Can a Pop Up Gazebo be Used for Camping?

I was tired of cramped tents that I couldn't stand up in and needed a decently large shelter for when I am camping with my family. I looked at many options but this pop-up gazebo from Vevor caught my attention. The price was not astronomical like a canvas yurt and setup/tear-down time is many factors faster.

[@pkarowic]

I used to, as a kid, camp in an Army tent my uncle would bring out. It took longer than what it took you to setup for sure. It was 16 x 16 foot and poles everywhere, no floor just the ground. There would be around 10 of us kids in it, sleeping bags with thick plastic my Dad cut up for us to put under our sleeping bags to keep the dew from getting the sleeping bags, it was great. We had a couple of old or at that time new Coleman stoves that you pumped to get the fuel to the burners for cooking. Those were the best camping trips for us and cheap too. Anyway, great video. I enjoyed it.

[@theoccasionalexplorer]

That sounds like an amazing experience you got to have as a child. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidharris241]

I camped in a pop up gazebo once in KY's Red River Gorge. Was a little unnerved with a rattle snake rattling a couple feet away. Luckily had empty Gatorade bottles inside, because I was to scared to pee outside in the dark. On the last day, I couldn't figure out how to un-pop my gazebo and told some boy scouts hiking through that if they could figure it out, they could have it. Challenge accepted, and I never saw that gazebo again.

[@theoccasionalexplorer]

Yes! Bio breaks can be an issue outdoors sometimes!

[@davidharris241]

@@theoccasionalexplorer yup!

[@libbyguidinger6212]

Awesome video..I struggled to find a way to pop up the center...going to do your way next time ...thanks for the video

[@theoccasionalexplorer]

Glad it helped

[@18564864]

Always thought about it. Thank you

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Nope, nope. Don’t use it as substitute for a tent, I’ve done it with terrible results in mild to severe inclement weather which is always unpredictable. Unless you’re pitching it in your back yard where you can run home for shelter using it on the field as a tent is a bad idea no matter if sprayed or not. From collapsing under gusty conditions because no floor means less stability even when properly staked, to getting wet with my gear under mild to medium rain. That being said I actually have 2, a 5 and a 4 side with the separate panels to attach for walls and I don’t regret it, in fact I love how they provide shade, keep bugs away and can keep my dogs contained (although they can get out from underneath). They give you a place to eat in peace without bugs, no mosquitoes at dawn etc, again I personally do not regret purchasing them but I’ve painfully came to realize there’s no substitute for a good tent to get into under inclement weather. Thanks for the video.

[@PnoyWonderBoy]

looks good but many are complaining that it is not well waterproof..

[@theoccasionalexplorer]

I used the tent scotchguard on the top and have yet to experience any water ingress.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Scotchguard or not it’ll leak in medium to mild rain, I’ve experienced this, for Pete’s sake is a gazebo no matter how they advertise it. If you’re willing to take the chance of getting rained on with no other shelter, having your gear and yourself wet, go for it. Me I’d rather have my separate tent and enjoy the gazebo for what it is. Unless you’re pitching it in your back yard where you can always run home for shelter otherwise you’re far from home with not many options. I’m talking from experience.

[@crypto_11]

What’s the size of the entrance

[@juliecarreon279]

So what were your overall thoughts on this pop up shelter? Im thinking about getting one myself.

[@theoccasionalexplorer]

It's by far my favorite shelter to use for roominess, ease of setup, ease of tear down. I love that I can easily stand in it and has plenty of space. The floor being open to the ground is also a bonus for me as I needn't worry about making a mess. One drawback is It's not insulated enough for the deep cold winter but most of the year, its pretty good. Another drawback is the packup size. It's quite long.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I have the 5 panels Gazelle and a 4 panel 6’ one, I’ve camped inside the Gazelle one as a tent/gazebo 3 times. Is a Gazebo not a tent regardless of how is advertised if your intention is to use it as both don’t do it, the conditions need to be really good for it to work. My experience: used the big one in Baja, how cool to wake up, take the panels off and watch the ocean while on bed right? Since it doesn’t have a floor is not as stable and a big gust of wind collapsed it at 3 AM, not fun because I had to get my bag etc and sleep in the SUV sitting up. Another time in the mountains I used the smaller one just as shelter from the rain with all side panels and it leaked where the panels attach, luckily that time I knew better and could retreat to my tent with no leaks. Nowadays I use them only as they were intended to be used. As a gazebo they’re priceless keeping the bugs away day or night without mosquitoes, moths or suicidal beetles that come to die in the fire and hit your face in the process but I’ll never use them to substitute the good old trusty tent that can take heavy gusts and downpours, for that I have either a Gazelle T4 or going lighter a Decathlon Quechua 3 men tent, or my Alps Mountaineering, all these 3 tents have been through tough weather conditions without any issues and I can still enjoy the gazebo for what it is, a gazebo but not a tent. Hope my personal “suffering” lol can help you. 40+ years experienced tent camper here.

[@MUHLMEDIA]

Does it come with the floor?

[@theoccasionalexplorer]

No. This is open to the ground.