Curated Camping & Hiking experts help thousands of customers every season find the right gear within their budget. Check out their most recommended tents under $250, and then be sure to chat with an expert here on Curated for free advice and recommendations on the best tent for your needs.
- Nemo Aurora Tent w/ Footprint
- Mountainsmith Bear Creek 2 Person Tent, Blue
- Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent
- Marmot Catalyst 3P Tent - Rusted Orange / Cinder
- Suma 2
- Eureka Copper Canyon LX Tent
- Mountainsmith - Morrison Evo 2-Person Tent
- Mountainsmith Bear Creek 4 Person Tent
- MSR Elixir 2 Backpacking Tent in Red, Nylon
- Eureka Summer Pass Tent
Nemo Aurora Tent w/ Footprint
At 5lbs 7oz, this tent is a little heavier but still light enough for backpacking trips if you don't mind carrying a couple extra pounds! It includes the footprint, which makes this a fantastic price for a high-quality 2-person tent, and NEMO's lifetime warranty sweetens that deal even more! with 31.8 sq ft of interior space and a peak height of 44 inches, this is the largest of the tents I've sent you, although it still packs up relatively small! 2 vestibules add extra space for gear storage, and plenty of great features such as 2-doors, internal gear pockets, and easy set up make this tent worth the extra weight!
Nemo is one of the best tent manufacturers in the industry. This tent is super durable - comes with a repair kit and footprint!
Backpacking trips or just a great all around multi-use tent.
Mountainsmith Bear Creek 2 Person Tent, Blue
A versatile one-door tent, this piece is thoroughly waterproof and is 5lbs 3 oz! Great for concerts, car camping, picnics, and everything in between. Designed for three-season camping, this two pole design will be a great addition to your personal collection when you want to either have a little extra room for yourself or you want to camp with your significant other.
Weighs 5lbs 3oz when packed with the footprint (included!). The tent body is not required to set up. You can combine the footprint and the rainfly for a lightweight options. Great ventilation with the No-See-Um mesh and bathtub floor combo!
Comes with a rainfly and a footprint that can be used without the tent body to save space and weight when backpacking.
Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent
This is a heavier tent of the options, coming in at 5 lbs 4 oz. There is a lot of head room in this and vestibule space on both entrances when the rain fly is on.
Can be used as a solo tent or for two adults. The side vestibules give your gear some room so you can sleep comfortably.
This roomy, freestanding tent has two vestibules, and is great for 3 season backpacking with one or two people.
Marmot Catalyst 3P Tent - Rusted Orange / Cinder
This roomy 3 season, 3 person, 2 door tent is ideal for car camping while also being light enough for backpacking with a packed weight of 6lbs. Tent poles are color-coded for a quick and simple set up when you arrive at camp! The included footprint will help extend the life of the tent by protecting the tent floor. The full coverage rainfly will keep you and your gear dry when the rain clouds roll in.
Marmot is a fabulous company from whom I personally have bought a good deal of gear. It's reliable, time-tested, and they have a good company ethos. The 2-door access also makes it easy for sharing the tent with more than one person, and its set-up is simple for easy assembly.
A great budget option weighing in at 5lbs 3oz. Marmot makes quality tents with essentially a lifetime warranty!
Suma 2
Super lightweight and affordable 2 person tent! Ample space - 88" x 55" floor dimensions and a peak height of 42". Plus it has a mesh lining for those starry nights :)
A solid first tent, it won't break the bank but will still last a long time. This tent is decently lightweight, but has plenty of headroom.
It's lightweight, easy to use, and affordable! Great for camping, and not heavy if you ever want to take it out on the trails.
Eureka Copper Canyon LX Tent
Highly rated and reviewed - Eureka is a brand that lives up to its name. This cabin-style tent can sleep up to 4, has 4 large zippered windows, a hanging gear loft, internal pockets for storage, and a 75 denier StormShield fly, making it durable and weather-resistant. 7' ceilings make this super roomy as well.
Casual camping, established campground camping, weekend trips, this is a remote barbecue workhorse! Great for the ability to drive up and have a quick shelter you can trust in relatively mild conditions.
Ideal for comfort camping close to the car. Accommodates air mattresses and cots with ease. Contains ample storage and high-grade materials to keep you safe and warm in the elements.
Mountainsmith - Morrison Evo 2-Person Tent
A nice durable and great weather-resistant tent that folds down nicely for backpacking that fits 2 comfortably! Fast setup, easy takedown. Also has mesh storage pockets on the interior for any gear that needs to stay outside the sleeping back or backpacks!
Comes with a brow pole for a roomy feel and a good amount of space! Great price an a sweet tent. Based on the award winning Morrison Evo!
2 Person tent on a budget. Great for car camping and casual backpacking.
Mountainsmith Bear Creek 4 Person Tent
Great summer camping option, perfect for car camping. Can be used for backpacking however there are lighter options.
MSR Elixir 2 Backpacking Tent in Red, Nylon
This is a super high quality tent which is super quick and easy to set up! Constructed from durable fabrics and with a full coverage rainfly, this tent holds up during poor weather spells to keep you and your gear dry. Two doors and two vestibules.
This is a great tent for the value. Its a basic, yet durable tent, and it holds up well in 3 season usage. As a bonus, it's easy to set up and break down!
Camping in inclement weather. Includes a rainfly and footprint for easy set-up!
Eureka Summer Pass Tent
Nice mesh canopy to keep the bugs out and gives great views of the night sky. Two large vestibules provide dry storage for your gear.
2-person and 2-door tent that is really versatile! Great for car camping, backpacking, and everything in between!
Car camping and short-mid distance backpacking trips.
Marmot - Tungsten 3P Tent - Blaze Steel
From car camping to backpacking this is a great 3+ tent. It is spacious and light weight. The double doors allow for easy entry plus the increased mesh is nice for breathability on summer nights. This shelter is super easy to set up with only two poles for the main tent body.
Car camping and backpacking. Best if you are going to split the weight with a partner since it's 6 lbs. 4.5 ounces packed weight.
This is an ideal tent for car camping when you want a lot of room for two people or a reliable and durable option for 3 campers.
Marmot Tungsten 3P Tent
An awesome 3-person, 3-season option from Marmot - tons of great features, super roomy, just over 5 lbs!
Great entry level tent. Could do a couple days on the back or be a life long car camping tent.
Good for car camping, has a lot of mesh for increased ventilation.
Eureka Midori Tent
Friendly price point, yet entirely functional option for the car camper looking to keep the load on the light side. Weighing 4lbs 7oz, this tent can easily be thrown into your car and taken anywhere! 2 doors for easy exit and entry, 2 vestibules for added gear storage, and a 30 sq ft interior - perfect for 2 people, or one and a pup, or one and some gear! A rain fly provides protection from the elements.
Great for backpacking or car camping for 2 people, or 1 person and a furry friend! This tent has maximum headroom and is made from durable fabric! Minimum trail weight for this set up is 4lbs13oz which is pretty great!!
Great budget, yet entirely functional option for the backpacker looking to keep the load on the light side.
MARMOT - TUNGSTEN UL 1P - 1P - Wasabi
This beginner friendly, free-standing tent is a perfect three season option for one person! It weighs just over 3lbs, and it has a little more room than some single person tents too. Setup is easy with color-coded clips, and the mesh sidewalls offer plenty of ventilation.
This beginner friendly, free-standing tent is a perfect three season option for one person! It weighs just over 3lbs, and it has a little more room than some single person tents too. Setup is easy with color-coded clips, and the mesh sidewalls offer plenty of ventilation.
A free-standing, lightweight, easy to set up three season tent that is perfectly suited for most adventures.
Marmot Limelight 3P Tent - Cinder/Rusted Orange
At about 6lbs, this 3-person tent is a great option for car camping! It has just over 42 sq ft of interior space and 2 10 sq ft vestibules, offering plenty of sleep space and gear storage space. Included footprint protects your tent floor, and included full coverage rain fly protects you from the elements. Additional features include 2 doors, interior pockets, and color-coded poles for easy set up!
This would be a stellar option for general camping and backpacking without breaking the bank, especially if more head room and bigger doors are needed without sacrificing backpacking quality design and weather proof fly creating big vestibule space.
Three person three season tent that boasts a large vestibule for all your gear. Large front door makes entering and exiting super easy and the fully waterproof rainfly and bathtub shaped floor plan will keep you dry in the wettest of conditions.
Coleman Skydome Camping Tent
This massive 6-person tent has 80 sq ft of interior space and a peak height of 6 ft, and it boasts nearly vertical walls to provide even more headspace then some of Coleman's other tent models, making it large enough for the whole fam or camping trips with friends! This tent offers plenty of waterproofing features, including a tub-like floor, welded corners, and inverted seams so you stay dry! Other features include internal pockets for small item organization, a large door for easy exit and entry, and Coleman boasts an easy 5-minute set up.
Vertical walls offer extra headroom and features like pre-attached poles for easy set up, a tub-like floor, welded corners and inverted seams keep you and your gear dry! This tent comes in a variety of sizes (2-8 person), we can find the perfect one for your situation! The specs for the 8 person are below:
- Dimensions: 16 x 7 ft
- Center Height:6 ft
- Fits 3 queen size air mattress
- Frame has been tested to 35 MPH winds
- Packs down to compact size for car camping
- Reviews confirm that this tent holds up great in wind and rain
Great entry level option for campground or car camping on a budget with plenty of livable space and Coleman trusted features and quality.
MSR Elixir 1 Tent
At 3lbs 15 oz, this is the heaviest 1-person tent I've sent you, but still light enough for backpacking trips of any length! 20 sq ft of interior space plus a large 12 sq ft vestibule provides you tons of space, and a small packed size of 19x6 inches makes it easy to carry in or strapped to your pack. And with a full coverage rain fly and a footprint included, the price point is even sweeter!
The design of this 1 person tent optimizes head room to create a comfortable area. It features a built in gear loft to help keep smaller items organized inside the tent. This tent is quick and easy to set up and the rainfly will keep you dry in even the heaviest rains.
Light and compact enough for backpacking, but also useful for car camping. Waterproof layer is useful for camping in extreme weather.
Coleman Skydome™ Tent
6 person tent providing you ample room. The dark room technology will block out that early morning light, giving you a chance to sleep in. the Tent is designed for easy set up in under 5 minutes and Weather Tec welded seams and bathtub flooring give you security from wet conditions. The center height is 6 feet tall allowing you to stand and move around when inside.
With a large door for ease of entry and exit as well as a partial fly, the whole crew of 6 can stay comfortable, dry and spaced out in this roomy option. Setup is simple to move from the car to the site or backyard for a great camping experience at an unbeatable price.
The North Face Eco Trail 2 Person Tent
A perfect 2 person tent for the eco conscious camper - this tent is made from fully recycled and durable fabrics! 2 doors for easy entry and exit as well as 2 vestibules which provide plenty of space for gear storage. This freestanding tent has an increased peak height of 43 inches which creates a spacious feel to the interior, as far as 2 person backpacking tents go. Great for both car camping and backcountry backpacking trips with a packed weight of 6lbs 4oz. Time to hit the trail!
This is a sturdy and durable backpacking tent! It weighs in at 5lbs 9oz, so it's light but not ultralight. This is a great option - reasonably priced and made of high quality materials!
Very lightweight and eco-friendly, All recycled materials, high to low ventilation, 2 vestibules.
Coleman Skylodge™ Cabin Tent
This massive tent has an interior of 112 square feet and a peak height of 6 1/2 feet, making it large enough to fit 2 queen size airbeds- enough space to sleep the whole family or friends! The room divider creates privacy, or just keeps rooms separate and organized. The wide door makes getting gear (and yourself!) in and out of the tent easily, and ground vents create air flow and ventilation on warmer days while the rain fly and awning protect from rain. Other features include internal mesh pockets for small item storage and organization and color-coded poles for easy set up! An awesome, huge tent for a great price, and this tent also comes in a 10-person and 12-person size for even more space! And to sweeten the deal, this tent comes with a 1-year warranty!
- Nearly vertical walls offer 20% more headroom
- Wide door means easy entrance/exit and gear loading
- Tub like floor, patented welded corners and inverted seams
- Dimensions 12.5 x 9
- Center height 6 ft 5 in
- 1 year limited warranty
- Strong frame up to 35 mph winds
- Mesh storage pockets and gear loft keep for organization
MSR Zoic 1 Tent
3lbs 12 oz - lightweight, breathable and comfortable. A straightforward one person tent form MSR! Steep sidewalls create a surprisingly roomy feel inside.
Backpacking and stargazing! With a mesh top, you can see all of the stars, but it's easy to throw the fly on top if weather rolls in.
3 season, 1 person camping with plenty of room for a lot of gear! Great for bike touring or canoe camping trips, versatile tent.
Mountainsmith Morrison Evo 4 Person Tent
This 4 person tent is based off of the award-winning Evo 2 tent! It's incredibly versatile and can be used with the full tent, footprint, and rainfly (8lbs 6oz) or simply pitch the footprint and rainfly (5lbs) for a lighter-weight option when conditions allow. Interior mesh pockets and a removable gear loft help you stay organized inside the tent.
Great budget tent at 8 lbs, 6 oz, with plenty of room. Good for backpacking trips with multiple people to share the weight.
The North Face Stormbreak 3 Tent
With a packaged weight of over 6lbs, this won't be the absolute lightest 3p tent option out there. If you don't mind carrying a slightly heavier load however, this tent has plenty of great features and sells for a fantastic price! A floor area of just under 40 sq ft puts it right on par with the other 3-person tent options in this price range, and 2 large vestibules ensure that you don't need to cram the interior with your gear.
This is a simple and quality dome style tent in a 3p size that features easy pole structure for fast setup, bathtub floor, good sized doors and a full fly for watertight protection.
3 person tent can be used both car camping or backpacking. This 3 season tent has a packed weight of 6lbs 10oz and 2 doors/vestibules for easy coming and going plus gear storage.
Midori 3
Increased headroom for great livable space, two large doors and vestibules for ease of entry as well as spacious vestibules for storing gear. Trail weight at just over 6 pounds makes this a great option for backpackers on a budget or not counting ounces but seeking quality, weatherproof design.
This backpacking tent for two comes in at 4 lbs 11 oz with 2 doors and 2 vestibules. This is a very sturdy tent using three 7000 series aluminum poles. Completely weatherproof with taped seams and plenty of ventilation through no-see-um mesh. Packed size: 6" by 20".
Eureka - Solitaire AL Tent
Excellent option for solo excursions. Very lightweight without sacrificing durability or protection from the elements. This 3-season tent is perfectly sized for one user, and their gear to fit comfortably within!
Eureka's Solitaire is the perfect first backpacking tent! It is 3 season, single person, durable, & lightweight. :)
Great option for you running solo. Super lightweight and most likely space for the pup!
Eureka Tetragon NX 2 Person Tent
A great car camping tent! With 35 sq ft of interior space, it offers plenty of sleep space for 1 person but can easily sleep up to 2 people! A hooded rain fly provides protection from the elements, while the mesh windows provide ventilation on warm summer nights.
Car camping or short backpack trips for beginners. Weighing in at close to 6 lbs, not the greatest for backpacking, but can be done!
Eureka Midori 1 Tent
A quality budget option that is weight friendly for backpacking and doesn't break the bank. This tent is available in a variety of sizes and the 2p option has a minimum weighs of 4lbs 11oz with a packed size of 6 x 20 inches. This tent features increased headroom, good venting, and a strong durable aluminum frame.
Coleman Skylodge Instant Camping Tent
Sets up in under two minutes, is wind/rain proof and is spacious enough for two queen air mattresses plus room to stretch out and bring gear inside, too! Relax in the screened in porch or set the kiddos up in their own separate space - the options are endless in this large family tent.
SPECS:
-DIMENSIONS: 12 x 13 ft (screened porch dimensions: 12 x 4 ft)
-CENTER HEIGHT: 6.6 ft
-Large awning door makes entering/exiting and gear loading easy!
-E-port feature for electrical power inside the tent
-Mesh storage pockets
Sets up super quick using telescoping pre-attached poles, keeping things intuitive and simple. The WeatherTec system keeps you and your gear dry in all conditions you'll encounter. Fits 1 queen size air mattress, wide door makes it effortless to transport your gear in and out throughout the setup/teardown process. Stuff-and-roll carry bag makes it seamless to pack up your tent. Mesh pockets to organize your gear! Killer car camping option!
The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent 2P
At a little under 6lbs, this 2-person tent is light enough for backpacking trips. With 30 sq ft of interior space, there's plenty of headroom for sleeping and storing gear. 2 doors and 2 vestibules.
Black Diamond Distance Tent with Adapter
This is the perfect tent for the weight conscious backpacker or thru-hiker. When you're ready to set up camp, simply snap your hiking poles into the included adapter for an easy quick pitch, 2 person shelter! Without having to carry tent poles, you save on both space and weight in your pack. This design is all about simplicity - 1 door, packed weight of 1lb 10oz, and packs down to the size of a 1L Nalgene.
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