5 Best Pop-Up Tailgating Tents for your Next Get Together!

Published September 29th, 2022 by Allen Campbell

best popup tents for tailgating

It’s that time of year again—time to break out the grill, dust off the old cooler, and get ready for some serious tailgating. But, it’s tough to set up a tailgating party without a tent. Not only do you have to worry about getting the food and drinks ready, but you also have to set up the tent! 

And if it rains, your party is ruined. In order to avoid all of this hassle, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular Tailgating Pop-Up Tents, which have been thoroughly tested and are considered to be of the greatest quality and customer satisfaction.

5 Best Pop-Up Tailgating Tents: Summary

1. Coleman 7 x 5 Ft. Instant Canopy for Tailgating

400+ Reviews
4.1/5

The Coleman Instant Canopy is the perfect option to choose if you’re looking for a small, lightweight, and easy-to-set-up canopy. This tent is only 7×5 ft., which makes it perfect for those who have a smaller space to work with, or who want a more intimate tailgating experience. 

There are some stadiums that don’t allow tents to be bigger than 8×8, so if your stadium has this restriction, then I would suggest you go with this option.

Don’t worry about this tent being too hot; it has UPF 50+ UV protection. It means that you’ll be safe from the harmful rays of the sun, and you won’t have to worry about getting too hot while you’re enjoying your tailgate.

Before purchasing this tent, I was concerned about the setting up process, because I’ve had bad experiences with other tents in the past. But, to my pleasant surprise, setting up this tent was a snap. It was only got possible because of the telescoping poles that allowed me to set up the tent in just a matter of seconds.

Additionally, the lightweight design is also a big reason why I decided to go with this tent. It only weighs 0.5 pounds, so it’s super easy to carry around. You will find the carrying bag very helpful because it has wheels.

It makes transporting your tent a lot easier and more convenient, especially if you have to walk a long distance from your car to the stadium. The only downside to this tent is that it’s not tall enough to comfortably accommodate very tall people.

Pros:

  • UPF 50+ UV protection
  • Easy to set up
  • Easy to transport and store
  • It comes with a carrying bag
  • Good value for the price

Cons:

  • Tall people might feel cramped

2. Eurmax 10×10 Pop Up Tent with Zipper Sidewalls

620+ Reviews
4.4/5

Eurmax 10×10 Pop-Up Tent would be my next choice for the best pop-up tents. It’s also an excellent choice for individuals who want to spend the majority of their time outdoors. For one thing, it has a fast and sturdy build. 

Secondly, it comes with zipper sidewalls which makes it very convenient to use. You will be happy to know that it is a commercial-grade canopy tent. That means it is durable and can bear different environmental conditions.

I appreciate the fabric material as it is comprised of high denier polyester. The polyester is treated with a PU coating that protects against harmful UV rays. Yet another advantage of PU coating is that it makes the fabric more water resistant. That is why I would recommend this tent for a hot summer day or a light rain shower.

Additionally, the heavy-duty stitching and sealed seams make this canopy tent waterproof. So, you can use it without any worries in different weather conditions. The CPAI-84 fire retardant feature is an added advantage of this product. It makes the tent more reliable and safe to use.

I found the velcro fastener to be the low-quality part of this product. If the wind is gusty, you might have to hold onto your tent so it doesn’t blow away. That is why, in my opinion, you should pick this shelter if the weather is calm.

Pros:

  • Fast and sturdy build
  • Zipper sidewalls for convenience
  • Commercial grade canopy tent
  • High denier polyester fabric
  • UV protection and water resistance
  • Heavy duty stitching
  • CPAI-84 fire retardant

Cons:

  • Velcro fastener might not be very reliable

3. E-Z UP SR9104BL Sierra II 10’ x 10’ Canopy

2400+ Reviews
4.6/5

With just a simple setup, this EZ Up canopy gives you all the benefits of camping without any of the hassles. This tailgating canopy can be installed in some minutes with its telescoping poles—no more difficult tent assembly.

The innovative technology that this product uses is the Pull-Pin Slider which makes it easy to set up and take down. The entire process can be done with just one hand, so you won’t have to ask for help from anyone else. The legs are made of heavy-duty steel, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking or bending.

The EZ Pop-Up canopy is a wonderful combination of function and style. You never have to worry about bumping your head on the low-hanging canopy roof, because this product has cathedral-style headroom. 

Additionally, the CPAI-84 fire-resistant fabric is top quality, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth with this product.

In addition to being CPAI-84 fire resistant, this product is protected against UV rays with a 99% blocking rate. With this product, you don’t have to be concerned about the sun’s rays.

Enough amount of shade is important, and with this product, you’re guaranteed to have it. The 10×10 size is perfect for large groups, and the 8×8 roof will provide ample shade in even the sunniest of weather.

You can bring this canopy with you on all your adventures, thanks to the included roller bag. The entire product weighs just 32 pounds, so it becomes easy to take with you on the go. The 2-year warranty is offered in case any problem arises.

Pros:

  • Simple setup
  • Innovative technology
  • Heavy duty construction
  • UV and fire resistant
  • Comes with a roller bag
  • 2-year warranty

Cons:

  • The durability of this product has been questioned by some customers

4. CROWN SHADES Pop up Canopy

4800+ Reviews
4.5/5

The biggest reason to buy a canopy is for the shelter it offers from the sun. Crown Shades Canopy’s 100 square feet of coverage is more than enough to keep you and your friends cool and comfortable during even the hottest summer days.

The 10×10 Ft. area of the canopy means that it can comfortably accommodate 4-6 people, so you can enjoy the shade with all your friends. The 9.19 ft. headroom of the canopy provides plenty of space for even the tallest people in your group.

With this product, you can easily set up your canopy by yourself without waiting for anyone’s help. The easy-to-use, single-person set-up of the CROWN SHADES Pop-up Canopy means that you can have it up and ready in no time at all. 

The central push lock system makes it easy to set up and take down the canopy by yourself, so you can enjoy the shade whenever you want.

Not to mention, the canopy’s height is adjustable depending on how much coverage you need. The three different height settings on each leg mean that you can adjust the canopy to provide more or less shade, depending on the amount of sun you want to be exposed to.

If you are tailgating in an area with high rainfall, you don’t have to worry about rusting of your canopy legs. The 0.5mm powder-coated steel frame of the CROWN SHADES Canopy is rust-resistant, so you can use it for years to come without worrying about the frame deteriorating.

In order to keep the canopy from blowing away in strong winds, the company has provided four guy ropes and eight stakes. These will keep the canopy in place even on windy days, so you can enjoy your time outdoors without having to worry about the canopy blowing away.

The carrying case is also great for storing the canopy when you’re not using it. The fact that the canopy is foldable makes it easy to carry around with you, and the carrying bag ensures that it stays clean and free of dirt and dust when not in use.

Pros:

  • 100 square feet of shade
  • Can accommodate 4-6 people
  • 9.19 ft. headroom
  • Single person set-up
  • Central hub push-button system
  • 3 different height settings
  • 0.5mm powder-coated steel frame

Cons:

  • Sidewalls not included

5. Caravan Canopy 10x10 Ft

300+ Reviews
4.2/5

If you’re worried about the high winds, consider investing in a caravan canopy that measures 10 by 10 feet. This item is ideal for those who wish to have a nice tailgate. The product is known to provide great durability in windy conditions.

The canopy can provide you with 118.5 x 118.5 x 141 inches of space to work with. If you are looking for a lightweight canopy, then I would not suggest you get this one as it weighs 50 pounds. And if weight is not an issue for you, then this product is the perfect one as it can provide you with great stability in the wind.

I can confirm that this canopy will last you a long time – I’ve had mine for over a year and it still looks brand new. I have not faced any rusting or corrosion issues with this product. It is the powder coating on the steel frame that makes it resistant to rusting and corrosion.

The harmful sun rays won’t be able to penetrate through the canopy as it is made of 500D polyester that provides 99% UV protection. Additionally, the 100 sq. ft. of the area that this canopy covers will give you ample space to enjoy your time outdoors.

Mostly, canopies are not waterproof but this product comes with a water-resistant canopy. So, you don’t have to worry about the rainfall. The headroom of this tent is also commendable as it has a pointed roof.

I liked the ease of setup that this product offers. The canopy legs include 5 different height settings. With just pull-pin slider brackets, you can set the height of your canopy tent. This tent has a 2-year warranty, which is wonderful since it shows the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

Pros:

  • Great durability
  • Perfect for windy conditions
  • Powder coated steel
  • 99% UV protection
  • 100 sq. ft. of area
  • Waterproof canopy
  • 2-year warranty

Cons:

  • A bit on the heavier side

The Ultimate Tailgating Tent Buying Guide

Setup Time

The most important thing to consider when purchasing a tailgating tent is how much time you will need to set it up. If you’re going to be setting up your own tailgate, make sure to purchase the pop-up canopy tent

It is because the setup time is relatively quick and easy. Even the bigger size pop-up canopy doesn’t take much time to set up.

Wind

The wind is frustrating, and it is one of the things that can ruin your tailgate experience. That’s why you should purchase a canopy tent that comes with weighted bags or stakes. By doing so, you will be able to keep your tent steady even when the wind picks up. 

Add some guy lines to each corner for extra stability. Make sure the color of your guy lines is bright so you can easily see them. Select the bright color so you won’t trip over them at night.

Size

Firstly, you should decide how many people you would like to invite to your tailgate party. If you plan on bringing more than a few friends along, you may want to invest in a larger tent. And vice versa, if you’re planning a small gathering, then a smaller tent would do just fine. 

Don’t forget to look into the policies about tents at the sports stadium for your tailgating party. Some stadiums don’t allow big tents, and they have a size limit for tents. Finding out this information beforehand will help you to plan better.

Headroom

The height of the tent is sometimes more significant than its size. For example, if you’re going to have a lot of tall friends, then you might want to get a taller tent so that everyone can fit comfortably under the canopy. So, be sure to take the peak height into consideration when purchasing a tailgate tent.

Finding the Best Pop-Up Tents for Tailgating: Bottom Line

No matter what team you’re rooting for, one thing is certain – the game day just isn’t the same without tailgating. But if you want to do it right, you need more than just a cooler full of beer and a portable grill. You need a pop-up tailgating tent to keep yourself sheltered from the sun (or rain), and to show your team pride.

For that reason, I’ve put together a list of the best tailgating tents on the market, so you can choose the ideal one for your needs. And whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or something that will withstand even the most extreme weather conditions, I’ve got you covered.

FAQs

Are EZ Up tents waterproof?

EZ Up tents are a popular choice for both recreational and professional campers, but many people are unsure of their waterproofing capabilities. The good news is that EZ Up tents are water resistant, meaning they will protect you from light rain and wind. 

However, they are not completely waterproof, so they should not be used in heavy storms or in areas where flooding is likely. If you’re looking for a tent that can withstand all kinds of weather, you may want to look into purchasing a more heavy-duty model. 

However, if you’re only planning on using your tent in fair conditions, an EZ Up tent will serve you just fine.

What might cause a tent to collapse?

There are a few things that might cause a tent to collapse. A potential reason the tent collapsed is that it wasn’t properly staked down. If the stakes are not driven deep enough into the ground or if they are not placed close enough together, the tent can be blown over by even a gentle breeze. 

Another potential cause is that the tent frame is not sufficiently studied to hold up the fabric. This can happen if the frame is made of weak materials or if it is not assembled correctly. Finally, heavy rain or snow can also cause a tent to collapse if it is not properly waterproofed. 

In a nutshell, there are numerous causes for a tent to come tumbling down. By taking care in setting up the tent and using quality materials, however, it is possible to avoid these problems.

How tall are pop up canopies?

Pop up canopies come in a range of sizes to accommodate different needs. The smallest size, 10′ x 10′, is typically used for camping or picnicking, while the largest size, 13′ x 26′, is often used for commercial purposes such as trade shows or outdoor events. 

In between these two extremes, there are a variety of sizes that can be used for everything from backyard parties to tailgating. No matter what your needs, there is a pop up canopy that is just right for you.

Allen Campbell with Master Canopies

Allen Campbell

Allen is a full time writer at Mastercanopies.com and enjoys traveling around the United States and exploring nature. He enjoys writing about canopies as he believes they are extremely crucial in having a successful camping trip whether it be a trip to the beach, mountains, or the open plains.

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