Have you ever thought about going camping without a tent? Well, it is a near-impossibility, as tents define the experience and comfort you get whenever you are outdoors. It is in this light that you will find it valuable to choose the right tent for yourself right from the onset.
- Are you tight on funds now?
- Looking for the best tents under 500?
You are down the right place.
We will take a look at the top 11 options you have, and those that will cost you less than $500.
Hot sale, dark room technology to block light, large size for 10 person, easy to set up, Coleman Instant Cabin Tent
Pop up design for easy setup, waterproof design for rainy days, spacious interior, OT QOMOTOP Cabin Tent
Good weather resistance, a screen room for extra storage space and good ventilation, versatile for most campsites, Coleman WeatherMaster Tent
Full-size truck bed tent, mesh top for good view and ventilation, highly waterproof with sealed seams fabric, Rightline Gear Truck Tent
How to select the right tent at below 500 USD?
Various aspects go into the selection of the right tent that costs no more than 500 USD. Mostly, you will have to focus n the different features that the tent brings on the table.
Some of the things to consider will include the following.
#1. Determine the capacity you need
The size of your tent will always be the most significant.
Usually, you will need a tent that can comfortably accommodate you, your family, and the luggage that you will have. It should be spacious enough to guarantee you the comfort that you desire.
For instance, if you are four campers, and you have some luggage, a 6-person or 8-person tent will fit you better.
#2. Check the weight of the tent
Undoubtedly, there is no way you will want a tent that is too bulky. It will be best for you to pick a tent that is relatively easy to move around with.
For example, a shelter that weighs between 6 and 9 pounds is likely to give you a much easier time in the long run.
#3. Cost
As mentioned, the focus is on tents that cost below $500.
- However, how far are you willing to go?
- Is it $300 or $450?
- OR does it have to be $500?
Typically, someone should aim at a tent that meets their needs, yet it comes at an affordable rate. It is through this that you will keep away from unwanted financial constraints.
While at it, ensure that you understand how much it will cost to maintain this tent. The lower the cost, the better it is for you.
Related Reading:
>> Best Cheap Tents Under $100
>> How to Choose Your Right Tents Under $200
#4. How high is the center pole?
The height of your chosen tent will determine the comfort that you have.
Usually, the longer the pole, the more comfortable you are likely to be.
As long as the center pole is tall, you are confident of enough headroom, which allows you to move around with much ease.
#5. Decide between single and double-wall tents
Double-wall tents have proven to be not only heavy but also reliable in colder seasons.
If you are looking for longevity and enough warmth, double-wall tents will come in handy for you.
On the other hand, you might consider single-wall tents if you intend to camp at the seasides.
#6. Is it weatherproof?
Take the time to understand whether the tent will protect you from adverse weather conditions.
It should be water-resistant and able to withstand strong winds. It is through this that you will be confident of your safety in the long run.
Reviews of the best tent under 500 dollars
#1. Best for Beach Camping – Pacific Breeze cabana for sun and wind
Capacity: 3-4
Peak Height: 52″
Base Size: 95″ x 51″
Packed Size: 38″ x 6″ x 6″
You can hardly ignore the role of the Pacific Breeze whenever you are on the seasides. Its impeccable charm will always appeal to the eyes, while its impressive shelter worth beholding.
This tent has proven to be the right shelter for a beachy experience. It will comfortably accommodate between three and four people, depending on whether a child is involved or not.
This tent boasts of enough storage, as it comes with pouches on the walls too. As long as you are in here, you will be sure of enough storage space for your gear.
It will suffice to mention that this tent is lightweight and relatively compact. Remember that it weighs not more than six pounds, which is good enough for those that appreciate portability.
While at it, the fabric used in making this tent is remarkable. This material comes with UPF 50+, which assures you of enough protection against the sun and the rain.
What We like
- Relatively light
- Fight against sun and rain
- Unmatched stability even when windy
What We Don’t
- Not ideal for cold regions
#2. Dark Room – Coleman instant cabin tent for sweet sleep in the wild
Rooms: 2
Capacity: 4/6/10
10P Base Size: 14′ X 10′
10P Peak Height: 6’7″
As long as you are looking for a dark rest tent, this will be the ultimate choice for you. This product boasts of a myriad of features.
It comes with a solid hinged door, which ensures that you have an easier time getting in and out of the tent. Usually, hinged doors are vital in guaranteeing the campers of seamless movements within the canvas.
What is more, you will witness that there are two doors, assuring you of the convenience that you so desire.
You will also be sure of instant setup. Setting this tent up will take the least time, and you will hardly need to have any specialized skills.
Whether you are alone or with other people helping you, this process is likely to take a few minutes.
Did you know that this 10-person tent comes with a room divider? With this, you will be sure of getting enhanced privacy at the end of the day.
What We like
- Easy to pack up
- Enough weather protection
- Dark rest technology helps block sunlight
What We Don’t
- Could be a little pricy when you buy the 10-person tent
#3. Waterproof – OT QOMOTOP pop up cabin tent with top rainfly
Capacity: 4/6/8
4P Base Size: 8′ x 8′
4P Peak Height: 4’11”
Materials: Polyester Cover & Steel Poles
The waterproof technology used in this tent makes it stand out. Ideally, its 68D polyester fabric will assure you of both water resistance and weather resistance.
Further, it comes with the 125GSM polyethylene floor, which ensures that no water seeps in and that you get the warmth you so deserve.
The floor area in this tent is breathtaking. It will suffice to mention that the tent comes with a 64 square feet area. You will also be sure of a 59-inch center, which assures you of considerable headroom.
That the tent will accommodate between 4 and 6 people is worth lauding. In here, you will comfortably fit one queen-size bed.
Did you know that it will take no more than one minute to set this tent up? We could attribute this to the telescoping poles and the pre-fixed inner tent that it features.
What We like
- Instant setup
- The interior is spacious
- Comes with various accessories, including a rainfly
What We Don’t
- Doesn’t build a lantern
#4. Double Room – Core 9 person instant cabin tent with spacious interior
Rooms: 2
Capacity: 9
Base Size: 14′ x 9′
Peak Height: 78″
Are you looking for more privacy or more rooms? Look no further than the Core 9-Person tent, as it boasts of the best 2-room features.
This tent highlights a 14×9 foot floor plan that can accommodate up to nine people. You could also consider it if you are fewer than nine but with many luggage.
It boasts of a detachable room divider, which comes in handy in providing you with the privacy that you so need.
Accessing this tent is no hassle, as it comes with another large T-door at the side. This door allows you to move in and out of this tent without too much trouble.
It will also ensure that you enjoy improved air circulation.
The weather protection offered by this tent is remarkable. First, it comes with a 68D polyester fabric, whose waterproof level is about 600mm.
There is also the H2O block technology that highlights the sealing of seams. As such, you are protected against adverse weather at all times.
What We like
- Enhanced privacy
- Unmatched ventilation
- Improved weather protection technology
What We Don’t
- Not really for couples
#5. Weatherproof – Coleman WeatherMaster tent with hinged door
Capacity: 6/10
6P Base Size: 11′ x 9′
6P Peak Height: 6’8″
Screen Room Size: 9′ x 6′
Sometimes, all you might need in a tent is a screen room. If you do not fall in love with what this tent has to offer, you might not find a better one.
The bug-free screen room will come in handy for you whenever you need additional ventilation, enhanced privacy, or an extra sleeping area.
It boasts of enough storage, including the inclusion of storage pouches. These storage pockets are conveniently-placed and will help to store things like headlamps.
While at it, you will appreciate how roomy this tent is. It will comfortably accommodate up to two queen-size airbeds and six people.
It will be unfair not to mention its WeatherTec features. This patented system comes in handy in protecting you against adverse weather conditions.
From its protected seams and wind-strong frames to the zipper protection and the waterproof floors, this is a tent you will want to fall in love with.
What We like
- You are sure of an E-port
- Comes with a hinged door
- Presence of a friendly and roomy screen room
- Excellent weather protection, thanks to the WeatherTec system
What We Don’t
- Some people may don’t like a tent with screen rooms
#6. Best for truck – Rightline Gear full size tent for 2 adults under $500
Capacity: 2
Bed Size: 5’/5.5’/6’/6.5’/8′
Size: Full Size/Compact Truck/Mid Size
How about if you want a tent on a truck? This option has proven to be not only realistic but also suitable for different tracks.
The floorless design in this setup will get you smitten. With this tent, you will no longer need to worry about removing your gear from the bed when setting it up.
On top of that, you will get a rainfly that is significant in specific weather conditions.
The robust construction of this tent is worth noting, as it assures you of enhanced weatherproof abilities.
Remember, its PU 2000mm fabric comes with sealed seams too, which ensure that you do not become vulnerable to weather issues in the long run.
Did you know you will get protective straps also? These straps will help in maintaining the integrity of your truck.
It will suffice to mention that this tent will accommodate up to two people. Besides, you will have a little extra room to keep your gear.
What We like
- Easy to set up
- Does not damage your truck
- Enough protection against the weather
What We Don’t
- Limited capacity
#7. For SUV Camping – Rightline Gear family size tent for car travel
Capacity: 6
Waterproof Rating: 2000mm
Packed Size: 27.6″ x 18.9″ x 9.9″
This product is the most suitable for those with SUVs. Its myriad of features will also be impressive to you.
This tent allows you to sleep off the ground and at the comfort of your vehicle. What you might not know is that you will have extra space for additional people.
Remember, this tent will comfortably accommodate up to six adults. Ideally, two people will sleep in the cargo area, while four get to sleep in this tent.
The robust construction of this tent focused on weather protection. It prides itself on a water-resistant fabric, which has a PU resistance of about 2000mm.
With this construction, you will be confident of the unmatched security of your elements in the long run.
There is no denying that setting this tent up will take the least time. All you will need to do is to attach the sleeve to the vehicle, and you will be good to go.
What We like
- Accommodates many people
- Enhanced weather protection
- Comes with an impressive warranty
What We Don’t
- Can be used on suv, minivan, jeep wrangler, wagon.
#8. Large Space – ABCcanopy 10’ x 20’ pop up canopy for commercial and party use
Capacity: 15-20
Removable Walls: 6
Height: 89.3″/93.7″/97.2″
Base Size: 10′ x 10’/ 10′ x 15’/ 10′ x 20′
Right from how large it is, you are bound to fall in love with this canopy tent instantly. This tent assures you of a 100 square foot floor plan and an impressive headroom.
And therefore, it will effortlessly accommodate an entire family or even a relatively large group of friends.
The fabric used in making this tent is outstanding.
Usually, you will be confident of 500D polyester fabric, which has proven to be reliably waterproof. This fabric will also cushion you against 50+ UV light.
Did you know that you will move this tent around without too much struggle? It has sturdy wheels that make portability a success. Further, you will get a wheel bag to help you move the tent around once you disassemble it.
Its banner loops are outstanding. Their glowing nature will come in handy in attracting customers from afar.
Studies show that customers who are up to 1000 meters away will recognize these banners without a struggle.
What We like
- Its Velcro design makes it easy to attach
- Reliable weather protection capabilities
- Comes with safe push buttons for your safety
What We Don’t
- No mesh screens
#9. For Backyard Camping – Gazelle portable 6-sided screen tent for gatherings
Peak Height: 7′
Capacity: 8 and a table
Base Size: 124″ x 124″
Packed Size: 8″ x 8″ x 73″
Waterproof Rating: 2000mm
If you want to relax in the backyard, this tent assures you of the comfort and convenience that you so need. Its pop-up nature means that you will not struggle to set it up. Ideally, the tent is pre-assembled.
It prides itself on impressive, durable YKK zippers, which will hardly wear out any time soon. These rugged zippers are often on the doors, which means you will be confident of enhanced protection at all times.
Further to this, you will appreciate the reinforced corners that it has. With this, you will be sure of the longevity of your tent.
Nothing matches the quality of the fabric in this tent. This fabric comes with a 50+ rating, which is vital in cushioning you against harmful UV rays.
You will also find that it will effortlessly resist water and even severe weather.
You can hardly overlook how spacious this tent is. This roomy assures you of up to 92 square feet of floor area. Do not forget the incredible headroom you get from this beautiful tent.
What We like
- Enhanced comfort
- Anti-mosquito screened fabric
- Quite simple and straightforward to set up
What We Don’t
- Can’t sleep in it at winter night
#10. Best for Deck – Chistopher Knight Home gazebo patio tent with mosquito netting
Base Size: 118″ x 118″
Peak Height: 107.25″
Materials: Polyester & Steel
Do you have a deck? This tent is what you need right there, as they will readily make a perfect match.
From how impressive this tent is to how impressive its fabric tends to be, you will find it irresistible.
It will suffice to mention the remarkable polyester fabric that this product features. This tent comes in brown and beige colors, which are reasonably easy on the eyes.
The sturdy frame that holds the tent together highlights elegance and longevity.
Undoubtedly, this design is weatherproof, giving you the protection and the convenience that you so deserve. The polyester used is heavy-duty, and there is no room for water to seep through it.
The floor plan is sufficient enough to fit furniture.
What We like
- Spacious
- Relatively durable
- Unparalleled beauty and design
- Improved weatherproof abilities
What We Don’t
- Fairly costly
#11. 4 Season – Danchel cotton bell tent with 2 stove jacket
Seasons: 4
Stove Jackets: 2
Base Size: 3m/4m/5m/6m in diameter
This tent is all you need in winter. It is a heavy-duty weatherproof tent that assures you of between 10 and 20 feet diameter.
It effortlessly it will suffice to mention that it is a product of khaki cotton, which means that it will be snow and rainproof.
It prides itself on unmatched leak-stoppage abilities. Thanks to its sloping edge, raindrops will easily slide off the tent. Its rain cup at the top and the excellent bathtub design also come in handy in preventing water splashes.
Did you know that this tent will hardly let in any insects or flies? That is because it features a velcro and an anti-insect door zipper.
Further, it comes with a sturdy center pole that plays a significant role in protecting you from adverse winds. Remember, this center-pole is also anti-scratch.
What We like
- It is a 4-season tent
- Excellent ventilation
- Significant weatherproof abilities
- Elegant inner design, with storage pouches and stove jackets
What We Don’t
- Less affordable for most people
Final thoughts
There is no single tent that fits the needs of everyone. Choices differ, but the variables that you need to consider will often stand.
The insights provided above highlight some of the most reliable tents that you will get under $500. That, however, does not mean that the list is exhaustive.
As you start looking for the right solution for yourself, do not shy away from exploring the mentioned options.
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