We’ve done the research for you and have assembled the best tents under $100 so you can pick a budget-friendly option that suits your needs. Each tent is highly rated and offers stability, durability, and weatherproofing without an overrated price tag. You’ll recognize some popular tent brands on this list, like Coleman and Kelty, both of which are known for making some of the best camping tents that balance quality and price.

These tents include basic necessary features that are desired in an extremely affordable tent that won’t break the bank, while still being made of materials that won’t break after a single season of use. We hope this list helps you find the perfect budget tent for your next camping trip!

• Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 Tent – Know Nothing Nomads Favorite
• Eureka! Tetragon NX 2 – Best 2 Person Tent
• Kelty Tanglewood 3 – Best 3 Person Tent 
• Coleman Sundome Tent – Best 4 Person Tent
• Pacific Pass Dome 6P – Best 6 Person Tent
• Kelty Discovery Trail 1 – Best Backpacking Tent
• Coleman Pop Up Tent 2P – Best Pop Up Tent

Related Post: for slightly upgraded tents that are still budget-conscious, check out our top picks for best tents under $200.

Kelty is known for making affordable camping gear and their Discovery Basecamp 4 is our top pick for all around best tent under $100 because of its balance of quality and affordability. While it does cut back on some extra features (which is to be expected in such a budget-friendly tent) it didn’t necessarily cut back on quality. The fabric is 68-denier, which is actually on the higher end for a 3 season tent. Plus, with a waterhead rating of 1200mm and factory sealed seams, it’s sealed off enough to handle light wind and a decent amount of rain.

One thing it doesn’t compromise on is size, with a sleeping capacity of four and a max height of 58 inches. It only includes the necessary features for a well-rounded basic camping tent that’s well worth the affordable price. And even though the poles are fiberglass (which is typically a lower quality option than aluminum), they are reinforced using poles sleeves that will help the poles last longer. We can also appreciate the super quick set up using Kelty’s ‘quick corners’ and easy take down with their ‘shark mouth’ duffel bag that makes it easier to pack away.

One of the biggest drawbacks on this tent is that the door is only made of fabric and doesn’t have the option for a mesh covering. This means that two sides of the tent have only a small portion of mesh around the upper part of the ceiling, which could contribute to a stuffy tent on warm nights.

Eureka! has been making tents and shelters since 1895 and even made the tent that accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary up his Everest expedition. They make some really cool tents for affordable prices, and this Tetragon is from their most affordable series of casual camping tents. It’s their easiest tent to set up, as it uses a classic J-hook system with a pin assembly for the poles.

The familiar, classic dome style allows for a decent max height of 48 inches, even though this is only a 2 person tent. The quality materials work to ensure years of trouble-free use with 63-denier fabric and a generous waterhead rating of 1500mm. The gear loft attached to the ceiling holds basic camping essentials and the hooded rain fly protects you and your camping partner from the elements.

This tent is perfect for casual car campers who want something that’s basic, easy to set up, and extremely affordable. It could also be used as a backpacking tent because it’s a lightweight tent that has everything you would need for taking it out on trail.

The Kelty brand name is on this list several times just because they make really decent but affordable tents. Their Tanglewood is available in 2 and 3 person capacity options and is the only multi-person tent on this list that includes a vestibule. It also has a full coverage rain fly, with materials that are made of 68-denier and have a waterhead rating of 1200mm. The vestibule is double staked instead of a smaller wedge shape, so it’s better for keeping more gear dry.

While the poles are fiberglass (like most cheaper tents are), they gain extra support by the corner pole sleeves. Not only does this make the poles stronger, but it makes set up quick and easy. The guylines are pre-attached, which makes it easy to secure the tent even more. All this put together means it’s more prepared for rain and wind than most other tents on this list. As an added bonus, the canopy is mostly mesh, which allows for excellent ventilation and even star-gazing on clear nights.

This tent has all the specs you would want in a reliable camping tent without the over-the-top price tag. For such an entry level price, you’re getting some really great features that make this tent well worth it.

Coleman is one of the most well known companies when it comes to affordable camping gear, and their tents are some of the most sold tents on the market today. The Sundome 4 is a great budget-friendly option that also comes in 2, 3, and 6 person capacities. As with most Coleman tents, this one comes with their WeatherTec system that includes a tub-like floor, welded corners, inverted seams, and taped seams. This tent has been tested to withstand gusts up to 35 mph, making it one of the most sturdy and weather resistant tents on this list.

This tent also has some bonus features like mesh storage pockets, an E-port to bring an extension cord into your tent, and even enhanced ventilation. With large windows and ground vents that use hi-low circulation to put out warm air, you are more likely to stay cool and comfortable overnight. With a setup time of only 10 minutes, you can enjoy your outdoor adventure sooner and worry less about setting up camp.

Check out this post for all the best 4 person tents

This Pacific Pass 6 person dome tent is extremely highly rated on Amazon and has 4.5 stars with over 1,100 reviews. It’s quite spacious, with a max height in the center of 75 inches (6ft. 3in.) that allows even the tallest of your family members to stand upright. This level of height can make it more susceptible to having issues in windy conditions, but the strong fabric (63-denier) and adequate waterhead rating (1200mm) help balance that out.

For warmer days, there are two zippered windows that can provide ventilation. There’s also mesh pockets inside for storing smaller items and a hook at the top of the tent to hang a light or lantern. While it’s slightly heavier at 13.3 pounds, it takes only 5 minutes to set up with 2-3 people.

The main downside of this tent is the lower quality fabrics, which are not as waterproof as advertised (according to some reviews). Ultimately, you get what you pay for but it’s worth mentioning that this tent will require extra care and attention if you want it to last several seasons.

Check out this post for all the best 6 person tents

Kelty has done it again and made another super budget backpacking tent that’s great for beginners and experienced campers as well. It’s chock full of features that make a great all-around tent, and as a plus, it comes with Kelty’s lifetime warranty. This tent is the only one on this list that comes with aluminum tent poles, which is a preferred material over fiberglass when it comes to durability. There’s only two poles and they utilize Kelty’s Quick Corners for easy set up, even with one person. The guylines are pre-attached so you can spend less time dealing with knots and more time enjoying the outdoors.

As for the tent fabric, it’s a generous 68-denier with 1200mm waterhead, both of which would be well suited for dealing with some wind and rain out on the trail. The no-see-um mesh compromises most of the canopy (for optimal ventilation on dry nights), and there’s a fly vent to reduce condensation. It uses a single-door construction with vestibule, so you have space to store gear outside.

As an added bonus, Kelty is 1 of the 4 founding members of The Conservation Alliance, which strives to protect wild spaces. Enjoy the outdoors while supporting an eco-friendly company that works to keep nature pristine for generations to come.

This is our second Coleman tent on this list because they make some of the best camping tents for budget campers. Their pop up tent has a unique design and set up, allowing it to be set up in only 10 seconds. You essentially undo the included strap, and the pre-assembled poles pop the tent open. Think of a sunshade for your vehicle that pops open to take shape. Take down is super easy as well, but is best accomplished using two people. Once you get the process down, it only takes a few seconds to take down the tent as well.

Taped floor seams, 68-denier fabric, inverted seams, and weather-resistant zipper cuffs add to a weather-resistant tent that will last several seasons if you take care of it. The upper mesh allows for heat and condensation to escape, but it can be covered by the multi-position rain fly for protection from rain. It also features gear pockets inside, but multiple users have reported that this tent is quite cozy for two people and may be better suited for one adult camper or one adult and one child.

This tent is also featured on our list of best instant tents.

Thing to Consider When Choosing a Tent Under $100

When picking from the top picks for best tents under $100, it’s important to consider capacity, durability, and price.

Capacity

The capacity rating on tents can be slightly misleading, and it’s worth considering the dimensions before committing to one tent. A capacity is based on the maximum amount of campers that tent will sleep, typically close quarters shoulder-to-shoulder or even head-to-toe. If you want to sleep close to everyone in the tent, then you could get the capacity that matches the number of campers, but we would normally recommend sizing up by at least two people. This means if you intend on camping with two adults, you should look at 4 person tents so you have some space to move around and store gear/clothing. If you have kids and/or pets, add another person for each one (unless you have small dogs or cats).

Related Post: Camping Tent Size: How Much Space Do You Need?

The only exception to this would be sleeping in cold weather, where larger tents are more difficult to heat and keep warm. In this case, close quarters sleeping and shorter/smaller tents would be more beneficial for the situation.

Durability

While you will find that the most budget-conscious tents will have to sacrifice some of the extra features (like screen rooms, vestibules, etc.) in exchange for price, they shouldn’t sacrifice durability. Even the most affordable tents should be made of denier that surpasses 50-60, and have a waterhead rating of at least 1000-1200mm. This ensures that the tent will be able to withstand some wind and rain, keeping the user inside safe and dry. If you come across a tent that has lower numbers than this, it’s not going to be worth it, no matter the price. That’s why all the tents on this list have been thoroughly researched so we know that they meet this criteria while still offering a great price.

Price

These tents are truly worth the price in the sense that they are basic, simple designs that tried not to cut back on the quality of the fabric. They are designed to handle basic camping conditions like rain, light wind, and warm weather, and would be a great addition to your camping gear closet if you don’t typically experience severe weather conditions or camp for long durations. If you are consistently exposed to high winds and bad weather, consider looking at our top picks for best tents for high winds.

Related Post: Best Time to Buy a Tent for Cheap

Conclusion

These tents are great options for backyard campers who like to hang out close to home, new campers who are looking to test the waters before committing to higher quality gear, or even seasoned campers who are tight on the budget right now. They offer quality and durability without the excessive price tag, so you can still enjoy the great outdoors without spending too much money. We hope you enjoy your next camping trip with your new camping tent!