The 6 Best Camping Tents for 2024 Reviews by Wirecutter

These push locks get very difficult to use over time, especially if the tent is used on the beach and exposed to sand and saltwater, causing rust build up. Many newer tent brands like EZ-Up use revolutionary thumb lock sliders or larger easy to release buttons, which are a much better user experience when setting the canopy up or taking it down. With the push buttons you need to worry about pinching fingers or not being able to release the button when it gets rusted, which is never a pleasant experience. The legs extend to give the top peak a height of about 8’10” which will be plenty of headroom for anyone underneath. We typically see pyramid frames built with flimsy trusses and thin struts and reinforced (if you want to call it that) with cheaply made plastic joint connectors, and unfortunately this 10×10 Ozark canopy is no different.

ozark trail canopy tent

The Base Camp tents include a low side vent and multiple stuff pockets on the walls and ceiling, which are made of 75D polyester treated with 1500mm of polyurethane waterproofing. Note that these tents are strictly meant for car camping; the Base Camp 4 and the Base Camp 6 weigh 16 and 21 pounds, respectively, so you won’t want to carry either one very far. The biggest material difference between the Sundome and our other picks is its crunchy, tarp-like polyethylene floor. The other tents in this guide all have bathtub-style tape-seamed polyester floors, which is the standard among high-quality tents.

You can secure the fly to the poles with Velcro ties underneath the fly, so that the extra lines anchored the whole tent, not just the thin protective fabric, but we only needed to do so in very windy conditions. When the fly is fully deployed, the tent has two vestibules, which provide additional gear storage and also help ventilate the tent in inclement weather. And in a stroke of design brilliance, a small loop sewn into the top of the fly makes it possible to roll up one half of the fly, exposing the full mesh canopy while still providing shade and privacy. It’s natural to focus on the quality of a tent’s rain fly—you need that piece to work when the skies open up.

Some air mattresses we’ve tested, like Coleman’s 4-N-1, can stack to serve as a taller Twin or lay out as a low-profile King. Over the years, we’ve seen taller air mattresses become the norm, especially those with built-in pumps. This past year, we put seven new air mattress contenders through a series of rigorous Lab tests and consumer tests to find the best of the best, using standardized testing methods and other industry standards. Quality sleep is essential, even if it’s “only for a few days.” Beyond feeling comfortable, a good air mattress needs to last, without leaking air overnight.

Being protected from the suns harmful UVB rays is probably why you wanted a canopy tent in the first place, and this Ozark Trail tent meets all criteria in this department. The one complaint we have is that there is no vents in the fabric at the peak to release the build up of hot air under the canopy. Most new tents incorporate this ventilated canopy ozark trail canopy tent design to increase airflow and reduce the trapping of hot air, helping to keep those in the shade cooler and more comfortable. She’s a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent air mattress testing. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a B.S.

For this guide, we focused on tents that suit the most common terrains you’re likely to encounter when car-camping—grassy lawns or clearings, beaches, dirt campsites, and basic platforms—in spring, summer, and fall. We’re not looking at tents designed for such specialized activities as mountaineering, backpacking, or winter camping, though some of our recommendations have cross-over potential. One thing we love about Ozark Trail canopy tents are the accessories that can be added to the shelters.

Meramec Mercantile – From the moment you arrive, our friendly and energetic staff are here to guide you smoothly to your campsite, ensuring you have everything you need for a fun-filled and memorable stay. But it doesn’t stop at check-in; we’re here for you anytime to replenish supplies or pick out the perfect souvenir to inspire your next adventure. Floating Treetops Aerial Park – Look right and prepare to be amazed! Our Missouri trees have decided to get in on the adventure, offering a unique aerial park experience. Dare to gear up and traverse through the treetops for an adrenaline-pumping journey you won’t forget. Whatever your group’s size or adventure preference, we’ve got the perfect spot for you!