Camping can be a wonderful experience. What isn’t wonderful is when water starts seeping through the tent, making everything went. Getting the best waterproof camping tent will solve that issue.
Getting a fully waterproof tent sometimes isn’t as easy as it should be. Some don’t offer the best protection, which can be highly frustrating. To ensure that doesn’t happen, we have done our research, and here you’ll be able to find the best waterproof camping tent for your needs.
Reviews of The Best Waterproof Camping Tent
Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room – Best Waterproof Camping Tent
- Spacious interior: Room for 2 queen-size airbeds and ample storage pockets to keep items organized.
- Easy Entry and Exit: Hinged door for fast, hassle-free access.
- Bug-Free Lounging: separate floorless screen room for insect-free relaxation.
- Weatherproof: WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to ensure dryness.
- Convenient Structure: Angled windows for improved air circulation, E-Port for easy electrical power access, and a durable Polyguard fabric construction.
Coleman is the #1 tent brand and they make an excellent 6-person tent.The WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room from Coleman offers outstanding waterproofing, ventilation, and space for up to six people. The set-up isn’t the quickest But easily can be done in just minutes when you have the right tools on hand.
All-welded floors help keep your feet dry while a zipper with zipper protection keeps the rain out! There are large storage pockets and plenty of room for both you and your camping buddies!
Forget about trips that end in hours of troubleshooting set-ups or sleeping cramped together. With this high quality Coleman cabin tent, you can count on the weather protecting your family or friends while you take in the sights and sounds of nature!
The small door size and the plastic stakes are the downsides. It is probably advisable to buy large metal stakes if you camp in difficult conditions. These are harder to carry but will give a lot more support and are therefore worth the extra weight.
It’s a tent which is very good for casual campers. There are a few downsides, but overall, it’s a high-quality tent. It offers proper waterproofing for the size and other aspects such as ventilation are impressive as the tent won’t get too warm.
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Things We Liked
- 6 or 10 person tent
- Separate floorless screen room
- Patented welded floors
- Rainfly and carry bag included
- Hinged door for easy access
- Zipper and seam protection
- Large storage pockets
Things We Didn’t Like
- Can be difficult to set-up
- Small-sized door
- Plastic stakes
Coleman Dome Tent – Best Waterproof Camping Tent With Screened Porch
- Spacious tent has enough room for 6 people with 2 queen size airbeds
- Sets up in 15 minutes with rainfly and carry bag included
- Snag-free continuous pole sleeves with insta-clip attachments to stand up to winds
- WeatherTec System features patented welded floors and protected seams to keep you dry, angled rainfly lets in light but not water
- Separate screen room offers bug-free lounging
Coleman also delivers this dome tent, which also has a similar level of quality. The screen room will be ideal for some. It is suitable for mild to moderate weather and acts as a nice hub for a family or a small group of friends.
That separate screen room is perhaps the main feature of the tent. While it can be great for relaxing in an insect-free environment, that part of the tent doesn’t have much waterproof protection. This can be inconvenient after a night of rain.
Setting the tent up isn’t very difficult. This means less frustration and more time enjoying your vacation. It also has a decent level of wind resistance for quite a large tent.
The welded floor, together with the inverted seams, help to give it a high level of waterproof protection to ensure everyone stays dry. The window awnings also help to keep the air flowing, and you dry, even when it’s raining. They cover the windows well to ensure that the rain doesn’t hit the mesh.
While the rain and wind protection is quite good, the tent does struggle to cope with the most extreme weather. Rain can seep in, and the wind put significant pressure on the sides. For 99{6c74ca63e013bf7fdc90f42082e9494ee47031617a282fbe0976712ddae472a0} of weather conditions, the tent holds up very well.
Not having zipped windows also means the only privacy you can get is from the rainfly. This can be an issue if there are other tents nearby. There is enough space in the tent to change away from the windows, but it’s another aspect to consider.
Overall it’s a tent which impresses in quite a few ways. It does have its flaws, but some of them are only minor. It’s a great tent for those who like the idea of a screen room. It’s a very easy tent to use, and you won’t get frustrated then putting it up or down.
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Things We Liked
- Fits 6 or 8 people
- Separate screen room
- Welded floors and inverted seams
- Strong frame
- Large window awnings
- Impressive wind resistance
- Easy to set-up
Things We Didn’t Like
- Screen room area can get wet
- No zippered windows
- Doesn’t cope with severe weather
Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent – Best Family Waterproof Tent
- Convertible screen room with inverted "T" style door and inside flap zippered windows
- Removable seam-sealed fly provides versatility
- Mesh roof vents, 2 zippered side windows with inside flaps
- Shock corded fiberglass roof frame with steel uprights and corner elbows combined with pin & ring for easy set up
- Guy out vent at the back of the tent, Two convenience pockets
If you’re looking for the best waterproof family tent, this is an excellent choice. It offers a fantastic level of comfort. It adds that comfort to many great features which are going to ensure that you are left with a beautiful camping experience.
The most impressive aspect of this tent is how effectively it uses the space. There is plenty of room which is helped by a high roof. There are also interior walls available to be able to divide the rooms and have a nice sleeping experience.
Added to the great space is also a high level of usability. The rainfly is easily removable and the large pockets are convenient. The air flows freely through the tent, ensuring humidity is low. The ventilation makes it ideal for those who want to camp in hot environments.
The tent is easy enough to carry and ranks highly in portability. That portability makes it good for large hiking groups. Rather than everyone carrying their own tent, one person would be able to easily carry this and set it up.
Only having one main door can be an issue. This can be especially inconvenient when you have separate rooms. Climbing over each other isn’t much fun, especially when someone needs to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Without much insulation, frost can settle on those colder days and then melt once the sun rises. It’s a rare issue and won’t be a problem at all for more fair-weather campers. Finally, you also might want to invest in heavier and more effective stakes.
Those issues are only minor ones. It’s a tent which more than makes up for it with the advantages it has. It is perfect for family trips away. You’ll soon find that everyone will be happy with their own little space and be able to sleep comfortably.
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Things We Liked
- 8 person tent
- High roof
- Removable rainfly
- Large accessory pockets
- High level of ventilation
- Interior walls
- Comfortable space
Things We Didn’t Like
- Only one door
- Frost can cause water leakage
- Cheap metal stakes
Coleman Sundome Tent – Best Small Size Camping Tent
- Dome tent with spacious interior allows you to move comfortably
- Easy setup in only 10 minutes
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Large windows and a ground vent for superior ventilation
- Measures 9 x 7 feet with 4-foot 11-inch center height
This Coleman tent is ideal for smaller groups. It will snuggly fit four people in there, or it is also perfect for a couple who simply want more space. It has a lot of quality and will be able to cope with a high level of rainfall.
Waterproof protection is given from both above and below. The rainfly will be able to provide you with an excellent covering. Added to the sealed seams, everything will be kept dry. From below, the heavy-duty bathtub floor will prevent water from seeping through.
As soon as you get the tent, you will see that it’s made from high-quality materials. It gives you a lot of confidence in its build quality. That confidence will be justified when you have used it for a while and see how it is able to hold up.
The durability is high, but it’s also light enough to easily transport in the carry bag it has. The set-up is also very easy. This allows for a minimal amount of time fixing up your tent to be able to enjoy the beauty of being outdoors.
Despite having that bathtub floor, you’ll probably want to get a tarp to have that higher level of floor protection and somewhere to dry off. The stakes are also a bit too thin for severe weather.
Another minor issue is that you can only zip the door down halfway from screening. The ventilation could be higher if this simply zipped the full way. It’s only a minor issue in an otherwise great tent, but it does seem like a bit of a design flaw.
In terms of overall build quality, this is probably higher than the other two Coleman tents we have looked at. It’s perfect the best waterproof camping tent for smaller groups with only some minor issues. The weather protection is very high in order to stay dry.
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Things We Liked
- 4 person tent
- Sealed seams
- Heavy-duty bathtub floor
- Large door
- Great carry bag
- Easy to set-up
- High-quality materials
Things We Didn’t Like
- Thin steel stakes
- Need to buy a tarp
- Only the top half of the door can be screened
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent – Best Waterproof Backpacking Tent
- 3-season, 2-person backpacking tent that offers the most livable accommodations in a lightweight freestanding design
- Pole geometry maximizes space with 29 sq. feet of floor area, interior peak height of 39 inches, plus 17. 5 sq. feet of vestibule area
- Complete setup weighs 3. 9 lbs. and packs down to 18x6 inches; minimalist setup option uses footprint, poles, and rainfly and weighs 3. 5 lbs.
- Includes DuraShield Coating and DAC Featherlike NFL poles
- Includes tent, one unified hub-and-pole system, rainfly, stakes, and guy lines; footprint sold separately; manufacturer’s 3-year limited
Trying to find a perfect 2-person tent can be difficult. MSR help to make that easy with this brilliant model. It is very easy to carry, and the set-up is quick. If you are backpacking on your own or as a couple, it’s a great option.
The greatest feature of this product is probably the portability it has. You can find lighter tents on the market but only by a couple of pounds. It’s extremely light and will easily pack down into a backpack. It makes it perfect for those longer adventures.
Even though it’s only a 2-person tent, it makes the most of the space. It prevents any feelings of claustrophobia or being trapped. It’s a lot different from other 2-person tents which simply don’t have a lot of comforts.
The set-up is simple, and the ventilation is also impressive for a smaller tent. That ventilation will keep the air clear and easy to breathe. It makes it a great option for those who want that extra level of sleeping comfort.
That low weight does come with a few drawbacks. Due to the thin material, the durability isn’t the highest. You need to take extra care with this tent to prevent yourself from having to carry out repairs.
Due to the thinner frame, it also doesn’t have the highest level of wind resistance. These, however, are to be expected with such a tent. The lightweight nature and smaller size means stability is on the lower side.
If you are willing to accept those downsides, it’s a brilliant tent. It will allow you to go on many memorable adventures. It does its job effectively with the minimum amount of fuss possible. It allows you to spend less time with your tent and more time exploring.
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Things We Liked
- 2-person tent
- Lightweight and portable
- Maximizes space
- Packs down to 18×6 inches
- Easy to put up
- High level of ventilation
- Perfect for backpacking couples
Things We Didn’t Like
- Low durability
- Low wind resistance
- Weaker tent poles
Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping – Best Budget/Cheap Waterproof Tent
- Camping tent with spacious design offers enough room for 8 people to sleep comfortably
- Included dividers let you create 3 separate rooms for privacy
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams keeps you dry
- Measures 17 x 10 feet with 6-foot center height
- Easy to set up and pack away with separate bags included for tent, poles, and stakes
Coleman is a company which can offer great value for money. This tent is a perfect example of that with the best waterproof tent for rain on a budget. If you’re a more casual camper who just wants a simple and reliable tent, you will do a lot worse than doing for this option.
It is perfect for families or groups of friends that have a male/female split. That’s because the large sleeping area can be split up into 3 spaces. This allows for a lot of privacy and lets everyone sleep comfortably in their own space.
Style isn’t top of your list of priorities when it comes to a tent, but this is a good-looking model. The whole design is brilliant, and it will certainly stand out against other tents in the area. There is also a lot more to the tent than just its style.
The internal space is excellent, and the whole tent is very easy to use. You won’t have to worry about everyone climbing over each other and getting in the way. The rain protection is excellent, and it will ensure you stay dry and comfortable.
While the room dividers can give you privacy from the inside, the windows don’t give you much. The zips aren’t the highest quality, and they can be a little frustrating when they catch. There also isn’t any e-hole to be able to feed through an extension cord.
Overall, best waterproof family tent for campers who only venture out a few times in the summer. It will give you and your family excellent coverage and great value. It isn’t the best for severe weather, but it will hold up well to most storms.
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Things We Liked
- 8-person tent
- Stylish design
- Can create 3 rooms
- 6-foot center height
- Easy to use
- Various color options
- Impressive rain protection
Things We Didn’t Like
- Little privacy
- No e-cord hole
- Zipper gets caught easily
Bessport Lightweight Backpacking Camping Tent – Best Instant Waterproof Tent
- Camping tent with spacious design offers enough room for 8 people to sleep comfortably
- Included dividers let you create 3 separate rooms for privacy
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams keeps you dry
- Measures 17 x 10 feet with 6-foot center height
- Easy to set up and pack away with separate bags included for tent, poles, and stakes
This is the best waterproof tent for camping. Bessport has quite simply been able to produce a brilliant tent. The 2-person sleeper has many brilliant features, which makes it an excellent option. You’re able to open it instantly and enjoy the protection you’ll get inside.
If you fear that moment when you are trying to set-up your tent in the rain, this is for you. In about a minute or so you’ll be inside and able to get dry. It makes it perfect for a solo or couples adventure when you don’t want to have to spend a lifetime getting your tent up and down.
The tent is going to be able to offer you a good amount of space for one or two people. It’s perfect for solo adventures or a couple who simply want to getaway. It is versatile and can be used in plenty of different conditions.
The waterproofing is fantastic, and you’ll be able to stay protected. Added to that, it’s also light and easy to carry when you’re on the go. It all adds up to a tent that you won’t be frustrated with, even after repeated use.
There are very few downsides. The bright colors can attract some bees, but it’s not a big issue. If you are worried about this, then it’ll be wise to get their darker model. It won’t have the same issue and can give you a higher level of comfort.
Some users have noted moisture seeping up into the tent, but this is a very rare issue. We didn’t notice this, and most of the customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive with no mention of this. There are also no interior pockets, but that’s not a surprise for a tent of this size.
Those issues a very minor and it’s a truly brilliant tent. If you’re a hardcore backpacker or simply a casual, this model will tick all the right boxes. You’ll be able to snuggly sleep in there even when it is pouring with rain outside.
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Things We Liked
- 2-person tent
- Bright color options
- High waterproofing
- Light and easy to carry
- Easy to set-up
- Spacious design
- High-quality materials
Things We Didn’t Like
- Bright colors can attract insects
- Moisture can seep up
- No interior pocket
Buying Guide
Getting the right size
Before anything, you want to make sure that you’re getting the right size of the tent. This isn’t always as easy as it seems. The headline figure often doesn’t take into account users who are quite tall or additional space needed for backpacks etc.
To ensure you’re getting the perfect size, it’s a good idea to check the measurements and see if it will be ideal for you and your fellow campers. It’s a good idea to get a picture in your head of where everyone is going to sleep before you get your tent.
Waterproofing
Many people wonder what is the best way to waterproof a tent? Well, the best way to waterproof a tent is by simply getting a tent which has the best waterproofing features. Here we look at the key features you should be looking out for.
Welded floors – A welded floor will ensure that there is no weak point between the floor of the tent and the side. Water can seep through needle holes, and welded seams will prevent this from happening.
Inverted seams – As mentioned there, water can get through seems. Inverted seams keep those needle holes on the inside of the tent. This protects them from contact with the rain and keeps the tent nice and dry.
Bathtub floor – A bathtub floor is when the thick plastic flooring forms a part of the lower part of the wall. This makes it effectively a bathtub as groundwater won’t go over the flooring. This is vital in very wet conditions.
Rainfly – The rainfly is the waterproof covering that goes separately over the tent. You want to make sure this is covering any windows and openings. A large fly will be able to stop rain from hitting the walls of the tent.
Awnings – Most tent windows are made from mesh, and water can get through the mesh. Awnings give your windows an extra covering and prevent rain from directly hitting the window. This can combine with the rainfly to provide you the ultimate protection.
Zipper protection – Zips are another weak point where water can ingress. Having a flap over the zips will protect them from direct contact, and this can be vital if your rainfly doesn’t cover your zips.
Ventilation
All large tents need ventilation. The more people in your tent, the more ventilation you need. This can be done in a number of different ways.
Mesh roof – Most large tents will have a mesh roof which is then covered by a rain fly. This will help to give you a lot of protection while also letting the heat rise up and out of the tent.
Windows – If you’re going to be camping in hot conditions, you want large windows on more than one side of the tent. This will help with airflow for a continuous feed of fresh air.
Ground vents – Some tents come with ground vents which will let air flow through into the bottom of the tent. These are well covered to prevent any water from coming in.
Extra features
Room dividers – If you would prefer to sleep in separate rooms, then room dividers can make that happen, and a lot of larger tents have them. This is great for families or mixed-sex groups.
Internal pockets – Internal storage pockets can give you extra security against water damage and other accidents. They are a great place to store valuables while you sleep.
E-port – If you want some home comforts and an extension lead in your tent, getting an electronic port is the best way to make that happen. It is effectively a sealed hole in your tent which you can feed a cord into.
How to waterproof an old tent
You don’t always have to get a new tent if your existing tent starts leaking. There are three key ways to waterproof an old tent, and they are sealing the seams, refreshing the urethane coating or refreshing the DWR. Here we look into them in a little more detail.
Sealing the seams
The seams on your tent are always potential weak point as not only is it where two parts connect, but there are only small needle holes that that water can get through. Sealing them will help to prevent this from happening.
There are plenty of seam sealers out there, but you want to make sure that you’re getting the right one for your tent. Most tents are coated with polyurethane, but silicone-coated tents will require a different sealant.
The process is fairly simple as you want to take your tent to a dry place, clean your seams with rubbing alcohol, and then apply the sealant.
You only need to do this to the weak seems but you might want to save yourself future work by sealing all the seams. Gear Aid Seam Grip is a great option to close up those seams quickly.
Replace the polyurethane coating
As we mentioned, most tents are coated in polyurethane, which acts as a water barrier. On older tents, this can flake off which is a sure sign that it needs replacing.
You will need to buy some tent sealant, and again, you want to ensure that you’re getting the right one for your tent. The first step you want to take is by using an abrasive sponge to clear off all the coating which has started flaking away.
Once you have taken that step, then you can Simply apply your sealant. Follow the instruction of the sealant and apply it on a flat surface in a dry area.
Once it’s completely dry, then you are going to be able to enjoy your new waterproof tent. Gear Aid Fabric Sealer will do a great job at giving that fabric a new coating.
Refresh the DWR
Many waterproof items such as jackets can be improved by DWR (durable waterproof repellent) as it gives it an instant coating that can help to keep you dry.
The product can be widely found, and many companies feel such a spray. The application is very simple as you will want to cover the tent in the spray and then let it fully dry. The spray will sure up any weak spots to keep you protected.
You do want to make sure that your tent is fully clean before applying the spray. It won’t connect to any dirty spots and then can end up being a weak point when it becomes exposed.
Nikwax makes a brilliant spray which will not only give you waterproofing, but it will also clean the surface while adding UV protection. This will help to bring your tent back to its original level of protection.
FAQs
What is the set-up time?
The set-up time on these tents will vary due to factors such as the design of it and the size. All the tents that we have looked at here won’t take long here. We also featured an instant tent for those who are on the impatient side.
Do I need to get a tarp?
This depends on a few factors, such as the weight you want to carry, the thickness of your floor and your comfort requirements. It is a good additional feature, but a lot of the tents that we have looked at here have thick floors which don’t always require extra support.
Are these tents suitable for backpacking?
A lot of the tents that we have looked at here are going to be suitable for backpacking. They can pack down into a small size and are quite light. Other tents are too bulky and hard to carry. It’s a good idea to check the overall weight and portability if you want to backpack with your tent.
Conclusion
Getting the best tents for rainy weather is vital to stay as comfortable as possible. Thankfully tents are better than over and can give you quality coverage. Cheap tents can still give you plenty of problems, and therefore you want to choose them wisely.
What is the best waterproof tent? The Coleman WeatherMaster is the best waterproof tent on the market. It is an exceptional tent for up to 6 people. It has an immense amount of build quality and several features which give it excellent usability. Added to that, it also has phenomenal rain protection.
If you’re looking for something in a different size, then you’re not going to be short of options. There are other fantastic tents here that are going to be able to shelter you through a storm. Once you’ve chosen the best waterproof camping tent for you, then you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation in comfort.
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