The best time of year for camping is summer, when the weather is warm and dry. But what happens if the climate is too hot and humid?
Sleeping in a tent when the weather is hot and sticky can result in a long sweaty, sleepless night. So what’s the solution?
Nowadays, we have the luxury of using portable air-conditioning units. But to use these AC units in a tent you need good ventilation, and some kind of vent or window, otherwise known as an AC port.
So now you may be wondering what are the best tents with AC ports? Tents with AC openings come in many shapes and sizes, so how do you choose the right one?
In this post we’ve put together a list of our top picks and we include some details about each one.
We’ve also included different size tents with air conditioning ports and at different price points too. So if you’re in the market for the best tents with AC ports, keep reading, we’re sure we’ve got you covered.
Best Tents With AC Ports This Year: Our Criteria And Results
The best tents with AC ports allow you to run an AC unit inside your tent, which helps you to stay cool and comfortable while camping during hot summer nights.
However, you will also need to choose the right tent for the type of air conditioning unit you will use, as these come in different types too.
If you want to add an air conditioning unit to your tent, generally speaking you’ve got two options; freestanding units or window mounted systems. Both can be considered for use inside your tent.
The following table includes the best tents for both types of AC units. Most tents with AC openings are on the spacious side, however, it’s good to remember the larger the tent the more powerful your AC unit needs to be.
So without further ado, here’s our list of the 7 best tents with AC ports that are available today – make sure you click on the links to get the latest price.
| Brand | Model | Top Advantage | Top Disadvantage | Quick Links | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick |   | Bushnell | Instant Cabin Tent Shield Series | Comes in 6, 9 or 12 sleeper versions with 1 or 2 AC ports | Heavy | Click To Check Price |
| Best Value |   | Wenzel | Klondike 8 Person Tent With Screen Room & AC Port | Has excellent ventilation and includes a single, ground-level AC port | Longer set up time as it’s not an instant tent | Click To Check Price |
| Honorable Mention |   | Ozark Trail | 12 Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent | Has 3 separate rooms, each with their own AC port | Too big for most people | Click To Check Price |
| 4 |   | Coleman | Weathermaster 6 Person Tent with E-Port | Features an E-Port to power your freestanding AC unit | Cannot be used with a window AC unit | Click To Check Price |
| 5 |   | E-Z Up | Camping Cube 6.4 | ‘Doggie-door’ doubles up as a super convenient AC port | It’s not a stand alone tent | Click To Check Price |
| 6 |   | Core | Instant Tent With LED Lights | Has a dedicated E-port for powering freestanding AC units | No dedicated AC port for window AC units (can be modified) | Click To Check Price |
| 7 |   | HIKERGARDEN | 6 Person Camping Tent | Very spacious | Takes practice to set up | Click To Check Price |
This table is a quick reference guide only. We’ve included a more detailed look at each of the tents below.
But first, let’s take a look at our criteria and some great tips about what to look for in the best tents with AC ports.
How We Select The Best Tents With AC Ports
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best tents with air conditioning ports. The following is the criteria we use, which will help you make the best choice.
Tent Size
Make sure you choose a tent that is large enough to comfortably accommodate the number of people that you plan to go camping with.
If you’re camping as a family, you may not need the same level of privacy or space as when you are camping with couples or a group of friends.
Additionally, consider how much gear you plan to store inside the tent. If you carry a lot of gear you may need to go up in size. Plus if you plan to camp with a large group, everyone will need space to store their gear.
Ease Of Set-Up
Unless you’re an expert at putting up tents, you may want to look at quick and easy tent set-up designs.
Some even have ‘instant’ set-up designs which come with pre-attached poles that simply need to be unfolded and extended to complete the pitching process.
Some tents are easier to set up than others, so make sure you choose one that you’re comfortable with.
Knowing how to set up your tent will save you a lot of time and will avoid frayed tempers when you get to camp, especially if you arrive late at night.
Ventilation
Having good ventilation is important in a tent as it prevents condensation from building up inside.
Make sure you choose a tent with plenty of vents, mesh covers, or windows that you can open to allow air to circulate.
In addition, the best tents with AC ports will feature an adjustable opening or vent big enough to accommodate the AC units’ exhaust. This can be a dedicated auxiliary flap or even a second opening like an extra door.
Materials Used
Tents with AC openings also need to protect you from any inclement weather. Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you won’t encounter any rain or bad weather.
So, look for tents that are made from strong, waterproof fabrics with good zippers, and that have reliable, sturdy poles or frames.
Brand
Nowadays, there are a few different brands of AC tents available, but not all are equal. So make sure you do your research before you buy – some of the cheaper brands might look good on paper, but we would recommend going for the most expensive tent you can afford.
The better known brands have done their testing and have built their reputations on quality products that work.
User Reviews
While the team at Mudbike try to test every tent ourselves, we also recommend that you do your own research. Online reviews from a variety of different platforms are a great way to see if the tent you like will measure up to real-time conditions.
Price
The best tents with AC ports do vary from affordable to super expensive. So make sure you figure out what you want to spend first, and then stick to your budget.
If you plan to camp a lot then it’s worth stretching your budget, but if camping is only a once-a-season thing, then you don’t need to splash out on the best.
So there you have our criteria and top tips, let’s take a closer look at the tents with AC openings that made it onto our list.
Best Tents With AC Ports [2023]
The best tents with AC ports need to be the right size for your camping needs, easy to set up, weather resistant, and within your specified budget. They also need to accommodate the type of AC unit you want to use, which comes down to window or freestanding AC units.
Window AC units can only be used with a proper AC port, but they are generally more powerful and more affordable. This means you can use a smaller unit to cool a bigger tent.
Freestanding AC units don’t need a tent with a dedicated AC port, but you will need good ventilation and a dedicated E-port to plug into your campsites’ electricity.
They tend to be more expensive than window AC units, but they sit inside your tent which means you can position them anywhere.
So let’s take a closer look at the 7 best tents with AC ports that made it onto our list.
Best Tent With AC Port Option: Bushnell Instant Cabin Tent Shield Series
The Bushnell Corporation is an American outdoor company that was founded in 1948. Nowadays it’s a trusted outdoor brand that offers a range of quality outdoor camping tents with the Instant Tent Shield Series offering 1 or 2 dedicated AC ports.
Advantages:
- Comes in 6, 9 or 12 sleeper versions with 1 or 2 AC ports (depending on size)
- Features Instant Set-Up Technology
Disadvantages:
- Heavy
- Relatively expensive
The Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent is one of the few tents on the market today which, depending on the size you buy, features 1 or 2 dedicated AC flaps that you can use with both window AC units or freestanding AC units.
This quality tent features Instant Set-up Technology which includes pre-attached poles, and which the manufacturer claims can be set up in 60 seconds. Although this will take a bit of practice as it took us longer with 2 people, even after the first few times.
The Instant Cabin Tent Shield Series uses heat shield technology, which is a reflective coating that blocks UV rays for a cooler sleeping experience while camping.
But, one of the stand out features of this tent is the large open floor plan which includes a very impressive center height, no matter which size you buy.
Like the sound of this one? Then click on the link below for all the details and the latest price.
But don’t settle for the first one on our list; we still have more for you to choose from.
Best Value Tent With AC Port Option: Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent With Screen Room & AC Port
Proudly made in America, Wenzel has been making camping tents and sleeping bags for outdoor enthusiasts since 1887. Over the years they have increased their range of products, and now offer the very popular Klondike 8 Person Tent amongst many others.
Advantages:
- Has excellent ventilation and includes a single, ground-level AC port
- Affordable for an 8 person tent
Disadvantages:
- Longer set up time as it’s not an instant tent
- Lighter fabric with some reviews complaining it’s not waterproof
If you’re looking for an affordable tent with an AC port then look no further than the Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent.
It features a single, ground level AC port, however, you will need to place the AC unit off the ground and make sure the port cover does not hinder ventilation to your unit.
One of the stand out features of this tent is the additional large, front screen room. This screen room adds a lot of space to the tent and has full size mesh windows which can be closed up so you can use this space as an extra room, a porch or just somewhere to relax.
The whole tent has plenty of ventilation which keeps the interior cool, even without an AC unit. This is a spacious, family size, 3 season tent that is perfect for those looking for an affordable option.
But don’t take our word for it, make sure you click on the link below – the price may surprise you.
Or keep reading for our honorable mention!
Honorable Mention Tent With AC port: Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent
As we’re looking at the best tents with AC ports then an honorable mention needs to go to the Ozark Trail 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent. Ozark Trail designed this cabin tent with an AC port inside each of its 3 rooms, making it one of the most versatile cabin tents on the market today.
Advantages:
- Has 3 separate rooms, each with their own AC port
- Sleeps up to 12 campers and can accommodate 3 queen-size air mattresses
Disadvantages:
- Too big for most people
- Heavy at just over 55 lbs
The Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent is a spacious and convenient camping solution for large groups.
With its instant setup feature, you can have the tent ready in no time. But because it’s so big, you will need more than one pair of hands to set it up.
The 3-room design offers ample space for large groups or families, although it may feel a bit cramped with the maximum of 12 campers.
Each of the 3 rooms has a dedicated AC port which gives campers the option of running multiple AC units for custom climate control.
As it’s a 4-season tent, the materials used are durable and can withstand various weather conditions, plus the large windows and mesh ceiling provide excellent ventilation.
However, the included rainfly could be more waterproof, and some users have reported minor issues with the zippers.
Overall, this tent offers a convenient and reasonably priced option for large groups. So, if that’s you, click on the link below for the latest price.
Or keep reading for another good option.
Coleman Weathermaster 6 Person Tent With E-Port
This Weathermaster 6 Person Tent from Coleman is a reliable choice from this outdoor gear company who have been on the outdoor gear scene for more than 120 years.
While the Weathermaster doesn’t have a dedicated AC port it does feature an E-Port which is perfect for freestanding AC units.
Advantages:
- Features an E-Port to power your freestanding AC unit
- Made of durable Polyguard fabric
Disadvantages:
- Cannot be used with a window AC unit
- It’s not an instant tent, so takes longer to set-up
The Coleman Weathermaster 6 Person Tent is a reliable and well-designed option that will work for most camping enthusiasts. With its spacious interior, it comfortably accommodates up to six people and offers ample headroom with a center height of 6’ 8”.
The tent features Coleman’s WeatherTec system, which includes a patented welded floor and inverted seams, providing excellent weather protection against any extreme weather. The included rainfly offers additional coverage during wet weather conditions.
While it does not feature an AC port, there is an E-Port to power a freestanding AC unit, plus the angled windows provide good ventilation.
Some users have complained that it takes too long to set up and that the tent can be a bit heavy and bulky to transport. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Coleman Weathermaster 6 Person Tent is a reliable choice for comfortable and weather-resistant camping.
But don’t take our word for it – click on the link below for all the details and the latest price
Or keep reading for our next option.
E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4
E-Z Up were the inventors of the InstantShelter or pop-up canopy, which now offers innovative camping solutions. The E-Z Up Camping Cube 6.4 tent is a spacious and easy-to-set-up camping accessory that will turn your existing canopy into a camping haven.
Advantages:
- ‘Doggie-door’ doubles up as a super convenient AC port
- Quick and easy clip-on set-up
Disadvantages:
- It’s not a stand alone tent so you do need a straight-leg canopy
- Straight-leg canopy not included!
The E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4 is a versatile and innovative addition to your camping setup. Designed to attach to an existing E-Z UP shelter (or any straight leg canopy), it transforms your canopy into a comfortable and private, weatherproof camping space.
The cube offers 6’4” of headroom and enough room to accommodate up to six people, plus a dog. It incorporates a pet flap which can double up as an AC port which works with both freestanding and window AC units.
It also offers a Power Pocket which means you can run extension cords to power your AC units with convenience.
Other features include durable and weather-resistant construction that protects you from the elements, and the mesh windows and doors provide excellent ventilation.
With more than 1,300 mainly positive reviews, the E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4 is a great option for those looking to enhance their outdoor experience with a convenient and adaptable camping shelter.
So make sure you click on the link below for the latest price.
If a pop-up is not your thing, then the next tent might be.
Core Instant Tent With LED Lights & E-Port
Core’s mission statement is “to create products that will enhance all your outdoor adventures, whether they are in your backyard or the mountains”. And the Core range of Instant Tents seem to do just that.
Advantages:
- Has a dedicated E-port for powering freestanding AC units
- Features built-in LED lighting with a control switch
Disadvantages:
- No dedicated AC port for window AC units (can be modified)
- Some reports of poor quality control
The range of Core Instant Tents offer very versatile tents for use on warm weather camping trips. While they don’t have a dedicated AC port, they do have an E-port that allows for electrical cord access to power a small AC unit for use inside your tent.
This range of Core tents comes in 6, 9, 10 or 12 sleeper options and each offers a spacious interior.
Plus the bigger sizes can be divided into 2 or even 3 separate rooms for added privacy. They also offer a variety of different gear storage pockets to help campers stay organized.
The additional large screen porch allows for extra covered space to relax, but it’s also a great spot to store any extra toys. Plus another bonus is that the tent has built-in LED lighting so you can still hang out with friends and relax during the evenings.
Like the sound of this one? Then click on the link below!
Still not found what you’re looking for? Then keep reading for our final option.
HIKERGARDEN 2021 Upgraded Camping Tent
HIKERGARDEN is a Cambodian company that offers a range of affordable, easy set-up 6 – 10 person camping tents with E-ports so you can power up your freestanding AC unit. These tents are great value for money, but do they stand up to the test? Let’s take a closer look.
Advantages:
- E-Port to use with a freestanding AC unit
- Very spacious
Disadvantages:
- Takes practice to set up
- Reviews complain that the entrance zipper is difficult to use and breaks easily
The HIKERGARDEN 2021 Upgraded 10-person Camping Tent is a spacious and reliable option for outdoor adventures. With its upgraded design, it offers improved durability and weather resistance.
Once assembled this tent comfortably accommodates up to 10 people with a center height of 6’2”, providing ample headroom for most people. Plus the materials used feel sturdy and are rated to withstand both wind and rain.
The tent features multiple windows for ventilation and a mesh ceiling for stargazing. Plus it comes with a built-in E-port so you can hook up your AC unit to an external power port.
However, some users have reported minor issues with the zippers and the rainfly’s effectiveness in heavy rain.
Despite these drawbacks, the HIKERGARDEN 2021 Upgraded 10-person Camping Tent offers a spacious and reliable shelter for larger camping groups.
So there you have all the details of the best tents with AC ports. Still feeling a bit confused about which one to pick? Then keep reading for our final results.
Summary: Our Final Results And Top Picks For The Best Tents With AC Ports
The team at Mudbike have done all the research for you, but we all have our favorites. After many hours of testing and much discussion, the following table lists our top 3 picks.
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Quick Links | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Bushnell | Instant Cabin Tent Shield Series | Comes in 6, 9 or 12 sleeper versions with 1 or 2 dedicated AC ports that allow AC units to be installed | Click To Check Price |
| Runner Up | | E-Z Up | Camping Cube 6.4 | The ‘Doggie-door’ doubles up as a super convenient AC port | Click To Check Price |
| Best Budget Option | | Wenzel | Klondike 8 Person Tent With Screen Room & AC Port | Has excellent ventilation and includes a single, ground-level AC port | Click To Check Price |
There are not too many tents with AC ports available yet, but we’ve identified the best ones with different price points to save you time and money.
So make sure you click on the link of the tent that you’re most interested in to check the price because, you never know, it could be on sale at this time of the year.
People Also Ask
Do they make a tent with AC?
No, there is no company or brand of tents that come with an AC unit already installed. The tents included here all have air conditioning features built into their ventilation systems, but they are not sold with an air conditioning unit. This you will have to purchase separately.
Can you put a window AC in a tent?
Yes, it’s possible to put a window AC unit in a tent. However, you will need to choose a tent that has a dedicated AC port for ease of installation and operation of your window AC unit.
Until now there’s not that many options available, but we’ve included the best tents with AC ports to use with a window AC unit in this article.
Summary: Our Final Results And Top Picks For The Best Tents With AC Ports
The team at Mudbike have done all the research for you, but we all have our favorites. After many hours of testing and much discussion, the following table lists our top 3 picks.
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Quick Links | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Bushnell | Instant Cabin Tent Shield Series | Comes in 6, 9 or 12 sleeper versions with 1 or 2 dedicated AC ports that allow AC units to be installed | Click To Check Price |
| Runner Up | | E-Z Up | Camping Cube 6.4 | The ‘Doggie-door’ doubles up as a super convenient AC port | Click To Check Price |
| Best Budget Option | | Wenzel | Klondike 8 Person Tent With Screen Room & AC Port | Has excellent ventilation and includes a single, ground-level AC port | Click To Check Price |
There are not too many tents with AC ports available yet, but we’ve identified the best ones with different price points to save you time and money.
So make sure you click on the link of the tent that you’re most interested in to check the price because, you never know, it could be on sale at this time of the year.
