By Stephanie Harper – Setting up your family campsite can be a challenge with kids in tow; hands full, and time ticking away by the minute until the moment you can sit down, relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Having easy access to an easy, instant, pop up tent can be the answer to dreaded hours spent unpacking, whether on a beach, by a river, or at a park.
Think a lighter, all-in-one, efficient cousin of the tent. Don’t know where to start? Check out our instant pop up tent buying guide below before you invest.
How to Choose the Best Instant Pop Up Tent
Carrying capabilities: Look for family-sized instant pop up tents with sturdy handles or carrying cases to make trundling between car and campsite easier.
The easier, the better: Since some instant easy up tents can be put together in a matter of minutes or even seconds, the structure should be complete with attached poles and step-by-step instructions on how to get it set up, perfect for first-time campers.
| Related: Printable Family Camping Checklist |
Size matters: Find an instant pop up tent that isn’t too large or bulky from never-ending folds to heavy attachments. Since easy up tents are meant to be just that, compact is key.
Protection value: An additional rain fly will keep wetness outside, while heavy duty seams and zippers can ensure bugs stay out of your space. In the long run this will save you time and money on your camping trip.
More instant pop up family tent features:
- Windows for consistent air flow through the tent
- An attached tarp for keeping away unwanted, mud, sand or dirt
- An Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) setting
- Extra storage compartments for camp organization
- A hanging lighting system is useful at night or for ambiance
- A tent warranty in case any damage out of your control happens
Bookmark this list of Outdoor Families Magazine-endorsed easy instant pop up tents for your next family camping trip to maximize family fun time.
8 Best Instant Pop Up Tents
1. CORE 6 Person Instant Pop Up Tent
Price: $154.99*
- Sleeps 6
- Fits two queen air mattresses
- Center Height: 72″
- CORE H20 Block Technology and adjustable ground vent
- Features gear loft with lantern hook and large wall organizer to keep items neat and off the tent floor
- Includes rain fly, tent stakes, and carry bag
- 1 year warranty
2. Coleman Sundome Instant Pop Up Tent
Price: $129.00*
- Sleeps 6
- Fits two queen air mattresses
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Rugged Polyguard 2X double-thick tent fabric
- Measures 10 x 9 feet with 6-foot center height
- 2 storage pockets to keep gear organized
3. Ozark Trail 11 Person Instant Pop Up Tent
Price: $158.83*
- Instant easy up tent set up in under 2 minutes
- No assembly required: poles pre-attached to pop up tent
- Sleeps 11
- Fits 2 queen air mattresses
- Private back room and included room divider allow for 3 separate living spaces
- 6 large windows and mesh panel ceilings for amazing views and great ventilation
4. Malamoo Mega Instant Pop Up Tent
Price: $399*
- 3 second easy up tent – no assembly required
- Attached front vestibule for gear storage or a place for your pet
- 100% waterproof with built in rain fly
- Sleeps 4
- 12 feet long (with 2′ vestibule)
- 8 feet wide large window on rear and both sides with roll up flaps
5. Coleman Instant Easy Up Tent
Price: $185.57*
- Sleeps 8
- Fits 2 queen-size airbeds
- Instant easy up tent sets up in 1 minute in 3 easy steps
- WeatherTec system with patented corner welds and inverted seams keeps water out
- Rugged Polyguard 2x double-thick fabric for reliable, long-lasting use
- Measures 14 x 10 feet with 6-foot 7-inch center height
6. Quechua Instant Pop Up Camping Tent
Price: $149.60*
- Sleeps 3
- Portable and lightweight instant pop up tent 7 lbs / 15 oz
- Big Entry / Exit: Front flap, easy and efficient access
- Ventilation: 1 upper rear air vent between the flysheet and the ground on each side in the middle of the room to allow air to circulate and keep the natural build-up of condensation to a minimum.
- Waterproof instant easy up tent: PU-coated 2000mm polyester fly sheet,120g/sqm polyethylene groundsheet, all seams sealed using thermobonded tape).
- UV protection: The fabric flysheet filters UV rays with a SPF of 30
7. Alpha Camp Instant Pop Up Tent
Price: $136.99*
- Sleeps 6
- Durable Material: Sealed flysheet seam block moisture
- Instant easy up tents large “D” style door and side windows provide great ventilation
- Poles come attached to instant pop up tent, ensuring setup in 60 seconds or less
- 2 large side pockets to keep organized and a cable port for electrical cord access
- Includes rain fly, tent stakes, and carry bag
8. Wnnideo Instant Pop Up Tent
Price: $99.00*
- Elasticized Fabric
- Instant easy up tent set ups in 1-minute
- Double doors for ease of access
- Sleeps 6
- Redesigned poles to anchor instnat pop up tent
- Water-resistant material
*All listed prices were confirmed at time of publish and are subject to change.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our other family camping tent guides, 10 Best Family Camping Tents Under $100 and 10 Best Large Family Camping Tents.
Stephanie Harper is a freelance writer who lives in Asheville, NC. Originally from Oakland, CA, she and her husband, James, decided to move their blended family cross-country in hopes to broaden their landscape for outdoor adventuring and love of nature. You can follow the Harper family on her blog raisingkidswild.com.
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