Ground Tent
Ground Tent: Hub Tents & Camping Tents for Overlanding
Not every overlander wants to sleep on the roof. A ground tent gives you standing room, enough space for cots and gear, the freedom to leave camp set up while you explore in your vehicle, and a price tag that is at least 50% less than most rooftop tents. Ground tents offer significant advantages in affordability, interior space, and logistical flexibility. Whether you need a quick-setup hub tent for weekend trips, a safari tent for base camp adventures, or a spacious camping tent that sleeps four to eight people, the right ground tent turns any campsite into a comfortable home.
We carry ground tents from Overland Vehicle Systems and FSR (Freespirit Recreation), two brands built specifically for overlanding and car camping in rugged environments. These are not flimsy campground tents that collapse in the first breeze. These are best ground tents for overlanding: high quality materials, sturdy structure, innovative design, and quick setup that gets you inside and resting in minutes, not hours. Every ground tent ships free.
💡 Ground tent vs roof top tent? Ground tents do not require breaking down camp to move the vehicle, unlike rooftop tents. Set up your ground tent at base camp, drive off for a full day of exploring, and come back to your shelter already waiting. That flexibility is a big deal for overlanders who move during the day and want a camp ready at night.
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Ground Tents for Sale
Here are four ground tents we carry, designed specifically for overlanding and car camping. These are hub tents and safari tents with standing room, quick setup, and enough room for cots, gear, and two to eight people depending on the model. Choosing the right ground tent requires balancing factors like group size, expected weather conditions, and transportation.
OVS Hubcentric Ground Tent
Price: $399.99
Type: Hub tent | Capacity: 4-6 person
Setup: Under 2 minutes | Standing Room: Yes
The OVS Hubcentric Ground Tent is the best value ground tent for overlanding we carry. This hub tent sets up in under 2 minutes with its pre-assembled hub pole system. No complicated pole threading, no guesswork. Open the bag, pop the hub, stake the corners, and you have a freestanding ground tent with full standing room. The build quality rivals tents costing twice as much: waterproof fabric, reinforced seams, great ventilation through mesh panels, and a thoughtful design with multiple doors for easy access. This person tent provides plenty of space for two adults on cots with enough room for storing gear, or it can sleep four to six people on sleeping pads. At $399.99, this Overland Vehicle Systems ground tent is priced at least 50% less than most rooftop tents while giving you more livable space inside. Ground tents are generally more budget-friendly than rooftop tents or campervans, and the OVS Hubcentric proves it.
OVS Portable Safari Tent
Price: $599.99
Type: Safari tent | Capacity: 6-8 person
Setup: 5-10 minutes | Standing Room: Yes (tall ceiling)
The OVS Portable Safari Tent is a large ground tent that brings the safari camping experience to the American outdoors. This is the tent you set up as a base camp for multi-day adventures. The tall ceiling gives you plenty of space to stand, move, and live in comfortably. It can fit eight people on sleeping pads or four people on cots with enough coverage for gear and a camp table. The fabric is built for weather: waterproof, UV resistant, and reinforced at stress points. Setting up this ground tent takes 5-10 minutes for two people with its aluminum poles and fairly easy instructions. If you need a spacious camping tent for larger groups or want a ground tent that feels like a room rather than a shelter, the OVS Safari Tent delivers. This is also one of the best family tents for camping at established campgrounds where you want space to spread out and store gear over a long weekend.
GoFSR Foundation Series Hub Tent
Price: $695.00
Type: Hub tent | Capacity: 4-6 person
Setup: Under 2 minutes | Standing Room: Yes
The GoFSR Foundation Series Hub Tent is FSR's entry into the hub tent ground tent category. FSR (Freespirit Recreation) is known for premium overlanding gear, and this ground tent reflects that quality standard. The hub design with aluminum poles sets up extremely easy in under 2 minutes. Vertical walls maximize livable space inside, unlike dome tents where the walls curve inward and reduce usable floor area. Innovative features include multiple mesh windows for great ventilation, a full-coverage rainfly for rain protection, and the build quality FSR is known for. This is a ground tent for overlanding that you can trust in strong winds and heavy rain. The Foundation Series represents FSR's commitment to providing quality gear for overland travel at an accessible price point.
GoFSR Hub 4 Double Tent
Price: $895.00
Type: Double hub tent | Capacity: 8 person
Setup: 5-10 minutes | Standing Room: Yes
The GoFSR Hub 4 Double Tent is the largest ground tent we carry and the premium option for overlanders who need serious space. This is two hub tents connected into one massive shelter with enough room for eight people on sleeping pads, or four on cots with plenty of space for storing gear, a camp table, and free movement. This camping tent provides the kind of livable space that makes you forget you are outdoors. Big tents for camping do not have to mean complicated setup. The Hub 4 Double uses FSR's hub pole system with additional poles for the double structure, and two people can have it standing in 5-10 minutes. The vertical walls, tall ceiling, and multiple doors and windows create an airy, comfortable shelter for larger groups. If you are looking for the best family camping tents or the best tents for family camping trips with kids, this double hub ground tent is hard to beat.
Ground Tent Comparison
| Model | Capacity | Type | Setup Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OVS Hubcentric | 4-6 person | Hub tent | Under 2 min | $399.99 |
| OVS Safari Tent | 6-8 person | Safari tent | 5-10 min | $599.99 |
| GoFSR Foundation Hub | 4-6 person | Hub tent | Under 2 min | $695 |
| GoFSR Hub 4 Double | 8 person | Double hub tent | 5-10 min | $895 |
Types of Ground Tents for Overlanding
Hub Tents (Instant Setup)
Hub tents are the fastest-setting ground tents on the market. They use a central hub pole system that pops open and creates the tent structure in under 2 minutes. Free-standing tents are generally easier to set up on solid surfaces, as they do not require staking to maintain their structure, making them a convenient option for various terrains. The OVS Hubcentric ($399.99) and GoFSR Foundation Hub ($695) are both hub tent ground tents with standing room, vertical walls, and enough room for cots and gear. Hub tents have become extremely popular with overlanders because setup is extremely easy, even in the middle of the night when you arrive at camp tired. The Gazelle tent line also popularized the hub tent design. Our hub ground tents compete directly with Gazelle tent models while offering the build quality and brand support ORT customers expect.
Safari Tents
Safari tent camping uses larger ground tents with tall ceilings, multiple rooms, and enough space for a proper base camp. The OVS Portable Safari Tent ($599.99) is our safari tent option. These are not the permanent canvas glamping tents you see at luxury resorts. They are portable safari tents designed for overland travel: heavy duty fabric, aluminum poles, reinforced seams, and the ability to pack into a carrying bag that fits on your roof rack or in your vehicle. Safari tents take a little bit more experience to set up (5-10 minutes) but provide the most livable space of any ground tent style.
Double Hub Tents
Double hub tents connect two hub tent structures into one massive shelter. The GoFSR Hub 4 Double ($895) is our double hub ground tent, providing 8-person capacity with the same quick-setup hub pole system. This is the ground tent for larger groups and families who want one shelter with enough room for everyone. Double hub tents are ideal for families with kids who need separate sleeping areas within the same tent, or for overlanders who want a dedicated sleeping zone and a dedicated living/cooking zone inside one ground tent.
Ground Tent vs Roof Top Tent
If you are on our site, you are probably already familiar with rooftop tents. Here is an honest comparison of ground tents vs RTTs for overlanding, because both have a place in the game.
Choose a ground tent when: You want to leave camp set up while you explore in your vehicle during the day. You need standing room to change clothes, organize gear, or wait out a storm. You are on a budget (ground tents start at $399.99 vs $1,000+ for RTTs). You need space for more than 2-3 people. You want to set up a multi-day base camp without needing to tear everything down to drive to a trailhead. You do not want to deal with a ladder in the middle of the night. Ground tents do not require breaking down camp to move the vehicle, unlike rooftop tents.
Choose a roof top tent when: You want to sleep elevated off the ground, away from critters, dust, and uneven terrain. You move camp every day and want setup in under 60 seconds. You want a permanent shelter mounted on your vehicle that is always ready. You prefer the comfort of a built-in mattress platform. You camp in areas where ground conditions are poor (rocky desert, muddy terrain, snow). Browse our roof top tent collection here.
The overlander's move: Many experienced overlanders carry both. A roof top tent as their primary sleep shelter and a ground tent packed on the roof rack or in the bed for base camp setups, guest sleeping, or trips where they want the flexibility to drive away during the day without tearing down camp. Ground tents offer superior affordability, versatility, and portability compared to other camping options, making them the perfect complement to an RTT-based rig.
Ground Tent Buying Guide
Setup Speed
Hub ground tents set up in under 2 minutes. Traditional pole ground tents take 5-10 minutes for two people. Setting up a traditional ground tent can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes for two people, while a single person may find it more challenging and time-consuming. If fast setup matters to you (and it should after a long day on the trail), hub tents are the go to choice. The OVS Hubcentric and GoFSR Foundation Hub both set up in under 2 minutes from bag to standing.
Standing Room & Livable Space
Ground tents can offer full standing headroom and enough floor space for cots, tables, and multiple occupants. This is the single biggest advantage ground tents have over rooftop tents. You can stand up to change clothes, walk around inside, and set up camp furniture. Hub tents with vertical walls maximize usable space because the walls go straight up rather than curving inward like dome tents for camping. Pay attention to peak height (you want 72"+ for standing room) and floor dimensions.
Weather Resistance
Tents made with high-quality waterproof materials and reinforced seams are essential for durability and weather resistance in challenging conditions. A full-coverage rainfly offers better rain protection than a partial one. The layout of a tent's poles and guylines significantly affects its ability to withstand high winds: more crisscrossing poles generally lead to a stronger structure. Proper airflow through mesh panels and roof vents is critical to prevent condensation buildup inside the tent. All four ground tents we carry feature waterproof fabric, mesh ventilation panels, and sturdy aluminum poles or hub systems designed to handle strong winds and heavy rain.
Capacity (The Real Numbers)
Pay close attention to manufacturer capacity claims. The vast majority of tent makers overstate how many people their tents comfortably sleep. A "6 person tent" might sleep 6 in sleeping bags on the floor, but realistically fits 3 on cots with gear. For overlanding, plan on half the stated capacity if you are using cots, or two-thirds if you are using sleeping pads. Our 4-6 person ground tents comfortably fit two adults on cots with plenty of space for gear. The 8 person GoFSR Hub 4 Double fits four on cots or six on pads comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ground tent?
A ground tent is any tent that sits on the ground rather than mounting on a vehicle's roof. In the overlanding community, the term "ground tent" specifically distinguishes from rooftop tents (RTTs). Ground tents can be used for backpacking, tent camping, and in areas where vehicles cannot go. For overlanding, the most popular ground tent styles are hub tents (instant setup), safari tents (large base camp shelters), and dome tents. Ground tents offer more interior space, standing room, and affordability compared to rooftop tents, while rooftop tents offer elevated sleeping and faster daily setup for mobile overlanders.
Are ground tents cheaper than roof top tents?
Yes. Many ground tents are priced at least 50% less than rooftop tents. Our ground tents range from $399.99 (OVS Hubcentric) to $895 (GoFSR Hub 4 Double). By comparison, quality rooftop tents start around $1,000 and range up to $5,000+. Ground tents are generally more budget-friendly than rooftop tents or campervans, and they do not require a roof rack, mounting hardware, or vehicle modifications. The price of ground tents can vary significantly, with options ranging from around $230 for budget models to over $1,700 for high-end camping tents.
How fast can you set up a ground tent?
Hub ground tents (like the OVS Hubcentric and GoFSR Foundation Hub) set up in under 2 minutes. You open the bag, pop the central hub, and the tent stands on its own. Larger ground tents like the OVS Safari Tent and GoFSR Hub 4 Double take 5-10 minutes for two people. Setting up a ground tent is not as fast as popping open a hard shell rooftop tent (30-60 seconds), but hub tents come close and give you far more interior space in return for those extra minutes of setup.
Can I stand up inside a ground tent?
Yes, in all four ground tents we carry. Ground tents can offer full standing headroom and enough floor space for cots, tables, and multiple occupants. Hub tents with vertical walls provide the most usable interior space because the walls go straight up, giving you standing room across nearly the entire floor area. This is one of the primary advantages of a ground tent over a rooftop tent, where you typically cannot stand at all. If standing room matters to you, prioritize hub tents over dome tents for camping.
Can I leave a ground tent set up while I drive away?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of a ground tent over a rooftop tent. Ground tents do not require breaking down camp to move the vehicle. Set up your ground tent at a campsite, drive off to explore trails, hike, or run errands, and come back to your tent already standing. With a rooftop tent, you must pack up your entire sleeping setup every time you want to drive. Ground tents provide flexibility to leave camp set up while exploring in a vehicle, making them ideal for base camp overlanding trips.
What is the best ground tent for overlanding?
For most overlanders, the OVS Hubcentric Ground Tent ($399.99) is the best ground tent for overlanding. It sets up in under 2 minutes, provides standing room and space for cots, and costs less than half of most rooftop tents. For overlanders who need more space, the GoFSR Hub 4 Double ($895) accommodates eight people and works perfectly for families or multi-day base camp setups. For a safari tent camping experience with maximum livable space, the OVS Portable Safari Tent ($599.99) provides a tall ceiling and room for up to eight on sleeping pads. The best ground tents for overlanding balance fast setup, weather resistance, and enough room to live comfortably during multi-day trips.
Do I need a ground tarp or footprint for my tent?
We recommend using ground tarps for tents or ground sheets for tents under any ground tent to extend the life of the floor fabric and add an extra layer of moisture protection. A ground cover for tents prevents rocks, sticks, and rough terrain from wearing through the tent floor. It also makes cleanup easier when you pack up on muddy or dusty campsites. You can use a dedicated tent footprint, a basic tarp cut to size, or a ground cloth. For hub tents that have a removable floor, a ground tarp is especially helpful for keeping the interior clean. Ground stakes for tents and ground anchors for tents help secure both your tent and its footprint in wind.
What seasons can I use a ground tent?
The ground tents we carry are three season tents designed for spring, summer, and fall camping. 3-season tents are designed for spring, summer, and fall, offering ample mesh for ventilation and basic protection from rain and bugs. They handle rain, wind, and moderate cold very well. For winter overlanding with snow loads and extreme cold, a 4-season tent is recommended. 4-season tents are built for harsh winter conditions, using heavier fabrics and more poles to withstand snow loads and high winds. Of course, many overlanders use three season ground tents in winter at lower elevations in the desert and southern states where snow is not a concern.
Why Buy a Ground Tent from Off Road Tents
We carry overlanding ground tents, hub tents, safari tents, and camping tents from Overland Vehicle Systems and FSR. Whether you need cheap ground tents for your first overlanding trip, waterproof ground tents that handle desert storms, canvas tents for glamping, dome tents for camping, canopy tents for events, big tents for camping with family, the best family tents for larger groups, camping tents 4 person or 6 person tents for camping, cheap camping tents on a budget, blackout tents for camping in bright conditions, or a ground anchor for tents in windy conditions, we have a ground tent that fits your adventure and your budget. Every ground tent ships free. Call us at 844-200-3979 to discuss which tent fits your campground setup, your vehicle, and your overlanding style.
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Shop Ground Tents for Overlanding
Hub tents, safari tents, and camping tents from $399.99. Standing room. Quick setup. Free shipping.
