Build a Better Hunting Camp Setup

After a long day chasing game through rugged terrain, the last thing you want is to crawl into a cramped tent or wrestle with a complicated setup. A dependable hunting camp is about more than just a place to crash, it’s a place to call home. A warm, dry, and organized camp means you wake up ready to go and with more focused attention for hunting.

Whether you’re tracking through the hills or setting up a base deep in the backcountry, comfort and efficiency are key. A reliable shelter lets you recharge and recover. Whether that’s a quick-deploying rooftop tent like Evo V2, Aspen Lite, Kali, or Nova, or a full basecamp setup with the Hub 4 Double or Hub 6XL, each one is built to bring comfort and efficiency to the most remote places. Built to withstand the elements and simplify setup, they help you stay out longer, so you can hunt more and rest easier.

Why a Good Camp Setup Matters for Hunters

A good night’s sleep isn’t just a luxury in the backcountry, it’s part of your success in the field. Quality sleep enhances muscle recovery after long, punishing hikes, supports stamina for multi-day hunts, and sharpens focus when you’re making quick decisions in changing conditions. Staying well-rested also helps maintain steady energy and a clear mindset, especially when early mornings and late nights start to stack up. A dependable camp setup protects you from unpredictable weather, keeps your gear organized and dry, and saves you time during pre-dawn mornings.

Traditional ground tents can get the job done, but camping has come a long way since the simple tent. Today’s hunters have more options than ever, from car camping to compact rooftop tents, spacious hub tents, and tow-behind trailers or campers.

Rooftop tents keep you off the wet, uneven ground and provide a quick, elevated sleeping area that stays warm and dry, even through changing weather conditions. Hub tents, on the other hand, create a full backcountry basecamp. Roomy enough to cook, organize gear, and even run a wood stove when temperatures drop. Compared to sleeping in your truck bed or hauling a bulky camper, these camping shelters strike the perfect balance between comfort, mobility, and simplicity.

Rooftop Tents for Hunting: Comfort Meets Mobility

Rooftop tents are one of the most versatile camping options for hunters. They’re designed to be adaptable, allowing you to mount them on the back of your truck, a tow-behind trailer, or even a side-by-side.

Vehicle-Mounted Setup: The Minimalist Approach

If you prefer to travel light and move often, mounting a rooftop tent directly to your vehicle is one of the most streamlined ways to camp. After a long day in the field, setup takes only a few minutes. Every rooftop tent in our lineup is built for quick setup and takedown, but which tent you choose depends on your hunting and camping style.

Aspen Lite is ideal for those who prioritize an ultralight setup and need to keep their vehicle nimble. Evo V2 offers a full Tri-Layer insulated body perfect for those late-season hunts. Kali or Nova are for those who want a lot of interior space and headroom in a compact footprint. Your vehicle type also plays a big role. SUVs, trucks, and even crossovers all pair differently with each tent. 

Sleeping inside your vehicle works, but moving your setup to the roof is a game-changer. A rooftop tent keeps your sleeping space separate from your storage, leaving your truck bed or SUV interior wide open for gear, coolers, and game. That means less clutter inside your cab and more space for the tools and supplies that matter.

Not sure which rooftop tent best fits your vehicle or camping style? Check out our Rooftop Tent Buyers Guide. It breaks down everything from fit and function to tent features, helping you choose the setup that’s built for your adventures.

Aspen Lite photos by Grady Coleman @grady_coleman

Trailer-Mounted Setup: A Flexible Basecamp

For hunters who want a more permanent basecamp but still prefer to sleep in a rooftop tent, a trailer-mounted tent setup offers the best of both worlds: mobility and comfort. Once you’ve found your camp spot, unhitch the trailer, set up your tent, and you’re ready to go. Your vehicle remains free to transport you to different hunting areas while camp remains fully built and ready when you return.

You can also expand your space by adding accessories like a 270 Awning for shade, a Shower Awning for staying fresh, or the Awn-X Annex Room for the Evolution V2. A popular setup for hunters who want extra room for changing, keeping dogs comfortable, or adding weather-protected storage outside their tent.

The Awn-X integrates directly with the Evo V2 for complete coverage in and out of your tent, featuring roll-up dual-layer windows, tie-down stakes for windy conditions, and built-in USB-powered dimmable LED lighting.

Side-by-Side Setup: The Ultimate Backcountry Rig

When the terrain gets too rugged for a truck or trailer, a side-by-side outfitted with a rooftop tent comes into play. This setup is made for hunters who need to access remote, hard-to-reach areas without hiking in all their gear. It’s as minimal as it gets with just enough space for essentials, but with the huge advantage of mobility and access.

Nova’s compact, lightweight design makes it ideal for smaller off-road vehicles while still offering the durability and comfort you expect from a full-size rooftop tent. With this kind of setup, you can chase elk through deep timber and still have a comfortable, weatherproof camp waiting for you when the day’s done.

Hub Tents: The Ideal Basecamp for Longer Hunts

For multi-day or late-season hunts where staying in one location is the plan, a Hub Tent offers the perfect mix of comfort and durability. These tents act as your home base. A place to spread out, cook, organize gear, and warm up before the next morning’s trek.

Both the Hub 4 Double and Hub 6XL provide generous standing room and enough floor space to set up designated areas for cooking, sleeping, and storing equipment. Their sturdy design and weather-resistant materials make them ideal for unpredictable conditions, and both are compatible with wood stoves for cold-weather comfort.

Setting up a Hub Tent as your basecamp also means your vehicle stays free for day hunts, scouting runs, or hauling out game. At the end of the day, you return to a warm, dry space where you can recharge, refuel, and prepare for another early morning in the field.

The Benefits of a Stationary Basecamp

There’s something to be said about staying in one place during a hunt. A stationary basecamp gives you the advantage of time. More time to rest, more time to cook a decent meal, and more time to focus on the hunt itself. Constantly breaking down and rebuilding camp can quickly wear you out, especially after long days on your feet.

When you set up a dedicated basecamp, your tent, gear, and cooking area stay organized. You can dry out clothes, store extra food, and head out early each morning knowing you have a warm, dry camp waiting for you.

A stationary setup also helps conserve energy for what matters most, hunting. Whether it’s a Hub 6XL with a wood stove glowing inside or a trailer-mounted rooftop tent with a 270 Awning providing a covered cooking area, a basecamp is your recharge point before another early morning.

Accessories That Elevate Comfort

Once your main camp setup is dialed in, adding a few accessories can take comfort to the next level. These small additions make a big difference in how sustainable and enjoyable your hunting trip feels.

A Shower Awning adds a touch of privacy and convenience for quick rinses or changing clothes comfortably at camp. Pair that with a 270 Awning or 180 Awning to create a covered space for cooking or escaping any unexpected rain. These durable, waterproof awnings expand your usable space and help you stay comfortable through every change in the weather.

Staying Warm, Dry, and Ready

Staying warm, dry, and organized not only keeps you comfortable but also helps you stay sharp and focused. Our rooftop tent lineup is made to withstand any weather, featuring Tri-Layer insulation that protects from wind and cold, as well as diesel heater ports for added warmth and comfort when the temperature drops.

Integrated 3” Stove jack for wood burning in our Hub Tents adds an extra layer of warmth to camp. Pair those with durable, waterproof materials, and you have a setup that is built to last and withstand harsh weather.

A little preparation goes a long way when you’re deep in the backcountry. With the right setup, you’ll wake up rested, recharged, and ready to get back out there.

Build a Hunting Camp That Works as Hard as You Do

A good hunting camp isn’t just about having a place to sleep. It’s where you kick off your boots, light the stove, and swap stories about the one that got away. It’s where the smell of a hot meal cuts through the cold and the campfire burns late into the night while you and your crew rehash the day’s highs and lows.

The right setup makes all of that possible. A few creature comforts that turn a stretch of rugged backcountry into a place that actually feels like home.

Whether it’s a rooftop tent perched on your truck or a Hub Tent, our gear is built for moments like these so you can put in the miles and appreciate a camp that keeps up with you.