Best Camping Tents of 2025

Spacious, user-friendly, and feature-rich camping tents are designed to provide a relatively luxurious outdoor experience. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots, or even a chair and a table for card games on a rainy day. For car campers who take a couple of trips each summer, even the cheapest tents on this list will get the job done. For tougher conditions or more frequent use, it's worth spending up for better materials and interior space, such as on our top pick, the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P. For almost a decade, the Switchback Travel team has been camping all over the country to bring you the latest and greatest options, and below we break down our 12 favorites. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process.

Editor’s note: We updated this guide on November 17, 2025, to refine our list of favorite camping tents down to a considered few. After reevaluating testing notes, considering use cases, and comparing models, the list below represents our best recommendations. We added a few new tents to the list, including Big Agnes's Bunk House 4 and White Duck's 13' Regatta Bell Tent. You can also see the models we dismissed. Lastly, we swept the guide to ensure all other information was up to date at the time of publishing.
 

Our Team's Camping Tent Picks

• Best Overall Camping Tent: Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P
• A Close Second With Better Livability: The North Face Wawona 6
• Best Budget Camping Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P
• Best Camping Tent Upgrade: Big Agnes Bunk House 4
• Best Reliability in Rough Weather: REI Co-op Base Camp 6
• Best Crossover Camping/Backpacking Tent: Marmot Tungsten 4P
• Our Other Favorite Camping Tents

Best Overall Camping Tent

1. Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P ($500)

Floor area: 83.3 sq. ft.
Peak height: 77 in.
Capacities: 4P, 6P
Weight: 18 lb. 10.0 oz.
What we like: Excellent all-around performance, easy to set up, and very well built.
What we don’t: The small second door and dome shape sacrifice some headroom along the sides.

We keep coming back to the Aurora Highrise season after season. We love this premium, luxurious tent for many reasons, including its standing-height interior, steep sidewalls, and massive footprint that rival the livability of camping tent moguls like The North Face and REI. As we’ve come to expect from Nemo, the Aurora Highrise is thoughtfully built with windows at each side that make it easy to air out yet remain protected from rain when open, two large doors and vestibules, a rainfly that can be staked out as an awning (poles sold separately), and high-quality materials throughout—including robust aluminum poles and a thick 150-denier floor that’s outfitted with a fun checkered pattern.

We put the Aurora through a summer of testing in the Pacific Northwest and came away impressed. It's fast and intuitive to set up (it took around 5 minutes with two people and can be done solo), and all of the components have a hard-wearing, confidence-inspiring feel. We also love the massive, oval-shaped main door, which makes entry and exit a breeze, though we wish the second door shared the same design (it’s about half the size). The dome shape also sacrifices some headroom at the sides—for that, we like the tunnel-shaped REI Wonderland 6—and you can get more vestibule space for big and bulky items with The North Face’s Wawona. But the advantages in usability and build quality are hard to beat, making the Aurora a quick favorite among our staff.
Read more: Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P review
See the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P
 

A Close Second With Better Livability

2. The North Face Wawona 6 ($550)

Floor area: 86.1 sq. ft.
Peak height: 76 in.
Capacities: 4P, 6P, 8P
Weight: 20 lb. 15.0 oz.
What we like: Open interior and massive vestibule.
What we don’t: Time-consuming to set up, partial-coverage rainfly, and mesh door is draft-prone.

The North Face’s Wawona is a popular sight at most campgrounds, and for good reason. This tunnel-like design provides a generous amount of interior space, and the latest hybrid double-wall construction is much more breathable than cheaper single-wall builds (it also helps that the Wawona has a decent amount of mesh). But we like the Wawona for its massive front vestibule (44.7 sq. ft.) that doubles as a seating area. We also had great luck with the Wawona's durability in testing—all fabrics are hard-wearing, and The North Face didn’t skimp on quality components. The Wawona is pricier than the Aurora, but you do get massive upgrades in storage and livability, which is a plus for families and optimizing usable space.

But there are some downsides to opting for the Wawona. To start, we found the tent to be time-consuming to set up, despite the pole structure update on the most recent version. The vestibule, in particular, must be guyed out tightly to stay upright, and the unique pole structure took some time to get taut and secure. Final nitpicks include the rainfly, which doesn’t cover the lower portion of the tent (though this section still remains waterproof), the lack of an included footprint, and the all-mesh door, which can be a source of heat loss and drafts in the cold. But no tent is perfect, and the Wawona’s mesh-heavy build, expansive interior, and roomy vestibule earn it a spot among our favorites.
Read more: The North Face Wawona 6 review
See The North Face Wawona 6
 

Best Budget Camping Tent

3. Coleman Skydome 6P ($180)

Floor area: 85 sq. ft.
Peak height: 72 in.
Capacities: 2P, 4P, 6P, 8P, 12P
Weight: 16 lb. 0 oz.
What we like: Quick to set up and big interior.
What we don’t: Only one door; the fiberglass poles aren’t very durable.

Coleman is practically synonymous with affordable camping gear, so it's no surprise that their Skydome 6 slots in as our top budget pick. What surprises us, however, is how modern this tent looks and feels. In contrast to Coleman’s dated and cheap-feeling Sundome, the Skydome uses pre-bent poles and more vertical walls that open up the interior in a big way. We also love that the poles are pre-attached, making setup a breeze, and the wide door helps boost overall convenience and access. For a price increase, it's also available with a full-coverage rainfly that provides better protection and creates a 40-square-foot vestibule.

The aforementioned Sundome is a bit cheaper and has 15 more square feet of floor area, but in our opinion, the vertical walls and modernized build make the Skydome worth the slightly higher price. It’s worth noting that the Skydome still falls short of the pricier options on this list due to its single door and its use of cheaper materials, including fiberglass poles that aren’t as hardwearing as aluminum. But the quick setup and roomy interior are a winning combination. And if you’re willing to spend more, you can get the Skydome Dark Room, which blocks sunlight more effectively than the regular version, a great feature for sleeping in during the summer months.
Read more: Coleman Skydome 6P review
See the Coleman Skydome 6P
 

Best Camping Tent Upgrade

4. Big Agnes Bunk House 4 ($600)

Floor area: 58 sq. ft.
Peak height: 72 in.
Capacities: 4P, 6P
Weight: 15 lb. 0 oz.
What we like: Fantastic livability, storage, and weather protection; lighter weight than the competition. 
What we don’t: Expensive, and the footprint is sold separately.

If you’re looking to upgrade your camping experience, check out Big Agnes’s Bunk House. The Bunk House is very similar to the Wawona above, but it adds a more weatherproof and premium feature set. To start, we like the storage layout in the Bunk House. Each corner has several mesh pockets, giving every camper a designated space for their belongings. Ceiling pockets can hold valuables you may want to keep out of reach from the kids, and an end-to-end gear loop is great for hanging camping lanterns at night. The full-coverage fly is also a big upgrade from the Wawona’s partial-coverage fly, and it kept our tester and her family dry during afternoon thunderstorms. The Bunk House is much lighter than many of the large tent options here, and it stores inside a nifty backpack for easy hauling to walk-up campsites. To round it all out, we found this tent was a breeze to set up despite its heavy hubbed poles.

We’ll acknowledge that the 4-person Bunk House can’t match the 6-person Wawona in terms of livability and storage. We’d prefer the 6-person Bunk House—which has a taller peak height (78 in.) and more vestibule space (56 sq. ft.) than the Wawona—but that model won't be available again until spring. If you have a bigger family, we recommend holding out until then, but the 4-person version shouldn’t be overlooked for smaller groups. Both versions cost more than the Wawona or Aurora, plus, you’ll have to buy a footprint separately, which doesn’t help with this design’s affordability. In our opinion, the Bunk House offers top-tier campsite comfort, but the Wawona and Aurora get the job done at a lower price. But if you’re unwilling to compromise on the utmost in comfort and performance, the Bunk House is the way to go.
See the Big Agnes Bunk House 4
 

Best for Rough Weather

5. REI Co-op Base Camp 6 ($569)

Floor area: 84 sq. ft.
Peak height: 74 in.
Capacities: 4P, 6P
Weight: 20 lb. 11.5 oz.
What we like: Sturdy, weather-worthy structure; easy to use. 
What we don’t: Pricey, not the tallest, and hard to set up in the wind. 

Sitting near the top of REI's camping lineup is the Base Camp 6, which draws on mountaineering designs for a significant boost in weather worthiness. The dome shape and overlapping five-pole system mean the walls aren’t as vertical as the Wawona's above, but it’s still very easy to move around inside, and the reward is better resistance against strong gusts. The rest of the design is equally up to snuff with an excellent mix of quality materials and design features, including four roof vents and a low side vent, functional organization, and even reflective detailing to help you see the tent in the dark. It's true that more specialized models like Cabela’s Alaskan Guide are better suited for true 4-season conditions, but the Base Camp will get the job done in most inclement 3-season weather, which is all most campers need.

One of the biggest downsides to the Base Camp is price, but it’s far and away the most weather-ready option in REI’s line. Its limited mesh is great for keeping drafts and wind out, but it does have a notable impact on ventilation (we prefer REI’s Wonderland for warmer weather). Our tester also noted that the tent was tough to set up, especially in gusty weather, so you’ll want to have a friend ready to help pitch in those conditions. Additionally, despite having a floor area similar to that of the other 6-person models here, the Base Camp feels less roomy due to the lack of vertical walls. But for committed campers who are looking for something they can take out into unpredictable weather and still get a good night’s sleep, the Base Camp is worthy.
Read more: REI Base Camp 6 review
See the REI Co-op Base Camp 6
 

Best Crossover Camping/Backpacking Tent

6. Marmot Tungsten 4P ($399)

Floor area: 52.7 sq. ft.
Peak height: 53 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P
Weight: 9 lb. 3.8 oz.
What we like: A proven crossover option at a good price.
What we don’t: Less spacious than a dedicated camping tent.

Most of the tents on this list are strictly of the car-camping variety, meaning they’re heavy enough that you won’t be carrying them more than a few steps from your vehicle. However, there are a handful of crossover options that can pull double duty should you want to venture into the backcountry. Marmot’s Tungsten 4P is our favorite in this category. For car camping, the Tungsten can accommodate multiple sleeping pads side-by-side and has a peak height of 53 inches, which is enough for sitting up, changing, or playing cards. Moreover, the pole design does a nice job of stretching the walls to nearly vertical at the bottom, giving the interior an open feel. At over 9 pounds, the Tungsten isn’t featherweight by any means, but it's serviceable for camping and short backpacking trips, especially if you can divvy up the carrying responsibilities.

However, as with nearly all crossover tents, the Marmot Tungsten has compromises. For those who strictly car camp, a dedicated camping tent is far superior in terms of livable space and durability. The Tungsten uses thinner materials to reduce weight, and Marmot cut 5.6 square feet from the tent’s footprint with its most recent update (floor area went from 58.3 to 52.7 sq. ft.). On the other end of the spectrum, those who are more serious about backpacking may want a lighter, more compressible design like Big Agnes’ Copper Spur UL. The 4P model shaves off around 3.5 lb and packs down much better than the Tungsten. For smaller families or couples, Marmot also makes this tent in two- and three-person versions that reduce weight, as well as a one-person model for solo campers.
Read more: Marmot Tungsten 4P review
See the Marmot Tungsten 4P
 

Our Other Favorite Camping Tents

A Step Above Budget

7. Kelty Wireless 6 ($270)

Floor area: 86.9 sq. ft.
Peak height: 76 in.
Capacities: 2P, 6P
Weight: 17 lb. 3.0 oz.
What we like: A great price for a nice overall design.
What we don’t: Materials are a step down from the pricier tents on this list.

Many of the tents on this list cost over $300, but budget-oriented Kelty always seems to do a nice job at mixing quality and value. Their Wireless is a great example. It includes upgrades over cheaper tents like the Coleman Skydome, like two doors and two vestibules, along with a full-coverage rainfly. Kelty also uses more mesh in the construction, making it easier to keep cool in the summer heat. Throw in a roomy interior with a center ridgepole that stretches the walls up and away (again, both Colemans lack this), and you have one heckuva value.

What do you sacrifice with the Kelty Wireless? First, the floor material and mesh are thinner than the more expensive options on this list. This does help keep weight reasonable, but it means that the tent will be less durable over time. Second, the fiberglass poles won’t hold up as well as aluminum in rough weather. Finally, the Wireless is a very popular budget option, and you may have a hard time getting your hands on one—we’ve seen the tent go in and out of stock several times over the past year, although it's available through several major retailers at the time of publishing. These issues aside, the Wireless is a great camping tent for those who don’t want to break the bank.
See the Kelty Wireless 6

Instant Set-up Camping Tent

8. Gazelle T4 Hub ($430)

Floor area: 61 sq. ft.
Peak height: 78 in.
Capacities: 3P, 4P, 7P
Weight: 30 lb. 0 oz.
What we like: Setup takes seconds; pretty roomy for the capacity.
What we don’t: Very heavy and bulky; doors are awkwardly positioned, making it harder to get in and out. 

Popular among the overlanding community, Gazelle’s pop-up Hub tents offer the ultimate in convenience for those looking to minimize setup time. With the poles pre-attached to the tent body, it’s as easy as removing the tent from its bag and pulling the sides into place, which is a stark contrast to complex designs like the Wawona and Snow Peak Alpha Breeze. It has six large mesh windows for ventilation, functional storage (including a removable gear loft), quality YKK zippers, and thick materials that stand up well to long-term use. 

While appealing on convenience grounds, the Gazelle T4 Hub does have a few shortcomings. First is the lack of weather protection: The rainfly offers very limited coverage, there is no vestibule space, and the tent’s upright shape makes it prone to blowing in blustery weather. You do get taped seams and the ability to zip the windows shut in, but it’s still a noticeable step down from many of the other options listed. And we’re not big fans of the triangular doors, which are positioned at the corners and result in an awkward lip that’s easy to trip over. Finally, like most pop-up designs, the T4 is bulky and will take up a sizable chunk of space in your vehicle. But we understand wanting to cut down on setup time, and the T4 excels at that.
See the Gazelle T4 Hub

A Canvas Glamping Tent

9. White Duck 13' Regatta Bell Tent ($770)

Floor area: 135 sq. ft.
Peak height: 98 in.
Capacity: 6P
Weight: 66 lb. 0 oz.
What we like: Canvas build is weather-resistant, ultra-tough, and looks good.
What we don’t: Expensive, extremely heavy, and overkill for most casual campers.

Classic canvas tents are making a bit of a comeback, especially among basecampers and hunters, and the 13’ Regatta Bell Tent is one of our favorites. This tent boasts an impressive peak height of 98 inches, which is the tallest in this list. It also has a massive 135-square-foot floor area, enough to sleep 6 campers. This tent has huge glamping potential, especially with all the bells and whistles, including a silicone-coated stove jack and a small flap designed as an electrical cable outlet. The canvas is durable, and the galvanized steel poles hold up well to harsh weather. We’re also big fans of the sewn-in polyethene floor fabric, which keeps critters from getting inside the tent. You can get the tent in several colors and patterns, including camouflage, but the classic beige color is the cheapest.

That said, such a design has inherent downsides. First and foremost, this six-person tent weighs a whopping 66 pounds and takes up a ton of space in your car, so you’ll want to make sure you can park close to your campsite. Compared to more traditional designs, canvas models also include many more—and heavier—parts, which translates into a longer, more involved setup process. The Regatta is also the most expensive option on this list, and some sizes and colors require preordering (although we've found most sizes and colors to be in stock most of the time). It also doesn’t include any vestibule space, but you can tack on an awning for some extra cash. But considering its roomy interior and weather-ready design, it’s an intriguing option for families, hunting groups, and basecampers spending considerable time in one place.
See the White Duck 13' Regatta Bell Tent

A Luxury 4-Person Tent

10. Snow Peak Alpha Breeze ($550)

Floor area: 77.2 sq. ft.
Peak height: 73 in.
Capacity: 4P
Weight: 22 lb. 0 oz.
What we like: Well built, very tough, and boasts four doors for easy access from all sides.
What we don’t: Heavy and expensive for the capacity, slanted rear eats into usable space, and is involved to set up.

Japan-based Snow Peak is making a big push in the U.S., focusing on minimalist designs that look good and perform well. Their Alpha Breeze tent is a nice reflection of the brand’s innovative approach. In contrast to more traditional models, the Snow Peak has a unique A-frame-inspired shape that does a great job at maximizing livability and headroom at the front and middle of the tent. For reference, at 77.2 square feet, it’s one of the largest four-person tents available (it's possible to squeeze a fifth in there if needed, especially a child), and the 73-inch peak height rivals many of the six-person designs here. Other notable features include an extendable vestibule that converts into an awning and four doors for convenient access from all sides. Finally, build quality is high, including a UV-resistant finish on the rainfly and ultra-thick (300D) floor that eliminates the need for a footprint.

However, while we love the generous dimensions and clear attention to detail, the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze falls short in a few areas. In addition to being heavier, pricier, and smaller than most options here, the tent’s slanted rear wall reduces usable space. Setup is also involved, given the unique pole structure, though many will find this a worthwhile trade-off for the convertible vestibule and all-around solid structure. In the end, the Alpha Breeze isn’t the most convenient or livable option, but the combination of build quality, toughness, and sleek looks stands out. 
See the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze

A Strong Tent for 4-Season Camping

11. Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model 8P ($600)

Floor area: 157.5 sq. ft.
Peak height: 79 in.
Capacities: 4P, 6P, 8P
Weight: 41 lb. 8.0 oz.
What we like: A very strong, weather-worthy design for year-round use.
What we don’t: Heavy and overkill for most campers; not the most space-efficient design.

For camping in rough weather, Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model is a proven winner. With a strong seven-pole hexagonal design, a full-coverage rainfly, thick polyurethane floor and fly coatings, and tough fabrics, the tent can withstand brutal wind, rain, and even snow. Importantly, it’s also comfortable in mild temperatures and rich in features. Mesh vents and windows can be opened to encourage airflow, the front vestibule is generously sized, and you get enough pockets along the interior to keep gear organized. The Wawona has better organization and more mesh for warm weather, but the Alaskan Guide is the better option for hunkering down in a storm.

The downsides include its hexagonal floor design. It doesn’t use space as efficiently as other models, including the tunnel-like Wawona. Further, at this price, we’d prefer to see it offered with aluminum poles rather than fiberglass, and the single door doesn't help. The tent’s burly construction should help limit durability issues, but fiberglass is more prone to breaking under stress than aluminum (Cabela’s also sells replacement poles if you need them). The Alaskan Guide is also very heavy at 41 pounds 8 ounces for the eight-person capacity, but it’s a reasonable trade-off if you need a weather-worthy build for 4-season group camping adventures. For those who don’t need the added space of the eight-person version, there are also four-person and six-person capacities available.
See the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model 8P
 

A Cheap and Roomy Tent

12. Coleman Montana 8P ($240)

Floor area: 112 sq. ft.
Peak height: 74 in.
Capacities: 8P
Weight: 41 lb. 8.0 oz.
What we like: Spacious interior at a great price.
What we don’t: Weather protection and build quality are lacking.

Many budget-oriented tents compromise in interior livability, but that’s not the case with Coleman’s Montana 8P. This model stretches a substantial 16 feet in length, has a tall 74-inch peak height (the side rooms are shorter), and includes near-vertical walls that maximize the usable space. A single side door is placed right in the center, which does limit ease of entry and exit, but the sheer size of this thing makes it a nice match for groups of four to six people. Plus, it has a decent amount of bells and whistles, including storage pockets, an e-port for easy access to electrical power, and hinged doors. But the obvious upside is the price, which has decreased in recent months. 

Who should buy the Montana 8P? Families that get out a couple of times a year in fair weather are the best candidates. The tent is sturdy in the wind thanks to a number of included guylines for anchoring it down, but its minimalist rainfly and cheaper build are vulnerable to letting in rain. In addition, you miss out on a vestibule—the front “porch” provides some coverage but doesn’t hide your gear and isn’t expansive enough to rely on in a storm. In the end, as long as you set reasonable expectations, the Montana 8P provides an enticing mix of roominess and price. 
See the Coleman Montana 8P

Tested & Dismissed Camping Tents

REI's Wonderland 6 replaced the brand's beloved Kingdom a few seasons back, but after testing the new version, we found it fell short of its predecessor and similar tents like The North Face's Wawona. We felt the scalloped rainfly left the Wonderland susceptible to wind and rain, and we preferred the functional storage on the Kingdom. REI also traded out the nifty backpack stuff sack for a more basic design. What's more, the large Mud Room attachment must be purchased separately, which is what ultimately pushed the Wawona ahead for us (the large vestibule is included with the Wawona upon purchase).

We opted to remove the Marmot Limestone 6P because it's too expensive for its middling performance. The mesh-heavy design is great for warm conditions, but makes it susceptible to foul weather (the upright shape struggles in gusts). Plus, it's shorter and smaller than much of the competition.

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 was removed because the Marmot Tungsten 4 is a better camping/backpacking crossover tent—and it can also be purchased in a 3-person model for less than the Mineral King. In our testing, we also found Mineral King's materials to be less durable than Tungsten's, which is concerning for long-term use.

We traded the Springbar Classic Jack 100 out for the White Duck 13' Regatta Bell Tent for a few reasons: To start, a recent price bump makes the Classic Jack much more expensive than the Regatta, and its A-frame shape isn't as accommodating or roomy as the Regatta's bell shape. The Regatta is bigger, but it still weighs the same as the Classic Jack, making it an easy winner.

We also opted to remove Coleman's Sundome 6 tent because it didn't stand out in testing. While it is cheaper than the Skydome, it sacrifices a lot in terms of material quality and weather protection to achieve that. In our opinion, it's worth spending up for the more reliable Skydome (read the in-depth review of the Sundome 6).
 

Camping Tent Comparison Table

About Our Testing Process

The Switchback Travel team is well-versed in camping—after all, it’s an approachable way to spend time outside. Former editor-in-chief John Ellings compiled our initial list of 10 tents in 2016, drawing on years of camping experience throughout the Pacific Northwest (and beyond) with his family. Managing editor Sarah Nelson began contributing to the guide in 2021. A former full-time vanlifer who now spends half the year traveling in a truck camper, Sarah is intimately familiar with creating a home-in-the-woods experience. Editor Maddie Downie took over the guide in 2024. Maddie grew up camping in the Colorado Rockies but has since moved north to much wetter Washington state, bringing firsthand knowledge of what it takes to camp comfortably in a variety of conditions.

Our current lineup of 12 camping tents reflects our collective experiences at campsites throughout the U.S., as well as feedback from contributors and the online camping community. When we put camping tents to the test, our primary consideration is livability, which includes specifications like dimensions and peak height, but also factors in pole structure and the number of doors. We also evaluate storage (both internal and external), wind and water resistance, overall build quality, and ease of setup. Since the market is constantly evolving, we continue to test new and noteworthy designs and make changes to the list above based on our experiences.
 

Camping Tent Buying Advice 

• Camping Tent Types
• Floor Area
• Peak Height and Pole Structure
• Capacity: How Many People Actually Fit in These Tents?
• Number of Doors
• Storage Space: Pockets, Vestibules, and Garages
• Weather Resistance
• Ventilation
• Build Quality and Durability
• Set Up and Take Down
• Ground Dimensions
• Weight and Packed Size
• Footprints
• The Rest of Your Camping Kit
   

Camping Tent Types

Camping tents generally fall into two categories: premium designs that utilize high-end materials and prioritize livability and comfort, and more affordable models that stick to the basics and typically cost less than $300.

Premium Camping Tents
Premium camping tents sit at the top of the heap price-wise but have all the trimmings you’d expect of a home away from home. To start, options in the mid- and high-end category (usually $350 and up for a six-person model) make the most of their livable space: Near-vertical walls, dividers, and spacious vestibules are a few examples. The liberal use of mesh in the tent body ventilates well in warm or muggy weather, and the built-in vents in the rainfly help keep moisture from collecting inside. In addition, most of these tents can withstand the elements far better than budget options. Nearly all premium models have a full-coverage rainfly (or at least the option) and strong, aluminum pole designs. It’s true that some can be expensive, but for the family or group that heads out a number of times a year, even in bad weather, the long-term investment may be worth it. Our favorites in this category include the Nemo Aurora Highrise, The North Face Wawona, and Big Agnes Bunk House.
 

Budget Camping Tents
In theory, camping is a way to simplify life and just disconnect for a while. In that spirit, budget camping tents are basic but fully functional options for fair-weather campers. There isn’t a clear line in price between mid-range and budget tents, but we’ve found that for six-person options, it's around $250-$300. Typical budget tents use heavier fabrics, which make them bulky and add weight to the bottom line, but they’re also durable and resist moisture. Weather protection is their downfall. When a storm blows through the campsite, more often than not, the budget tents are the ones with soaked interiors or are in a heap of broken poles. If camping is new to you or you keep it casual in the summer, a budget tent will serve your needs just fine. Just don’t expect anything heroic if the weather turns sour. Our favorites in this category include the Coleman Skydome, the Montana 8P, and the Kelty Wireless 6.
 

Crossover Camping and Backpacking Tents
Even budget tents can be a significant investment, so for those who plan to both car camp and backpack with the family, it may be worth considering a crossover model. Although much less spacious than a dedicated camping tent, designs like the Marmot Tungsten 4P can fit four 20-inch-wide pads side by side. These tents are small and light enough to manage on an overnight backpacking trip (especially when divvied up among group members) but still have enough space to make most campers happy. That said, keep in mind that these models are built with less durable fabrics to make them easier to pack down, and they’re not the most comfortable for extended use. But if you need something to pull double duty, a crossover option can be a good compromise.
 

Canvas Tents
In some ways, canvas tents are as classic as it gets: These burly designs can last for years, breathe well and regulate temperature in the summer, retain heat in the winter, stand up to the gnarliest storms, and maximize livable space. Plus, many options are compatible with wood stoves for keeping warm in cold weather. If you’re a dedicated camper spending days or weeks out at a time, a canvas tent might be the ideal choice. If you’re a weekend warrior just getting out for a day or two, however, the bulk and additional setup requirements might not be worth the reward. As a general rule, the biggest downsides of canvas tents are their price, weight, and packed size, and the time it takes to set them up. For reference, the White Duck 13' Regatta Bell Tent above is a lower budget offering, but the brand’s premium models can run well over $2,000. Other brands worth looking into in the canvas space include Springbar and Kodiak, just to name a couple.
 

Floor Area

Nearly every tent provides information on floor dimensions, a key indicator of overall livability. In general, tents with similar sleeping capacities will have similar total floor areas (80 to 90 square feet for a six-person model). For example, the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P has 83.3 square feet, and the REI Base Camp 6 has 84 square feet, but the dome-style shape makes it harder to move around inside. In other words, floor area is an important spec to consider, but it doesn’t tell the whole story and should be looked at in conjunction with peak height and pole structure (outlined below) to determine overall spaciousness.
 

Peak Height and Pole Structure

In addition to floor area, peak height, and pole structure, make a big impact on overall livability. Peak height in particular is an indication of whether or not you’ll be able to stand upright, and most car camping-style tents have a peak height of around 72 inches. However, this number is just part of the equation; it’s also important to consider the wall slope and the pole design. Dome tents with simple X-shaped pole structures only allow you to enjoy the peak height at the center of the tent. On the other hand, a tent with a more advanced pole system can create nearly vertical walls for walking around. This is one of the main reasons we love the Big Agnes Bunk House and Gazelle T4 Hub: Both ends of the tents have vertical walls, and the pole designs truly open up the interior. The cabin-style The North Face Wawona is another standout in maximizing interior space, even in the smallest 4-person capacity. 
 

Capacity: How Many People Actually Fit in These Tents?

Most of the tents above are given a “_ person” capacity, typically ranging from four to eight people (the exception is the canvas White Duck Regatta, which comes in versions with different peak heights). This listing is based on the number of standard adult sleeping pads that can be laid (usually side-by-side) inside the tent. For example, the four-person Marmot Tungsten is 82 inches wide, so four standard pads (20 in. wide) will fit. But this doesn’t mean you necessarily want to max out your tent.

If you use wide, 25-inch+ sleeping pads or air mattresses, or just want a little space to move around, we highly recommend sizing up. From our experiences, nobody wants to sleep in a tent that is jammed to capacity, so it’s best to order a slightly larger size than the actual number of people you have in your party. For example, a group of four should sleep comfortably in a six-person tent, leaving enough living space for playing cards, waiting out a storm, and spreading out while sleeping. And many couples, as well as those with pets, prefer a four-person model, which gives you plenty of room to stretch out.
 

Number of Doors

For a large-capacity camping tent, we unabashedly prefer two doors. The additional access is convenient if you have a full house, and zipping it open is another way to encourage airflow in summer heat. A single-door build is one of the notable downsides of budget models like the Coleman Skydome, and even some higher-end options, like the Cabela’s Alaskan Guide, have only a single entryway. Put simply, stumbling and crawling over your tent mates in the middle of the night isn’t the best way to keep everyone happy. The very large openings on these tents do alleviate some of the annoyance, but it’s still a compromise worth considering when looking at an inexpensive tent. And for unparalleled access, high-end options like Snow Peak’s Alpha Breeze boast four doors for easy entry and exit on all sides.
 

Storage Space: Pockets, Vestibules, and Garages

Storage is a crucial consideration for many campers, starting with interior pockets. As expected, premium options like the Nemo Aurora High Rise and Snow Peak Alpha Breeze include ample space for stowing items like headlamps, maps, books, and other items inside your tent, while budget offerings generally are more barebones. As far as exterior storage goes, a full-coverage rainfly that protects the tent door(s) creates a space in front of those doors, called a vestibule. We’ve found a wide range of uses for a vestibule, but a few highlights include a spot to store gear out of the rain and to put on/take off shoes. If you don’t have a car close by to store your stuff, a vestibule should be on your must-have list. And note that vestibules most often come with mid-range and premium camping tents (budget tents with partial rainflies go without).
 

On extended camping trips or in large groups, we like a tent with a “mud room,” or a large vestibule that extends out from the tent and offers enough space for a card table or bike storage. The North Face’s Wawona 6 and Big Agnes’s Bunkhouse both boast large vestibule areas that work well for this purpose. REI's Wonderland X (which is currently unavailable) has an outer rainfly that can be pitched on its own for use as a shade structure or camp kitchen (with plenty of room in the vestibule for setting up chairs and a small table), while the inner tent functions as a dual sleeping/hangout space for up to four adults.
 

Weather Resistance

As we touched on earlier, a weather-worthy tent is one of the main reasons to upgrade to a premium camping model. In most cases, the pole materials (aluminum is better than fiberglass) and designs are more robust, seam-sealing and waterproof fabrics are of higher quality, and the inclusion of full-coverage rainflies helps keep out blowing rain. It's good to keep in mind that the weather can still get plenty rowdy in the summer, particularly in the mountains (and some national parks).
 

Two of the strongest tents on the list are the REI Co-op Base Camp and the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model, which use advanced pole designs inspired by mountaineering tents. The Cabela's can even be used for snow camping in less extreme conditions (for designs meant to withstand serious winter weather, check out our article on the best 4-season tents). White Duck’s Regatta is another standout with a weather-ready canvas build and sturdy pole structure. For most 3-season trips, any premium tent should do the trick, as long as it’s been properly staked out (and if the wind picks up, take the time to align the tent and guylines to brace against the wind).
 

Ventilation

Many campers head out in the warm summer months, which means a tent’s ventilation design is a key consideration. And in general, performance is closely tied to price tag. Many premium models utilize a double-wall construction (the outer rainfly is separate from the inner tent body) and lots of mesh, which helps keep things reasonably cool and limit moisture build-up. In addition, deployable vents are often incorporated into the rainfly to encourage more airflow, and some tents have adaptable rainflies that can be rolled up partially in mild conditions.
 

On the cheap end of the spectrum, you get less mesh and fewer options for getting air flowing without opening doors or windows (thereby compromising weather protection). In addition, some entry-level designs, like Coleman’s Sundome, use single-wall panels (which means there’s just one layer of fabric to protect you from the elements), which can lead to a muggy interior on warm days and more condensation at night. In the end, many campers are willing to compromise on ventilation given the large price gap between designs.
 

Build Quality and Durability

Simply put, the differences in build quality are noticeable between budget and premium camping tents. Spending more gets you higher-quality materials that are stronger relative to their weight and, in theory, should have a longer lifespan. If you only make it out once or twice a year (and mostly in good weather), you can get away with a budget model like the Coleman Montana or Kelty Wireless. That said, if you camp a lot, are looking for a long-term investment for multiple seasons, or simply prefer quality gear, we recommend splurging for a higher-end camping tent. Upgraded features like a full-coverage rainfly, large vestibules, and lots of interior pockets for gear storage, along with strong aluminum poles, increase a tent’s functionality and weather resistance.
 

Another factor to consider in gauging a tent’s lifespan is durability, and big factors include the thickness of the canopy, floor, and rainfly fabrics. Floor thickness is particularly important, as it will have direct contact with rocks, roots, and other potentially sharp objects at camp. In comparing the models, the difference can be significant: The crossover Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3, for instance, shaves weight by using lighter materials throughout, including a 68D floor. This isn’t thin by ultralight standards (targeted backpacking designs go down to around 10 or 15D), but dedicated camping designs like REI's Wonderland (150D) use much more robust fabrics, which boost weight considerably but will stand up much better to long-term use. Many camping tents fall somewhere in the middle and are decently hardwearing, but if you’re typically tough on your gear, make sure to factor this into your buying decision.
 

Canvas tents like the Springbar Classic Jack are in a league of their own when it comes to durability. While the typical tent may last several seasons of rough use, a canvas tent can last decades. Their thick fabrics and bulky poles are designed to weather even the worst of storms. In this sense, their higher price tag may make sense for folks who spend a lot of time camping each year. They do require extra care, though: Canvas tents can develop mold and mildew if improperly dried. If you go this route, be extra careful to thoroughly dry your tent before storage.
 

Set Up and Take Down

Given their large dimensions and multiple parts (tent body, rainfly, poles, and stakes), it shouldn’t come as a surprise that camping tents can be a bear to set up. It’s always best to do a test run at home to figure out the process; this also gives you a chance to verify you have all the necessary pieces. In general, we recommend setting up a car camping tent with a partner (some smaller four-person models can be set up fairly easily by a single person), and you can expect it to take 10 minutes or more to deploy (tear-down is often a bit faster) fully. One exception to this rule is “instant” tents like the Gazelle T4 Hub, which streamline setup by permanently connecting the poles to the tent body. This design does add some weight and bulk, but some campers will find the trade-off in convenience worth it.
 

Ground Dimensions

When choosing between tent models, it’s a good idea to take the total footprint or ground size of the tent into account—some of the six and eight-person models are absolutely massive. Factoring in some of the large vestibules or “garages” that can be tacked on to the end of a tent, there’s a strong likelihood that it will extend beyond the size of the raised pads at some national parks or campgrounds. If you come from a backpacking background, keep in mind that many car camping tents require a much larger swath of space.
 

It’s not uncommon for a raised camping pad to be 10 or 11 feet long, which is a tight squeeze for a tent like the REI Wonderland 6 (10 ft, not including the vestibule). Typically, however, most locations have large pads available, so we wouldn’t recommend downsizing your tent out of fear of not finding a suitable space. But it’s not a bad idea to check out the dimensions of the campsites you plan on visiting and upgrade to a bigger space if possible. And if you have any doubts or want to use your tent in smaller spots, we recommend a crossover or backpacking model with a smaller footprint.

Weight and Packed Size

A quick look at the comparison table above shows a wide range in the total weight of our recommended camping tents. On the “lightweight” end are crossover car camping and backpacking designs, including the Marmot Tungsten 4P (9 lb. 3.8 oz.), which we’ve found to be an acceptable amount of weight for casual weekend or overnight backpacking trips (especially when divided up between a couple of people). On the other hand, many large six- or eight-person camping models easily break 20 pounds. For car camping, the extra weight doesn’t mean a whole lot (one exception is the 66-lb. White Duck Regatta), but if you’re unable to drive all the way up to your campsite, it’s worth considering the total weight.
 

The packed size of a tent typically will align with its weight. Crossover backpacking and camping tents pack down the smallest (the aforementioned Tungsten measures 8.3 x 24.8 in. when packed), while a tent like the Gazelle T4 Hub (8 x 67.5 in.) will fill up an extra-large duffel bag and take up a good portion of a car trunk. Again, if you have the space to store it and the means to haul it around, this isn’t a big downside. But if either is at a premium, we recommend a more compact crossover design.
 

Footprints

While not required, it's often a good idea to use a footprint or ground cloth when camping. The extra layer makes it easier to clean up if you're camping on dirt or mud and protects the tent’s floor from damage (thus extending the tent’s overall lifespan). But do you need to spend the big bucks and get the one specifically made for the tent? Oftentimes, those are upwards of $60, which feels like a lot for a single sheet of fabric and some webbing. The advantage of using the footprint specifically designed for the tent is that it’s pre-cut to the proper dimensions, and the grommets attach directly to the tent poles. It’s an integrated system that you don’t need to worry about. 

Alternatively, a decent tarp can suffice for ground protection as long as there’s still space to store it in your vehicle. They are typically quite large, and if you don’t want to cut them up, you’ll need to layer or stuff the excess material under the tent floor, creating some uncomfortable lumps. Another popular choice for making a generic ground cloth is picking up bulk Tyvek. This relatively thin, packable material is inexpensive and provides sufficient protection. No matter your choice, if you decide to trim the ground cloth, make sure to measure by a few inches in all dimensions to ensure there's no fabric hanging out the sides of the tent floor. This protruding material can collect and pool rainwater, compromising your waterproof shelter.
 

What About Rooftop Tents?

We didn’t include any rooftop tents on our list above because of their varied designs, but they’re nevertheless an up-and-coming category in the car camping world and worth a mention here. The concept is simple: A folded tent attaches directly to the roof rack system on top of your vehicle or pickup bed, and when you arrive at your destination, you unfold it, climb the ladder, and go to sleep. Compared to standard camping tents, rooftop designs get you off uneven ground, make it easier to set up camp just about anywhere, and often include a cushy built-in mattress. That said, these models are very expensive (often $1,000 or much more, not including a rack system), extremely heavy, and storage can be an issue. The Roofnest Condor 2 XL, for example, weighs 180 pounds and has a footprint comparable to a king-size mattress. But for those who prioritize convenience and don’t mind the added cost, rooftop tents have significant appeal. For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of the best rooftop tents.
 

The Rest of Your Camping Kit

Since you’re setting up a home away from home, camping can be heavy on gear. Tents are typically your biggest purchase—both in price and size—followed by items like camping pads, mattresses, and sleeping bags. Depending on where you’ll be camping and for how long, other essentials include a gas-burning stove, cooler, and camping chairs. The beauty in all of this is that the same principles that apply to camping tents transfer to the rest of your gear. You can go cheap and still have a great time, but you’ll rarely regret spending extra for added comfort, performance, and longevity.
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