Instant Cabin Tent with LED Light (6-Person)

If you are car camping, go big on the tent. The space is great. I use a 6-8 person tent for myself and two dogs. I can fit a queen sized cot, side table, and double camp chair in the tent with plenty of space left over. Really nice when there is bad weather. Plus being able to stand up and move around in a tent is great. The exped megamat is one of the most comfortable sleeping pads you can get. I recommend putting it on a cot to get yourself further off the ground. I don’t bother with an electric cooler and just have a good Rotomolded cooler from Ozark trail. Can hold ice for a 5 day trip when packed correctly. For cooking I bring a Coleman stove and a tripod so I can good over the fire or on the stove depending on what I’m making. Between that and a cast iron pan and a pot I can make just about anything. I just bring my pillow from home. I’m by my car so space isn’t an issue. Especially since I switched to a minivan this year. Even with two large dogs along I have a ton of space to pack. I used to have a small sedan and packing was a bit more interesting in that. A roof bag came in handy. For water I bring a 7 gallon igloo container that I put under the table. I have a USB powered faucet and a hose runs down to the container. Works out great and so much easier to use. I get a lot of heat on sale, second hand, and from Sierra. My tents are Coleman and Ozark trail. The Ozark trail one is a 6 person instant tent that I bring if it’s a quicker trip and good weather. The Coleman is an 8 person but not instant. Has better weather resistance though so if rain is in the forecast I bring that one.

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.

I put it up in the garage and sprayed some waterproofing on it and put some seam “goo” on the seams. It’s easy to set up other than the rainfly.

If you want a good but cheap option that checks all those boxes just get a Ozark trail 6 person instant cabin tent. They sell them at Walmart for like $150.

I have a 6 person pop up tent from Ozark that I set up easily by myself and its very spacious!

I am not a fan of big box stores . But.... we have found the best tent for rain is the Ozark trail 6 man tent We have had LLBean and other expensive tents and hands down Ozark Trail has preformed the best in a hard driving rain . We also have 1 tent that is a 4 man for storage For full disclosure , I have a Slumberjack " day break " 6 man tent it is great in the rain.. My niece has 2 kids and is the one that uses Ozark trail brand. No matter what brand we always " fly " a nylon tarp about 3 feet above the tents if we know the weather can turn.

Go cheap .we love Ozark Trail tents. The kkds have tried to kill them and they are tough .. Bikes and scooters hit the screens and so far so good .

Go to Walmart and buy some Ozark trail camping goods . Tent Tarp Rope Hammocks Or Chairs Sleeping bags Cots or air matresses. Headlamps My niece uses this brand . The tents and tarps are great . This summer will be year 6 with Ozark Trail gear It is affordable and sturdy