Chillax! Top 4 Camping Tents with AC Ports for Ultimate Relaxation

Summer is in full swing, and you know what that means – it’s time to soak up the sun and bask in nature’s glory.

But hold up, how are we supposed to enjoy the great outdoors when the heat is cranked up to maximum? As a Florida resident and camper, heat is something we deal with year-round! So fear not, because there are solutions: camping tents with AC capability!

Let me clarify right away that no tent comes with an AC unit. The best we can do is find tents that are more capable of having an AC unit “added” to it.

So, in this review, I’ve handpicked four kickass camping tents that are specially designed to accommodate air conditioning units. We’ll dig deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you choose the perfect tent for your summer escapades. Whether you’re camping with your buddies or flying solo, we’ve got you covered – both literally and figuratively.

I will also give some tips on how to maximize the AC efficiency.

Without further ado, let’s go over the four camping tents with AC capability!

At a Glance: Four Camping Tents with AC Capability

The table below enlists my picks and some objective information about them. I will discuss each of these items in further detail to help you make an informed decision.

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Outdoor Products 8 Person Instant Hexagon Tent with Built-in Lights	Max height: 6’6″ Capacity: 8 person Weight: 41 lbs	Check Amazon
	Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent	One or Two ground vents	Check Amazon
	Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent	Three ground vents	Check Amazon
	E-Z UP Camping Cube	Ground Pet Door	Check Amazon

Camping Tents with AC Capability: Features, Pros, and Cons

1. Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent

• AC Port: 1 or 2
• Port size: 12.5″ x 17″
• Tent Capacity: 6/9/12 person
• Max height: 78in

Check Price

The Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent is a game-changer for anyone looking to experience the great outdoors while still enjoying the comfort of air conditioning. I have seen this tent on campgrounds when I see camping enthusiasts braving the Florida summer!

This tent is specially designed to accommodate A/C units, thanks to its convenient 12.5″ x 17″ mesh AC vents that include 17″ covers. These vents allow for easy installation of an A/C unit. The tent is available in 6, 9, and 12-person sizes, with the 6 and 9-person tents featuring one port, while the 12-person tent includes two ports, making it ideal for larger groups.

When choosing a size, I typically recommend having a tent that is at least two people larger than your family. For example, for our family of four we would proceed with the 6-person or the 9-person. Unless sleep-piling is your thing. No judgment.

In addition to its A/C compatibility, the Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent also features a reflective rainfly that blocks harmful UV rays. This feature not only protects you and your family from the sun’s harmful rays but also helps to keep the tent cooler during hot summer days.

And we all know that in the South East, camping in the summer means both heat and rain. So, the rainfly also provides added protection against rain and wind, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable throughout your camping trip.

Setting up the tent is also a breeze, thanks to its instant cabin design that requires no assembly. The pre-attached poles allow you to set up the tent in just a few minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the great outdoors.

The tent’s interior is also spacious and well-ventilated, with large windows and mesh panels that allow for plenty of natural light and fresh air.

In conclusion, the Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent is an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine the great outdoors with the comfort of air conditioning. Its convenient A/C vents, reflective rainfly, and easy setup make it a top pick for camping enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.

2. Ozark Trail 3-Room Instant Cabin Tent

• AC Port: 3 ports
• 16' x 16' instant cabin tent
• Sleeps 12
• Fits 3 queen airbeds
• Sets up in under 2 minutes
• 7 fully closeable windows
• Tent Capacity: 12 person
• Max Height: 82 in

Check Price

Looking for a large and comfortable camping tent that can be equipped with air conditioning units? Look no further than the Ozark Trail 3-Room Instant Cabin Tent!

In your search, you have probably seen this tent continues to show up as an option, and there is a reason for it. This tent is a fantastic value for the money and offers not one, or two, but three separate rooms! With a maximum capacity of 12 people, measuring 16’ x 16’, and with a maximum height of 82in, there’s plenty of room to stand up inside and move around! 

But let’s talk about the AC capacity. One of the standout features of this tent is its capacity to add three window AC units, thanks to each room being equipped with a cutout to include the AC units. Each cutout is close to the floor and has a covering flap, making it easy to set up and use the air conditioning.

If you don’t need the AC, there are also large windows and a mesh roof that provide plenty of ventilation to keep you cool.

Despite its large size, the Ozark Trail 3-Room Instant Cabin Tent can still be set up in less than 2 minutes, which is incredibly impressive.

The tent is heavy at 55 lbs, but that’s understandable given its size. The L-shape of the tent also offers a covered vestibule that is fantastic for hanging out outside, while mesh pockets inside provide plenty of organization.

However, it’s worth noting that some campers have reported issues with the tent not holding up well in strong winds, and despite being waterproof, it may still be necessary to add a waterproofing coating to avoid leaking. 

Additionally, the large, odd shape of the tent may make it difficult to find a good space to pitch in smaller campgrounds.

And do you need three rooms? Very convenient for large families, but a small family like ours may find the extra rooms an unnecessary complication. 

Another downside is that you’ll need to travel with three AC units to keep the entire tent cool, but one workaround is to limit the sleeping space to one side of the tent where the AC unit will go.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to cover the mesh roof with a reflective blanket to maximize AC efficiency. Although, this is something I recommend with any tent.

3. Outdoor Products Instant Hexagon Tent with Built-in Lights

• AC Ports: 2
• Sleeps 8 Campers / 15 ft x 13 ft x 80 in high
• Instant Pole Design: Pre-attached poles with built in LED lights make setup quick and easy
• Light up your campsite with built-in LED lighted poles
• Ground Vents: Dual ground vents create cross ventilation throughout the tent
• No-See-Um-Mesh will keep you dry and bite free from bugs

Check Price

If you’re looking for a camping tent that can fit up to 8 people, then the Outdoor Products Instant Hexagon Tent with Built-in Lights might be worth checking out. 

This tent is 15ft x 613ft and has a center height of 74in, making it spacious enough for you and your camping buddies. 

What’s great about this tent is that it only weighs 37 lbs, which is pretty light considering its size and capacity. Plus, it only takes about 2 minutes to set up thanks to the pre-attached poles. I am always a fan of fast setups!

I will say this tent does not have dedicated AC ports…so why is it on the list? Well, it does have two large ground vents that allow for airflow. The mesh of the vents is not removable, but you can place a window AC right up against the mesh for some cool air. 

I love the hexagonal shape of the tent. It is such a unique feature that makes it roomy. I also like that the rainfly extends down the poles for added security and weather protection, which is a major plus for rainy summers.

Speaking of rain, the tub-style floor reduces the chance that water will sip into the tent, which is always a plus.

One cool feature of this tent is the LED lighted poles. The battery pack is included, but you will need to purchase 4 AA batteries. Reviewers have mentioned that a rechargeable battery pack works as well because the LED lights use a USB port to connect. The poles have a low setting and a high setting to accommodate your lighting needs. 

Additionally, I like that this tent has two nice D-shaped doors because they make entering and exiting much easier compared to L-shaped doors.

And of course, there’s an e-port to bring in an extension cord to keep a fan going, keep phones charged, or even a small space electric heater in the cold months.

I mentioned I love the hexagonal shape, but it does have the downside of it being a bit tricky to find a footprint for it. However, this is a minor issue compared to all the great features this tent has to offer. 

If you’re looking for a spacious and easy-to-set-up tent with built-in lights, then the Outdoor Products Instant Hexagon Tent might just be the one for you.

Related: Best Travel Trailer for Dry Camping

4. E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4

• AC Ports: 1
• Port size: Approx 15″ x 15″
• Tent capacity: 6 person
• Max height: 76 in 

Check Price

If you are looking for a versatile and lightweight camping tent with AC, the E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4 is a great option. 

This 6-person tent measures 9’3” x 9’3” and weighs only 14 lbs. Now, before you think this weight sounds too good to be true, well, that’s because it is: it requires a separate 10’ x 10’ straight-leg canopy to provide the structure and roof. This can have advantages and disadvantages, which I will elaborate on in a moment.

First, let’s discuss the AC situation. The tent does not technically come with a port for AC units, but it does have a doggie door. So, if you do not have a dog or do not bring your pups camping with you, then the doggie door is an excellent plant to install the small AC unit.

What if you do have a dog? Well, at least in Florida state park campgrounds and many other campgrounds dogs are not allowed off the leash for safety reasons. What this means is that even if you bring your dog camping with you, they may not be able to freely use the doggie door. So, might as well put an AC unit instead!

Going back to needing a separate 10’ x 10’ straight-leg canopy. As an RV owner, I see this as a huge plus, because this type allows for using the canopy as is, or converting it to a tent when guests are camping with us. 

If a tent is your main mode of camping, there are still many advantages to the E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4. It has a large D-shaped door, mesh windows, and a mesh roof for ventilation. It can be accessorized with a gear shelf and a gear loft for extra storage space.

The tent also comes with a tup-style attached waterproof flooring to keep you dry on damp grounds. Plus, it includes a 2′ x 8′ entry point footprint to keep your tent clean and organized.

I also saw this very cool application to this setup: use a commercial 10’ x 20’ canopy which gives you an instant covered patio! A perfect place to set up your camping kitchen or camping chairs away from the sun, which is important on summer days. 

Now, some things to consider. Keep in mind that there are two steps to set up this tent. First, set up the separate canopy, and second, attach the tent to the frame of the canopy using the clips and hook and loop attachments. Also, on really hot days, it may make sense to cover the mesh roof with a reflective blanket to maximize AC efficiency.

Despite these limitations, I think the E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4 offers excellent value for its compact size and versatility!

Related: Best Generator for Camping Trailer

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Tips to insulate your tent so that the AC can run efficiently

Tent material is built to be lightweight and durable. However, tents are generally not made with insulation in mind. For that reason, keep your expectations realistic as to how much an AC will be able to accomplish in the middle of the summer! 

There are, of course, ways to help it along.

• Choose a shady spot. This is something we do even with the RV. If you need to reserve ahead of time, try your best to look for spots that have a decent amount of cover from the direct sun. With a tent, you have more flexibility as to where to pitch your tent, but you also need to balance it with finding high ground in case it rains. It is part of the adventure.
• Add Reflective Tarps. I have mentioned this a few times already, and that is because it matters. Covering your tent with reflective tarps can help to reflect the sun’s heat away from the tent and keep it cooler inside. Hang the tarps over the top of the tent, leaving some space between the tarp and the tent to allow for air flow.
• Add Insulation. Not as effective, but it still helps in case the heat is just too much. You can add insulation to your tent by lining the interior with reflective emergency blankets or thermal insulation. You can attach the insulation to the interior of the tent using clips or bungee cords.
• Use a Ground Cover. Placing a ground cover or foam pad under your tent can help to insulate it from the hot ground, keeping the tent cooler inside. I have placed foam pads inside the tent as well, which has the added benefit of making the tent much more comfortable!
• Create a Vestibule. If you choose a tent without a vestibule, then create one. I have seen many instances where tents are pitched under a larger canopy. This will work great for sun and rain protection!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Camping Tents with AC Capacity

When looking to purchase a camping tent with an AC port, there are a few important features you need to consider. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• AC Port Location: Make sure the port is located close enough to the ground so that you can pro it safely. Speaking of safety, try to make it so that the cord does not impose a tripping hazard!
• Tent Size: Of course, it is essential to choose a tent that is large enough to accommodate the number of people who will be sleeping in it. Do keep in mind that the bigger the tent, the more AC units you will need to carry around.
• Material and Durability: The material of the tent is also important to consider. A high-quality camping tent is typically made of durable, weather-resistant material that can withstand the elements. You should look for a tent that is made of high-quality materials such as ripstop nylon, polyester, or canvas. 
• Weather protection: A tent with a waterproof and UV-resistant coating is also desirable to help deflect the hot sun radiation. It is always a good idea to get a reflective tarp or cover as well to help maintain the temperature inside the tent.
• Ventilation: It’s crucial to consider the tent’s ventilation features, especially if you plan to use an AC unit. Proper ventilation will help reduce condensation and keep the tent cool during hot weather. Look for a tent with large mesh windows and vents that can be opened or closed as needed.
• Ease of Setup: When choosing a camping tent, you should also consider how easy it is to set up. Look for a tent that comes with clear instructions and a straightforward design that is easy to assemble. You don’t want to spend hours struggling to put up your tent in the middle of a camping trip.

FAQs for Camping Tents with AC Ports

FAQ #1: Will a portable AC work in a tent?

Yes, a portable AC can work in a tent, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

First, you need to make sure that the portable AC unit you choose is powerful enough to cool the size of your tent. Tent sizes can vary greatly, so you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the AC unit you select can adequately cool the space.

Secondly, you’ll need to make sure that your tent has an opening that can accommodate the exhaust hose of the portable AC unit. Most portable AC units come with a flexible exhaust hose that needs to be vented to the outside in order to work properly. Some tents may have a built-in port specifically for this purpose, but if your tent does not have one, you may need to create an opening or modify the tent to accommodate the exhaust hose.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a portable AC unit will generate condensation, so you’ll need to make sure that there is a way to drain this water out of the tent. Some portable AC units come with a built-in water tank that needs to be emptied periodically, while others may require you to create a drainage system.

Finally, you should also consider the power source for your portable AC unit. Many portable AC units require a significant amount of electricity to operate, so you’ll need to make sure that you have a reliable power source, such as a generator, to power the unit. But then again, the same goes for a window unit.

FAQ #2: How do you air condition a tent without electricity?

There is only so much you can do, but a few things can help that when used in combination, can make a big difference.

Choose a Shaded Location: One of the easiest ways to keep your tent cool is by choosing a shaded location. Look for a spot that is naturally shaded by trees or other structures that will help keep the sun’s rays from heating up your tent.

Use a Reflective Tarp: Another way to keep your tent cool is by using a reflective tarp. You can place the tarp over your tent, and it will reflect the sun’s rays, preventing your tent from heating up. As I mentioned before, I recommend this even when using an AC unit!

Use a Tent Fan: A battery-powered tent fan can help circulate air inside the tent and keep you cool. You can also use a handheld fan to create a breeze.

Create Cross Ventilation: If you have more than one opening in your tent, you can create cross ventilation by opening both ends. This will allow air to flow through the tent and create a cool breeze.

Use Ice: You can fill a bucket with ice and place it inside your tent. The ice will help lower the temperature inside the tent and create a cool, refreshing atmosphere.

Use a Wet Towel: Wetting a towel and placing it over your forehead, neck, or other pulse points can help you feel cooler. You can also drape a wet towel over a tent pole to create a makeshift air conditioner.

FAQ #3: Is it safe to sleep with portable AC on?

Sleeping with a portable AC on is generally safe, but there are some precautions you should take to ensure your safety.

First, make sure that the AC unit is placed on a flat and stable surface, and that it is not in danger of tipping over during the night. You should also ensure that the unit is plugged into a grounded electrical outlet and that the power cord is not frayed or damaged.

Additionally, make sure that the portable AC unit is properly vented. Most portable AC units come with a window kit that allows you to vent the hot air outside. This is important because if the hot air is not vented properly, it can cause the AC unit to overheat and potentially become a fire hazard.

Finally, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation of the portable AC unit. This may include recommendations for the temperature settings, the length of time it can be used continuously, and any other safety precautions.

FAQ #4: Will a fan keep a tent cool?

A fan can help to keep a tent cool by circulating air and creating a breeze. The moving air can help to evaporate sweat from your skin, which can make you feel cooler. However, the effectiveness of a fan will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of the tent, the outside temperature, and the humidity level.

If you’re camping in a small tent, a fan can be quite effective in keeping the air moving and creating a breeze. However, in larger tents, it may be more difficult for the fan to circulate air effectively, especially if there are multiple people in the tent.

Additionally, if the outside temperature is extremely hot, a fan may not be enough to keep you cool. In this case, you may need to use additional methods to cool down your tent, such as shade, reflective tarps, or ice.

Lastly, if the humidity level is high, a fan may not be as effective in cooling you down, as the air may already be saturated with moisture.

Conclusion

And there you have it, fellow campers! We’ve explored the world of camping tents with AC capability. We’ve reviewed four top contenders, making sure to cover all your camping needs and preferences. So, pick the one that suits your style.

Remember, it’s all about finding that sweet spot where nature and technology merge, allowing you to create incredible memories while staying refreshingly cool. Once you experience the joy of staying cool in the summer heat, you’ll never want to camp without an AC-equipped tent again!

So, pack your bags, grab your camping gear, and prepare for an unforgettable summer.

Happy camping and stay cool!

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