How to Set Up a Canvas Scout Tent

Welcome to your guide to pitching the ultimate camping tent! A scout wall tent has so many qualities that make it perfect for all kinds of outdoor living scenarios. Glampers love them for their spaciousness and tranquil ambiance. Couples and families appreciate the ease of setup, cleanup, and privacy. And furry camping companions love that there is ample room for them, too!

This tent design takes the hassle out of setting up camp. The beauty is in its simplicity. So you can spend less time wrangling tent parts and more time enjoying the outdoors. Read on to learn just how efficiently you can pitch a scout tent. And continue reading to the end to learn our best tips and tricks to turn a tent into a cozy outdoor living space. Enjoy!

What’s So Special About a Scout Tent?

There is something so nostalgic and cozy about a scout tent, from the canvas to the classic shape, livability, and more. Historically, scout tents were military tents. Once they made their way to surplus stores, the design was popularized as a basic camping tent.

From there, the practical, simple design made its way to outdoor retailers. Soon, the design became a favorite amongst everyday campers! The modern designs, as we know them, have evolved. Now they are much more lightweight and livable, hence where we are today!

Canvas scout tents offer technical features to enhance safety and comfort. For one thing, they are incredibly spacious. Generous headroom and an open floor plan offer options for sleeping arrangements. There is also ample room for various gear setups, so you can play with the feng shui as much as you like.

Windows have mesh privacy shades and roll-up covers. This enhances the feelings of comfort and safety, too. A built-in stove jack allows campers to safely install a tent stove for warmth. A sewn-in groundsheet also makes cleanup super easy. So no need to worry about those days when you track in extra mud and dirt.

Weatherproofing Features

Scout tents are known for excellent weatherproofing features, too! Storm doors and windows help shield against impact from heavy precipitation and winds. Heavy-duty cotton canvas fabric is perfect for rugged adventures and luxurious glamping alike. Better yet, a canvas tent that is water and UV-resistant enforces extra protection. This camping oasis is not only luxurious, but also super safe, too!

How to Pitch Your Scout Tent

Now, it is finally time to set up your campsite! With the right preliminary work and attention to detail, setting up a scout tent is a breeze.

Here, we’ll talk about how to pick the perfect site for your tent. We will also discuss all the right gear to make your life a little easier when pitching. Following these simple steps will help you streamline your pitching experience. Then you can fill your tent with all your gear, try different arrangements, and get settled. Before you know it, you’ll be cozied up inside!

Pick a Spot

Pick the perfect spot for your tent– it’s easy! But it does require attention to detail. A great spot is slightly sheltered, on solid ground, and perfectly level.

Make sure the area is completely flat and level. You wouldn’t want to realize you’re sleeping on a slant when it’s too late! Once you find the best area, sweep away any loose debris. Try to make the ground as smooth as possible, without causing damage.

Get Your Gear Ready

Now that you know where you’ll pitch, check that you have everything you need. Your tent kit should include a footprint, rainfly, tent poles, stakes, guy lines, and a mallet. And of course, the tent itself. You should also always carry spare parts. Now that you’re sure you have everything you need, it’s time to get to work!

Lay out the Footprint

Just like the foundation of a house, the footprint is the foundation for your tent. This layer should be waterproof and durable. It acts as a buffer between your tent and the earth. The material protects the tent from moisture, adds a bit of insulation, and keeps things clean. This extra step and gear really pay off in prolonging the quality of your scout tent.

Lay the footprint out flat right where you want to set up your tent. Use it as an outline! Just don’t forget to stake it down. Most tents should include a footprint. If not, don’t fear! A heavy-duty tarp works great.

Time to Pitch!

It’s finally time to pitch your scout tent! This is the most exciting part. But sometimes it can seem a bit overwhelming. Luckily, this setup will be basic and easy for anyone to do. And the good news is, the more people helping, the faster it goes up! So gather ‘round, it’s time!

To start, lay the tent out completely flat, facing the direction you want. Double-check that the door is facing the direction you prefer. Next, get your tent poles out and start inserting them accordingly. Most tents should come with instructions that are easy to follow. The tent will start to take shape and raise easily. Once it’s up, secure each corner down with stakes and guy lines. If heavy winds are predicted, add sandbags or weights to help hold down the stakes.

Pitch the Rainfly

The rainfly is an awesome element of weatherproofing gear! It is sort of like an umbrella layer over your tent. This is important to pitch, especially if you will be experiencing precipitation. But even if not, it’s a great shield against wind, sun damage, and adds insulation.

Once your tent is completely set up, spread the rainfly over the top of the roof. Secure the corners with stakes and guy lines. Make sure it’s pulled taut and slightly overhangs the edges of the tent. Most tents come with a rainfly, but if not, a spare tarp does the trick!

Add the Finishing Touches: Make It Extra Cozy!

Now that you have successfully pitched your scout tent, it’s time for the fun part! Because let’s be honest, your tent isn’t complete without the perfect finishing touches. The beauty of scout tents is that they are the perfect space to customize! Add a sense of warmth, coziness, and order to your outdoor dwelling. Create an intentional, personalized, and orderly space. This will make your camping trip feel relaxed, and your tent feel like a true oasis.

Wood-burning Tent Stove

The ultimate way to add warmth to your canvas tent is a tent stove. Better yet, a wood-burning tent stove! With a built-in stove jack, it’s easy to install and use. The stove jack designates the area where the stove will go, so you don’t have to stress about placement. The chimney allows smoke to safely exit the tent. A stove tent provides a place to cook, boil water, and provides a source of extra heat. It’s one of the most practical pieces of interior gear for campers!

Tent Decor and Ambiance

While decor may not exactly be essential to your tent setup, it can certainly liven up the space! Elements that add ambiance and hominess to the tent don’t have to be bulky, either. Even regular gear can be situated in a way that feels intentional.

Folding camp chairs and a table can be set up inside. This can be anything from a breakfast spot to a game table. Extra rugs and blankets instantly add warmth. String lights and lanterns are necessary just as much as they are beautiful.

The rectangular shape of a scout tent makes it easy to customize the sleeping and living space. So play around with the arrangement of things! Find what feels comfortable to you and your crew.

Gear Storage

One of the best ways to make the most of your limited tent space is organization. Gear is easy to lose track of and makes a mess. Vertical solutions are great for saving floor space. Add hooks and hanging storage pockets to keep things off the floor. Avoid extra mess by keeping certain things organized in duffel bags.

Outerwear can be a hassle, especially on muddy, rainy days. Reduce the dirt and dampness you track inside with a few quick solutions. Add a foot brush outside the tent door to shake off loose dirt and debris. Dedicate a section by the door for rain coats and hiking boots to go.

Maximize Your Outdoor Space

Maximize your tent setup by extending it outside! After all, camping is all about soaking up the great outdoors. Add a sunshade tarp as an awning. If your tent allows it, you could even install a porch attachment! And don’t forget to add those camping chairs to kick back.

Wrapping Up…

The perfect tent for all your camping adventures is a canvas scout tent! And– as you’ve read– it is super easy to pitch and set up. With these helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be pitching your tent in no time. With some attention to detail, the right gear, and a little ambiance, your camping trips will feel elevated, safe, and extra fun. So get the gang together and head out for your next scout tent camping trip!

Happy camping!