11 Best Pop-Up Tents for Camping [Hassle-Free and Easy to Set Up]

TL;DR: The best pop-up tent is the HUI LINGYANG Easy Pop-Up Tent, which takes 10 seconds to set up. The spacious interior sleeps 4-6 people with extra airflow from the ground vents and a vestibule for extra space–all at an affordable price.

When I’m exhausted after a long day on the trail, in the car, or at the beach, the last thing I want to do is spend half an hour putting my tent together. 

Been there, done that. No thank you.

That’s why I love pop-up tents.

Pop-up tents eliminate setup hassle–they’re ready in seconds so you can focus on the fun parts of camping.

If you’ve ever struggled to set up a complicated tent or rushed to pitch your shelter in the rain, you know how valuable a fast-pitch tent is.

Pop-up tents come together in less than a minute, making them great for families, festivals, or just about any casual camping trip.

However, not all instant tents are reliable. It’s worthwhile to do your research ahead of time to find the best pop-up camping tent for your needs.

Don’t have hours of free time to read tent reviews? That’s where this article comes in.

Below, I’ll take you through the best pop-up tents for every type of camper and budget. Let’s dive in!

#1 Coleman Instant Cabin Tent

Best for Family Camping

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Capacity: 6 people
Setup time: 60 seconds
Waterproof: No, but it’s water-resistant
Weight: 24.6 lbs
Doors: 1
Features: Reflective guy lines, integrated rain cover, and light-blocking fabric

A spacious and straightforward tent like the Coleman Instant Cabin is essential for family camping trips.

The most unique feature of this instant cabin is its “dark room technology,” a light-blocking fabric that keeps the tent cool on hot days and dark in the sun.

Keeping the tent cool and dark means it’s extra comfortable at crowded campsites, festivals, or anywhere that you’re likely to have noisy neighbors.

If you’ve ever tried sleeping in while camping or had a nearby car headlight pointed at your tent during the night, you’ll know that the average tent isn’t very lightproof.

This instant tent is also spacious with six feet of standing height and room for two queen mattresses.

One important thing to note about this tent is that the integrated rainfly is unfortunately not as waterproof as a separate full-coverage rainfly.

This means that it’s best for summer camping. With single-wall, zip-close systems, there are a lot of exposed seams that are likely to leak in a heavy downpour.

That being said, if you don’t mind shelling out a little extra for the full rain cover, or you plan to be camping in a dry climate, the Coleman Instant Cabin is a quality pick.

And between the dark room fabric and spacious interior, this tent offers a good amount of value for the money, which is why it’s easily one of the best pop-up camping tents for families.

Otherwise, if you want extra space and a room divider or the option for a screened room, check out the Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent.

#2 Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent

Best Small Pop-Up Tent

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Capacity: 1-2 people
Setup Time: 10 seconds
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 5.9 lbs
Doors: 1
Features: Solid waterproofing and affordable

The Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent is a simple and reliable option for an all-around solo tent (although this is technically a two-person tent, it’s best for solo campers). 

If you need a little extra space, I recommend sizing up to the 3-4 person pop-up models or checking out the HUI LINGYANG Easy Pop-Up Tent rated for 4-6 people. 

This instant camping tent sets up in 10 seconds, which means getting out of the rain at a moment’s notice.

There are no poles to attach. You literally pull the tent out of its bag and toss it into the air. The internal flexible fiberglass poles spring into place so that this instant tent pops up on its own.

Unlike most small pop-up tents that spring open, the rainfly sits a couple of inches above the walls. This protects it from rain better and helps prevent leaks from condensation.

Most notably, the taped seams and double-thick Polyguard 2X™ fabric do a good job of keeping you dry inside the tent. 

Although I also recommend picking up a footprint if you’re expecting a lot of rain.

That being said, this Coleman pop-up tent really shows off in dry conditions.

Mesh windows extend over the roof and down either side, which is perfect for stargazing on clear nights. It also has a lantern hook and storage pockets.

And the value at a low price point makes this the best instant pop-up tent for casual solo campers. 

It’s affordable enough that you could buy two of these small pop-up tents for when the kids go camping with friends.

Plus, the Coleman pop-up tent is almost as light as the Teton Sport Vista Pop-Up backpacking tent. 

The only downside to this Coleman tent is the awkward circular shape that it folds into, which makes it difficult to strap to backpacks.

#3 Moon Lence Instant Pop-Up Tent

Best 4-Person Pop-Up Tent

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Capacity: 4-5 people
Setup Time: 60 seconds
Waterproof: Yes, for light rain
Weight: 10.25 lbs
Doors: 1
Features: UV-resistant fabric and guy ropes

The Moon Lence 4-Person Instant Tent is the best choice for anyone who wants a classic dome tent that can be pitched in under a minute.

This 4-person camping tent is quick and convenient enough that you can pull it out anytime the kids need a little outdoor entertainment.

And given the tough construction, it’s one of the best pop-up tents for families (and especially kids) to use. 

For an affordable tent, the build quality is surprisingly good and features 2000mm waterproof-coated polyester walls. 

This tent also has a unique five-side build with mesh windows on all sides that zip closed in rain or wind. 

If there is rain, anything touching the wall will probably be damp by morning, as is typical with single-wall tents.

Unfortunately not having a separate rainfly for added protection prevents this tent from gaining another star.

Like the Abco Portable Cabana, UV-resistant walls make the Moon Lence a good shelter from the sun. 

The Moon Lence is rated for 4-5 people, but it’s most comfortable as a 4-person instant tent so that there’s enough room for gear.

Overall, the Moon Lence offers a good mix of features and size, perfect for a casual summer camping tent.

Otherwise, if you want something that can stand up to inclement weather, Kazoo Family Camping Tents are the best pop-up tents for camping in rain.

#4 Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent

Best Large Pop-Up Tent

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Capacity: 8-9 people
Setup time: 2 minutes
Waterproof: Yes, for light rain
Weight: 30.5 lbs
Doors: 2
Features: Mesh ceiling, low-to-the-ground vents, and two entry points

If you’re looking for an easy-to-pitch instant family tent, the Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent is one of the best large pop-up tents on the market. 

Most pop-ups are 4-person tents, but if you have a big family, you’ll want to go for a larger pop-up tent.

Unlike the small pop-up tents on this list, the standing height is a whopping 78 inches and you can sprawl out on the 126 ft² floors.

A cabin tent of this size is a versatile addition to any summer equipment.

Take the whole family on a summer camping trip and set up within two minutes of arriving at camp. Boom. Done. And best of all, no arguments about which pole goes where.

The room divider allows you to split the internal space in half, so you can set up in two bedrooms or use one room as a screen room for indoor lounging. 

One of my favorite features of the Core 9 is that it has an adjustable ground vent on each long side.

This means you can get air circulating even when the windows are zippered closed and the rain fly is on.

Good ventilation is essential for large tents, especially after a few days without showers.

Lastly, this tent has a bathtub bottom to protect it from ground moisture and taped seams to prevent leaks. 

Just note that the partial coverage rain fly makes this tent best for hot weather camping when you don’t expect to encounter heavy rains.

#5 Teton Sports Vista Quick Tent

Best Backpacking Pop-Up Tent

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Capacity: 1 person
Setup Time: 60 seconds
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 4.6 lbs
Doors: 1
Features: Gear loft and accommodates modular add-ons like a cot

The Teton Sports Vista Quick Tent is the best pop-up tent for backpacking.

It’s a one-person backpacking tent that pops up easily after a long day on the trail. 

One of the best features of this tent is the all-over mesh paneling for better ventilation and stargazing. 

Not all tents have mesh on the roof, but this is the best instant tent for panoramic views (which is a great feature for a backpacking trip).

Additionally, the gear loft adds more storage space, which is nice in such a compact tent. 

The full-coverage rainfly is the gold standard for waterproofing, but the Vista Quick Tent is most waterproof when used with a cot.

This tent is part of a flexible modular system, which means it can be used with an XL camping cot and a special rainfly to keep you dry and off the ground.

It only comes with the standard rainfly for ground setup, so you’ll have to buy the cot and extra large rainfly separately to fully waterproof it. 

For added waterproofing on the ground, I’d also recommend buying a footprint.

While this tent isn’t competitive with standard ultralight tents in terms of weight, at under five pounds, it’s light enough for short backpacking trips. 

Not to mention, it’s the fastest pop-up lightweight tent on the market.

If you’re willing to carry the extra weight and want a tent that will make setting up camp the easiest part of your day, the Teton Sports Vista Quick Tent is a solid choice.

#6 Mobihome 2-3-Person Instant Pop-Up Tent

Best Budget Pop-Up Tent

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Capacity: 2-3 people
Setup Time: 30 seconds
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 8.5 lbs
Doors: 1
Features: Electrical cord port, partial coverage rainfly, and ground vents

Thanks to the Mobihome 2-3 Person Instant Pop-Up Tent you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy the ease of an instant tent. It’s the best balance between size and price. 

The floor dimensions are about 6 ft x 7 ft, making this one of the more spacious two-person pop-up tents. 

Unlike other small pop-up tents, you could actually fit three people inside without piling on top of each other–there might be some cuddling though.

Mobihome suggests sleeping with your head along the 7-foot side, but I prefer a little bit of room between my head or feet and the wall. 

I recommend sleeping with your head along the 6-foot side to optimize the length, and so you’re feet don’t get damp from being pressed against the tent wall.

The rainfly is partial coverage, extending over the mesh ceiling. 

It doesn’t reach all the way to the ground though, which is why I advise not having your feet up against the wall during wet conditions. 

All in all, this tent feels like your standard budget dome tent, similar to a traditional Coleman dome tent. 

However, with the Mobihome, you’ll have the added benefit of it being an instant tent.

#7 HUI LINGYANG Easy Pop-Up Tent

Easiest Pop-Up Tent to Setup

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Capacity: 4-6 people
Setup Time: 10 seconds
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 11.68 lbs
Doors: 1 
Features: Vestibule, double-walled, and vents

With the HUI LINGYANG Easy Pop-Up Tent, you don’t have to sacrifice size to get the easiest setup ever.

Pull the tent from its carrying case and toss it into the air. The folded-down fiberglass poles will spring back into place.

In a matter of seconds, your tent is standing.  

The build of this tent is similar to the Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up mentioned above. There are two key differences though: this tent sleeps 4-6 people and there’s a vestibule.

A floor area of 106.25 ft² is impressive compared to other pop-up tents. Still, it will be most comfortable for four campers. 

With this tent, the shorter wall is 8.5 feet, meaning tall people can actually lie down without their heads and feet touching the walls.

There are also two side windows, which you can open from the inside to look out of or let cool air in through. 

And one thing that this tent has (which most pop-up tents do not) is a vestibule. 

This allows you to store dirty shoes, wet coats, and extra gear out of the elements and away from your sleeping bag.

Vestibules help keep the sleeping area clean and organized, something that experienced campers don’t take for granted.

A downside to this tent is that there’s only one door, so with a full tent, people will have to climb over one another to exit. 

Also, keep in mind that the outer rainfly wall cannot be removed from the tent body for stargazing. 

That being said, with the ease of setup, a full coverage rain fly, and enough space for the entire crew, this is my pick for the best instant camping tent on the market.

#8 Abco Portable Cabana

Best Tent for the Beach

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Capacity: 1-2 people
Setup Time: Under 30 seconds
Waterproof: No, but it’s water-resistant
Weight: 3.7 lbs
Doors: 2
Features: UV protection and included rope for guy ropes

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the larger pop-up tents, there are ultraportable tents for the beach.

The Abco Portable Cabana is a super light, simple tent perfect for casual backyard camping or lounging on the sand.

It’s our pick for the best pop-up tent for the beach due to its built-in UV protection and added guy points that hold it down on windy days.

One thing to note–while it’s great for the beach, it’s more of an instant shelter than camping gear.

Most notably, it’s not totally waterproof, but it’s fine for fair weather conditions.

It will function best as a pop-up shelter for day use, keeping sun and sand off you and your belongings. 

It’s a bit small to sleep two people but perfectly fine for two people to hang out in during the day.

The Abco is affordable and simple with convenient extra tent features like double doors, roll-up rain covers, a lantern hook, and multiple connection points, so you can secure it against beach wind.

However, I recommend purchasing special sand stakes separately–the standard stakes included with the tent won’t do much in a high-wind situation on the beach.

Lastly, at less than four pounds, this tent is light enough to carry anywhere and small enough to throw in a beach bag.

Plus, as an automatic pop-up tent, it springs up quickly for less stress and more beach fun.

#9 Kazoo Family Camping Instant Tent

Best Waterproof Pop-Up Tent

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Capacity: 4 people
Setup Time: 30 seconds
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 14.3 lbs
Doors: 2
Features: Convertible door awning, mesh windows, and storage pockets

If you know you’ll be camping in wet conditions, not just any tent will do. You’ll need a reliable waterproof shelter. 

And the Kazoo Family Tent makes a perfect pop-up camping tent for challenging weather conditions.

There aren’t many options for true three-season pop-up tents, so Kazoo is one of the rare ones.

The fly and ventilation on this tent are second to none. The inner tent has large windows that circulate air even with the full coverage fly on. 

And as a bonus, coverable windows in the fly are placed so you can still see outside the tent in bad weather.

Most pop-up tents aren’t seriously waterproof, but the Kazoo is. 

It’s the only tent that features waterproof fabric rated to twice the minimum standard and a full-coverage rainfly to keep you and all your gear dry inside the tent.

Plus, the awning function on the fly is a lifesaver in rain or sun.

During strong winds, you can batten down the hatches and zip the ceiling-to-ground fly closed. 

Or if you’re going in and out frequently or trying to escape the sun, part of the rainfly can be used as an awning over the front door.

This covered space allows you to remove shoes before entering the tent, keeping the inside much cleaner and drier.

Also note that the poles are aluminum, which makes it a good pop-up tent for colder weather.

Fiberglass poles tend to shatter in freezing temperatures and snap in wind. Aluminum might bend, but it can be bent back without ruining your camping trip.

Everything considered, the Kazoo is the best pop-up camping tent for rainy weekend camping.

#10 Gazelle T4 Hub

Best Cabin-Style Pop-Up Tent You Can Stand Up In

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Capacity: 4 people
Setup Time: 90 seconds
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 30 lbs
Doors: 2
Features: 50+ UV protection, a lot of interior pockets, and a removable floor

If you want maximum camping comfort that feels almost like being indoors, you need a tent with the highest possible ceilings.

The Gazelle T4 Hub is a 6-foot, 6-inch tall cabin-style tent built for standing and moving around in.

Like the Kazoo, it’s distinguished by its high-quality materials and construction, which is higher than most 4-person pop-up shelters. 

It has heavy-duty zippers, 2000mm waterproof and UV-blocking fabric, and extra tight-woven mesh. A few extra features include four wall pockets and two removable gear lofts. 

There are two doors, but I’m not a fan of the shape. The top of the doors is wide while the bottom is narrow, not optimal for anyone prone to tripping.

While pop-up tents often run small, this is a 4-person tent that actually sleeps four people comfortably.

With steep walls and very high ceilings, it’s spacious enough for extended trips and extra gear.

However, that level of quality comes at a price.

This tent is more expensive and heavier than a basic pop-up tent. It weighs over 30 pounds, so it would be tough to set up alone or move around. 

Basically, if you plan to use the Gazelle T4, don’t plan to carry it far from the car.

It’s not the lightest tent, but the heavier weight is because it’s extra sturdy and durable. 

Most pop-up tents don’t fare well in high winds, but the Gazelle has a lot of reinforcing tie-down points.

And at the end of a long weekend, you can clean out the tent by detaching one side of the bathtub floor. Trying to shake everything out of the door is no longer a four-person job!

Whether you’re looking for a weatherproof tent with plenty of room or just a shelter you can stand up in, the Gazelle T4 is well above most tents.

#11 Mobihome 6-Person Tent

Best Tent for Festivals

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Capacity: 6 people
Setup Time: 60 seconds
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 16.3 lbs
Doors: 1
Features: Awning over door, large windows, and one-year warranty

When it comes time for a festival, the best pop-up tents are lightweight and have enough space for friends to spend the night. The Mobihome 6-Person Tent is just right for this use.

It’s a spacious tent without being overkill. 

The dome shape does make it shorter as the sides slope more than a cabin tent, but it’s plenty tall to hang out inside and wait out a surprise stormy afternoon.

Three inside storage pockets help keep small items organized, and the interior is wide and has a lot of floor space for everyone to have their own area.

One unique feature of the Mobihome is a small awning over the door for added waterproofing. This feature is unusual for a pop-up tent and certainly useful. 

A door overhang will keep you dry when you’re getting in or out of the tent. 

It also allows you to leave the front window open for ventilation even in the rain…and with a big group, ventilation is very important. 

As a bonus, if it’s not raining, you can leave the waterproof cover off and enjoy the mesh ceiling panels, which offer wider views and ventilation.

I typically leave my rainfly on at festivals though for extra privacy.

This is the best pop-up tent for events because it’s light enough that it’s worth taking, even if you’re only a group of two. No one ever complained about added space.

What to Look for When Buying a Pop-Up Tent

Materials

Pop-up tents are typically made out of cheap, lightweight nylon, taffeta, or polyester. Look for PU-coated polyester if you need a waterproof tent.

Size

Many pop-up tents run small. Size up if you want a more comfortable sleeping space (for example, a 4-person tent for two or three people).

Weather Protection

Looking for waterproof pop-up camping tents is no longer a lost cause.

Buy a tent with fabric rated to at least 1500mm in a hydrostatic head test. A separate rainfly is also a good choice.

Price

Instant tents are meant to be cheap and fun. Unless you’re buying a large pop-up tent, look for something under $200.

Ventilation

Be sure the tent has mesh windows and vents that can open even when the rain cover is on.

Number of Doors & Windows

More is generally better, especially if you want to sleep more people in the tent. Having two doors helps with entry and exit.

Weight & Portability

Make sure you’re comfortable moving and packing the tent, especially if it’s larger. And note that many of these tents pack into unusual shapes.

For a hiking pop-up tent, look for no more than 2.5 lbs per person.

Looking for more tent options? Read our guides to the best 4-person tents, 6-person tents, 8-person tents, 10-person tents, 12-person tents, 3-room tents, large camping tents, instant tents, inflatable tents, canvas tents, waterproof tents, insulated tents, winter tents, tents with a stove jack, tunnel tents, SUV tents, and cabin tents.

FAQs About Pop-Up Tents

What is a Pop-Up Tent?

Pop-up tents are tents that pack and store mostly assembled, so they don’t take as long to pitch.

The tent poles are often joined with a spring or joint that allows them to fold without being disassembled.

This also forces the polls to spring into place when pressure is removed (when the tent is removed from its carrying bag, for example).

Instant tents that pop up are quick to set up and take down.

Because of this, they’re a popular choice for casual car camping, backpacking, or beach days.

Are Pop-Up Tents Any Good?

If you’re trying to set up fast in a rainstorm, you’ll likely think an instant tent for camping is better than good. 

If you’re trying to sleep through a rainstorm in a pop-up tent, your answer might be different.

Pop-up tents have come a long way, and many perform very well, but there are, of course, still pros and cons:

PROS

• Convenient fast setup
• Good for newbies/easy to use
• Great for kids
• Affordable

CONS

• Tend to be less durable in heavy rain & strong wind
• Most don’t have a separate rainfly
• Sometimes poor ventilation when all windows are closed
• Not always as compact as a traditional tent

Want to make your tent more waterproof? Check out our step-by-step tent waterproofing guide and our picks for the best tent waterproofing sprays on the market.

Who Are Pop-Up Tents For?

While they have their pros and cons, pop-up tents are perfect for a lot of occasions. The best pop-up tents reduce stress by simplifying setup.

Most notably, a classic pop-up tent offers all that beginner campers and summer campers need. 

While other tents might be a little lighter or more compact for backpackers, the ease of setup is worth it for casual car campers.

Pop-up tents are really for anyone who prioritizes easy setup above all else.

And many instant or pop-up tents are under $100, which is perfect for budget-conscious campers.

What’s the Difference Between Pop-Up Tents and Regular Tents?

The number one difference is that instant pop-up tents are mostly preassembled. They “pop up” without having to attach poles.

Also, a lot of pop-up tents aren’t intended for camping in inclement weather. They’re made to be used for fun and simple car camping, festivals, and beach trips.

How Do You Set Up and Take Down a Pop-Up Tent?

All tents are different! Some instant tents spring up when you remove them from the carry bag.

A more durable pop-up tent for camping might require staking down corners and securing a rainfly.

What is the Best Quality and Strongest Pop-Up Tent?

There are so many features to take into consideration. The Gazelle T4 Hub is by far one of the toughest and best pop-up tents that you’ll find. 

It’s a 6.5-foot tall cabin tent with a rainfly and 2000mm waterproof polyester. Plus, it has unique features like the removable bathtub bottom for easy cleaning. 

Conclusion – What’s the Best Pop-Up Tent For You?

Keep in mind that it’s important to choose the best pop-up tent for your needs. 

However, if I had to pick my favorite overall, the HUI LINGYANG Easy Pop-Up Tent is the best pop-up tent for a fun weekend in nature. 

Throw it into the air and voila! 

As far as instant pop-ups go, it’s a very roomy tent and has a vestibule for dirty shoes.

This tent isn’t ready for extreme weather conditions, but it’s a great pop-up tent for warm-weather camping. 

If you expect rainstorms, add a coat of waterproofing spray to the walls and tent floor–I do that with all of my tents, anyway. 

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