Explore our top choices, comprehensive buyer’s guide, and answers to common questions below.

Compare the Best Tents

  • Best Water Protection: Coleman Sundome Tent
  • Best For Large Groups: Core Nine-Person Instant Cabin Tent
  • Best Truck Tent: Rightline Gear Truck Tent
  • Most Lightweight Tent: Wakeman Lightweight Two-Person Dome Tent

Best Water Protection: Coleman Sundome Tent

Pros and Cons

✔ Can withstand wind speeds up to 35 mph✔ Has a sturdy dome structure✔ Includes easy-to-follow instructions that are sewn into the carry bag

Coleman Sundome Tent

  • $70
          Prices taken at time of publishing.

This two-person tent from Coleman has inverted seams, welded corners, and a rain fly to keep water out of its cabin during downpours. In addition to rain protection, this Coleman tent is wind-tested. Its robust frame can withstand 35-mile-per-hour winds. It also is available in several colors.

✘ Construction quality is not as high as more expensive alternatives✘ Difficult to move within when at capacity

What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers noted that this tent kept them and their families dry and was a great value for the price. Unsatisfied customers noted that this tent could not comfortably fit as many people as claimed and that the quality of its construction was lacking.

Best For Large Groups: Core Instant Cabin Tent

✔ Comes in multiple colors✔ Includes a room divider✔ Features an adjustable ground vent

Core Instant Cabin Tent

  • $300

This roomy nine-person tent fits an entire family or an entire group of friends. It has windows on all of its sides along with a ground vent for maximum airflow. Plus, it includes an electrical cord access port that can be closed when it’s not in use. This tent also can be set up in just one minute.

✘ More costly than some competitor models✘ Requires ample room to set-up

Positive reviews highlighted this tent’s easy assembly and weatherproof design. Other reviewers loved that they could separate the tent’s space using the included room divider. Negative reviews indicated that the tent tore at the seams and the company had poor customer service.

Best Truck Tent: Rightline Gear Truck Tent

✔ Comes in a number of sizes✔ Features a view vent to see the night sky✔ Uses water-resistant fabric and tape-sealed seams

Rightline Gear Truck Tent

  • $180

Truck owners can attach this tent directly to their truck bed to turn it into a cozy sleeping space. This car camping tent allows you to sleep under the stars with a sky-facing window. It also includes a one year manufacturer’s warranty and is made in the United States. 

✘ Noted by some customers that the seams ripped✘ Zipper quality could be better

Happy customers noted that this car tent had plenty of room for an air mattress. Others said that installation only took a few minutes. Negative reviews criticized this tent for having ineffective zippers and seams.

Most Lightweight Tent: Wakeman Lightweight Dome Tent

✔ More affordable than similar models✔ Features an interior storage pocket✔ Easily assembles with two fiberglass poles

Wakeman Lightweight Two-Person Dome Tent

  • $20

Made with a nylon body and a fiberglass frame, this tent weighs less than four pounds. Its small size makes it perfect for couples. It also features a D-style door to make it easy to climb in and out of. It is available in several bright colors and has a dual-layer door.

✘ Limited airflow✘ Can only fit two people

Satisfied reviewers praised this tent for being waterproof, durable, and compact. Other happy customers said that this tent was easy to assemble and travel with. Unhappy customers said that the tent poles were flimsy. Many of the negative reviews also noted that this tent had poor air circulation.

Tents give you a place to sleep when you’re camping. This buying guide will help you choose the best camping tent for you and your family or friends.

Capacity

You can find tents of all sizes to fit anywhere from one person to over 10 people. Smaller tents are best for solo hikers or couples, while larger tents are best for groups of friends or family members.

Material

Tents are made from a waterproof fabric or fabric-like material. Thicker materials keep you warmer in cold weather, while thinner materials let in more air in the summer. Popular materials include:

  • Canvas
  • Felt
  • Nylon
  • Polyester
  • Polyester/cotton blend

Portability

If you’re hiking to your campsite, you will likely want a tent that’s easy to store and carry. Many tents fold into a small size and weigh less than 30 pounds for easy transportation. Additionally, some come with a carrying bag to keep the tent, rain fly, stakes, and other accessories together, while backpacking tents can typically fold to fit into a backpack.

Weather Protection

A good tent should provide at least some weather resistance for when you’re sleeping outdoors. However, keep in mind that tents generally don’t protect you from inclement weather, such as high winds, lightning, hail, and severe wind. If you plan to camp in poor weather, look for a three-season or four-season tent that can help keep you protected from severe weather conditions.

Setup

Some tents are easier to set up and take down than others. Larget options, like cabin tents, feature more floor space and ample height, making setup more labor-intensive than budget models with less interior space. Pop-up or backpacking tents will likely be the easiest to install if you prioritize convenience.

Additional Features

Tents often have bonus features to make using them more convenient and comfortable. These features can include:

  • Vents
  • Sealable windows
  • Stakes
  • Hammocks
  • Rain covers
  • Doormats
  • Vestibule attachments
  • Storage pouches
  • Color-coded components for setup

What do I need to set up my tent?

Most tents are secured using plastic, metal, or wooden stakes driven into the ground and attached to ropes. Some tents will come with their own stakes, while others will require you to purchase them separately.

How do I keep my tent clean?

Wash your tent with soap and water between each use, and allow it to dry before storing it or sleeping in it again fully.

How do I sleep comfortably in a tent?

Most tents have either a thin floor or no floor at all, so find a soft ground to place yours on. You can also bring a sleeping bag or an inflatable air mattress for cushion and blankets for warmth.

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.