Best Camping Tents

Camping gear manufacturers are always looking for new ways to innovate. The best camping tents are versatile, comfortable, and fun to use thanks to innovations like lightweight composite materials and innovative new designs. The latest generation of camping tents can handle a wide range of conditions while providing you with unmatched comfort.

We have selected our top tents in ten different categories to help you pick out the latest and greatest there is available on the market today.

Preview Best Overall Premium Pick Best Value
Product Name Coleman Sundome Tent Kodiak Canvas Deluxe Flex Bow Tent Kelty Discovery 2-Person Camp Bundle
Specifications
  • Weight: 9.7 or 16.3 lbs
  • Size: 9×7’ or 10×10’
  • Capacity: four or six people
  • Price: $90 or $125
  • Weight: 72 lbs
  • Size: 10x14x6’6”
  • Capacity: eight people
  • Price $650
  • Weight: 14 lbs
  • Size: 87x81x57.7”
  • Capacity: four people
  • Price: $250
Pros
  • Ten-minute setup
  • Two sizes available
  • Ground vent
  • Inverter seams
  • Large window
  • Durable marine-grade fabric
  • Sturdy design
  • Steel rod stakes
  • Large mesh windows
  • 6’6” ceiling height
  • Excellent value
  • Self-inflating pads are convenient
  • Versatile dome tent design
  • Rainfly and ventilation
  • Easy setup
Cons
  • Not for extreme temperatures
  • Limited legroom
  • Rainfly doesn’t cover the entire tent
  • Weight
  • Floor has plastic smell
  • Set up
  • Not for cold weather
  • Low ceiling
  • Pads thickness is only 1.5”
Price $75.19-$147.19 at Camping World $649.99 at Cabela's $249.95 at REI
See more See the Coleman Sundome Tent See the Kodiak Canvas Deluxe Flex Bow Tent See the Kelty Discovery 2-Person Camp Bundle

Filter Tents by Category

  • All Categories

  • Editor’s Choice

  • Premium Pick

  • Bang for Your Buck

  • 4 Season Tent

  • Families

  • Beach Camping

  • More

  • Car Camping
  • Pop Up Tent
  • Waterproof Tent
  • 4 Person Tent

Car Camping

Kelty Night Owl Backpacking and Camping Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 10/10
  • Legroom: 6/10
  • Lightweight: 10/10
  • Water resistance: 7/10

Bottom Line

The Kelty Night Owl backpacking and camping tent is the best car camping tent and a great option for long-distance backpacking. This tent features Quick Corner technology to facilitate the setup and packing process for car campers. The large doors of the tent are convenient for getting gear in and out, and the tent has a comfortable and roomy design.

We recommend this tent for car camping because the packed dimensions are only 16x7x7.” The aluminum poles and polyester fabric are durable and make the tent resistant to rain.

There is a fly built-into the roof of the tent for stargazing so you can fully enjoy the backcountry, and the color-coded design is ideal for setting up your tent after a long day of driving. It’s a compact tent that is ideal for a road trip thanks to its simple design and quick setup.

There are nightlight diffuser pockets inside of the tent, so you can use a flashlight to illuminate the entire space.

Specs

  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Size: 90x54x54”
  • Capacity: two people
  • Price: $230

product_pros

Pros Cons
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Color-coded setup system
  • Stargazing fly
  • Storage room
  • Limited legroom
  • Not for cold weather
  • Lack of windows

Pop Up Tent

Kelty Late Start 2

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 10/10
  • Legroom: 6/10
  • Lightweight: 10/10
  • Water resistance: 8/10

Bottom Line

The Kelty Late Start 2 is a perfect tent for novice campers and those who want a quick and easy setup process. The Quick Corner design allows you to set up your camp in a matter of seconds. The tent uses a freestanding design, which eliminates the need for stakes and helps you save time.

The pre-bent aluminum poles will conserve their shapes. This feature makes the structure more durable and helps you set up the tent faster. The tent is lightweight and easy to transport. It’s ideal for a backpacking trip with its mesh walls and rainfly.

The 68-denier polyester fabric contributes to the lightweight design and makes the tent resistant to wind and cold temperatures. The tent has a large door and a vestibule you can use to store your gear.

Specs

  • Weight: 4 lbs
  • Size: 85x54x40”
  • Capacity: two people
  • Price: $160

product_pros

Pros Cons
  • Freestanding design
  • Quick Corner technology
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Pre-bent poles
  • Durable polyester fabric
  • Only one door
  • Not sturdy enough for heavy rainfall
  • Limited capacity

Waterproof Tent

Coleman Evanston Dome Waterproof Tent

Ratings

  • East to assemble: 6/10
  • Legroom: 9/10
  • Lightweight: 8/10
  • Water resistance: 10/10

Bottom Line

The Coleman Evanston Dome Waterproof tent is the best waterproof tent and probably the best 6 person tent on our list.

The sloped roof prevents rain from pooling on the roof of the tent and adding weight to the structure. The sturdy poles and design can withstand heavy rainfall.

The rainfly covers the entire tent, and its angle will get water away from the tent. You can still get plenty of ventilation when the rainfly is up since it covers a large mesh window. You can remove the rainfly to get more air or to look at the stars through the mesh ceiling of the tent.

The removable rainfly and mesh panels help the tent dry quickly. Removing the rainfly is very easy and takes a few seconds. The front room of the tent provides you with additional storage and legroom.

We think this tent is ideal for camping in the rain because it’s a versatile product that will adapt to the changing weather.

Specs

  • Weight: 20 lbs
  • Size: 12x12x6’4”
  • Capacity: six people
  • Price $170

product_pros

Pros Cons
  • Versatile design
  • Large mesh windows
  • Removable rainfly
  • Durable materials
  • Ventilation
  • Weight
  • Front room adds steps to the setup process
  • Not for extreme temperatures

4 Person Tent

Cabela’s West Wind 4-Person Dome Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 9/10
  • Legroom: 8/10
  • Lightweight: 7/10
  • Water resistance: 8/10

Bottom Line

The Cabela’s West Wind 4-Person Dome tent is an ideal option for a group of four campers thanks to its two-room design. There is a large and comfortable sleeping area, and a second room you can use for storage. There are a front door and window to provide you with the aeration you need.

The fiberglass poles and 75-denier polyester rainfly make the tent a durable investment. Fiberglass reduces the weight of the tent and facilitates the setup. There are color-coded elements so you can install the tent in a few minutes.

You will find storage pockets in the main sleeping or living area, as well as mesh pockets you can use to hang your electronics from the walls.

Specs

  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Size: 7’7”x9’8”x4’9”
  • Capacity: four people
  • Price: $200

product_pros

Pros Cons
  • Comfortable sleeping and living area
  • Vestibule for storage
  • Durable materials
  • Lightweight fiberglass poles
  • Versatile tent
  • Only one door
  • Need to set up two areas
  • The single window can result in condensation

Editor’s Choice

Coleman Sundome Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 10/10
  • Legroom: 6/10
  • Lightweight: 9/10
  • Water resistance: 7/10

Bottom Line

We recommend the Coleman Sundome tent because it’s a reasonably priced product made from quality materials. It’s a versatile and durable tent that will last for years.

It’s suitable for camping in a wide range of settings. You can set it up in ten minutes, thanks to the pole sleeves and simple design. There are pole attachments for windy conditions, and the inverted seams will prevent water from entering the tent. The awning will provide you with the shade you need.

The welded floor will insulate you from the ground and prevent the temperature from dropping at night. You can open the ground vent to let hot air out of the tent at night and increase ventilation.

There is a large window to let light and fresh air in the tent and enjoy the landscape. There are different sizes available, and we recommend comparing the four and six-people models since these tents offer plenty of room.

Specs

  • Weight: 9.7 or 16.3 lbs
  • Size: 9×7’ or 10×10’
  • Capacity: four or six people
  • Price: $90 or $125
Pros Cons
  • Ten-minute setup
  • Two sizes available
  • Ground vent
  • Inverter seams
  • Large window
  • Not for extreme temperatures
  • Limited legroom
  • Rainfly doesn’t cover the entire tent

Premium Pick

Kodiak Canvas Deluxe Flex Bow Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 5/10
  • Legroom: 10/10
  • Lightweight: 4/10
  • Water resistance: 10/10

Bottom Line

The Kodiak Canvas Deluxe Flex Bow tent is a luxury pick that will turn your camping trip into a glamping getaway. The 100% cotton duck canvas is a marine-grade fabric that will provide you with unmatched comfort and insulation. We also like the original design of this tent that resembles a small cabin rather than a traditional tent.

The weight of the canvas is a drawback for setting up and transporting the tent, but the quality of the canvas makes up for it. The silicone treatment allows water to evaporate naturally to prevent mugginess, and the vertical design of the walls turn the tent into a small cabin.

There are two vents that will help you control the temperature inside the tent. You will find a loft and some storage pockets that you can customize to organize your gear. The tent features two large doors that are convenient for families.

There is plenty of room to move around and store your gear inside the tent. The double-front door and backdoor are convenient features when camping with a family, and the large awning provides you with plenty of shade and a comfortable outdoor living area.

Specs

  • Weight: 72 lbs
  • Size: 10x14x6’6”
  • Capacity: eight people
  • Price $650
Pros Cons
  • Durable marine-grade fabric
  • Sturdy design
  • Steel rod stakes
  • Large mesh windows
  • 6’6” ceiling height
  • Weight
  • Floor has plastic smell
  • Set up

Bang for Your Buck

Kelty Discovery 2-Person Camp Bundle

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 9/10
  • Legroom: 8/10
  • Lightweight: 7/10
  • Water resistance: 6.5/10

Bottom Line

This fun dome tent comes with everything you need for your first camping trip. The bundle includes Kelty’s best 2 person tent, two sleeping bags, and two self-inflating sleeping pads.

The mesh walls of the tent are ideal for ventilation. They also help reduce mugginess in humid areas. This Kelty tent features a single large room and a small vestibule you can use to store your gear. There are some pockets on the walls of the tent to help you stay organized.

The simple design of the tent makes setup easier since you don’t have to keep track of different elements.

The rainfly will protect you from rainfall, but it doesn’t cover the entire tent. The tent is ideal for novice campers thanks to its simple design and easy setup. The guylines remain attached to the tent to facilitate the setup process.

Specs

  • Weight: 14 lbs
  • Size: 87x81x57.7”
  • Capacity: four people
  • Price: $250
Pros Cons
  • Excellent value
  • Self-inflating pads are convenient
  • Versatile dome tent design
  • Rainfly and ventilation
  • Easy setup
  • Not for cold weather
  • Low ceiling
  • Pads thickness is only 1.5”

4 Season Tent

MSR Access 3 Three-Person, Four Season Ski Touring Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 7/10
  • Legroom: 9/10
  • Lightweight: 9/10
  • Water resistance: 10/10

Bottom Line

We think this tent is ideal for backpacking and camping in extreme weather conditions. The sturdy 20-denier ripstop nylon canopy and rainfly will insulate you from the elements.

The 30-denier ripstop nylon floor provides an additional layer of insulation. Combined with the freestanding design, this feature makes the tent an excellent choice for camping on frozen ground.

There are two vestibules to store your gear and some additional pockets inside the tent. The composite poles reduce the total weight of the tent and will come in handy if you need a lightweight tent for a backpacking trip. The supportive frame can withstand heavy snowfalls and makes the tent a durable investment.

The limited room and storage space can be a drawback for long camping trips, but this MSR tent remains one of the best products on the market for extreme conditions thanks to its lightweight design, reliable frame, and insulation nylon floor.

Specs

  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Size: 84x70x47”
  • Capacity: three people
  • Price: $700
Pros Cons
  • Freestanding design
  • Durable material
  • Supportive frame
  • Lightweight design
  • Quick setup
  • Limited room
  • Limited storage space
  • Lack of mesh panels creates condensation

Families

Coleman Prairie Breeze 9-Person Cabin Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 8/10
  • Legroom: 10/10
  • Lightweight: 5/10
  • Water resistance: 7/10

Bottom Line

This roomy tent is ideal for large families and families with small children. It’s the best family tent on the market thanks to its vertical walls. The cabin design provides you with plenty of space to move around and store gear.

The steel and fiberglass poles support the large structure of the tent with ease. The polyester taffeta material is durable and prevents mugginess. There are six large windows for ventilation and natural lighting.

The rainfly covers the entire tent, and you will find a built-in fan and some LED lights inside of the tent.

Specs

  • Weight: 36 lbs
  • Size: 14x10x7’
  • Capacity: nine people
  • Price: $250
Pros Cons
  • Plenty of room
  • Cabin design
  • Large windows
  • Ceiling height
  • Sturdy poles
  • Weight
  • Only one door
  • Setup takes time

Beach Camping

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 9/10
  • Legroom: 5/10
  • Lightweight: 10/10
  • Water resistance: 9/10

Bottom Line

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person tent is the best beach tent around. We like this compact tent because of its modern design. The lightweight material makes it easy to transport and set up this ultralight tent.

This MSR tent is perfect for camping on the beach because the rain gutters prevent humidity from building up. The cross-ventilation rainfly protects you from sea spray while aerating the tent.

The tent features two large doors with vestibules. The composite poles are durable, withstand windy conditions, and are corrosion-resistant. The waterproof coating of the ripstop nylon fabric and seam taping make this tent a durable option for beach camping.

Specs

  • Weight: 3 lbs
  • Size: 85×50”
  • Capacity: two people
  • Price $450
Pros Cons
  • Ideal for wind and rain
  • Strong external structure
  • Two vestibules for storage
  • Easy setup
  • Rain gutters and taped seams
  • Limited capacity
  • Condensation can build up inside
  • Not for cold temperatures

Car Camping

Kelty Night Owl Backpacking and Camping Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 10/10
  • Legroom: 6/10
  • Lightweight: 10/10
  • Water resistance: 7/10

Bottom Line

The Kelty Night Owl backpacking and camping tent is the best car camping tent and a great option for long-distance backpacking. This tent features Quick Corner technology to facilitate the setup and packing process for car campers. The large doors of the tent are convenient for getting gear in and out, and the tent has a comfortable and roomy design.

We recommend this tent for car camping because the packed dimensions are only 16x7x7.” The aluminum poles and polyester fabric are durable and make the tent resistant to rain.

There is a fly built-into the roof of the tent for stargazing so you can fully enjoy the backcountry, and the color-coded design is ideal for setting up your tent after a long day of driving. It’s a compact tent that is ideal for a road trip thanks to its simple design and quick setup.

There are nightlight diffuser pockets inside of the tent, so you can use a flashlight to illuminate the entire space.

Specs

  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Size: 90x54x54”
  • Capacity: two people
  • Price: $230
Pros Cons
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Color-coded setup system
  • Stargazing fly
  • Storage room
  • Limited legroom
  • Not for cold weather
  • Lack of windows

Pop Up Tent

Kelty Late Start 2

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 10/10
  • Legroom: 6/10
  • Lightweight: 10/10
  • Water resistance: 8/10

Bottom Line

The Kelty Late Start 2 is a perfect tent for novice campers and those who want a quick and easy setup process. The Quick Corner design allows you to set up your camp in a matter of seconds. The tent uses a freestanding design, which eliminates the need for stakes and helps you save time.

The pre-bent aluminum poles will conserve their shapes. This feature makes the structure more durable and helps you set up the tent faster. The tent is lightweight and easy to transport. It’s ideal for a backpacking trip with its mesh walls and rainfly.

The 68-denier polyester fabric contributes to the lightweight design and makes the tent resistant to wind and cold temperatures. The tent has a large door and a vestibule you can use to store your gear.

Specs

  • Weight: 4 lbs
  • Size: 85x54x40”
  • Capacity: two people
  • Price: $160
Pros Cons
  • Freestanding design
  • Quick Corner technology
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Pre-bent poles
  • Durable polyester fabric
  • Only one door
  • Not sturdy enough for heavy rainfall
  • Limited capacity

Waterproof Tent

Coleman Evanston Dome Waterproof Tent

Ratings

  • East to assemble: 6/10
  • Legroom: 9/10
  • Lightweight: 8/10
  • Water resistance: 10/10

Bottom Line

The Coleman Evanston Dome Waterproof tent is the best waterproof tent and probably the best 6 person tent on our list.

The sloped roof prevents rain from pooling on the roof of the tent and adding weight to the structure. The sturdy poles and design can withstand heavy rainfall.

The rainfly covers the entire tent, and its angle will get water away from the tent. You can still get plenty of ventilation when the rainfly is up since it covers a large mesh window. You can remove the rainfly to get more air or to look at the stars through the mesh ceiling of the tent.

The removable rainfly and mesh panels help the tent dry quickly. Removing the rainfly is very easy and takes a few seconds. The front room of the tent provides you with additional storage and legroom.

We think this tent is ideal for camping in the rain because it’s a versatile product that will adapt to the changing weather.

Specs

  • Weight: 20 lbs
  • Size: 12x12x6’4”
  • Capacity: six people
  • Price $170
Pros Cons
  • Versatile design
  • Large mesh windows
  • Removable rainfly
  • Durable materials
  • Ventilation
  • Weight
  • Front room adds steps to the setup process
  • Not for extreme temperatures

4 Person Tent

Cabela’s West Wind 4-Person Dome Tent

Ratings

  • Easy to assemble: 9/10
  • Legroom: 8/10
  • Lightweight: 7/10
  • Water resistance: 8/10

Bottom Line

The Cabela’s West Wind 4-Person Dome tent is an ideal option for a group of four campers thanks to its two-room design. There is a large and comfortable sleeping area, and a second room you can use for storage. There are a front door and window to provide you with the aeration you need.

The fiberglass poles and 75-denier polyester rainfly make the tent a durable investment. Fiberglass reduces the weight of the tent and facilitates the setup. There are color-coded elements so you can install the tent in a few minutes.

You will find storage pockets in the main sleeping or living area, as well as mesh pockets you can use to hang your electronics from the walls.

Specs

  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Size: 7’7”x9’8”x4’9”
  • Capacity: four people
  • Price: $200
Pros Cons
  • Comfortable sleeping and living area
  • Vestibule for storage
  • Durable materials
  • Lightweight fiberglass poles
  • Versatile tent
  • Only one door
  • Need to set up two areas
  • The single window can result in condensation

How to Choose the Best Camping Tent

You should start by figuring out how much space you need. Choosing the smallest and lightest tent you can find makes sense if you are planning a backpacking trip since you will have to carry your gear.

Manufacturers indicate the capacity of their products, but keep in mind that you will often feel cramped if you follow a manufacturers’ capacity recommendations. We recommend choosing a tent with a larger capacity so you can have some additional legroom or space to store your gear.

Pay attention to the materials and insulation of a tent if you plan on camping in cold weather. Look for features like durable polyester walls, waterproof coating, and an insulated floor to camp in cold temperatures comfortably. Four-season tents are your best option if you expect snowfall or extreme temperatures.

Water-resistance is an important feature to consider since you might encounter light showers or morning dew even if you camp during the summer. We recommend choosing a tent with a rainfly that covers the entire structure. An awning is a convenient feature to get some shade in the afternoon and additional protection from the rain.

Look for a tent with materials that will dry quickly. Mesh panels are ideal for preventing humidity buildups inside of your tent.

You should also compare the features that will make your new tent fun and convenient to use. These features include a vestibule with enough storage room, storage pockets, and removable panels.

The doors and windows are important since they determine how much air and natural light you can let into the tent. Aeration is crucial since mugginess and hot air can build up inside of your tent. Mesh panels are ideal for getting some fresh air and enjoying the outdoors without letting insects in your tent.

Remember that the best tent depends on the kind of camping trip you are planning. Prioritize room and convenient features if you expect pleasant weather and look for water-resistant gear and durable materials if you want to go camping in a humid area. We think the Coleman Sundome tent is an ideal choice for almost any camper, but we encourage you to compare the features and ratings of the different tents we listed above to find the best product for your needs.

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