The best camping tents represent the epitome of outdoor luxury. Durable, spacious and rich with features, these impressive shelters keep the elements and unwanted critters at bay while providing enough room to set up sleeping bags, or even camping chairs and a table. From ultralight backpacking tents to unencumbered glamping tents with room for the whole family, options abound. To narrow down your choices, our team of outdoor enthusiasts used their camping experience—including camping in the quiet backcountry and even our own backyards—to find the best camping tents available now. Our overall favorite is the The North Face Wawona 4 because it’s incredibly versatile, fits four people and can withstand cold and warm climates alike.
Our best camping tent overall is The North Face Wawona 4.
But if that’s not your speed, we have nine other tents to choose from. We enlisted the help of two camping experts: CMO for Northgate Resorts and head of marketplace marketing at Campspot, Tessa McCrackin, and Eric Bergdoll, WMA wilderness first responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator and head of Island Mountain Guides in Hawaii. They advised us on the most important factors to keep in mind when searching for a camping tent, based on their combined years of experience packing, pitching and spending time in camping tents. Read on to see our top camping tent picks.
- Best Camping Tent Overall: The North Face Wawona 4
- Best Budget Camping Tent: Coleman Sundome
- Best Camping Tent For Beginners: Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Tent
- Best Camping Tent For Families: MSR Habitude 6
- Best Four-Person Camping Tent: Marmot Limestone 4P
- Best Two-Person Camping Tent: Kelty Grand Mesa
- Best One-Person Camping Tent: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1
- Most Versatile Camping Tent: Sea to Summit Telos TR2
- Best Backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
- Best Glamping Tent: White Duck Outdoors Regatta 360
The North Face
The North Face Wawona 4
Capacity: 4 people | Weight: 13 pounds | Floor area: 58.13 square feet | Peak height: 68 inches
The North Face Wawona 4 checks nearly every box for a basic, reliable camping tent. In most regions and conditions, it can serve as a three-season tent that fits up to four people with two doors for easy entry and exit. It’s crafted with a sturdy double-wall construction and a dome shape, which maximizes space to sit and move around comfortably. Ventilation is good thanks to the tent’s mesh door. And the vestibule is large enough to store all your gear or use as an extra covered seating area. We like the Wawona 4 because of its Goldilocks size that’s perfect for most families, but if you need a little more room, upgrade to the Wawona 6.
Weighing in at 13 pounds, this tent is also light enough for most people to lug from the car to the campsite. It comes with color-coded poles and trims that The North Face says makes for a simple and painless setup. Bear in mind, though, that if you plan to backpack while carrying your tent, you may want to consider more lightweight options on this list.
What the reviews say: “I love this tent so much! Used it for a 3-day weekend so far and am looking forward to many more. We had one day of hard rain and everything stayed nice and dry. I love the vestibule as it provides a perfect place to store things like shoes and keeps the tent clean. The fly zips open by the tent screens providing great ventilation.”
Pros:
- Large vestibule
- Color-coded poles for easy setup
- Reviews say it performs well in wind and rain
Cons:
- Footprint sold separately
Amazon
Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent
Capacity: 4 people | Weight: 4 pounds | Floor area: 63 square feet | Peak height: 59 inches
The Coleman Sundome is a pretty classic tent: It will keep you dry, being suitable for use in moderate rain storms, it’s available in two-, three-, four- and six-person sizes (we recommend the four-person option, which is the sweet spot for size and comfort if there will be two to three people inside), its dome shape maximizes space to sit up or stand and it will last for multiple seasons with proper care provided you don’t camp every weekend.
Of course, the very reasonable price tag ($40 to $100, depending on the capacity) seals the deal. Even so, you get what you pay for; this tent can’t stand up to very aggressive, high-speed gusts—and the stakes are a bit thin prone to bending. But when pitched a few times a year for fair-weather camping trips, this no-frills tent is a great value for your money, as evidenced by the thousands of global reviews posted on Amazon which allow the Coleman Sundome to maintain a respectable 4.7/5-star rating after over a decade on the market.
What the reviews say: “You will never find something this good at this price point for a tent. If you’re looking to try camping, have a backup tent, or if you’re just strapped for cash—buy it.”
Pros:
- Amazing price point
- Relatively easy to set up
- Trusted by tens of thousands of users
Cons:
- May buckle or even fail in high winds
- Stakes are not very strong
MOST POPULAR
Decathlon
Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Tent
Capacity: 3 people | Weight: 18.1 pounds | Floor area: 46.8 square feet | Peak height: 52 inches
A difficult-to-set-up tent can deter novice campers from ever sleeping on the ground again. The Decathlon Quechua 2? Not difficult. If you can pull a simple ripcord, you can set up this freestanding, dual-umbrella tent in less than a minute. It’s that easy.
Decathlon offers a whole range of two- and three-person tents in its “2 Second” line, but we love this three-person version, which is one of the best, most tricked-out models so far. It has a number of thoughtful features, such as T-shaped doors to help you exit without disturbing your tent mates, and pockets on the ceiling and walls that let you store your gear off the floor. You can crack open a pair of special ventilation windows on warmer nights or zip things down tight for cooler campouts.
Unfortunately, the rainfly isn’t detachable—so we don’t recommend this for camping in heavy heat, as you’ll want to maximize airflow on hot nights that are clear of rain. But otherwise, the price is right for someone just getting into camping and not wanting to drop too much money yet (relative to competitors). Bottom line: the Decathlon Quechua 2 is not a one-trick pony; it’s a well-designed, ecologically-minded tent that just happens to set up super fast.
What our editors say: “A great choice for beginners seeking simplicity and convenience in camping, Decathlon’s 2 Second Pop Up Tent features a unique unfolding design, making it ideal for those new to sleeping outside. It offers ample space for two, sturdy weather resistance and a budget-friendly price tag, and while I can’t recommend it for backpacking due its weight and size, I highly suggest giving it a look if you’re new to car camping,” says our gear editor Cam Vigliotta.
Pros:
- Sets up with comical quickness and ease
- Clever door construction allows for easy entering/exiting
- Multiple side pockets for gear storage
Cons:
- Rainfly cannot be removed
Capacity: 6 people | Weight: 13.38 pounds | Floor area: 83 square feet | Peak height: 77 inches
When it comes to camping with the family, space and comfort matter most. In most cases, you probably won’t need to travel far to your campsite because you’ll have little ones in tow, so it’s okay to go with a heavier tent. You also want to make sure your camping tent can stand up to the rigors that both your children and Mother Nature will throw at it. Fortunately, the MSR Habitude checks all these boxes and comes packed with clever features designed to make camping with kids less stressful.
This tent is easy to set up and the standing-height ceiling and vertical sidewalls ensure everyone (even those over six feet) can freely move in order to change clothes or come in and out of the tent without waking the kids.
Creature comforts include a front vestibule for storing wet and dirty gear, an integrated porch light for easy entry after dark, and plenty of organizational pockets for occupants to stash clothes, electronics, headlamps, toiletries and more.
We’d love it if this tent had two doors instead of just one for easier exits while others are sleeping, but all the other features outweigh this one limitation.
What the reviews say: “Of all the family camping tents from Big Agnes, Nemo, and the North Face among others, the MSR Habitudes, 4p and 6p, were by far my favorites,” writes one customer, adding that they “so preferred the MSR Habitudes to their rivals that I bought both the 6p and 4p versions.”
Pros:
- Tall ceiling allows for standing at full height
- Large floor space ideally suited for families
- Good ventilation when needed in warmer weather
Cons:
- Single door makes entering and exiting a hassle with lots of users
- On the pricier side
Moosejaw
Marmot Limestone 4-Person Tent
Capacity: 4 people | Weight: 11.2 pounds | Floor area: 59.2 square feet | Peak height: 63 inches
Whether you’re in the market for a four-person tent to camp with friends, family or a pack of pups, it’s important to consider both floor space and overall volume. The Marmot Limestone’s vertical wall design offers more overhead room than a standard camping tent, and while the peak height isn’t high enough for taller people to stand upright, the tent feels very spacious.
The vestibule is also large enough that you can store plenty of gear out there, keeping the interior clean and cozy. And with two large and easy-to-use D-shaped doors, you can leave the tent without worrying about waking your mates in the morning. This tent is designed for four people, but it’s easily set up by just two (or even one) thanks to its intuitive design and color-coded poles. It’s especially enticing at this great price.
What the reviews say: “I have been looking for a new camping tent forever. Being a bit of a penny pincher, I had been burning through one cheap tent after another. I recently got the Limestone for an weekend camping trip and I love… I could actually fit my wife and two kids in it without us rolling over each other all night.”
Pros:
- Easy setup even by solo camper
- Dual doors for east entry/exit
- Vestibule adds lots of storage space
Cons:
- Second door does not have bug mesh
Amazon
Kelty Grand Mesa 2-Person Tent
Capacity: 2 people | Weight: 4.06 pounds | Floor area: 30 square feet | Peak height: 57 inches
If you’re camping solo or with a plus-one and looking to save on space, a two-person tent is all you need. At roughly 4 pounds, the Kelty Grand Mesa 2 is pretty lightweight for folks who usually car camp but might occasionally want a tent for backpacking.
Essentially, it’s a two-pole dome tent with one door and a vestibule. Just assemble the aluminum tent poles, snap them into the color-coded corners, hoist up the body and clip it to the poles, then throw on a rainfly. (If it’s going to, y’know, rain.)
We generally recommend sizing up for comfort, so what you save on weight and bulk with this two-person tent, you compromise on space. If you’re looking for a more comfortable under-the-stars experience with your partner during car camping trips, McCrackin recommends snagging the four-person Kelty Grand Mesa, which offers an additional 24 square feet of additional floor space for just $75 more.
What the reviews say: “This tent is awesome for me and my dog. Just the right amount of room for us as well as my boots and clothes… Great ventilation and to me, the best feature is the door. I’m 6’1” and it’s so easy to get out of the tent when I wake up in the middle of the night.”
Pros:
- Great price and trusted brand
- Lightweight enough for trekking when components are shared by two people
Cons:
- Too snug for two people with gear stored inside
REI
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 Tent
Capacity: 1 person | Weight: 1.87 pounds | Floor area: 19 square feet | Peak height: 39 inches
If you backpack solo, this one-person tent will enable you to move light and fast with minimal added gear weight in your pack. And, thanks to the minimal footprint of a one-person tent, you’ll open up a world of possibility for sleeping outside because you can pitch your shelter in tighter areas.
At less than 2 pounds, the freestanding Tiger Wall UL1 from Big Agnes may be featherlight, but it still offers plenty of livability. You can sit up and comfortably change clothes inside thanks to vertical sidewalls and ample headroom. The reflective guylines illuminate your tent so you can find it easily in the dark without tripping over stakes and ropes, and the huge mesh pocket on the interior provides plenty of storage space. We love that this tent also has color-coded poles and hooks to make set up simple.
However, as with any ultralight gear, be sure to treat it with care, as it’s a little less durable than its more rugged counterparts.
What the review say: “I love this tent! It’s definitely very small, and you’ll want to get the footprint, but it’s super light, easy to set up, seems resilient, and I’ve really enjoyed camping in it. Would recommend it to anyone who is doing solo camping.”
Pros:
- Multiple interior pockets for easy gear storage
- Trail weight of just 1 pounds 12 ounces
- Dual doors for easy access and airflow
Cons:
- Expensive for small tent
- Included poles are not strong enough
REI
Sea to Summit Telos TR2
Capacity: 2 people | Weight: 3.25 pounds | Floor area: 28 square feet | Peak height: 43.5 inches
The versatility of this ultralight backpacking tent starts with the fact that its modest heft (less than 4 pounds) can be split into three storage sacks and shared out. Once the freestanding tent is set up, two of those sacks convert into gear storage pockets, while a translucent diffuser built into the third cleverly provides illumination when you drop your headlamp into it. In addition to its color-coded two-hub pole set, the Telos TR2 (and its big brother, the TR3) sports a special Tension Ridge pole system that angles up the walls, offering both easier entry and a greater volume once inside. Vents in the baseline and at the apex efficiently manage airflow, humidity and condensation while a waterproof, six-inch tub helps keep you and any floor-bound gear dry.
When not being used as protection for the tent, the Telos’s rainfly can be assembled with the help of two trekking poles as a separate, semi-open shelter. In that way, this three-season system provides two structures for the price of one. If you’ll be using it solo, we recommend practicing the set-up before you head into the backcountry as it can be a little tricky. But all in all, it’s one of the most well-rounded, ingeniously designed and highly functional tents out there.
What our editors say: “While I could praise the Sea to Summit Telos for any number of reasons, I really love how easy it is to pack each piece of the tent away. Instead of cramming the tent, poles and rain fly into one small bag; each component stuffs into its own dedicated sack. Split up the components between backpackers to minimize weight or toss it all on your own pack—either way, you’ll barely notice it’s there,” says gear editor Cam Vigliotta.
Pros:
- Easy to split gear load among hikers
- Airflow can be controlled for ideal ventilation
- Tension ridge poles maximize upright space
Cons:
- Heavier minimum trail weight than comparable options
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent
Capacity: 2 people | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Floor area: 29 square feet | Peak height: 40 inches
Compact and ultralight is the name of the game for a backpacking tent. The Cooper Spur 2 HV UL2 is one of Big Agnes’ lightest freestanding tents with two doors, but it doesn’t skimp on the features, making it one of the best backpacking tents on the market.
The floor area is large enough to comfortably accommodate two people plus gear, and it’s tall enough to allow easy upright sitting in the center. Plus, it has dual-entry doors and vestibules. In fact, according to McCrackin, it’s “the best tent out there for overall space, quality, and weight.”
Additionally, it features four mesh ceiling pockets as well as internal hang points for drying socks or hanging headlamps. The full mesh inner tent is great for stargazing and ventilation on hot nights, and a rainfly keeps you warm and dry when the wind or thunderstorms come rolling through.
Just keep in mind, as with all ultralight gear, the material is much more delicate, so you need to take good care of it to ensure it’ll last season after season.
What our editors say: “Known for its exceptional balance of weight, space and durability, the Copper Spur is a favorite among backpackers and diehard ounce-counters. With its freestanding design and easy setup process, it’s perfect for solo travelers and small groups, though anyone who sleeps under the stars will quickly fall in love with Big Agnes’s most popular sleeper,” says our gear editor.
Pros:
- Light trail weight great for multi-day treks
- Reflective guylines easy to see at night and prevent tripping
- Dual zippered doors allow easy entry/exit
Cons:
- Rainfly prone to leaks in heavy rains
White Duck Outdoors
White Duck Outdoors Regatta 360 Tent
Capacity: 6 people | Weight: 68 pounds | Floor area: 29 square feet | Peak height: 98 inches
The mighty Regatta 360 Tent from White Duck can easily accommodate up to six sleepers fanned out from its center pole, snug in their sleeping bags. But this tent is at its best when shared by three people, each of whom is resting easy on one of the mattresses that can be fit into this huge tent. And when not sleeping, those campers can easily stand at full height given its nearly 10-foot peak height, they can use electronics thanks to an electrical cord pass-through connecting you with your generator, and they can stay warm and snug with the doors and windows zipped closed (or enjoy a cooler, breezy interior with the large doorway and two side windows open). And no bugs will get in even when they are open thanks to fine mesh coverings, of course.
Sure, this is a heavy and expensive tent and it’s so big it’s likely too large for many campsites, but when set up in a place that it works, it can work for weeks on end: The Regatta Bell Tent will stand up to driving rains and blowing winds and a beating sun and remain in great shape season after season, provided you clean it off and stow it properly. This is a great tent for the serious glamping fans, but can also serve as a guest room or even an impromptu office at your own home.
What the reviews say: “The White Duck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent is more than just a shelter; it’s a home away from home… I highly recommend this tent for your next adventure. It has certainly elevated my camping experience to new heights!”
Pros:
- Comfortably sleeps 6; very comfortable sleeps 3
- Can be left set up for weeks on end
- Suitable for use in cooler or warmer weather
Cons:
- Quite pricey
- Quite heavy
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has tested countless camping and hiking essentials, from coolers to hiking boots, and written our way through hundreds of gear guides. We’re no stranger to what features make camping equipment “the best,” and tents are no exception. Our gear editor Cam Vigliotta—and our gear-testing contributors Rachael Schultz and Steven John—have robust experience testing a wide range of camping tents, including subjecting them to real-life situations and making rigorous evaluations that separate the wheat from the chaff.
We also consulted with Tessa McCrackin, CMO for Northgate Resorts and head of marketplace marketing at Campspot, and Eric Bergdoll, WMA wilderness first responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator and head of Island Mountain Guides in Hawaii, to further narrow down our top picks and find answers to common camping tent questions.
This guide is updated frequently to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. It was last updated in September 2023 to name the Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Tent the best camping tent for beginners and to crown a new winner for our best overall pick, The North Face Wawona 4.
How We Chose The Best Camping Tents
A good camping tent can be an investment, which is why our team of outdoor experts are here to help. To deliver accurate and trustworthy recommendations, our team of outdoor experts spent hours researching and testing these camping tents first-hand. We spent nights in popular campgrounds, the quiet backcountry and even our backyards trying out multiple tents on this list. In fact, the Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Tent, Sea to Summit Telos TR2 and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 were tested firsthand by our gear editor Cam Vigliotta.
We also looked at features like capacity (how many people fit comfortably in the tent), seasonality, weather resistance, ventilation, weight and ease of setup to find which tents perform best in the field.
From there, we dove into customer reviews to gather insights and feedback from real campers who purchased these tents. To make our list, each tent’s rating had to be impeccable with no less than 4 out of 5 stars. We then meticulously evaluated the pros and cons of each tent to determine what type of camper would benefit from it most. Our list includes picks for everyone, from the backpacking pro to the family-focused outdoorsmen.
What To Consider When Buying A Camping Tent
From materials to dimensions to additional features, no two camping tents are truly alike. When the time comes to invest in a new camping tent, consider the following factors.
Size And Capacity
Start by determining how many people will be using the tent. Consider a larger tent if you want extra space for gear or prefer more comfort, and opt for a smaller one- or two-person tent if you’re packing light for backpacking trips or far-flung destinations.
Tent Type
Generally speaking, you can choose between freestanding tents that rely only on poles to stay upright, and non-freestanding tents that require stakes and guylines to stay upright. If you’re looking for the easiest option, a freestanding tent is the way to go, as you’ll have everything you need to pitch the tent no matter where you may be, and they’re much easier to set up.
Seasonality
Reflect on what seasons you’ll be camping in. Three-season tents are suitable for spring, summer and fall, while four-season tents are designed for winter and harsher conditions. Most camping tents are designed for three-season use, but some, like the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2, can better withstand the brutal conditions that come with winter.
Weather Resistance
Most tents are weather-resistant, but some defend against the elements better than others. Look for a tent with solid waterproofing (measured in millimeters, the higher figure the better), sealed seams and a rainfly to keep you dry during rainstorms.
Bergdoll recounts a particular trip in which a full-coverage rainfly came in handy: “I’ve been flash flooded out in the Grand Canyon and my six-year-old tent (pitched in a high spot, not in a wash) was surprisingly dry at the end of it all, even with sheets of rain falling from the sky.” Of course, more material means more weight, which also makes for a harder hike, but Bergdoll points out that “a full-coverage rainfly also allows room for gear outside the bug net of the tent, almost doubling its [effective] footprint.”
Ventilation
Tents with mesh panels and adequate ventilation will reduce condensation and keep you comfortable during warm weather. Some tents feature mesh tops that promote airflow, while others rely on large door openings to push air through the tent. Even if you’ve got your eye on a tent with lots of ventilation, it will also come with a rainfly, so there’s no need to worry that rain or moisture will get in through the ventilation points. Simply install the rainfly to keep moisture out.
Weight
Consider the tent’s weight, especially if you plan to backpack or hike to your camping spot. Lightweight tents are preferable for backpacking, as they weigh up to three or four pounds (some ultralight models weigh much less), while traditional camping tents are better-suited for car camping, as they offer additional features and creature comforts that tend to make them a bit heavier.
When comparing tent weights, you may see two terms: trail weight and packed weight. The trail weight (a.k.a. the minimum weight) is lighter for any tent because it only factors in the body, poles and rainfly. The packed weight, meanwhile, may include stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, and other accessories.
Packed Size
Take a look at the size of the tent when it’s packed away, especially if you have limited space in your backpack or vehicle. Some ultralight tents pack incredibly small to save space (like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2), while others are large and built specifically for car camping (like the Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Tent).
Tent Shape
Dome-shaped tents offer better wind resistance, while cabin-style tents provide more headroom and livable space. The shape that’s right for you is mostly a matter of preference, but keep in mind that dome-shaped tents tend to be smaller and well-suited for backpacking, while cabin-style tents are larger and designed for car camping.
Tent Doors
The number of doors and their orientation will influence ease of access and ventilation. For example, a tent with two doors will make it easier to enter and exit, especially if you’re sharing a tent with other occupants, and it will also improve airflow.
Interior Features And Vestibules
Consider features like gear storage pockets, interior loops for hanging a lantern, dividers for privacy and a vestibule if needed. Think of vestibules like your front or back porch. They’re essentially a covered space attached to your tent, so you can place your wet and dirt gear there instead of sleeping beside it. Vestibules and special interior features may not dictate which tent is right for you, but they can improve upon your experience, especially if you’re new to camping.
Footprint
A footprint is a protective ground cloth that goes underneath your tent to protect the fabric from rocks, roots and other debris. Some tents come with a footprint and others don’t, so it’s worth finding out if a footprint is included or if you need to purchase it separately for extra floor protection. After all, it’s generally far cheaper to replace a piece of protective fabric than it is an entire tent.
What Is The Best Camping Tent Brand?
Whether you’re car camping at your local park or backpacking deep in the backcountry, the best camping tent brands are reliable and well-respected. This includes the likes of The North Face, REI, Big Agnes, MSR, Marmot, Kelty, Coleman, Sea to Summit and White Duck Outdoors. You’ll find many of our top picks are from these popular brands. The best camping tent brand for you, though, will depend on your individual needs. However, our overall favorite—The Wawona 4 from North Face—is a good place to start.
What Camping Tent Is Best For Families?
When looking for a camping tent for your family, it’s important to prioritize space, comfort and durability. Depending on how many people are in your family, you may want to consider a large 6-person tent that’ll provide enough space for everyone, and one that can withstand any abuse mother nature or your children throw at it. The MSR Habitude 6 checks all these boxes, plus it comes with a standing-height ceiling, a front vestibule and an integrated porch light.
What’s The Biggest Mistake People Make When Buying A Camping Tent?
According to Bergdoll, the biggest mistake campers make is “going too big” with their tent. Weight aside, larger tents tend to be taller and therefore pose a greater risk of falling prey to gusts and winds. He suggests that “if you do go big in a breezy spot, remember to put big rocks in the corners because having a flat tent is better than a runaway.”
Do I Need More Than One Tent?
It depends where and when you camp most often—that is, car camping versus backpacking, and three seasons versus four. Usually, a comfortable, heavy tent designed for car camping will be too cumbersome to take backpacking, so you’d want a separate lightweight, packable tent for backcountry trips. However, a backpacking tent can work for car camping, although you’ll be slightly cramped.
The same goes for winter camping, thru-hiking, and beyond. Ultimately, whether or not you need more than one tent comes down to your budget, storage space, and whether or not you can make do with what you already have.
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