Are roof top tents worth it?

They're worth it if you camp on rough or wet ground, want a fast and comfortable setup, and tend to base in one place for a few days. They're not worth it if you're on a budget, move camp daily, or care about fuel economy — a ground tent does the job for a fraction of the cost.

Do roof top tents ruin gas mileage?

They reduce it noticeably at highway speeds due to weight and drag — often a few miles per gallon. That's the main ongoing cost to weigh against their convenience.

Vehicle

Roof Top Tent vs Ground Tent for Car Camping

Fast, off-the-ground comfort versus low cost and flexibility. Here's how roof top tents and ground tents really compare — and which suits your trips.

By AWD Camper TeamMay 31, 20261 min read

A campsite with a rooftop tent on an SUV and a dome tent pitched beside it at golden hour

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This is one of the biggest setup decisions in car camping, and the honest answer is that it depends on how you travel. Both work well; they just suit different trips.

Setup and comfort

A roof top tent is unbeatable for speed: arrive, pop it open, and you're done, with a comfortable mattress already inside. A ground tent takes longer and your comfort depends on the sleeping pad you bring — see our best car camping mattresses.

Cost and running cost

A ground tent is a fraction of the price, and it doesn't cost you anything to run. A roof top tent is a major purchase and quietly costs you fuel economy every mile you drive it.

Flexibility

The ground tent's hidden superpower: pitch it, then drive off to explore with an empty car. With a roof top tent, your bedroom goes everywhere you do, so you pack up every time you move.

Which should you choose?

Choose a ground tent if you're starting out, watching budget, or moving camp often — that's most people. Choose a roof top tent if you base in one spot, camp on rough ground, and prize fast, comfortable setup. Read our Front Runner roof top tent review if you're leaning that way.

Head to head

Roof Top Tent

Fast setup, rough terrain, basing in one spot

$1,000–2,500

Check price

Pros

Up in minutes, comfortable built-in mattress
Off wet, rocky or uneven ground
Great views, feels secure

Cons

Expensive
Hurts fuel economy and adds weight
Must pack up to drive anywhere

Setup time: ~2–5 min
Cost: High
Fuel impact: Noticeable
Move camp: Pack up to drive
Comfort: High (built-in mattress)

Ground Tent

Budget, flexibility, leaving the car free

$120–500

Check price

Pros

Far cheaper
Leave it pitched and drive off
No effect on fuel economy

Cons

Pitch on whatever ground you find
Less comfortable without a good pad
Slower in bad weather

Setup time: ~5–15 min
Cost: Low
Fuel impact: None
Move camp: Leave pitched, drive off
Comfort: Depends on your pad

Frequently asked questions

Are roof top tents worth it?: They're worth it if you camp on rough or wet ground, want a fast and comfortable setup, and tend to base in one place for a few days. They're not worth it if you're on a budget, move camp daily, or care about fuel economy — a ground tent does the job for a fraction of the cost.
Do roof top tents ruin gas mileage?: They reduce it noticeably at highway speeds due to weight and drag — often a few miles per gallon. That's the main ongoing cost to weigh against their convenience.

About AWD Camper Team

We verify manufacturer specifications and prices, compare competing products and synthesize recurring owner experience. We do not claim hands-on testing we did not do.