Camping with the family is an affordable way to connect with nature, and finding a budget-friendly tent has never been easier. With all the endless options, it can be hard to find the right one, so we created this guide on the best cheap tents.
Whether you’re looking for a small tent to house your family of 3 or a large shelter for your clan of 8, you’ll find the best option for your specific needs. So before spending your hard-earned money on camping gear, read this best cheap tents guide first to make the right purchase decision.
Our Top Picks for Best Cheap Tents
Best Overall
Coleman 4-Person Dome Tent for Camping
Best for Backpacking
Londtren 4-Person Easy Pop Up Tent
For Small Families
CORE Tents for Family Camping, Hiking and Backpacking
For Large Families
UNP Camping Tent 10-Person-Family Tents
Best Overall
Coleman 4-Person Dome Tent for Camping
Coleman’s affordable tent steals the show with its family-friendly size, easy setup, and robust weather protection. Crafted with durable, waterproof fabric and a sturdy frame, it can withstand harsh elements, including 35+ mph winds. The patented Weathertec design keeps moisture out, ensuring a dry interior, while large windows and vents maintain a comfortable temperature. Setup is a breeze, taking just 10 minutes, and features like mesh storage pockets and an E-Port add convenience. Overall, the Coleman Dome Tent offers exceptional value for its price.
Pros
- Only takes 10 minutes to set up
- Sturdy design that’s weather resistant
- Wind-proof
- Well-ventilated and breathable
Cons
- Only fits up to 4 people snugly
Best for Backpacking
Londtren 4-Person Easy Pop Up Tent
The Londtren 4-Person Pop-Up Tent is our top pick for budget backpacking tents, offering easy setup and reliable weather protection. With preassembled poles, it pops up instantly, saving you time and hassle after a long day of hiking. The tent’s 2 front doors and 2 side windows provide excellent ventilation, and the nylon fabric screens offer privacy when needed. Despite its compact size, the tent comfortably accommodates 3-4 people or 2-3 people with gear, making it ideal for backpacking adventures.
Pros
- Effortless setup that takes seconds
- Incredibly portable
- Easy to pack away
Cons
- On the smaller side
- Not 100% waterproof
Best for Small Families (4-5 People)
CORE Tents for Family Camping, Hiking and Backpacking
For families seeking a spacious yet affordable tent, CORE offers a standout option. Its 16 x 9 floor plan comfortably accommodates 4-5 people with gear or up to 9 adults in sleeping bags. The weatherproof polyester construction with heat-treated seams keeps water out, while the advanced ventilation system ensures a comfortable interior. The tent features a see-through ceiling for stargazing and comes with a rain fly for added protection. While it’s best for car camping due to its weight, the extra setup time is rewarded with ample space and comfort.
Pros
- Large size fits 4-5 people with lots of room to breath
- Mesh ceiling allows you to stargaze at night
- Durable construction that’s weather-resistant
Cons
- Takes a bit longer to set up than other tents
- Weighs 20 lbs in carrying case
Best for Large Families (6-8 People)
UNP Camping Tent 10-Person-Family Tents
For large group camping, consider the UNP Camping Tent, offering a spacious 18ft x 9ft area for up to 10 people or 6-8 with gear. Made of 100% polyester, it provides excellent weather protection, with a large mesh roof for ventilation and stargazing. The tent is easy to assemble and comes with a rain fly featuring an extended awning design. Despite its size, it packs down into a manageable 23 lbs carry bag. UNP offers a 1-year quality assurance, making this tent a reliable choice for extended family adventures.
Pros
- Extra-large size provides ample room for large families
- Wide mesh ceiling allows unobstructed views of outside
- Sturdy, water-proof design
- Easy to set up considering the size
Cons
- Not good with strong winds
- Carrying case weighs 23lbs
Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room
The Coleman Dome Tent and Screen Room is a standout choice, featuring a 4-person sleeping capacity, weatherproof material, and easy setup. The highlight is the spacious screened-in porch, offering a bug-free outdoor lounge area or mudroom. With a 10×5 feet porch and 10×9 feet interior, it can accommodate two queen-sized air mattresses. Practical and durable, this tent is a top pick for those seeking comfort and convenience.
Pros
- Includes a screened-in porch that doubles as a mudroom
- Spacious interior
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Porch isn’t 100% waterproof
Best Cheap Tents: Buying Guide
Now, let’s keep our best cheap tents guide rolling and discuss some important considerations to factor into your purchase decision.
- Capacity: Consider the tent’s stated capacity but aim for a slightly larger tent than needed for more comfort.
- Weather Resistance: Look for tents with rainfly and awning for rain protection. Check if the tent is wind-proof.
- Set-up and Pack-up Time: Londtren Pop-Up is the fastest to set up, while CORE Tent takes about 20 minutes.
- Weight: Consider the weight based on your camping style. Car camping allows heavier tents, while hiking or backpacking requires lightweight options.
- Material: Polyester is durable and waterproof but less breathable. Nylon has a better strength-to-weight ratio and is more durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in the best cheap tent?
Just because your tent is cheap doesn’t mean it has to lack quality. Every tent should have a few must-have features, regardless of the price tag.
Make sure your tent includes treated or inverted seams, waterproof materials, and a sturdy frame. Purchasing a tent with a rainfly and awning should also be a big consideration, but you can also purchase a tarp from your local hardware store to save some money.
How much should I spend on a good tent?
There’s no need to break the bank to invest in a good tent. You can find sturdy options that will last for years to come for under $100. Size will determine the price tag. You’ll find larger tents (like the UNP option) that stay within the $150 range.
What is the life expectancy of a tent?
It’s hard to estimate an average tent lifespan since so many varieties exist, but most tents will last 5-7 years on average. One nice feature of tents is that you only use them for a few weeks out of the year, so they can last a very long time regardless of the cost.
Best Cheap Tents: Which Will You Get?
We hope this guide helped you discover the best cheap tents that money can buy. While you can’t go wrong with any of the listings here, we recommend the Coleman Dome Tent as a versatile, durable shelter for family camping.
Now that you’ve found the best cheap tent, check out our Camping Page for more helpful gear guides.