The best camping tents of 2026 make sleeping outside easy and comfortable

NBC Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.OutdoorsThe best camping tents for car camping, backpacking and any other time you plan to sleep outsideShop top picks from REI Co-op, The North Face, Coleman and more.July 10, 2026, 12:25 PM EDTHarry RabinowitzTech ReporterSkip to table of contentsCamping tents can vary wildly in shape, size and purpose. I break down the need-to-know essentials below.GettyTable of contentsOur top picksThe best camping tents in 2026How I picked the best camping tentsHow to shop for a camping tentFrequently asked questionsWhy trust NBC Select?See 3 MoreYour camping tent is your home away from home when you’re backpacking or car camping — having a great one can make your adventure more fun, while having a terrible one can ruin the entire experience. But with hundreds of models on the market, it can be hard to know what to shop for, especially if you are just starting out. I’ve been writing about the outdoors for NBC Selected for years, including guides to hiking shoes, hiking emergency kits, camping for beginners and bikepacking, so I’ve tested and researched lots of tents. Below are the best camping tents you can buy, including some I’ve tested over many, many miles.Selected.Our top picksBest camping tentREI Co-op Half Dome 3-Person Tent with Footprint$undefined$399.00REILearn moreBest car camping tentThe North Face Wawona 6 Tent$undefined$585.00AmazonLearn moreBest budget car camping tentColeman Skydome 4-Person Tent with Full Fly Weather Vestibule$132.99$189.99AmazonLearn moreBest budget backpacking tentFeatherstone Granite 2-Person Backpacking Tent$undefined$149.99AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedWe’ve worn these hiking shoes for hundreds of miles, in sun and snowWant more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best camping tents in 2026My top picks come from highly-rated, venerable b...