Staying sheltered when you’re outdoors can be tricky. With a sturdy screen tents, you can keep you and your guests covered from rain, wind, and sunshine. They are also great for stopping pesky insects from ruining your food.
The best screen houses are perfect to use for every camping trip, outdoor event, or family picnic. Many people love using them as a weather-free, bug-free entertainment area, with some tables and chairs that can easily fit inside the spacious interior.
With mesh screens surrounding a waterproof shelter, the inside can remain breezy and comfortable, whilst still protecting you from the outdoors.
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They are different from normal tents due to their wide-open design, and while being somewhat similar to a canopy tent shelter they are lighter and easier to manage.
We love the freedom it can give you for entertaining outdoors – you don’t have to stay inside your four walls at home. We’ve made it easy for you to choose the perfect screen tent for your needs. Continue reading to discover our list of the best screen houses.
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10 Best Screen Shelters for Camping Reviewed
1. Clam Outdoors Quick-Set Screen Tent
Ready to set-up in 45 seconds, we think this is one of the easiest to pitch with no assembly required. Perfect for camping and general outdoor use, you’ll stay free of bugs, rain, and wind for complete protection.
50+ UV protection keeps you away from the harsh sun, and biting-midge resistant mesh screens give you added coverage and privacy. It can fit an average-sized table inside for your picnics, and the deluxe extra-large tent stakes are super sturdy, so it won’t fly away.
Triple-layer pockets in the corners of this screen tent reduce the risk of damage, and we love the added roof-flaps for deterring any rain water.
Features:
- Waterproof Roof
- 110 Square-Feet in Total
- Includes Carry Bag
2. Coleman Screened Canopy Tent
This best selling screen house from Coleman is a true all-rounder. With an instant set-up, you’ll have your own shelter ready to go in under 3 minutes. Tried and tested by us and the public, it has kept a 4.1/5 rating through over 1500 reviews, this shows reliability and a quality build.
Additionally giving 50+ UVGuard UPF protection, so you don’t have to worry about dangerous rays from those hot afternoons. 2 big doors make for an easy entry and exit point at the front and back. A wheeled carry bag comes free with it allowing easy transportation from A to B.
Features:
- Comfort Grip for Set-Up
- Polyguard 2X Double Thick Fabric
- Detachable Screens
3. Gazelle G6 Pop-Up Screen Tent
This 6-sided screen tent is a dream for camping. More sides mean increased strength within the structure, so it can withstand stronger winds, plus providing a more spacious interior.
Durable YKK zippers keep the mesh doors securely closed and are also robust in themselves to withstand constant use and tugging.
Each corner is reinforced with extra fabric and robust pole pockets to increase its lifespan. The material is sealed for protection from light rain, so you don’t have to worry about you and your guests getting wet. We love the convenience of the pop-up design that allows you to set it up in 45 seconds.
Features:
- Room for 8 People
- UV 50+ Protection
- Tight Weave Mesh
4. Alvantor Camping Outdoor Screen House
A gorgeous summer shelter for all your outdoor parties, the instant pop-up design allows for zero assembly and a fast pitch. Durable fiberglass framework ensures a lightweight structure, and the 50+ UPF UV fabric top will give you needed sun-protection.
The fabric is made of 201D Oxford material, so it also protects against general wear-and-tear. The anti-mosquito mesh screens will keep away all the nasties, whilst providing air ventilation.
For extra protection and sturdiness, it comes with ergonomic silicone zippers, 16 guylines, 16 quality metal mounting stakes, and 8 silicone sandbags. A very spacious interior allows 10-15 adults inside, if positioned correctly, and it easily folds down for handy storage and portability.
Features:
- Lightweight 17 lbs
- Includes Portable Carry Bag
- No Assembly Required
5. CORE Instant Screen House
Instant 60-second set-up is just one of the reasons why we love this model for camping, picnics, and other outdoor events. The pre-attached frame makes it super easy to instantly set-up – simply adjust the legs to your desired height. An 84-inch maximum center height allows for lots of room for your guests.
The 150D polyester roof gives 50+ UV sun protection, and the overhead pockets for storage are a nice touch to store important possessions off of the ground floor. The front and back mesh doors are easily opened with zippers, plus you have rollback door toggles for easy exit and entry. Lastly, you can also effortlessly transport it with the included carry bag.
Features:
- Water-Resistant
- 12-feet x 10-feet Floor Size
- J-Hook for Hanging Lights
6. Tailgaterz Magnetic Screen House
With the ingenious magnetic door design, it’s a great choice for camping, family picnics, and it’s a perfect screen house for decks without a shelter. A high-quality steel framework keeps it stable in rough weather. It also includes places to hang decorations or lights for entertainment at night.
Our favorite part is the magnetic doors. It’s the perfect way to easily get in and out of the tent when you have your hands full – the strong magnetism ensures bugs aren’t able to get inside, and it’s also great for your pets to enter and exit without help.
Features:
- 11-feet x 9-feet Floor Size
- Fiberglass Frame
- Large Mesh Walls
7. Coleman Instant Screen House
Another great all-rounder for camping and the backyard. Coleman’s Instant Screen House can be installed amazingly fast, within just 60 seconds. The high-quality thick fabric offers 50+ UV protection, so you can enjoy sunny days without the hassle of a sunburn.
You can easily fit an 8-foot picnic table for big lunches, and the mesh screens will protect you and your food from bugs.
With 2 large doors at the front and the back, it creates easy access for everyone without the group scuffling at one entrance. Although the free stakes aren’t the best, we believe it will be fine for days with light wind. The poles are collapsible, so you can adjust the tent to a smaller size for kids.
Features:
- Carry Bag Included
- Lightweight
- Polyguard Fabric
8. Quest Recreational Screen House
With 100 square-feet of room, the Quest Recreational is incredibly spacious, easily able to fit three long tables, a great choice for camping or outdoor entertainment. You’ll feel sheltered and secure within the fire retardant and waterproof fabric, a good option for barbecues and the like.
The high-quality mesh walls repel insects and provide a comfortable airflow. The solid fiberglass framework means the structure remains robust in wind and rain. The 4 guylines also increase the sturdiness of the design.
Zippers along the mesh doors give you easy entry and exit, and for night time, you can hang a light on the ring provided inside.
Features:
- 150D Silver Coated Polyester Fabric
- Double-Strapped Carry Bag
- Poles Included
9. Quictent Outdoor Screen House
Featuring a beautifully simple design, this is a wonderful screen tent for weddings, parties, or other formal events. No tools are required for assembly, and we love the extra-strength steel poles that are powder coated for increased stability.
The 0.5mm thickness means it is a lot more difficult for the poles to bend under pressure. and the UV protection allows you and your guests to stay sheltered from the sun.
The closable mesh screen walls stop insects from entering, and you can also roll the walls upwards to create an even more spacious area. With a height of 8-feet, everyone can comfortably mingle with plenty of interior room.
Features:
- 160g Polyester Material
- Waterproof Fabric
- Hexagonal Gauze Grid Mesh
10. VIVOHOME Pop Up Screen Tent
Perfect for your next outdoor party at 116 inches-squared, it can easily fit a big group of people. A premium steel frame ensures a firm design to resist most weather conditions, with sturdy stakes for windy days.
We think you’ll love the high-domed structure for lots of head room and to keep rain and shine away from your guests. Thanks to the smart-fold design, you can take this pop-up screen tent everywhere with its small storage size.
The height is easily adjustable with the telescopic legs, and the mesh walls are removable if you need more room.
Features:
- 100% Mesh Walls
- 210D Oxford Fabric
- Rust-Resistant Powder Coat Finish
How Do I Choose a Camping Screen Tent?
Size
This widely depends on how you plan to use it. Will you be throwing a big party? A wedding? A picnic? Maybe you just want one for relaxing on the porch or at a campsite. Most are designed to be used by more than a few people, but take note of the dimensions – this will help you decide how many people will be able to fit in the space.
We also recommend checking the height – if it’s a sloping or slanted model, you want to ensure it’s still tall enough if you know your guests will be standing up. If you’ll just be sitting down at a table for a picnic, you’ll need to choose one with a larger interior.
Features
Screen houses today have a bunch of cool features. Some have magnetic doors for easy entry and exit whilst also keeping bugs out, and most have rollable mesh doors to open the space further. A floor is a nice add-on, but we think it’s not always necessary – again, it depends on if you think you’ll need one. For example, if you only have a lumpy grass area, you might want a floor to make it easier for people to walk around.
Hooks for hanging lights or decorations are a thoughtful feature for entertaining. More important features you should look for are UV protection, waterproof fabric, and a carry bag for easy transportation.
Set-Up
Instant and pop-up set up methods are super convenient for installation, and they are becoming popular among those who love to do things easily and quickly, which is pretty much everyone. Choose an instant screen tent to set-up the structure with extreme ease or a pop-up screen house that literally pops out and springs to life immediately straight out of the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Screen House?
A screen house (or screen tent) is a large, enclosed shelter that you can use for camping and other outdoor events. They are usually constructed with walls made of mesh and a canopy of fabric on the roof for shade. They aren’t fully enclosed and block visibility, they are a bit more open and welcoming, providing visibility surrounding the shelter.
The meshed material keep bugs away and prevents mosquitos from entering, additionally providing shelter from the sun and rain, and allow air to ventilate for a comfortable experience.
How do I Set-Up a Screen House?
There are typically two main types – instant and pop-ups. Instant screen houses have a pre-attached framework that expands and clicks into place, usually able to pitch within a minute or 2.
Pop-ups do exactly as their name suggests – they pop out immediately. This clever design is usually made with a tight coil, or something similar, that allows the tent to quickly expand outwards once thrown, set up time is faster than an instant model.
What Do I Use a Screen Tent For?
Mainly used for a quick pitch shelter while camping, they are also used for outdoor social events, family picnics, guest shelters at weddings, and even for coverage on porches.
Screen Tent vs Greenhouse
The main difference between these would obviously be the structure – screen houses are usually designed with mesh and fabric, whilst greenhouses have a glass or plastic structure.
Greenhouses are designed to keep hot air trapped inside, compared to screen tents which allow air to flow freely and encourage ventilation.
While both protect the inside from outdoor elements such as rain and insects, screen houses are much more open than greenhouses, and can still let some rain or sunshine inside. Greenhouses, on the other hand, are tightly closed and more controlled than screen houses.
Screen Tent vs Canopy
A canopy has a much simpler design than a screen tent. Canopies are classically designed with four poles and a fabric top, compared to screen houses that have mesh walls that surround every pole.
While some canopies have walls like screen tents, they usually not mesh, and are the same opaque fabric as the roof – therefore you cannot see-through them, unlike the transparent design of screen houses with their mesh surroundings.
There is also a difference in the shape of the roof of a screen tent and canopy. Canopies have peaked roofs, whilst screen tents have a range of roof designs, such as triangular, round, or pyramid.
Another difference is the weight – screen tents are generally much lighter than canopies.
Conclusion
Our list has narrowed down the best screen tents on the market today. We love their smart designs and cool features that make them distinguishable from regular models. For camping, events, or general outdoor relaxation, they are the perfect addition to any lifestyle. You’ll be able to entertain others and enjoy the freedom of the outdoors. Skip the sunburns, inhibit the insects, and bask in the breeze.
Resources and Sources
Camping without a shelter can be dangerous for the skin during hot weather
