Instant cabin from Walmart. I think Coleman or ozark trail, $100-$200. I’ve been shocked at how easy it is to set up and how well it holds up to weather. It’s taken hail, thunderstorms, dumbassery, and late nights very well
it did not say the 3rd one with screen room was instant up or not. I have one about that size that I love. Sams Club, so likely made by Ozark Trail- looks quite similar. But mine is instant up-- that is now my deal breaker on tents. Old tents used to take 45 minutes to put up. I can put up mine by myself once spread out in less than 2 minutes. Timed it.
I do recommend the rectangle one, #3 IF instant up, because I've run across several tent pads at campgrounds that barely accommodate its size. Those others look larger and may not fit.
I'd also recommend an ozark trail instant tent, They're the new coleman from decades past.
The average mans tent, for whoever is just getting into the hobby and doesnt want to break the bank. Great for familys who may go camping a handful of times a year in mostly fair weather. They'll last some rough handling for minimum a few years to a decade, plenty of time to get use out of it and upgrade.
Any from the instant tent line will be big, bulky, and heavy but quick and easy to set up even if its just one person going it. Ive personally set up a 10 person myself in less than 5 minutes. I've also used mine during souther arizona monsoon storms, high winds and sideways rain and I stayed nice and cozy with room to sit around to relax in unlike a dome tent.
The kingdom tents from REI are great. the tubeshape and features are quite nice so are the extras.... but if you want easy to put up an down the instant tents from Ozark Trail I used with my family when kids were young in cub scouts for 5+ years. I the integrated poles made for putting it up and down very quick and easy even by myself, and I could stand up and had 4 cots in them. The may be cheaper than others but there are a few brands that make the instant tents with integrated poles. I was surprised how well my ozark held up. also
check out the alps brands, they are built well, but heavy.
I have an OT instant tent. Went through a few rain storms and held up well. It’s my goto for short car camping trips. I can have the tent setup and all the gear in and setup in under 15 minutes. Usually enough time for the dogs to sniff all around the campsite and want to head out for a hike.
I’m in Wisconsin and primarily car camping as well. To start I would check out Marketplace for used gear or pick up a Coleman or Ozark Trail tent at Walmart. If you have a Costco membership they often have good deals on Core tents as well.
Personally; I would recommend larger than a 2 person tent. That is really just room for two people laying shoulder to shoulder and basically no space for gear or anything else. Since you are near your car go with a larger tent for more space. I like at least 6 person tents since they tend to be tall enough for me to stand up in. The ability to stand in your tent is a huge benefit, especially in crappy weather.
Until you know you want to continue camping, just use what you already have for other gear. If you have an air mattress, bring that (as long as it is warm weather) and put a fleece blanket over it to help with heat retention. Use blankets and sheets and pillows from home. Same with other gear; if you have cast iron pans they work great over the fire. But if there is other gear you need, Walmart camping section is surprisingly good and well priced for the beginning camper. Don’t put too much money in it until you know it is something you want to do a lot.
Top Camping Tents on Reddit
1
The North Face
Wawona 6
85% positive of 133 users
Spacious vestibule, strong in storms, but rainfly tricky solo.
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