Best Camping Tents – { Top 25 } Best Rated Tents for Camping Reviews

When it comes to camping, there’s no piece of gear that’s more important than your tent. As your home away from home when you’re in the great outdoors, a quality tent is essential for protecting you from the elements each night. But, with so many different models out there on the market today, finding the best camping tent for your needs is incredibly difficult.

To ensure that you have all the information you need to find the right tent, we’ve compiled the ultimate resource for the best rated camping tents. We’ll talk you through the basics of choosing a camping tent and answer the most common questions we get about these shelters. Plus, we’ll even provide our recommendations for the top rated camping tent brands and models out there.

Best Camping Tents

Part 1 - How to Choose Camping Tents?

The process of choosing a camping tent can be tricky because there are many different factors you need to consider when selecting the model that best fits your needs. With so many tents out there, this can be a daunting task, so it’s important to know what to look for in a camping tent. Here are some of the most important features and characteristics to keep in mind:

Double v. Single Wall

In the world of tents, you can buy either a double wall or a single wall model. Basically, a double wall tent has two parts - an inner tent body and a waterproof tent fly. This is by far the most popular model for tents as it provides a lot of versatility in a range of different conditions. 

Double wall tents are ideal because they offer ample breathability, due to their mesh inner body, while also protecting campers from the wind and rain. Single wall tents, on the other hand, tend to be lighter and more compact than their double wall cousins. However, they are often less breathable and less weather-resistant.

Freestanding v. Semi-Freestanding

The most common tents are known as “freestanding” tents because they can be set up without being anchored to the ground. While the majority of tents available on the market today are freestanding tents, which are easier to set up, semi-freestanding models are becoming more popular.

Semi-freestanding tents tend to weigh less because they use fewer poles in their construction. This makes them common in the ultralight world, but they often aren’t strong enough for very harsh conditions.

Shape

Sleeping Capacity

Interior Space and Comfort

No one likes to feel cramped, but a tent is an inherently confined space. For the most part, backpacking tents will offer minimal interior space because they’re trying to minimize weight and packed size for backcountry adventures. Car camping tents, on the other hand, will often provide much more interior space and comfort than backpacking models.

If maximizing interior space is important to you, look for a tent that’s got straight-sided walls and tall ceilings. These two features will increase the livable space inside a tent and make it much more comfortable to be in. However, tents with straight walls and tall ceilings tend to be heavier and less durable than more compact models.

Doors and Vestibules

The doors of a tent might seem like a boring thing to look at, but they can make a huge difference to the functionality of the tent. Having small doors makes it more difficult to get in and out of the tent at night. Plus, if you only have one door, you’ll have to crawl over your tent mates to answer nature’s call while camping.

Thus, the most comfortable tents will have multiple large doors that allow for easy entry and exit. Additionally, the best tents will have one or more vestibules, which are basically covered openings to your tent. Vestibules are an ideal place to store your gear outside of your tent to protect it from the elements.

Keep in mind, though, that more doors and larger vestibules translate to heavier and bulkier tents. So, while these features are great, they do have some drawbacks.

Weather Resistance

The main purpose of a tent is to protect you from the elements, but some tents do this better than others. The most waterproof tents will be made of a durable, high denier ripstop nylon with a DWR coating. The DWR coating helps water bead off the surface of the tent to stop it from soaking through.

Wind resistance, on the other hand, has less to do with the materials of the tent and more to do with the structure of the shelter itself. Generally, dome shape and tunnel tents will hold up better in the wind than cabin tents. 

This is because the straight-sided walls and high ceilings of a cabin tent catch the wind and can cause the poles in the tent to break. Therefore, if weather-resistance is your goal, it’s best to look for a more compact dome or tunnel backpacking tent for your adventures.

Ease of Set Up

No one likes to spend hours setting up their tent when they get to camp. So, finding a tent that’s quick and easy to set up is ideal. Most modern tents will feature some form of color-coded system to help you figure out where to put the poles during the setup process.

Generally speaking, tents with fewer poles will be easier to set up. You’ll also find that freestanding tents are a bit easier to pitch than semi-freestanding varieties. So, if you struggle with setting up tents, look for a relatively simple freestanding model.

Durability

The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on a tent, only to have it break after a day or two in the mountains. Durability is a concern for any camper, so it’s certainly something you should look for when shopping for a tent.

The most durable tents on the market will be made with a high-denier ripstop nylon fly and robust aluminum poles. While you’ll certainly find other materials in some of the most popular tents, lightweight fabrics and thin carbon or aluminum poles tend to break easily in high winds. Therefore, if durability is your top concern, look for a tent with some beefy poles and thick rainfly fabric. 

Weight

The weight of a tent is more of a concern for backpackers and climbers than it is for car campers. However, even if you don’t have to carry a tent on your back, a heavy shelter is still a pain to transport and set up.

Generally, lightweight tents will be less durable than heavier alternatives, unless you’re willing to pay top dollar for premium lightweight fabrics. Ultimately, every camper needs to decide whether they want to prioritize weight, durability, or cost when it comes to their tent.

Packed Size

The packed size of a tent greatly affects your ability to pack it into your backpack on a camping trip. Although this is less of a concern for car campers, backpackers tend to prefer tents that are quite compact. A bulky tent is quite annoying to pack and can make things difficult for you at camp each morning on a backpacking trip.

Part 2 - Best Camping Tents Brands

When buying a new tent, it’s often a good idea to buy from a trusted brand. While there are dozens of tent manufacturers out there, these are some of the best brands in the business today:

Black Diamond

Utah-based Black Diamond Equipment was founded in the late 1980s by world-class climber Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia fame. Although it started out as a climbing gear company, Black Diamond expanded its repertoire over the years to include a large line of hiking and camping gear. These days, their line-up of tents are known for being some of the most durable and functional, particularly for adventures deep into the mountains.

MSR

MSR, or Mountain Safety Research, is a Seattle-based company that specializes in stoves, water filters, snowshoes, and tents. MSR is constantly innovating, finding new ways to create lightweight, yet robust tents that are designed to withstand the test of time. They offer everything from super light shelters to durable four-season tents so they’re a great companion on any camping trip.

The North Face

The North Face was founded by legendary climber Doug Tompkins as a climbing gear manufacturing company in the late 1960s. Since then, they’ve branched out, becoming well known for their technical and lifestyle clothing. When it comes to tents, The North Face makes a fantastic line-up of burly expedition tents that are perfect for an extended trip into remote terrain.

Nemo

Nemo is a New Hampshire-based company that’s popular for its cutting-edge, innovative technology. Most of Nemo’s tents fall into the “lightweight” category, but they’re always looking for new ways to improve on the classic tent design. One of their most popular innovations is AirSupport Technology, which increases the durability of tent poles for use in harsh weather.

Marmot

Marmot has been making outdoor sporting goods since the mid-1970s, particularly for campers and hikers. Their line-up of tents focuses on simplicity and value, so they’re a great company to check out if you’re on a budget.

Coleman

As an industry leader in outdoor sporting goods for 120 years, Coleman is perhaps the best-known name on this list. While Coleman got its start as a manufacturer of gasoline lanterns, these days, they have a huge line-up of camping gear available for your adventures. Coleman’s tents are affordable, functional, and comfortable, so they’re popular amongst car campers around the world.

Part 3 - Best Camping Tents on the Market Reviews

Looking for a new camping tent? We know you have a lot of different models to choose from. So, here are our top picks for the best rated camping tents on the market today:

Best by Number

Here are 8 best rated camping tents, categorized by sleeping capacity:

  1   Best Solo Camping Tent - MSR Hubba NX 1

With an amazing combination of livability and lightweight, the MSR Hubba NX 1 is a solo backpacker’s dream tent. Specifically designed for three season camping, the Hubba NX 1 uses Easton Syclone Poles and Xtreme Shield waterproof technology for maximum weather-resistance in the mountains.

Although it packs down small and weighs just over 2 lbs (1kg), the Hubba NX 1 features plenty of interior head and elbow room for your comfort. It also has a large side-entry vestibule, which is perfect for storing gear at night while you sleep. Plus, the Hubba NX 1 has an incredibly simple set-up system, thanks to its single pole and color-coordinated rainfly.

  2   Best 2 Person Camping Tent - Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight

Nemo designed the Dragonfly to help bridge the gap between weight and comfort in the world of backpacking tents and it certainly lives up to expectations. Thanks to its two large doors and two vestibules, it’s easy to get in and out of the Dragonfly at night, even while storing your gear.

The Dragonfly has a single pre-bent DAC Featherlight pole that cuts weight while providing plenty of durability and an easy set-up. The Dragonfly’s inner tent is made with a white no-see-um mesh netting to protect you from the bugs while the integrated 20D nylon tub floor keeps you dry in the rain. There are also plenty of pockets in this 2 person tent so you can stay organized while you camp.

  3   Best 3 Person Camping Tent - Marmot Fortress 3

This spacious, yet lightweight three person tent from Marmot is great for a variety of camping adventures. The Fortress 3 uses a full fabric inner tent with large mesh panels to strike the perfect balance between insulation and breathability. Its two large D-shaped doors make it easy to get in and out of the tent while the vertical walls of the Fortress maximize interior living space.

The Fortress 3 has integrated pockets for organizing gear inside the tent while a special lampshade pocket can hold a headlamp and provide light for the entire tent. If that wasn’t enough, the Fortress 3 is fully seam-taped around the fly and floor for increased weather-resistance in poor conditions.

  4   Best 4 Person Camping Tent - The North Face Bastion 4

A veritable fortress in the outdoors, the North Face Bastion 4 is a do-anything 4 person tent for all exploits in the backcountry. The Bastion 4 features a dome-shaped construction with crisscrossing poles for added strength and durability in the most severe storms. It also has high-strength guylines and equalizers to help keep your tent anchored down in high winds.

Inside the tent, the Bastion 4 has 10 interior pockets and lots of hanger loops for easy organization. The downside to the Bastion 4 is that it’s quite heavy, but as one of the most durable four season tents out there, a little extra weight seems like a fair compromise.

  5   Best 6 Person Camping Tent - The North Face Wawona 6

A time-tested classic of the camping world, the North Face Wawona 6 is a fantastic shelter for car camping in a small group. This spacious palace-like tent has enough room to sleep 6 campers, providing them with ample headroom, extensive personal space, and the ability to stand upright.

Unlike many other tents in our review, the Wawona 6 is a single-wall tent, so it’s easy to pitch in just a few minutes. It features a huge front vestibule that’s great for gear storage, as well as a second door in the rear for convenience. Inside the Wawona 6, there are plenty of mesh pockets and hang loops for gear storage, as well as a drying line so you can always have dry clothes when you’re on the go.

  6   Best 8 Person Camping Tent - Coleman Evanston Dome 8

Do you love camping but hate the bugs? If so, the Coleman Evanston Dome 8 just might be the best 8 person tent for your needs. This beloved Coleman tent is incredibly easy to pitch in just a few minutes, making it ideal for camping with a large family. Although it’s easy to set up, the Evanston Dome 8 features Coleman’s WeatherTec System which protects you and your family from the rain and the wind while you’re out and about.

The Coleman Evanston 8 is large enough to fit two queen-sized airbeds for maximum comfort, or you can house 8 campers in their sleeping bags. The best part? The Evanston Dome 8 has a very spacious front mesh screen porch that provides ample outdoor living space without the bugs. What more could you want?

  7   Best 10 Person Camping Tent - Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin

  8   Best 12+ Person Camping Tent - CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Looking for the best camping tent under $300? Look no further than the CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent. This shelter from CORE can be pitched in under 2 minutes, thanks to the tent’s pop-up design. With pre-attached poles, all you need to do to get started is unpack, unfold, and extend the tent for a quick and easy set up.

The Instant Cabin tent is incredibly roomy on the inside and has a large double door design, which makes it easy to access the interior of the tent. Once you’re inside, you can zip up the privacy panels on the doors and windows, if you need some personal space. Or, you can use the hanging storage pockets to organize your gear. Plus, you can use the included room divider to split the tent in two and provide everyone with the personal space they desire.

Best by Camping Types

Here are the 7 best tents, categorized by camping type:

  9   Best Backpacking Tent - MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2

As one of the best-selling, best quality two person backpacking tents ever, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 is a great shelter for hikers who head to remote terrain. Designed specifically for mountain pursuits, the Hubba Hubba NX 2 strikes a nice balance between livability and packability.

The Hubba Hubba NX 2 uses Easton Syclone poles and MSR’s proprietary Xtreme Shield waterproof technology to provide ample weather-resistance in any storm. The tent itself features two large StayDry doors as well as two sizable vestibules for external gear storage. Or, you can use the interior gear storage pockets for organization. The best part? The Hubba Hubba NX 2 sets up in just minutes, thanks to its single pole, color-coded design.

  10   Best Car Camping Tent - Big Agnes Titan 6 mtnGLO

Made to last, the all-weather Big Agnes Titan 6 mtnGLO tent is a car camper’s paradise. The Titan 6 has an external pole design, so you can set it up quickly as either a full tent or just as a shade shelter for a large group.

When it comes to livability, the Titan 6 is one of the most spacious six person tents around, thanks to its straight-wall design and high center height. You can even add on the large optional vestibule for added outdoor living space and extra shade. Oh, and the Titan 6 even comes with Big Agnes’ mtnGLO system, which illuminates the tent, wherever your adventures might take you.

  11   Best Motorcycle Camping Tent - Vuz Motorcycle Tent

Motorcycle campers are a unique breed and they need a tent that can handle the rough conditions of life on the road. Unlike other tents, which just offer a small place to lay your head at night, the Vuz Motorcycle Tent provides ample living space for maximum comfort.

This 18 foot (5.5m) long tent has four points of entry for your convenience. It’s a three-season camping tent that can withstand heavy rain and wind for use in any conditions. Although it’s quite spacious, the tent packs down into a small stuff sack, so it’s perfect for use with a motorcycle. If all of that wasn’t enough, the Vuz Motorcycle Tent even has a built-in motorcycle garage so you can keep your bike safe at night.

  12   Best Truck Camping Tent - Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Tent

  13   Best Hunting Camping Tent - Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 6

Canvas tents are well-known for their durability and versatility, and the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 6 is no exception. Made with a durable, 100% cotton duck Hydra-Shield canvas, the Flex-Bow 6 is an ideal hunting tent for use in any conditions.

The Flex Bow 6 has a comfortable 6’6” ceiling height and two large D-shaped doors for your convenience while camping. It also has four large windows with no-see-um mesh and two vents to help keep air circulating in hot weather. The Flex Bow 6 even has a large awning over the opening to expand your living space into the outdoors for added comfort on your next hunting trip.

  14   Best Bike Camping Tent - Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL

As one of the few tents out there that are specifically designed for bike camping, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL is a must-have for any bikepacker. This award-winning tent has a vertical door and steep walls for maximum interior space for more comfort on your bike camping adventures. 

Although it’s built to withstand the rigors of any three-season outing, the Fly Creek is made with some of the lightest materials on the market today, including DAC poles and high-quality ripstop nylon. It’s easy to pitch the tent in just minutes for the perfect night’s sleep on the road. At just about 1lb 11oz in weight, the Fly Creek HV UL is the perfect companion for those fast and light biking trips, anywhere on earth.

  15   Best Tent for Desert Camping - Black Diamond Ahwahnee 2

The Black Diamond Ahwahnee 2 is an incredibly versatile single wall tent that’s perfect for a desert camping adventure. Designed for two people, this single wall tent is both waterproof and highly breathable, cutting down weight thanks to its single wall design.

For desert camping, the Ahwahnee 2 is quick and easy to set up but is incredibly strong against the wind, so it’s great for exposed environments. Plus, the Ahwahnee 2 features two full side doors with integrated mesh that can be pitched out like awnings for extra shade and ventilation on those scorching hot desert days or for added weather protection during those occasional desert storms.

Best by Tent Types

Here are the ten best tents, categorized by tent type:

  16   Best Ultralight Tent - Nemo Hornet Elite Ultralight

Just because a tent is lightweight doesn’t mean it’s going to be an ideal ultralight backpacking shelter. While many ultralight tents struggle to balance livability and durability with weight savings, the Nemo Hornet Elite Ultralight seems to get it right. This super-compact tent is a top choice for minimalist backpackers that won’t sacrifice quality in their gear.

The Hornet Elite is made using top-of-the-line 7D ripstop nylon for the fly and DAC featherlight poles for durability and weight savings. The tent itself is remarkably spacious and contains black no-see-um mesh for added ventilation on hot nights. Oh, and the Hornet Elite comes with Nemo’s Divvy dual stage stuff sack so you can easily spread the tent’s weight between two hikers. 

  17   Best Waterproof Tent - Black Diamond Bombshelter 4

  18   Best Winter Tent - Black Diamond Fitzroy 3

As one of the strongest expedition tents around, the Black Diamond Fitzroy 3 can house three adults or two adults and all of their gear on any winter outing. The Fitzroy has a steep-sided design that maximizes headroom and interior living space while also improving its durability in heavy snow.

The Fitzroy can be set up from the inside during a storm and is amazingly stable in high winds, thanks to the four crisscrossing poles. Inside the tent, there are mesh pockets for gear organization, while the two double doors with mesh paneling make it easy to enter and exit the tent or increase the ventilation, so it’s perfect for winter camping.

  19   Best Summer Tent - Marmot Limestone 4

Superbly spacious, the Marmot Limestone 4 is a great family summer camping tent for warm-weather trips. The Limestone 4 features vertical walls for plenty of headroom, as well as a more comfortable camping experience.

When it comes to weather resistance, the Limestone is fully seam-taped and has a tub floor to keep you dry. But, on warm days it also features ample ventilation, thanks to the large mesh paneling in the inner tent. There are also plenty of interior pockets for organizing your gear as well as two large doors and vestibules for convenience and gear storage, making the Limestone 4 an excellent family tent.

  20   Best Pop Up Tent - CORE 4 Person Instant Dome Tent

  21   Best Roof Top Tent - Tepui Explorer Kukenam

If you long for life on the open road, the Tepui Explorer Kukenam just might be what you’re looking for. This rooftop tent can house up to three people all-year-round during any road trip. It’s made with high-quality 600D ripstop nylon and is both UV and mold-resistant for added durability.

During the summer months, the Tepui’s large mesh panels provide plenty of airflow while the overhanging canopy protects you from the rain. Oh, and the tent is quick and easy to set up so you can get a good night’s sleep wherever life takes you.

  22   Best Cabin Tent - CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Built specifically for large families on a budget, the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent is a fantastic home away from home on a camping trip. The tent can be set up in just 60 seconds, thanks to its pre-attached poles. It also features CORE H2O Block Technology and fully sealed seams to keep you warm and dry at night.

The tent itself has large windows and doors for added ventilation and easy entry but also has zippered privacy panels for use in busy campgrounds. Inside, you can easily organize your gear with the hanging storage pockets or you can use the included room divider to give everyone the privacy they need.

  23   Best Beach Tent - Pacific Breeze Easy Set Up Beach Tent Deluxe

A day at the beach should be comfortable and relaxing. With the Pacific Breeze Easy Set Up Beach Tent Deluxe XL, you can turn that concept into a reality. The Deluxe XL is both lightweight and compact, as well as incredibly easy to pitch in just seconds.

The tent itself provides UPF 50+ sun protection for those long beach days, as well as some shelter from the wind and the rain. The Deluxe CL has three large windows that allow for plenty of ventilation on hot summer days. Oh, and you can even zip up the extendable floor to turn it into a privacy shield for changing out of your wet swimsuit on the go.

  24   Best Canvas Tent - White Duck Outdoors Premium Luxury Avalon

  25   Best 4 Season Camping Tent - MSR Access

MSR Access is a fantastic 4 season camping tent for year-round adventures. The Acces comes in a one-person and a two-person model, both of which are perfect for use in the summer or winter. Ideal for treeline winter adventures, the Access is lighter than a traditional mountaineering tent, but also strong enough to hold up in heavy snowfall.

It offers superior warmth due to its limited mesh paneling but also ventilates well for a four season tent. The Access can even be set up in minutes, thanks to its single pole and color-coordinated system, which is ideal for colder environments.

Part 4 - Tips on Camping with Tents

Here are some of our top tips for making the most out of camping in a tent:

How to Insulate a Tent for Winter Camping?

If you like to camp in the winter, you’ll need to find some way to insulate yourself from the cold. Thankfully there are a few different methods for insulating your tent for winter camping. Here are a few:

How to Make Tent Camping Comfortable?

How to Stay Warm While Camping in a Tent?

Staying warm at night is of the utmost importance while camping. If you’re struggling to stay warm, try the following techniques:

How to Stay Cool While Camping in a Tent?

If you live somewhere that’s particularly warm and muggy in the summer, camping can seem a bit uncomfortable. However, there are ways to stay cool even while camping in the heat. Here are some options:

How to Waterproof Camping Tents?

The vast majority of quality camping tents will come from the factory fully waterproof. However, if yours didn’t, or you need to re-waterproof your tent, here’s what you want to do:

Part 5 - Camping Tent : Setting Up and Folding Up

While every tent is different, there are some standard procedures you can follow to pitch your tent when you arrive at camp and fold it up at the end of your trip. Here are some of our top tips:

Setting Up Your Tent

Setting up a tent may seem very complicated, but there is a method to this madness. These are the steps you should follow:

Folding Up Your Tent

At the end of your camping trip, you’ll need to pack up your tent. If you’re not quite sure how to do this, follow these steps:

Part 6 - Camping Tent Cleaning, Care & Maintenance

If you’re going to invest a substantial sum of money into a new camping tent, you’re certainly going to want to take care of it. Tent care, in general, is more of an on-going task, rather than something you do every once in a while. Here are some tips to help ensure that you get the most out of your tent:

Part 7 - Tent Camping Safety Tips

Camping is a fantastic way to spend more time in the outdoors. But, it is possible to get hurt if you’re not careful. These are some of our top safety tips for tent camping:

Part 8 - Common Mistakes When Choosing Camping Tents

Buying a camping tent is a big investment, so you certainly want to get it right the first time. However, we often see a number of different mistakes from people who are perhaps over-eager to get a tent and get out into the mountains. Here are some of those mistakes and ways to avoid them:

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a camping tent is a major investment. As your home away from home when you’re outside, you need to be sure that the tent you buy is going to be reliable enough for any adventure.

That being said, there is no one-size-fits-all tent that excels in every environment. Instead, it’s important that you focus on the features that are most important to you so you can get the best camping tent for your needs. Happy trails!