Are you searching for that ideal tent that’s got everything you want and need but your budget limit is tight? Like me, you may be completely overwhelmed by the many different choices.
After years of experience with camping out in various types and sizes of tents, I have finally figured out a surefire way to pick the right tent for each intended purpose without breaking the bank to do it. Do you wonder if it is even possible to find a decent tent that is well within a frugal budget?
It’s not only possible, keep reading to quickly discover my easy-to-use shopping guide on my absolute favorite tents under 200$.
Best Tents under 200$:
1. Coleman Camping Tent
This cabin tent with instant setup by Coleman sleeps 4 to 6 making it ideal for family camping and road trips. The lightweight internal pole design makes setups simple.
Features a one-door design, mesh windows, and rainproof double fabric with inverted seams and welded corners to keep everyone dry and cozy. An integrated rainfly offers better airflow and added protection. Great all-around tent for 3-season camping fun.
Features:
- Size: Spacious 10 ft by 9 ft – fits 2 queen-sized air mattresses with 6 ft standing
- room in the center.
- Type: Instant/fast setup 6-person cabin style.
- Durability: Built to last with durable fabric doubled for strength.
- Structure Stability: Easy & fast setup/take-down. Very stable once stakes are secured.
- Weather Resistance: Patented WeatherTec System. Available rainfly accessory provides extra rain
protection and increased airflow. - Life Expectancy: Made to withstand the elements for years.
- Price Difference: Can be pricier than models that sleep less, but well worth the small difference
for the added standing room. - Maintenance: Easy to maintain. Test water resistance before first use. Use weatherproof
fabric protector between seasons. - Cleanliness: Convenient storage compartments are built into the design.
- Floor Options: Use a ground protection sheet.
- Wall Height: Center 6 ft 2 in height, 10 ft by 9 ft.
- Season Rating: Three-season camping. Add an extra rainfly accessory if camping in rainy weather
regions. - Well worth the money.
- Fantastic for road trips and family camping.
- Somewhat bulky for true backpacking trips.
Pros:
- Easy to set up/take down
- Extra Roomy Cabin-Style Great for Family Camping with Kids
- Durable Design & Fabric
- WeatherTech Waterproof Protection
- Storage Bag Included
- 3 Season Rating
Cons:
- May Leak in Heavy Rains – Extra Rainfly Accessory Available
- Only 1 Door Tight-Fit
- Bulky & Not Suited for Long Backpacking Treks
- Tricky to Secure Stakes
2. Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping
This 1 room-style Coleman 8-person conventional-pitch dome tent features a convenient hinged door that zips for easy access and a small front awning.
The price is right, and this tent boasts a decent packed size in an expandable carry-tote for easy transport. The bathtub floor with welded corners, inverted seams, and slanted windows help keep the interior dry. WeatherTec and Rainfly are included for added protection.
Features
- Size: 6-8-person on the floor. Fits 2+ queen air mattresses and room for gear.
- Type: Conventional-pitch 1-room dome waterproof camping tent.
- Durability: Inner fabric 68D polyester mesh, 75D polyester taffeta fly material and 1000D
polyethylene floor makes for great durability. - Structure Stability: Must be staked properly.
- Weather Resistance: WeatherTec System, slant windows, and rainfly offer decent weather resistance.
- Life Expectancy: Years of care taken with lightweight poles during setup.
- Price Difference: Unbelievably low price for a roomy interior.
- Maintenance: Low – may want to waterproof seams. Allow the tent to dry before storing it.
- Cleanliness: Small mesh storage compartments included.
- Floor Options: The bathtub floor extends up 4-5 inches.
- Wall Height: D: 27.5 x 9.25 x 9 inches, 6 ft 2-inch center standing height. Sloped walls.
- Season Rating: 3
- Nice all-around tent for family camping, motorcycle, or spontaneous road trips.
- Bargain price for the large 1-room interior.
Pros:
- Lightweight Conventional Setup /w Stakes
- Spacious 1-Room Interior
- Sleeps 5 to 6 Comfortable or 7 to 8 on Floor
- Expandable Carry Case – Compact Packed Size for Easy Transport/Storage
- Zipped Hinged-Swing Door
- Weather Resistant Features
- Small Front Awning
Cons:
- Only 1 Door for Multiple Person Use
- Slant Windows but No Floor Air-Vents
- Conventional Setup VS Instant-on Other Models
3. CORE Tents for Family Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking
The incredibly spacious and affordable Core 9-person extended dome tent offers amazing features like Core’s impressive H20 Block Technology for dry and comfortable camping.
Includes an adjustable vent /w lightweight fiberglass pole in an innovative design for simple and quick setups.
Interior gear loft, pockets, and lantern hook with electric cable port keep belongings neat and off the floor. Packs down to a reduced easy-carry 20 lb. size suited for motorbike transport.
Features:
- Size: Sleeps 9 persons side-by-side or fewer campers with added gear room.
- Type: Extended dome design.
- Durability: Exceptionally durable when staked down securely. Strong weather-resistant fabric.
- Structure Stability: Good stability when heavy-duty stakes are used.
- Weather Resistance: H20 Block Technology heat seals seams from removable rainfly to floor. Zipped
windows/doors/vents offer greater water resistance. - Life Expectancy: Should last for many years.
- Price Difference: Unbeatable prices for this caliber of a tent.
- Maintenance: Optional: Apply protective waterproof product to seams each camping season.
- Cleanliness: Handy interior pockets, lantern hook, and gear loft keep belongings tidy.
- Floor Options: 16 x 9 ft
- Wall Height: D: 16 x 9 ft, center peak height 72 inches tapers down.
- Season Rating: 3 – Best for moderate warmer climates due to mesh openings.
- Unbeatable prices for a top-quality spacious tent.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Reduced Packed Size /w Carry Bag – Easy Transport
- Bargain Price for Superior Tent
- More Mesh for Excellent Ventilation
- Lots of Space – 1 Room Layout
Cons:
- Only 1 Door for Multiple Persons
- Stakes Flimsy – Switch to Heavier Stakes
- Won’t Sleep Stated Number Comfortably /w Gear – Lower Capacity Recommended
- Fiberglass Poles Need Gentle Touch
4. MOON LENCE Camping Tent
This comfy 4-person family tent by Moon Lence offers strong double-layer fabric with a waterproof and removable rainfly to keep moisture out. The lightweight 7.5 lb. design packs nicely into a carry bag for super-easy transport across campgrounds.
This tent is always ready for on-the-go camping adventures. Setup is a breeze, sleeps 2 comfortably with gear or up to 4 smaller persons without gear. Tent material resistant to UV light, wind, and water. Fantastic value pricing and lots of ventilation.
2) Features:
- Size: 2 to 4 person
- Type: Somewhat round
- Durability: Double-layer fabric is strong and durable.
- Structure Stability: Very stable once 9 iron pegs and 4 guy ropes are secured tightly.
- Weather Resistance: Resistant to UV rays, wind, and water.
- Life Expectancy: With TLC during setup, should last years.
- Price Difference: Extremely affordable price range.
- Maintenance: Might need waterproofing reapplied after using a while.
- Cleanliness: Convenient mesh storage pockets and lantern hook built-in for easy-reach
essentials and tent tidiness. - Floor Options: Has terrific airflow vents.
- Wall Height: D: 83.8(L)*83.8(W)*51.9(H)inches.
- Season Rating: 3
- Breathable mesh interior and well-placed air vents provide wonderful air-
circulation.
Pros:
- Lightweight Design & Easy-Carry Bag
- Portable
- Breathable Mesh Interior
- Zippered Windows/Door for Privacy
- Fits 2 to 4 People
- Resistant to Wind, Water & UV Rays
Cons:
- Carry Bag a Bit Small
- TLC Needed for Fiberglass Poles
- Cramped at 4 Persons – Lower Capacity
5. GEERTOP 2 Person Tent for Camping
The double-layer waterproof backpacking dome tent by GEERTOP is an excellent 2 person camping tent perfect for 4 season use even in snow or rain. The outer layer is coated so snow and rain slide off quickly. The bottom skirt propels water/snow away from the tent.
The lightweight yet sturdy design is ideal for backpacking, hiking, climbing, or hunting and setup is a cinch. The versatile tent includes 2 double-sided zippered doors and 2 vestibules. This tent’s breathable materials, mesh windows, and an interior Velcro vent keep indoor air-regulated and decrease condensation.
Features:
- Size: 2 person
- Type: Dome lightweight.
- Durability: Lightweight nylon material is durable, strong, and resists rips.
- Structure Stability: Freestanding poles secured with heavy-duty L-shaped stakes stand firm in wind or
rain. - Weather Resistance: Waterproof outer fabric layer resists snow, ice, rain, harsh UV rays, and wind.
Snow skirts and rainflies propel moisture away. - Life Expectancy: Built for serious campers to last indefinitely.
- Price Difference: Truly a good buy for all this tent has to offer.
- Maintenance: Double-check seams for leaks, and reapply waterproofing product if needed.
- Cleanliness: Tarps can keep the floor cleaner. Includes lantern hook, storage compartments, gear
hammock, and 2 vestibules. The waterproof duffel bag rolls tent components up and then
buckles securely for travel and storage. - Floor Options: Taped seams and waterproof material keep the interior dry and cozy.
- Wall Height: D: Outer: 82(L) x 102(W) x 45(H) inches. Inner: 78(L) x 55(W) x 41(H) inches.
- Season Rating: 4
- Ideal tent for serious campers and rough terrains.
- Lightweight yet strong and able to perform exceptionally in any season.
Pros:
- Superior Design
- All Season Use
- Easy-Setup & Ultra-Lightweight for Easy-Carry
- Innovative Weather Protection Details
- Convenient 2 Door & 2 Vestibules Design
- Reinforced Seams
- Low Manageable 6.5 lb. Weight
- Breathable – Increased Air Ventilation
- Diverse Use & Design Options
- Low Cost
6. Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent
The Mountainsmith Morrison 2-person tent is one of our favorite 3-season camping tents under 200. This domed free-standing tent is generous in space with a 35-square-foot floor area. Also features efficient design elements like a removable gear loft.
The tent was still lightweight enough to make backpacking with it doable. This tent boasts 2 doors and 2 vestibules for better airflow and less bother when two campers share the space. Features include lightweight clip-pole attachments and reflective guy lines making nighttime setups easier.
Features:
- Size: 2 person
- Type: Dome double-wall tent great for backpacking/camping.
- Durability: Strong materials, good workmanship details, and reinforced V-stakes.
- Structure Stability: Taut tent pitch offers superior stability in wind and rainstorms.
- Weather Resistance: Vestibule zipper high enough to keep rain/debris out and low enough to access
easily. Comes with interior mesh pockets, a detachable ceiling loft, and vestibule
storage spots. - Life Expectancy: Use protective tarps underneath for a longer lifespan.
- Price Difference: This amazing deal is well worth buying.
- Maintenance: Take care of poles when setting up/taking down or packing.
- Cleanliness: Novel space-efficient design puts everything within easy reach off the floor
- Floor Options: Taped bathtub-style floor resists moisture.
- Wall Height: D: 92″x56″x43
- Season Rating: 3
- An ingenious use of livable space in a lightweight carry design.
- The extra roomy layout accommodates taller people nicely.
Pros:
- Price Can’t Be Beat
- Roomy & Efficient Use of Living Spaces
- Handy Storage Compartments
- Quick Setup with Color-Coded Reflective Frame Pieces
- Rainfly Ventilation
- Light Enough for Backpacking
- Accommodates Taller People
- No-Hassle 2-Door Entryways
Cons:
- A Bit Heavier than Other Ultra Backpack Tents – Extra Space Worth It.
- Floor Material May Puncture if No Tarp
7. KAZOO 2／4 Person Camping Tent
The Kazoo outdoor 4-person large family camping tent is rugged enough for backcountry trails with a doubled layer of protection and modern enough to offer a roomy 56 square ft interior with lots of added amenities.
Stay warm and dry inside of this easy setup tent that features 2 sun porches when material from the 2 doors is lifted. Strong durable polyester tent material is breathable and with ripstop rainfly the tent is waterproof.
Includes vestibule and convenient storage with a footprint extending out to include porches. Enjoy the views and cool breezes with 2 mesh windows that protect against insects. Get all of this for a great price deal.
Features
- Size: 4 person
- Type: Round multi-purpose family tent
- Durability: Double-layer tent fabric is durable and versatile.
- Structure Stability: Simplistic 3-pole frame design and 8 extra guylines give total tent stability even in wind gusts and storms.
- Weather Resistance: This robust family tent offers protection from wind, rain, and sun with weather-resistant waterproof fabrics. Seamed and sealed construction and full coverage rainfly make this tent an excellent choice in wet/wind weather conditions. Additional storm flaps too.
- Life Expectancy: Expert construction and premium materials make the lifespan of this rugged tent a long one.
- Price Difference: Excellent value for your money.
- Maintenance: General maintenance is all this tent needs.
- Cleanliness: A footprint for vestibule areas, built-in storage spots, and dirt/water-repelling fabrics make this tent a cinch to keep clean and tidy.
- Floor Options: Taped and sealed seams with 2 large added storage vestibules included in this 95 X 86 in. floor.
- Wall Height: D: Impressive 57 in. height, spacious interior at 95 inches x 86 inches.
- Season Rating: 3
What Consumers Are Saying:
- Easiest setup family tent at unbeatable prices to boot.
- Superior workmanship, large roomy, and well-designed living quarters waterproofed to keep the interior dry and cozy.
Pros:
- Great Bang for Your Buck
- Roomy Sleeping Area
- Extra Waterproof Features
- Added Guylines for Extra Stability
- Simple 3-Pole Setup
- Includes 2 Doors with Porch Flap
- Has 2 Large Storage Vestibules
- Multi-Function Family Tent
Cons:
- No Interior Footprint but Included in Vestibules
- Some Report Zipper-Sticking
8. Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent
This Clostnature lightweight 4-person backpacking tent is a phenomenal 3-season ultralight waterproof camping tent. We liked its larger size and easy setup.
The impressive tent made our top 4-person camping tent under 200 which is a spectacular bargain. This cozy tent is perfect for family, outdoor, and hiking and is rugged enough for mountaineering.
It performs in all 4 seasons. The smart streamlined design is lightweight enough to take kayaking or biking trips as well.
Features:
- Size: 4-person versatile
- Type: All-season dome design for backpacking/camping/adventures
- Durability: Made exceptionally well with high-grade materials and superior construction workmanship.
- Structure Stability: Surprisingly stable given the tent’s easy setup.
- Weather Resistance: Offers extreme weather resistance with factory-sealed seams, waterproof rainflies, and intelligent design style. Rated for 3 to 4-season use.
- Life Expectancy: This tent is extremely well-made and should last a very long time.
- Price Difference: Value-priced for its advanced ultralight backpacking design.
- Maintenance: Regular attention to details otherwise minimal maintenance.
- Cleanliness: Bathtub floor to keep dampness out, great ventilation keeps condensation down and built-in storage areas keep messiness minimal
- Floor Options: A bathtub floor with 2 vestibules and 2 doors.
- Wall Height: D: 7’8” x 7’3” x 4’7” interior.
- Season Rating: 3 to 4 season
- Loving the extra room, and streamlined, and lightweight design this tent has to offer.
- Ideal for hiking, backpacking, climbing, and just about any outdoor camping adventure for family or friends.
Pros:
- Ultra-Light Backpack Design
- Easy Setups Compact Carry Size
- Roomy & Comfortable Interior
- Stays Dry & Cozy
- Ample Storage for Gear – 2 Vestibules
- No-Bother 2 Door Entry
- Super Low Price
Cons:
- No Footprint Included but 1 Available
- Clips May Break if Not Careful
9. AYAMAYA Pop-Up Tent 6-Person Easy Pop-Up Tents
The nicely designed Ayamaya pop-up tent with a vestibule for 4 to 6-person is a good choice for an affordable 5-person camping tent.
It features a double layer of waterproof fabric and is rated a 3-season easy setup big family camping tent. We like the ventilated windows of mesh that keep the interior fresh in hot weather.
Features
- Size: Comfortably fits 5 persons with limited gear or 4 persons with more gear.
- Type: Dome-shaped pop-up
- Durability: Double layer of super tough tent fabric that repels moisture in rainy weather conditions.
- Structure Stability: We love the stability of this roomy tent.
- Weather Resistance: Crafted of waterproof fabric in a double layer with rainfly assures protection from rain. Multiple well-thought-out vents keep condensation down during rainy or colder weather.
- Life Expectancy: Should be good for years.
- Price Difference: Fantastic deal for an ingeniously designed larger 4-season tent.
- Maintenance: A simple setup design requires little maintenance. Stores in a circular pack that is easy and lightweight to carry.
- Cleanliness: The 2 vestibules offer a place to store gear like shoes or even the dog. Easy to keep clean with moderate care.
- Floor Options: 4000 mm floor with heat-sealed seams keep moisture out.
- Wall Height: D: 12.5 x 8.5 feet (106 sq. ft.) Height 53.5” at center
- Season Rating: All season 4 rating
- Enjoy more outdoor pursuits with this tent that almost sets itself up.
- A great tent that boasts a double tent layer that traps air inside to keep interior condensation lower.
Pros:
- Fast & Easy Pop Setup
- Roomy Interior Sleeps 4+ Comfortably
- Advanced Waterproof Design
- Excellent Ventilation
- Hooded Vents for Better Air Regulation Inside
Cons:
- Floor Footprint Not Included
- Stakes a Bit Tiny
Factors to Consider
There are a few things that should be carefully considered before heading out to purchase a new tent. Reading camping tent reviews like ours above is an easy and fast way to get an idea of what each specific tent offers.
Considerations include:
- Space Desired
- Choosing 3 or 4 Season Models
- Budget Limitations
- List Must-Have Features
- Weight Matters for Backpacking, Hiking, etc.
- Consider Door Entryways if More than! Person in Tent
- Look for Tent Height – Taller Campers Need Extra Head Space
- Built-in Storage & Other Features
- Ensure Proper Ventilation in the Design
- Where You Will Be Camping Also a Consideration
- What Type of Weather in Your Camping Region
- Carry Bag & Storage Ease
With proper research and these tips, every camping enthusiast should affordable tents that meet their budget limitation and preferred tent features.
FAQ
Q: Which Tents Are Best For a Group or Family?
A: Determine how much space you need and don’t forget extra storage details as families can come with a lot of belongings. Remember to always size occupant capacity in most cases to ensure a truly comfortable sleeping/camping experience. Also, consider intended usage to ensure your tent will last with frequent use.
Q: Are There Special Tent Considerations When Planning to Backpack or Climb?
A: One of the most important things to consider for backpacking and climbing excursions is the packed weight of the tent. Ideally, you want an ultra-lightweight tent specifically designed for these purposes. If in an area of extreme temperatures and weather, keep that in mind when tent shopping as well.
Summary
All of the reviewed tents have value and both pros and cons. Any of the models could be your next tent under 200.
For my personal tent preferences, I would have to lean towards the Kazoo Outdoor 4-Person Tent for its versatile uses as both a comfortable family camping trip and for backpacking into more rugged terrain. The value of the ingeniously designed living space can’t be beat.
Read more about our tent reviews anytime on our blog. Contact us for assistance with tent shopping.
