Kelty Sideroads Awning Shelter for Car Camping, Tailgating, and Summer Beach Trips, Protection from Elements and UV, Universal…
Best for
Best compact
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Current price
$101.21
Updated Jun 23, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Kelty Sideroads is the odd one out here: it's a vehicle-mounted awning shelter for car camping and tailgating rather than a standing garage, but it surfaces in this category for buyers who want quick, packable vehicle coverage. It holds a 4.3 average over 97 Amazon ratings, and community sentiment is notably hands-on, r/rav4campingclub and r/carcamping owners describe the poles and material as heavy-duty and the covered space as more generous than expected, while an r/TruckCampers user likes the 'nice little cove' it makes off the back of a truck. The consistent knock is setup.
What reviewers liked
- Well-built poles and fabric per r/rav4campingclub and r/carcamping owners
- Genuinely portable and vehicle-mountable, unlike fixed carports
- More interior room than buyers expect for its packed size
- Solid 4.3 average across 97 Amazon ratings
Where it falls short
- Multiple r/carcamping users call setup as fiddly as pitching a tent
- Floorless awning, not an enclosed garage or carport
- Much smaller coverage than the 10x20 and 12x20 units here
- Best suited to camping/tailgating rather than long-term vehicle storage
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Across the reviewers we read, the Kelty Sideroads is the odd one out here: it's a vehicle-mounted awning shelter for car camping and tailgating rather than a standing garage, but it surfaces in this category for buyers who want quick, packable vehicle coverage. It holds a 4.3 average over 97 Amazon ratings, and community sentiment is notably hands-on, r/rav4campingclub and r/carcamping owners describe the poles and material as heavy-duty and the covered space as more generous than expected, while an r/TruckCampers user likes the 'nice little cove' it makes off the back of a truck.
The consistent knock is setup. Multiple r/carcamping commenters call it 'about as much a pita as a tent to set up or take down' with 'a LOT of tent material to deal with.' It attaches and detaches from the vehicle, which is the convenience trade reviewers accept for its packability. As a floorless leaning shelter, it offers shade and rain/wind cover, not enclosed vehicle storage.
The net consensus is that it's well-built and roomy for what it is, but buyers should understand they're getting a compact, portable awning, not a fixed carport, and should expect a fiddlier pitch than a pop-up.
- Polyester
- Imported
- Sideroads = Center Of The Party
- When you’re car camping, sometimes you need just a tad more space, a tad more privacy, or a tad more room for shenanigans. The Sideroads by Kelty surely delivers on all fronts
- Universal Mount
- Attach to nearly any SUV, Crossover, or RV (even roof racks), to provide a shaded structure with protection from rain and sun. Floorless tarp structure means easy set up, easy maintenance, and easy tear down on hungover mornings
- Built For The Mud And The Rain
- Car camping can get messy, and the Sideroads Awning is ready to rumble. Sturdy fiberglass poles for a solid skeleton, 68D Poly fabric construction, and sharkmouth duffel carry sack.
- Protecting Natural Spaces
- Kelty is 1 of 4 founding members of The Conservation Alliance, and has always strives to protect wild spaces. All tents are made with DWR/PFC Free fabrics and coatings, reducing waste and negative environmental impacts
- Nitty Gritty
- 8lbs 14oz packed weight, 22x8in packed dimensions, 81 sq. ft. floor area, variable peak height (dependent on mounting point). Backed by Kelty’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
This Kelty Sideroads awning creates a nice little cove for the back of the truck. Only $130 at REI, pretty quick to set up/take down.
Yes, it can be attached & detached from your car. It is definitely good quality but dang, it is a LOT of tent material to deal with during setup ...
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“Kelty Awning Review | Sideroads, Backroads” · Waypoint Tarp
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