The need for a budget camping tent is more than ever nowadays. Tents are becoming more and more expensive every day, but our need to connect with nature through quality camping and other outdoor activities is even more. A peaceful and quiet time in the outdoors refreshes the body and mind, and camping is one of their best methods.
So, let’s find a quality budget tent under the $250 budget. No doubt, there are budget-friendly and excellent tents available in this budget if you know how to find them. I have tried my best to shortlist the best camping tents under $250 and discussed them in detail so that you may find the best tent for you that provides excellent value for the money.
Comparison of Best Camping Tents Under 250 to Buy in 2023
Following is a quick summary of the best camping tent under 250 to buy:
| Image | Product | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Camping Tent | Special Feature: Waterproof Occupancy: 2 Person Material: Polyester, Taffeta Design: Camping Tent |
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Sierra Designs Full Moon 2, Lightweight | Special Feature: Lightweight Design: Camping Tent Occupancy: 2 Person Recommended: Camping |
Check Price |
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Big Agnes, C Bar, Three Season, Backpacking Tent | Special Feature: Waterproof, Lightweight Occupancy: 2 Person |
Check Price |
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Eureka! Solitaire AL 1 Person, 3 Season Tent | Occupancy: 1 Person Design: Camping Tent Material: Polyester |
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Marmot Tungsten 1P Backpacking Tent-1 Person-Green Shadow | Special Feature: Rainfly Occupancy: 1 Person Material: Polyester, Aluminum, Taffeta, Fabric |
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Ultralight Tent 3-Season Backpacking Tent 1 Person/2 Person Camping Tent | Special Feature: Portable, Ultralight, Waterproof, Lightweight, UV Protection Occupancy: 2 Person Design: Camping Tent |
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Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Green 1-Person Ultralight Tent | Special Feature: Ultralight Occupancy: 1 Person Material: Polyester, Aluminum, Fabri |
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Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout Green 1-Person Ultralight Tent | Special Feature: Ultralight, Lightweight, Tall Occupancy: 1 Person Material: Polyester, Aluminum |
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In-Depth Analysis of the Best Camping Tents Under 250 Dollars November 2022
Following is an in-depth analysis of the best camping tents under $250.
No 1. The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent
The North Face Stormbreak is a two-person tent with two doors and a multi-configuration vestibule design. The tent boasts a classic design with plenty of indoor space and a stable structure.
Material
The tent features taped seams for both the tent fly and the floor for added water resistance and toughness. The canopy and rainfly comprise 75D polyester fabric, whereas the base comprises 68D polyester. The meshed part is constructed from 40D taffeta polyester mesh.
Weatherproof
The tent rainfly has a 1200mm polyurethane waterproof coating, whereas the floor has a 3,000mm waterproof level. The tent structure is very stable and offers good wind resistance. The meshed inner tent provides excellent high-low ventilation and a bug-free interior.
Weight
The packed size of the North Face Stormbreak 2 tent is 7 x 22 inches, and the packed weight is only 5 lbs. 14 oz. The minimum trail weight is 5 lbs. 5 oz. And offers nice portability and storage.
Setup time
The tent features a freestanding style with a simplified setup procedure. It can be set up single-handedly in a few minutes.
There are a few extra pounds in the tent’s weight. It is not among the most lightweight backpacking tents available.
In a nutshell, the North Face Stormbreak 2 tent is an excellent camping tent designed with ample headroom and space for two people. With a little more weight but a solid and stable build, this tent is suitable for backpacking, trekking, and camping.
No 2. Sierra Designs Full Moon 2
The Sierra Designs Full Moon 2 is another two-person tent on my list with two doors and two vestibules. However, this tent is more lightweight than the above one. The tent also offers a freestanding design for convenient pitching and a sturdy aluminium structure.
Material
The inner tent comprises 15D Nylon No-See-Um and tent fly, and the floor is constructed with 68D Poly Taffeta fabric. Waterproof rain fly keeps you dry during the rainy season. The tent has a two-pole design having 8.5 mm aluminium poles for a long-lasting and stable structure.
Weatherproof
The tent rainfly is made waterproof for a dry and cosy interior. The bathtub floor construction prevents moisture penetration, whereas the no-see-um mesh provides superior ventilation and a bug-free environment. The tent structure is well-designed for reliability and wind resistance in various outdoor conditions.
Weight
The Sierra Designs Full Moon 2 tent weighs 4 lbs. 6.75 oz. and can easily be packed in its Burrito storage bag. The minimum trail weight is 3 lbs. 15.5 oz. And therefore very suitable for backpacking and hiking.
Setup time
The tent features a freestanding style with a convenient setup process. Its equal-length pole design can be put up in just a few minutes.
If you intend to use this tent for long-distance backpacking or hiking, you may prefer an ultralightweight tent. But it will cost you a lot more. So, it’s your call.
The Sierra Designs Full Moon 2 tent is a simple yet outstanding camping tent available at a reasonable price. This tent boasts a thoughtful design with high-capacity vestibules and easy-access doors, constituting more interior space and comfort. You can rely on this shelter for comfort and protection.
No 3. Big Agnes C-Bar 2 Tent
The Big Agnes C-Bar 2 Tent is a two-person tent with a single door and vestibule design. This quality tent is extremely lightweight and waterproof also. It comes at a very budget-friendly price and offers solid and durable construction. It also has three mesh storage pockets for stashing goods, gear loft loops, and Velcro strips for connecting rainfly to the tent.
Material
The tent comprises a Polyester Taffeta and DAC pole system with lightweight aluminium stakes. There are half-meshed tent walls for adequate airflow and to keep the tent cool.
Weatherproof
The polyester rainfly has a 1500mm polyurethane coating for a dry and cosy interior. The hub pole design and lightweight plastic clips ensure a well-designed and sturdy tent structure for reliability and wind resistance in various outdoor conditions.
Weight
This 2-person freestanding shelter weighs 4 lbs only when packed in its compact storage bag that measures 6 x 19 inches. The minimum trail weight is 3 lbs. 9 oz. Only and therefore highly recommended for backpacking, bike camping, and hiking.
Setup time
The tent features a press-fit pole technique and offers easy put-up and take-down. The setup instructions are simple, and the freestanding design allows easy relocation without disassembly.
A single door is not a great thing to have in this unique tent. But of course, that cuts some costs too and makes the tent more affordable.
Whether new to camping or searching for a quality backpacking tent, the Big Agnes C-Bar 2 tent will not disappoint you. It is a very lightweight and spacious three-season tent. It also comes with a 3-person model that fits our budget. So, if you need extra gear space or a more roomy interior, I recommend the 3-person model.
No 4. Eureka Solitaire AL Tent
The Eureka Solitaire tent is a three-season solo camping tent with two doors, one of which is a roof-top zipper exit. The tent boasts a two-pole tunnel design with one vestibule and is lightweight but very spacious for one person. This shelter easily fits the budget and is constructed from high-quality and durable materials.
Material
The tent fly and floor comprise 185t Breathable polyester taffeta fabric. The frame comprises 7000 series aluminium poles for highly reliable and robust support. The inner tent has two mesh walls and a whole mesh roof for stargazing and excellent daytime visibility. This tent has full roof zipper access, a unique feature.
Weatherproof
The Eureka One-Person tent is a three-season shelter that protects you from rain, wind, and bugs. This tent has double walls, and rainfly can be rolled back on a sunny day. The airflow is ideal and keeps the interior cool and comfy. The meshed interior lets you enjoy the outdoors without mosquito bites. Both the floor and rainfly have a waterproof rating of 1500mm.
Weight
The packed dimensions of the Eureka 1-Person tent are 4 x 18 inches, and the total weight is only 2 pounds and 10 ounces. So, there is nothing to worry about regarding storage or transportability if you are planning to buy this brilliant one-person shelter.
Setup time
This simple design tent features an easy and quick setup. The instructions are easy to understand and implement. The package includes a tent body, fly, front hoop pole, rear hoop pole, tent and stake bags, pole bag and 13 stakes, three guy ropes, and instructions. You can assemble this tent within 60 seconds only.
The floor area of this bivy-style tent is excellent, but the less headroom can be uncomfortable for some campers who are not used to this tent design.
The Eureka 1-Person Tent is excellent camping gear and very affordable too. This tent is just right for you if you want an extremely lightweight and durable shelter at a fantastic price. This tent is highly recommended for kayak camping, mountaineering, and backpacking.
No 5. Marmot Tungsten 1P
Are you going on a solo adventure and need a perfect backpacking tent under $250? The Marmot Tungsten is best for you. With ample headspace and a roomy interior, this tent boasts a waterproof and windproof construction and also resists UV damage. The tent comes with a footprint also.
Material
The rain fly comprises 100% polyester ripstop fabric, whereas the tent floor is manufactured with 100% polyester taffeta fabric. The inner tent features meshed walls and Velocity HD aluminum poles to hold the tent firmly.
Weatherproof
The full coverage rain fly and the tent floor are waterproof with fully sealed and taped seams up to a water column rating of 1500mm. The rain fly also features the ripstop fabric for added strength and robustness. This tent is also windproof and bugproof.
Weight
The minimum weight of this single-person shelter is 3 lbs. and 9 oz. At the same time, the packed size is 18.1 x 5.5 inches. This tent is highly recommended for solo camping, backpacking, bike camping, and hiking.
Setup time
The tent features an easy setup and take-down, and the freestanding design allows for easy, versatile pitching and relocation without disassembly.
There is not much to say regarding the drawbacks, but it can be converted to an all-season tent through slight modifications and a little price increase. In my opinion, it would add much value to the product.
The Marmot Tungsten one-person tent is a reliable solo camping tent suitable for backpacking, bike camping, hiking, and many more. It has a durable construction with high-quality materials and good artistry.
No 6. MIER Lanshan 2
The MIER Lanshan 2-person tent is a great tent that is light in weight and price but heavily loaded with performance and features. This shelter is ultralight, waterproof, windproof, and UV resistant too. This shelter offers plenty of indoor space and is durable in heavy rain, windy days, or thunderstorms.
Material
This Lanshan 2 features 100% nylon mesh and high-quality aluminium stakes to hold the tent. The tent fly comprises 15D Nylon Silicone, whereas the floor material is 20D.
Weatherproof
The tent fly has a very high waterproof polyurethane coating of 5000mm and features fully taped factory-sealed seams. The bathtub-style floor has an even higher waterproof rating of 6000mm, making the whole tent exceptionally waterproof. This tent is also highly stable in wind and thunderstorms. And the meshed inner tent ensures the availability of bug-free indoor space.
Weight
The packed weight of a 2-person tent is 2.8 lbs, whereas the minimum trail weight is only 2.4 lbs. The packed size measures 13.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches. These figures are terrific for a two-person shelter, especially durable build quality. This tent is perfect for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, and backpacking.
Setup time
The tent has an easy setup and take-down and only involves the hiking poles. No trekking poles are included in the supply.
The tent setup should be very accurate and needs a little practice. If not set up correctly, the inner tent walls or the floor may remain saggy. So, be careful while putting up the shelter.
The Lanshan 2 is a top-quality backpacking tent packed with many features and offers excellent value for money. The tent comes at a highly affordable price and is an ideal backpacking tent considering the size and weight.
No 7. Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo 1
The tent offers one-person accommodation and a unique low-wall hexagonal shape. The setup is easy, and this tent is extremely lightweight. The side door makes entry and exits easy, and a full vestibule on the long side offers exceptional protected space. A centre height of 48 inches is impressive in these kinds of low-height shelters.
Material
The tent’s material is 100% silicone-coated polyester, reducing the fabric stretch and, thus, the volume. The tent canopy comprises 20 denier fabric while the floor is thick and more long-lasting 40 denier fabric. The single-pole structure features high-quality aluminium poles for a sturdy construction.
Weatherproof
This tent provides complete protection from bugs, rain, high wind, and snow, thanks to its short but sloped walls. The floating canopy can be set at multiple heights as desired. The tent has a six inches deep bathtub floor and a further six inches of mesh above it to provide adequate ventilation and airflow. The tent also has superior wind resistance and stability in thunderstorms.
Weight
The weight of the Lunar Solo 1 tent is only 26 ounces, and the packed size is just 14 x 6 x 4 inches. So, this tent is extremely lightweight and easy to carry and backpack.
Setup Time
This ultralight tent can easily be set up in just two minutes.
The tent didn’t come with stakes. The company should have provided the stakes and added additional value to its product at the given price. Also, the tent is not seam-sealed for use in heavy rain.
The Lunar Solo 1 tent is a fantastic tent at a budget-friendly price. The tent has excellent features, but remember that tent pitching is critical and needs expertise. If you intend to use the tent in harsh or snowy conditions and are looking for heavy-duty gear, you can rely on this shelter without any doubt. Overall, it is a great buy and worth the spending.
No 8. Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout 1
The Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout 1 is another Six Moon variant that is ultralight and a tall person tent only for the summer season. This tent is made of polyester fabric and aluminium poles and is highly recommended for trekking and backpacking. The tent is taller and more durable than many other trekking pole refuges.
Material
The material used in this tent is Polyurethane-coated 190T polyester for the floor, and the canopy is 40D polyester. The tent comprises an aluminium pole structure for added strength and durability.
Weatherproof
The skyscape has a dual pole structure that is highly steady in wind and snow. However, the seam sealing the tent before use in heavy rain would be a great idea. The tent is also bugproof with separated net walls. The tent also boasts a reliable and durable construction, with a vestibule area for ventilation from both sides.
Weight
The weight of this one-person tent is 38 ounces, and the packed size is 14 x 12 x 4 remarkable inches. This tent offers excellent storage and portability features.
Setup Time
The ultralight and compact structure are quick and easy to put up. Once you have the practice after a few initial setups, this tent can be put up in less than five minutes.
Sealing the tent’s seams is preferable and recommended if you expect rainy weather. However, this shelter offers ideal stability during high winds also.
The Six Moon Skyscape Scout 1 is a remarkably spacious tent for summer camping at a fair price. It boasts a very stable construction and a bug-free indoor environment. The tent seams can also be sealed or taped to you in wet weather.
Buying Guide: How To Choose the Camping Tent Under $250?
Evaluating the tent based on the following factors is highly recommended before buying a budget camping tent. I am sure this will help you make a wise decision.
1. Weight
More weight is a prevalent issue in budget tents. These tents are usually made of inexpensive and durable materials but are heavyweight. But let’s first understand the difference between packed and trail weight, as it is vital.
The packed weight is the total weight of a packed tent, including the inner and outer tent, rainfly, poles, stuff bag, and other fixing accessories. The trail weight is the packed weight minus the weight of tent stakes and guy lines. So, if you are a group of two campers, the total weight to carry would not be much when divided between the two.
Another thing to understand is that the tent weight becomes a significant problem if you are backpacking or hiking. On the other hand, if you go car camping, you can easily bear some extra weight. It would be the best choice because it will genuinely cut your costs.
2. Tent Pole
The Tent Poles are another crucial factor to consider. The tents usually comprise fibreglass, aluminum, carbon fibre, or sometimes steel poles. Steel poles have almost diminished due to less durability, and fibreglass poles have become common, especially in low-budget shelters. However, aluminium poles are the preferred choice because they are highly reliable, durable, and lightweight. Carbon fibre poles are available in expensive tents only as these tents focus on being ultralight weight while retaining the strength of the tent structure. Remember, all the tents on my list have aluminium poles.
3. Durability
Regarding durability, the tent floor is usually the most vulnerable part of a camping tent. The bed is continuously subjected to rough and tough use irrespective of the weather conditions or other elements. Usually, it is essential to use a tent footprint if the floor fabric is 20 deniers thick or less. The footprint is not necessary in case of a 30-denier fabric or more, but it is still recommended if the campground is rough or the tent floor is expected to undergo heavy and irregular use. Moreover, a footprint keeps you warm and cozy by shielding you from the cold or wet ground.
The other critical thing is the tent’s fabric, where you can look for ripstop and tear-resistant fabrics. These characteristics can be of great advantage in increasing the tent’s life.
4. Doors
Having more than one door in a tent accommodating two or more people is highly preferable. It is an essential feature so that every person can enter or leave the tent without disturbing others. The next critical thing to remember is the door size which should be large enough to allow for easy entry and exit.
5. Interior Storage
Interior storage is a convenient feature in budget tents. This storage is usually available in meshed wall pockets, gear lofts, or loops. They create extra indoor space by storing plenty of small items in the order and saving you from the mess. The vestibules are another excellent feature in this regard which is highly beneficial when you have more than one door, and stashing your gear in front of the other door is not an issue.
6. Ventilation
Ventilation or adequate airflow is another factor that is of paramount importance while buying the tent. It provides a cool, comfortable, and pleasant interior and prevents condensation, a common issue in most camping tents. The best practice to avoid condensation is to pitch your tent at a breezy site and look for tents with superior ventilation features. These features include more breathable tent fabric, meshed walls, windows, ground vents, or high-low venting techniques.
Final Thoughts About Best Camping Tents Under 250 Dollars
So, this is all from my side about the “Best Camping Tents Under $250”. Please note that a premium quality 2-person camping tent can cost you around $500 easily. But the truth is that most of us don’t need that kind of professional camping gear, which would be a waste of money immediately. For casual or newly started campers, the minor tradeoffs of a low-cost tent can be genuinely beneficial and save them plenty of bucks. Also, there will not be any considerable compromise on the tent’s quality, durability, and overall performance.
I hope you will find an excellent quality budget tent with the help of this article. So, best of luck with your next camping adventure.
Read More: Best Camping Tents Under 150