We all love the beach – and this is often the problem. With so many people being so fond of the beach it is often impossible to find accommodation by the beach and if you can the prices are enough to make you want to hide under a rock. For outdoor lovers, a quality beach tent for the night can beat a hotel room night – and you get to keep the tent for next time. This is a review of the best tents for beach camping. Camping on the beach is one of life’s simple pleasures, a way to get closer to nature and you wake up to the sound of waves. But it can also be tricky camping on the beach if you don’t have the right equipment – your tent might blow away. The goal with this post is to help make your decision easier by reviewing some of the best tents for beach camping that are available online. We will home in on issues such as UV radiation protection and anchoring your tent.
What is the Best Tent for Beach Camping?
We have compiled for you the top 8 Best Tent for Beach Camping in 2023. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with beach camping tents and having used several tents for beach camping you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about tents for beach camping.
1. Abco Sport Pop Up Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 88 x 47 x 37.5 inches (223.5 x 119.4 x 95.3 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Nylon Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Tunnel |
The Abco Sport Pop Up tent makes an excellent portable shade for social events such as festivals or when you’re picnicking at the beach or park. However, it does not make a practical hiking or backpacking camping tent as it has a light-duty construction that’s not durable, stable, or waterproof to withstand rain or wind. However, some users have found it makes a fantastic tent for the kids to camp in the backyard or living room.
Additionally, the interior dimensions are too tight to accommodate two campers as advertised, and it does not feature a vestibule to stow your gear. On the upside, the nylon shell features 50+ UV protection to shelter from the sun at the beach, and the mesh windows offer excellent ventilation.
Pros
- The pre-assembled frame allows instant set up and take down
- Flexible design for multipurpose use
- Excellent sun protection and ventilation
- Lightweight for easy portability
Cons
- Shell is not waterproof
- Tight interior space for two adults
2. Coleman 6-Person Dome Tent for Camping
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 17 pounds (7.71 kg) Size: 120 x 120 x 72 inches (304.8 x 304.8 x 182.9 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
This Coleman Sundome 6P camping tent features the Dark Room technology that blocks out a large percentage of sun and heat so you can continue sleeping after sunrise. It is a feature you will appreciate if you are camping in an open space with direct sunlight. Another feature you will like is the WeatherTec technology that helps to keep the tent dry in moderate rain and wind.
The tent is one of Coleman’s popular models with several positive ratings on ease of assembly, Dark Room technology and is reliably weather-resistant. However, the internal space is a little tight for six, and most campers recommend using it for three people for comfort.
Pros
- Dark Room technology keeps the tent dark and cool,
- It has a lightweight and attractive design for backpacking,
- Well ventilated with mesh windows and door,
- Tall 6-foot headroom space for easy maneuverability,
- Decent weather resistance in moderate conditions
Cons
- Features a short rain fly with no vestibule,
- Seams may leak if seam sealer is not applied
3. Hui Lingyang 6 Person Easy Pop Up Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 150 x 102 x 53.5 inches (381 x 259.1 x 135.9 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 4000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Tunnel |
This Hui LingYang 6-person pop-up tent is an excellent choice for families on short summer camping trips due to its double-layer design. Generally, pop-up tents are versatile to use as temporary shades in places like the beach or park because they are lightweight and easy to set up. However, this tent may not make the best beach tent because it features a tunnel shape with a single door on its short end.
Additionally, most users note that the space would be uncomfortable and stuffy for six campers. In comparison, the Abco Sports tent has a door on its long end that makes it easier to sit inside away from the sun while on a picnic.
The Hui LingLang model features a 190T polyester construction with a hydrostatic rating of 4000mm, but it is not sturdy for heavy wind and rain. Furthermore, the tent fabric is not UV protected, so it may get hot inside it if you pitch it in direct sun. However, it has large mesh windows for ventilation, plus hooded rear vents and ground vents keep the air flowing at night to prevent humidity. I also like that it features an enclosed vestibule that gives you a separate space for your backpacks and shoes, while the internal mesh pockets are ideal for keeping your phone nearby while you sleep.
Pros
- The pre-assembled structure allows instant set up,
- Has an excellent ventilation system keeps the tent comfortable,
- Features an enclosed vestibule for your shoes and backpacks,
- Double-layer construction for improved weatherproofing
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy wind and rainy conditions,
- It can only accommodate four campers
4. Forceatt Tent for Camping
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 88.6 x 53.1 x 43.3 inches (225 x 134.9 x 110 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 75D 190T Polyester Waterproof: 5000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Forceatt 2-person tent is a reliable choice for those who value both quality and affordability. Its strong construction and full-coverage rainfly assure you that it’s not a tent that will let you down in adverse weather. While it offers decent ventilation, one of its minor quirks is the funky smell when new, but that’s easily fixable. If you’re camping as a couple, consider upgrading to the 3-person model for a more comfortable experience. For solo adventurers, however, this tent is almost a perfect fit.
Pros
- Strong build,
- Easy to assemble and disassemble,
- Rainfly works well in inclement weather,
- 2-way waterproof zippers,
- Great ventilation
Cons
- New tents have a strange odor,
- Tent stakes not the greatest quality
5. Gorich Beach Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 87 x 59 x 48 inches (221 x 149.9 x 121.9 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 190T Silver Coated Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Canopy |
The Gorich Beach Tent is a lightweight model featuring a spacious interior to accommodate more people and gear for your day out at the beach. Although it is not an instant tent, many users find the conventional set-up and takedown easy to achieve. Plus, it comes with a spacious carry bag that keeps the tent compact for transport.
The Gorich Beach Tent features mesh panels on three sides that make the interior airy and cool for comfortable livability. Additionally, the polyester construction material features a silver coating for UV protection and cooling. Like most beach tents, the door opens outwards to create extra floor space for added convenience. However, the tent is also lightweight, and while it comes with tent pegs to hold it down against the wind, you may have to carry the sandbags as it is not easy to use pegs on the sand.
Pros
- Features a larger floor space design for more convenience,
- Lightweight structure and compact for easy portability,
- Generous mesh panels improve air circulation,
- Tent material is water-resistant and UV protected,
- Flexible for use at the beach and camping
Cons
- Poor seam stitching for durability,
- Not easy to set up in windy conditions
6. Ayamaya Pop Up Tents with Vestibule for 4-6 Person
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 150 x 102 x 53.5 inches (381 x 259.1 x 135.9 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 3000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Tunnel |
The Ayamaya brand is relatively new in the outdoors gear market, and this pop-up tent is getting some positive reviews from people who’ve bought it. This tent is an affordable option for small groups and features an instant setup design with double-layer construction. While it has a low profile tunnel shape where the center height is about four feet, I like that it has two access doors on either side of its short ends, which helps with movement in and out of the tent.
Additionally, the tent features a covered vestibule area that you can use for your gear or as a comfortable sleeping area for your pets. However, the interior space is not enough to accommodate six people, but it may take up three or four campers comfortably. The tent’s double layer structure helps to keep the tent dry in wet weather and improves the overall airflow while stakes hold it down to withstand windy conditions.
Pros
- Pre-assembled design is easy to set up, Double-layer provides ideal conditions comfort and livability,
- Excellent ventilation with double doors, mesh windows, and rear vent,
- Comes with a multi-use covered vestibule
Cons
- Takedown is not as straightforward as setting up, Leaks through the window panels in sustained rainfall
7. Hewolf Instant Camping Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 84.6 x 54.3 x 50.8 inches (214.9 x 137.9 x 129 cm) Size: 2.5 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Hewolf camping tent features a convenient pop-up design that takes less than five minutes to set up. The tent features double layers that include the shell with a detachable top rain cover and floor tarp and an inner tent with a top and two side mesh panels for ventilation. It also features two side doors for easy access that you can also use to create a vestibule when the mesh screens are up. The tent is significantly heavy and is unsuitable for backpacking, unlike these affordable backpacking tents. However, it is ideal for festivals and overland camping in fair weather.
Other notable features include the 190T polyester construction that users have noted is reliably waterproof but rips easily. It has a roomy interior space with a 5-inch center height that can fit two adults with a child or four young kids with gear. The tent is also remarkably sturdy in windy weather when you stake it firmly into the ground and is versatile for use in different environments. However, versatility also means that the tent has many detachable parts that create open gaps for wind and water and may not be the best for camping in bad weather.
Pros
- Versatile tent adjustable for various uses
- Generous interior space for two people with gear
- Quick and easy setup and takedown
- Highly responsive customer service
Cons
- Too heavy for backpacking
- Only suitable for camping in good weather
- The floor tarp is not attached to the shell
8. Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 83 x 53 x 40 inches (210.8 x 134.6 x 101.6 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 20D Ripstop Nylon Waterproof: 4000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Mongar 2 is a popular two-person backpacking tent suitable for various camping environments and seasons. The tent features a dome shape with a door on each side for easy access, interior pockets for organization, and generous interior space for most people. Its quality and weather resistance compares favorably with premium-priced tents, and it also comes in various attractive colors.
The Mongar 2P has a lightweight construction at 4.6 pounds which makes it ideal for backpacking. However, some buyers noted that it is heavier than typical two-person tents, but the weight includes a groundsheet and the stakes. It features a 20D ripstop nylon rainfly and floor and comes with 7001 aluminum pegs for stability.
The tent is remarkably sturdy in bad weather and offers excellent waterproof protection with silicone coating on the shell and floor and fully taped seams. It also features adequate ventilation and insect protection with its high-density mesh.
Pros
- Sturdy Y-frame structure withstands windy weather
- Waterproof construction with silicone coating
- Generous and comfortable interior space
- Quick and easy setup and takedown
Cons
- Not ideal for winter weather
- Slightly heavier than the competition
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of tents for beach camping and decided that 8 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Tent for Beach Camping is Abco Sport Pop Up Tent which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider Coleman 6-Person Dome Tent for Camping as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Hui Lingyang 6 Person Easy Pop Up Tent is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying tents for beach camping
Ventilation & Heat Resistance
So, how vital is mesh distribution in a tent’s design? Scorching summers make the answer clear, as tents generously endowed with mesh windows promise a breezier, cooler space. Although strategic tent positioning and rainfly adjustments do help, the innate waterproof feature of many rainflies can be a double-edged sword, leading to condensation challenges. Our collective camping wisdom? It’s worth investing in tents boasting interior roof vents. Coupled with an overlying rainfly, this design ensures you enjoy a whiff of fresh air without any raindrop interruptions.
Tent size
1. Choose the tent size based on how many people will be using it 2. Consider the length of your trip and whether you’ll have a car to store it in 3. Decide between a 2-person, 3-person, or 4-person tent
4. Remember that bigger tents are heavier than smaller ones
5. Compare prices between different brands before making your purchase decision 6. Make sure you can return or exchange your tent if necessary 7. Keep in mind that some tents come with poles included while others do not (so factor this into your budget)
Tent materials
Each type of material has its own pros and cons. PVC is great for keeping water out but can be unbearably hot in warmer climates. Nylon is lightweight and can be made water-repellent, but may feel stuffy inside. Polyester offers a slightly heavier but more water-resistant and temperature-tolerant option. Canvas provides a classic, breathable choice but is less reliable for waterproofing. Gore-tex is the top-of-the-line material that performs excellently in both water resistance and breathability, but it comes with a steeper price tag. Finally, Silnylon is best reserved for tent floors or tarps due to its limited durability.
Pole and Stakes
For backpacking tents, opt for poles made from lightweight yet sturdy materials like aluminum or optic fiber. These make pitching your tent a breeze while ensuring it stands up to the elements. Don’t underestimate the role of stakes, either. Whether made from metal, plastic, or wood, they secure your tent to the ground, and can be either rope-attached or directly connected to the tent fabric.
Setup
Everybody wants a tent that is easy to set up and take down. When you arrive at the campsite, you will most likely be worn out and you will not want to end up in a frustrating situation with a difficult tent.
Make sure you have all the accessories that come with the tent to assemble quickly. Most modern tents come with fewer poles and asymmetrical shapes which set up within a few minutes.
Here is a pro tip for you. If you are a beginner, you may want to practice assembling and pitching up the tent in your home garden before leaving on your trip.
Additional Features
Sometimes, it’s the extra features that set a great tent apart from a good one. A tent vestibule can offer valuable storage space, while interior pockets help keep your belongings organized. On the topic of tent poles, many backpackers prefer aluminum for its blend of sturdiness and lightness. However, be cautious of generic versions; hubbed pole designs offer excellent rigidity if you’re looking for something a bit more robust.
Questions and Answers About tents for beach camping
How do you secure a beach tent in sand?
A beach tent should have stakes that are long enough to anchor it well in the sand. The peg should be tied at the top of the peg, buried deep into the ground perpendicular to the angle away from the shelter. The peg should either be threaded like a screw or bolt, or u shaped and curved with multiple holes downs its length. These two peg designs increase the surface area that the peg acts against the sand, increasing the friction. However, if you find your tent is still moving or easily blowing away or want to provide extra stability, you can bury a bag filled with large rocks under the sand and tie it to the guy ropes. This too gives extra surface area for fiction to add on, as well as the weight of the tent itself keeping the tent down. Burying an anchor means that the sand that is acting on the anchor is deeper and often moister and denser. The extra weight and density will further ensure the anchor does not uproot.
Do beach tents protect from the sun?
Some beach tents do protect from the sun, but it is important to check the specifications. Beach tents will have Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) standards that fall into protection categories of good (15 to 24), very good (25 to 39), and excellent (40 to 50+). A good UPF shows protection from both UVB and UVA ultraviolet radiation. Even if your tent has a good UPF we recommend putting sun cream on just in case – especially if you are looking for after small kids, babies, the elderly, or people with mental health and medical problems.
What is the easiest type of tent to set up?
All tents are easy to set up if you know how to do it for that particular type of tent. However, many people think that a dome tent is the easiest type of tent to set up because it’s self-supporting so there is no need for guy ropes or stakes. The poles for a dome tent are all connected together and assembled at one end with doors on either side. After erecting the tent poles, one person can then stand inside the nylon dome with the doors open while an assistant secures the door flaps, and pulls down the center poles so that they rest on top of each other in two circles. The inner circle of poles should be as close to the ground as possible without touching it while still being high enough to make sure that the tent does not touch the ground. If you have properly assembled your dome tent and set it up in a windless area, you should be able to skip staking down your tent by using rocks or cinder blocks to weigh down each of the four corners before attaching guy ropes from stakes depending on how you want to secure them to the ground. After you have set up your tent, remove any rocks, cinder blocks, or stakes from inside your tent and store them away for future use. Your dome tent can be stored in a bag with straps until needed again.
