Top 9 Best Tents Under $100 (2024 Buyer’s Guide)

If you’re in a rush, the Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent is the best tent under $100 today. 

Are you new to camping and unsure if it’s your thing?

Don’t blow your camping budget on gear you might not use again when a quality tent doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

To simplify your search, we’ve tested and reviewed the best tents currently available for under $100:

Best Small Tents for Under $100:

• TETON Sports Vista Quick Tent (Best 1-Person Backpacking Tent Under $100)
• BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent (Best 2-Person Backpacking Tent Under $100)
• Decathlon Quechua 2-Person Pop Up Tent (Best 2-Person Pop Up Tent Under $100)

Best Mid-Size Tents for Under $100:

• Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent (Best 4-Person Tent Under $100)
• Core Equipment 4-Person Instant Dome Tent (Best 4-Person Instant tent Under $100)
• Wenzel 5 Person Dome Tent (Best 5-Person Tent under $100)

Best Large Tents for Under $100:

• Core Equipment 6 Person Dome Tent (Best 6-Person Tent Under $100)
• Ozark Trail 6-Person Instant Cabin Tent with LED Light (Best 6-Person Instant Tent Under $100)
• Ozark Trail 8-Person Modified Dome Tent, with Rear Window (Best 8-Person Tent Under $100)

Best Tent Under $100 – Our Top Picks

TETON Sports Vista Quick Tent

Tent Size: 1 person | Seasons: 3-season | Weight (lbs): 4.6 lbs | Floor: 80 x 37 in (20.55 sq ft) | Max Inside Height (in): 34 in | Setup Time: 1 min

As a solo camper, you have to do everything without the help of other people. That includes pitching the tent.

Well, that’s something you need to worry about with this pop-up model by Teton.

This tent features an integrated pole system which makes pitching a breeze. Basically, you just need to lock a few poles and pull on a drawstring – that’s it.

This comes especially handy when you’re trying to quickly set up a shelter from unexpected weather elements.

Speaking of which, this tent has a waterproof rainfly, so you’ll stay dry even when it’s pouring cats and dogs outside.

And given its low profile and sloped walls, this tent also easily withstands high winds.

The integrated pole system does add a bit of weight compared to classic poles. But even so, this tent weighs just four pounds, which is pretty decent.

What’s really great about this tent is that it’s cot-compatible.

This means you can set it up on a cot, and stay off the ground for superior comfort.

Not a functional feature, but it’s worth mentioning that this tent comes in four color options: green, grey, brown, and yellow. Personally, I love when my gear matches, and I’m sure many campers do too.

Pros:

• An integrated pole system allows you to pitch a tent within a minute
• Rainfly is fully waterproof, so you will remain dry in a heavy pour
• The tent can be set up on a cot for added comfort
• A full mesh top allows you to enjoy the starry sky during nice weather

Cons:

• Not very light for a 1-person tent

Best for: solo campers and those who prefer sleeping alone in a tent.

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BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent

Tent Size: 2 person | Seasons: 3-season | Weight (lbs): 4 lbs 12 oz | Floor: 55 x 82.7 in (31.6 sq ft) | Max Inside Height (in): 47.2 in | Setup Time: 10 mins

This tent by Bisinna checks all the boxes. It’s affordable, durable, weatherproof, rather lightweight, and easy to pitch. What more do you want from a 2-person tent?

Let’s start with the design. This tent is double-walled, meaning it has a full-length rainfly and a mesh body.

The rainfly is coated with a PU2000mm layer, so it repels raindrops, keeping you dry inside.

But the rainfly can’t be both waterproof and breathable. That’s why the tent body is made of mesh, while vent openings on the rainfly ensure there’s enough airflow inside the tent.

The tent poles are made of 7001 space aluminum, which is a very light but durable material.

What’s also great about this tent is that it features two doors.

So if you’re camping with another person, you can both get in and out comfortably without crawling on top of the other person.

The last, but final plus for the Bisinna is that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros:

• Adjustable high-level vents provide airflow during rain
• Features a waterproof rainfly and taped seams that keep you dry during a pour
• A lifetime warranty ensures you get your money’s worth or your money back
• The tent lamp hook and mesh pocket provide storage space for your necessities
• Comes with a lifetime warranty!

Cons:

• Fitting the tent inside the storage bag can be quite difficult

Best for: two campers or solo campers who prefer extra room.

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Decathlon Quechua 2 Person Pop Up Tent

Tent Size: 2 person | Seasons: | Weight (lbs): 38.6 | Floor: 47.2 x 82.7 (27.10722222 sq ft) | Max Inside Height (in): 7 in | Setup Time: 2 mins

Hate pitching a tent? You’re not the only one. There’s nothing bad in wanting to spend more time enjoying the outdoors rather than setting up a shelter.

But, that’s not something to worry about with a pop up tent like this one by Decathlon.

Simply take the tent out of the storage bag and it will self-assemble within just two seconds!

Then, the only thing that’s left for you to do is to stake it to the ground to prevent it from flying away.

This model is rather ample for a 2-person tent. While it’s wide enough to fit two sleeping pads, it offers quite a bit of foot and head space.

It’s worth noting that even though this is a popup tent, it’s double-walled.

That’s not something you typically see in popup tents, especially at this price range.

The rainfly is waterproof, but since the tent is double-walled, don’t have to worry about condensation.

As long as you keep the guylines taut, the breathable polyester bedroom will ensure there’s enough airflow inside the tent during a pour.

The shape of the tent makes it rather stable in wind. When properly staked, it should withstand wind blowing up to 30 mph.

Pros:

• Double-walled, this tent is waterproof but keeps condensation at a minimum
• With stakes and taut guylines, this tent can withstand wind of up to 30 mph
• This tent is covered by a warranty of 3 years from purchase
• Provides decent foot and headspace

Cons:

• The flysheet has a UPF of 30, which is a bit underwhelming

Best for: solo camper or a couple who hates pitching tents.

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Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent

Tent Size: 4 person | Seasons: 2-season | Weight (lbs): 8 lbs 8 oz | Floor: 9 x 7 ft (63 sq ft) | Max Inside Height (in): 59 in | Setup Time: 10 mins

If you ask me, 4-person tents are the perfect middle ground. They’re ideal for couples, but they’re not too bad of a choice for one or three people either.

This popular Coleman tent has a dome structure and a central height of 59 inches, which is between a kneeling and stooping height for most people.

That ample headroom provides you with more room to move around, especially when you’re not alone in a tent.

But even though it’s somewhat tall, this tent stands up well against the wind. As long as you stake it properly, it can withstand the wind blowing up to 35 mph.

The tent is pretty easy to pitch. It features a pin and ring design and InstaClip attachments, which allow you to see exactly where each pole goes.

An E-port is a really nice touch, especially for a tent at this price range.

If your campground offers a power supply, you can charge and use your devices inside the tent.

The two awnings aren’t long enough to be used for protecting your gear from weather elements.

But they’re pretty useful for providing decent airflow inside the tent while keeping you safe from rain and direct wind.

Read our full review of this tent in the Dark Room version here. 

Pros:

• Waterproof material, welded corners, inverted seams, and taped seams ensure the interior stays dry in the rain
• The tent is stable enough to withstand wind speed of 35 mph
• Comes with a built-in E-port for using devices inside the tent
• With a center height of 59 inches, the tent offers plenty of headroom

Cons:

• The awnings don’t provide gear protection

Best for: a couple or a family with one child.

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Core Equipment 4-Person Instant Dome Tent

Tent Size: 4 | Weight (lbs): 12.1 lbs | Max Inside Height (in) 54 | Floor: 9 x 7 ft | Setup Time: 1 min

If you absolutely hate pitching a tent, don’t worry – Core Equipment has got you covered.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out there’s an instant tent you can get within your $100 budget.

What’s even more surprising is that this is a 4-person tent, so it’s suitable for friends or families camping with a child.

With a center height of 54 inches, this tent provides ample headroom. You can sit up straight while inside without feeling cramped.

This tent features a single-pole system, which allows you to pitch a tent within just 30 seconds.

Basically, all you need to do is unpack the tent, unfold the poles, and extend them until they “click” into position.

This tent uses Core’s H2O Block technology, which uses PU coating, inverted stitching, and taped seams to prevent rain from getting in.

The door and window are also water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about getting wet even when it’s blowing while raining.

Pros:

• The integrated frame system allows you to set up a tent in 30 seconds by yourself
• Storage pockets and a gear loft allow you to have all necessities close at hand at all times
• H2O Block technology ensures the interior remains dry even when it’s pouring
• The center height of 54 inches allows you to sit up inside the tent

Cons:

• Somewhat heavy

Best for: couples and families with small kids.

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Core Equipment 6 Person Dome Tent

Tent Size: 6 person | Seasons: 3 | Weight (lbs): 12.72 | Floor: 11 x 9 ft (99 sq ft) | Max Inside Height (in): 72 in | Setup Time: 2 mins

This 6-person tent is an excellent option for a family with a couple of children or a group of friends.

It offers both a decent foot space and a central height of 72 inches, so most people can stand up without tilting their heads much.

Given the shape, this tent from Core also allows you to fit two queen-size mattresses, although it leaves little room for rest.

The tent is double-walled, and it features a waterproof rainfly with sealed seams for protection from the rain.

With that being said, the rainfly doesn’t go all the way to the ground. So if in case it rains horizontally due to wind, it might get wet inside.

But during dry months, this tent provides excellent airflow and it allows you to stargaze during clear, warm summer nights.

One thing I really like about this tent is the storage options. It features wall pockets and an overhead gear loft with a lantern hook, so you can have all the necessities close at hand.

An E-port is also a nice touch, as it provides access to electricity inside the tent.

Pros

• With 72 inches of central height, this tent provides ample head space
• Large door and windows, as well as the adjustable air intake vent, ensure there’s enough airflow inside
• Wall pockets and gear loft provide plenty of storage options
• The product features a 1-year warranty

Cons

• The rainfly doesn’t go all the way to the ground

Best for: families with children or two couples.

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Wenzel 5 Person Dome Tent

Tent Size: 5 person | Seasons: 3 | Weight (lbs): 8 lbs | Max Inside Height (in) 58 | Floor: 120 x 96 inches | Setup Time: 5 mins

This 5-person tent by Wenzel is quite versatile. It’s not too small for a family with two kids, nor too big for a couple with a lot of stuff.

Plus, when you add the price and its weight into the calculation, it’s definitely a worthy investment.

First, I love that it has two doors. This means people can get in and out much easier, without jumping over everybody.

The tent also has a large mesh window, which provides nice airflow inside the tent.

The second feature I’m really impressed with is the removable divider curtain.

Very uncommon for budget tents, this feature turns your tent into a two-room shelter. This is great if you want some privacy while inside the tent.

The rest of the features are pretty decent, too. The tent material is quite durable and waterproof.

The fly is a bit short, which can be an issue if it’s raining and blowing at the same time.

This model also has a gear loft and two pockets for storing gear. It also has an E-port for using your devices inside the tent.

Pros:

• Two doors allow you to get in and out easier without disturbing other campers inside the tent
• Features a removable divider curtain that lets you create two separate areas
• Features two pockets and a gear loft for storing the essentials
• The roof material reflects light, creating more visibility inside the tent

Cons:

• The rainfly doesn’t provide 100% coverage

Best for: parents with two or three kids.

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Ozark Trail 6-Person Instant Cabin Tent with LED Light

Tent Size: 6 person | Seasons: 3 | Weight (lbs): 16.8 lbs | Max Inside Height (in) 68 | Floor: 10 x 9 ft (90 sq ft) | Setup Time: 1 min

The larger the tent, the harder it is to set up. That’s typically true, but not when we’re talking about instant tents.

Even though it’s huge, this 6-person instant tent takes just a minute or two to set up.

The poles are pre-attached to the tent, so your only task is to unfold and extend the tent, and it will snap into place.

This makes it easy to pitch a tent by yourself when your campmates are busy doing other things.

The tent features three large mesh windows and one adjustable vent, which provide excellent air circulation inside the tent.

One great feature is the ambient LED-lighted hub, which provides visibility inside the tent at night and can be adjusted to low, medium, and high settings.

There’s one thing to keep in mind. Even though this is a cabin tent, it only has a ceiling height of 66 inches.

This means you might not be able to stand up straight inside. But since the walls are almost straight, there’s still ample space inside the tent.

Be sure to check out our full review of the Ozark Trail 6-Person Instant Tent here. 

Pros:

• The preattached pole system allows you to set up the tent by yourself in a minute
• Features a built-in LED lighted hub with three power settings
• Three windows and a vent port provide excellent airflow inside the tent
• Both the door and windows are double-layered, with mesh and waterproof panels

Cons:

• Not suitable for use in high winds
• Somewhat heavy for a tent of that size

Best for: campers who spend time in the tent aside from sleeping.

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Ozark Trail 8-Person Modified Dome Tent, with Rear Window

Tent Size: 8 person | Seasons: 3 | Weight (lbs): 17.6 lbs | Max Inside Height (in) 74 | Floor: 16 x 8 inches | Setup Time: 20 mins

Who said you can’t get a huge tent for under $100? This model by Ozark Trail shows that you can find a tent that’s within the budget without sacrificing important features.

First of all, the tent features a mesh body that is covered with a waterproof rainfly with taped seams.

So if it’s raining, pop the fly and stay dry inside. But during warm and dry summer nights, you can remove it to enjoy the beautiful starry sky.

This tent is ideal for groups. It features a removable divider that allows you to separate the tent into two rooms, each with its door.

But if you take the diver off, then you have very large doors in the middle that allow you to easily get in and out of the tent.

Aside from standard features, there are a few bells and whistles that make this tent stand out.

One of them is the front mud flap, where you can take off your boots to keep the interior space clean from dirt.

What’s also great is that doors and windows zip up to offer some privacy and protection from the rain.

Pros:

• Features a divider that can transform the tent into a two-room shelter
• Doors and windows can be zipped up for privacy and rain protection
• Features five large windows for exceptional airflow
• A movable hanging media pocket can hold a tablet for group watching

Cons:

• A bit difficult and time-consuming to set up

Best for: large groups.

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Best Cheap Tent Buying Advice (For Tents Under $100)

As you can see, there are some great tents you can buy within the budget of $100.

Still, in order to choose one, you need to have a general idea of which features to pay attention to.

In this section, we’ll talk about everything you should keep an eye on when buying a cheap tent.

How We Define a “Cheap” Tent

Let’s make one thing clear from the start when we say cheap, we mean a tent that is affordable. In this case, we’re talking about a budget of $100.

This doesn’t automatically mean that the tent is cheaply made. Of course, the brands keep their low price by splurging where it’s required and saving money where they can.

But even though tents on this list have their tradeoffs, they’re all still very good products worth your money.

Also See: Best Tent Brands for Camping (Explore by Budget, Warranty, & Sizes)

Type of Cheap Tents

First things first, let’s talk about the types of tents you find in this price range.

You might be surprised to learn that you have actually three different types to choose from popup, dome, and cabin tents. Let’s address each of them individually.

Pop Up Tents

In terms of setup, it doesn’t get any easier than a pop up tent! Simply take the tent out and unstrap it, and it will pop into its assembled shape.

To pack it down, you need to simply do the process backwards. This might sound difficult, but that’s something you’ll nail on the first try.

Typically, popup tents are single-walled, which can cause problems with condensation.

However, you can find a few models on the market that have double walls, as the Decathlon Quechua Pop-Up Tent reviewed above.

You should also keep in mind that popup tents are quite bulky when packed, so they’re not a great option when you’re traveling on foot.

Dome Tents

Dome tents are the perfect middle ground. They use standard poles (typically fiberglass or aluminum) and are able to withstand wind blowing at least 25 mph.

They’re usually rather easy to set up, by crossing the poles and pushing them through designated sleeves.

Regardless of the tent size, this should take you no longer than 10 minutes.

Given the dome shape, these tents don’t provide much headroom. There’s a high point in the middle of the tent, but the ceiling is lower the closer you get to the edges.

Cabin Tents

Cabin-style tents, as the name suggests, resemble the shape of the cabin.

This means the walls are typically flat with a high ceiling above them, which allows you to walk around without stooping.

But the shape of these tents doesn’t do well when it’s blowing as the walls easily catch on the wind like a sail.

Even with taut guylines and proper staking, these tents aren’t stable in high wind.

As for setup, that depends on the model. Certain cabin tents come with a single-pole hub system, which allows you to pitch it within a minute. Basically, you need to unfold and extend the tent, then pull the skeleton upwards.

Others have standard poles, and they can be somewhat more difficult and time-consuming to set up.

Also See: Dome Tent VS Cabin Tent – What is the difference?

Quality and Durability of “Cheap” tents

When we talk about quality and durability, the material is the first thing that comes to mind. And really, aluminum poles are more durable than fiberglass, for instance.

But it’s not all about material. Especially when it comes to poles, as both fiberglass and aluminum poles should last you a good while.

Instead, you should pay attention to the little details, like seams, zippers, clips, floors, etc.

So for instance, rain can get inside the tent through seams, as the fabric can stretch here. To prevent that from happening, brands typically add a polyurethane film on seams. This is a feature you don’t see that often in very affordable tents.

Zippers are another important detail. Since you’ll be using tent doors very often, you want a heavy-duty zipper, like YKK, and not some flimsy one that can easily break from use.

Antisnag cover is another great detail, as it prevents accidental damage to your tent.

Fabric & Materials Used in Budget Tents

As you know, tent fabrics typically have some lettering and numbers to them. These numbers indicate the thickness, which defines the durability of a model.

Fabric thickness is measured in denier, which essentially indicates the fiber thickness of individual threads that make up the fabric. So the higher the denier, the thicker the fabric.

For comparison, human hair has a 20D thickness, while microfibers are typically 0.9D or less.

Of course, a higher denier also means that the material will weigh more. But it will also have a thicker weave, which means it’s more water-resistant.

So if you plan on camping during rainy weather, fabric thickness is an important factor to consider.

Now, things get a bit more complicated when you take into consideration the material. Nylon has a lower denier thickness compared to polyester, but it’s stronger.

And then we have different coatings that further affect durability and water resistance.

So when comparing models made of different materials, pay attention to their waterproof ratings as well.

Size(s)

Naturally, the right size of the tent is determined by the size of your group.

Now, all tent models have a capacity rating, which indicates how many people can fit in tightly.

But given you probably want some more room inside, it’s always better to go several sizes bigger.

This, however, is not always possible when you’re on a budget, because, typically, the larger the tent, the higher the price.

With that being said, we did manage to find tents in this price range of different sizes, but large models are usually rare.

So while a 6-person tent sounds great for a couple with a lot of gear, that might mean going over budget.

Instead, you can sacrifice a bit of comfort and get a 3 or 4-person tent instead and even keep the change.

Weather Protection

If you plan on camping in less-than-ideal weather conditions, then your tent needs adequate protection from the elements. By this, I mean it can keep you safe from rain, wind and even sun.

But with budget tents, you can’t always have everything you want. This is mainly the case with UV protection, as most budget tents typically have less than 50 UPF.

Luckily, that’s not too big of a deal, as you can pitch a tarp.

Plus, you won’t be spending much time inside the tent during the day anyway, right?

Rain protection is a much more important feature. Waterproof ratings are measured in millimeters, and they go anywhere from 800mm and 10,000mm.

In most cases, a tent with a rating above 1,500mm will do just fine.

However, you should make sure that the floor is made of 100% waterproof material, as you don’t want any water piling underneath to get inside the tent.

Furthermore, the longer the rainfly, the better. Tents with a rainfly that’s covering the entire tent will provide you protection from rain, even when it’s pouring horizontally due to wind.

If the tent has a rainfly covering just the roof, then it should have waterproof flaps for covering doors and windows.

Finally, wind protection. This mainly depends on the size and shape of the tent.

As we already established, dome-shaped tents stand up well against the wind due to their sloped sides. Cabin tents, on the other hand, can catch the wind like a sail.

Of course, proper positioning, as well as using high-quality stakes and keeping guylines taut can make a difference in this case, even with larger tents.

Also See: Best Tent For High Winds: Top 9 Reviewed

Ease of Use

To be honest, most tents at this price range are made rather easy to set up.

They typically have fewer poles to start with, with some even having a single-pole hub design that makes setup easy as a piece of cake.

A large number of budget tents also have clips and grommets that make pitching very straightforward. In some cases, they might even have color-coded poles.

The easiest to use are pop-up tents, as they self-erect as soon as you unstrap them, and pack them down in the same way but in opposite steps. However, they’re rather rare in this price range.

Also, be sure to check out the two instant tents on the list from Ozark Trail.

Extras

Finally, let’s talk about the details.

You might not notice these things right away, but they’re nothing less important when deciding on a model.

Ventilation

How well-ventilated a tent depends on its mesh body portion as well as the vents located in the rainfly.

As long as the tent is double-walled (meaning it comes with a rainfly), the inner body will at least partially be covered with mesh.

This is actually great, as you can remove the fly in warm and dry weather to enjoy the night sky.

As for the vents, the more the merrier. But sometimes even a single vent can do enough if it’s large and positioned against the door.

Storage: Vestibules and Interior Pockets

No matter the budget, most tents on the market feature at least a pocket for storing essentials.

But some offer many pockets as well as gear loops and lofts for everything you need close at hand.

A vestibule is another great option for storing gear. They cover the area around the tent door leaving enough room to put your boots or other things you might not want inside with you.

However, it’s rare to see a vestibule on a tent for under $100.

Doors & Windows

One thing that’s pretty clear is the more windows you have, the better the airflow inside the tent.

But even a single window can do the trick if it’s large enough and positioned against the door.

Depending on the size, tents in this price range usually feature one or two doors.

Two doors are always a better option if you’re camping with the company. That way, you don’t have to negotiate your way in and out of the tent around the other person/people.

FAQs

What is the cheapest tent under $100?

Both Bisinna 2-person Tent and Coleman Sundome 4-person Tents have the lest price tag on our list.

But all of the tents we’ve listed are great deals, especially considering the features they have.

What is the best cheap tent under $100?

The best tent is the one that suits your needs the best. This list has tents in all sizes, each the best in their category, all for under $100.

What size tent can you get for under $100?

At this price range, you can find many models that range from 1-person to 4-person in capacity.

There are also a few large models within the budget, ranging from 6-person to 8-person models.

Are budget tents any good?

You can find amazing models at a price range of under $100.

While tent manufacturers may cut on some less important features like storage pockets, they make up by splurging on better materials and design.

To Sum Things Up

As you can see, there are some amazing tents that are under $100.

From 1-person to 8-person, budget tents come in all sizes and shapes. There are even some budget tents made for winter camping!

However, the most solid tent under $100 is the Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent. It’s the best-selling tent of all-time for a reason. 

Do you need an even cheaper tent? Check out our list of the best cheap tents for under $50!

More Budget Tents:

• Best Budget Backpacking Tent (Top Picks Under $100 & $200)
• What Is The Best Budget 4-Season Tent?
• Best Tent Brands for Camping in 2024 (Explore by Budget, Warranty, & Sizes)