With a center height of 6.5 feet, it can accommodate even the tallest campers. Plus, the 60 square feet of floor space was more than enough to sleep four people. After researching 30 six-person tents and testing 15 side by side on a total of five trips, we chose the Kelty Wireless 6 as the best entry-level camping tent for most families. It’s spacious, easy to set up, has weather protection, and is durable, all at an affordable price. The Wireless 6 lacks some of the premium materials found in pricier tents, but it features solid workmanship and should provide dependable, comfortable shelter in most three-season camping situations.
At the first sign of rain, it took only a few seconds—and a quick hand stuck outside the tent—to unfurl the fly and secure it for a dry night’s sleep. When we awoke, we could roll back one part of the vestibule, make coffee, and watch the sky lighten even though it was still raining. For this guide, we focused on tents that suit the most common ozark trail canopy tent terrains you’re likely to encounter when car-camping—grassy lawns or clearings, beaches, dirt campsites, and basic platforms—in spring, summer, and fall. We’re not looking at tents designed for such specialized activities as mountaineering, backpacking, or winter camping, though some of our recommendations have cross-over potential.
The Ozark Trail 20′ x 10′ Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent is just what you need to be ready for the camping trip of a lifetime. It sets up in just two minutes and requires no assembly, because the poles are pre-attached to the tent, so all you need to do is just unfold and extend. This cabin-style tent features innovative Dark Rest technology that blocks ozark trail shower tent sunlight, helping you stay cooler and sleep longer. This Ozark Trail 20′ x 10′ Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent features nine large windows for nice views of the outdoors. The included removable room dividers allow you to create three separate living spaces. The tent comfortably fits four queen air beds or up to 12 campers in sleeping bags on the floor.
There are also two poles that arch over each doorway and down the sides of the tent to add extra shape and support; these attach to the tent body with clips. The rain fly has an additional tent pole, too, to support the vestibule. Overall, these poles—all of them aluminum—contribute to a particularly sturdy structure, with or without the rain fly. During our testing, our Base Camp shrugged off both a rainstorm and a desert windstorm as if they were nothing.
That said, once it is up, it is massive, comfortable, and withstood some howling winds and rainy nights in Joshua Tree with ease. With some of the best usable space and an excellent price point, the Wawona has been an award winner year after year with good reason. If weather resistance is a key concern, check out the MSR Habitude.
What really made this tent stand out is that it is extremely durable. I had this up for over two months in all types of weather, including 40-mph gusty winds, driving cold rain, and even wet snow. A few inches of wet snow collapsed the tent, but once I removed it, the tent sprung right back into position. The 150-denier polyester offered proven durability and protection for the contents inside. We found that company representatives are reluctant to estimate the lifespan of their tents.
It also costs more, though, and is less forgiving of a careless set-up. From the 7000-series aluminum poles to the DWR 68D polyester taffeta on the floor — everything down to the guyline tighteners is top-notch. The only complaint you will have in the quality department is the included porch light and bag, but these are minor issues. Pitching this tent garnered one of our fastest times, and at just 7.9 pounds, this is the second lightest tent in our review. A large carry bag allows your fold and roll to be less than perfect when you just want to get on the road, and excellent design elements such as color-coded poles and clips are the icing on the cake.
Value is all about getting the most tent for the least cash. Generally, when the price goes up in the tent world, so does the performance, though there are some notable exceptions. Enjoy miles of sandy beaches, dune-backed shorelines, quaint communities, and marine fun set against the backdrop of expansive blue waters beyond your doorstep. With its crystal-clear waters and limitless recreation, Lake Winnipesaukee offers the idyllic New England vacation experience.
Host virtual work meetings poolside in Costa Rica or Belize, reset and refresh with a mountain view in Colorado, or immerse yourself in some coastal maritime history on Hilton Head Island. Let even your grandest ozark trail instant cabin vacation dreams take flight with a long-term stay. The tent is one complete package, meaning the tent poles are integrated into the actual tent. All you do is pull on the sides and top to pop the structure.