The 6 Best Camping Tents for 2024 Reviews by Wirecutter

Generally, we like clip-on designs better, since those are easier to put together, but in the case of the Base Camp models, the sleeves add extra tension and stability throughout the tent fabric. There are also two poles that arch over each doorway and down the sides of the tent to add extra shape and support; these attach to the tent body with clips. The rain fly has an additional tent pole, too, to support the vestibule.

Additional hook-and-loop straps hold the center of each side to the frame to prevent flapping in the wind. Its walls are 75-denier polyester fabric (tougher than the Wireless 6’s 68-denier polyester and the same as the REI Co-op Base Camp’s) that extends about two-thirds up the tent’s sides, and then is topped with mesh. The partial fly does a great job of keeping rain out of the upper, mesh areas, and cleverly placed vents maintain airflow so it never feels too stuffy. The biggest material difference between the Sundome and our other picks is its crunchy, tarp-like polyethylene floor.

However, this fabric didn’t feel high quality and neither did the zipper or hook-and-loop straps. While we enjoyed this canopy for camping, we wouldn’t expect it to last very long if used regularly. This isn’t a lightweight canopy by any means, and it’s 66 inches long when in the roller bag.

And this tent is easy to set up and pack down, especially considering its size. As with most six-person tents, the Wawona 6’s footprint is sold separately. At $500, this modified dome-style tent isn’t cheap, but it represents substantial value. Many tents with similar profiles—such as the Big Agnes Dog House 6—either cost more or require you buy the tent body and attachable vestibule separately.

ozark trail shower tent

While this model is heavy, it comes with a roller bag that makes transportation easier. The instructions were generic and didn’t include any specifics for a model this size. It was also difficult to fit the frame, canopy, and sidewalls into the roller bag. This big canopy has a sturdy ozark trail canopy tent powder-coated steel frame with adjustable legs that have a push-button mechanism to adjust to one of three height options. It comes with four sidewalls, one of which has two zippers so users can roll open a door. The configurations can change based on need, allowing for versatility.

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. A senior staff writer at Wirecutter, Kit Dillon has written about everything from backpacks and cooking gear to luggage and road-tripping. Pop-up canopies are available in sizes that range from small 4-foot-by-4-foot models to wedding canopies that span well over 10 feet by 20 feet. You want to think about what you need to do to set it up, determine whether its size and weight are impediments to transporting it, and note what accessories are available. We greatly appreciated the push-button release mechanisms, which helped us avoid pinched fingers.

Simply press in on the center of each side and pull the polls together. The waterproof, windproof, fireproof, and UV-protective silver-coated 300D PU polyester can keep out up to 99.99 percent of UV rays. We could feel a difference in temperature and light when under this protective model. Meta Marketing is our approach to delivering personalized and relevant content to you based on your preferences and interactions with our marketing materials. For decades, OZtrail has been committed to providing high-quality, innovative camping and outdoor products to help everyone create memories outdoors. We found that company representatives are reluctant to estimate the lifespan of their tents.

Everyone who tested this tent loved it, and it’s not hard to understand why. With plenty of interior space, near-vertical walls, and a gigantic vestibule that could accommodate a golf cart, the Wawona feels more like a tiny home than a tent. The separate fly, which covers the upper half of the tent, uses a third, shorter “brow” pole to form protective peaks over the door and the back window. In our tests, an experienced camper took only about six minutes on the first try to set up the tent body alone and stake it out. Getting the fly placed and staked properly took about five more minutes.

The Ozark Trail Hazel Creek Deluxe Shower Tent is handy and versatile. The hook at the top holds a 5-gallon shower bag and the mesh at the bottom perimeter ensures water drains properly. An exterior towel rack provides a place to keep your things dry while showering and an ideal place to hang your wet towel. The Ozark Trail Deluxe Shower Tent can also be used as a changing station or a lavatory. The mesh ceiling and window ensure ventilation while allowing for privacy. Hang a lantern on the hook at the top of the tent for nighttime use.

For example, on a sunny day, users can choose to have two sidewalls on the backside to provide extra shade. They were all set up outdoors in inclement weather, namely Pacific Northwest rain showers and wind. We also put their functionality to use by carrying them along to real-life events like camping and backyard parties.