Where to Buy Camping Tents: Deals; Discounts & Expert Advice

Are you wondering where to buy camping tents? The best places to buy camping tents range from big box stores and online giants to specialized outdoor gear shops. This guide helps you find the best camping tent stores, score discount camping tents, and get the perfect shelter for your next adventure.

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Choosing the Right Place to Buy Your Tent

Selecting where to purchase your tent is almost as important as the tent itself. The retailer impacts the selection you see, the prices you pay, and the level of support you get.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Retailer

• Selection: Does the retailer offer a wide variety of camping tent brands and styles?
• Price: Are the tent prices competitive? Do they offer discount camping tents or sales?
• Expertise: Do they have knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions and offer advice?
• Return Policy: What is their return policy if you’re not satisfied with your purchase?
• Convenience: Is the store easily accessible, or is it more convenient to buy tents online?

Top Retailers for Camping Tents

Here’s a look at some of the best places to buy a camping tent, with pros and cons for each:

Big Box Retailers

Stores like Walmart, Target, and sporting goods chains often carry a selection of tents, especially affordable camping tents for casual campers.

• Pros:
  • Convenient locations.
  • Budget-friendly options.
  • Easy returns.
• Cons:
  • Limited selection of high-end or specialized tents.
  • Less knowledgeable staff about camping gear.
  • Quality may vary.

Online Marketplaces

Websites like Amazon, eBay, and others offer a vast selection of tents from various brands and sellers.

• Pros:
  • Wide selection of camping tent brands.
  • Competitive tent prices.
  • Easy to compare different models.
  • Convenient shopping from home to buy tents online.
• Cons:
  • Difficult to inspect the tent before purchasing.
  • Potentially unreliable sellers.
  • Return policies may vary depending on the seller.
  • Overwhelming number of options.

Specialty Outdoor Gear Shops

REI, Backcountry, and local camping equipment near me stores offer a curated selection of high-quality tents and expert advice.

• Pros:
  • Knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right tent.
  • High-quality camping tent brands.
  • Excellent return policies.
  • Opportunity to see and touch tents before buying.
• Cons:
  • Higher prices compared to big box stores or online marketplaces.
  • Fewer locations than big box stores.

Direct from the Manufacturer

Some camping tent brands sell directly to consumers through their own websites.

• Pros:
  • Potentially lower prices.
  • Direct access to product information and support.
  • Exclusive products or promotions.
• Cons:
  • Limited selection compared to larger retailers.
  • May not be able to see the tent in person before buying.

Finding the Best Deals and Discounts

Everyone loves a good deal. Here are some ways to save money on your next camping tent:

Tent Sales Online and In-Store

• Seasonal Sales: Look for sales during the off-season (fall and winter) when retailers are clearing out inventory.
• Holiday Sales: Major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday often feature significant discounts on camping equipment near me.
• Clearance Sections: Check the clearance sections of online and brick-and-mortar stores for discontinued or last-season models.

Coupons and Promo Codes

• Retailer Websites: Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers to receive exclusive coupons and promo codes.
• Coupon Websites: Use websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com to find discounts on camping tent brands.
• Manufacturer Websites: Check the manufacturer’s website for special offers or rebates.

Membership Programs

• REI Membership: REI members receive an annual dividend based on their purchases, plus access to exclusive sales and events.
• Other Outdoor Retailers: Many other outdoor gear shops offer membership programs with similar benefits.

Price Comparison Tools

• Google Shopping: Use Google Shopping to compare tent prices from different retailers.
• CamelCamelCamel: Track the price history of products on Amazon to see when they are likely to go on sale.

Expert Advice: Choosing the Right Tent

Beyond finding the best deals, you’ll also need to consider the type of camping you are planning to do.

Tent Size and Capacity

• Number of People: Choose a tent that can comfortably accommodate the number of people who will be sleeping in it. It’s generally recommended to go one size up for extra space.
• Gear Storage: Consider the amount of gear you’ll need to store inside the tent. Some tents have vestibules or gear lofts for added storage.

Tent Features

• Weather Resistance: Look for a tent with a waterproof rainfly, sealed seams, and a bathtub floor to protect against rain and moisture.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation is essential to prevent condensation inside the tent. Look for tents with mesh panels and adjustable vents.
• Ease of Setup: Consider how easy the tent is to set up, especially if you’ll be camping alone or in the dark. Look for tents with color-coded poles and simple instructions.
• Weight and Packability: If you’ll be backpacking, choose a lightweight and compact tent that’s easy to carry.

Types of Tents

• Backpacking Tents: Lightweight and compact tents designed for backpacking.
• Family Tents: Large tents with multiple rooms or compartments, ideal for families or groups.
• Car Camping Tents: Roomy and comfortable tents designed for car camping.
• Pop-Up Tents: Easy-to-set-up tents that pop open in seconds, ideal for casual camping.
• Four-Season Tents: Sturdy and weather-resistant tents designed for camping in all seasons, including winter.

Camping Tent Brands to Consider

There are many excellent camping tent brands available. Here are a few of the most popular and reputable:

• REI Co-op
• NEMO
• MSR
• Big Agnes
• Coleman
• Kelty
• The North Face
• Eureka!

Reading Customer Reviews

Before making a purchase, read customer reviews to get an idea of the tent’s performance and durability. Pay attention to reviews that mention issues like leaks, broken zippers, or difficulty setting up the tent.

Interpreting Tent Specifications

Deciphering tent specifications can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of some key terms:

• Denier: A unit of measurement for the thickness of the fabric. Higher denier fabrics are generally more durable.
• Waterproof Rating (mm): A measure of how much water the fabric can withstand before leaking. A higher rating indicates better waterproofness.
• Floor Area: The amount of usable space inside the tent, measured in square feet.
• Peak Height: The height of the tent at its highest point.
• Packed Weight: The total weight of the tent when packed up for transport.

Comparing Tent Prices

Tent prices can vary widely depending on the brand, size, features, and quality. Set a budget before you start shopping and compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. Remember to factor in shipping costs and sales tax when comparing prices online.

Here is a simplified table showing approximate price ranges for different tent types:

Tent Type	Price Range (USD)
Backpacking Tent	$150 – $500+
Family Tent	$200 – $800+
Car Camping Tent	$100 – $400+
Pop-Up Tent	$50 – $200+
Four-Season Tent	$300 – $1000+

Affordable Camping Tents: Finding Value on a Budget

It is possible to find great deals on camping tents if you know where to look.

• Consider Refurbished Options: Some retailers offer certified refurbished tents at a lower price.
• Opt for Simpler Designs: Feature-rich tents can be expensive. Basic dome tents are often more affordable.
• Watch for End-of-Season Sales: As new models come in, last year’s tents are often heavily discounted.
• Check Discount Retailers: Stores like TJ Maxx or Sierra Trading Post sometimes carry brand-name tents at a fraction of the original price.

Care and Maintenance to Extend Tent Life

Taking care of your tent will extend its life and help you save money in the long run.

• Clean the Tent After Each Use: Remove dirt, leaves, and debris from the tent floor and rainfly.
• Dry the Tent Thoroughly Before Storing: Moisture can cause mildew and damage the fabric.
• Store the Tent in a Dry, Cool Place: Avoid storing the tent in direct sunlight or in a damp basement.
• Use a Footprint: A footprint is a piece of fabric that goes under the tent floor to protect it from abrasion and punctures.
• Repair Tears and Holes: Use a tent repair kit to fix any tears or holes in the fabric.
• Re-waterproof the Tent: Over time, the waterproof coating on the tent can wear off. Use a tent waterproofing spray to re-waterproof the fabric.

FAQ

• Can I return a tent if I don’t like it?
  • Most retailers have return policies that allow you to return a tent if you’re not satisfied, but be sure to check the specific policy before purchasing.
• What is the best time of year to buy a tent?
  • The best time to buy a tent is during the off-season (fall and winter) when retailers are clearing out inventory.
• What size tent should I buy?
  • Choose a tent that can comfortably accommodate the number of people who will be sleeping in it, plus extra space for gear.
• How do I waterproof a tent?
  • Use a tent waterproofing spray to re-waterproof the fabric.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect camping tent at a price that fits your budget. Happy camping!