Event Shelters & Gazebos

Event shelters and gazebos are a practical addition to any camping, caravanning, or motorhome setup, giving you a covered outdoor space that sits independently from your vehicle or tent. This collection covers freestanding shelters ranging from compact 2x2m structures through to generous 4x4m footprints, available in both traditional poled designs and inflatable air frame versions. They're used as communal living areas, dedicated cooking spaces, storage spots for bikes and wet kit, or shade canopies over a barbecue and seating area. Most come with removable or optional side panels, letting you switch between an open canopy and a fully enclosed space depending on the weather.

What's the difference between poled and inflatable event shelters?

Poled event shelters use fibreglass or steel frame poles that slot together and clip to the canopy, whilst inflatable shelters replace all of that with air tubes you pump up in minutes. Inflatable versions from Dometic Kampa (200, 300, and 400 series) and the Outwell Air Event Shelter use single or multi-point inflation systems, pitching in under 10 minutes. Poled options from Royal Leisure are more affordable and still pack down to a manageable carry bag.

Dometic Kampa's Air Shelter range uses their Multi-Point Inflation AirFrame technology with WeatherShield 150D polyester fabric, giving you a weather-resistant canopy with large mesh windows and high-visibility guylines. The Outwell Air Event Shelter inflates from a single point via their One Air System and includes tube bracing straps for stability. Royal Leisure cover both ends of the market with a traditional poled shelter and an air-inflated version, both suited to UK campsite conditions. Maypole's Air Event Shelter sits at the more accessible price point and has proved popular with caravanners looking for a versatile seasonal shelter without a large outlay.

Families with caravans tend to use event shelters as a separate social space where kids can play or everyone can eat together without cramming into the van. Motorhome owners who don't have a full awning fitted often pair a gazebo with a sun canopy for a flexible outdoor setup. Tent campers use them as a communal hub between multiple pitches, particularly on group trips or rallies. They're also ideal for festivals and club meets. If you're combining your shelter with awning carpet or a groundsheet, check the complementary accessories sections, as many shelters have a specific compatible footprint or carpet option.

The key specs to compare across this range are footprint size, fabric hydrostatic head rating, packed weight, and whether side panels are included or sold separately. For a couple or solo caravanner, a 2x2m or 3x3m shelter is usually sufficient. Families or groups benefit from a 3x4m or 4x4m footprint. Entry-level poled shelters suit occasional use and tighter budgets. Mid-range inflatable options like the Maypole Air Shelter are a solid step up in pitch speed. Premium inflatable shelters from Dometic Kampa and Outwell include higher-spec fabrics, integrated stability systems, and better packed sizes relative to their footprint.

One of the most common mistakes is buying a shelter that's too small. A 3x3m footprint fits roughly four to six chairs comfortably, but add a table and BBQ trolley and that space shrinks fast. Check the packed dimensions before you buy, as some larger shelters are bulkier than expected in the bag. If you're on a grass pitch, make sure you have enough pegs and a rubber mallet, as the supplied pegs often aren't sufficient for firm ground. Inflatable shelters need storing fully dry before packing away long-term to prevent mould on the air tubes. Side panel availability varies by model, so confirm they're included or available separately before purchasing if you need full enclosure.