Tents are small portable structures used to provide shelter from the elements. Fictional tents may be small, single occupant cocoons, or exceptionally large spaces with tables and other furniture fit for a king, army commander, or safari party. The magical tents of fantasy worlds may even be spaces that are larger on the inside. Tents are home to campers, soldiers, nomadic peoples, and circus-goers.

Fictional tents are constructed from a thin sheet of material held aloft by support beams. In fantasy worlds this may mean animal hides or cloth supported by wooden or bone pillars. In science fiction worlds, futuristic fictional materials may be used. Tents may be adorned with hunting trophies and may be located near campfires. If they are more permanent, they may have campfires, hearths, or stoves contained within them.