What is the Best Entry Level Camping Tent in 2024? 🏕️

Are you ready to embark on your next camping adventure? One of the most important pieces of gear you’ll need is a reliable camping tent. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of entry-level camping tents and help you find the perfect one for your outdoor escapades. So, let’s get started!

Quick Answer

If you’re in a hurry and just want to know our top picks for the best entry-level camping tents in 2024, here they are:

1. Best Budget Camping Tent: Kelty Discovery Element 6
2. Best Overall Camping Tent: REI Co-op Base Camp 6
3. Best Family Camping Tent: MSR Habitude 6

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these tents and why they made it to the top of our list.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the details, here are a few quick tips and facts to keep in mind when choosing an entry-level camping tent:

✅ Consider the size: Make sure the tent has enough space to comfortably accommodate the number of people you’ll be camping with. Keep in mind that tents are often rated for a specific number of people, but it’s always a good idea to go for a slightly larger size for added comfort.

✅ Check the weight: If you’ll be backpacking or hiking to your campsite, consider the weight of the tent. Lightweight options are ideal for those who want to minimize their load.

✅ Look for easy setup: Nobody wants to spend hours struggling with tent poles and instructions. Look for tents that are easy to set up, so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.

✅ Consider the weather: Think about the weather conditions you’ll be camping in. Some tents are designed for specific seasons, while others are more versatile and can handle a range of weather conditions.

✅ Quality matters: Invest in a tent that is made with durable materials and has sturdy construction. You want your tent to last for many camping trips to come.

Now that you have these tips in mind, let’s explore the best entry-level camping tents in more detail.

Kelty Discovery Element 6: The Best Budget Camping Tent

• Price: Check price on Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Floor Area: 89 sq. ft.
• Weight: 15 lbs., 13 oz.
• Height: 77″
• Seasons: 3-season
• Best for: Casual car camping

The Kelty Discovery Element 6 is our top pick for the best budget camping tent. It offers a great balance of affordability and quality, making it perfect for those who are just starting their camping journey or are looking for a reliable tent without breaking the bank.

Kelty Discovery Element 6 Rating:

Pros:

• ✅ Easy to set up: The Kelty Discovery Element 6 features a simple and intuitive setup process, so you can spend less time wrestling with tent poles and more time enjoying the outdoors.
• ✅ Inexpensive: This tent offers great value for the price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers.
• ✅ Protective rainfly: The included rainfly provides extra protection from the elements, keeping you dry even during unexpected rain showers.

Cons:

• ❌ Fiberglass poles aren’t the most durable: While the fiberglass poles are lightweight and easy to handle, they may not be as durable as aluminum or carbon fiber poles.
• ❌ Only one door: The Kelty Discovery Element 6 has only one door, which may be a drawback for those who prefer multiple entrances/exits.

The Kelty Discovery Element 6 is a reliable and affordable option for entry-level campers. It offers a spacious interior, easy setup, and good weather protection. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive tents, it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

REI Co-op Base Camp 6: The Best Overall Camping Tent

• Price: Check price on Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Floor Area: 84 sq. ft.
• Weight: 20 lbs., 10 oz.
• Height: 74″
• Seasons: 3-4 season
• Best for: All-weather camping

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable camping tent that can handle a variety of weather conditions, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is our top recommendation. It offers excellent weather resistance, a spacious interior, and easy setup.

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Rating:

Pros:

• ✅ Huge vestibule: The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 features a large vestibule area, providing ample space for gear storage and sheltered entry/exit.
• ✅ Excellent weather resistance: This tent is designed to withstand a range of weather conditions, from heavy rain to strong winds, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• ✅ Easy to set up: The color-coded poles and intuitive design make setup a breeze, even for beginners.

Cons:

• ❌ Heavy: The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is on the heavier side, which may not be ideal for backpacking or long hikes.
• ❌ Expensive: While it offers great quality and performance, the higher price tag may be a deterrent for budget-conscious campers.

The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is a reliable and versatile camping tent that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. Whether you’re camping in the rain or braving strong winds, this tent will keep you comfortable and protected.

MSR Habitude 6: The Best Family Camping Tent

• Price: Check price on Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Floor Area: 83 sq. ft.
• Weight: 14 lbs.
• Height: 77″
• Seasons: 3-season
• Best for: Large family camping outings

If you’re planning a camping trip with the whole family, the MSR Habitude 6 is the perfect tent to accommodate everyone. It offers a spacious sleeping area, smart pole geometry, and tough fabrics for durability.

MSR Habitude 6 Rating:

Pros:

• ✅ Smart pole geometry and tough fabrics: The MSR Habitude 6 is designed with sturdy materials and smart pole geometry, ensuring stability and durability.
• ✅ LED porch light integrated into the tent: This unique feature provides convenient lighting for nighttime activities and adds a touch of ambiance to your camping experience.
• ✅ Generous sleeping area: With 83 square feet of floor space, the MSR Habitude 6 offers plenty of room for the whole family to sleep comfortably.

Cons:

• ❌ Single door: The tent has only one door, which may be a minor inconvenience for larger groups.
• ❌ Expensive: The MSR Habitude 6 is on the pricier side, but the quality and features make it worth the investment for family camping trips.

The MSR Habitude 6 is the ultimate family camping tent, offering ample space, durability, and thoughtful features. Whether you’re camping with kids or a group of friends, this tent will provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the best entry-level camping tent can make or break your camping experience. After thorough research and analysis, we’ve determined that the Kelty Discovery Element 6, REI Co-op Base Camp 6, and MSR Habitude 6 are the top picks for 2024. Each of these tents offers unique features and benefits, catering to different camping needs and budgets.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Kelty Discovery Element 6 is an excellent choice. It provides great value for the price and offers reliable performance. For those looking for a versatile and durable tent, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is the way to go. And if you’re planning a family camping trip, the MSR Habitude 6 is the perfect tent to accommodate everyone.

No matter which tent you choose, remember to consider factors like size, weight, setup ease, and weather resistance. With the right tent by your side, you’ll be ready to create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

Recommended Links

• Camping Preparation Guide
• Camping Food and Nutrition
• Camping Gear Reviews
• Camping Gear Basics
• Camping Recipes
• What is the Best Tent You Can Buy?

Reference Links

• The Best Camping Tents of 2024 – GearJunkie
• Kelty Official Website
• REI Co-op Official Website
• MSR Official Website

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to choose the best entry-level camping tent for your next adventure. Happy camping! 🌲🏕️