Camping is an outdoor lifestyle that is increasingly becoming a ‘thing,’ especially with the fall in prices of the best camping tents. Many people can now afford a little outdoor adventure with their family and friends. For a fantastic camping experience, you will need a tent that is durable, spacious, and comfortable.
There are so many advances in tent technology, and with multiple brands and models out there, it would take a lot for you to find the right one. Fortunately, with our refined list of the 10 best camping tents, you will easily make the right decision. We considered 38 different products in the market, and the Kelty Grand Mesa 2-Person Backpacking Tent appeared to be our best pick because its durability, high level of comfort, spacious interior, convenience, and excellent value could not be matched. If you are looking for something else, we have included nine other products for you.
Some of the features on which we based our choices and rankings include total weight, occupancy, base sizing, season rating, and center height. They all determine how long you will be able to use the tent. You can trust the products reviewed to be the best in the market as we put the best foot forward in conducting research in terms of time and sources. It took us 51 hours to scan through official websites and examine customers’ feedback. The comparison table, detailed product reviews, and a buying guide at the end have all the necessary information you need to have to choose the best camping tent with much ease and comfort.
More features: freestanding design, 68D polyester
The Kelty Grand Mesa Backpacking Tent is a testament to the perfect blend of functionality and affordability. Designed for the avid backpacker, this tent offers a spacious interior with a base size of 85×57/44 inches, translating to 30 square feet of living space. This ensures that solo travelers or couples have ample room to stretch out and store their gear.
One of the standout features of the Grand Mesa is its ease of setup. With its color-coded clips and fly attachment, even novice campers can have it pitched in no time. The tent’s materials are both durable and lightweight, making it ideal for those long treks into the wilderness. The mesh walls provide excellent ventilation, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep even in warmer climates.
Another commendable aspect is its weather resistance. The tent’s seam-taped construction and sturdy rainfly ensure that occupants stay dry even during unexpected downpours. The vestibule area offers additional storage space, keeping gear safe from the elements.
The Kelty Grand Mesa Backpacking Tent is a reliable choice for those seeking a balance between comfort, durability, and price. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, this tent is sure to enhance your outdoor experience.
More features: E-port, door awning, ground vent, snug-free
This is another high-quality tent from a famous brand. This model is great because it is suitable for less experienced campers as it is low-budget, spacious enough, and can stand the test of time.
The tent is made with heavy-duty 1000D polyethylene material and has factory sealed leak-proof seams in all its corners. Both the fly and walls are coated with 450mm of polyester, which not only makes it durable but also waterproof and able to withstand all the trials of the jungle.
You can go camping in the rainy season with this tent and stay completely dry the entire period thanks to its WeatherTec system of covered seams, welded corners, and a rainfly for better protection. It also features large windows and one D-shaped door for proper ventilation. The ground vents also play a significant role as they pull in cool air and push out warm air through the roof vents.
The tent comes with 4 options: 2-person, 3-person, 4-person, and 6-person. You can choose either for your small group camping. The inside of the tent is pretty spacious, and the mesh pockets sewn on its walls allow you to store your essentials that would otherwise occupy your sitting area.
This tent is not the most lightweight option, but it can do great for car camping and short trips. It is also not suitable for cold weather camping but is a perfect choice for summer and spring.
Setting up and taking down the tent won’t take you more than a minute because of its freestanding design, and corded fiberglass frames. Moreover, you can have an outlet in the tent due to the electrical access port it comes with.
Finally, this is one of the best cheap tents for camping owing to its durability, great occupancy, and all its convenient features.
More features: four large windows, freestanding design, mesh roof
Are you looking for a tent that will make you and your family members feel like you are at home? Then this is your ultimate pick. It is built to offer premium comfort, convenience, and long-term service.
The tent is made with polyester and has a freestanding hub design. It will undoubtedly serve you in the long-term with its rugged construction and steel uprights and fiberglass poles.
The tent’s straight sidewalls maximize space, and you can even bring camping furniture or cots with you. Additionally, it has mesh storage pockets sewn on the walls for your accessories storage. This also saves some head-space. It is, therefore, one of the best family camping tents as it is comfortable enough for 5 people with some room left.
Moreover, it has an extra tall center so that you wouldn’t have to bend or kneel when changing for bedtime. There is also a large D-shaped door for easy entry and exit.
It can withstand rainy and windy weather as well as the wild’s tough conditions. Its rainfly is made with heavy-duty 150D polyester, and the floor has 2000mm polyester coating for durability and protection from wetness. The tent’s seams are also factory sealed to stand extreme weather conditions. Guy ropes also offer the stability of the tent in high winds and storms. However, it requires at least four hands to set it up, and it is quite heavy.
For better ventilation, there are 4 large windows and a mesh roof that let’s air in and out.
This tent is a perfect choice for family camping or car camping. Its first-rate features and performance are worth investing in.
More features: two doors and vestibules, high/low vent air exchange system
Eureka is also a known brand on the market for their camping gear. They have been around for the past 2 centuries, and that already confirms the quality of their tents. This tent, in particular, is packed with excellent features that make it highly reliable and suitable for family and group camping.
The tent’s fly and floor are made of 68D polyester material that is heavy-duty and durable. Its frame is also made of high-quality aluminum material that gives it a rigid construction.
The tent is incredibly lightweight yet very steady. It also folds into a small size and packs into a two-sided duffel for easy portability. It will, therefore, not weigh you down.
You can go camping in rainy weather with this tent because it is built to offer outstanding protection. The 1500mm and 1800mm polyester coating on the fly and floor make it waterproof so you will stay dry no matter how terrible it is outside. It also features 2 huge doors for easy entry and exit, and each has a vestibule.
As for air circulation, this tent introduces Eureka’s high/low ventilation system that has air exchange options that are adjustable, easy to use, and can keep you comfortable in any kind of weather. Unfortunately, the side screen windows can’t be closed, making it not suitable for colder weather.
You can forget about bending and kneeling when changing into your jams for bed thanks to the tent’s 68 inches height. The generous height and ample space give it a roomy interior that can be more than enough for 4 to 6 people plus a pet and still leave some usable space.
The tent is easy to set up and take down. One person can handle it, but 2 would be easier and quicker.
With its ample headroom and other convenient features, this is one of the best tents for car camping.
More features: full fly, two doors, inner mesh storage pockets with cup holders, color-coded poles
This is the ultimate pick for a large group camping. It comfortably fits 2 queen-sized airbeds or 8 people. This tent will give you a homey experience in the wilderness by accommodating everything and everyone you love.
The tent is made with 68D polyester taffeta and mesh on the inside for both durability and great ventilation. Its floor is made with 1000D bathtub-style polyethylene, which is rugged and all-weather proof. Additionally, the tent has steel poles, which are rust and corrosion proof, giving it a robust design that can stand any storm or high winds like a champion.
For better air circulation, there are 2 door windows, fly vents, a mesh roof, and the mostly mesh body of the tent that work together to aerate the tent sufficiently.
The tent comes with 2 doors, one hinged and the other a regular D door. They both make entry and exit very easy and are all waterproof.
Moreover, you would be safe using this tent in the rainy season as it has a rainfly with 6 zippers that offer full coverage by enveloping the whole tent except the doors. Unlike other tents, you can keep door windows open when it is raining for proper ventilation because they are hooded. The guy out loops also help to keep it stable in windy weather. However, some people had issues with condensation in the morning.
The tent has a generous height, so you wouldn’t need to stoop inside. You can also adjust and create your own space within the tent with the privacy divider it.
Although it is not a 4-season model, it is designed for all weather conditions, including colder ones, making it one of the best tents for snow camping. With all these excellent features and peak performance, this Coleman tent is by far the best 8-person tent out there.
More features: two rooms and doors, gear loft, electrical cord access
If you are looking for a cabin-style family camping tent that will give you the best getaway outdoor experience at a low budget, then this is your prime pick. It is great for the price, given it can accommodate 10 people, is durable, and can hold up well in various weather conditions.
It is made with long-lasting 68D polyester that is also waterproof. Its seams are fully taped, and factory sealed, offering you complete dryness from water in case it rains. The rainfly also contributes to its leak protection. The tent will also withstand any kind of storm (as long as it doesn’t involve lightning) or high winds.
The interior of the tent has a lot of space that can accommodate 2 queen size air beds or up to 10 people. What’s more, you can divide the room into 2 to create your own private section. The center height also contributes to the tent’s spacious interior allowing you to move around freely without having to bend, kneel, or stoop.
The ventilation is also great thanks to the large windows on all sides and a D shaped door. It is also pretty lightweight, given it is a high occupancy tent, which makes it highly convenient to transport.
The setup process is not as straightforward as you can expect with the best instant camping tents. Its poles don’t come already attached to the tent, so installing it will take a bit longer. But once you figure it out, you will appreciate all its first-rate features.
More features: two doors, instant mechanism, canopy
This is another versatile camping tent that is affordably priced and has superior quality. It is easy to use, highly reliable and has excellent value.
It comes in a hexagon shape with a generous height space of 54.3 inches. The tent is made with 190T polyester both on the inside and outside, and it has a waterproof rating of PU2000. You will undoubtedly stay dry when it rains, and unlike many other tents, you will have UV protection.
When it comes to durability, the tent lives up to its name. It is as strong as a wolf thanks to its high-quality construction. Its UV protection feature, together with its removable inner mesh tent, makes it one of the best tents for beach camping.
Apart from the sun and rains, it can also stand up well against the wind as long as you set it up correctly. The stakes and 8 guy lines provided give its stability and wind-resistance. However, it is not the most suitable for camping in heavy winds.
Believe it or not, it will take you seconds to set this tent up. Its instant mechanism makes its assembly very straightforward. All that needs to be done is bringing the top mechanism down and clicking the joints into place.
You will enjoy great ventilation no matter which weather condition you choose to camp in. The tent’s interior mesh ensures there is sufficient air circulation even when you close the doors.
Additionally, you get a free pole replacement service and a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. Overall, this is a fantastic choice for a couple or small family. It is packed with all the features any camper would care for.
More features: 2 rooms, 6 windows, superior water repellency, removable rainfly
Are you looking to set a new standard for family camping? Here is a tent that can accommodate your whole party and still leave you with some free usable space. It provides astonishing convenience and a home-like comfort during your outdoor adventures.
The Wenzel tent is made of polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating that is water-resistant. The material ensures you are protected from wetness from top to bottom. Its superior craftsmanship also contributes to its weather-resistance. Its seams are double stitched, and all the zippers, threads, and webbing are treated to be water-repellent.
You will enjoy your summer camping adventure with this tent as you won’t feel the stress by bugs or insufferable heat. It has 2 mesh windows and a mesh roof that will allow fresh air in, while blocking out insects. There is also a vent at the back of the tent that provides hi-low air circulation.
The tent’s fiberglass roof frames, together with its steel poles, make it stable enough to stand high winds and storms. However, it will take some time to set it up.
When it comes to space, it boasts spacious interior that can comfortably fit 2 queen airbeds or 8 people in sleeping bags. You also get plenty of headroom with 87 in. height. You will be able to change your clothes comfortably without stooping or squatting. Additionally, there are accessory pockets sewn into the walls, in which you can store your items.
What’s interesting with it is that you can always zip up the entry room (porch) to create a second room, which, generally, is meant to provide superior ventilation when it’s hot.
The screen porch and all the other an excellent features mentioned make this tent excellent choice for camping.
More features: water-resistant & windproof; 2 windows, ceiling vents and two D-style zipper doors
The EchoSmile Family Cabin Tent can accommodate up to ten people in comfort with plenty of space to relax on your next camping trip. Each side of the tent has a window to improve ventilation and the seams are fully sealed to protect you from the rain. The tent dimensions are 18 feet x 11 feet which a center height of 82.68” which is sufficient space for ten sleeping bags or a pair of queen sized air beds.
This family tent is designed to resist the weather during windy and rainy days. The structure of the tent has been strengthened to optimize the resistance to rain infiltration. The waterproof poncho is easy to remove during better weather when you can open up the tent to enjoy the fresh outdoor air. To further improve the structural integrity of the tent it has reinforced fiberglass poles that offer superior support to other family tents at this price point. Ventilation is important, aside from the pair of windows there are ceiling vents and two zipper doors. The rain fly has been silvered on the reverse to improve sun protection at the doors.
The EchoSmile Family Cabin Tent is easy to carry and set up when you reach your desired location. Two people can set up this tent in around five minutes and it weighs only 9.45 lbs. If you have a growing family and you’re making a step up from a smaller pop-up tent this product is a natural progression. The D-style zip doors make access easy and all the guylines, lantern hooks and other items that you need are included.
More features: color-coded clips and poles, lampshade pocket, two vestibules and D-shaped doors, light-reflective points
If you are willing to part with a good sum of money for a camping tent upgrade, this is your premium pick. It is a professional-quality tent scientifically designed for top-notch performance in any condition.
This tent comes in a rugged design with durable polyester material. Its unique construction offers more headroom, and the large-sized double doors allow for easy entry and exit. Its seam-taped polyester fly makes it waterproof, and thus, suitable for camping in rainy weather. However, it is not that great against lower temperatures and can be used only during three seasons. Luckily, it means that in summer, you won’t even need a tent air conditioner thanks to its superior ventilation.
With 59.7 square feet floor space, the tent can accommodate up to 4 people, making it a perfect choice for small group or family camping. The interior of the tent is also roomier because of its almost vertical walls.
The tent is super lightweight and folds into a compact size that is highly portable. You will also enjoy a stress-free setup with the color-coded clips and poles that make it pretty straightforward. In less than 15 minutes, your tent will be up.
To prevent you from burning up when it’s hot, you can use Velcro vents that provide superior air circulation.
This is one of the best waterproof camping tents out there that is perfect for family or group trips. It is built to last without giving up comfort and convenience.
Before choosing your next camping tent, it would be best if you did thorough research to be able to pick one that suits your needs. A good camping tent is the beginning and the end of a great backpacking or outdoor experience. All the other camping gear is essential, but the tent is what provides the protection for you and your loved ones while you are in the wild. Therefore, you have to be extra careful when choosing one. This section has all the information you need to know to find the best camping tent.
With such a large variety of products on the market, it can be harder to decide which camping tent to chose. Fortunately, we have collected all the facts and created this buying guide to make things easier. There are certain features you must consider before buying a camping tent. They include the tent type, size, materials it is made of, inner space, season rating, total weight, and so on. Continue reading to learn more about each of them, and you will be able to find the right one for your camping needs!
There are various types of tents you can choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to tents, so the choice is pretty much personal. They include:
When you go camping, you can face harsh weather conditions. If you still want to feel tremendous comfort, go for dome or cabin tents because these types are incredibly stable and weather-resistant.
The size of the tent you settle for should depend on your personal needs and the number of people you want to camp with. Even if your group is not that large, you can benefit from having a larger tent to store your gear and equipment.
It is, therefore, wiser to look beyond the tent’s occupancy and consider its physical dimensions. For instance, a generous height space is not a feature you want to overlook because it is very much luxurious to be able to stand upright and move around without stooping or bending in a tent. Currently, cabin tents, such as the Coleman Octagon 98, are the most preferred because of their expansive space and home-like experience that they offer.
The material used to make a tent determines its quality. There are 3 common materials used to make tents: polyester, canvas, and nylon. You should go for a tent with high-quality material like strong polyesters for durability. It should also have taped seams and be breathable to make it weather resistant and well-ventilated at the same time. The bottom should be tub-style, such as seen with the Kelty Salida, to prevent water from getting inside.
As for the poles, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and aluminum are the most popular materials. Fiberglass is the cheapest and most durable but is a bit heavy, while aluminum is affordable and robust but bends easily. Carbon fiber is more expensive but is super lightweight, flexible, and strong.
All of the tents reviewed above have been made with high-quality materials that are tear-resistant and strong enough to stand up against harsh weather conditions.
Most people prefer to go camping during the summer season. There are tents specially designed for up to 3 or 4 seasons like the EchoSmile Camping Instant Tent reviewed above.
You should buy a tent that can allow you to camp for more than just one season. Most multi-season camping tents are made with high-quality and strong materials that are weather-resistant.
3 season tents can be used in the summer, fall and spring seasons. They are ultra-lightweight and are constructed with materials like thin fabric and mesh. They are most preferred by backpackers, and these are not the best tents for winter camping.
3.5 season tents are highly durable but still can’t stand the winter conditions. They can only handle higher winds and more rain.
4 season tents can handle winter conditions and heavy snow because they are stronger and more robust.
The total weight of a tent largely affects its portability and ease of set up. if you are the kind of person that drives to their camping destination, then weight might not be a bother to you, but you might feel the pinch when setting up. As for backpackers, weight is a huge factor that cannot be ignored in choosing a tent. If you are looking for a lightweight camping tent, consider our Editor’s Choice, the Kelty Salida.
The bigger the tent, the heavier it is. The material used to make it also adds to the weight. The waterproof material and rainfly desired by many campers add to the bulk of the tent. The number of tent poles also determines a tent’s weight. Bigger tents will require more poles for steady support. Thus, they are heavier.
This is one of the key features to consider when buying a tent. The ventilation is crucial, especially if the tent is meant to accommodate many people. Many tents are made with screen windows and doors for maximum air circulation. They also have mesh roofs that ensure there is continuous airflow in hot weather conditions.
Most importantly, ensure you get a tent that can offer great ventilation when you close the doors and windows up during the rain. On the other hand, this factor is not that crucial if the temperature outside is optimal.
Setting up a tent is not a walk in the park. However, most manufacturers are focusing on making your work easier by creating color-coded poles, and simpler constructions. Most tents will come with manuals that have the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up.
There are also many reviews and videos on how to set up various camping tents on the internet, so it should not be a challenge you can’t overcome.
For instance, the Hewolf Camping Tent 3-4 Person features an instant mechanism so that you can install this tent within a few minutes.
By now, you must have learned that when it comes to buying tents, there is a tradeoff between weight and durability. The lighter and thinner material used to make tents can tear easily in high winds or during regular use in rough conditions.
The thicker material used mostly on the 3 and 4 season tents will last longer, even when used in harsh environments regularly.
There is a wide range of prices when it comes to choosing a camping tent. Everything here depends on the quality, size, and season rating. If you want the 4 season camping tent, for instance, you will have to part with a good amount of money because they are durable and versatile. However, the Ozark Trail 14” x 10” Family Cabin Tent reviewed above is reasonably priced at $115 given it is a cabin tent that can accommodate 10 people. It is also durable and easy to set up.
The 3 season tents are also not very cheap, but their prices depend mostly on the quality of materials used in their construction and their sizes. The Browning Camping Big Horn 5 costs $200 but offers a lot of reliability and excellent ventilation
Also, a good camping tent does not have to be expensive. There are so many tents that offer great value at very affordable prices as the Coleman Sundome reviewed above. This 4-person 2-season tent costs less than $60.
With so many models and brands in the market, it can be hard to select the right camping tent for yourself. Here, we are going to take one last look at our favorites.
Among the products reviewed, the Kelty Grand Mesa 2-Person Backpacking Tent was our best pick. Its versatility, durability, light weight, and design cannot be matched.
Next, we have the Coleman Sundome because it is available at an affordable price, boasts fantastic air ventilation, and has an E-port for your devices.
Lastly, the Marmot Limestone 4-Person Tent was our Upgrade Pick due to its spacious interior with two vestibules, a simple setup process, and impressive weather protection.
With all the options available, there is absolutely no reason for you to restrict yourself to camp at least once a year. You can get an unforgettable outdoor experience with one of the best camping tents out there!
