10 Cool Tents for Camping – Best Models Compared

Looking for the right tent for your next camping trip? Then look no further! We’ve selected and reviewed some of our favorite tents. The following list recommends tents for:

• camping with your friends.
• camping as a couple or with your family.
• backpacking and solo camping.
• camping with kids.

At the end of the article, we’ll give you tips on how to buy the tent that best fits you. We’ll also share our personal recommendations.

10 Cool Tents for Camping - Comparisons

Cool Tents For Camping In 2020 - Reviews

Check out these 10 Cool Tents for Camping in 2020 — and have an awesome trip!

This spacious tent can comfortably fit up to eight people. The inside, center height of the tent is 6’4”, so fully-grown adults can move around freely. The tent is large enough to house two queen size air mattresses and still have room for camping supplies.

When zipped closed, a divider curtain separates the tent into two rooms. You can use the open space during the day and then have privacy at night.

There are two doors and seven windows on the tent. When fully unzipped, the large windows provide excellent ventilation. The Coleman 2000018295 has built in weatherproofing that claims to replace a rainfly. However, if you expect heavy rainfall, we still recommend packing one.

This tent is part of the Coleman Instant Tent line. It’s designed to be assembled quickly. The tent poles come pre-attached to the dome. So, there’s no searching or figuring out what fits where. For set-up, the tent only needs to be rolled out. Then, the polls extend and snap into place. 

You could probably set up this tent with just one person. In terms of convenience, this tent wins. The downside of this model is the weight. The tent ships at over 40 pounds. If you plan on going backpacking or backwoods camping, consider a lighter option.

This tent has an outdoor screened-in porch and an inside sleeping area. A weather proof lining and series of zippers separate the two areas. The divider between the porch and tent can be unzipped to create one large room.

When the rain fly if off, this Coleman WeatherMaster has an open mesh roof. It opens up the inside of your tent to nature. You can connect with your environment while lying comfortably in your bed.

This tent is designed with durability in mind. It comes with a uniquely hinged door. It’s sturdy and feels like you’re opening the door to a tiny house. The zippers on the tent are strong and are protected by an additional layer of nylon lining.

The enclosed sleeping area is outfitted with several hooks. These can be used to conveniently mount lights, fans, or a divider that splits the tent into two rooms. This zippered nylon divider comes included with the tent.

While the tent has windows, they are situated high on the walls. They only unzip about half the length of the tent. So, ventilation could be better. Also, the rainfly that comes with the tent doesn’t completely cover all of the windows. This may lead to water dripping through.

Assembly may be difficult if you haven’t put a tent together before. The poles are helpfully color coded but the assembly manual is vague. We recommend you practice assembling this tent in your backyard first.

While this is technically just a tent in name, it’s a great bedroom accessory. The Privacy Pop-Up Bed Tent is made for anyone sharing a space.

This tent is designed to give you privacy anywhere you go. Weighing only eight pounds, it’s ideal for travel. The set-up is simple. Put the tent on top of your box spring or bed’s base. Then, slide the mattress inside the tent. It’s that easy.

The Privacy Pop Bed Tent is ideal for college students living in shared dorm rooms. Soldiers can use the bed tent during deployment. Children can enjoy “pitching a tent” on their own bed. Or it can make a great solution for siblings that have to share a room.

This compact enclosure blocks out virtually all ambient light. If you work during the night and sleep during the day, this can help you get a better night’s rest. The tent can be ordered to fit Twin, Twin XL, Full, and Queen size mattresses. Although the privacy tent is made with a single user in mind, it can also fit Twin and Full bunk beds.

Although it’s called a tent, it’s designed to only be used indoors. The Privacy Pop Up is a simple privacy solution. But we advise you to stay inside, and never take it out.

This Coleman tent is made with the casual camper in mind. Pack it up in your car and take it to a comfortable campsite. It’s ideal for families going on a weekend getaway. But seasoned campers will prefer a different model.

The tent can be separated into three different rooms with the included dividers. Mom and Dad can have their own room with two more rooms for the kids. And there’s plenty of room for a mattress in each.

This tent wins when it comes to spaciousness. It’s a conventional pitch tent, so set-up can vary between 10 – 30 minutes. It depends on how experienced you are. The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow.

The biggest downfall of this tent is the material’s durability. Many users report the tent ripping or tearing during regular set-up. The stake-tabs are flimsy and may come apart. Other tents have higher quality zippers. During windy campouts, the tent poles have been reported to break. In short, this tent doesn’t stand up to the elements.

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1- Person tent is perfect for the solo camper. It’s been tested in many environments. It’s a lightweight, compact fit for your backpack. Simple setup and break-down makes this tent a real winner.

This tent is ideal for backwoods camping and deep hikes. If you’re doing extreme camping, you only have room for the essentials. This ALPS tent weighs only 3.94lbs. It’s freestanding dome assembles with just a few polls.

It clips together quickly and won’t go down easy. Seasoned campers use this tent in dry deserts, snowy mountains, and torrential downpours. And the tent provides reliable shelter each time.

The factory sealed seams on the tent guarantee durability. They also ensure fantastic waterproofing in the walls and roof. With the addition of the “floor saver” accessory (or a tarp) you can make sure your floor stays dry. The tent has extra large zippers for easier use and a longer product lifetime.

So, if you do experience any failures, or if anything breaks, they’ll make it right.

This two person pop-up tent practically assembles itself. Open it up and it pops right into it’s full form. You can go from hiking to camping in under a minute.

While it sounds small enough for backpacking, we don’t recommend it. The long, slim design of the tent and poles need it’s own carrying case. It won’t roll up and fit in a backpack. Also, refolding the tent and getting it back in the carrying case can be tricky.

We recommend this tent for couples or parent/child camping. The tent has enough room for two sleeping pads. It’s equipped with two gear storage pockets for easy organization. You can get a comfortable night’s sleep inside the tent, but you can’t stand up in it. It’s a larger version of a solo tent. It could be an ideal choice for the solo camper than wants extra space.

The tent will hold up during moderate weather conditions. But it’s not designed for any extreme camping. If you’re planning camping out in the middle of nowhere, or under extreme conditions, consider a professional backpacking tent.

One design flaw may lead to a wet camping experience. While camping in rainy environments, the rainfly just above the door will collect a pool of water. When opening the door, it’s almost impossible to do so without spilling water in the tent.

This four person tent that will sleep all four people comfortably. You can stand up in it and get in-and-out easily through its large door. While ideal for shelter and storing camping gear, it doesn’t leave room for other activities.

The tent’s hooded fly provides ventilation even while blocking out the rain. The tent has good cross ventilation, too. open the tent’s rear window while you have the roof’s fly open. It will keep a breeze flowing through the tent.

This Coleman tent has a uniquely designed “bathtub floor.” It’s welded, leak-proof seams keep water from seeping up into your tent. It’s like having a tarp built into your tent’s floor. Campers successfully use this tent in the heaviest of rain conditions.

While this is may be the best waterproof tent for consumers, we still recommend putting a tarp under it. Users also recommend replacing the pegs that come with the tent for sturdier stakes.

Because of the built in mesh windows, this tent may not be ideal for colder environments. The same ventilation that keeps it cool may also make it too cold for winter camping.

Also Read: Best Lunch Cooler – Lunch Box that Keeps Food Cold the Longest

This is a novelty camping “toy” that can be used for play and some camping. It has enough room for two children to sleep. Or, a few kids could sit inside the tent and play.

Kids can use the Lucky Burns tent in the living room for an imaginary adventure. Or they can take it outside in the backyard for a local camping experience.

The tent may find use in other outdoor activities as well. Parents can use it to keep children comfortable during outdoor concerts or sporting events. We think it’s a great solution for keeping a little bit of shade with you on the go.

Once opened, the tent pops right up. There’s next to no assembly required. It’s perfect for quickly setting up for the kids to enjoy. And there’s no hassle when it’s time to put it away. We recommend this tent as a simple way to keep the kids entertained.

Although it’s portable and easy to use, this tent is a novelty item. It can be used in gentle camping circumstances or limited outdoor activities. It’s designed for fun, not serious camping. The material is not meant to withstand rain or most weather conditions.

The ‘Me Too’ Dome Tent is made to inspire a child’s imagination. It comes in a bright, colorful design. It’s not just a tent for kids, it’s a tent that kids can assemble. 

After a little teaching from an adult, kids can learn to pitch this tent all by themselves.The tent is engineered so that children can operate it on their own. It uses velcro and one large zipper door that kids can easily operate. The tent also has mesh vented top.

The mesh top provides ventilation when camping outdoors. It also lets parents easily peek in and see what their kids are up to. Even though the tent is made for kids, it’s built so you can actually take it camping. It has sturdy tent poles that are virtually unbreakable. It comes with a water-resistant floor that keeps the kids dry on wet ground.

The tent’s durable material is easily cleaned with soap and a cloth. The tent sets up and stores away quickly. But, because it’s so compact, it’s only suitable for smaller children.

This is actually a children’s playhouse. It’s not a tent. Still, it’s a fun way for children to play inside and outside. The adventure starts in a small “tent” with a door. Kids go inside, and can crawl through a connecting tunnel, and into a ball pit pool.

The EcoSun Kids Play Tent is a great toy for toddlers. The tunnel encourages them to crawl and explore. The two areas of play motivate the child to move around independently. There’s enough room for multiple children to play at once, so it’s great for parties.

No tools are required to assemble the play tent. Everything fits together easily. Breakdown is just as simple, and all of the parts store into one carrying case. The lightweight toy can be taken for play in the park, the beach, or even just the backyard.

Any time a child is unmonitored there’s a certain level of risk. We don’t recommend letting your child play with this toy unsupervised. The playhouse uses limited steel components in it’s design. It is not made to endure heavy weights. Also, the play balls for the ball pit are not included with the product.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Your Tent

The list of reviews ten viable tent choices for you to consider. But how do you make sure you buy the right one? Ask yourself the following questions. Figure out what your camping plans are. Then, you will know what you tent you should buy.

Where are You Going Camping? Do you have to plan for rain or any other elements? Will you be hiking to your camping spot? Or can you drive up in your car? Take your environment into account when choosing a tent.

Don’t select a tent that’s too heavy to carry. Don’t sacrifice comfort or preparedness for the sake of convenience. Think about any unexpected circumstances that may arise during your camping trip. Try your best to plan accordingly.

Is Your Tent For Sleeping or Hanging Out? Are you just using your camp for shelter and storage? Or do you want to hang out there and entertain people? How many campers will be using your tent? If you’re going to be in-and-out of your tent with other people, a big door and high ceiling are ideal. If you just need a place to sleep, then you can afford to save on space.

Is The Tent for Adults or Kids? Do you need a true tent for actual camping? Or are you looking for a fun toy to entertain children? Think about who is going to use this tent. And what they will be using it for.

How Often Will You Go Camping? Is this your first (and possibly only) time camping? Do you regularly going camping any weekend you can? Are you planning on camping out in the middle of the woods for an extended period of time? Considering the time spent camping can inform what tent you should purchase.

Maybe you need something quick and convenient to set up for your family. Or maybe you need a professional grade tent for camping the Appalachian trail. If you’re going to go camping a lot, invest in a quality tent. If you’re just trying it out, maybe get an entry level product.

How Many People Will Use This Tent? Is this tent just for one person’s privacy? Or is it for a couple going on a romantic camping getaway? Are you and a group of friends looking to party on a wilderness camping trip? A simple question on size can make your tent decision for you. Consider how much space you need and for what activities.

Our Recommendations

If you’re looking to go camping with a large group of people…

 We suggest the Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent for larger groups. It has plenty of space for people and stuff. It assembles fast and has a high ceiling for ease of movement.

If you want an outdoor enclosure included with your tent, we suggest the Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened Tent. It has plenty of room for sleeping and hosting friends.

If you’re a serious camper, or plan to camp in extreme conditions…

We recommend the Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent because of it’s incredible performance in rainy environments.

If you’re a party of one, we recommend the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent. The tent has been tested by serious campers in extreme conditions. And it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

If you’re looking for a tent for a child to play with…

We suggest either the Pacific Play Tents Kids ‘Me Too’ Dome Tent or the Privacy Pop Bed Tent.

The Me Too Dome tent is perfect for kids who want to learn about camping. It will teach them how to pitch a tent, and it works inside and outside.

The Privacy Pop Up Tent is the best indoor solution for pretend camping. Because it fits right on a mattress, it has a wide use of practical applications as well. We hope you’ve enjoyed our review of 10 Cool Tents for Camping in 2020! Have a great time camping and stay safe.

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