A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on May 30, 2024
The best tents for camping offer weather resistance, easy setup and plenty of sleeping space. Here are our top picks for every type of camper.
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Tents are your home away from home when camping. Before you head out into the great outdoors, find something that’s going to keep you cool and protected from the elements, while still providing plenty of space for campmates. Shopping for a nature lover? What better gift for a camper than a tent for their overnight adventures?
Our picks for the best tents for camping have all that and more. Our main priority was finding tents with weather resistance and an easy setup. We have options for all types of campers—from the ones looking for a ground base while rock climbing or biking to the outdoorsy family who needs more space. All you need to do is remember the blankets and marshmallows.
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Large enough to house families yet lightweight enough to be carried by a backpacker, the MSR Habitude 6 Family & Group Camping Tent is one of the best tents for camping and one of the most versatile options as well. The sides and floor have a waterproof polyurethane coating and the super-sturdy pole geometry protects against strong gusts of wind. Your gear will stay dry in the many storage pockets and hang loops.
One person can tackle setup in a short time thanks to the color-coded poles and easy-to-follow instructions. As an added bonus, there’s a battery-powered integrated porch light to find your tent at night. Now you’ll just need to visit the most scenic campsites in every state.
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The Coleman Sundome Camping Tent comes in multiple sizes (from two to six people), and according to the 34,000 five-star Amazon ratings, it’s perfect for any campsite. You get a weather-resistant tent that withstands heavy rain and winds up to 35 miles per hour, an e-port to charge your electronics, storage pockets and ground vents that push out hot air and enhance circulation.
While the center height tops out at four feet, there’s more than enough space for people to spread out in their sleeping bags. Lastly, even fit an animal crate if you want to camp with dogs. It’s no wonder why this is the best tent on Amazon.
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The appropriately named North Face Stormbreak 2 has a waterproof finish that you can find on most of the best waterproof tents for camping. The fly and floor stop add extra protection for those rough storms, and the steep wall design keeps the elements from entering your tent.
Speaking of entering the tent, this one comes with two doors to allow people to move in and out of the tent without disrupting their campmates. It’s also good for keeping pests and bug bites at bay. At around five pounds, it’s light enough for backpackers who need a weather-resistant tent for extended stays.
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The Greycliff 2 Tent comes with double doors and vestibules, so couples have enough room to move around without disturbing each other. There’s also enough floor space for camping games and spreading out at night. Gaze at the stars and nighttime sky through the mesh roof, or attach the weatherproof bomber if the weather isn’t so romantic.
Customer reviewers said this was one of the best camping tents for two thanks to its easy setup, lightweight and durable construction. One user even said it held up against a foot of overnight snowfall. Camping in muggy weather? Check out our picks for bug-repellent clothing.
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The North Face Wawona 6-Person Tent has a 76-inch center height and a 120-by-96-inch floor space, making it a clear winner for the best tent for family camping. The largest vestibule also protects mountain bikes, gorilla carts or other equipment you don’t want exposed to the elements while still leaving enough room for you. Reviewers say the vents keep everyone cool, even when it was at maximum capacity.
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Heavier tent at 20 pounds
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The four-season Mountain Hardwear Outpost 2 is double-walled to keep you warm on winter camping trips and boasts fully-sealed seams on the fly and floor to provide extra protection from rain and snow. The large vestibule keeps camping gear dry, and the mesh panels and doors provide ventilation when the weather heats up again.
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Tents get wet inside when it rains if they’re not treated with a waterproof coating or not fully seamed. Purchase a footprint (a special tarp) to keep you and your gear off the ground and away from leaks.
It’s up to you, but rocks, sticks and other natural dangers can puncture the bottom of your tent. A tarp adds an extra layer of protection and prevents moisture from seeping in.
As we stated above, a footprint helps keep your tent dry at night by forming a barrier between you and the ground. You can also purchase a fly to put over your tent or look for a tent that’s treated with a waterproof coating.
