If you’re looking for the best backpacking tent under $200? You’ve come to the right place.

Do you like shopping for camping gear as much as we do? Don’t get me wrong, we love everything about being outdoors. But there is something exciting about buying just the thing to make the camping experience a little better. 

If you’ve ever been shopping for a tent and thought to yourself “I thought camping was supposed to be cheap!” then never fear, my budget-conscious friends. We have put together the best camping tents under $200!

That’s right! For less than $200 you can buy high quality tents for backpacking, car camping, or to serve as a basecamp. No matter if you are a solo backpacker wanting the lightest weight option, or if you have a growing family and need room for your whole troop, there are good choices out there. 

Let’s get started checking out this list of the best inexpensive tents on the market.

Our Top 3 Recommendations:

Product	Features	Rating	Price
	ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent - Gray/Navy	4.9	Check Price on Amazon
	Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2-4 Person 3 Season Tent, Cactus Green	4.8	Check Price on Amazon
	Kelty Late Start 1P - Lightweight Solo Backpacking Tent with Quickcorners, Aluminum Pole Frame, Waterproof Polyester Fly, 1 Person Capacity	4.6	Check Price on Amazon

Best Tents Under $200 Options 

The reality is, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to buying a tent. That’s why we have broken this into categories by capacity. 

Here is a quick overview of the best tents under 200 dollars. Feel free to skip to the one you are looking for. 

At the end we will go over some things to keep in mind when shopping for a good tent on a budget. 

As a disclaimer, we haven’t personally tried all of these tents ourselves. We aren’t exactly minimalists, but we have reduced our collection of tents to just one, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus. 

We had the original that lasted 15 years, and we loved it. But when we replaced it with the new model a couple of years ago, there are things we love and things we don’t. We’ll go into more detail later. 

So it has us wondering, “is there a better option?” Or should we keep it for backpacking and flights, while looking for a bigger tent for local trips?

That has led us to deep dive into finding the best camping tents on a budget.

This isn’t the same list you will find on other websites. We have consistently found that inferior tents wind up on these lists, even though they don’t deserve to be.

Any tent is going to provide some sort of shelter, but we only want to recommend the best of the best. Click here to jump to the ones that didn’t make our list, even though they are recommended by other websites.

Once we eliminated all of the duds, this is what we found out in our research:

The Best 2 Person Tents Under $200

Let’s start with the basics. Let’s say this is your first tent and you’re going solo. Investing in the best 2 person tent under $200 is a great place to start.

These tents are lightweight and easy to set up. And some of these are ideal for backpacking (although we will cover the best backpacking tents later).

We love having a go-to light, easy, and reliable 2-person tent. With ours, we have been able to camp in remote places all over the United States. And we even packed it for a camping trip to Iceland. (Read all about our favorite Iceland campsites here!)

1. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent

We also include this one in as one of our top lightweight backpacking tents, as well as its bigger version in our best 3 person tent. 

If you only have one tent and you like to backpack or pack your camping gear on a plane, we highly recommend buying a backpacking tent. 

There are certain features that are sacrificed to make 2 person tents smaller. But the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent has a lot of the features of a car camping tent in a smaller package. 

The only downside is that you don’t have a lot of head room. At only 38” tall, don’t expect to stand up inside. 

However, at 7’4” long, you will have plenty of legroom. And an ample amount of vestibule space will keep you dry in the rain.

Features:

• Size: 88” x 58”
• Height: 38”
• Vestibule: 17 ft²
• Weight: 5 lbs 11 oz
• Packed size: 6-½” x 19”
• Doors: 2

2. Mountainsmith Morrison​​ EVO 2 Person Tent

The Mountainsmith Morrison​​ EVO one is very similar to our Half Dome 2 in design, but a little bigger and a lot cheaper. 

However, that isn’t even the best feature of the EVO. At 96” long and 45” high, you are getting a (borderline backpacking) tent with lots of room inside. 

Of course, you still won’t be able to stand up like you will with one of the larger tents we get into later, but you won’t feel cramped for space when setting up or waiting out bad weather.

When you follow the link to this one, it describes it as a sun shelter. That is a limited description since it is a camping tent that can be converted into a sun shelter. 

Simply set up the tent with the rainfly and the footprint, and you have a perfect sun shelter for the beach or picnic.

Features:

👍 Pros

• 96” long and 45” tall give you ample space for a small tent
• Clip-pole attachment for quick setup
• Brow pole makes the headspace wider
• A budget alternative to the Half Dome 2
• Can be used as a sun shelter

👎 Cons

• 6 lbs makes it a heavy backpacking option

3. Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent – 2 Person (2019 Model)

Yes, we are going to include a 2019 model even though it’s a few years old.

We had to include the Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent because of the overall ratings by other users. And warn you about what other websites aren’t telling you. 

It’s a good tent, don’t get me wrong. But you don’t see any other reviewers telling you that it only has one door. Which is a problem for two people, especially when backpacking.

Most backpacking tents have two doors and, more importantly, two vestibules to keep your backpack and boots dry. The Kelty Late Start only has one vestibule giving you 7.85 square feet of storage space. 

That makes this tent a bit cramped for space with 2 people. And if you have ever had someone crawl over you in the middle of the night, you would be tempted to install your own second door on the spot.

That said, it is only 4 lbs. That’s not ultralight, by any means. But compared to the other 2 person tents for under $200, it is a weight saver for long hikes.

Features:

• Size: 85” x 54”
• Height: 40”
• Vestibule: 7.85  ft²
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Packed size: 16” x 7”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Lightweight at only 4 lbs

👎 Cons

• Only has one door and vestibule
• Less than 8 sqf of vestibule space

Best 3 Person Tents Under $200

A 3-person tent can be as described: a tent that can fit 3 people. Realistically, it has to be 3 small people that don’t mind sharing close space. 

These best 3 person tents under $200 are a better option is for 2 people that like to spread out just a little more. So, if you’re looking for a little more space than a 2-person tent, or if you don’t mind sleeping with 2 people’s feet in your face, a 3-person tent is just for you.

Here are our top rated 3 person tents for under $200.

4. ALPS Moun​​taineering Zephyr 3-Person Tent 2

This isn’t a typo. We chose the ALPS Moun​​taineering Zephyr 3-Person Tent 2 as the best 2-person and the best 3-person tent. It has the same features as the Zephyr 2, with an extra 16” of width giving you 10 more square feet of interior space. 

To be fair, 74” width is the widest point. 54” is the narrowest. The website shows 3 people alternating head to foot. And considering the rhomboid shape, it would have 2 people kicking the 3rd in the head all night long. A very fun feature if you have a younger brother.

Features:

👍 Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to setup
• Good ventilation
• 2 doors
• Rainfly can be used as a sunshade

👎 Cons

• Rhomboid shape can get narrow at one end

5. North Face Stormbreak 3 

Squeaking in just under the $200 mark is the North Face Stormbreak 3 tent. But it is one of our top picks for several reasons.

First of all, the two doors have easy open access. When fully opened, you can drive a truck straight through! (ok, a slight exaggeration. But you get the point.)

Not only that, but the vestibules are enormous. The rainfly creates two storage areas with over 10-½ square feet of space. 

This is a great feature, especially if you have 3 people. The size may be the only downfall for the North Face Stormbreak 3 tent. While the headroom is generously tall and wide, it’s a bit tight for 3 people. Especially if they want to keep their gear dry. 

But if you don’t mind the extra weight – like if you’re car camping – the North Face Stormbreak 3 tent is a very roomy tent for 2 people, landing it a spot in our list of the top 3 person tents for under $200.

Note: Definitely consider buying the footprint with it. But we recommend that for any tent on this list.

Features:

• Size: 88” x 65” 
• Height: 46” 
• Vestibule: 21.66 ft²
• Weight: 6 lbs 10 oz
• Packed size: 8” x 22”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Excellent headroom
• Huge vestibules
• Easy access doors

👎 Cons

• Heavy for a backpacking tent

6. TETON Sports Mountain Ultra T​​ent 

One thing that you’ll never regret when camping in the summer is finding a tent with plenty of ventilation.

That’s what we love about the TETON Sports Mountain Ultra T​​ent. It is made almost entirely of screen, so without the rainfly, you have open views of the stars and plenty of airflow.

Even with the rainfly, which comes all the way to the ground, there is adequate ventilation thanks to roof vents that encourage air movement throughout the tent.

With the quick clips and two doors, it could almost be considered a backpacking tent. But at 10 lbs and 38” pack size, it’s better suited for car camping.

The tent poles are aluminum, which is lighter and more durable than fiberglass. And we like the lifetime warranty so you can sleep well knowing you’re getting a good deal. 

Features:

• Size: 95” x 80”
• Height: 58”
• Vestibule: 20 ft²
• Weight: 10.1 lbs
• Packed size: 38” x 13” x 14”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Lots of ventilation
• Aluminum poles
• Lifetime warranty
• Plenty of headroom

👎 Cons

• Too heavy for backpacking

Best 4 Person Tent Under $200

Now we are getting to the more common size of tent for car camping. A 4 person tent is comfortable for a family with small children. Or more suitable for 3 adults than a “3-person” tent. 

Don’t let the price fool you. The bigger tents are designed for car camping. So, they aren’t made from the lightest material nor do they pack down to fit into a backpack. 

Instead, they are made to be more spacious while keeping costs down. You may be surprised just how far under $200 you can get for a top-quality tent.

Most backpackers would just bring a couple of 2 person tents so that no one person has to carry the extra weight. 

But if you have a family with small children, it would make sense to get a lightweight 4 person tent. And if you have a family with older children, you can make them carry the tent!

And so here we go with the best 4 person tents under $200:

7. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent

I know, another Alps Mountaineering tent? We really have done our research, and their tents keep coming up as great quality at a very reasonable price point. So yes, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent makes the list for the best 4 person tent under 200 dollars.

Aluminum poles with quick- click connections are a good indication of a tent that has been refined over the years. The larger zippers make life a little easier to get in and out of. 

The ample vestibules provide space to keep your boots and other gear outside of the tent but protected from the weather. 

Overall, you’ll find the same quality in this tent as you will on a much higher-end brand. But you can easily do this under $200.

Plus, a 4 person tent under 9 lbs?! That is amazing. 

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to carry that much weight when backpacking. But if we have to fly somewhere to car camp, we need something that is packable and won’t put us over the luggage weight limits. 

At only 6” x 23” and this lightweight, it will definitely fit in our checked luggage. 

The only drawback we can see is the amount of ventilation. While it has a decent amount of mesh, the fact that it only covers the top half can make for some sticky nights in the summertime. 

Otherwise, we see no major flaws with this tent, landing it a spot on our shortlist of the best 4 person tents under $200. 

Features:

• Size: 102” x 90”
• Height: 52”
• Vestibule: 24.6 ft²
• Weight: 8 lb 7 oz 
• Packed size: 6” x 23”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to set up
• Ample vestibule space
• Same quality as higher end brands

👎 Cons

• Not enough ventilation in hot climates

8. Kelty Wireless 4 

The Kelty Wireless 4 is a highly rated tent by most users. And we will agree, this is one of the best 4 person tents under $200 for car camping, especially in the cooler weather. 

It is easy to set up, easy to pack up, has welded seams for good weatherproofing. 

We also like tents with 2 doors and vestibules. Although they don’t state the size of the vestibule, we estimate each one to be about 10-½ ft², which is a decent enough size. 

We’re not fans of the fiberglass poles, which also adds to the considerable weight. Nor of the lack of great ventilation. 

But if you are car camping in the mountains, the weight and ventilation become a non-issue. Unless you have to fly, which we would recommend one of the lighter tents on this list. 

Features:

• Size: 98” x 87”
• Height: 59”
• Vestibule: 21 ft² (approx.)
• Weight: 12 lbs 
• Packed size: 24” x 8” x 8”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Easy to set up and take down
• Good weatherproofing
• Decent headroom 

👎 Cons

• Fiberglass poles
• Lack of ventilation in the hottest months

9. Coleman Carslbad 4 Person Dome Tent With Screen Room

There are some really good points for the Coleman Carslbad 4 Person Dome Tent With Screen Room, earning it a spot as one of the best 4 person tents under 200 dollars. At least as a car camping option.

First off, there is the screened room. Which is great for keeping extra gear away from bugs and critters. But it’s not waterproof, so don’t keep anything out there that shouldn’t get wet. 

The selling feature is the dark room idea. It blocks most of the sun, so if you like to sleep in without being bothered by the pesky morning sun that is a plus. 

However, the drawback to that is usually less ventilation. In our experience, even if the light doesn’t wake you in the long summer days, the heat will. It doesn’t take long for a tent like this to become stiflingly hot.

This probably isn’t an issue in shoulder season. But since it’s not a 4 season tent, it’s not great for winter or peak summer heat.

Features:

• Size: 108” x 84”
• Height: 59”
• Vestibule: Screen room 36 ft² (approx.)
• Weight: 15 lbs
• Packed size: 17” x 4” x 4”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Screen Room is nice bonus
• Dark Room

👎 Cons

• Ventilation

Best Family Tents Under $200

Below we will list the best family tents, starting with the 6 person tent. You may be thinking, isn’t a 4 person big enough to qualify as a “family tent”?

Absolutely it is! That is, when your kids are little. The problem is, that is a very short time. 

And as adorable as they are, as much as you want to keep them close, you also want a good night’s sleep.

That’s why we wanted to start with 6-person and larger tents as the family sized. You can still keep your kids safely in the tent with you, just without their feet in your face. 

Best 6 Person Tents Under $200 

Now we’re getting into the family-sized tents. As you have probably noted, a 4-person tent doesn’t really fit 4 people. 

So, if you want a tent that can fit 4 or 5 people but don’t need one of the monstrosities below, these top 6-person tents may just do the trick. 

In addition to the floor space, these are actually tall enough for most adults (at least under 6’ tall). 

Remember though, this is a budget review. There are definitely better 6 person tents out there. So if you can shell out a few more bucks, go for  Alps Mountaineering with options just above $200. 

Or Kelty has great quality tents closer to the $300 range. 

If you have a lot more, like triple the money, you can’t go wrong with a Marmot.

 10. Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent 

We are all familiar with Coleman. For most of us, it was probably one of our first tents. And for good reason.

They are cheap. The Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent is no exception. In fact, you could almost buy 2 of these tents for under $200. 

And the reviews are immaculate. It is highly rated by most users for a good bargain. 

Just be aware that this is a bare-bones, basic tent. You’ll get the fiberglass tent poles and some cheaper materials. 

But, you’ll have plenty of space and decent ventilation. That makes it a good choice for summer camping or a good first tent that isn’t too much of an investment. 

One thing we really like is something with a vestibule. So, not having one is a bummer. But the extra interior space may eliminate the need for outside storage. 

Finally, the Sundome is being replaced by the Skydome. So this one will only be on our list of best 6 person tents for under $200 for a limited time.

Features:

• Size: 10’ x 10’
• Height: 6’
• Vestibule: N/A
• Weight: 17 lbs
• Packed size: N/A
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Easy set up
• Decent ventilation

👎 Cons

• No entry vestibule

11. Coleman Evanston Camping Tent with Screened-In Porch 

Coleman makes the second place on our list of best affordable tents with the Evanston model. When you’re shopping for a 6 person tent, the weight matters a little less. At this point it’s all about the amenities.

What is great about this one is that it’s easy to set up. In about 15 minutes you can be moving in. 

And we are crazy about vestibules and screened rooms. This one has about 50 square feet of screened in area, great for keeping your boots outside or even a couple of people hanging out when the bugs are relentless. 

At 5’-8” in the center, it certainly isn’t massive. But adequate for most adults to stand most of the way up, at least enough to get dressed without wriggling like a worm on the ground. 

And finally they have done a good job of making a waterproof “tub” with welded seams. We like this one as a decent size family tent or a roomy base camp for 4 adults. 

The main gripes about this one is that ventilation isn’t great, especially with the rainfly on. And the rainfly doesn’t cover the screened porch. So anything outside the tent will get wet in the event of rain. 

Features:

• Size: 10’ x 9’
• Height: 5’-8”
• Vestibule: 5’ x 10’ screened room
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Packed size: 27” x 14” x 10”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Easy to set up
• Nice size screened room
• Good weatherproofing

👎 Cons

• Ventilation could be better
• Screened porch isn’t weatherproof

12. CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent 

What we like about the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent is the ease of setup. The description says 60 seconds, but of course, real-world experience shows it to be more like 5 minutes or so. Still not too shabby. 

The second highlight is the adjustable ground vent. It stakes down outside, but can be opened or closed from the inside. 

And finally, a 6 foot interior height is a welcome luxury for taller campers. 

That said, there are some drawbacks. Some reviewers complained about waterproofing. And I admit, I don’t trust such a small rainfly that only covers the top. Then you are relying on the coating on the main tent compartment. 

The other concern is the flimsy extension legs. While they are quick to setup, many people that liked the tent pointed out how cheap they seemed and doubt their long-term integrity.  

We are also not sure of the quality of material on this tent. The fabric seems to be thinner than most, especially on the floor. Be aware, you will want to buy a tarp as a footprint and think about some carpeting inside if you want it to last a while. 

Still, the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent makes it on our list of the best camping tents under 200 dollars for families or groups needing a little extra room.

Features:

• Size: 11’ x 9’
• Height: 72”
• Vestibule: N/A (awning instead)
• Weight: 24 lbs
• Packed size: 48” x 8” x 8”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Easy setup
• Decent ventilation
• Tall ceiling

👎 Cons

• Not great weatherproofing
• Cheap materials 

13. Coleman Montana 6 Person Tent 

The Coleman Montana 6 Person Tent  has been a perennial favorite since it was introduced in 2007. 15 years of refinement has resulted in their best version yet. 

We like Coleman’s flooring better than the CORE because it is a heavy polyethylene tub that is more durable and waterproof. 

It is pretty easy to set up, reasonably stable in most weather, and has overall good quality for the money. 

It does lack a screened room, opting for an extended awning. So, it’s missing an outdoor living space. 

It’s also not the tallest 6 person tent. At 5’8”, it’s a bit short for our taller readers. If you happen to be less than 5’8″, then this could be a good affordable camping tent for you.

Features:

• Size: 12’ x 7’
• Height: 68”
• Vestibule: N/A (awning)
• Weight: 19 lbs
• Packed size: 23” x 8” x 8”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Easy to setup
• Great weatherproofing
• Packs down reasonably small

👎 Cons

• No screened porch
• Not the tallest big tent

Best 8 Person Tents Under $200

Now we’re getting into a difficult position. As we get into the larger tents, you can still find some bargains for under $200. But you’ll have to sacrifice some frills to get this size tent on a budget. 

Let’s review a couple and see if they are worth the investment.

 14. Coleman Elite Montana 8-Person Tent 

Ok, I want to address that this one is weird. No, it’s not the tent. It’s the advertising. 

The Coleman Elite Montana 8-Person Tent product description is a “7-or-more-person” tent. But the footprint is 16’ x 7’, the exact same as the 8 person tent. 

I don’t know why they have done this, but at any rate you are getting the same tent as the 6 person Montana tent described above. The only difference is you get 4 more feet in length and a 6’2” height.

So if you can fit 2 more people in that 28 extra square feet, then there isn’t much to discuss. This is the perfect tent for 8 people. 

That is, the perfect 8 person tent for under $200.

Features:

• Size: 16’ x 7’
• Height: 74” 
• Vestibule: N/A (awning)
• Weight: 24-½ lbs
• Packed size: 27-½” x 9-½” x 9”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Easy to setup
• Great weatherproofing
• Packs down reasonably small
• 6’2” center height

👎 Cons

• No screened room (ok, that’s really nitpicky)

 15. Coleman Red Canyon 8-Person Tent 

I really didn’t want this to be another Coleman tent. But the other tents just don’t add up in terms of quality and features. 

No, the Coleman Red Canyon 8-Person Tent doesn’t have a screened room. But it does have the waterproof, heavy duty floor that the other Coleman tents have. 

It is also easy to set up, reasonably weather resistant, and it includes room dividers should you prefer the separation.

I do have to point out that there isn’t much screened material for the size. Part of the sacrifice of having such a large tent is to have a smaller rainfly. That results in the tent walls being solid, unventilated weatherproofing. 

Features:

• Size: 17’ x 10’
• Height: 72”
• Vestibule: N/A
• Weight: 21-½ lbs
• Packed size: 25” x 10” x 10”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Easy to setup
• Tough, waterproof floor
• Room dividers

👎 Cons

• No screened room
• Not great ventilation

16. CAMPROS 8 Person Tent

Have you noticed that Amazon’s knock-off brands all title the company in all caps? I guess they think we have never heard of them because they weren’t saying it loud enough. 

Generally, these off-brand products shave their costs somewhere. And the CAMPROS 8 Person Tent definitely doesn’t have the heavy-duty floor of the Coleman options. 

Otherwise, there are some redeeming features to this affordable 8 person tent. It has room dividers, and it’s 72” in the center.

Hmm. I guess that’s about it. It’s a bare-bones, poorly ventilated, thin floored cheap tent.

When you read the description, it says it can be installed on a rooftop. Don’t do that. It won’t fit on a car, truck, or SUV rooftop. So, unless you want your tent on top of a semi truck, just set it up on the ground like normal people. 

And (this is just a pet peeve), don’t photoshop tents into scenes. And if you do, make sure you photoshop the power lines out.

Here’s what stats you should know about the CAMPROS 8 Person Tent.

Features:

• Size: 14’ x 9’
• Height: 72”
• Vestibule: N/A
• Weight: 17-½ lbs
• Packed size: 25” x 8” x 8”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Room dividers
• 72” of head room

👎 Cons

• Not great ventilation
• Thin floor not great for water
• Photoshopped advertisement in an odd location

Best 10 Person Tents Under $200

Now we’re bordering on circus tents at this size. Which of course will be harder to find many decent tents in this price range. 

But there are deals to be found and you will love the safari size, big enough for extended family. Although, we don’t recommend that unless you want to make everyone hate camping.

17. Ozark Trail 10-Person 3-Room XL Cabin Family Camping Tent

I think you know why we like Ozark Trail: A screened porch! You gotta love it.

Ok, this thing is a monster. At 20’ long, you will need a football field to set up camp. 

But you will have so much space. With 2 room dividers you can have a bedroom, parlor, and an office. Well, more likely you can convince your kids they have their own rooms. 

As with all of the big tents, the ventilation is lacking when laying down. But this one has quite a bit of cross breeze to keep it from getting too stiflingly hot for all but the hottest days during camping season.

Some reviews claim that it leaks during rainstorms. And not just through the tent sides, but possibly through the rainfly. So, beware of that before purchasing.

Still, a 10 person tent for under $200? Not bad if you ask me.

• Size: 20’ x 10’
• Height: 78”
• Vestibule: Screened Porch
• Weight: 27 lbs
• Packed size: 27” x 11” x 11”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Plenty of room for large families
• Room dividers
• Screened porch

👎 Cons

• Questionable waterproofing

18. UNP Camping Tent 10-Person

The UNP Camping Tent 10-Person. This one is interesting. Again, I am always skeptical about all caps in the title. 

And check out the photoshop job. Did they even try with this one? I mean, these are backpackers taking a selfie in front of this tent that’s bigger than a mountain. And they’re having a picnic with just a bowl of oranges and some chips on a giant quilt?  Why is there a second quilt behind them? 

It’s not as big as the Ozark Trail listed above. And it claims to sleep “10” people in their advertisement. Should that be 10 “people”? I don’t know, it’s odd.

Anyway, it has a room divider. But it’s in the middle. Which seems like a fair place to put it. But how do you open the door from the inside if it’s divided in two? This is also odd. 

It also only has one door. Which is fine, I guess. 

It doesn’t have the screened porch that we like for a tent of this size. But to find a big tent at a bargain price, you have to sacrifice something. 

Or, in this case, just about everything. It’s probably a good fit for the occasional family camping trip when the weather isn’t too hot or rainy. 

I suppose the only highlights are that it is a tall tent at 6’6” in the center. Obviously, we could be better advocates, but we don’t find this one particularly exciting. 

Features:

• Size: 18’ x 9’ 
• Height: 78”
• Vestibule: N/A
• Weight: 23 lbs
• Packed size: 25” x 10” x 10”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Tall in the center
• 1 year warranty

👎 Cons

• Odd design features
• Not as big as the first one on the list
• No screened porch
  

19. Tahoe Gear Olympia 10-Person Tent

I need to include a disclaimer here. As we mentioned in the introduction to this section, the $200 cap narrows the field of competitors. So please don’t take this as one of the best family tents. It is simply the third best 10 person tent under $200.

That said, there are some nice design features to the Tahoe Gear Olympia 10-Person Tent. Like a power cord flap to run an extension cord through.

And floor level vents to provide airflow at sleeping level. 

But of course there are caveats. Like no rear window, which blocks a rear view and restricts air flow. 

And the tent floor seems to be pretty thin. If you buy this tent, be sure to bring some flooring protection for both inside the tent and a ground covering underneath. 

Features:

• Size: 18’ x 10-½’
• Height: 84”
• Vestibule: N/A
• Weight: 23 lbs
• Packed size: 30” x 9” x 9”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Very tall at 7’ in the center
• Ground level ventilation

👎 Cons

• No rear window
• Thin floor material

Best Backpacking Tent Under $200

We love having a backpacking tent. They are obviously great for backpacking, but also perfect for packing into our checked luggage when we fly somewhere on a camping trip.

Realistically, any of the 2 and 3 person tents for under $200 that we recommend above make great backpacking tents.

But here are a few more of the top-picks for the best backpacking tent for couples, friends or that solo backpacker.

20. Kelty Late Start 1 Person

We’ll start with a 1-person and go from there. The Kelty Late Start 1 Person is the 1-person version of the Kelty Late Start. As you can tell, we are a bit in love with Kelty for a great bargain camping tent.

Realistically, I would spring for the 2-person version of this. There is minimal weight gain with ample space.

It is a lightweight tent. But don’t consider this to be an ultralight tent at a little more than 3 lbs. 

It is quite roomy for one person. And it seems to have a slightly asymmetrical footprint to allow a little more headroom on one end of the tent. 

The vestibule isn’t enormous, but big enough for most of your extra gear. All in all, the Kelty Late Start is a great backpacking tent for under $200.

Features:

• Size: 85” x 30”
• Height: 40”
• Vestibule: 6-½ ft²
• Weight: 3 lbs 12 oz
• Packed size: 15” x 7”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• High quality
• Decent vestibule space

👎 Cons

• Heavy for a solo backpacking tent

21. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent 

At half the price of both the Marmot above and the 2 person version of this tent, you are getting a great bargain with the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent.

It is a bit smaller in length, width, and height. So you’re sacrificing about 3 square feet of interior space and 2” of head room. 

The ventilation is ok, but for summer camping you really want the mesh to come closer to the ground. 

Otherwise, it’s a solid tent for one person. Without the rainfly you can get by at 3 lbs 5 oz, but with the rainfly there is a good size vestibule to keep you and your gear dry.

Features:

• Size: 78”  x 32”
• Height: 36”
• Vestibule: 10 ft² 
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Packed size: 17” x 6”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Very affordable
• Good size vestibule

👎 Cons

• A little heavy for a 1 person tent

22. Marmot Crane Creek 2 Person

Anytime you can get a 2 person backpacking tent from Marmot, you jump on this deal. 

Marmot has a reputation for making top-quality tents for the backcountry. The Crane Creek is no exception. 

It is a decent size for 2 people. The generous vestibules allow space for your gear to stay outside the tent without getting wet. 

The vestibules also fold up into an awning which is a unique feature for a backpacking tent. 

At under 5 lbs, it’s not the heaviest backpacking tent. But definitely not an ultralight. 

And, like our current tent, the poles don’t fold down as short as we would like. So your pack length is a bit long. 

The ridge pole gives extra headroom inside the tent. And the 2 D-shaped doors are a better design than our teardrop doors. 

All things considered, this would be our first choice when we are ready to replace our Halfdome tent. It’s clear that the Marmot Crane Creek 2 Person is among the best backpacking tents for under 200 dollars.

Features:

• Size: 88” x 50” 
• Height: 43”
• Vestibule: 21 ft² (approx.) 
• Weight: 4 lbs 13 oz
• Packed size: 21” x 9” x 6”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Quick setup
• Convertible vestibule/awning
• Wide ridgepole for extra headroom

👎 Cons

• Poles are a bit long when packed

Best 4 Season Tent Under $200

All of the above tents are 3 season tents. That means that they will be fine in typical weather conditions from spring, summer, and fall. 

But for winter camping, you need something a little more robust.

Here are the top 3 inexpensive 4 season tents for under $200 to consider:

23. GEERTOP 2 Person 4 Season Tent

Ok, we’re back to shouting the name again. “My name is GEERTOP! Got it?” 

Sorry, it’s a minor annoyance I have to get out of the way. But it makes it blatantly obvious that this is an off-brand, probably a drop-shipping company that buys these in bulk and slaps a name on it. In all caps. 

The GEERTOP 2 Person 4 Season Tent‘s size is more suited for 2-3 people. But it has a decent sized vestibule that converts to an awning during nice weather. You just need some hiking poles to hold it open.

There are also 2 D-shaped doors, which is a nice convenience in smaller tents. 

Like most 4 season tents, you sacrifice ventilation and even increase condensation as a result. 

It is quite heavy for a backpacking tent. And the flooring material is questionable at best. One reviewer had it collapsing under heavy snow, so this may not be a great option if you’re in the mountains in the middle of winter. 

It’s also too warm for the summer. So the Geertop is one of the best tents for cold weather camping under $200, but it isn’t one of the best tents for snow.

All things considered, I think I would rather spend a little more money on a bit higher quality.

Features:

• Size: 83” x 47”
• Height: 43”
• Vestibule: 16 ft² (approx.) 
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Packed size: 20” x 8”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Warm in the winter
• Skirting keeps snow and rain out
• Vestibule converts to awning

👎 Cons

• Condensation 
• Ventilation 
• Some material quality

24. Naturehike Cloud-Up 2-3 Person 4 Season Tent

For a budget tent, the Naturehike Cloud-Up 2-3 Person 4 Season Tent isn’t half bad. It’s reasonably lightweight and packable, keeps the rain and snow out, and fits well under the $200 budget. 

The only major complaints are the small vestibule and some cheap zippers. 

Otherwise, this is a nice all seasons tent that doesn’t break the bank.

Features:

• Size: 82” x 49”
• Height: 41”
• Vestibule: 5 ft² (approx.)
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Packed size: 16” x 5”
• Doors: 1

👍 Pros

• Lightweight
• Packs small

👎 Cons

• Small vestibule

25. AYAMAYA 4 Season 2 Person Backpacking Tent 

Despite the all caps name, the AYAMAYA 4 Season 2 Person Backpacking Tent is a good option that is way below the $200 threshold. It may be a decent introduction to winter camping because of the low price point. 

It’s a bit longer than the other 2 on this list. It has the ridge pole for extra headroom when sitting up.

It also packs down to a fairly small package. But it is a little on the heavy side approaching 6 lbs. 

But like most 4 season tents, they aren’t very good at keeping cool in the summer. Ventilation and condensation problems are also par for the course with winter tents. 

All things considered, this is a good bargain for a winter camping tent under $200. 

Features:

• Size: 86” x 55”
• Height: 47”
• Vestibule:16 ft² (approx.)
• Weight: 5 lbs 11 oz
• Packed size: 18” x 6” x 6”
• Doors: 2

👍 Pros

• Easy setup
• Very good value

👎 Cons

• Condensation
• Ventilation 
• Hot in the summer

How to Choose the Best Camping Tent – 7 Things to Consider

As you have noticed, there are a ton of features to consider before buying a tent. When you click the links, you will see a lot of information.

Truthfully, some of it is nonsense. Or at the very least, nonessential.

But there are some important things to consider when buying a tent. We’ll outline the 7 most important things to weigh when shopping for a tent.

Size of the Tent

As you probably already know, tents are rated by the person count. But all of them are assuming the smallest size people that don’t mind snuggling. 

Generally you want something rated for 1 more person than you will actually be camping with. Except for 1 person tents which is fine for a solo traveler. Or 2 person tents for a couple.

In addition, not all are the same size. If you are a taller person, watch the length of the tent as well as the height. 

Durability of the Tent Material

Obviously you want a tent that will last a while. Read the reviews. Is the floor thin? (always spring for a footprint) Are the poles sturdy? Do customers complain about rips, zippers, leaking, or collapsing under wind?

These are some of the more common problems, especially with budget tents.

Type of Tent (or Shape of Tent)

There are 6 basic styles of tents:

1. Ridge/A-frame.
2. Dome.
3. Tunnel.
4. Geodesic.
5. Cabin.
6. Pyramid.

We mostly reviewed dome tents in this list. Primarily because they are easy to set up, are reasonably priced, and lighter weight for packing than most other styles. 

However, each one has their own pros and cons. In the future we will cover them more in depth.

Ease of Setup and Takedown

This is pretty important, especially if you don’t camp all that often. 

Camping is supposed to be enjoyable. Modern tents have fewer poles, easy clips, and straightforward design to make setting up and packing down as simple as possible. 

As we stated, the dome tents are by far the easiest to erect. But there are trade offs like extra standing room that you may get from other designs.

Season Rating

Most tents are rated for 3 seasons or 4 seasons. The 3 season tents tend to have better ventilation, weigh less, and are suitable for camping in temperatures above freezing.

Four season tents usually have extra skirting to keep snow away from the inner tent and are generally designed to stay warm. 

The drawback with the 4 season is a lack of ventilation and an increase in condensation. We don’t recommend a 4 season tent unless you will be regularly camping in snowy conditions. But if you are, then 4 season tents are definite the best tents for snow.

Features

There are tons of extra features you can find in a camping tent. Some of them are great. Others are unnecessary. 

Some important features are the ease of setup, vestibules on smaller tents, screened rooms on larger tents, extra ventilation, power supply opening, extra storage, etc. 

Each factor has variable importance depending on your needs. 

Weight

Weight is most important for backpacking tents. The longer you have to carry it, the lighter it needs to be. Or there needs to be a good reason to put up with extra weight. 

Most backpacking tents will be around 5 lbs or less. Ultralight tents can be 3 lbs, but you will sacrifice a few creature comforts. 

Family sized tents will be 20 lbs or more. But that doesn’t bother most people since they won’t be carrying them very far from the car. The extra features and room are worth the extra weight. 

What Size Tent Do I Need For Camping? 

This is a question we get asked a lot. The simple answer is: it depends on what you need. 

For a 2 person tent, expect to be very cozy. This is fine for couples, but friends may not be comfortable being so close. 

So a 3 person tent is more suitable for 2 people, giving a little more room to spread out. 

In fact, the general rule of thumb is to get a tent rated for at least one more person than you will actually have. 

As the tents get bigger, they will sleep even less people, especially when you add some comfort items. You can fit the most people if they are sleeping on the ground.

But even the biggest tent on this list will fit 3 queen size mattresses. Which I would interpret as 6 people fitting inside of a 10 person tent. 

You may be able to squeeze more in with cots, but never to the full rated capacity. 

Bonus: 7 Popular Tents That Didn’t Make the List

If you are researching the best camping tents, you will likely find some common recommendations. We should know, we have scoured the internet to make our own assessment. 

One thing we find consistently are tents that really don’t belong in any best-of list. 

Below we have listed some of the more “popular” tents reviewed and why we didn’t include them in our list. 

Core Four-Person Instant Dome Camping Tent

What we like:

It literally is an “instant” tent. In 30 seconds, you can unpack it, unfold it, and extend the tent poles, put in a few stakes, and you’re ready to move in. 

What we don’t like:

There are mixed reviews about the durability during storms. As long as you guy it correctly, you should be fine. However, if one guyline slips this tent is designed to collapse easily. Which the wind is happy to help with. 

Eureka! Copper Canyon 4 Four-Person, Three-Season Camping Tent 

What we like:

It’s roomy and tall, packs reasonably small, and gets good reviews.

What we don’t like:

$259 disqualifies it for this list of under $200.

Coleman Tenaya Lake Cabin Tent (6 person) 

What we like:

As good of quality as any Coleman tent on the list.

What we don’t like:

Nearly $300 doesn’t fall under $200.

Coleman Cabin 4 Person Tent

What we like:

Quick set up, decent floor space.

What we don’t like:

Poor waterproofing, poor ventilation.

 Wenzel 8 ​​Person Klondike Tent 

What we like:

Highly rated by users.

What we don’t like:

Only an 8 person tent in good weather!

That’s right. Read the description – 5 people inside the 98 square foot interior, 3 people in the 60 square foot screened porch! 

That means that 3 people are stuck in the rain during inclement weather. Which, if you have ever been camping, will happen if you’re not prepared. 

We just couldn’t include this one in good conscience as an 8-person tent under $200.

TOMOUNT Family Tent 

This one is no longer available. 

Coleman 4-Person Dome 

What we like:

Highly rated, great front porch, dark for sleeping in.

What we don’t like:

Lack of ventilation makes it more of a 2 season tent.

Which Tent Under $200 Will We Buy?

As I mentioned in the outset, we are considering our next tent. We have the REI Halfdome 2, and we like most of the features. However, we don’t think it will last 10 years like our previous version did. Are we ready to replace it?

Not just yet. We think we’ll get at least a few more years out of it before we will need to replace it as our main travel tent.

But if we did, we would go with the Mountainsmith Morrison​​ EVO 2 Person Tent as a much better value.

In the meantime, we are considering a second tent with a little more space. We need to be able to take it car camping, even when we need to fly.

All things considered, we will probably go with the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent for its features, function, and size.

Wrap Up of The Best Tents Under $200

All things considered, you can actually buy a good tent on a budget. Especially smaller tents. 

But even family sized tents can be bought without breaking the bank. Of course, the bigger the tent the more amenities you will forgo to stay under the $200 threshold. 

All things considered, there are some great deals to be had when searching for tents. There are also deal-breakers to be aware of when thinking of trade-offs.

So whether you are backpacking, car camping, or setting up basecamp, we hope this guide helps you to choose your next camping tent under $200. 

To summarize, here are our top tents by category:

Do you have suggestions for this list?

Now it’s your turn. If you have any tents that should have made this list, or if you feel strongly that any don’t belong on it, get in touch with us.

I read and respond to every email sent. And we will make adjustments if you provide a reasonable argument.

You can find the email address at the bottom of the page.

Or become one of our growing members by signing up below. Resoponding to these emails is a sure way to get in touch with us.

More Camping Guides

If you want to explore more camping guides, be sure to check out our other articles.

For starters, read our guide on camping coffee. Whether you are a French press, moka pot, drip coffee, or any other kind of camp coffee connoisseur, you’ll love to experiment with these 13 different methods for making coffee while camping.

And don’t miss our Bucket List Camping: The Best Camping in the World full car camping gear guide.

We have also reviewed other types of gear besides budget tents. Here are a few examples: