Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Stone
Camping is a great way to experience nature this summer. Backpacking is one option, but you have to haul everything in and out and keep your gear as light as possible. Car camping is a much easier option for many people. You can overpack when you car camp, throw it all in your vehicle, and getaway for the weekend. You drive right up to your campsite, unload and set up. Instead of worrying about the weight of your gear, you can focus on comfort. Serviced campsites usually have water, electricity, a camp stove, and sometimes even WIFI. All you have to do is bring the tent and sleeping bags. But what is the best tent for a family? Below we rate the 6-person car camping tent for less than $400.
The Best 6 Person Tent for Less than $400
If you’re in a hurry, here are links to our favorite car camping tents for the whole family. We go into more detail about why we like them later on in this article.
Image | Name | Price | Buy |
Top Pick  | $$ | ||
Runner Up  | $$ | ||
Budget-Friendly  | $ | ||
Have Extra to Spend?  | $$$ | ||
Have Extra to Spend?  | $$$ |
TOP PICK
Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6-Person Specifications
| Seasons | 3 |
| Floor Square Feet | 100 square feet |
| Peak Height | 7 Feet |
| Number of Doors | 1 |
| Shape | Cabin |
| Weight | 25 lbs 4oz |
| Price | $$ |
| Rating | 9/10 |
This tent is the top pick. There is generous space inside, and the walls are pretty much vertical. This design means that you can stand up straight in it. Mesh windows allow for expansive views of the outside and ventilation, yet the curtains are waterproof, keeping the inside dry in rainy weather. There is an extended fly that helps to keep the entryway dry.
All of its features plus the reasonable price of $270 make this tent the top choice. I gave this one a 9/10 and took a point off for setup difficulty.
Perfect for: The feature-conscious family camper who values extra space, ventilation, and keeping the rain outside where it belongs.
RUNNER UP
Coleman Cabin Tent Specifcations
| Seasons | 3 |
| Floor Square Feet | 90 square feet |
| Peak Height | 6 Feet |
| Number of Doors | 1 |
| Shape | Cabin |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs |
| Price | $$ |
| Rating | 8/10 |
This weatherproof (WeatherTec) tent has welded corners and inverted seams to keep water from finding its way inside. The rainfly provides extra protection against the elements without sacrificing airflow. The material is thicker, meaning it will withstand abuse and be ready to go again next season. The cool thing about this tent is that it can be assembled in about 60 seconds. Another rad feature is “Dark Room Technology,” which blocks 90% of sunlight and reduces heat inside, meaning you can have a lazy morning and sleep in without getting too hot once the sun comes up.
Most online reviewers are pretty happy with the spaciousness (can fit 2 queen-sized beds) and instant setup but say the weatherproofing could be improved as the tent sometime lets water in during a heavy rainstorm. Expect to pay somewhere around $230. I took a couple of points off for the reports on how it performs in wet weather.
Perfect for: Anyone wanting a tent for that family who likes to sleep in when they go camping.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Coleman Dome Tent Specifcations
| Seasons | 2 |
| Floor Square Feet | 100 sq. ft. |
| Peak Height | 6 Feet |
| Number of Doors | 1 |
| Shape | Dome |
| Weight | 16 lbs 10 oz |
| Price | $ |
| Rating | 6/10 |
This is the most wallet-friendly option on our list. Like the Cabin Tent above, it also has the Weather Tec system to keep you dry and an E-Port to bring power into the tent via an extension cord. There is 6 feet of headroom; however, the dome shape design means taking a step in either direction from the center, and your head will contact the tent. On Amazon, this tent is being marketed as “recommended for festivals.” Hence, it is not a three-season tent. The cheaper quality of materials and leakiness reported by reviewers during even moderate rains mean you’ll want to keep this one for summertime camping with nice weather in the forecast. Expect to pay only $130 or so. I gave it 6/10. I took points off for quality and how it performs in bad weather. For the price, however, it is a good value.
Perfect for: Anyone who camps infrequently, is on a tight budget but needs a tent for the whole family.
ALTERNATIVES FOR A LITTLE MORE THAN $400
Big Agnes Big House Tent Specifcations
| Seasons | 4 |
| Floor Square Feet | 83 sq. Ft. |
| Peak Height | 6.7 Feet |
| Number of Doors | 2 |
| Shape | Cabin |
| Weight | 14 lbs |
| Price | $$$ |
| Rating | 9/10 |
This spacious waterproof tent is rated for all weather. It has a rainfly, and there are storm flaps on the zippers. It is also easy to set up. This one has some cool features. It can be set up in shelter mode with just the fly and poles and not the tent body for shade when you hit the beach for the day. There are several storage features like two removable corner bin pockets, and the front door becomes an extra-large welcome mat to keep your soiled footwear out of the tent. Reviewers rate this tent nearly 5 stars on Moosejaw and Amazon. Most impressive is the floor space and the height. The main complaint seems to be the zipper, which tends to snag if you aren’t careful. Expect to pay around $470. I gave this one a 9/10. I took 1 point off for the issue with the zippers. I love the fact that it is an all-weather option.
Perfect for: Those wanting a tent for all seasons with great storage features and have a bit more money to spend.
North Face Wawona Tent Specifcations
| Seasons | 3 |
| Floor Square Feet | 86 Sq. Ft |
| Peak Height | 6.7 Feet |
| Number of Doors | 3 |
| Shape | Two Domes |
| Weight | 19 lbs 4 oz |
| Price | $$$ |
| Rating | 8/10 |
Easy to set up and a unique spacious design. This one has three doors, and two vestibules and the tent material has a flame retardant coating. The sleeping area is 65 square feet. The smaller vestibule is 45 square feet and can be used for a sheltered outdoor seating area. North Face makes a quality product, and people love the space and the features. The main con seems to be a more complex setup and a lack of interior storage near ground level. Expect to pay around $475. I rated it as an 8/10. I took 2 points off for less sleeping space at a higher price.
Perfect for: Campers with a bit more to spend and want a shelter outdoor seating option.
final thoughts
The Eureka Copper Canyon LX tent fits the bill as the best car camping tent rated for 6 people. It is reasonably priced, spacious, has the most height at 7 feet, and can be used for spring, summer, and autumn camping. You won’t be disappointed, and your family will love this one.