Introduction

If you are thinking about going on a camping trip and want the freedom to go anywhere your car will take you, especially if you are going someplace at a distance from your home, then a car camping tent might be ideal for you. In this article we will look at some of the leading brands of car camping tents with strong point and weaknesses of each. These are the brands which we will evaluate:

Coleman: Coleman is one of the mostwell-known and trusted brands in the camping industry

Core Equipment: Core Equipment is a relatively new brand that has gained popularity for its affordable yet
high-quality tents. 

Ozark Trail: Ozark Trail is abudget-friendly brand exclusively sold at Walmart stores.

REI Co-op: REI Co-op isan outdoor gear and apparel brand known for its high-quality products.

The North Face: The North Face is arenowned outdoor brand known for its high-performance gear. 

Marmot: Marmot is a respected brandthat specializes in outdoor equipment and apparel. 

Kelty: Kelty is a well-establishedbrand that offers a wide range of camping tents and outdoor gear. 

Eureka!: Eureka! is a long-standingbrand known for its high-quality and durable camping tents.

But before we get into the pros and cons of these famous brands, I want to share with you some of my  thoughts, based on many years of camping experience, of the factors which you should consider when making a decision on whether or not a car camping tent is for you.

Here Are Some of the Features Which Make Car Camping Tents So Attractive

For many people the car camping tent has opened up a whole new world of camping, so let’s take a look at some of the factors which have made this camping mode so popular.

1. Ease of Getting Set Up

Using a car camping tent takes all of the stress out of getting your tent configured with poles, stakes and complicated set up.  When you get to your camping site all you have to do is follow the hassle-free instructions which usually will take no more than a few minutes.  For me, having experienced many varieties of camping tents, this is the main reason for choosing the car camping tent.  They may not be quite as spacious or comfortable as some of the more complex tents, but arriving and being all set up with no stress and no delay make the car tent an easy choice.

2. Spacious 

Surprisingly, most car camping tents are remarkably spacious, providing more room than you might think from outward appearances.  They provide ample headroom and floor space which are important factors in making the tent comfortable.  Some even come with a vestibule which provides plenty of space for keeping your gear close at hand and for storing it out of the elements.

3. Versatile

Car camping tents are the ultimate in versatility, because  wherever you can drive your car, even in remote locations, you are in business. Without having to scout out a place whch is level and free of obstructions, you are all set with a base camp for exploring the countryside, going hunting or whatever you have in mind.  If you are trailering you snowmobile, this is perfect for getting to a spot which is a good starting point for your day on the snow.

What to Look For in Deciding on a Car Camping Tent

People’s tastes differ, so a feature which is top of the list for some will just not make much difference to some other people.  Here are a few of the features which I have found will make a difference to most people.  Whatever you preferences may be this list should be helpful and will, at the least, give you some things to take into consideration.

1. Capacity

If you are planning to go camping by yourself or with another person, the size you choose for your tent will be quite different from somone who will be camping with a family or several friends.  Car camping tents are available in several sizes which makes it possible to find one which will fit your requirements. Of course you may not be sure of how many people will be with you and there may be different numbers of people on different trips.  In this case it is best to think big.  It is always better to have too much space than to have too little and to have to squeeze in more people than is comfortable.

2. Ease of Setup

The beauty of most car camping tents is that most are constructed to provide a setup which is simple and with easy to follow directions.  Some, however, are more complex than others, so you should take care to compare this feature in the brands you are considering.

3. Performance in Bad Weather

No one (hardly anyone anyway) wants to go camping in very bad weather, but prdictions are no always reliable and stormy weather can come on quickly and unexpectedly.  For this reason it is a good idea to consider how a car tent will perform in bad weather.  This involves an examination of the details of how the tent is put together.  Look for a sturdy frame, durable stitching and waterproof materials.  Adjustable vents allow you to regulate airflow in windy conditions.

Here are Some Tips for a Better Camping Experience

1. Choosing a Campsite 

Although a car camping tent will allow you to choose many sites that would be unacceptable for most regular camping tents, it is still important to avoid places which will not be comfortable such as a site on a noticable grade.  So it is important to choose a site that is at least close to level.  Sometimes it is a good idea to find a place in the shade or a place that is not exposed to a lot of wind.

2. Organizing Your Gear

When you are using a car camping tent it is usually possible to carry more supplies and gear than if you were to be backpacking for example, but it this can be curse rather than a blessing if you are not well organized. Get your stuff organized in a logical way that makes it easy to get to the things that you need generally in the order that you will be needing them. Using storage bins or pockets will make it easier to access what you need when you need it.

3. Comfort

You should take all reasonable measures to ensure that you and your fellow campers will be comfortable, both as to sleeping and eating arrangements and generally in spaces for relaxation.

Let’s Consider the Strengths and weaknesses of the Top Brands

Coleman: I like Coleman’s line of car camping tents because they include several models will be sure to include one that is just right for a family or a casual camper looking for affordable and reliable camping shelter.  Their Sundome and Cabin models feature extended awnings and integrated rainfly designs which make for extra living space.  If you are looking for a larger tent for 6 to 8 people, their Weathermaster series would be a good fit and can be divided into separate rooms with removable partitions.  One thing I especially like about the Colman tents is their color-coded pole systems which add to the ease of getting the tent set up.

Core Equipment:  You can’t beat Core Equipment when it comes the amount of space for your dollar.  Notable is their Instant Cabin collection which features instant setup with pre-attached poles. Models like the 9-person Instant Cabin provide exceptional livability with vertical walls, lots of headroom and large windows for a very affordable family camping choice.  Also available in the Core line are more basic tents with room divisions for separate sleeping and living areas.  I would definitly suggest keeping Core Equipment on your shopping list, especially if you want to accomodate a group of 4 or 5 or more people on a limited budget.

Ozark Trail:  Although known primarily for its low prices, I have found that Ozark Trail has a line of family camping tents which is perfect for meeting a family’s basic requirements when it comes to car camping.  Not that this line is limited to simple or small applications, Ozark also offers large models such as the 10-person Prairie Camp Cabin which has the flexibility to be divided into several rooms to keep sleeping areas apart from other living spaces.  Even so, their dome-style car tent is the most popular and is perfect for short trips with a limited amount of gear and luggage.

REI Co-op:  It is apparent to me that REI Co-op, unlike some other companies, has taken the time to evaluate the needs and desires of real enthusiastic campers in the design of its line of camping tents, including car camping tents.  These tents are not for the faint hearted though, because they feature large tents with spacious interiors with room dividers and large vestibules.  The basic model in this line is in the Base Camp series offering mega-size tents like the 6-person model which boasts a huge 83 square feet on interior space.  One thing I really like about the REI line is the attention to eco-friendliness such as the use of recycled fabrics.

The North Face:  Known for the high quality of the materials and design and for providing a line designed particularly for backpacking, The North Face is a leader in innovative features for car camping tents.  The so-called “bombproof” Wawona series features sturdy aliminum poles and the Summit series has innovative mesh shelters.  These tents are built to withstand robust use.  Personally this is a brand that I am not very familiar with, but it is certainly worth checking out.

Marmot:  This is an old company which has a long history of producing a wide variety of outdoor equipment and accessories.  For car camping tents look at their Limestone models which feature innovative features such as numerous large mesh windows, color-coded poles and large awnings.  The 6-person version also comes with a removable room divider. Marmot car camping tents feature tough nylon material and sturdy poles with a unique design.

Kelty:  Kelty is a company with a history in backpacking equipment but has evolved into a producer of affordable camping tents. In their Rumpshaker line they feature models with easily switchable room dividers and in the Trail Ridge series there are cabin-style tents suitable for multiple users.  The Kelty tents provide great value, quality materials and a design which makes them easy to set up.  I would say that the Kelty tent gives you a good quality tent for the money.

Eureka!: With over 100 years in business Eureka! claims that their car camping tents are the best for luxury and sturdiness and I think that they may be very close to being right. Their sturdy fiberglass frames and high quality mylon fabrics provide excellent protection in any season.  In their Copper Canyon series they have very large tents with more than one room and vertical walls to provide lots of headroom for maximum comfort.  Additional deluxe features such as multiple doors and large vestibules are offered in the Steel Creek series.  These tents are constructed to withstand hard use for many seasons.

Questions

In my many years of advising campers of all ages and backgrounds I have found that the same questions keep popping up time after time so I thought it would be helpful to set down here some of these questions along with brief answers.  I hope that you find this useful.

Is a car camping tent good for backpacking?

Not really.  Car camping tents are generally too big and heavy for ease in lugging along in a backpack.

Is there any particular process for cleaning and maintaining a car camping tent?

Just use gentle sponge, mild soap and water to clean the tent body and rainfly.  Try to stay away from harsh chemicals which can damage waterproof coating.  Be sure to let the tent dry thoroughly before packing it away and store in a cool dry place to avoid mildew and mold.

Is a car camping tent good for every season?

That depends on the tent.  Some are designed for three seasons (spring, summer and fall) but there are also a few designed for winter use (four-season tents).  Check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Is there any particular type of sleeping bag for car camping tents?

No, but since car camping tents usually provide more room than backpacking tents, you could use a larger and more comfortable sleeping bag.  Check the sleeping bag rating to be sure that it will be warm enough for the expected temperature where you will be camping.

What are some good accessories to consider for a car camping tent?

Here are some accessories which you might want to consider to make your car tent more comfortable:  a camping chair, a portable stove and LED lanterns.  You also might consider a pop-up canopy or an awning for additional protection from the weather.

Conclusion

With their easy setup, spacious interiors, and versatility car camping tents are a great way for the beginning camper to get a start and also can be perfect for the seasoned camper.  When you are looking for the right tent for you, give wieght to the factors discussed in this article and you are sure to fine a car camping tent that will give you many happy excursions into the world of nature.

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