The Best New Tents for Every Type of Camper
Whether you’re camping in your backyard or suspended from trees (seriously) we have the tent for you.
Let’s be honest: Setting up your tent can be one of the most frustrating parts of a camping experience.
Uncooperative poles, difficult-to-hammer stakes, and myriad other traditional setup woes can chew up precious moments that would better be spent exploring, reading, making s’mores, and more.
So, some of our favorite camping tents are not only good-looking but can be assembled in mere seconds, meaning you can head out into the forest, or dive into the waves, or meander through wherever you’re spending the night under the stars in a breeze—and, on the way, discuss how much time you just saved setting up camp.
From car rooftop pop-up tents to portable hammocks that hang between two trees, there are a wide range of options available for prospective adventurers, from camping novices to seasoned outdoors experts. There are also a variety of tent accommodations on the more stylish side, if you’re planning a backyard slumber party or an urban camping experience. (Can we hear it for the parents who outfit apartment rooftops with lanterns and string lights and fire pits and s’mores stuff for the ultimate sleepover? Speaking of which, you can also dive in to our top picks for all types of camping lanterns, plus smokeless combustion stoves and fire pits.)
While you’re at it, make sure to check out our specially made series of camp cocktails, so the grown-ups can have their fun in the outdoors, too.
Here, some of our top tent picks for every type of camper.
For Extreme Adventurers
Tree tent maker Tentsile created a portable hammock called the Connect 2-Person Tree Tent, which can be quickly assembled—an average of 10 to 15 minutes—by latching ratchet straps to three trees and suspending what amounts to a full tent in the air. Made for four seasons, it’s a sturdy, easy-to-set-up option for anyone from the camping novice to the seasoned outdoors person.
For the Design-Conscious Couple
If you’re a stickler for design, The Get Out’s A-frame Tent is for you. You can customize your base and fly colors—or you can go crazy with a pattern—and head out in the wild in style. The 89-square-foot space comfortably sleeps two to three, so we’re recommending it for a couple’s weekend getaway. It’s super easy and simple to pop up and tear down; we did it in under five minutes.
For the Car Camper
Roofnest’s latest pop-up tent takes comfort and ease to the next level. The Falcon Pro’s sturdy shell creates ample interior space, and the waterproof tent can comfortably sleep two. Panoramic views are abundant via rainfly-protected windows twice the size of those on the original Falcon. And the addition of an integrated skylight provides an added bonus of allowing campers to sleep under the stars.
For the Whole Family
New for 2022, the Big Agnes Spicer Peak 4 Tent boasts two doors and space for up to four people. It’s built for three seasons, from the full fly to well-ventilated mesh for summertime excursions. A bigger version, the Spicer Peak 6, sleeps two additional people for just $50 more.
For the Parent Hosting a Sleepover
Yes, we’re including another tent from The Get Out but they’re just so cute, we can’t help ourselves. The brand offers a classic bell tent but rolled out this smaller version in six different colors and patterns. It sleeps two twin-size mattresses but you could totally snuggle up for a sleepover on four different mattress pads. There’s a lantern ring on the center pole so you can create the camping vibe, even if you’re in your own backyard.
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