Here is our selection of the best 4 person car camping tents. In summary, we have selected tents in various styles and sizes, from small and portable to massive multi-room camping castles.
Here is our selection of the best 4 person car camping tents. In summary, we have selected tents in various styles and sizes, from small and portable to massive multi-room camping castles.
It is essential for you to know we have built up this list based on quality and versatility and not on popularity. By this, we mean that we could have populated this list with just tunnel-type tents, cabin tents, or dome tents. But we wanted to give you some great examples of all basic types.
Also, some manufacturers have many excellent tents. So we could have made this list with the tents from one brand alone, such as Coleman, Vango, or several other examples. But in light of this, we did our best to show a few top brands in this industry.
It is the same story when it comes to materials. We consider canvas or polycotton tents perfect for almost any weather and climate. With this in mind, we have added some examples alongside synthetic tents.
You want a comfortable tent for car camping, so the larger, the better. There are a few giant tents here, but the area was not our only consideration. We also included examples of tents that are relatively easy to use, versatile, and compact for transportation.
It is impossible to make a shortlist and claim with certainty that these are the best tents out there. Many more tents deserve to be here, but this is a relatively short list, so we must prioritize our favorites.
Our list of top rated 4 person car camping tents
Firstly, it’s important to note that the tents in our list are ordered by the size of the floor areas from smallest to largest. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this doesn’t include vestibules or porches. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to the specs provided rather than relying solely on the order in which the tents are listed.
- Coleman Instant 4 Person Camping Tent
- KLYMIT Cross Canyon 4 Person Tent
- Gazelle 22272 T4 Pop-up Portable Camping Hub Tent
- Coleman 4 Person Cabin Camping Tent with Screen Room
- Nemo Wagontop 4p Tent
- Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 4 Person Canvas Tent
- Outwell Chatham 4 Person Air Tent
- Vaude Family Tent Badawi 4 Person
- Bushtec Adventure Echo 2200 Luxury Camping Tent
If you are new to this, then it is important to stress that here we have listed products from some of the best-known brands in the outdoor industry.
1. Coleman Instant 4 Person Camping Tent
Although the tent’s area measures only 56 ft² (5.2 m²), it has been included in our list for its simplicity and ease of use. As illustrated in the picture, you can see that this is a typical cabin-type tent. Moreover, it is an instant tent that can be set up in under 1 minute. This feature is ideal for people who frequently change campsites and don’t want to deal with poles all the time. The frame is pre-attached to the tent, so you just need to unfold and extend the poles to get it ready.
In the spirit of being simple, this is a single-layer tent. Additionally, the fly sheet is integrated into the structure. However, you can buy a partial cover fly sheet separately.
All things considered, this tent has already been on the market for several years. Therefore, it is tried and tested, so you know you will get a quality tent from a well-known brand. Consequently, the number of user reports on Amazon alone is in the big 4-figures.
The tent is fully freestanding with double-layer windows on all sides. Here are a few more numbers:
- Weight: 9.8 lb (4.45 kg).
- Peak height: 59 in (1.5 m).
- Packed size: 38 x 18 x 9.5 in (97 x 46 x 24 cm).
2. KLYMIT Cross Canyon 4 Person Tent
We have decided that we should add at least one typical dome-style tent to our list. This type of tent is for places where you need extra protection from the elements and if you camp in windy conditions. Unfortunately, comfort may be limited, but you have protection and lots of storage space.
Note that the Klymit Cross Canyon 4 is the largest in Klymit’s new series of three tents, which also includes Cross Canyon 2 and Cross Canyon 3 tents.
This is a dome configuration, but the poles are pre-bent, adding extra shoulder space inside. It also has a full coverage fly sheet that creates 2 vestibules. This tent is quite tall for a dome tent, but it is aerodynamic, making it great for windy conditions. The peak height is 65 inches (165 cm).
The quality materials found in the construction of this tent include a 40D polyester mesh canopy and a 68D polyester taffeta fly sheet with a polyurethane coating. This treatment gives it an 1800 mm waterproof rating. The bathtub-style floor is made from 75D polyester and has a 3000 mm PU coating. The poles are aluminum.
Here are some numbers:
- The weight: 10.7 lb (4.9 kg).
- Dimensions: 100 x 86 in (254 x 218 cm).
- Inner area: 59 ft² (5.54 m²).
- Vedstibules area: 30 ft² (2.8 m²).
- Packed size (L x D): 20 x 9.5 in (51 x 24 cm).
3. Gazelle 22272 T4 Pop-up Portable Camping Hub Tent
This tent is on our list because of its unique design and ease of use. Firstly, it is an instant tent with a patent-pending design, which allows you to set it up in just 90 seconds.
Additionally, the preattached frame gives this tent a freestanding pop-up construction. Therefore, it could be described as a cabin-type tent with a peak height of 78 inches (198 cm). Furthermore, the walls are almost vertical, giving you lots of volume inside.
The tent’s design gives you 6 windows and 2 uniquely shaped doors. All these openings are double-layer structures with mesh and with panels. Additionally, the floor is removable, adding versatility.
This tent is supported by strong fiberglass poles, and it has durable materials all around. For example, the rain fly and the wall material is made from 210D Oxford Weave shell with a waterproof rating of 2000 mm. The floor is also polyester 300D Oxford Weave with a waterproof rating of 5000 mm. Gazelle claims the fabric has a UV50+ rating. All zippers are top-quality YKK. Note that the tent is heavy, weighing 30 lb (13.6 kg), and the area is 61.4 ft² (5.7 m²).
4. Coleman 4 Person Cabin Camping Tent with Screen Room
This tent is everything but a cabin, even though the word Cabin is included in its name. In fact, this is a nicely built tunnel tent. Coleman makes it in two different versions related to the design of its screen room. In one of them, shown in the picture, the screen room is fully protected under the fly. So this makes it a pleasant 2-room structure.
Firstly, the tent offers three panoramic windows and one large door, as well as an e-cable port. Despite the interior measuring around 64 ft² (6 m²), the total area, including the screen room, is approximately 88 ft² (8.2 m²), with some extra space under the vestibule. Additionally, the tent is relatively lightweight at 23 lb (10.4 kg), and it stands 6 ft (183 cm) high. Furthermore, the packed size (L x D) is very good at 26 x 10.5 inches (66 x 27 cm).
You are protected by Colman’s WeatherTec polyester with inverted seams, supported by 4 fiberglass poles.
5. Nemo Wagontop 4p Tent
This Wagontop 4 person tent is the smallest of the series of three tents that includes the Wagontop 6P and Wagontop 8P. With this in mind, you can choose a larger version if you need to. Nevertheless, they all share almost the same features.
It is a freestanding and pleasant tent with a unique design. It is supported by poles with Y-shapes on both ends. Therefore, the structure becomes self-supporting when the poles are inserted into the ground grommets. This can be described as a tunnel-type tent, but with straight leg poles, just like in a cabin tent. As a result, you have lots of headspace and volume inside.
As illustrated in the picture, the tent has one door and a removable vestibule. In addition, occupants benefit from large panoramic side windows. Furthermore, the poles we mentioned earlier are made from aluminum and are thick, measuring 14.5 mm. Moreover, occupants are protected by 75D polyester fabric with a 1500 waterproof rating. Lastly, the floor material is a 300D polyester with the same waterproof rating.
This tent weighs 20 lb 1 oz (9.1 kg), so it is on the heavy side. On the other hand, the area and volume are excellent. The floor space measures 69.4 ft² (6.45 m²), but you also have an additional 26.9 ft² (2.5 m²) under the vestibule. The packed size (L x D) is 27 x 10 inches (69 x 25 cm). This tent is also on our list of best Nemo tents for camping.
6. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 4 Person Canvas Tent
A list of this type has to include Kodiak Canvas tents. With this in mind, we have added the Flex-Bow 4-Person, which is one of the smallest they make. At the present time, several larger versions are available if you feel you need a larger tent.
This tent has been on the market for years, so it is well-known in the industry. It is built from a pleasant breathable cotton fabric. Unfortunately, this fabric makes the tent heavy at 54.5 lb (24.7 kg). The roof is a 10 oz Hydra-shield canvas, and the walls are 8.5 oz Hydra-Shield canvas.
Kodiak has given this tent a synthetic floor made from 13.5 oz vinyl reinforced with polyester and welded seams. The frame is impressive, with its 1-inch galvanized steel tubing for the two legs poles and flex-bow rods and 3/8-inch, solid, spring steel on the roof.
The tent could be described as a cabin-type structure with 2 large D-shaped doors and 4 large windows. These have no-see-um mesh and panels for privacy. As you can see from the picture, the tent has a front awning (70 x 57 inches) that provides a covered entry and shade.
The dimensions are 9 x 8 ft (274 x 244 cm), and the floor area is 72 ft² (6.69 m²). The peak height is 6’1″ (185 cm), and the packed size is 35.5 x 12.5 x 11.5 inches (90 x 32 x 29 cm).
7. Outwell Chatham 4 Person Air Tent
Outwell is one of the brands that could populate this list all on its own. This Chatam 4 person tent is one of their great products for many reasons. Firstly, it has a huge 3-room structure, plus a large porch. Additionally, the front porch is practically a floorless room that is completely enclosed but with solid windows and a door.
So let’s see the dimensions first. The inner floor area measures 131.3 ft² (12.2 m²), and the porch adds around 65 ft² (6 m²). So the total protected area is around 196 ft² (18 m²).
This is also a tent that uses inflatable air beams instead of solid poles. The sleeping rooms are made with a darkened material to reduce glare. As well as this, solid tinted windows and large doors allow you to maintain your privacy. The front door is a 2-layer type measuring 94.5 inches (2.4 meters) wide. There is also a side door for easy access.
The tent is high with its 82.68 inches (210 cm) peak height, and the structure is clearly a tunnel-shape, as you can see from the picture. The shell is called the Outtex 4000 Select, a 70D durable polyester with a 4000 mm waterproof rating. On the floor, you have a double-coated polyethylene with a 10000 mm rating. The inner tent is built from breathable polyester.
The tent weighs 47 lb (21.3 kg), and its overall dimensions are 20.83 x 10.17 ft (635 x 310 cm). The packed size is 35 x 19 x 19 inches (88 x 49 x 49 cm).
8. Vaude Family Tent Badawi 4 Person
This Vaude Family Tent Badawi 4 Person is one of the most impressive tents in this size range. You have no less than 3 rooms, and the inner area is 137 ft² (12.7 m²). You have a shell tent and two inner tents that represent sleeping rooms, and the remaining part is a living room.
But this is not only about the floor size and organization. This is also a very tall tent with 84.6 inches (215 cm) peak height. See also its impressive materials. You have DAC poles and this is aluminum 7001 series with diameters 14.5, 9, and 8 mm.
Additionally, the shell fabric is made from durable 100% polyester 70D 185T with a polyurethane coating that gives it a 3000 mm rating. The inner tents are also durable and breathable, 100% polyester 68D. On the floor, you have a durable 100% polyamide, 70D 190T laminated with a 10000 mm waterproof rating. All seams are taped, but the living room floor is linked-in and not sewn in.
The tent weighs 26.8 lb (12.15 kg), and its overall dimensions are 13.8 x 11.8 ft (420 x 360 cm). The packed size is excellent (L x D), 23.6 x 13.8 inches (60 x 35 cm).
9. Bushtec Adventure Echo 2200 Luxury Camping Tent
This Bushtec Adventure Echo 2200 Luxury Camping Tent is not for everybody because of its price, size, and weight. But this is an incredible construction that deserves to be on our list. It is of quality that is hard, if not impossible, to match.
The tent is built from a military-grade canvas, so this is a heavy-duty, rip-stop canvas 650 g/m², incredibly robust and long-lasting. It is impregnated during production and fire-retardant to all international and USA standards (CPAI 84). It blocks UV rays to reduce color fading (4 on the blue wool scale), and the manufacturer claims the fabric shows no noticeable color fading for 15+ years. Consequently, they give a 3-year warranty on all parts.
The frame is premium-grade powder-coated steel, and the tent is fully freestanding and self-supporting. The zippers are also the best #10 YKK. You also have unbendable pegs, zinc-coated D-rings, and brass eyelets.
The tent has 2 rooms plus a porch and 6 windows. The inner tent offers 206 ft² (19.18 m²). There is also a porch with a 77 ft² (7.15 m²) area. So imagine how luxurious this is for 4 people. But this is a heavy structure; it weighs 500 lb (227 kg). The outer dimensions are 24.18 x 12.76 ft (7.36 x 3.89 m). The peak height is an incredible 10 ft (3 m).
Final thoughts
So this was our list of best 4 person camping tents, and we hope you realize how impressive these tents really are. But indeed, they are all very different, so here are a few tips that might help you decide what to choose.
Materials
Regarding fabric, you have both canvas and synthetic tents here. Canvas is always the best, and it works great in all seasons and climates. It is breathable and pleasant, gives a bit of insulation, and creates a cool atmosphere in the tent. On the other hand, it is heavy, and it needs more care when stored.
When it comes to poles/support, all materials are represented here. This means fiberglass, aluminum, steel, and inflatable beams. Air beams are great because they can never break, but they can leek, though this technology has recently improved. Fiberglass is inexpensive but not very durable. Aluminum is always a great option, but some heavy tents need strong steel legs poles.
Area
You have a vast diversity here. The difference between the largest and the smallest tents is by a factor of 4 or so. But note that some of the smallest tents have vestibules, a valuable storage area for gear.
The largest tents here are organized in separate rooms, so this may be convenient for families with kids and groups of couples. On the other hand, smaller tents can be very easy to use and transport. Some people only need small tents, this is why we have included some smaller options here.
Price
Some of the tents here are really affordable, and the price was one of the reasons for having them on the list. But you also have very expensive camping castles here. The differences in prices can be 10 times or so.
Related Articles
You might want to also see our list of extra-long sleeping pads for tall people. If you need a larger tent, check these top-rated 6 person camping tents.
Thank you for reading. Let us know if you have a question or comment, there is a comment box below.

Fun Outdoors Team
The FunOutdoors team is comprised of seasoned writers and editors with a passion for outdoor living.
Happy trails!