Living in a tent might sound unconventional, but for many, it offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Whether you're exploring a nomadic way of life, going off-grid, or simply seeking a more adventurous living situation, modern livable tents have evolved to offer both comfort and durability.
In this guide, we’ll look at whether living in a tent is a practical and necessary choice, and what to keep in mind when picking the best tent to live in. We’ll also explore the top 6 tents you can live in, providing you with the ideal blend of practicality and comfort for living outdoors year-round.
Can You Live in a Tent & Why Live in a Tent?
Yes, surely you can. As long as you follow local rules, living in a tent is totally possible. Whether it’s for a temporary escape, a minimalist lifestyle, or the freedom to explore the world while maintaining comfort, living in a tent can be a rewarding experience. Some people turn to tent living for sustainability, avoiding the high costs of traditional housing, or because it allows them to be more blend into nature.
How to Choose the Best Tents You Can Live in Year Round?
When choosing tents that you can live in for a full-time living, there are several important factors to consider:
- Durability & Weather Resistance: Choose a tent made from durable materials like canvas or polyester with a waterproof coating to ensure it can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy rain, and snow.
- Insulation: If you're living in your tent year-round, insulation is crucial for staying warm during colder months. Look for livable tents with built-in insulation or the option to add additional layers for warmth.
- Space: A tent with enough space is essential for daily living. Opt for one with a standing height to move around comfortably and consider living tents with multiple rooms or storage areas to keep your living space organized.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important to avoid condensation and ensure fresh air flow inside the tent you can live in. Make sure the tent has windows or vents that can be adjusted based on the weather.
- Ease of Setup & Portability: Consider how easy the tent is to set up and whether it’s portable. This is particularly important if you plan to move frequently or set up in different locations with tents you can live in.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a tent you can live in that is not only comfortable but also practical for long-term living.
Top 6 Tents You Can Live Full-Time
Choosing a tent you can live in for full-time living is an exciting decision. Below, we highlight six excellent options that can turn your outdoor living dreams into reality.
#1 Overall Durable Dome Home - Shelter Dome
Shelter Dome’s dome home is one of the most popular choices for long-term tent living. It uses a geodesic dome design, which not only looks modern and unique, but also breaks away from the traditional idea of living spaces. The spherical geometry has structural stability, which can resist high wind and snow and can be used for a long time.
This tent’s empty width without inner column design allows for maximum space utilization, offering a cozy, comfortable living environment. The interior of the dome can be equipped with insulation to prevent cold air from entering and keep the interior warm. In summer, the dome can install air conditioning, exhaust fans to maintain ventilation. Even in the hot summer, you can feel comfortable and cool in the dome.
Designed with comfort in mind, the dome home provides ample space, excellent ventilation, and full protection from the elements. Its smart interior design also helps save energy. Whether you’re living off the grid in an eco-friendly way or using it as a glamping option, this is a great choice for full-time living.
Pros:
- Novel residential structure
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Spacious and cozy interior
- It helps you live in tents in a more eco-friendly way
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than some other options
- There are many parts, and installation may need to take a little time
#2 Luxury Bell Tent - Life inTents
The luxury bell tent is a stunning, classic option for those looking for a more traditional aesthetic with modern functionality, with its large, round design and central support pole. The sturdy canvas material provides excellent durability and weather resistance, and many come with built-in floors and windows to maximize comfort.
The open, spacious interior provides ample room for furniture, a bed, and storage. These livable tents are especially popular for glamping and offer a rustic yet luxurious living experience.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable
- Aesthetically pleasing with a vintage appeal
- Easy to set up and move
Cons:
- Even with a big interior, the center pole gets in the way of flexible layout
- Can be too warm in hot climates without proper ventilation
- Less durable in harsh weather compared to more modern structures
#3 Permanent Tent Homes - Luxury and Glamping Tents
The Luxury and Glamping Tents provide a luxurious and permanent living option with all the comforts of home in a temporary structure. These tents you can live in often include built-in flooring, windows, and even electricity, making them ideal for full-time living. They are made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials and can be customized to suit your individual needs.
Pros
- Offers comfortable living with windows, insulation, and electrical outlets
- Made from durable, weather-resistant, and UV-resistant materials
- Customizable to meet specific needs and preferences
Cons
- Higher cost compared to regular living tents
- May require access to utilities for electricity, water, or sewage
#4 Luxurious Family Camping Tents - White Duck Outdoors
White Duck Outdoor is ideal for long term living, with both comfort and durability. This tent you can live in is made of high quality waterproof cotton canvas with excellent air permeability and water resistance, which keeps the interior dry and comfortable, whether in hot summer or wet season.
The spacious interior is large enough to accommodate the whole family, and furniture such as beds and storage shelves can be easily placed to create a warm outdoor "home".
In addition, the house tents to live in are equipped with large windows and vents to ensure air circulation and prevent moisture and musty smells. The reinforced frame and wind-resistant design are stable even in bad weather conditions, providing a solid and reliable guarantee for long-term camping or ecological living.
Pros
- Spacious interior with ample room for families and their belongings
- Excellent weather protection, ideal for year-round living
- Made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials
Cons
- Can be heavy due to the durable materials
- More complex setup process due to the larger size
#5 Canvas Wall Tent - Big Sky Canvas
The big sky canvas Wall Tent offers a traditional design with modern durability, it's also a right tent that you can live in for long term. Known for its rugged construction, this best tent to live in is often used for hunting or camping and provides plenty of space for a wood stove, perfect for winter living.
Pros
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant, ideal for all climates, especially cold weather
- Spacious interior with room for furniture and a wood stove
- Affordable, offering great value for its quality
Cons
- May require additional ventilation in hot weather
- Heavy structure, making it harder to transport or move once set up
#6 Safari Cabin Tent - Glitzcamp
This safari cabin tent from Glitzcamp is different from traditional canvas cabin tents you can live in. It uses an upgraded double-layer fabric system. The outer layer is made of PVC that’s waterproof, UV-resistant, moisture-proof, mold-resistant, and tear-resistant. The inner layer is thick canvas that helps keep the heat in and moisture out, making the tent more comfortable and durable. The frame is made of strong, rust-resistant steel, and the roof extends at least half a meter beyond the edge for extra protection. Overall, it’s built to handle tough weather better than regular cabin tents.
Inside, the cabin tent feels open and roomy, with no center poles getting in the way—so you can use the full space easily. The walls have several large waterproof windows that open and close, allowing fresh air in while keeping the elements out. This helps make space feel both breezy and secure.
Glitzcamp also offers two sizes: 172 square feet (16 m²) and 431 square feet (40 m²). Whether it’s for a couple or a large family, this tent gives you a spacious, comfortable place to live.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials and strong structure, so it's very durable and weather-resistant
- Spacious interior that works well for different types of users
- Simple design makes it easier to set up
Cons
- The overall structure is a bit heavy, so it’s not very portable
- Higher price compared to basic tent options
Tips for Full-Time Tent Living
It requires some preparation to ensure comfort and sustainability to live in tents. Here are a few tips to help you adjust:
- Choose the Right Location: Ensure that your tent is pitched in a safe, dry location away from potential hazards like floods or high winds.
- Invest in Insulation: Insulating your tent will help maintain comfortable temperatures in both cold and hot climates.
- Keep Your Tent Well-Maintained: Regularly check for wear and tear, clean the tent, and make sure all seals and zippers are in working condition.
- Bring Essential Gear: Equip your tent with necessary appliances like solar lights, portable heaters, or fans for comfort.
Conclusion
Living in a tent full-time offers an exciting and adventurous lifestyle, but it requires the right preparation and the right tents you can live in. Whether you're looking for luxury or practicality, the top 6 house tents to live in we've highlighted are designed for comfort, durability, and year-round living. If you’re ready to start your journey into full-time tent living, contact Shelter Dome for high-quality, weather-resistant dome tents and other quality livable tents that will make your off-grid living experience comfortable and sustainable.
FAQs
Is It Cheap to Live in a Tent?
Yes, compared to traditional housing, tent living has clear advantages when it comes to cost. It’s cheaper to build or buy, uses less energy, and in some areas, you don’t even have to pay property taxes. So, it’s a great option for people who want a more affordable way to live.
Is Living in a Tent Legal?
In general, living in a tent is legal as long as you follow the local laws and rules. Whether it's allowed mostly depends on where you are. It's usually more restricted to live in a tent on public land, while living on private land with a tent is often easier, as long as you meet the basic requirements.
What Are the Disadvantages of Living in a Tent?
One of the biggest downsides of tent living is that it’s not as convenient as a regular house. Most tents you can live in only provide basic shelter, so you’ll need to add your own furniture and daily living items. However, many tent suppliers now offer solutions for this. Some of them sell furniture and modular living setups that are made to fit their tents, making life inside much easier.
