I love the outdoors and car camping. I’ve slept under the stars in many places. Based on my experiences and a lot of research, I’ve made a list of the best tents for car camping. These tents are great for many reasons like their size, comfort, and how well they handle weather. Brands like Eureka, Magellan, and Kelty make tents that are easy to set up and last a long time. The North Face Wawona 6 even won awards for its great design.
These tents stand strong against wind and rain, making car camping enjoyable. Trusted brands like REI, MSR, and Mountain Hardwear make them. They focus on making outdoor living better. Keep reading to find out the top 10 best car camping tents that will upgrade your camping trips.
Best Overall Camping Tent: The North Face Wawona 6
The North Face Wawona 6 has won the top spot as the best overall camping tent. It perfectly balances space, toughness, and family camping needs.
Why It’s the Best Overall
The tent shines for many reasons. Its construction is solid, using strong polyester materials that promise durability. This ensures the tent stands up well in tough weather.
It’s quite roomy, with a maximum height of 6’4″ and 85 square feet of interior space. This size allows everyone to stand up and move around easily.
Features and Specifications
- Peak height of 76 inches
- Floor area of 86.1 square feet, fitting two queen-sized air mattresses
- Hybrid double-wall structure with a partial-coverage rainfly
- Massive front vestibule offering 44.7 square feet of additional enclosed space
- Constructed with durable 150D polyester taffeta for the main structure and 68D polyester for the floor
- Weighs nearly 22 pounds when packed
- Pack size measures 10 x 32 inches
Pros and Cons
While the North Face Wawona 6 stands out, it has its drawbacks too. Here are the key points:
- Pros:
- Big interior space ideal for families
- Strong fabric and structure for durability
- Versatile vestibule area adds storage and flexibility
- Handles 50+ mph winds well
- Cons:
- Views can be blocked by back window pockets
- Setting up can be hard with the separate fly design
- Having only one door might be a drawback for some families
Overall, the North Face Wawona 6 is a top pick for outdoor shelter. Its mix of space, toughness, and useful features make it the best overall camping tent for family adventures.
Best Bang for Your Buck: REI Co-op Skyward 4
The REI Co-op Skyward 4 stands out as a budget-friendly tent. It’s less expensive than rivals like The North Face Wawona 4 and Marmot Limestone 4P. And it offers more room than REI’s Wonderland 4P, all for $349.
Value Proposition
This tent aims to give you a lot of room without breaking the bank. It has a peak height of 78 inches and covers 60 square feet. That means plenty of space for big camping beds and lots of room inside.
It’s perfect for two to three people who enjoy camping. Plus, it’s light, weighing just 11 pounds. This makes it easy to carry wherever you go.
Design and Usability
The REI Co-op Skyward uses strong materials for its construction. The floor is made of 150D polyester, and the sides and rainfly are 75D polyester. It might have just one door, but it has a big vestibule area adding 19.5 square feet of extra space.
Setting it up is easy too. One person can put it together in around 12 minutes.
Durability and Comfort
This tent is made to last, thanks to its strong aluminum poles. It’s designed to be used often and still hold up well. Inside, you’ll find four big pockets for storing your gear, adding to its handy features.
While the tent’s ventilation and the way you need to pack it could be better, it’s still a top choice. It balances durability, comfort, and roominess very well.
Overall, the REI Co-op Skyward 4 is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an affordable, reliable tent. It covers everything important – like stability and ease of use – for any camping fan.
Best for Bad Weather: REI Co-op Base Camp 6
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is the top choice for weatherproof camping. It gives you a big area of 84.3 square feet to live in. Yet, it’s sized just right to be cozy. The tent’s walls are made of tough 75-denier polyester. Its floor is even tougher, at 150-denier, to stand up to the worst weather.
This tent is built strong with four aluminum poles. These poles keep the tent stable even when winds hit 20 miles per hour. The tent is great for all types of weather because of its full-coverage rainfly. This rainfly goes all the way to the ground, keeping rain out.
The Base Camp 6 comes with two big vestibules. These add 44 square feet more space, great for your gear and more room to live. It has 14 large mesh pockets inside. This makes keeping your stuff organized easy. With all its features, the tent is still only 20 pounds and 11.5 ounces. This balance makes it strong yet easy to carry.
Setting up this tent takes a bit more work, needing around 10 minutes with two people. But, this effort is worth it for its strength and shelter from all weather. This means you stay dry and comfy on outdoor trips.
The build quality and smart design make this tent stand out. It has strong stitching, thick aluminum poles, and a dependable rainfly. The Base Camp 6 is made to last through many camping seasons. Even at $549, it’s a smart buy for comfort and safety in uncertain weather.
In short, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is a top pick for camping in bad weather. It offers both comfort and reliability when conditions are tough. With its spacious design and excellent materials, it’s the best weatherproof camping tent you can choose.
Most Versatile Option: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is great for many camping activities. It works well for car camping, backpacking, or even backyard fun. It’s strong, light, and easy to use. Setting it up takes only 4 minutes and 30 seconds. It also has two vestibules. This makes it a smart and effective choice for any camper.
Versatility Benefits
The Mineral King 3 offers space for three people and has 42.5 square feet of floor space. It’s light, weighing just 7.1 pounds. But it has extra room in the vestibules for gear. You can roll up the fly for views or fresh air. This adds to its flexibility for different outings.
Construction and Materials
It’s made with strong 68D ripstop polyester and DAC Pressfit aluminum poles. This makes it both durable and light. The inside has a breathable 40D polyester mesh. Plus, there are five pockets for storing your things neatly. These materials make this tent tough against weather while keeping it easy to carry.
Performance in Different Conditions
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 does well in many weather conditions. It has strong tie-downs and a ventilated mesh design. You can set it up alone or with a friend easily. It’s reliable in rain, wind, or under clear skies. This makes it the top choice for versatility.
