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How we chose: this guide is research-based, built from manufacturer specifications, safety certifications and owner feedback rather than hands-on testing. How we research.
The best motorcycle camping tent is one that packs small enough to strap to your bike, pitches fast on any ground and keeps your gear dry. For solo riders, the Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1 is a top pick: it packs to about 6 by 18 inches, is freestanding, and has a vestibule for your boots and jacket. For two people, the Alps Lynx 2 has two doors and two vestibules, and the Zephyr 3 gives couples extra room for riding gear. Riders who want to park the bike under cover can look at motorcycle-specific “garage” tents.
Quick picks
-
Best solo tent
- Sleeps
- 1
- Doors / vestibules
- 1 / 1
- Listed price
- $179.99
-
Best for two
- Sleeps
- 2
- Doors / vestibules
- 2 / 2
- Listed price
- $159.99
-
Best lightweight two-person
- Sleeps
- 2
- Doors / vestibules
- Check listing
- Listed price
- Check listing
-
Best for couples with lots of gear
- Sleeps
- 3
- Doors / vestibules
- Check listing
- Listed price
- Check listing
- Best for covering the bike: motorcycle garage tents
Motorcycle camping tents compared
| Tent | Sleeps | Doors / vestibules | Key specs | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alps Zephyr 1 | 1 | 1 / 1 | Packs to about 6″ x 18″; 3-season; full mesh walls; 3000mm floor coating | $179.99 |
| Alps Lynx 2 | 2 | 2 / 2 | 7000-series aluminum poles; 1500mm fly; 2000mm floor; sealed seams | $159.99 |
| Alps Zephyr 2 | 2 | Check listing | Lightweight 2-person version of the Zephyr | Check listing |
| Alps Zephyr 3 | 3 | Check listing | Extra room for two riders and gear | Check listing |
Specs and prices are from RevZilla’s listings at the time of writing.
What makes a good motorcycle camping tent?
- Packed size: it must fit in a tail bag, dry bag or across the passenger seat. Short pole sections help.
- Freestanding design: pitches on hard ground, gravel or a campground platform without relying on stakes.
- Vestibules: a covered area outside the inner tent keeps wet riding gear and boots out of your sleeping space.
- Weatherproofing: look for a coated fly and floor and factory-sealed seams.
- Easy setup: pole clips and color coding make pitching quick at the end of a long day.
The best motorcycle camping tents
1. Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1: best solo tent
RevZilla calls the Zephyr 1 “the tent to own” for dirt bike and small ADV moto-camping, and it packs to about 6 by 18 inches, one of the smallest tents you can carry. It’s a three-season, freestanding two-pole design with 7000-series aluminum poles and clips for quick setup. The fly is 75D polyester with a 1500mm coating and the floor has a 3000mm coating, with factory-sealed seams. Full mesh walls ventilate well, and you get one door, one vestibule, mesh pockets, a gear loft and aluminum stakes.
Who it’s for: solo riders who need the smallest possible pack size.
2. Alps Mountaineering Lynx 2: best for two
The Lynx 2 is a freestanding two-pole dome with 7000-series aluminum poles and pole clips for fast assembly. It has a 75D polyester fly with a 1500mm coating that resists UV damage, a 2000mm-coated floor, factory-sealed seams, weatherproof fly buckles and extra-large #8 zippers. Two doors and two vestibules mean neither person has to climb over the other, and both get space for gear.
Who it’s for: two riders, or a solo rider who wants lots of space for gear.
3. Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2: best lightweight two-person
The Zephyr 2 is the two-person version of the compact Zephyr design. Check the listing for its packed size and weight against your luggage.
Who it’s for: couples who want a lighter, more compact two-person tent.
4. Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 3: best for couples with gear
Riding gear takes up a lot of space. A three-person tent like the Zephyr 3 gives two riders room for helmets, jackets and bags inside.
Who it’s for: couples on long trips who want room to spread out.
Motorcycle garage tents
Some tents are made specifically for motorcyclists, with a large vestibule big enough to park the bike under cover overnight. They’re bigger and heavier than normal tents, so they suit touring bikes with plenty of luggage space. RevZilla doesn’t stock them. Camping away from the bike? A portable security system for touring bikes keeps watch overnight.
Packing a tent on a motorcycle
- Pack the tent in a waterproof dry bag or roll bag and strap it low and close to the bike’s center.
- Carry the poles separately if they’re too long for your bag.
- Use proper straps, not bungees, and check them at every stop.
Need luggage? See the best motorcycle saddlebags and our Viking Cycle bags guide. Planning the trip? Read our motorcycle touring checklist, and pack rain gear like the best overpants. Riding in a group? Keep in touch with the best motorcycle intercoms.
For campsites on public land, see the Recreation.gov booking site, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Related guides: portable motorcycle garages and motorcycle batteries.
FAQ
What size tent do I need for motorcycle camping?
Solo riders can use a one-person tent; many prefer a two-person tent for extra gear space. Couples often choose a three-person tent.
How do I carry a tent on a motorcycle?
In a dry bag or roll bag strapped to the rack or passenger seat, as low and central as possible.
Is a freestanding tent better for motorcycle camping?
Usually, because it can be pitched on hard ground and moved easily.
Related reading: motorcycle teardrop campers.
Verdict
For solo riders, the Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1 is the best motorcycle camping tent thanks to its tiny packed size and freestanding design. Two riders should look at the Alps Lynx 2 for its two doors and two vestibules, and couples with lots of gear will appreciate the Zephyr 3.
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