QUICK RECOMMENDATIONS

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• Best Camping tent for all-around value: REI Grand Hut 4

• Best luxury camping tent: REI Kingdom 6

• Best crossover choice for camping & backpacking: REI Half Dome SL 2+ & 3+

• Comfy tent with nearly vertical walls & great ventilation: Eureka Space Camp 4

• Best luxurious budget camping tent: Coleman Octagon 98

• Best affordable small camping tents: REI Trail Hut 4

• Easy to set up & made with high-quality materials: Marmot Limestone 4P

• Simple camping tent with quick & easy set up: Caddis Rapid 6

• Affordable camping tent for beginners & occasional campers: REI Groundbreaker 2

• Simple budget tent with a partial rainfly: Coleman Sundome 4

What’s Most Important to You in a camping tent?

PRICE – Camping tents can be pretty expensive; some of our favorites cost as much as $500. But don’t fret, your front-country castle doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg for you to have a great time. Below, we recommend camping tents at a variety of price points to get you out there. Best value camping tents: REI Grand Hut and REI Half Dome SL 2+ & 3+ Best luxury camping tent: Kingdom Tents Best budget camping tents: , REI Trail Hut 4, Coleman Octagon 98, REI Groundbreaker 2, and Coleman Sundome 4

VERSATILITY – Some people like having a tent for each type of activity, others want one tent that can do it all. Tents that fit into this category are great for a range of activities, including backcountry trekking and front-country camping. Best tents that work for camping & backpacking: REI Half Dome SL 2+ & 3+, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Series, MSR Hubba NX Series, Marmot Tungsten UL Series, and REI Trail Hut 4

SPACE – You’ll definitely want to have an idea of how many people will typically be sleeping in your tent and if you want the ability to stand up inside. It’s usually a good idea to size up with camping tents (ex: get a 4-person tent to sleep 2-3 people) because manufacturers typically overestimate how many people can comfortably sleep in them. Most spacious camping tents: REI Kingdom Tents, REI Grand Hut tents, and Coleman Octagon 98, Caddis Rapid 6

EASE OF SETUP – Larger tents tend to have a more complicated set up process than small tents, but many of them are still easy to pitch. It’s always a good idea to practice setting your tent up for the first time at home to avoid confusion and frustration on your trip. Easiest camping tents to set up: Caddis Rapid 6, REI Grand Hut, REI Half Dome SL 2+ & 3+, REI Trail Hut 4, and REI Groundbreaker 2

Best Camping Tents

REI Grand Hut 4

BEST CAMPING TENT FOR ALL-AROUND VALUE

MSRP: $299

SIZES AVAILABLE: 4P & 6P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Luxurious for 2P, comfortable for 3P, and tight for 4P

PACKED WEIGHT: 14 lbs. 2 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 100 x 86 x 75 in.

PROS: Affordable, quick/easy set up, high-quality poles/materials, room to stand, 2 large doors/vestibules

CONS: Won’t do well in heavy wind due to height (though staking out all guylines helps), guylines not pre-attached, not enough stakes/guylines included

BOTTOM LINE: The Grand Hut 4 has a superb balance of quality to affordability as well as interior space to ease-of-use. Of all the tents we tested that’re tall enough to stand in, the Grand Hut was one of the best-equipped to handle stormy weather thanks to its full-length rainfly, large vestibules, and extra-thick poles. The Grand Hut is also one of the quickest, easiest, and most intuitive tents to pitch and pack up due to its hubbed pole system. Overall, the Grand Hut stands out for a lot of reasons – great weather protection, affordability, spaciousness, and practicality. Check out our full review of the Grand Hut here.

REI Kingdom 6

BEST LUXURY CAMPING TENT

MSRP: $499

SIZES AVAILABLE: 4P, 6P & 8P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Luxurious for 4P, comfortable for 5P, and tight for 6P

PACKED WEIGHT: 21 lbs. 6 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 120 x 100 x 75 in.

PROS: Room to stand, high-quality poles/materials, room divider, 2 large doors, large vestibule/front awning, excellent backpack carrying case

CONS: Expensive, won’t do well in heavy wind due to height (though staking out all guylines helps), guylines not pre-attached, not enough stakes/guylines included

BOTTOM LINE: REI’s Kingdom 6 is well-designed for groups with its giant doors, large storage pockets, and adjustable room divider to create separate spaces. The Kingdom is fully rain-ready with sealed seams, a protected front entryway, and a huge vestibule for storing wet gear. Though the Kingdom is quite large, it fits into a compact case with convenient shoulder straps for easy carrying. The Kingdom came in at a very close second to the Grand Hut on our list, and that’s mostly due to its price. The Kingdom is a truly excellent and roomy camping tent, so if you pick one up, you won’t be disappointed. Check out our full review of the Kingdom 6 here.

MORE: Pick up the Mud Room and Porch accessories for even more storage and hangout space.

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ & 3+

BEST CROSSOVER CHOICE FOR CAMPING & BACKPACKING

MSRP: $279

SIZES AVAILABLE: 2 plus & 3 plus

THE SIZES WE TESTED FEEL: Comfortable for 2P and 3P

WEIGHT: 4 lbs. 13.5 oz. (2 plus without footprint)

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 92 x 56 x 42 in.

PROS: Affordable, high-quality poles/materials, quick/easy setup, lightweight, compact, 2 doors/vestibules, smooth zippers, good ventilation, good pockets, footprint included

CONS: Can’t stand up inside, guylines not pre-attached, not enough stakes/guylines

BOTTOM LINE: If you prefer the convenience of a smaller camping tent and you want the option to do some backpacking, consider the REI Half Dome SL 2+ and 3+. Though the Half Domes are not as spacious as some camping tents and you won’t be able to stand up in them, they’re much roomier than the average backpacking tent and they cost a lot less. These tents are more stable in high winds due to their lower profile, they take up less space in your car, they’re built to last, and they’re very easy to pitch and take down. The Half Dome is a solid tent that looks sleek, feels comfortable, comes at a great price, and performs well in any weather.

Eureka Space Camp 4

COMFY TENT WITH NEARLY VERTICAL WALLS & GREAT VENTILATION

MSRP: $349.95

SIZES AVAILABLE: 4P & 6P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Luxurious for 2P, comfortable for 3P, and tight for 4P

MIN. TRAIL WEIGHT: 12 lbs. 10 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 96 x 90 x 68 in.

PROS: Room to stand (under 5’6”), quality poles/materials, 2 large doors/vestibules, smooth zippers, quick/easy setup, includes all guylines & stakes, good ventilation

CONS: Can’t stand up inside (5’7” or taller), won’t do well in heavy wind due to height (though staking out all guylines helps), guylines not pre-attached

BOTTOM LINE: Eureka’s Space Camp 4 is a bright welcoming shelter with nearly vertical walls and a versatile rainfly. With the rainfly zipped down there are two generous vestibules to protect your gear when weather hits. Three high kickstand vents provide good ventilation and a low vent in the door promotes airflow. The main downside of the Space Camp 4 is that it isn’t quite tall enough to stand up in if you’re over 5’6”, but the Space Camp 6P has a peak height of 6’4” if more headroom is what you’re looking for. The Space Camp is among the highest-quality affordable camping tent options.

Coleman Octagon 98 (with Full Fly)

BEST LUXURIOUS BUDGET TENT

MSRP: $279.99

SIZES AVAILABLE: 8P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Luxurious for 4P, comfortable for 5P, and tight for 6P

PACKED WEIGHT: 49 lbs. 5 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 156 x 156 x 82 in.

PROS: Affordable, room to stand, durable, 2 doors (1 with a unique screen door hinge), room divider, includes door mats, includes all guylines & stakes

CONS: Heavy, bulky, no vestibules, storage/organization pockets could be better, no access to vents from inside tent, fairly cumbersome setup & breakdown

BOTTOM LINE: The Coleman Octagon 98 is a unique and affordable shelter with a high ceiling, spacious interior, and window zippers that tie back like curtains for 360° views. A “hinged” front door that swings open makes going in and out of the tent convenient as well. The Octagon is heavier and more cumbersome to set up than some other tents, but it’s not too bad if you have two or more people to help. The structure of the Octagon is solid in the wind if all of its many guy-out points are staked down and secured. All in all, the Octagon is an appealing tent, especially for families or small groups who want to create a luxurious hangout space for a few nights. The Octagon 98 is also available in a less expensive half-fly version.

REI Co-op Trail Hut 4

BEST AFFORDABLE SMALL CAMPING TENT

MSRP: $299

SIZES AVAILABLE: 2P & 4P

THE SIZES WE TESTED FEEL: Comfortable for 2P & 3P

WEIGHT: 8 lbs. 1.6 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 90 x 88 x 48 in.

PROS: Affordable, fairly lightweight, compact, quick/easy set up, 2 doors/vestibules, smooth zippers, footprint included

CONS: Can’t stand up inside, less headroom than some, not enough stakes/guylines included, guylines not pre-attached

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Trail Hut 4 are great budget buy tents for individuals or couples who want a practical camping tent that’s easy to pitch. The Trail Hut is very affordable but has some of the same features more expensive tents have, like two wide doors and vestibules, good vents, and a generous living space. Since it’s one of the more compact and lightweight tents on our list, the Trail Hut could also be used on short backpacking trips (though we slightly prefer the Half Dome SL 2+ and 3+ for backpacking). For those on a tight budget who are looking for a do-it-all option, the Trail Hut is a smart choice.

Marmot Limestone 4P

EASY TO SET UP & MADE WITH HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS

MSRP: $370

SIZES AVAILABLE: 4P & 6P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Luxurious for 2P, comfortable for 3P, and tight for 4P

PACKED WEIGHT: 11 lbs. 11 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 100 x 86 x 61 in.

PROS: High-quality poles/materials, 2 large doors/vestibules, smooth zippers, quick/easy setup, compact

CONS: Can’t stand up inside, slightly limited ventilation, not enough stakes/guylines included

BOTTOM LINE: The Marmot Limestone 4P is a solid storm-ready shelter made with quality materials and extra-thick aluminum poles that are color-coded for fast and easy pitching. The Limestone has large doors on either side and a mesh ceiling for great views and ventilation when the rainfly is off. Airflow is a bit limited with the rainfly on since the two kickstand vents are pretty small relative to the size of the tent. The Limestone 4P and the Eureka Space Camp 4 have very similar designs, but we slightly prefer the Space Camp since it’s 7 inches taller, has more vents, and is cheaper. The Limestone 6P is 15 inches taller for those who want more room to stand up, but it’s quite a bit more expensive than the 4P.

Caddis Rapid 6

SIMPLE CAMPING TENT WITH QUICK & EASY SET UP

MSRP: $299.95

SIZES AVAILABLE: 6P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Luxurious for 2P, comfortable for 4P, and tight for 5+P

PACKED WEIGHT: 25 lbs. 8 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 120 x 120 x 80 in.

PROS: Affordable, quick/easy set up, room to stand, gear loft, includes all guylines & stakes

CONS: Bulky, heavy, only 1 door, no vestibule, won’t do well in heavy wind due to height (though staking out all guylines helps), zipper snags at times

BOTTOM LINE: The Caddis Rapid 6 has a high ceiling, near vertical sidewalls, and screened windows on all sides for a cabin-like feel. The Rapid differentiates itself by having pre-attached poles, making its set up very fast and easy. Simply unfold the tent, extend the legs, and raise the structure. The Rapid looks a bit frumpy if it’s not staked out, but once it’s pulled taught it’s much tidier. Overall, we found this tent to be sturdy and weatherproof, and the rainfly provides more coverage than many cabin tents. For those who’s top priority is ease of set up and lots of headroom, the Rapid is a good choice. If you’re looking to expand your bug-free living space, pick up the Rapid Screenhouse Shelter.

REI Groundbreaker 2

AFFORDABLE CAMPING TENT FOR BEGINNERS & OCCASIONAL CAMPERS

MSRP: $79.95

SIZES AVAILABLE: 2P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Comfortable for 1-2P

PACKED WEIGHT: 4 lbs. 13 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 88 x 52 x 40 in.

PROS: Affordable, quick/easy set up, relatively lightweight, compact

CONS: Can’t stand up inside, limited interior space, limited ventilation, only 1 door, no vestibule, lower-quality materials

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Groundbreaker 2 is a basic affordable camping tent that’s simple to set up. Realistically, it’s a little tight for two, but it’s spacious for one person and their gear. The Groundbreaker doesn’t have vestibules and the walls lean inward a bit, so it’s probably going to feel a bit too cramped for two people to hang out in for long if you have to wait out a storm. That said, if you’re looking for a simple inexpensive tent to sleep in occasionally, the Groundbreaker is a great option.

Coleman Sundome 4

SIMPLE BUDGET TENT WITH A PARTIAL RAINFLY

MSRP: $99.99

SIZES AVAILABLE: 2P, 3P, 4P & 6P

THE SIZE WE TESTED FEELS: Comfortable for 2P and tight for 3P or more

PACKED WEIGHT: 10 lbs. 3 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 108 x 84 x 59 in.

PROS: Affordable, quick/easy set up, relatively lightweight & compact, includes all guylines, stakes & a door mat

CONS: Low-quality poles/materials, not fully seam-taped, can’t stand up inside, limited ventilation, single door, zipper snags at times, no vestibule, weak carrying case

BOTTOM LINE: The Coleman Sundome 4 is a very affordable tent that’s relatively light and compact, and comes in a variety of sizes. It’s popular because it’s so inexpensive (and almost always on sale), but it’s poles and materials are much lower quality than the other tents on this list. If you just need a simple and cheap tent for a few nights of fair weather camping here or there, the Sundome will do a fine job.

Critical Camping Tent Considerations

CHOOSING A TENT SIZE – Capacity ratings tend to overstate the number of people (and sleeping pads) that fit in a tent, so it’s best not to rely on that number unless you enjoy sleeping like sardines. A good rule of thumb is to upsize by at least 1 or 2 people for comfort. If you’re tall, claustrophobic, or you share a tent with children or pets, a little extra elbow room will make your trip much more enjoyable. Also, consider the option of using multiple small tents in place of one large tent to accommodate groups. Kids that are old enough will be stoked to have their own tent. If you’re unsure what size will work best for your group, check out our Tent Size Guide.

PEAK HEIGHT – If you’re camping for multiple days and plan to spend a significant amount of time hanging out in your tent, you’ll want to choose one that’s tall enough to stand and move around in. Tents with high peaks and near vertical walls have the most usable space, but they also have more problems in windy conditions. Be sure to use the appropriate stakes and guylines to help support larger tents and avoid issues.

VENTILATION – Good ventilation is important for controlling internal condensation. Look for tents designed with adequate roof vents that allow fresh air to circulate, rain or shine. It’s not much fun being cooped up in a muggy tent without vents when the weather turns foul. Some tents have zippers that allow you to access top vents with kickstands from the interior of the tent, which comes in handy in tents with high roofs that are hard to reach on the outside. Be sure to stake out the sides of your rainfly for better air circulation.

NUMBER OF DOORS – Having multiple doors is a must for group camping. Being able to enter, exit, and access gear in the vestibules without disturbing each other makes camping trips far more enjoyable. Adequate doorway and vestibule space are key when it’s rainy and everyone wants to clamber into the tent and get out of their wet or dirty clothes as quickly as possible.

VESTIBULES & AWNINGS – Vestibules are covered areas meant for protecting and storing gear or shoes outside of your tent. If you plan to camp in places where it rains often, make sure your tent has one or more good vestibules, so you won’t have to bring wet or muddy gear inside your sleeping area. Some vestibules can also be converted into awnings for shade using pole accessories (not included). Some campers bring a separate shade or screen house that can be set up centrally, away from their tent, while others prefer to use an awning directly attached to their tent like a porch.

EASE OF SETUP – Setting up any tent for the first time can be challenging, but it gets easier with practice. Many tents are designed to be intuitive and quick to pitch with color-coding, buckle clips, and simple directions. Be sure to choose a tent that’s a manageable size and weight for you to handle easily, especially if you’ll be pitching it alone. Large tents can be awesome, but don’t choose one that’s so complex that it takes all the fun out of camping.

WEIGHT- The weight of your camping tent isn’t super critical, but you’ll want to make sure it’s easy enough to tote around without hurting your back. Tents under four pounds are more ideal for backpacking; check out our Best Backpacking Tents list to see our favorites.

PACKED SIZE – The packed size of your tent is much more important for backpacking, but it’s smart to consider how much space you’ll have for your camping gear in your car and storage space at home. A compact tent will be far less cumbersome to maneuver.

SEASON RATINGS

• 3-Season Tents – 3-Season tents are the most common type of tent and are typically meant to be used during the summer months when the weather is fair. These tents tend to have good ventilation and will protect you from rain and insects, but they may not be robust enough to withstand storms with heavy rain or high winds.

• 3-4 Season Tents – Some 3-season tents can be used from early spring through late fall. They’re designed with more weather protection in mind and seek to offer a balance of ventilation, strength, and heat retention. These tents are often dome-shaped to shed rain and light snow with slightly more robust poles to give the structure rigidity to withstand winds. The rain fly will usually be more full-coverage and extend almost to ground with one or more vestibules to keep gear and shoes dry.

• 4-Season Tents – 4-season tents are best for those who plan to camp in snow and inclement weather, but they’re overkill for most 3-season car campers since they’re generally much more heavy and bulky. They tend to have lower-profiles and are more dome-shaped to shed snow and high winds. One downside to 4-season tents is that they have a lot less ventilation, which can make the living area too warm and stuffy in summer conditions. 4-season tents are best reserved for winter camping or extended trips in heavy rains when it’s crucial to have a warm, safe shelter.

Getting the Most Out of Your Tent

FOOTPRINT – If you’re spending a significant amount of money to buy a quality tent, it’s well worth investing in a footprint to extend the life of the fabric. If a specific footprint isn’t available for your tent model, a generic one will do. Just make sure the footprint you get is the right size – a footprint that’s too large can collect water and cause it to pool under your tent. For more information, check out out Do You Really Need a Footprint? post.

USE STAKES & GUYLINES – Fully staking out a tent maximizes interior space, looks much sleeker, and is far sturdier. Spending a few minutes to completely stake down and guy-out your tent could mean the difference between your tent lasting for years, or ripping to shreds in the wind. Guylines also help support the structure and make it far less susceptible to wind damage. If your guylines did not come pre-attached, the best way to attach them to the rainfly is with a bowline knot. If your tent has a lot of guylines and stake-out points, consider bringing a small mallet to make the staking process quicker and easier. Many camping tents don’t come with enough stakes and guylines for all of the guy-out points, so it’s a good idea to pick up some extra guylines and steel tent stakes.

WATERPROOFING – Most high-quality tents come fully seam-taped or sealed to stop water from penetrating where the fabric has been stitched. If the instructions tell you to seal all the seams to increase weather protection, that means the tent isn’t storm-proof off the shelf. Seam sealing isn’t difficult, but it can be time-consuming and somewhat tedious on a large tent. If your tent was once seam-taped, but you’ve noticed it starting to leak, it might be time to do some maintenance to extend the life of the tent by sealing the seams, replacing a peeling polyurethane coating, and refreshing the DWR coating on the rainfly. 

Looking for a Different type of tent?

Check out these other CleverHiker Gear Guide tent lists:

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents – tents for backcountry travelers

• 10 Best Camping Tents (this list) – for those who need a tent primarily for car camping

• 6 Best Budget Tents – for those looking for a solid budget-friendly tent

• 9 Best Ultralight Tarps and Tents – for those who want to save every ounce possible

• 10 Best Backpacking Hammocks – for those who like to do things a little differently

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

• Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

• We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

• We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

• We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

• We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

• We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

MORE INFORMATION

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