some tents on my list, is not unexpected for a three-person tent.

PROS

  • One-minute setup
  • Polyester 68D 4000mm rainfly
  • Polyester 70D 10,000mm tent floor
  • Nearly vertical walls
  • Can stand up inside

CONS

  • Large packed size, comparatively

#5 MSR Freelite 1 Tent

Best Compact Tent for Motorcycle Camping

Product photo for the MSR Freelite 1 Compact Tent for Motorcycle Camping.

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Area (sq. ft): 20
Peak Height: 39″
Packaged Weight: 1lb 15oz
Vestibule: No
Vestibule Area: 8 sq. ft
Number of Doors: 1
Seasons: 3

The MSR Freelite 1 is one of the best tents for motorcycle minimalists. If you’re not interested in committing to the austerity of a bivy sack, the less than two-pound MSR Freelight gives you the protection of a double-wall tent with almost no additional weight. 

 What’s more, it packs down to a very petite 4 x 18 inches.

This little dome tent recently underwent a redesign, adding three extra inches of headroom and a fully rectangular floor shape for improved comfort. 

Since this is such a lightweight and small tent, it uses a lot of micromesh for the inner tent. Mesh walls can be a blessing in the summer heat but a significant drawback in cold weather. 

Additionally, this is a one-person tent, and you won’t likely have room for much more than your sleeping setup. 

One of the drawbacks of this compact motorcycle tent is that the FreeLite uses slender “needle” stakes, which invariably bend in hard-packed dirt. 

Additionally, there’s no repair kit included, which is a shame considering how holey mesh tends to get. 

Finally, as an ultralight backpack for one, the Freelite doesn’t have a vestibule that can fit a motorcycle. That said, its eight-square-foot vestibule is plenty big enough for two packs.

PROS

  • 4 x 18’’ pack size
  • Lightweight motorcycle tent
  • Plenty of headroom
  • Great in warm weather

CONS

  • Thin stakes are prone to bending
  • No repair kit included
  • Tiny vestibule

Note: The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 motorcycle tent is similar but slightly larger and heavier.

#6 Lone Rider MotoTent

Best Waterproof Motorcycle Tent

Product photo for the Lone Rider MotoTent.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Area (sq. ft): 35
Peak Height: 6’3″
Packaged Weight: 12lbs
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: ~18 sq. ft
Number of Doors: 4
Seasons: 3

Few other tents on the market have rain fly and waterproof floor ratings as high as 10,000mm, but the Lone Rider Mototent does, which is why it’s my pick for the best tent to carry on a motorcycle in rainy weather. 

Both the fly and floor have polyester treated with an impressive waterproofing layer. You’re almost certain to stay dry with the Lone Rider Mototent. 

In addition to the sturdy tent fabric, the Lone Rider Motorcycle Tent uses aircraft-grade aluminum poles to prevent the tent from snapping in the wind.

Setup is speedy and easy with the Lone Rider Mototent too, which is supposed to take less than seven minutes thanks to the color-coded poles that slide into sleeves. 

Finally, the peak height of this motorcycle camping tent is tall enough to allow you to stand up inside. 

While I’d still consider this one of the best tents on my list, be aware that the packed size is on the bigger side. The Lone Rider Mototent is 8” x 24″ packed, which is about the size of a small duffle bag.

PROS

  • Color-coded poles for easy setup
  • 6’3″ center height
  • 10,000mm waterproof coating on the fly and tent floor

CONS

  • Heavy
  • Large pack size

#7 Ayamaya Waterproof Motorcycle Tent

Best Budget Motorcycle Tent

Product photo for the Ayamaya Waterproof Motorcycle Tent.

Our Rating: 4.5/5
Area (sq. ft): 48.8 (entire tent)
Peak Height: 51″
Packaged Weight: 11.6lbs
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: 43.5 sq. ft
Number of Doors:3
Seasons: 3

The Ayamaya Waterproof Motorcycle Tent is one of the best tents for motorcycle camping on a budget. This motorcycle tent includes a moto vestibule, sleeps up to four people, and the price is low compared with similar footprints I’ve seen. 

The sleeping area is quite large at almost 60 square feet; and if that isn’t enough space, you could probably sleep one person in the giant 43.5 square foot garage.

The Ayamaya is another one of the freestanding tents on my list. However, setup isn’t the most straightforward, and the setup instructions are lacking. 

Despite this being a budget buy, it’s actually a decent tent with a 3,000mm waterproof coating and, at 11 pounds, it’s lightweight for such a large structure. 

Low-quality materials are an unavoidable pitfall with even the best budget tent, and, sure enough, the Ayamaya uses fiberglass poles and polyester. That said, most people who buy this item say it’s still the perfect tent for moto touring. 

Another issue I’ll note is the peak height. At 51’’, there are certainly shorter tents on the market, but you still can’t stand up in them.

PROS

  • Vestibule included
  • Sleeps four
  • 3000mm waterproof rating
  • Budget-friendly

CONS

  • Budget materials
  • Low peak height
  • Setup not intuitive

Note: I’ve seen a lot of people recommend other budget camping tents that I don’t think are up to snuff. Here is a short list of tents I don’t recommend:

  • Coleman Hooligan Motorcycle Tent (no moto vestibule, low-quality material)
  • Vango Motorcycle Tent (more expensive than Ayamaya)
  • Catoma Switchback Motorcycle Tent (no moto vestibule)

#8 Wingman of the Road Goose Tent

Best Canvas Motorcycle Tent

Product photo for the Wingman of the Road Goose Canvas Motorcycle Tent.

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Area (sq. ft): 16.1
Peak Height: 27.5″
Packaged Weight: 22 lbs
Vestibule: Semi-covered
Vestibule Area: ~6 sq. ft (estimated)
Number of Doors:1
Seasons: 4

I never thought I’d need to talk about motorcycle and canvas tents in the same breath, but here I am, proven wrong. 

The Wingman of the Road Goose Tent is easily the best motorcycle camping tent made of canvas I’ve ever seen. This small but mighty wonder has highly durable canvas walls. 

In case you’re unfamiliar, canvas is a perfect tent material, especially for cold weather, because the cotton fibers swell when exposed to moisture, making a perfectly watertight seal. And at the same time, each cotton strand is still breathable.  

The Goose is a minimalist tent anchored by two hoop-shaped aluminum poles at either end. There’s a tiny vestibule created by anchoring the porch material to the tank and seat of your motorcycle. 

The vestibule floor doubles as the waterproof tarp cover for the whole package. 

One of my favorite features about this camping tent is the built-in sleeping bag. I’ve never seen this feature anywhere else, but the Goose has a high-density foam mattress inside the bag. 

The downside of having all three pieces of camping gear in one shebang is that the package is rather bulky. It packs down to about the size of a standard sleeping roll (not a backpacking bag). 

The other issue with this tent is that it’s not a freestanding tent. You need to use your bike to make the vestibule and stake out the ends to create ventilation for the single-wall design.

PROS

  • It uses a completely waterproof 420g canvas
  • Built-in bedding
  • Four-season

CONS

  • Heavy
  • Small
  • Not a freestanding tent

#9 The North Face Wawona

Best Motorcycle Tent for Four

Product photo for the North Face Wawona Motorcycle Tent.

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Area (sq. ft): 86.11
Peak Height: 76″
Packaged Weight: 20lbs 15oz
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: 44.7 sq. ft
Number of Doors: 2
Seasons: 3

The North Face Wawona 6 is a motorcycle camping tent for bikers in a gang. Err– that is– a group of four. Yes, this is a six-person tent, but it will only sleep four if you’re stashing bikes in the vestibule. 

There’s a lot to love about the Wawona. This well-rated tent features a generous inner tent and tons of storage space under the vestibule.

I love that this tent is tall enough to stand up inside, and I think you will too. The tent fabric is 75D polyester, which is very durable. 

The waterproof rating on all parts of the Wawona is 1,200mm. While I’m not impressed by this number, the waterproofing and durable polyester make it a bomber tent suitable for withstanding heavy rain. 

One notable downside of the Wawona 6 is the weight. At 20 pounds, you may need to split the pieces up to share amongst your friends.

PROS

  • Sleeps four-six 
  • Tall enough to stand up inside
  • 75D polyester fabric
  • Excellent waterproofing

CONS

  • Heavy

#10 Wolf Walker Motorcycle Tent

Best Cold Weather Motorcycle Tent

Product photo for the Wolf Walker Cold Weather Motorcycle Tent.

Our Rating: 4.6/5
Area (sq. ft): ~32.8 (estimated)
Peak Height: 75″
Packaged Weight: 14.85lbs
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: Unknown
Number of Doors:4
Seasons: 4

Cold weather is one of the surest deterrents to camping. The clammy hands, the miserable late-night excursions to the bathroom– who finds that fun? 

But if cold weather doesn’t deter you, and you need shelter for your winter forays, check out the Wolf Walker Motorcycle Tent. 

The Wolf Walker Motorcycle Tent is the best cold-weather tent because it’s a four-season tent with a generous waterproof index of 2000-3000mm, meaning it performs impressively in chilly, wet weather. 

This toasty tent is perfect for two adults, although you could squeeze a third wheel in if needed. I love when you can stand up inside a tent, and the Wolf Walker delivers on this front. 

This moto tent features a vestibule for bikes, but the square footage wasn’t clear in the description. Either way, the vestibule opening is wide enough for most bikes with panniers. 

Another feature I like about this tent is that you can set up the outer fly first and then set up the inner tent. This feature is luxe when you’re shivering, there’s precipitation coming down, and you just can’t deal with wet gear. 

The setup on this tent is very straightforward, and the color-coded poles are intuitive and fast to figure out. And furthermore, the stuff sack is high quality and big enough that you’re not cursing after the first time you pack it away. 

Finally, this tent is very affordable. Who doesn’t love that? 

If I have one gripe about the Wolf Walker Motorcycle Tent, it’s the weight. At nearly fifteen pounds, this tent is on the heavy side.

PROS

  • Great in cold weather
  • Affordable
  • Fly can be set up before the inner tent
  • Easy to setup

CONS

  • Heavy

#11 Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1

Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Tent

Product photo for the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Hot Weather Motorcycle Tent.

Our Rating: 4.6/5
Area (sq. ft): 19.7
Peak Height: 38″
Packaged Weight: 1lb 14.6oz
Vestibule: No
Vestibule Area: 3.9 sq. ft
Number of Doors:1
Seasons: 3

I love camping in the summer, but I’ll admit that hot summer nights can be miserable to sleep in. Sticky and stifling, you need a tent with excellent ventilation. 

I chose a standard backpacking tent, the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1, as the best hot-weather motorcycle tent because this ultralight tent has lots of mesh on the tent body, and even the fly is very lightweight. 

Although you don’t get a vestibule with this tent, you also don’t get a giant heat-trapping vestibule. 

So, tradeoffs. 

The Nimbus 1 is a one-person tent that weighs just under two pounds. As promised, the tent body has a generous proportion of mesh (all the better to ventilate you, my dear), and the fly is lightweight (but strong) 20D nylon. 

I specifically chose a one-person tent as the best hot-weather shelter because I hate to deal with a sweaty tent buddy in the summer. Additionally, you don’t want to weigh your bike down super hard in the summer heat. 

The tradeoff, of course, for all this lightness and personal privacy is a tiny footprint. The floor area is just under 20 square feet, and the peak height is 38 inches. 

For reference, my partner is 6’1″, and his sitting height is 37-38″, so if you’re under 6’1″, you should be fine too.

PROS

  • Super lightweight
  • Excellent ventilation
  • Small packed size

CONS

  • Small living space
  • No moto vestibule

#12 SOL Escape Lite Bivy

Best Motorcycle Bivy 

Product photo for the SOL Escape Lite Bivy.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Length: 82″
Shoulder Width: 32″
Packaged Weight: 5.5oz
Vestibule: No
Vestibule Area: N/A
Number of Doors: N/A
Seasons: N/A

I would be remiss if I didn’t include one bivy sack in my list. No, a bivy sack isn’t the first choice for *most people*, but it is the first choice for *some* so I have to include it. 

A bivy sack is a simple emergency shelter shaped like a sleeping bag, and the SOL Escape Lite Bivy is my top pick because it’s heat reflective but breathable and lightweight.

The SOL is the best motorcycle “tent” for extreme minimalists, but it’s also a lifesaving tool for regular bikers and campers. A bivy may save your bacon if you have bike trouble without access to cell service or people. 

Of course, this is not a luxurious shelter, and it won’t be comfortable in any type of precipitation.

PROS

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Pack size is tiny
  • Reflective
  • Breathable
  • Lifesaving!

CONS

  • Uncomfortable for repeated use
  • Not great in the rain

#13 Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 Tent

Best Bikepacking Tent

Product photo for the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 Tent.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Area (sq. ft): 34
Peak Height: 54’’ (tent) 68’’ (vestibule)
Packaged Weight: 12lbs 4oz
Vestibule: Yes
Vestibule Area: 44 sq. ft
Number of Doors: 2
Seasons: 3

Motorcycle camping is fun and popular, but I have to give the nod to its cousin: bikepacking. Bikepacking is the same concept as moto camping, except that you’re on a pedal bike. 

The good thing about bikepacking tents is that they also double as moto camping tents. 

Allow me to introduce the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 Tent, a two-person bikepacking tent with a free-standing dome tent structure. 

The thing I like about this tent is the tall vestibule. If you’re bikepacking, you won’t be on established roads with close access to towns, and you’re more likely to be doing some cross-country travel. 

With the tall vestibule height, you can easily relax and stand up under your shelter when you have nowhere else (sheltered) to go. 

The Wyoming has a huge vestibule area, so you can safely tuck all your gear within its confines. This tent can be packed in bike or motorcycle panniers or even on the handlebars of a pedal bike. 

One con about the Wyoming is the weight; you’d need to split it in half with your partner.

PROS

  • Giant vestibule
  • Tall peak height
  • It fits in bike panniers or on handlebars

CONS

  • Heavy

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tent for Motorcycle Camping

A man lounges in a small blue tent with trees and hills in the background and a motorcycle in the foreground.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Camping Tents

Quality Material

You know that we are living in a material world. And I am a material girl. 

Regardless of the type of tent you purchase, I always recommend looking for high-quality material. 

I can’t tell you how often manufacturers list their materials as “high-quality” or “durable.” Those words alone mean nothing. They might as well say they’re using high-quality paper towels for the tent fabric. 

What to look for in high-quality tent materials

  • Technical specs are listed, including denier(D), hydrostatic head(HH, listed in mm), thread count (canvas or cotton only), and the type of weatherproofing applied (PVC or silicone)
  • Polyester: Cheap, durable, but heavy
  • Nylon: Lightweight but thinner than polyester
  • Aluminum or carbon fiber poles: These are stronger options than fiberglass. 

Lightweight

No one wants to carry more weight than they have to, but when it comes to motorcycle camping, you’ll need to consider the max weight on your panniers and your bike if you need them to carry the tent. 

For reference, most backpacking tents weigh less than six pounds, and a motorcycle tent isn’t that different in size. 

Packed Size

It can take a lot of work to gauge the packed size of a tent. I love it when the manufacturer puts a picture of the packed gear next to something I can reference.

Short of that, measure out something you have at home, like a roll of paper towels, to reference how big your tent will be. 

Again, for motorcycle camping, you’ll want to ensure it fits comfortably in your panniers. 

Floor Space

The average adult takes up 14 square feet while sleeping. Are you average? If not, plan your tent buying accordingly. 

Even if you are an average size, it can feel luxurious to spread out and have room for gear storage. 

Vestibule

The vestibule is a covered porch on your tent. 

Most vestibules don’t have a floor. Motorcycle camping tents are unique because they have extra large vestibules to protect your bike. 

While you don’t need a vestibule, keeping your ride dry overnight is very nice. 

Seasons

If you like to ride in winter, get a four-season tent. If not, a three-season tent will keep you comfortable. 

Types of Motorcycle Tents

The view of a motorcycle parked in a grassy landscape seen from inside a tent.

The best tent for motorcycle touring varies for each person. Here is a list of all the motorcycle camping tents and their pros and cons. 

Freestanding

The best motorcycle camping tents, regardless of the shape and style, are freestanding. Freestanding tents don’t need guylines to stand upright. Instead, they’re free-standing using just the tent poles. 

You can set up a freestanding tent almost anywhere quickly, without having to find soft ground to pound stakes into. 

Most casual tents are free-standing nowadays, but you will see non-free-standing or semi-freestanding tents among ultralight backpacking tents, so beware. 

Motorcycle-Specific/Bikepacking Tents

Want to shelter your prized Harley Davidson from the elements? 

Many motorcycle camping tents specifically shelter you and your bike. They feature a large vestibule under which to park your ride (and wet boots) and a separate sleeping compartment. 

Motorcycle tents pack down small and are typically lightweight–perfect for stashing in a pannier. 

The one downside to motorcycle tents is that they’re such a niche product that there isn’t much variety to choose from. 

There are also tents of this ilk specifically designed for bikepacking, which is camping from a pedal bike. Almost all bikepacking tents can work for motorcycle camping. 

Ultralight (Backpacking)

Backpacking tents and ultralight tents make excellent shelters for moto camping. Backpacking tents are smaller and lighter than traditional camping tents. Like their moto camping-specific siblings, these will fit nicely in a bike pannier. 

The downside of using a backpacking tent as a motorcycle camping tent is that they tend to be very small, with little extra space for large camping gear. 

Camping Tents

You have the option to use standard camping tents as motorcycle camping tents. 

If you’re looking for a traditional tent, you’ll want to find one with a packed weight you can manage on your bike, as they are heavier than backpacking or moto-specific tents. 

An alternative option with a standard tent is splitting the tent body and rain fly up into separate packs you distribute amongst those traveling with you, so one person isn’t carrying all the weight. 

Standard camping tents have the benefit of being cheaper than specialty tents.

Bivouacs (Bivys)

The lightest tent for motorcycle travel is a bivouac or bivy. 

A bivy sack is shaped like a sleeping bag and is usually waterproof. A bivy is generally used as an emergency shelter as there’s only enough room for you (no room for camping gear). 

However, some people regularly use a bivy sack as their primary shelter because the pack size is tiny. 

FAQs About Motorcycle Tents

A parked motorcycle with  dry, grassy hills and ocean in the background.

How do you carry a tent on a motorcycle?

There are two standard options for carrying motorcycle camping tents. 

The first is to strap it to the back of the bike.  if your pack size accommodates a tent, the second is to put it in a saddlebag or pannier. 

It’s essential to balance the weight of your riding gear, so, ultimately, how you pack your tent will depend on the weight of the tent compared to your other equipment. 

Check out this article on Tips for Packing a Motorcycle for more information. 

What is the most durable or toughest tent for motorcycle camping?

When picking the most durable adventure motorcycle tent, look for quality materials and high waterproof ratings (expressed as millimeters). Cheaper tents won’t list this technical spec on their fabric, but a quality tent will. 

For example, the Lone Rider Mototent is a highly weatherproof tent with waterproof ratings of 10,000mm on both the fly and tent body. 

What should I know before motorcycle camping for the first time?

You will enhance your motorcycle camping experience with a bit of preparation. Before you head out on your motorcycle trip, consider these points. 

  1. Don’t exceed the max payload of your bike with your gear storage. 
  2. Balance the weight on your bike.
  3. Test your gear at home. If you’re using a new tent, spray the hose over it to check for leaks. 
  4. Take all your gear on a day ride to ensure it doesn’t flap around. 
  5. Give your bike a tune-up before you head out.
  6. Don’t go camping alone, at least the first time. 
  7. Always let someone know where you plan to camp. 
  8. Bring cash for rural gas stations.
  9. Bring a solar charger for electronics if you’ll be out more than one night. 
  10. Don’t leave food or scented products on your bike overnight because it invites critters to tear your gear. 

What other accessories do I need for motorcycle camping?

Now that you’ve got your motorcycle camping tent, you’ll need a few other essential pieces of camping gear. 

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Motorcycle Tent

A woman sitting in a camp chair in a field, with a blue motorcycle tent and motorcycle behind her.

I struggled to choose a winner amongst this list of the best tents for motorcycle camping. 

While all the tents on this list are worthwhile, at the end of the day, the best tent for camping with a bike is the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel Bikepacking Tent.

The Blacktail is a two-person tent, which means it’d also make a lovely and spacious tent for one person.

I love that this brand uses eco-friendly materials and that the Blacktail has a dedicated motorcycle vestibule. 

With a pack size and weight of just over six pounds, I also appreciate how lightweight this tent is. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

author bio - Meredith Dennis

Meredith Dennis

Meredith is a biologist and writer based in California’s Sierra Nevada. She has lived in 6 states as a biologist, so her intel on hiking and camping is chef’s kiss next level. One of her earliest camping memories was being too scared to find a bathroom at night on a family camping trip. Thankfully, she’s come a long way since then and she can help you get there too!


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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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