There are perfectly good tents out on the market, and there are also extremely bad ones, I review tents and compile my findings on my blog.
Below you will find my top 7 cheap camping tents that I have personally given an honest review about and I think you will like and enjoy.
Just click the “Read more” link to read my FULL REVIEW on that specific tent.
Cheap 2 Person Tents
Alps Mountaineering Taurus 2 Tent
What ultimate benefit does this tent provide? This tent is designed for 3 season use, however the rain fly is made from high quality 75D 185T polyester, which makes this good for minor winter usage – strong winds and downpours, the vestibule area is quite large for gear as well.
While been a good waterproof tent and because this product has no problems staying up in minor winter conditions you’d think this tent is a couple of hundred dollars. Nope, this tent varies between $80 to $100 from Amazon.com.
All your questions and concerns will be answered in my review.
Read my full review on this product here…
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Tent
What ultimate benefit does this tent provide? This tent is similar to the Alps Mountaineering Taurus 2 Tent, however the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Tent has a bath-tub styled floor, capable of holding up and keeping rain out in more extreme downpours even though it’s only considered a 3 season tent.
The price of this tent is usually around $120 to $140, but the vestibule area is smaller than Alps Mountaineering Taurus 2.
All your questions and concerns will be answered in my review.
Read my full review on this product here…
Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent
What ultimate benefit does this tent provide? The Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent has a similar price range as the tents above – sitting at $100 to $120, has a larger vestibule area. One thing I like about this tent is the textured flooring for more rough terrain, good for wilderness camping.
This is also a 3 season tent, not as waterproof as the other tents, but a good choice for summer camping, simply remove the rain fly and have a full view of the night sky.
All your questions and concerns will be answered in my review.
Read my full review on this product here…
Cheap 3 Person Tents
Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Tent
What ultimate benefit does this tent provide? The Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Tent is better used for people that are looking for a 2 person tent, yet don’t like to be squished up, shoulder to shoulder. I especially like the large vestibule area on BOTH sides of this tent.
A good waterproof, 3 person tent that’s able to hold in strong winds at this price is a good deal – ask any outdoors man. One thing I don’t like is the amount of space inside, it’s not as big as other 3 person tents but it more than makes up for it with the double vestibule areas. This product costs around $160 to $180, and does everything a $400 tent will do
All your questions and concerns will be answered in my review.
Read my full review on this product here…
Coleman Sundome 3 Person
What ultimate benefit does this tent provide? What I really like about this tent is the simplicity and affordability, a perfect choice for a couple that enjoy a weekend out in nature, an adult and child or adult and dog. This tent isn’t the best for camping in the rain, however I do find that a touch of seam sealer will get the job done.
If you want something that’s simple, capable of getting you through a night or 2 and without breaking the bank then this tent might be what you are after. This product varies between $40 and $50 on Amazon.com.
All your questions and concerns will be answered in my review.
Read my full review on this product here…
Cheap 4 Person Tent
ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 4 Tent
What ultimate benefit does this tent provide? A manufacturer of a 4 person tent that claims their tent is waterproof isn’t always telling the truth, or just exaggerating the quality of the materials water resistance capability. I find that ALPS don’t do this – the claim of this tent being waterproof even in hours of downpour – I find to be true, and that is why I am putting this tent under the affordable 4 person tent category.
This tent will hold 4 adults, although I would recommend a maximum of 3 so you have room to move around, or somewhere to put your gear since this tent doesn’t have a vestibule. It’s not the best for backpacking because of the weight, but it won’t be so bad if you split the weight up between 2 or more people.
The price range of this tent varies between $85 and $100, currently available from Amazon.com.
All your questions and concerns will be answered in my review.
Read my full review on this product here…
Cheap 6 Person Tent
Coleman Montana 6 Person Tent Review
What ultimate benefit does this tent provide? I like the amount of space inside this tent, for something this spacious and in this price range ($110 to $140), I’d say this tent offers everything a $400 tent will offer. What I like the most about this tent – you can fit 2 queen-sized air mattresses, good for people who like to camp in total luxury.
It has an area to the left of the tent and an area to the right, good for using the “tent trick” (keeping one area for dirty laundry, changing etc, and the other area for sleeping).
Sometimes you just want to ditch the small tents and move on to something bigger, something that will hold up in the winds and stop the rain from getting inside. This tent is a perfect choice for car camping because the weight is too heavy for backpacking.
I could go on, however all your questions and concerns will be answered in my review.
Read my full review on this product here…
What Would I Choose?
If I were to choose one (well I’ll have to soon anyway, mines getting a bit old), the one tent that really stands out to me is hands down the Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Tent.
JUST because, for me personally, I think the most important feature of a tent is being able to stand strong in tough winds and having the ability to stay completely dry inside even with hours, maybe even days of torrential downfall.
However, if I had to choose a 2 person tent, I’d go for the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 tent, for the simple fact that it comes with a bathtub-styled floor, good for keeping water out even from underneath the tent if you suddenly experience a flash flood overnight.
Something you will need if you’re an avid camper with children.
Although if you pitch your tent in the correct place you shouldn’t have any problems with a flash flood, remember to keep out of ditches, ravines and valleys.
Hi Brandon,
This post came at the perfect time for me. I am in the market for a new tent and your reviews of the above tents will definitely help with my decision.
Thanks Again.
That’s good Adam. I’m glad you found this post helpful and hopefully you find a tent that will fit your needs.
Cheers,
Brandon
Hello Brandon!!
Really nice site and your post is great! I like your reviews and it awakened in me desire to go camping! 😀
From your reviews, I would decide between Coleman Montana 6 Person Tent and Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Tent. Than it would depend on which trips I’d like to make.
Thanks for your tips,
Krystof
Haha, that’s good that my site makes you want to go camping, because it is indeed VERY FUN. If you don’t plan on taking many people along, the ALPS Mountaineering Extreme 3 Person tent is perfect. It is well-waterproof and will keep you bone dry!
Hope this helps.
-Brandon
Hey Brandon, thanks for organizing your post by the number of people the tent’s sleep! These look like some great cheap camping tents. Right now it is just me, my wife and son so I would probably consider the Coleman Sundome or the Alps Mountaineering. Really for $50 the Sundome sounds like a winner.
Hey Jeremy, thanks for the comment! I agree with you, they are affordable and still capable of keeping you safe from the elements. The Coleman Sundome is good ONLY if you’re prepared to seam seal it first.
Otherwise yes, the ALPS Mountaineering is a perfect choice for you and won’t need any additional weatherproofing 🙂
Hope this helps buddy,
Brandon