Canvasdale

Dome tent

By the Canvasdale team · Last checked

A dome tent is a tent held up by crossed poles that form a curved, dome-like shape. Many dome tents are freestanding, which means the poles hold the shape before the pegs and guy lines go in. Pegging still matters in wind.

Where you'll see it

Dome tents appear often in family and beginner listings, usually labelled "dome" in the product name or description. Campsite pages rarely name the design, so the tent's own page is the best place to check. Look for the word "freestanding" in the spec, and check the pitch size before you book.

What to check

  • Whether the maker calls the tent freestanding, and whether it still needs pegs and guy lines to stay steady.
  • The pitch size and groundsheet size the maker lists, compared with your pitch.
  • Whether a porch or awning is included, or sold separately.
  • The pole set the maker lists, including how many sections each pole has.
  • The maker's guidance on drying and storing the tent after use.
  • Bell tent: a single-pole design with a round, cone-shaped body.
  • Guy line: the cord that steadies the tent in wind.
  • Footprint: a groundsheet placed beneath the tent for protection.

Read more: tent types explained and, if one fits, the tent size calculator.