10 Best Camping Tents in 2022 (Backpacker-Reviewed)
When nicer weather is here, nothing beats camping out with family or friends. Families and backpackers need no reason to set out on a trip with minimal gear to seek adventure, one of which needs to be a tent. But if you're in the market for a new tent or haven't bought one before, you might be lost as to where to begin.
That's why we've curated a list of the 10 best camping tents for a range of uses and climates. Coleman's Elite Montana 8-Person Tent is our number one pick for its size, height, and ventilation offering the best camping experience. Keep reading to see the rest of our picks! And if you'd rather do some digging on your own, our buying guide at the end is full of helpful tips and information to help you in your search.
Quick List - Top Camping Tents
Alec is a backpacker, photographer, and writer who loves telling stories about the outdoors. You can usually find him outside taking photos, finding new destinations, and having a blast with friends. He's also a cancer survivor who hopes to end the stigma that cancer is the end of the journey and simply a speed bump in an otherwise great life.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose Camping Tents
- Look For a Size for the Number of Occupants1
- Select a Shape With Enough Space for Your Needs2
- Consider Your Camping Weather and Season3
- Dome-, A-Shaped, and Pop-up Tents Are Easier to Set Up4
- Assess the Tent's Materials for Durability and Weatherproofing5
- Decide If You Need Extra Design Features or Accessories6
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is camping safe?
- Tips for the Best Camping Experience
- More Camping Gear for You to Love
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Backpacker and Photographer Alec Sills-Trausch
How to Choose Camping Tents
As you look for a tent for your next trip, you should think about how many people you plan to bring, the shapes available, and the weather you may face.
Look For a Size for the Number of Occupants
The first thing to consider is how many people will need to fit in the tent. Most tents indicate whether they're made for one, two, three, or more people, which is a good starting point. However, if you're taller than average, tend to toss and turn at night, or need extra room for kids or dogs, it's helpful to look at the listed dimensions.
Products will list the length and width of the tent, which will indicate how much sleeping space you'll have. Generally, a space that's 25 inches wide by 80 inches long will be an adequate sleeping space for one person. Don't forget to leave extra room around the perimeter; you don't want to sleep right up against the walls of the tent.
In addition to the length and width, products will also list the peak height, which is the measurement at the tallest point of the tent. This will give you an idea of how much headroom the tent has. Some tents allow enough room to stand, while others are made mostly for sleeping so you'll need to get around on your hands and knees.
The first step in the tent buying process is figuring out how many people will be sleeping in your tent. If it's just you, a single or two-person tent is great. This allows you to have your bag in the tent with you.
For two people, a two-person or two-person tent is perfect. If you're looking at a family, going with a four- to five-person tent is best as it will provide space for everyone without feeling too cramped.
Select a Shape With Enough Space for Your Needs
Different tent shapes can affect a tent's durability, comfort, and occupancy. Here's what you should know about each type.
Dome-Shaped Tents for Small Groups or Snow
Dome-shaped tents have flexible poles that intersect at the top, then bend down and are anchored on the floor to create a rounded shape. Some include an additional pole at the entrance to create a porch area.
The high ceiling and curved walls give ample headroom inside, making these a good option for families or groups. The dome shape also deflects rain and snow, helping to prevent sagging.
These have high durability and proves enough space for large parties and groups. A tent like this won't be used for backpacking or car camping but is usually set up year-round for people to stay in during a short visit.
A-Shaped Tents for 1 or 2 People
Traditional tents come in the shape of an A and are also called ridge tents. Their pointed top makes them a good choice in rainy weather. However, the steep sides and lack of headroom mean there's limited living space inside, so these types of tents are best for just one or two people.
These tents work great for the beach since water could splash on it. This means you don't have to worry about water getting caught on top of your tent if it starts to rain, or you get water on your tent.
What you need to focus on is the shoulder width for each person sleeping in the tent as well as how tall they are both horizontally and sitting up. If two people have broad shoulders, some two-person tents may be too small or a bit uncomfortable when sleeping. If so, this may be a time to level up to a three-person tent.
Cabin Tents for Group Camping
Cabin tents are the favorite choice for family backpack trips and for camping in groups. They use poles to create a large tent with plenty of standing room that can be split into separate rooms using internal dividers. They often have plenty of windows that offer views and ventilation.
Group camping usually involves eight or more people, and getting a tent large enough can be tricky. But when you find the right one, it'll be an amazing time. All you really need to focus on is having not only enough tent space but also enough land area to pitch them.
Geodesic Tents for Extreme Weather Conditions
Geodesic tents are another popular shape. They're essentially a dome-shaped tent with more poles, so they're more structurally stable and can handle more stress. Due to this, they're great choices for wilderness and winter camping.
Because larger tents tend to be less stable, geodesic tents are usually on the smaller side, although you can find sizes suitable for up to four people.
I'd liken this kind of tent to what hunters may use to have a home base when out hunting. It's sturdy and provides warmth, which is exactly what someone would be looking for after a long day out in the cold elements hunting game.
Consider Your Camping Weather and Season
The capability of a tent to withstand challenging weather conditions depends on the quality of the tent fabric, the poles, and other items that add to the tent frame, so let's look into these points.
Single-Walled for Dry Daytime, Double-Walled for Wet and Humidity
Single-walled tents have a single layer that acts as the tent body and the rainfly. They're light and easy to set up. However, they're not always breathable, so condensation can develop on the inside. To avoid this, look for a tent with good ventilation. Single-walled tents are ideal for daytime excursions in dry, cold environments.
Double-walled tents have two walls and are more protective. They often come with a waterproof rainfly outside the breathable tent body. They are heavy and usually take more time to set up, but offer better protection and ventilation than the single-walled types. Double-walled tents are ideal for wet or humid climates.
Single-walled tents are best for dry climates where moisture or humidity aren't a factor. Double-walled tents - which most tents are - give you the versatility to have the rainfly on or off depending on the night's temperature.
Three-Season Tents for Mild Climates
Designed for moderate weather conditions during the months of spring, summer, and fall, three-season tents are lightweight and are easy to transport.
Most come with a mesh panel called "no-see-um mesh" to encourage airflow inside the tent and to keep insects and flies at bay. If used with a rainfly, they can withstand rain, but not harsh storms or violent wind conditions. Although not ideal for winter, they can also withstand light snowfall.
Most three-season tents are designed to keep the bugs away and ensure you stay dry. They aren't overly strong or heavy, meaning you can find plenty of ultralight versions that keep your backpack light on trips. I should note that three-season tents can be used in the winter, but it's not advised to do anything too extreme.
Four-Season Tents for Mountaineers and Snow Hikers
Despite their name, four-season tents are generally used only in the winter. They're made from heavier fabric and are designed to keep you safe and protected from harsh weather, including snow, ice, and wind. They often have additional poles, a more robust frame, and a dome shape to prevent snow from collecting on top.
Four-season tents minimize the use of mesh but may have vents you can open and close for ventilation. In addition, they often have a longer rainfly to block the elements, as well as additional flaps on the exterior.
These are the top-tier tents in the camping world. Four-season tents are structurally stronger - to withstand wind and snow - and usually have fabrics that are designed to protect you from the elements. With more support comes heavier weights, though companies are finding innovative ways to drop weight.
Dome-, A-Shaped, and Pop-up Tents Are Easier to Set Up
Because tent types are constructed differently, some are easier to set up than others. Dome- and A-shaped tents are the easiest since they're generally less complicated and have fewer pieces. You also have pop-up tents designed to pop into shape once you remove them from the bag.
These tents require the least amount of time to set up, but they also have some disadvantages. For example, dome and A-shaped tents may not have as many poles for support so they could collapse or have problems with the wind. Pop-up tents can be a pain to store back into the bag since you need to fold them correctly.
These easy-to-setup tents work great for people focused on setting up their tents as quickly as possible. They also work great for people who go camping occasionally.
Tents like these are not ones you'll want to do long-term camping in or try in inclement weather. A pop-up tent is perfect for an afternoon at the beach but not a family camping trip.
Assess the Tent's Materials for Durability and Weatherproofing
Most modern tents come in synthetic nylon measured in denier. The lower the denier, the lighter the tent will be. Some tents have higher denier fabrics on the tent floor to reduce the chances of leakage in the event of rain.
In addition to the tent itself, most come with a separate or built-in rainfly. A full-coverage rainfly protects the entire tent, whereas a roof-only rainfly offers limited protection from the rain. The former types offer optimum protection from rain and wind. The latter types, however, allow more light inside the tent.
Also, consider ventilation. Go for tents with mesh panels to encourage air circulation inside the tent and to get protection from mosquitoes and other insects.
Decide If You Need Extra Design Features or Accessories
Aside from the size, shape, and material of the tent itself, many of them come with design features to make your camping life easier.
Vestibules, Pockets, and Organizers to Keep Your Things Off the Floor
To store away your muddy boots or to keep your essentials and personal items out of the rain, look for vestibules. Most modern tents come with them. Some come with add-on vestibules to add extra storage space. Higher-end tents may come with multiple pockets to store away items like your car keys, flashlight, or personal items.
If your tent doesn't have enough storage space, consider adding a gear loft that can hold lightweight items. Just hang it on a wall loop or the lantern loop on the ceiling of the tent.
Having a vestibule is nice when it's raining as it gives you a little extra room to spread out without getting things wet. The best example would be your shoes. Instead of taking up room in the tent, leaving them outside in a place where they will stay dry keeps the tent clean and provides added room to move around. Remember, cooking is not advised in a vestibule as it could be a fire risk.
Accessories and Other Impressive Features at Extra Cost
A footprint is an essential accessory to go for, especially when you're camping with a lightweight tent. These ground cloths are customized to fit the size of your tent and go underneath the floor to protect from abrasion and leaks. They're made of high-quality waterproof material.
For lighting, you can hang a battery-operated lantern on the lantern loop usually found at the center of the tent ceiling. Advanced models come with built-in lights on the roof poles. For those that don't, you can attach lights of your own in the ceiling hooks.
10 Best Camping Tents Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Coleman Elite Montana 8-Person Tent | | Best for Families and Large Groups | |
2 | Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds | | Best Camping Tent for Sunny Areas | |
3 | Geertop 4-Season Backpacking Tent | | Best Four-Season Tent for 2 People | |
4 | Zomake Pop Up 4-Person Tent | | Best Summer Tent With a Quick and Easy Setup | |
5 | Campros Ultralight 3-Season Backpacking Tent | | Best for Rough Weather Conditions | |
6 | ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent | | Best for Solo Campers | |
7 | Oaktree Red Canyon Car Camping Tent | | Currently unavailable | Best Waterproof Tent for Rainy Areas |
8 | Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent | | Best Option for a Lot of Headspace | |
9 | Coleman Sundome Tent | | Best for Warm and Dry Climates | |
10 | Cabela's Backroadz Truck Tent | | Best for a Long-Lasting Tent |
ColemanElite Montana 8-Person Tent
Best for Families and Large Groups
Pros:
- Can fit up to eight people
- Includes LED lights with multiple settings
- Over six feet in height
- Has a cover over the entrance
- Can fit three queen-sized mattresses on the floor
- Includes windows for increased ventilation
Cons:
- Takes a while to set up
- Is over 25 pounds in weight
Our top pick by Coleman offers a ton of space both on the floor and vertically - it has over six feet of height! It also includes lights on the inside, so you don't need to make room for extra lanterns or other light-producing items. If you plan to camp in a large group or you just prefer a lot of space, this is the tent for you.
A couple of reviewers said the poles broke after they tried to set up the tent. On the other hand, the majority of reviewers were impressed with the space offered by the tent. They also appreciated how the tent included LED lights with multiple settings.
ColemanCabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds
Best Camping Tent for Sunny Areas
Pros:
- Offers three sizes for up to 10 people
- Designed to be set up in under a minute
- Good for spring, summer, and fall
- Fits a queen-sized mattress on the floor
- Offers about five feet of standing space at the center
- Blocks 90 percent of sunlight
Cons:
- The tent is on the heavier side
- Doesn't provide the best water resistance
This tent is designed to be used in all seasons excluding winter. Since it can block out the wind and the sunlight, this tent works great for people who don't want the sun to wake them up in the morning.
A couple of reviewers had issues with water seeping into the tent during a rainstorm. Nevertheless, tons of reviewers loved how they could easily set up the tent in under a minute. They also noticed it held up great against wind going as fast as 20 miles per hour.
Best Four-Season Tent for 2 People
Pros:
- Designed to work well in the snow with two layers
- Lightweight design makes it easier to carry
- Offers good ventilation and has UV protection
- Has two doors
Cons:
- Not a tall option
- Can only fit one or two people
This tent is designed to be used during the four seasons with a good emphasis on protecting users from the winter cold. It also has a lightweight design, so users can keep it in their backpacks while they travel or hike.
A couple of reviewers said the tent lacked proper waterproofing, so water would leak in when it rained. On the bright side, a fair number of reviewers were impressed with how the tent kept them warm in the snow. They also found the tent easy to assemble.
Best Summer Tent With a Quick and Easy Setup
Pros:
- Offers UPF 50+ to protect from UV rays
- Lightweight design of just five pounds
- Less than one minute to set up
- Folds into a 32-inch disc for easy storage
- Includes two doors and two windows
Cons:
- No poles to support it, so not the best for wind
This Zomake tent is easy to store and set up, making it an excellent choice for campers that don't want to set up tents. It also has UV ray protection, so you don't have to worry about staying in the sunlight. It would be great at the beach!
Some reviewers had issues with the tent breaking after they used it a few times. However, loads of reviewers were impressed with how it was easy for them to put the tent up. They also noticed the tent did a great job of staying cooled off even when it was in the heat.
CamprosUltralight 3-Season Backpacking Tent
Best for Rough Weather Conditions
Pros:
- Windproof design
- Waterproof design
- Holds eight people in it
- Includes a divider in the middle
- Designed for four seasons
- Good vertical height and floor space
Cons:
- Takes a bit of time to set up
- Lacks storage pockets
This tent provides plenty of space along with a windproof and waterproof design. It also has horizontal and vertical space, so it can fit a family in it.
A couple of reviewers noticed issues with the tent tearing a bit after they used it a few times. Despite that point, various reviewers appreciated how the tent had plenty of space and a separator in the middle. They also appreciated its waterproof and windproof design.
Best for Solo Campers
Pros:
- Designed to resist the rain and UV rays
- Lightweight tent of just over four pounds
- Has multiple pockets for storage
- Only requires two poles to set up
- Mesh walls for increased ventilation
Cons:
- Only three feet in height
This tent focuses on providing enough space for one person to sleep in it, making it great for solo campers. It also provides plenty of storage pockets, so you don't have to leave your belongings on the floor.
Some reviewers said the tent was a bit smaller than they would like for a solo tent. Despite that point, a plethora of reviewers appreciated the lightweight design since it was easy for them to transport. They also noticed it kept them dry in the rain.
OaktreeRed Canyon Car Camping Tent
Best Waterproof Tent for Rainy Areas
Pros:
- Lightweight design for easy transportation
- Includes mesh ventilation
- Waterproof floor
- UV-proof walls
- Only a few poles for easy setup
Cons:
- Under five feet in height
- Doesn't include storage space aside from the floor
This tent uses a single layer, but it does have UV-proof walls to protect you from the sun. You have a waterproof floor, so the rain won't end up soaking your floor in water. The dome shape means the rain won't get stuck on the top of it.
Even if it doesn't rain, the mesh ventilation will prevent the inside of the tent from getting too warm. It even comes in camouflage color, so you can make your tent blend in with the environment if you want to.
Best Option for a Lot of Headspace
Pros:
- Includes an entryway before the tent
- Over six feet in height
- Holds up to eight people
- Plenty of floor space available
- Includes mesh roof vents
Cons:
- Weighs more than most tents
This one has the tallest height out of the options on this list, making it great for taller people. It also has its own entryway, so people can leave their shoes there before entering the tent.
A few reviewers didn't like how it was water-resistant and not waterproof, so rain would leak into it. On the other hand, a handful of reviewers noticed the tent was made of durable material. They also liked how two people could easily pitch the tent by working together.
Best for Warm and Dry Climates
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes to fit more people
- Designed to withstand wind
- Has vents to keep the inside cooled off
- Includes an e-port for easy electrical connection
- Enough floor space to fit a queen-sized mattress
Cons:
- Doesn't have great water resistance
- Only 48 inches tall at the middle
This tent includes vents in it, so it can easily cool off the inside during the warmer months. It also comes in various sizes, people can choose the best size for themselves or their situation. It also has an e-port to make it easier to connect electronics.
A few reviewers said the tent didn't have great water resistance, so water would leak into it. However, more than a few reviewers were impressed with the space it provided for people and belongings. They also said it was easy and fast to set up.
Best for a Long-Lasting Tent
Pros:
- Works for all the seasons
- Includes waterproof coating on the floor
- Plenty of storage space
- Comes with over 20 stakes
- UV-resistant tent to reduce heat
Cons:
- Under five feet in height
- Over 20 pounds in weight
- Requires more than 10 minutes to setup
This tent comes with a fair amount of storage space since it has vestibules, cup holders, pockets, and a gear loft. It includes UV resistance, waterproofing, and a sturdy design to fight against the elements.
A few reviewers had problems with the poles breaking in places and tearing the fabric. On the bright side, many reviewers pointed out the tent held up for decades due to its sturdy material. They also appreciated how the tent kept them dry during rainy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alec has also given us the answer to a commonly asked question on the Internet about camping! Read on if you're curious.
Is camping safe?
"Most definitely!" Alec says. "There are hazards with everything, but camping is an amazing and fun experience that offers so many positives to you and your family and friends. Make sure to store food appropriately and camp in safe places, and you'll be fine!"
Tips for the Best Camping Experience
Whether you're a camping newbie or an experienced backpacker, it never hurts to expand your camping know-how. In this video, Useful Knowledge shares some tips to help you have the best experience, including what to take with you, how to set up a campsite, build a fire, and cook a tasty camp dinner.
More Camping Gear for You to Love
Why not have a read about some other items that can make camping more convenient and comfortable? Check out our recommendations for gear that camping trips can benefit from.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Backpacker and Photographer Alec Sills-Trausch
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Camping Tents
No. 1: Coleman｜Elite Montana 8-Person Tent
No. 2: Coleman｜Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds
No. 3: Geertop｜4-Season Backpacking Tent
No. 4: Zomake｜Pop Up 4-Person Tent
No. 5: Campros｜Ultralight 3-Season Backpacking Tent
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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