Camping kitchen tents are essential for outdoor enthusiasts looking to create a convenient and functional cooking space in the wilderness. These tents offer a dedicated area for meal preparation and storage, keeping food and cooking equipment organized and protected from the elements. With their spacious interiors and multiple compartments, camping kitchen tents provide ample room for stoves, utensils, and ingredients, allowing campers to enjoy delicious meals even in remote locations. These tents are designed with durable materials to withstand rugged conditions and often feature mesh windows for ventilation and easy access. Whether you’re embarking on a family camping trip or a solo adventure, a camping kitchen tent is a valuable addition to enhance your outdoor cooking experience.
GET A COVERED KITCHEN SHELTER FOR RAIN, SUN, WIND, BUGS, AND COLD
To maximize your camping comfort, especially in multi-day base camps, add a screen tent or tarp kitchen shelter (kitchen fly or dining fly). A good kitchen shelter will protect you from bright sun light, cancer causing UV radiation, rain, wind, and dew fall. If it has screen walls, it can also protect you from flies, horse flies, bees, mosquitoes, and other bugs. If it has fabric side walls for all sides, it can provide better protection from wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Once set up, you can use the shelter to prepare meals, eat meals, wash dishes, read books, play games, work on projects, bathe (if necessary), and just hang out during bad weather.
Cooking and eating can be one of the best parts of camping — but not if you have to do it while battling mosquitoes, getting drenched in the rain or standing under the hot sun. That’s where kitchen tents come in.
A lot of kitchen tents are actually pretty useless when it comes to things like keeping rain out. So, it’s important to understand your options and whether they will actually work for your style of camping. I’ll go over my picks for best camping kitchen tents, as well as advice for how to pick the right kitchen tent.
QUICK PICKS
- Best Overall: Eureka! Northern Breeze. It can be used as a just a canopy or a screen room and does a great job of keeping you dry. Eureka! Northern Breeze Camping Kitchen Tent. Its spacious design and durable construction provide ample room for cooking, storage, and gathering, making it the perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their camping experience.
- Runner Up: Coleman Back Home. An affordable, sturdy screen tent with a waterproof roof and vertical mesh walls for keeping (most) rain out.Coleman Back Home Camping Kitchen Tent. Its versatile design, ample storage space, and convenient features make it a must-have for any camping enthusiast, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable outdoor culinary experience.
- Third pick: Campros Octagon Screen House. Experience the ultimate outdoor dining with the Campros Octagon Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent. Its spacious octagonal design, full mesh walls, and durable construction create a bug-free and comfortable environment, perfect for cooking, dining, and gathering, making it a top choice for campers seeking both functionality and relaxation.It’s affordable, spacious and lightweight, but the slanted mesh walls means everything gets wet inside when it rains.
COMPARISON TABLE OF CAMPING KITCHEN TENT
TentSize (Feet)HeightTypeWeightWaterproof roof?Eureka! Northern Breeze12×12 + 4 awnings97″Screen house27lbs 13ozYesEureka! Northern Breeze10×10 + 4 awnings91″Screen house24lbs 12ozYesHasika All-Weather8×8 + 4 awnings71″Double wall12.8lbsYesColeman Back Home Hexagon12×10100″Screen house45lbsYesABCCANNOPY OUTDOOR GAZEBO10×10 + 1 awning84″Screen house13lbsYesColeman Instant Canopy10×10112″Canopy45lbsYesColeman Instant Canopy12×12128″Canopy50lbsYesHaskika awning15×1078″Walled awning17lbsCampros Octagon Screen Room13×1386″Screen house22.5lbsYesCore Instant10×1084″Screen house17.5lbsYesCore Instant12×1084″Screen house27lbsYesCampros Screen Room12×1090″Screen house22.5lbsYesEver Advanced12×1085″Screen house20lbsNoTailGaterz11×990″Screen house19lbsNo
BEST KITCHEN CAMPING TENT (REVIEWED)
#1,Eureka! Northern Breeze Double-Wall Screen Tent With Awnings.
SPECS:
- Sizes: 12×12 and 10×10 feet + 4 awnings
- Height: 97 inches/ 91 inches
- Weight: 27lbs 13oz/24lbs 12oz
- Packs down to: 14×36 inches/12×32 inches
- Doors: 2
- Cost: $$$$$
- Buy At: Amazon,
Eureka! Northern Breeze Double-Wall Screen Camping Kitchen Tent with Awnings, the epitome of outdoor convenience and comfort. This meticulously designed tent combines functionality with style to create a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The double-wall construction provides excellent insulation, keeping you cool during hot summer days and warm on chilly evenings. The spacious interior offers ample room for cooking, storage, and relaxing, while the built-in awnings provide extra shade and protection from the elements. With its durable materials and sturdy construction, this tent is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard gathering, or enjoying a picnic, the Eureka! Northern Breeze Double-Wall Screen Camping Kitchen Tent with Awnings is the perfect companion for all your outdoor escapades.
The Eureka! Northern Breeze has the best design of any screen tent. For starters, it has a sturdy construction that can handle bad weather. It’s easy to setup (all clips; no annoying pole sleeves) and the tent is completely free-standing, though you should still stake out the guylines in case of windy weather. There are two doors with a 6 foot walk-through.
What makes it such a great kitchen tent though is that it a double-layer design: the walls roll up to expose the mesh and get ventilation. If it rains, just roll down the walls and you are completely protected from all sides.
You also have the option of extending the walls to make four awnings — meaning you can get an extra 6 feet of sun protection in any direction. It only comes with three awning poles though, so you’ll need to get your own if you want to extend all the awnings at once.
Get it here at Amazon
#2. Hasika Double Wall Screen Tent-Camping Kitchen Tent.
SPECS:
- Size: 8x8feet + 4 awnings
- Height: 71 inches
- Weight: 12.8lbs
- Packs down to: 24x7x7 inches
- Doors: 2
- Cost: $$
- Buy At: Amazon
- Best for: A small kitchen tent for all weather conditions, but not for cooking inside.
Discover the ultimate outdoor cooking and dining experience with the Hasika Double Wall Screen Camping Kitchen Tent. Designed for versatility and convenience, this tent is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. The double-wall construction offers excellent insulation, keeping you comfortable in any weather conditions. Its spacious interior provides ample room for cooking, storage, and relaxation, while the screen walls keep pesky insects at bay. With its durable materials and sturdy design, the Hasika Camping Kitchen Tent is built to withstand the demands of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re camping, hosting a picnic, or enjoying a backyard cookout, this tent will elevate your outdoor experience to new heights.
This a much smaller (and much cheaper!) version of the Eureka! Kitchen tent above. The Hasika also has a bathtub floor so you can use it in muddy weather.
The design of the tent is pretty awesome and it’s sturdy enough to hold up in bad weather. There are two large doors (one on each side) which completely open up. The main downside is that the tent is very small. It’s also very low — only 71” at the center height. This makes it unsuitable for cooking inside.
The small size does have the benefit of making it easier to pack. It’s just under 13lbs and doesn’t take up your entire car trunk. I still like the Eureka! Northern Breeze better, but this is a good solution for minimalist campers.
#3. Coleman Back Home Hexagon Instant Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent.
SPECS:
- Size: 12×10 feet
- Height: 100 inches
- Weight: 45lbs
- Packs down to: 1x1x4 feet
- Doors: 2
- Cost: $$
- Buy At: Amazon
Best for: Spacious, affordable screen house which sets up easily and decent enough rain protection
Experience outdoor dining at its finest with the Coleman Back Home Hexagon Instant Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent. This remarkable tent combines functionality and convenience, making it a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. With its hexagon shape, it offers ample space for cooking, dining, and relaxation. The instant setup feature allows for hassle-free assembly, saving you time and effort. The durable materials and sturdy construction ensure long-lasting performance, while the screen walls keep insects out and provide excellent ventilation. Whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard gathering, or enjoying a picnic, the Coleman Back Home Hexagon Instant Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent is your go-to choice for an unforgettable outdoor culinary experience.
The size and setup of the Coleman Back Home screen house are great. It is sturdy enough to handle wind and the poles are good quality. Because the walls are completely vertical, they do a good job of keeping most rain out (rain will still blow in through the screen in storms). I also like that the tent has a skirt to help keep muddy puddles out.
The major flaw of this kitchen tent is that it is heavy and massive when packed up. It takes up 4 feet of space and weighs 45lbs. It does come with a wheeled carry case, but the wheels aren’t going to work on bumpy ground or sand — so you might have to lug it a bit.
#4, ABCCANNOPY OUTDOOR GAZEBO-Camping Kitchen Tent
SPECS.
- Dimensions: 10ft x 10ft
- Durable 150D oxford canopy with reinforced corners
- Sturdy steel frame with a powder-coated finish
- Mesh walls for ventilation and insect protection
- Integrated awning design for added shade
- Easy setup with telescoping poles and secure fastening mechanisms
- Suitable for camping, outdoor gatherings, and picnics
- Includes a convenient carry bag for portability.
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with the ABCCANOPY Outdoor Gazebo Camping Kitchen Tent. Crafted with top-notch materials, this tent combines durability and functionality to create the perfect outdoor kitchen setup. With a spacious design and multiple entrance points, it provides ample room for cooking, dining, and storage. The mesh walls keep pesky insects out while allowing for optimal ventilation. Its easy setup and convenient features, such as the integrated awning, make it a breeze to use. Whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard party, or enjoying a picnic, the ABCCANOPY Outdoor Gazebo Camping Kitchen Tent is the ultimate choice for outdoor culinary adventures.
#5. Coleman Instant Canopy Camping Kitchen Tent
SPECS:
- Size: 10×10 and 12×12 feet
- Height: 100 inches/112 inches
- Weight: 45lbs/50lbs
- Packs down to: About 1×4.5 feet
- Doors: N/A
- Cost: $$
- Buy At: Amazon
- Best for: Sun and some rain protection
Experience the ultimate convenience and versatility with the Coleman Instant Canopy Camping Kitchen Tent. Designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, this tent sets up in a matter of minutes, allowing you to focus on the joys of outdoor cooking. Its spacious interior provides ample room for food preparation, storage, and dining, while the durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. The integrated canopy offers protection from the sun and light rain, making it ideal for camping trips, backyard parties, or tailgating events. With its easy-to-use features and reliable functionality, the Coleman Instant Canopy Camping Kitchen Tent is a must-have for those seeking an effortless outdoor culinary experience.
If your main concern is sun protection, this canopy by Coleman is a good option. It comes in three sizes: 7×5, 10×10 and 12×12. I didn’t even bother to include the 7×5 size. It’s so small that you won’t get adequate shade and your gear will get wet even if you push it all to the middle of the tent.
The 10×10 and 12×12 sizes are large enough that you will get some rain protection in bad weather. Because the frame is sturdy, you can even use binder clips to attach some plastic sheeting to the sides for protection.
Setting up and taking down the canopy is easy. You can do it yourself with some practice, but it’s better with 2 or 3 people to help. It is very heavy but does come in a convenient carry case on wheels. There are handles too so you can carry it over rough terrain.
#6. Hasika Shade Awning Camping Kitchen Tent
SPECS:
- Size: 15×10 feet
- Height: 78 inches
- Weight: 17lbs
- Packs down to: 25x9x9 inches
- Doors: 8
- Cost: $$
- Buy At: Amazon
- Best for: Weather protection but no mosquito protection
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with the Hasika Shade Awning Camping Kitchen Tent. This tent is a game-changer for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a versatile and functional space for cooking and dining. The shade awning design offers excellent protection from the sun, ensuring a comfortable experience even on hot summer days. Its spacious interior accommodates cooking equipment, tables, and chairs, while the sturdy construction guarantees durability. With easy setup and premium materials, this tent is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re camping, picnicking, or hosting a backyard gathering, the Hasika Shade Awning Camping Kitchen Tent is a must-have for unforgettable outdoor culinary experiences.
This kitchen tent by Hasika is a bit different than other canopies. It is a tunnel-tent design which means it does have to be staked out in a zillion places to stay upright. If you don’t do it well (it might take some practice), the tent won’t hold up well in wind. Once properly staked out though, you end up with a very long tent with lots of interior space.
There are 8 doors on the tent (3 on each long side and 1 on each end). You can close the doors to make a waterproof space inside. Note that only one door has a zipper. The other doors close with Velcro, so some water will leak through in heavy rains. It’s pretty good in light rains though.
The tent is pretty cheap, so it’s no surprise that the material is flimsy. A lot of people had the one zipper break on them too. But, overall, it’s a good solution for hanging out and eating inside — so long as you practice setting it up!
BEST COLEMAN TENTS IN 2023 DETAILED REVIEWS
#7. Campros Octagon Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent.
Specs:
- Size: 13×13 feet
- Height: 86 inches
- Weight: 22.5lbs
- Packs down to: 25x9x9 inches
- Doors: 2
- Cost: $$
- Buy At: Amazon
- Best for: Not as good as the Coleman Back Home, but lighter and packs smaller
Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with the Campros Octagon Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent. Designed for versatility and comfort, this tent provides an exceptional camping experience. The unique octagonal shape offers ample space for cooking, dining, and relaxation, while the screen walls keep pesky insects out while providing excellent ventilation. Its durable construction and weather-resistant materials ensure longevity, making it perfect for various outdoor activities. With easy setup and convenient features, such as multiple entrances and windows, the Campros Octagon Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and enjoyable cooking and dining environment.
Campros makes a lot of affordable (I hesitate to call it “cheap”) tents which are “good enough.” This screen house definitely falls into the “good enough” category.
On the plus side, it is spacious and sets up easily. I like the two doors which open almost all the way up. The octagon shape is also nice for fitting a picnic table in or having groups sit around a smaller table. Along with the 8 side poles, there are 6 roof poles, so the screen tent is actually pretty sturdy. It packs down smaller and is lighter than a lot of comparable screen tents.
As for the bad, the walls are not completely vertical. While the top of the tent is waterproof and will keep the interior dry in light rains. But, in heavy rains, the water will flow down the roof and onto the screen sides. Water WILL get into the tent. The rain skirt around the bottom is kind of useless since the rain will fall inside of it. The entranceways are also fairly short, so it’s not great for really tall people.
#8. Core Instant Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent
SPECS:
- Sizes: 12×10 and 10×10 feet
- Height: 84 inches
- Weight: 27lbs/17.5lbs
- Packs down to: 47x10x10 inches/ 50x7x7 inches
- Doors: 2
- Cost: $$
- Buy At: Amazon
- Best for: A rectangular instant screen tent, which doesn’t weigh a ton
Enhance your outdoor cooking experience with the Core Instant Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent. This tent is a game-changer for camping enthusiasts, providing a versatile and functional space for cooking and dining. The instant setup feature allows for quick and effortless assembly, so you can start cooking in no time. With its spacious interior and screen walls, you can enjoy a bug-free and well-ventilated environment. The durable construction and sturdy frame ensure reliability and longevity. Whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard gathering, or enjoying a picnic, the Core Instant Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent is the perfect companion for a seamless and enjoyable outdoor culinary adventure.
At first glance, this screen house seems like a really good option. The instant setup with pre-attached poles is definitely a plus. However, the Core instant screen house has slanted walls, so rain will rip off the roof and in through the mesh sides.
The frame also isn’t the sturdiest. That’s to be expected from a massive tent which only weighs 27lbs. Despite being lightweight (or light-ish), the tent is massive when packed. I’d rather get the Coleman Back Home tent (#3 pick). But, if you really want a rectangular kitchen tent and instant setup, then this is a good option.
#9. Campros Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent.
SPECS:
- Size: 12×10 feet
- Height: 90 inches
- Weight: 22.5lbs
- Packs down to: 25x10x10 inches
- Doors: 1
- Cost: $
- Buy at: Amazon
- Best for: Cheap, lightweight rectangular screen room for good weather only.
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with the Campros Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent. This tent is a game-changer for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a versatile and functional space for cooking and dining. The spacious interior offers ample room for food preparation, storage, and relaxation, while the screen walls keep pesky insects out while allowing for optimal airflow. With its durable construction and high-quality materials, this tent is built to withstand the elements. Whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard gathering, or enjoying a picnic, the Campros Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent is a must-have for creating a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor kitchen environment.
Here’s another screen room by Campros. Unlike the other Camprostent (#7), this one has a rectangular shape. It also has fewer poles so is easier to set up. However, it is not nearly as sturdy as the one above. This is because it only has 4 vertical poles instead of 8. It has an extra pole at the top to keep the roof from sagging. This pole fits into a little pocket on the roof. The pocket will inevitably rip and it’s wobbly if you don’t stake the tent out perfectly.
Because the tent walls aren’t vertical, it will get wet inside in even light rain. If you want a good screen house, I’d say to stick with the Coleman Back Home screen room. But, if it’s too heavy or you really want a rectangular screen house, then this is an okay kitchen tent for good weather camping.
#10. Ever Advanced Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent.
SPECS:
- Size: 12×10 feet
- Height: 85 inches
- Weight: 20lbs
- Packs down to: 29x8x8 inches
- Doors: 2
- Cost: $
- Buy At: Amazon
- Best for: Cheap screen house, but for good weather only!
Upgrade your outdoor cooking setup with the Ever Advanced Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent. This tent is a game-changer for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a versatile and functional space for cooking, dining, and relaxation. The spacious interior offers ample room for food preparation and storage, while the screen walls keep pesky insects out while allowing for refreshing airflow. With its durable construction and high-quality materials, this tent is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard gathering, or enjoying a picnic, the Ever Advanced Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent is a must-have for creating a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor kitchen environment that will elevate your outdoor experience to new heights.
The Ever Advanced screen house is one of the cheapest you will find. Surprisingly though, the frame is actually pretty sturdy. It has 6 vertical poles (many screen tents only have 4), so stands up well without sagging.
There are two front doors right next to each other, but no doors on the sides or back. The doors do open completely. The clearance is about 70 inches, so it’s suitable for tall people.
Note the top of the screen tent is NOT waterproof. It offers zero rain protection. If you only need a kitchen tent with mosquito protection and are on a budget, then choose this one.
#11.TailGaterz Magnetic Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent.
Specs:
- Size: 11×9 feet
- Height: 90”
- Weight: 19lbs
- Packs down to: 26x9x9 inches
- Doors: 2
- Cost: $$
- Buy At: Amazon
- Best for: Great screen house, just not for rain
Revolutionize your outdoor cooking experience with the TailGaterz Magnetic Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent. This tent is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a versatile and functional space for cooking, dining, and relaxation. The innovative magnetic doors allow for easy entry and exit, while keeping pesky insects out. With its spacious design and durable construction, it offers ample room for food preparation, storage, and gathering. The screen walls ensure optimal ventilation and a bug-free environment. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or hosting a backyard cookout, the TailGaterz Magnetic Screen House Camping Kitchen Tent is a must-have for creating an enjoyable and hassle-free outdoor culinary experience.
The roof of this screen tent isn’t waterproof, so it’s not suitable even for light rain. However, if you only camp in good weather (or don’t mind setting a tarp up over it), there’s a lot of love about this screen tent.
For starters, the magnetic doors are really useful. They are much easier to use than zipper doors — especially if you are entering/leaving with your hands full. You also won’t have to keep reminding your children to zip the doors so insects don’t get in. The size is also practical for cooking and eating inside.
While not an instant tent, it’s pretty easy to set up the screen tent. However, it is definitely not the sturdiest. There are only four side poles — which isn’t much for a tent this size. To keep the roof from sagging, there is an extra top pole that fits into a little pocket. Lots of tents have this design and the pocket inevitably rips. It also wobbles around if you don’t stake it out properly.
UMBRELLA-STYLE SCREEN KITCHEN TENTS
These Kitchen Camping Tent And shelters are better choices when you travel in a small car. They require less packing space, are lightweight, and easy to fit in small campsites. Sometimes, their netting can be removed in hot weather or deployed to protect from bug. And they are waterproof. But, they have sloped sidewalls that reduce inside standing space.
Eureka! NoBugZone 3in1-Kitchen Camping Tent.
CORE 12’X10′ Instant Screen House Kitchen Camping Tent
Browning Camping Basecamp Screen House Kitchen Camping Tent.
DOME-STYLE SCREEN KITCHEN CAMPING TENTS
These are the most compact and lightweight kitchen shelters that are suitable for families that travel in small cars. But they have sloped sidewalls that greatly reduce inside standing space.
Big Agnes Sugarloaf Kitchen Camping Tent.
NEMO Victory Screenhouse Kitchen Camping Tent.
Big Agnes Three Forks Kitchen Camping Tent.
GUIDE FOR CHOOSING A KITCHEN TENT
What Size Kitchen Tent?
A typical picnic table is up to 96 inches long and 30 inches wide. Assuming that you want your kitchen tent to fit over a picnic table, it will need to be bigger than this. Add an extra 24 inches on ALL sides for walking room and that means you need a kitchen tent which is at least 144 inches x 78 inches (12×6.5 feet).
If you are using a small table inside the kitchen tent, then you can get away with a small size. But I’ve found that smaller kitchen tents are kind of useless. If you can’t hang out in the tent, you won’t actually use it.
As for height, you’ll need a tent which is at least 6–7 feet tall if you want to cook in it. If you only want to eat in it, then a slightly shorter tent is okay — but it will still be annoying if you can’t stand up inside.
Types Of Kitchen Tents
Before you choose a kitchen tent, make sure you understand the types — especially the protection offered. Depending on the type, a kitchen tent can protect against sun, rain and mosquitoes. Important: rain never really falls straight down. It will blow into the kitchen tent from the sides, getting everything along the edges wet. If you need protection against bad weather, the kitchen tent will need to have walls.
Tip: You can hang plastic sheeting on the sides of your screen tent to block rain from the sides. Binder clips work for this.
TARP KITCHEN
A tarp is by far the cheapest option for a kitchen tent. They come in different sizes and can be configured in many ways.
- Cheap
- Protects against sun and rain
- Can configure to block rain from sides too
- No mosquito protection
- Tricky to set up
- Need trees to set up
Once a kitchen shelter has been set up, set up tables to provide working and eating space, hang lights from the poles for night time use, and set-up a ThermaCell tower or citronella candle to ward off mosquitoes. In hot weather, set up a fan — and, in cool weather, set up a small space heater. In cold weather, you could add a front wall, build a campfire just beyond the open side wall, and then hang a silver space blanket reflector behind the campfire to reflect heat into the shelter — just like early campers set up old Baker tents. Baker tents with campfires and reflector screens were used for many years in northeast wilderness areas to heat open front shelters on cold and frosty nights.
SHELTER OR CANOPY.
Canopies are a very simple kitchen tent. They have a pole system that supports a roof and nothing more.
- Affordable
- Have poles so can set up anywhere
- Easy setup
- Protect against sun and rain from above
- No mosquito protection
- Rain from sides will blow in
SCREEN HOUSE TENT
Also called a screen room or screen tent, these are basically canopies with mesh walls. They are easy to set up and protect from sun, rain, and mosquitoes. Like with a canopy, rain will still come in from the sides.
- Have poles so can set up anywhere
- Easy setup
- Roof isn’t always waterproof
- Mosquito protection
- Rain from sides will blow in
DOUBLE-WALL SCREEN ROOMS
