Coleman

Sundome Dark Room

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Overall

#47 in

Camping Tents

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score82% positive
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2
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Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jul 6, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Iconbrewyet
12 months ago

Coleman sundome. Get the one with dark room technology. Not all the mesh is zipped up, but it’s pretty close. Keep the fly on and you’ll be OK

Reddit Iconmanic-pixie-attorney
2 months ago

Yes, a Coleman darkroom Sundome or Skydome will be very reliable

8 months ago

I had a stoic madrone 4 and water came in through the floor. On the other hand, my 8 man darkroom Sundome keeps me totally dry in severe thunderstorms even though the rainfly doesn’t reach the ground. The tent body is also waterproof.

5 months ago

Coleman Sundome and Skydome are cheap, easy to set up, and sufficient for all of my car camping needs

4 months ago

I would go with Coleman over CORE. The Sundome and Skydome are both pretty easy set up. I’d recommend a darkroom tent also.

25 days ago

The Coleman Sundome and Skydome are very easy to set up. I like the blackout variations. I can set up the 8 man Skydome in about 15 minutes by myself, but a 4 or 6 man would be even easier. They are very waterproof and there is a reason that they are very commonly used for scouting. If you buy from Amazon, check for a cheaper “used” version - it won’t be

4 months ago

Well, it’s probably not a “tent house” but a 6 or 8 man Coleman darkroom Skydome is a good tent, easy to set up, and durable and waterproof through storms. The Boy Scouts often use Coleman Sundomes because they are so durable.

Reddit Iconmaxwasatch
8 months ago

HikerDirect member? I generally use a Coleman Sundome 6P Darkroom. It is what my cot fits in and I can stand up. I joke with the other leaders that I camp like a Cub Scout leader. A few times I’ve gotten much better rest due to the Darkroom and ear plugs. Occasionally another adult will share with me, but depends on the location and which troop I’m with that weekend.

11 months ago

I mean, it isn’t anything super fancy, but I’ve had it since 2018. First few years were family campouts/Cub scouts 1-2x a year. The last 3 have been an average of 1 weekend a month. I have replaced 4 pole sections after they cracked and have 1 more remaining, then I have a newer one to start using. The current one has also been set up and played in by Cub Scouts a good dozen or so time. The skin is greeting worn, but still waterproof. My daughter’s scout troop has been using 4 person ones exclusively for a few years. A bunch got flattened in a wind storm, but it was like 80mph gusts. Coleman replaced most of them and we repaired the rest. They are not ALPS or REI, but for low cost simple tents, they will last a long time if you treat them properly.

6 months ago

I use my Darkroom Sundome 6 year round in all kinds of weather. About wore the first one out after 7 years of scout trips. Next one is ready to go when it dies.

9 months ago

I’ve used a 6P Darkroom year round, including in/on snow, including an 8” overnight drop. I do use a cot and either alone or with 1 other person, also on a cot.

Reddit IconCarpie_L
10 months ago

Got our Coleman Darkroom 6 person tent from Costco about 5-6 years ago. Still going strong and we camp 5-10 times a year. It holds up through rain too. I think it was about $65. Really cheap. We use it for just the 2 of us but 3 people could sleep cozy but comfortable.

Reddit Icongiganticsquid
4 months ago

I reckon get a 6 person tent, those ones you mentioned are too big. We also have a 3yo, and we got a 6 person Coleman darkroom. It means jr can sleep in summer when the sun is still out

4 months ago

The Coleman darkroom is the best tent I've ever owned, my toddler can nap in it during the day in summer. Slightly more work than a Coleman dome, but I put a camping fan on in it and wake up at 7:30-8 in the morning

4 months ago

I got the 6 person too, it's so nice

3 months ago

Coleman dark room tent is great with kids, if you put a camping fan in there for some background noise they'll be napping in no time. I don't take kids camping in bad weather, but the Coleman is sturdy enough if you peg all the ropes in that there won't be a problem

Reddit Icongotta_otter
10 months ago

I second this one! Our family of 3 uses this and it’s held up through tropical rain and wind really well. The extra space also makes it less stuffy so everyone sleeps better

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