The Best Camping Tents, According to Outdoorsy Reviewers

This year, in particular, summer will most likely feel a little different. Since statewide social distancing mandates might still be in full swing, many warm weather activities such as summer camps and amusement parks are #canceled. Even vacations like beach timeshares and European backpacking adventures will most likely be put on pause. So, what better way to get out of your home and enjoy some fresh air than camping? Whether you're hitting the outdoors solo or with friends or family, camping is a healthy alternative if you're wanting space and quality time with loved ones (or yourself) away from home.

It's called the great outdoors for a reason, and the benefits of unplugging and spending time outside, whether it's a couple-hour hike or a weekend camping trip, are huge for both your physical and mental health. Being at one with nature and escaping the area you live—whether it's a city, small town, or suburb—can not only help relieve stress, but also can help you recharge. That said, you need to be fitted with the proper gear before you hit the trail or pack up the car, especially if you're planning on spending a night (or several) beneath the stars.

For newbie campers who might be buying a tent for the first time, there are a few things you should consider when selecting your gear. A leaky tent with a poor design can put a real damper on a camping trip, so you may want to invest in a water-resistant or waterproof option to ensure you'll be comfy and cozy while exploring the outdoors—especially if you live in or plan to camp in wetter climates. That way, you also won't need to replace your tent down the road for something that can better withstand the elements. (Related: Cute Camping Gear to Make Your Outdoor Adventures Pretty AF)

You'll also want to contemplate the size of the tent you'll need. Keep in mind how many campers will be nestled in the tent and what gear you'll need to store inside, including air mattresses, sleeping bags, backpacks, and heaters. Also think about how you will be traveling to your campsite: Does your tent need to fit into a backpack, or will it be thrown in the trunk of your car? Other features like mesh panels (for increased airflow) or additional storage pockets (for lanterns or kids' toys) are also great perks to be on the lookout for.

Whether you'll be pitching your tent in the mountains, in the woods, on the beach, or even just in your backyard, camping is a fun and easy way to get outdoors. Here, the best camping tents, according to super enthusiastic reviewers—from waterproof options and backpacking favorites to instant-setup tents and glamping picks for those who need a dose of luxury with their nature. (Related: The Glamping Gear You Need for Your Next Camping Trip)

Best 1-Person Tent: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent

For any solo adventurers, a lightweight, easy-to-put together shelter is essential. This water- and UV-resistant tent weighs just 4 pounds, and setup is frustration-free, thanks to the free-standing, aluminum two-pole design. It also has an overhead gear loft to stow away a book or flashlight, and an outdoor vestibule for gear storage.

"I've had this tent for about two years now," one fan wrote. "I love and adore it, and it's lasted a bunch of trips. It is a great fit for one person plus gear (I'm a strong independent hiking woman who don't need no man). I also love that the rain cover goes all the way to the ground and has a vestibule to keep the dirty stuff outside and dry."

Best 2-Person Tent: Coleman Sundome Tent

This tent makes getting your campsite ready a breeze, and claims to only take 10 minutes to set up! The interior can accommodate a queen air mattress, making it the perfect size for two people, and storage pockets make it easy to tuck away handy personal items such as keys, phones, and headlamps. Plus, If you happen to get stuck in unfavorable weather, covered seams and welded corners protect the inside from any water leaks.

One reviewer shared her experience using this at a weekend music festival in Michigan: "It was super windy and was raining buckets to the point where there were inches of standing water outside the tent. Without even treating it with camp dry or any sealant, we were bone dry and cozy in this tent for five days."

Best Family Tent: HikerGarden 8-Person Camping Tent

This roomy, durable tent is wind and waterproof and large enough to fit eight people: It can accommodate either three queen air mattresses or eight sleeping bags. It also features mesh panels for better air circulation while keeping out pesky bugs and mosquitos. And it comes with a curtain you can use to divide rooms for privacy—or as a space to project a movie. Nifty. (Related: 5 High-Tech Gadgets Perfect for Camping)

"Overall this is a great family tent that could comfortably fit six adults inside with gear. People without gear you could fit eight or more if you pack tight or have small children. There is a divider is the tent that works well to section things off and add some privacy. You can fit four largish mattresses on one side of the divider with two on the other side and still have room near your head or feet," said a customer.