I absolutely love stargazing the clear night sky while in the great outdoors.
It’s even better when I’m with the family, because we can experience it all together.
Quality time is highly important in this day and age. There are so many distractions stopping us from bonding with our loved ones.
I’m thankful that my family and I enjoy camping because it means we get that all-important quality time that we struggle to get in our normal lives.
Here’s 18 of the best stargazing tents I’ve come across thus far.
Enjoy, fellow campers!
1. Marmot Limelight 2P Tent
Floor Size: 7.4 x 4.6 feet
Height: 3.5 feet
Minimum Weight: 5.2 pounds
Packaged Weight: 5.11 pounds
Description:
What makes the Marmot Limelight 2P Tent stand out from its competitors?
The steep wall construction and comfortable living area.
It provides full stargazing views and even a little panoramic views thanks to the mesh material on the walls.
The rain fly has been proven by many users to resist rain like a boss (doesn’t leak whatsoever) and stand strong in high wind conditions.
It has a length of 7.3 feet so also makes a great choice for tall people!
[Read: Tents for tall people]
2. Eureka Spitfire Solo Tent
Floor Size: 9 x 3.6 feet
Height: 3.5 feet
Minimum Weight: 3.0 pounds
Packaged Weight: 3.5 pounds
Description:
On the less expensive side lies the Eureka Spitfire Solo Tent.
It’s known for its incredible interior size and peak height even though it’s a solo tent.
Because of the “livable” construction, it makes a great choice for tall people.
It’s super easy to set up, has amazing waterproofing and doesn’t budge in high winds.
All these features make it a no-brainer for stargazing the clear night sky. Oh yeah, did I mention the only downside is the low quality stakes?
Purchase better stakes and you’ve got yourself a high quality tent at a cheap price!
3. Marmot Tungsten 3P Tent
Floor Size: 8.2 x 5.5 feet
Height: 3.8 feet
Minimum Weight: 5.15 pounds
Packaged Weight: 6.5 pounds
Description:
So now we’re going back up in price, however, that’s because it’s a 3-person tent that’s easy to pitch, possesses a “livable” construction much like the Limelite 2P and very durable, meaning it lasts for many years.
The mesh roof and walls are on an angle which is quite a unique approach if you ask me.
This allows you to face the wall with more mesh to the best views while still being able to view the night sky when the weather’s fine.
It’s a great option since it houses 3 people max, so share the experience with your loved ones too!
4. NEMO Blaze 2P Tent
Floor Size: 7 x 4.1 feet
Height: 3.3 feet
Minimum Weight: 2.0 pounds
Packaged Weight: 2.7 pounds
Description:
So I was blown away after first reviewing the NEMO Blaze 2P Tent and still am.
It’s has its cons such as the delicate floor (footprint sold separately) and unreliable vestibules, however, it is STILL the lightest and most livable 2-person tent on the market!
It combats rain and wind like a charm and makes the perfect choice for extended wilderness excursions.
In addition, it’s packed with many great features but my favorite has to be the mesh ceiling for stargazing views and steep wall construction for enhanced livability.
5. Big Agnes Fly Creek 1 Platinum Tent
Floor Size: 86 x 42/30 (L x W head/foot) inches
Height: 3.1 feet
Minimum Weight: 1.7 pounds
Packaged Weight: 1.14 pounds
Description:
The Big Agnes Fly Creek 1 Platinum Tent is actually one of the lightest solo tents on the market.
It has full mesh material on the walls and ceiling so you can view the surrounding areas AND the night sky at the same time!
The many features include: eco-friendly poles, extremely strong stakes, storage pocket and vestibule.
The fabric is a little fragile so may not be the best choice if you’re a “rough” camper, however, it still fits this list due to the many reasons outlined above.
6. CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Floor Size: 11 ft x 9 feet
Height: 6 feet
Packaged Weight: 22.8 pounds
Description:
The CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent is easily one of the most purchased 6-person tents I’ve reviewed thus far.
It’s best suited for families or a group of campers since it’s really large (11 x 9 feet with a 6 foot center height!).
CORE provide amazing water-repellent fabrics so no rain gets inside. The CORE 6 even stays stable in tough winds.
The only con is the small zippers, which is good considering the size and price of this thing.
Other than that this 6-person tent performs like a beast and even includes a 60-second instant setup feature.
7. Nemo Galaxi 2P Tent
Floor Size: 7.5 x 4.5 feet
Height: 3.3 feet
Minimum Weight: 5.2 pounds
Packaged Weight: 6.3 pounds
Description:
What I like about the Nemo Galaxi 2P Tent is that it’s SO simple yet very effective at the same time.
There are full stargazing views and even panoramic views due to the mesh material covering the walls.
The stakes are very strong so there’s no need to purchase others, it’s easy to set up, includes 2 doors for ultimate convenience and has a long length, making it perfect for tall people.
It stands up in strong winds and performs flawlessly in the rain.
It may be a little heavier than other 2-person tents, but a great purchase nonetheless.
8. Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
Floor Size: 8.1 x 6.6 feet
Height: 4.6 feet
Minimum Weight: 6.14 pounds
Packaged Weight: 7.8 pounds
Description:
I reviewed the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent when I first started my site, and I must say it still holds a solid 4.5 star rating.
It can be pitched in 5 minutes or less, the zippers are high quality and handles rain and wind flawlessly.
It is a lot more affordable than other tents mentioned so a great choice for people on a smaller budget.
I’m a big fan of this tent for the simple reason that it offers everything you need and only possesses 2 MINOR cons.
9. CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Floor Size: 14 x 9 feet
Height: 6.5 feet
Packed Weight: 35.15 pounds
Description:
Although a little similar than the CORE 6, the CORE 9 deserves a place in this list too.
This one also has trouble with the zippers but is much bigger and includes 2 doors for more convenience.
It keeps the rain out without fail and performs beyond expectations in strong winds.
The many features include: 60-second setup, advance venting system, 2 doors for cross-flow ventilation and mesh material for combating condensation.
Just remove the rain fly on calm nights and you can have an unobstructed view of the starry night sky above 🙂
10. Kelty TN3 Tent
Floor Size: 7 x 5.8 feet
Height: 3.5 feet
Minimum Weight: 5.4 pounds
Packaged Weight: 5.9 pounds
Description:
The Kelty TN3 Tent has a great design with a massive interior space for 3 people.
It is high quality for the price and fits the list perfectly thanks to the full mesh ceiling and walls!
I’ve found that it has a thin rain fly and floor but was done purposely to reduce the weight. It’s a tight fit for anyone over 6′ 2″.
But other than that I absolutely love the Kelty TN3 Tent.
It’s packed with many great features – my favorite is the vertical walls.
11. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Person Tent
Floor Size: 7.3 x 3.9 feet
Height: 3 feet
Minimum Weight: 3.1 pounds
Packaged Weight: 4.6 pounds
Description:
An absolute gem if you ask me!
The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Person Tent is highly wind and waterproof.
It includes widened walls with a tall center height for big and tall people and full mesh walls and roof for stargazing the starry night sky in the warmer months.
It is incredibly affordable for what it offers and the reason why I’ve included it in this list.
Yes there is a rain fly for when it rains AND a large vestibule for storing your equipment, which is a great idea for backpackers.
12. ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.0 Tent
Floor Size: 7.1 x 3.6 feet
Height: 3
Minimum Weight: 3.2 pounds
Packaged Weight: 4.7 pounds
Description:
This is one of the few 3-season tents that can ACTUALLY handle minor snowfall!
It has no condensation buildup thanks to the amazing ventilation and 2 doors that can be left open during the day to keep it cool (cross-flow ventilation is great!).
However, it does have its bad side which is the small vestibules and non-freestanding design.
But other than that, it performs beyond expectations and you will not have any trouble in torrential rain or high winds.
13. Kelty Trail Ridge 6 Tent
Floor Size: 10 x 8.1 feet
Height: 6 feet
Packaged Weight: 15.1 pounds
Description:
Kelty never cease to amaze me with the quality of their tents, making the Kelty Trail Ridge 6 Tent one of the best 6-person tents when it comes to weatherproofing.
The dome-shaped structure allows it to combat strong winds much better than cabin-styled tents and performs amazingly in the rain.
The giant vestibule at the front means you can keep all your equipment at bay in case of a sudden storm or remove the rain fly and watch the galaxy above thanks to the full mesh roof.
It is not overly expensive nor too cheap, but in a good price range for serious star watchers!
14. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent
Floor Size: 7.5 x 5.8 feet
Height: 3.6 feet
Minimum Weight: 3.11 pounds
Packaged Weight: 4 pounds
Description:
This is only a 3-season tent but it performs like a best in the great outdoors.
Big Agnes has released some amazing tents over the years, and this is one of them.
It includes a full mesh roof when you want to view the stars, a fast and light setup, ENHANCED livability due to the steep walls and even 2 doors.
It is just so feature-packed and handles the elements without fail.
It’s found to withstand torrential rain, extremely high winds and even hail. Yes it’s on the expensive side but makes up for it with everything it offers.
15. Wenzel Evergreen Tent
Floor Size: 11 x 9 feet
Height: 6 feet
Packaged Weight: 17.4 pounds
Description:
Although the Wenzel Evergreen Tent has kind of a bad name for performing in the rain and wind, just hear me out and look at that view from inside the tent.
I’ve reviewed this tent in the past and found it to possess wind and water-resistant problems.
It can keep rain out, but when it gets heavy it will leak.
However, that simply does not matter if you’re using it for stargazing only, which is why I’ve included it on this list.
It’s packed with many great features, it is roomy and much cheaper than other stargazing tents I’ve mentioned.
16. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4
Floor Size: 8 ft x 7.1 ft
Height: 4.1 ft
Minimum Weight: 5.6 pounds
Packaged Weight: 5.12 pounds
Description:
Even though this tent has some weak materials (floor), Big Agnes has created a footprint to protect the bottom.
Just like the 2-person version, this one handles rain and strong wind extremely well and includes the mesh roof and walls for stargazing.
It’s very lightweight for a 4-person tent and makes a great choice for backpacking, especially extended trips with your camping buddies.
All in all, there’s many great features and the pros far outweigh the small cons.
17. Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent
Floor Size: 8 x 6 feet
Height: 4.7 feet
Minimum Weight: 7 pounds
Packaged Weight: 8.9 pounds
Description:
The Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent might be on the cheaper side, but I mean, just look at all that MESH!
It’s highly affordable and I’ve actually classed it as the best 2-person tent for the price bracket.
It costs a mere 50 bucks but has absolutely no trouble keeping out torrential rain.
Also, when pitched correctly (don’t rush this step) it can handle some pretty strong winds.
Coleman haven’t skimped on the features either. It includes a very large door, rain fly, a one-pole design and Coleman’s Weather Tec System.
A great tent, worth every penny.
18. Winterial Single Person Tent
Floor Size: 7.6 x 3.2 feet
Height: 2.4 feet
Packaged Weight: 2.9 pounds
Description:
Another cheap tent at a great price is the Winterial Single Person Tent.
It’s a bad option for tall people and has a small vestibule but definitely makes up for it in other areas.
The Winterial can be pitched in a few minutes and doesn’t leak in torrential rain nor will it budge in high winds thanks to the low-profile design.
I was first blown away by the price after initially reviewing it, as it has so much to offer.
My opinion still stands as I think it is a MARVELOUS tent that’s high value for money.
Definitely good for stargazing as well.
Conclusion
All of these tents work extremely well and have no trouble with the rain or wind, except the Wenzel Evergreen.
Apart from that, every tent mentioned here have the absolute best stargazing views and the reason why they’ve made my list.
Now you’re probably wondering what my recommendation is.
That would be the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent, because why not?
It’s my best-selling 6-person tent and has ample room for the whole family to enjoy.
Well thanks for reading.
What tent do you like the most? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Hi Brandon,
Amazing tent’s overview considering that the camping season is so close!
Having a tent where you will be able to enjoy night sky is definitely a big plus!
We are a family of 5 people and I was looking at CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent. Does it have separations inside? It is sometimes hard to share a space with 3 of your kids where one of them is a baby and 2 are teen boys 😀
I am sure they would love the idea of transparent ‘ceiling’ but if we do not have an ability to create a sort of privacy it might not be something we are looking for.
Thank you!
Sorry, no, the CORE 6 does not have a wall separator. Maybe you can make your own? I mean, it’s not hard to. Just attach a sheet from one side of the tent to the other.
Great job on braking down each style, including the pictures. It’s hard to imagine what the tent will actually look like without the picture, even with the great description and dimensions.
I love to go camping, but I only consider myself a beginner. I hope to change that when I get more time for the simple pleasures such as camping and being outdoors.
I will be bookmarking your page for future reference for sure. Great job!
Cris
You don’t even have to be an expert to gain the benefits of an outdoor mission, just a passion and the right attitude to learn. Anyone can be in the outdoors, but it takes years of experience to become an expert and TRULY know what you’re doing.
Never give up, because in the end it gets SO much better than staying a newbie.
I love the idea of a tent you can see out of! This is the way to go camping! I was telling my girlfriend about these types of tents when I found your article on Google. Well written and thorough! Thank you!
Thank you for the kinds words sir. Stargazing tents are the way to go in the summertime. I hope your girlfriend decides to go, as it is an experience like no other.
Wow this is a fantastic article! I like how you gave so many options, to be honest I didn’t even know there were so many options in quality tents. I can definitely make an informed decision from the information you provided, which is great so that I don’t end up with a purchase I will regret. You certainly put in the leg work for your customers and I can tell how passionate you are for camping and the all to important family time.
Thank you Tim Powers. You definitely can’t go wrong with these stargazing tents. I’ve thoroughly reviewed all of them and found them to perform as expected.
I love the Marmot Limelight 2P Tent. The fact that it is so open with the mesh, and the awesome rain fly. I hate getting soaked when I am camping, so a solid rainfly is a must for me. Do you know if this model comes with a 4 person option? Even though it is usually just my wife and me camping, sometimes our kids want to go as well. They are teenagers, so sometimes they are busy on the weekends. Anyway, I am interested, so let me know. Thanks for this awesome review, you covered a lot.
Hello Steve. Yes, there is a 4-person version available. You can get it here.
Tremendous work on this article! This guide is well structured and informative. The descriptions are brief and straight to the point which makes it easy and enjoyable to read. It definitely takes away the frustration factor when deciding to purchase the right camping tent. I definitely know that this is the go-to site for purchasing a camping tent in the near future!
Hello Christian. I’m glad you enjoyed reading this article and I can’t wait to see you around here more 😀
Good luck on your outdoor adventures!
I too love the outdoors. I’ve never gone full-blown camping before, but I will in the near future. These are some great tents that you’ve reviewed here. I might get one of these bad boys when I go on my next outdoor exploration.
Thanks for this post, you have just made my decision easier.
Well I must say you’re clearly missing out if you haven’t pulled the pin and gone on a full-blown camping trip before.
However, I’ll take your word that it’s on the cards in the future and say good luck to you 🙂 I wish you all the best.
I never knew you could stargaze while lying in the dry! It’s almost like having a sunroof in the car. Thanks Brandon, much to read and digest here – it’s bookmarked!
Lol, that is a good way to look at it.
Although you aren’t really going to stay dry because rain can still go through the mesh material.
That’s why stargazing can only be done on clear nights but more preferred in the summertime since there’s less chance for it to rain in the middle of the night.
Wow, good job digging all this information on all these tents. I’ve got a big family and the only one that I could consider would be the core six. The reason for that, of course, is the size and it could have dividers. That would make it more expensive though, but for one or two nights I could deal with it. For a two-person tent, I simply like the first one Marmot Limelight 2P Tent for the open space and stargazing ceiling.
Both choices are great and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time in the outdoors if you decide to get one for yourself.
I have always wanted to go camping and my boyfriend and I have been talking about it lately, your web page is very insightful, and offers a lot of options for tents. I love star gazing. Thank you for the valuable information, very informative and insightful.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment 🙂 I have the perfect article for you – it’s all about camping with your boyfriend. Take a read because there are many things you should know before going alone in the wilderness with him.
Awesome selection! My wife and I have actually been thinking about taking a beach camping trip up and down the California coast and I think a lot of these would make a great selection. Which do you recommend for just two people.. and a dog?
The Marmot Tungsten 3P Tent would be good for you, as it’s spacious enough for you, your wife and the dog, not too light or too heavy and won’t let you down when the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Great post on the 18 Best Tents With Stargazing Views! I never knew there was such a variety. The pictures are very helpful. The weight is a big factor too–especially if you will be hauling it around for a distance!
Lol, what’s funny is this is actually a small handful of what you’d find on the market. But of course, these ones are the best!
I love camping, but I never considered having a stargazing tent. I always assume that the tent should have a cover. There are some great tents in here to pick from.
Most tents have a cover (rain fly) but that can be removed if the tent has mesh material to expose the beautiful, starry night sky!
Thanks for this really awesome article! There’s so many tents, I could barely believe you had the time to research and write about them all. Are these in any particular order or is it just random? It would be cool if you made this into a countdown, unless they’re all equally good. What do you think?
No particular order my friend. And to be honest with you, I’ve already reviewed these tents in the past (single reviews) so I know how good they are. No research was needed.
They are all amazing and I’ve put my personal recommendation in my conclusion in case you wanted to know what I liked.
Thanks for the comment, Benji!
I haven’t been camping for a while and the last tent I had was just a solid top that you couldn’t see through. I like the idea of being able to stargaze and if it may rain, then just put the extra layer on. Thanks for the info, might be time to schedule a camping trip.
That’s exactly what you do my friend, just put the rain fly on when it starts to rain. I always keep mine attached to the tent but stowed away so when a sudden downpour comes I just have to flip it over and attach the other side.
Wow!
So many tents! I love it, makes me want to pack up and get out to the bush.
I love new innovations that are more user-friendly and able to accommodate everyone’s specific needs.
You definitely nailed it with this post!
Cheers,
Kahlua
That’s what big camping companies are trying to accomplish, to make something for everyone and that is only going to become more true in the upcoming years. Camping really is for everyone there’s no doubt about it, you just have to find what you like.
Cheers for the comment 🙂
My wife and I have recently taken up hiking. She really wants to start camping as well after she went out with her friend and loved it. We don’t have a tent, but tent weight would be REALLY important to me. I really like the Big Agnes Fly Creek 1 Platinum Tent because it weighs so little (less than 2 pounds!). Definitely something I would like to look into.
That is really lightweight but also on the expensive side, so if you don’t mind paying a little more to make room for other items in your backpack, definitely go with the Big Agnes Fly Creek if that’s the on you like 🙂
Hi love the fact that I could look up to the stars without being outside and that you have so many choices. wow.
They all look good, thanks for this buyers guide I now know where I can send my friends.
Well now you can! You can now get out and watch the clear night sky (and milky way) while being safe from mosquitoes as you drift off to sleep!
That’s the beauty of tents with a mesh roof.
I love star gazing and camping! There is a great place in Washington call steamboat ridge that is a prime dark spot. The milky way views are absolutely amazing! A tent with a see-through top would be amazing for a backpacking trip over Rainier!
The darkest spots with NO street lights or city lights in the distance are the best because there’s nothing to drown out the light coming from above…the all-natural starry night sky.
I’ll keep your favorite destination in mind Devon.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Brandon,
There is one stargazing tent you left out, it’s the Bubble Tent from bubble huts.
Check it out!
Oh wow, looks amazing!
Thank you so much for providing such good info! Looking forward to purchasing a star gazing tent and this is a great intro. Cheers!!