There can be a wide price range when it comes to the cost of a camping tent, because of their different season ratings, sizes, designs, and features.
Depending on the season rating, weight, and size of the camping tent it can cost anywhere from $50 for a small basic 3 season tent to more than $500 for a high-end multi-person lightweight 4 season tent. Typically the lighter the tent, the higher the season rating, and the more people it can sleep the more money the tent will cost.
In the rest of this article, we provide specific examples of tents with their prices, to give you a better idea of how much a camping tent might cost depending on the type of tent you choose.
We also discuss the factors that can affect the cost of a tent and some common questions when it comes to tents and price.
10 Different Camping Tents: Including Price (Lowest to Highest)
| Tent | Seasonal Rating | Size | Retail Price | Amazon Price |
| 1 – Coleman Sundome Tent | 3 Season | 2 Person | $50.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 2 – Alpha Camp Dome Tent | 3 Season | 3 Person | $60.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 3 – Alps Mountaineering Lynx | 3 Season | 1 Person | $95.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 4 – Coleman Sundome Tent | 3 Season | 4 Person | $100.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 5 – GEERTOP Backpack Tent | 4 Season | 2 Person | $120.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 6 – Core Instant Cabin Tent | 3 Season | 9 Person | $230.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 7 – Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL | 3 Season | 2 Person | $350.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 8 – NEMO Hornet Ultralight | 3 Season | 2 Person | $380.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 9 – Big Agnes 2019 Copper Spur | 3 Season | 4 Person | $450.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| 10 – Eureka! Assault Outfitter | 4 Season | 4 Person | $500.00 | Check Amazon Price |
1- Coleman Sundome Tent (2 Person)
The Coleman Sundome Tent is a reliable basic 3 season tent that comes in several different sizes including 2, 3, 4, and 6 person versions.
The tent has been around forever and is super popular with weekend warriors and car campers because of its cheap price, quality construction, and flexibility.
Price
The tent ranges in price from about $50.00 for the 2-person version to over a $100.00 for the 6-person version. However, the two most popular versions of this tent are the 2-person and 4-person as these two tent sizes allow for the most common camping party sizes.
When it comes to price and features this Coleman Sundome Tent, no matter what size you choose is hard to beat and is a great choice for car camping and campers working with a tight budget.
2 – ALPHA CAMP 3 Person Camping Dome Tent
The ALPHA Camp Dome Tent is a great tent for basic 3 season camping with an affordable price for those not looking to spend a lot of money. This 3 person tent is perfect for the weekend warrior that needs a little more room than your standard 2 person tent provides.
At the price point of this tent, there is very little to complain about as it comes with just about everything you would expect and even a few higher-end features that you wouldn’t necessarily expect in a budget tent.
Price
This ALPHA CAMP dome tent is priced at a budget-friendly retail price of about $60. We did, however, find the tent occasionally a little cheaper when it was on sale at Walmart. The cheapest place we could consistently find this tent though was on Amazon. ((click here to check the current price on Amazon))
One of the most popular budget-friendly 1 person tents for backpacking and hiking, is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent. As it offers a lightweight and compact design weighing only 4.1 pounds while still keeping the price reasonable.
It’s not just it’s lighter weight that makes this tent so great though as it also offers a 3 season rating, freet standing 2 pole construction, a large vestibule for gear storage, and half mesh walls providing excellent ventilation for summer camping.
Price
For a lightweight backpacking tent, this Lynx 1 person tent by ALPS Mountaineering has a really good price at just under $100.
While there are certainly lighter backpacking tents on the market, some weighing less than 2 pounds, they also usually have a really large price tags, with some of the lightest mountaineering tents costing well over $500. Which is what makes this 1 person tent by ALPS Mountaineering so great, while it weighs a few pounds more than the more high-end and expensive trekking and mountaineering tents, it also costs a quarter of what those tents cost.
4 – Coleman Sundome Tent (4 Person)
One of the most popular tents currently on the market today is the Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent thanks to versatility, ease of use, and economical price.
This tent comes in a 2, 3, 4, and 6 person versions and is available in both a navy/grey color scheme (pictured above) or a light green/white color scheme.
This waterproof tent by Coleman is everything a weekend camper or car camper could want including great ventilation for summer camping, sturdy and solid construction, and quick and easy setup that usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Price
Typically the price of the 4 person Coleman Sundome Tent is around $100 but we did see a price range between about $80 to $110 depending on where you buy the tent and the color scheme you choose.
For a completely waterproof and 3 season tent, made by a trusted outdoor brand like Coleman it’s hard to go wrong, no matter what price you buy this versatile and well-designed tent at.
5 – GEERTOP Backpacking Tent 4 Season Tent (2 Person)
One of the cheapest and quality made 4 season tents we could find was this 4 season tent by GEERTOP which uses double-wall construction for ultimate protection from the elements.
This tent consistently receives high marks and good reviews across the board for its cold weather protection as well as its lightweight and compact design making it a great choice for backpacking as well as mountaineering in cold weather climates.
Due to its full rainfly though and lack of ventilation this tent is not a great choice if you plan on doing mainly summer camping.
Price
This 4 season backpacking tent has an amazing average price of only $120 which is substantially less than most 4 season tents that usually cost well over $200 and can cost more than $500 for high-end ultralight versions.
While the tent is far from the ultra-lightweight category at almost 6 and a half pounds, it offers a great compromise between weight and price. As it is more than light enough to use as a backpacking tent but still affordable enough for most campers and backpackers.
6 – Core Instant Cabin Tent (9 Person)
A great example of a large cabin style tent is this popular 9 person instant cabin tent by Core. Measuring a robust 14 feet wide by 9 feet long this tent can easily accommodate a large family or group of campers as well as all their gear.
While this cabin-style tent definitely falls in the car camping category due to its sheer size and weight it actually goes up a lot easier than you might think, thanks to instant setup design, setting up in less than a minute.
This type of tent is a great tent for car campers that need to accommodate a large family or group of people in style and comfort while at the campground, as this tent definitely leans towards glamping instead of camping.
Price
With an average retail price of $230, at first glance, this tent might seem kind of expensive, however, when you consider the fact that this tent will sleep up to 9 people the tent is really quite affordable.
Considering that more common smaller 2 or 4 person tents can cost well over $100 or even $200. So pound for pound you get a lot of bang for your buck with this large cabin-style tent.
7 – Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL Ultralight Backpacking Tent
When you’re ready to graduate into higher-end and lighter weight tent this 3 season tent by Big Agnes is a smart choice. The tent comes in three different sizes including a 1, 2, or 3 person version allowing you to select just the right tent size for your needs.
This tent is also amazingly lightweight, with a trail weight of only 1 pound 15 ounces and a packed weight of only 2 pounds 5 ounces, making it a great choice for any backpacker or hiker than wants to keep their pack as light as possible while trekking or camping.
Price
When comparing the price of this more expensive tent to cheaper tents, the biggest differences you will usually see between the two are more upgraded and premium materials and finishes as well as substantially less weight.
While this tent’s $350 price tag might be tough for some backpackers or campers to justify if you’re serious about weight reduction and camping then this Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL tent can be a great choice.
8 – Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent (2 Person)
Just like Big Agnes, Nemo is another brand in the camping industry that is synonymous with ultra-lightweight and high-end tents, and this Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent is no exception.
This ultra-lightweight camping tent with a trail weight of only 1 pound 15 ounces is a prime example of what a high-end tent brand can produce when weight and not cost is the primary concern.
Price
As with the Big Agnes brand, there is nothing cheap about the Nemo brand as their tents are usually well over $300. And this Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent is no exception with an average price of $380.
What you get for this premium price though is a premium tent that makes no compromises in materials or design. From its featherlight poles to its premium 10D Nylon Ripstop fly with silicone water repellent, no expense was spared in creating one of the best ultralight 3 season backpacking tents that money can buy.
9 – Big Agnes 2019 Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent
Price
All of this size and lightweight design doesn’t come cheap though, as this tent is definitely on the higher end of the price range when it comes to tents, costing an average of $450 depending on where you purchase it.
While the high cost of this tent will limit the number of people interested in it, if you’re serious about backpacking or camping and need a tent that can hold up to 4 people and still be light and compact than this is a really great choice.
10 – Eureka! Assault Outfitter Four-Season Tent
If you’re looking for the ultimate in weather protection and a 4 season rating that can handle just about any weather scenario, then this tent by Eureka! is definitely one you should check out.
The design of this tent is based on a U.S. Marine Corps design and can handle driving rain, arctic cold, and blowing sand.
While the tent is on the heavier side at over 14 pounds due to it’s heavier materials and construction, you don’t buy a tent like this for it’s lightweight but instead for its ruggedness and ability to handle just about anything you can throw at.
Price
If you are looking for a cheap or budget-friendly tent this tent is pretty much the exact opposite of that coming in at an average wallet-busting price of $500, putting this tent well on the high end of the price range when it comes to the cost of a tent.
For this high price though you do get the ultimate in resilience, durability, and weatherproofing that money can buy when it comes to tents.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Tent
As mentioned at the very beginning of this article, there are many factors that can affect the cost of a tent, however, the five main factors that affect the cost of a tent include the season rating, size, weight, features, and brand.
Season Rating and Tent Prices
There are 5 different season ratings for tents, ranging from 1 to 5, and the higher the season rating the more expensive the tent will usually by.
1 and 2 Season Rating
1 and 2 season tents are the most basic and simple type of tents, that can only handle very mild and warm weather conditions and are oftentimes not waterproof. The price of a cheap and basic 1 or 2 season tent usually ranges from about $25 to $50, however, its best to steer clear of these cheap tents as they are typically made very poorly, do not hold up well, and offer little to no protection from the elements while camping.
3 Season Rating
The 3 season tent, which is the most common and popular style of a tent is designed to handle a wide variety of weather conditions and is great for spring, summer, and fall camping.
The 3 season tent does a great job of dealing with the summer heat as well as cooler nights during the spring and fall. The price range of a 3 season tent typically ranges from about $50 to well over $200 depending on other factors of the tent.
4 Season Rating
The 4 season tent is the next most popular seasonal rating and is meant to handle as the name implies all 4 seasons.
The 4 season tent is best for winter camping and more harsh weather conditions but can be a little stuffy in the summer months due to the lack of ventilation. Typically 4 season tents are more expensive compared to 3 season tents and usually cost between $100 to over $300 depending on other factors of the tent.
5 Season Rating
The most expensive type of tent when it comes to seasonal ratings is the 5 season tent or what is more commonly referred to as a mountaineering tent.
The 5 season tent is meant to withstand extreme cold weather conditions and can also handle strong winds. The price of a 5 season tent will usually start at around $300 and can cost well over $500.
Cost of Different Size Tents
Tent sizes can range from small backpacking tents meant to accommodate 1 or 2 people all the way up to large cabin style tents that can hold 10 people or more, and the larger the tent is, usually the more money it will cost.
The table below shows what you might expect to pay depending on the size of tent you choose.
However, keep in mind that there can be a lot of overlap with pricing and tent sizes as other factors can play a large role in the cost of the tent beyond just the size.
| Tent Size | Average Price Range |
| 1 Person | $40.00 – $150.00 |
| 2 Person | $50.00 – $200.00 |
| 4 Person | $50.00 – $250.00 |
| 6 Person | $150.00 – $400.00 |
| 8 or More | $250.00 – $500.00 |
Tent Weight vs Cost
Weight can be one of the biggest factors when it comes to the cost of a tent and the lighter the tent is the more expensive it will be.
For example, a typical 3 season tent will usually weigh between 5 and 10 pounds and cost between $50 to $150.
However, lighter weight backpacking tents usually only weighing between 4 and 6 pounds will cost between $100 to over $200 for the same seasonal rating and tent capacity.
And the lightest of tents that are considered ultralight tents usually way less than 3 pounds and start at $200 and can cost up to $500.
Tent Features and Price
Tent features can be so varied and diverse from one tent to the next that it can oftentimes play a big role in the overall cost of the tent. And the more features the tent has especially high-end features the higher the cost of the tent will be.
Examples of features that can add to the cost of a tent include the level of waterproofing the tent has, the number and size of doors and windows on the tent, the level of ventilation the tent provides, and how many convenience features the tent has such as gear lofts, storage pouches, and vestibules.
Tent Brands and Cost
Another factor in the cost of a tent can be the brand name of the tent, with more well-known brands commanding a premium price compared to lesser-known brands.
When it comes to brand names and tents, Chinese tents with brand names like Sutekus and SEMOO are going to have the cheapest price but are also usually cheaply made. And more well-known tent brands like Coleman, Big Agnes, Kelty, and Black Diamond are going to be more expensive but also generally provide more quality and reliability when it comes to the design and build quality of the tent.
It’s important to remember though that while typically more well-known brands are usually higher in quality and more reliable, this is not always the case. So don’t get too caught up in the name brand trap by paying more for a tent just because of the name. Instead, focus more on your specific needs and the reviews of the tent, regardless of whether it has a well-known brand name or not.
How Much Does a Cheap Tent Cost?
Cheap tents can cost as little as $20, however, they are typically very poorly made and offer little to no protection from the elements. While these cheap tents might be ok for a backyard sleepover, its best to steer clear of them if you plan on doing any real camping.
In general, the cheapest you want to go when looking for a quality and reliable tent is around $50, any cheaper than this and you will more than likely end up with a very low quality and unreliable tent.
How Much is a 4 Person Tent?
While there are many factors that can affect the cost of a 4 person tent, a typical 4 person tent will usually cost between $50 and $200.
Keep in mind though that factors other than size, like the season rating, weight, and features of the tent can have a big impact on the cost of a 4 person tent.
How Much is a 6 Man Tent?
There can be a wide range in the cost of a 6 man tent due to other factors than size but in general, a 6 man tent will cost between $150 and $300.
However, other tent factors such as the season rating, weight, and features of the tent can also have a big impact on the overall cost of a 6 man tent.