Best Car Camping Tents Under $100

Best Car Camping Tents Under $100

Best Car Camping Tents Under 100 can be tough. Whether you’re an old pro heading out to the campsite every weekend or a novice learning the hard way on the Ring Road in Iceland, each and every car camper wants a dependable shelter that won’t break the bank but that’s also durable from season to season. While high-end tents can cost well over $500, you don’t need to blow your entire paycheck for the “best.” Below are the top-rated, hand-selected, most durable car tents (from amongst the hundreds we’ve searched) under $100.

CORE 3-Person Dome Tent

• Image:
• ISBN: B00TYYGSVS
• Price: CLICK HERE
• Footprint: 7’x7′
• Center height: 42”
• Weight: Less than 8 lbs.
• Pros:
  • Fits a queen air mattress
  • Inexpensive
  • Holds up well in the rain
• Cons
  • Uncomfortable for anyone over 5’10”
  • Must sleep diagonally
  • Realistically fits 2 people and 1 dog

The CORE 3 Person Dome Tent is a surprisingly rugged option for its $50 price tag. It’s incredibly easy to set up and it’s comfortable (assuming you don’t decide to cram that third person in there). The rain didn’t stand a chance against the tent and waking up dry is always the goal. If you’re new to camping or on a budget, this is your tent without a doubt.

Overall: 4.7 stars

• Size: 5 stars
• Weight: 4 stars
• Durability: 4 stars
• Setup: 5 stars

Best Value: Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent #1 Best Seller

• Image:
• ISBN: B019N9W7WC
• Price: CLICK HERE
• Footprint: 9’x7′
• Center height: 59″
• Weight: 11 lbs.
• Pros:
  • Inexpensive
  • Easily fits queen mattress and gear
  • Simple setup
  • Taller center height makes getting dressed significantly easier
  • Durable tarp-like bottom (don’t need separate footprint)
• Cons:
  • Included stakes are flimsy
  • No footprint
  • Realistically fits 3 people or 2 adults and 2 small children.

The Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent is the number one selling tent on Amazon, and as soon as you use it, you’ll see why. Whether you’re a group of 3 going camping or a happy family of four, this tent will do the trick. Although we don’t recommend sticking a fourth fully-grown human in the tent, for the price, you’ll get a solid tent and won’t be disappointed.

Overall: 5 stars

• Size: 4.9
• Weight: 5
• Durability: 5
• Setup: 5

Editor’s Choice: ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 3-Person Tent

• Image:
• ISBN: B004EQEB3I
• Price: CLICK HERE
• Footprint: 6’6″ X 7’6″
• Center height: 52″
• Weight: 9 lbs. 5 oz
• Pros:
  • Quality materials
  • Very durable
  • Dual doors
  • Great ventilation
• Cons:
  • The bottom is the same tent fabric as the sides
  • No footprint included (sold separately)
  • Realistically fits 2 adults and gear

While the ALPS Mountaineering tent may not fit 3 people long term, this is the one to get if you want something that’ll last. The only time you’ll get something better than the ALPS for $100 is if you actually spend more than $100. No kidding, you really do have to digger deeper into your wallet if you want something better. If you’re a camper who’s in it for the long-haul—we’re talking weekends, summers, and more—then you’ll want this tent for sure. It’s ideal for all unpredictable weather.

Overall: 4.5 stars

• Size: 3
• Weight: 3
• Durability: 3
• Setup: 4.5

Chillbo Cabbins 2-Person Tent

• Image:
• ISBN: B06XYVDGJT
• Price: CLICK HERE
• Footprint: 7’1” x 6’9″
• Center height: 51″
• Weight: 8.5 lbs.
• Pros:
  • Super rad colors
  • Quality “novelty” tent
  • 2 doors
  • Well-ventilated
  • Rainfly creates handy front and back vestibules for storing dirty gear outside
• Cons:
  • Barely fits 2 adults and gear
  • Must remove rainfly to open and close side windows

Not all car tents are created equally. This car tent is best used in situations when you’re around people and you’re ready to show it off. The variety of colors are some of the best you’ll ever find for a car tent, which isn’t always known for being snazzy. That said, as convenient as this tent may be for music festivals or camping in your backyard with your kids, it’s not exactly spacious. Chillbo Cabbins is on the small but cooler side when looking at car tents.

Overall: 4.9 stars

• Size: 5
• Weight: 4
• Durability: 4.5
• Setup: 5

Editor’s Choice: REI Co-op Camp Dome 2

• Image:
• ISBN: B012W1NT34
• Price: CLICK HERE
• Footprint: 7’ x 4’6″
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Center height: 43″
• Pros:
  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight
  • Simple setup
  • Durable simple design
  • 2 doors
  • REI quality guarantee
• Cons:
  • Snug fit for 2 with gear
  • Short rainfly (no vestibules)

After testing out the lightest-weight version of this tent, it’s safe to say that REI hit it out of the park just by keeping it simple. The setup isn’t complicated, and the design is exactly what you expect it will be, but that’s what makes the REI Co-op Camp Dome 2 such a great choice. Its good with all different kinds of weather which makes it the perfect option when you’re looking for something versatile. Short backpacking trip? Car camping? This tent has got you for both no problem.

Overall: 3 stars

• Size: 3
• Weight: 2.9
• Durability: 3
• Setup: 3

Wrapping up

While camping, and particularly car camping, is an intensely personal experience when you’re selecting gear based off of preferences, each of the above tents has pros and cons that help to keep it at the top for inexpensive gear. When in doubt, go with the Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent as there is reason why this is #1 best seller in Amazon, then our other choices are ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 3-Person Tent or Coleman Sundome 4-Person to maximize your experience. These tents will keep you warm, dry, and loving the camping experience. What else can you ask for?