Outdoor Camping Tent
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Outdoor Camping Tent
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How We Tested
We tested the best car camping tents from Marmot, The North Face, REI, MSR, and more to help you fully enjoy your time in the great outdoors
The 2021 lineup of camping tents ready for testing and some outdoor family fun.
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Updated detached fly makes pitching unintuitive
Cooking up dinner in the Wawona's covered and spacious vestibule.
The view from above showcases the spacious and open footprint of the Kelty Wireless 6.
We loved everything about this impressive tent except the price tag. That said, you won't be disappointed if you decide to take the plunge.
A spacious tent with loads of features make this the perfect tent for a large family.
Camp life with the REI Co-op Base Camp 6.
The MSR Habitude is a very spacious and tall 4-person tent. Fitting a twin air mattress and individual pad left room to spare.
Three of our top preforming tents enjoying a evening under the stars
The hub setup on the REI Grand Hut.
Getting close to my max reach and I still have higher clips to go!
Great design, quality materials, and a low price point. The Wireless 6 is a high value choice.
Value is important, and the Wawona 6 has lots of it.
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The giant vestibule of The North Face Wawona 6 is by far one of the most comfortable to relax under.
The Limestone 8 sleeps more and fits more than any other in our lineup.
The Torreya is a beautiful tent, both to look at and to use. Feature rich and smartly-designed, we love this tent.
The shelter mode feature with the Bunk House 6 makes for an awesome covered eating area.
130.2 sq ft 130.2 sq ft 100.0 sq ft 100.0 sq ft 97.3 sq ft 97.3 sq ft 93.4 sq ft 93.4 sq ft 90.0 sq ft 90.0 sq ft 86.9 sq ft 86.9 sq ft 85.0 sq ft 85.0 sq ft 84.0 sq ft 84.0 sq ft 83.0 sq ft 83.0 sq ft 62.4 sq ft 62.4 sq ft 59.7 sq ft 59.7 sq ft 58.1 sq ft 58.1 sq ft 57.0 sq ft 57.0 sq ft 56.0 sq ft 56.0 sq ft
The North Face Sequoia 4-person tent is built to feel bigger than its footprint.
Floor Plans
Be sure to review the floor plan images for a tent before committing. If you are like us, you have air mattresses and chairs that you would like to use inside, so the floor plan can help you map it out. And remember, most of these tents say they sleep a particular number, but that is usually elbow to elbow.
56.0 sq ft 56.0 sq ft 44.7 sq ft 44.7 sq ft 40.0 sq ft 40.0 sq ft 40.0 sq ft 40.0 sq ft 32.5 sq ft 32.5 sq ft 32.0 sq ft 32.0 sq ft 28.0 sq ft 28.0 sq ft 27.6 sq ft 27.6 sq ft 26.9 sq ft 26.9 sq ft 23.5 sq ft 23.5 sq ft 21.0 sq ft 21.0 sq ft
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Privacy meets open-air with the Limestone 4.
The Base Camp 6 is a stout-looking tent that will stand firm through inclement weather.
Happy campers looking out at happy dogs. A great view thanks to the large vestibule door on the Habitude 4.
Lots of space and a smart design mean the Limestone 8 is great even if the weather outside is not.
Stake It Out
Wind resistance often comes down to how well you stake down a tent and use the guylines to keep it taught. Unless you're assured of a balmy, windless night, staking out the guylines as you set up is a good habit to get into as it will keep you from scrambling around (and likely getting soaked) if bad weather hits. We highly recommend buying an extra cord, burlier stakes, and a mallet for most tents.
The stance of the Habitude 4 is as robust as the quality materials inside
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5.0 kg 5.0 kg 5.1 kg 5.1 kg 5.4 kg 5.4 kg 5.9 kg 5.9 kg 7.8 kg 7.8 kg 8.3 kg 8.3 kg 9.0 kg 9.0 kg 9.1 kg 9.1 kg 9.3 kg 9.3 kg 9.5 kg 9.5 kg 9.6 kg 9.6 kg 9.9 kg 9.9 kg 10.1 kg 10.1 kg 11.0 kg 11.0 kg
Relaxing after pitching the Coleman Cabin in 43-seconds. Plenty of time left to look off at the other campers still unpacking their tent.
The simple and sturdy clips go on quickly and easily, making pitching the Marmot Limestone 4 a snap.
The snaps on the Base Camp are extremely well engineered and very easy to clip.
The Kelty Quick Corners make pitching this tent a breeze, even when solo.
Don't Forget the Footprint
Consider buying a ground cover — a.k.a. "footprint" — for your camping tent and laying this out first. It helps keep moisture and mud off the underside of your tent (thus making re-packing a much more pleasant task). It also helps your tent last longer because it protects it from abrasion. Most manufacturers sell a footprint separately (usually made of the same material as the tent) designed to fit your model tent's exact floor size. Despite the extra cost, it's a great thing to take along. The savvy camper's alternative is a cheap plastic tarp, like something you'd throw down to paint your living room. You can often pick one of these up for a fraction of the cost of an official manufacturer's footprint, though it won't have features like rivets to accommodate your stakes.
Tyvek "Home Wrap" is our favorite footprint for car camping and basecamping because it's waterproof, highly puncture resistant, and exceptionally durable. We prefer clear polycro plastic groundsheets for weight conscious applications.
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The massive four-section interior of the Wagontop 6.
Chilling out in style. Take note of the open floor in front which can easily extend the sleeping area.
A twin and three single air mattresses, dogs, gear, and there is still room for more in the Limestone 8.
Putting some of the Torreya's 32 gear loops to good use. No accidentally stepped-on sunglasses in this tent.
The North Face Sequoia 4 is the only tent in our lineup to sport an attached doormat, helping keep the dirt outside.
Getting ready to start a new day after a cozy night in the Wireless 6.
Every Family is Different
Sometimes the most family-friendly tent isn't the biggest or the most feature-rich. Instead, it is a wonderful mix of ease of use, features that speak to your family and pet situation, and an ideal build for your typical camping environment.
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High-end stakes, color-coded poles, and fly clips make the Torreya a breeze to set up.
Quality materials can be found throughout, from the floors to the poles, the Habitude is built to last.
A stout and beautiful looking tent made of high-quality material.
Exposing the high quality mesh top after a warm nights sleep in the Kelty Wireless 6.
Consider the Long-Term Investment
Unless you're only planning on going camping once or twice a year on an idyllic beach, it's worth taking the long view when it comes to the quality of your tent. We are fans of quality gear that performs well season after season, which often means investing more upfront.
Both vestibule doors open on the Wawona allows for a great view while still getting coverage from the sun.
Panoramic views from the NEMO Wagontop 6 make for very happy campers.
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About Us
Looking for the perfect camping tent? We've got you. Since 2012, our team has reviewed more than 240 tents, including the top 14 camping tents in this review. See which ones stood up to our rigorous testing as we take you on a deep dive into the inner workings of the tent market . We put these tents to the test across some pretty rugged terrain and, most recently, the complicated environment of a family, teenagers, and two moderately trained dogs. With the help of our years of experience, we've gathered all the information you'll need to pick the perfect tent for your next outdoor adventure.
Our in-depth reviews also encompass everything you need to set up the ultimate base camp. Starting bright and early, we have you covered with a portable camp stove and camping cookware to fix breakfast and the best coffee maker to make a fresh brew to enjoy from the comfort of your favorite camping chair . While this review focuses on car camping options, we have also tested some of the best backpacking gear for those interested in ditching the car and the crowds.
Are you a camper with a hobby? Then this is your camping tent. The North Face Wawona 6 , a long-standing favorite in this review, is the perfect basecamp for mountain bikers, rock climbers, anglers, hunters, or anyone packing lots of gear that needs to be protected. Why? The vestibule is like a two-bike garage. The main tent packs an additional 85 square feet, creating a truly remarkable living space. The Wawona has you covered and all for a very fair price.
All this space does make a few things less straightforward. Setting up the rain fly and garage in the moderate wind isn't as intuitive as it could be. The North Face went with a pin and circle locking mechanism that requires some effort to lock, and because of the height and length of this tent, the guylines are a requirement unless you enjoy watching your tent sail away into the sunset. That said, once this tent is set up, it is massive, comfortable, and withstood some howling winds and rainy nights in Joshua Tree with ease. With some of the best usable space and an excellent price point, the Wawona has been an award winner year after year with good reason.
The Kelty Wireless 6 takes your budget further than any other camping tent in our lineup. With a large sleeping area, dual vestibules, and 6' 4" of headroom, your family will have plenty of space to sprawl out. Setup is easy with well-designed pole pockets and quick twist connectors. Dark fabric covers just over half of the tent, with tight, easy-to-see-through mesh covering the rest. This provides both privacy and amazing star gazing capabilities.
But there are some downsides to this budget tent. Most notability, less durable fiberglass poles, and poor ventilation with the rainfly attached. The side pockets are also fairly cheap fabric, and clipping the top clip during setup requires someone 5'10" or taller. But overall, the Wireless 6 is a solid choice for those looking for a quality three-season tent at a budget price.
Get ready for the best of the best camping tent. The Marmot Torreya 6 is the highest-scoring tent in our lineup and is a sound choice if you are looking for a premier camping tent. With nearly every feature found in our lineup, this tent continues to impress. Some of the highlights include T-handle zipper pulls, 32 gear loops over the front door, exterior pockets, a floor mat, and included awning poles. And that's just the beginning.
The size of the Torreya is perfect. Coming in at 93.4 square feet with a max height of 6' 8", it fits the family with a little extra room but isn't so large as to be unwieldy. Marmot also tossed in high-end stakes, a carry bag that will likely outlast the tent, and a shape that handles the elements amazingly. About the only flaw you will find with this tent is the price tag.
The Marmot Limestone 8 is hands down our best pick for a large family. This tent fits two twin air mattresses and two singles with ease. It has 22 pockets, a room divider with a separate door, and even has awning capabilities. Add to that a max height of 6' 5" and a footprint of 130 square feet, and you'll see why this tent is made to sprawl out.
Size and comfort aren't where this tent stops — it also comes in as one of our highest quality tents. The poles are strong and buttery smooth, the clips and stakes are bomber, and the guylines and bag are all premium grade. Considering the size, the Limestone 8 does take longer to pitch, and, sadly, awning poles aren't included in the hefty price. But if you're ready to spread out in style with the kids and the dogs and maybe a friend or two, this is a great choice.
The REI Base Camp 6 is a great choice for those looking to dip their toes into colder, windier, and rainier adventures. With a sturdy 4-pole structure and thick, strong materials, this tent is ready to take on the harsh world of both teenagers and bad weather camping. And thanks to a 27-square-foot front vestibule, you'll have options to cook and store your gear safely out of the elements. You can always count on REI tents to have boatloads of pockets, great headroom, and a clean aesthetic style — the Base Camp boasts all of that and more.
Unlike most REI tents, though, the Base Camp 6 sides and doors are not open mesh. This means no nice views while lying down, and you can expect to be fairly toasty on warm days if you're hanging out inside. There are, however, some half zip coverings on the doors to give you a little extra view. All in all, this is a great option for those needing a well-priced weather-ready shelter. Snag this tent for your next stay in the rainy Pacific Northwest or the thunderstorm-prone Rocky Mountains.
Looking for a spacious and high-quality camping tent but don't want a massive setup? The MSR Habitude 4 is a great choice. This stylish tent is not only light (12 pounds) and compact, it's also built with top-of-the-line materials and is both tall (6' 1" in the middle) and spacious (62.4 square feet). On top of that, it features unique touches like a porch light, a large vestibule, and great ventilation.
Although there are many positives to the Habitude 4 , it isn't perfect. Some flaws include a single door that requires two zippers to open, a light that doesn't come with a battery, and an awkward bag. Those minor things aside, this tent outscored all other 4-person tents in our lineup.
The center of any great outdoor adventure is basecamp. And having the best camping tent is the most important ingredient (besides good food and good people.) Our head tester Rob Gaedtke put these tents to the test so that you can choose your next home-away-from-home with confidence. Rob is no stranger to the outdoors or adventure. He has raced across India, done an IronMan in Mexico, Jeeped through the African safari, and backflipped off the pyramids. He is also a rock climber, backpacker, and avid camper. Over the past 20 years, Rob has set up hundreds of basecamps across various terrain. We took this experience, coupled with a rigorous and detailed testing plan , and got to work finding a diverse set of tents for consideration.
First, we scoured the internet, read personal accounts, and dug into bloggers' and YouTubers' thoughts on the best tents on the market. After selecting the most promising options, we purchased 14 of the best camping tents on the market and got to work. We measured, weighed, and inspected each before carting them out to the woods and desert for proper testing. We tested them side-by-side in various Tahoe, CA area locations, in the hot and harsh conditions of Joshua Tree National Park, and in Reno's ripping wind. Our team conducted more than 60 individual tests to help you find the perfect tent to match your needs and budget.
We put these camping tents up against the elements, battling kids, wind, dogs, dirt, heat, and a very opinionated husband and wife team. From setup and breakdown to weather resistance and durability to the quality of the space for both hanging out and sleeping, we put these products through a lot to help you find your best match .
The value here is all about getting the most tent for the least cash — or at least a fair amount of cash. We like to see a solid balance of performance and price. As a general rule, when the price goes up in the tent world, so does the performance, though there are some notable exceptions.
The clear winner for value for 4-person tents goes to the Marmot Limestone 4 , which performed well yet still falls on the lower end of the price spectrum. But the real stand-out is the Kelty Wireless 6 . We rarely find a quality 6-person tent at a price point this low. If you're able to spend a bit more, though, The North Face Wawona 6 is an incredible balance of price and performance.
Once you step down into the lower price ranges, things start to get a little more complicated. We would be remiss if we didn't give a huge value nod to the Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup . This little tent is cheap, sturdy, and a great option to put up with only a moment's notice.
This is arguably the most important category when it comes to car camping. When your campsite is only a few yards away from your trunk, a little extra weight in exchange for better comfort and space is an easy choice. For this metric, we looked at the overall footprint of each tent, including the vestibule space. We checked the height and headroom, doors and windows, and the general airflow with and without the rainfly. And finally, we looked at pockets, clips, and storage options.
Let's dive into The North Face Wawona 6 first. When you combine the spacious and tall interior (6' 6" max height and 85 square feet of floor space) with the large double-doored vestibule (and additional 44.7 square feet), you have a comfortable masterpiece. The new design also allows the Wawona to be used without the vestibule, adding a great option for warm-weather camping. We also love the tall, full-sized door feature that allows you to enter without ducking.
The Marmot Limestone 8 has the largest floor footprint in our camping tent lineup and fits a pile of kids, dogs, and then some. It also comes in with a whopping 22 pockets scattered throughout the tent. As if that wasn't enough, Marmot also added a removable room separator with a private door — perfect for when you need that extra bit of privacy.
While not quite as large as the others, the Marmot Torreya 6 still shines in the comfort area.
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