Glamping, or glamorous camping, combines the adventure of the outdoors with the comforts of home. A bell tent is the centerpiece of this experience, offering a spacious, durable, and stylish shelter that feels more like a room than a tent. The classic design provides ample headroom and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings, romantic getaways, or a luxurious basecamp.
Choosing the right bell tent depends on your needs for space, seasonality, and features like stove jacks for winter camping. From heavy-duty four-season models to breezy summer retreats, the market offers excellent options for every type of glamper. This roundup highlights eight of the best bell tents to help you find your perfect outdoor sanctuary.
Our Top Picks for the Best Bell Tents
- DANCHEL OUTDOOR B5PRO 4 Season Canvas Bell Tent with Stove Jack
- WHITEDUCK Avalon Canvas Bell Tent – Luxury All Season Tent
- Teton Sierra 16 Canvas Bell Tent; Waterproof 12 Person Family Camping Tent
- DANCHEL OUTDOOR Glamping Canvas Bell Tent with Sun Shelter Arch Awning
- WaldZimmer Canvas Bell Tent 16.4ft Green with Stove Jack
- Stout Bell Tent with Stove Jack
- Pacific Pass 4 Person Bell Tent
- Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8 Tent
DANCHEL OUTDOOR B5PRO 4 Season Canvas Bell Tent with Stove Jack
This 13-foot bell tent is engineered for serious four-season use. Its 300GSM cotton canvas with a 3000mm waterproof PU coating stands up to rain and snow, while the precut stove jack allows for safe installation of a wood-burning stove for cozy winter camping. The design offers a generous 135 square feet of floor space, comfortably fitting four people and their gear.
Thoughtful features enhance livability. A tall center pole and nearly 5-foot door height create a roomy interior, and the 23.6-inch sidewalls provide usable space around the perimeter. The included side vent port can accommodate a portable air conditioner or small appliances, making this tent a versatile shelter for environments from -10°C to 40°C.
WHITEDUCK Avalon Canvas Bell Tent
The WHITEDUCK Avalon emphasizes luxury and durability with its premium 100% cotton canvas fabric, known as DYNADUCK. This 10.10 oz army duck canvas is naturally breathable and treated to be water-repellent, promoting excellent airflow while protecting from the elements. It’s a strong choice for campers who prioritize material quality and a comfortable interior climate.
Built to last, the tent features double-stitched seams and reinforced corners for added strength at stress points. The structure is supported by galvanized steel poles, known for their durability and resistance to rust, ensuring the tent remains stable in various weather conditions. This focus on robust construction makes it a reliable shelter for extended glamping trips.
Teton Sierra 16 Canvas Bell Tent
The Teton Sierra 16 is a highly versatile option that functions as a full tent or an open-air canopy, thanks to its removable floor. This feature is perfect for those who want a covered outdoor living space during fair weather or a fully enclosed shelter when needed. The waterproof, breathable canvas material is designed for comfort and all-season protection.
With enough room for up to twelve people, this is an ideal tent for large family gatherings or group outings. It includes built-in ventilation and a large weather skirt to help keep the interior dry. Easy-access ports allow you to run electrical power into the tent safely, adding modern convenience to your camping experience.
DANCHEL OUTDOOR Glamping Canvas Bell Tent with Sun Shelter Arch Awning
This 16.4-foot model offers expansive space, with 211 square feet of floor area capable of housing six people comfortably. The standout feature is its integrated sun shelter arch awning, which extends your living space and provides a shaded area outside the tent’s door—perfect for relaxing out of the sun or storing muddy boots.
Like its smaller sibling, it is built from heavy-duty 300GSM cotton canvas with a waterproof coating and includes a stove jack and side vent port for four-season capability. The interior feels particularly spacious due to its 31.5-inch sidewalls and over 5-foot door height, making it a top choice for those who want maximum room for a large family glamping setup.
WaldZimmer Canvas Bell Tent 16.4ft Green with Stove Jack
The WaldZimmer tent uses a polycotton canvas blend designed for durability, water resistance, and UV protection while maintaining good breathability. Its floor is a separate, heavy-duty 500GSM PVC material, and the entire floor is zipped and removable for easy cleaning or to use the tent in canopy mode. This 5-meter diameter tent comfortably accommodates 6-8 people.
Ventilation is a key strength of this model. It features four double-layered windows (canvas and mesh), a double-layered door, and four roof vents to ensure excellent air circulation and insect protection. The stove jack is pre-marked for easy, custom cutting to fit your specific wood stove pipe, adding to its adaptable design.
Stout Bell Tent with Stove Jack
Stout Bell Tents are recognized for their straightforward, robust design focused on reliable shelter. They typically feature a heavy-duty canvas construction and a reinforced stove jack, making them a solid choice for campers who need a dependable four-season tent without excessive frills. The design prioritizes stability and weather resistance.
These tents are well-suited for hunters, anglers, or anyone who camps in cooler climates and requires a heat source. The simple yet effective layout provides ample space for sleeping and gear, with a focus on the essential features that make winter camping safe and comfortable. The brand’s reputation is built on creating tents that perform consistently in the field.
Pacific Pass 4 Person Bell Tent
The Pacific Pass Bell Tent offers an accessible entry point into the world of canvas glamping. Designed to sleep four, it provides the classic bell tent aesthetic and feel at a more approachable level. Its canvas material is breathable and water-resistant, suitable for three-season camping adventures with family or friends.
This tent is a good option for those new to glamping or who camp primarily in spring, summer, and fall. It delivers the spacious, circular living area and high peak height that make bell tents so appealing, creating a comfortable and social camping environment. It’s a practical choice for festival camping or weekend getaways.
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8 Tent
While not a traditional single-pole bell tent, the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe is a premier canvas shelter often considered in the same category for its exceptional quality and roomy interior. Its unique flex-bow frame design creates near-vertical walls, maximizing usable floor space and headroom throughout the entire tent.
Built with Hydra-Shield cotton canvas, it is highly durable, waterproof, and breathable. The tent is renowned for its straightforward setup and exceptional stability in wind. With space for eight people, it functions as a superb family cabin tent, offering many of the benefits of a bell tent—durable canvas, great ventilation, a home-like feel—with a different structural approach.
How to Choose the Best Bell Tent for Glamping
Picking the right bell tent is what separates a good trip from a great one. I’ve learned that not all bell tents are created equal, especially when you want that perfect mix of camping and comfort. The first thing I always check is the material. For a proper glamping setup, you want a heavy-duty canvas like cotton or poly-cotton blend. It’s breathable, which means less condensation inside, and it’s much better at regulating temperature than a standard nylon tent. It feels substantial and creates that cozy, rustic atmosphere we’re all after.
Size is the next big decision. Bell tent sizes are usually based on their diameter in feet or meters. A 4-meter (about 13ft) tent is a fantastic starting point for two people with a proper bed and some furniture. If you’re planning for a family or want a dedicated lounge area, look at 5-meter or even 6-meter options. Remember, the stated size is the diameter; the actual usable floor space is a circle, so think about how your furniture will fit. Height is a luxury in a tent, and a good central pole should give you plenty of headroom to stand and move around comfortably.
Don’t overlook the details that make life easier. A sewn-in groundsheet is a game-changer for keeping bugs and moisture out, but some prefer a separate one for easier cleaning. I always look for large mesh windows and doors for ventilation and star-gazing. A stove jack is a non-negotiable feature for me if you ever plan to camp in cooler seasons; it allows you to safely use a wood-burning stove inside. Finally, check the hardware. Robust steel poles, quality guy lines, and heavy-duty zippers might not be glamorous, but they are the backbone of a tent that will last for many seasons. Taking the time to consider these points will help you find the best bell tent for glamping that truly feels like a home away from home.
FAQ
Is a canvas bell tent hard to set up?
I thought it would be, but it’s surprisingly straightforward! The classic design with a single central pole and guy lines is logical. The canvas is heavier than nylon, so having a second person helps, but most quality tents from reputable brands are designed for two people to pitch in 20-30 minutes. My tip is to practice in your backyard once before your first real trip.
Can I leave a bell tent up all season?
You can, but with caveats. A good canvas tent is durable, but it’s not a permanent structure. If you’re leaving it on a dedicated platform for a few weeks or months, make sure it’s thoroughly dry before packing it away to prevent mildew. For long-term seasonal use, consider a protective waterproofing re-treatment and always secure it properly for high winds.
How do I care for and clean my canvas tent?
The golden rule is never to pack it away wet. Always let it dry completely in the sun before storage. For cleaning, I use a soft brush and mild soapy water for spot cleaning. Avoid harsh detergents. Once a year, check the waterproofing; most canvas tents benefit from a reproofing spray or solution to maintain their water resistance.
Are bell tents warm in winter?
With the right setup, they can be wonderfully cozy. The canvas itself provides good insulation. The real key is a certified, safe wood-burning stove with a proper stove jack. This turns the tent into a warm, dry haven even in cold weather. Without a stove, you’ll rely on good sleeping bags and insulated bedding, much like regular camping.
What’s the real difference between a cheap and a premium bell tent?
It comes down to materials and craftsmanship. A premium tent will use thicker, higher-grade canvas with reinforced stress points, stainless steel or robust poles, quality zippers, and double-stitched seams. A cheaper model might use thinner fabric, lighter poles, and less durable fittings. For a long-term investment in comfort, the premium build is worth it for your search for the best bell tent for glamping.