How to Fold a Tent

September 24, 2025

Key Takeaways

Spread the tent on the ground.
Fold the walls and doors onto the roof.
Fold repeatedly until the tent is compacted.
Tie a rope around the tent and place it in your tent bag.

Picture this: You just finished up a fun-filled weekend with family and friends, and now it’s time to put your tent away. You remove your tent from the frame, and you’re left with a huge pile of canvas that’s definitely not going to fit back into the bag without being rolled up properly. Where do you start? How do you fold a tent?

You’re in the right place for expert guidance and tips! Here’s how to fold a tent like a pro!

1. Spread the Tent on the Ground

First, you’ll want to get your canvas tent spread out on the ground with the roof facing down. It should be in contact with the ground, almost like your tent is upside-down.

During this step, you may want to put a spare tarp or your floor underneath your tent to keep excess dirt, leaves, or moisture off the roof.

Pull each of the four corners of the roof tight so that the entire surface area of the roof is spread out.

2. Fold the Walls & Doors Onto the Roof

Once the roof is spread out, you’re ready to learn how to fold a tent. Fold your walls and doors back onto the roof of the tent in the most neat and orderly way possible.

This is easier said than done, so it may take a few attempts before perfecting this technique. Your goal here is to make everything as flat as possible and have only the footprint of the roof spread out on the ground with the doors and walls folded back in on the tent.

3. Fold Repeatedly Until the Tent Is Compacted

This next step is easier with another person, especially if you have a large tent. If you regularly camp with a partner, we recommend learning how to fold a tent together so it’s easier in the future. How do you fold a tent without a partner? It may be a bit trickier, but this step is still possible solo.

Take the tent and fold it one time widthwise, kind of like you’re folding a square tortilla in half.

For example, if your tent is 14’ x 16’, you would fold it to make it 7' wide by 16' long.

Continue completing folds widthwise until your canvas is in the 2-3' width x 16' length range.

Once it’s within this size range, fold your tent one time lengthwise, stopping about 1' short of a complete fold. You’ll want to stop about 1' short so that when you’re rolling the tent up, the top layer of your folded tent doesn't roll past the bottom layer and make an awkward roll. As you practice how to fold a tent, you’ll get better at this technique.

From there, start at the folded crease and roll towards the end. To get a tighter roll, you’ll want to place a good amount of your body weight on the tent to ensure that your tent stays compact.

Once you’ve reached the end of your tent, your mission is complete! Tie a rope around your tent, place it in your tent bag, and you’re ready to head out!