6 Best Tents For Florida Camping: Beat The Unpredictable Weather

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If there’s one thing Florida is known for – it’s hot weather.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the extreme bouts of rain!

Choosing the wrong tent is no bueno. You will feel like you’re sleeping in a sauna.

And that’s no fun, right!?

This article breaks down 7 of the best tents for camping in Flor. All the tents below have been chosen based on ventilation, bug-proof design, space, and waterproof abilities.

But for those in a hurry, I recommend the Coleman Camping Tent. It’s got excellent ventilation combined with darkroom technology. This helps keep you cool in hot and humid weather.

Before talking about the best tents, I’d like to introduce myself.

My name is Rhoda, and I’ve been an outdoorsy person my whole life. From camping, hiking, to kayaking, I’ve done it all (countless times!).

So, I’m more than qualified to talk about the tent below.

7 Best Tents For Camping In Florida

1.Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup (Best Overall)

The Coleman Cabin Tent is my top choice for camping in Florida.

A large door and multiple windows on each side provide exceptional ventilation in the Florida heat.

Not only does this tent keep you cool, but it also prevents condensation from building up from the humidity.

It’s also designed with darkroom technology. This means you won’t be awoken by the sun. But more importantly, it keeps your tent cool by reflecting UV rays.

And if that wasn’t enough…

There’s enough space to stand up and move around. Based on previous experience, I find this very important, as camping in confined spaces makes people irritable. Mix Florida’s humid weather into the equation, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

Another thing that makes people irritable is mosquitos.

But not with this tent.

You can enjoy a bug-free experience thanks to the mesh windows and doors. In addition, there is a hook where you can hang mosquito repellent just outside the tent.

Finally, because of Florida’s unpredictable weather and short-lived summer storms, you need a tent that can be set up quickly.

The last thing you need is to be stuck outside when a storm hits. Luckily, Coleman says this tent only takes 60 seconds to set up. However, my experience shows it’s closer to 2 minutes.

Still faster than most tents, though.

In terms of downsides, heavy rain results in some minor leaking. Also, windy conditions require stronger stakes.

What I Like…

• Darkroom technology means you can sleep in
• Exceptional ventilation for maximum air flow
• Mesh windows and doors keep bugs out of the tent.
• Fast 2 minute setup time

What I Don’t Like…

• Some people experienced minor leaks in heavy rain
• The stakes included are not strong enough for heavy winds

2.Easthills Outdoors Hammock (Best For Solo Campers)

When the weather warms up in Florida, ventilation becomes an issue. But not with this tent.

Well…hammock.

Not only that, but it also has a rain fly, helping you handle the unpredictable Florida rain. The rain fly also offers a place to store equipment during lousy weather.

The hammock is designed for solo campers looking for comfort and convenience during their camping trip! The good thing about hammocks is they mold to your body shape, making them more comfortable than air mattresses.

It comes with 100% waterproof storage pockets if rain finds its way inside the hammock. In addition, the mesh top keeps bugs away while sleeping.

Which is an absolute godsend, right!?

There is also a clip inside for a flashlight. This is excellent when camping in low-light areas like forests.

But as with all good tents, you have to expect some downsides.

Here they are…

The setup takes 10 minutes. This is much longer than the Coleman Cabin Tent mentioned above but shorter than other tents on this list.

Also, the rain fly stakes need some work. I recommend bringing your own, especially if the weather forecast is bad.

What I Like…

• Designed for solo campers
• Helps keep bugs away while you sleep.
• Rainfly offers a place to store equipment during hammock camping
• More comfortable than air mattresses.

What I Don’t Like…

• 10 minute setup time is lengthy for a hammock
• The rainfly stakes could be of higher quality.

3.UNP Camping Family Tent (Best Family Pick)

The UNP Tent is perfect for a family camping trip. With enough space to hold 10 people, you will be ‘more than comfortable’.

And the smaller your family, the more room left over for personal belongings and equipment. Although, I wouldn’t recommend this tent for more than 6 people, as there won’t be leftover space.

The good news is you can separate the tent into multiple rooms, creating 2 bedrooms.

Alternatively, one room can be a kitchen or play area for the kids.

With 2 people, setup takes around 20 minutes.

But most importantly, how does it stand up in the Florida heat?

With 3 windows and 2 large doors, ventilation is excellent for Florida weather. You can remove the rainfly for extra ventilation if you’re still hot.

Not only that, but you get to see the stars!

And who doesn’t enjoy stargazing while tent camping? I sure do!

Furthermore, you get a generous 78″ of peak height (headroom), so the whole family can stand up fully. This is also great for the kids, as they will be less cramped and irritable.

If you encounter rain on your trip, you can sleep well knowing it’s more resistant than the Coleman Cabin Tent.

However, some people had issues with the zippers getting stuck. The instructions are also tricky to understand, especially for beginners.

If you purchase this tent, I recommend setting it up at home beforehand.

What I Like…

• Comfortably fits 6 people
• Separates into multiple rooms
• 2 doors and 3 windows for ventilation
• More waterproof than the Coleman Cabin Tent

What I Don’t Like…

• Some people had issues with the zippers getting stuck.
• Instructions are difficult to understand

4. MOON LENCE Camping Tent (Best For Short Trips)

The Moon Lence Tent is excellent for shorter trips.

It doesn’t have as much headroom as the UNP Family Camping Tent, but still enough space for gear. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for more than 2 people, as space will be limited.

For ventilation, you get 2 windows and a sizeable D-style door. Feel free to remove the rainfly and expose the mesh roof on hot Florida nights.

Sounds like stargazing waiting to happen, huh!?

The guylines are also reflective, so you won’t trip over them at night. This becomes more important when camping with young children. We all know they love running around the campsite!

To put everything together takes 5 minutes. And that’s with only 1 person!

After camping, It can be folded down into a compact bag for easy storage and transportation.

All these benefits are great. But the most important thing is how it performs in Florida’s climate, right!?

Many campers have said it holds up well in Florida’s unpredictable weather thanks to the high-quality rainfly and double-layer design.

It’s also UV-resistant, helping keep it protected in Florida’s sun.

However, 1 door means you need to climb over your camping buddy to exit. Not the most practical way to leave, especially at night.

In addition, it’s too small for long . You will feel cramped and become irritated.

What I Like…

• Excellent for shorter trips.
• You get 2 windows and a large D-style door for ventilation.
• Reflective guylines
• 5-minute setup

What I Don’t Like…

• Only 1 door
• Too small for long trips

5. Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout (Most Lightweight)

The Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout stands out as a lightweight camping option. Weighing only 2lbs, it’s perfect for kayak camping, backpacking, and hiking in Florida.

The five-minute setup time is also a plus, providing immediate shelter from storms or inclement weather.

And if you’re taller than average, you’ll love the extra floor space this tent offers. No more being cramped when trying to get some shut-eye!

In addition, previous customers report that the bug-proof mesh screens do an excellent job.

So you can kiss goodbye to mosquito bites.

The zippers are also solid and reliable. This means they don’t get caught in the fabric and damage your tent.

Plus, there’s space left over for your gear when solo camping.

Just be prepared to purchase the sealing kit separately and seal it yourself.

You’ll also be surprised to hear the stakes are not included with your purchase. That means you will need to purchase your tent stakes separately.

What I Like…

• 5-minute setup
• Lightweight design is perfect for car camping
• Lengthy design is excellent for tall people
• Bug-proof

What I Don’t Like…

• Sealing kit sold separately
• Stakes are not included with your purchase

6.NTK Colorado GT Tent (Best Windproof)

If you’re looking for a windproof tent that can handle the harsh weather conditions of Florida, the NTK Colorado GT Tent is your best bet. It can withstand high winds and heavy rain because of the nano-flex technology in its poles.

In fact, NTK offers a lifetime warranty on their poles.

That’s how confident they are!

Furthermore, it can comfortably accommodate six people, although it might feel cramped with more than four people inside.

I’d stick to four people, especially if you have equipment.

The good news is that anyone under 67″ can easily stand up and move around without having to duck or crawl. This makes it an excellent choice for long camping trips.

Its two doors really set it apart from the Moon Lence Tent. This not only allows for ventilation but also makes for easy access.

No more stepping over your camping buddies at night!

Wooah.

In addition, the inner tent is made from micro-mesh. This keeps the bugs out but also enhances ventilation. After all, this tent is designed for the Brazilian Amazon.

So, you can be confident it will work well in Florida.

Setup takes just 10 minutes, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy your vaccation.

However, all good tents have downsides.

And here they are…

Strangely enough, the windows open from the outside. This is a major inconvenience and means you need to leave the tent to let air in.

Also, Similar to the Coleman Cabin Tent, the stakes are low quality. I recommend buying your own, especially on windy nights.

What I Don’t Like…

• Nano-flex technology poles for excellent strength
• Accommodates up to six people comfortably.
• Micro-mesh keeps the bugs out
• 10 minute setup time

What I Don’t Like…

• The windows open from the outside
• Stakes are not the best quality

How To Choose The Best Tents For Florida Camping

Mosquito Repellent Design

With hot weather comes mosquitos.

Even the thought of them buzzing around makes my skin crawl.

That’s why you need a mosquito repellent tent. Look for something with mesh windows and doors, as this will keep them out.

Another option is to bring mosquito repellent spray on your camping trips. This acts as an extra layer of protection.

You have to remember that mesh windows and doors only take you so far. Some mosquitoes will seep through the cracks.

Always be prepared.

Waterproof

Florida weather is multi-faced.

With extreme humidity and heat come torrential downpours.

So you need to be ready for both scenarios. That’s why you need a waterproof tent.

As you probably already know, most tents are advertised as waterproof. But do they hold up to their promise!?

It depends.

I wouldn’t take a company’s word for it. It’s better to see what other people have to say about it.

Hence why I created this article.

Ventilation

It’s no surprise that Florida stays hot and humid year-round. So, it’s crucial to find a tent with enough ventilation.

Without adequate ventilation, condensation will build up inside the tent. This can cause damage to your gear and equipment.

And the worst thing?

You will feel like you’re sleeping in an oven.

Look for a tent with large windows and doors that keep your tent cooler. If you can find a tent with an open mesh roof – that’s even better!

Space

Before you enjoy a vacation in beautiful Florida, keep in mind how much space is needed.

Not just floor space either – headroom as well.

The longer your camping trip, the more space you will need. It’s okay for a few days, but people become irritated if confined in a small tent for long periods.

You also have to keep in mind that most tents are falsy advertised.

If a company says their tent can fit 10 people, they mean without an inch of space leftover! My advice is to always buy larger tents, so you have space for equipment.

If space is of concern…

You can’t go wrong with the UNP Family Camping Tent.

Setup Time

When camping in Florida, you need something with a quick setup time.

With bad weather approaching, a hard-to-pitch tent means you may get caught up in the storm.

I recommend finding something that can be set up in around 5-15 minutes. Also, practice pitching the tent at home beforehand. That way, it won’t take as long.

Windproof

Unless a hurricane comes along, Florida is not super windy.

It doesn’t usually reach above 11mph.

Therefore, windproof tents are not essential. However, it’s a nice feature to have.

Especially when you consider how unpredictable Florida is. Plus, there’s always the chance of a hurricane while asleep.

Although tents are not safe in hurricanes, you still want something that offers some protection, right!?

Summary

Camping in Florida requires being prepared. The unpredictable weather means you need a tent that can handle most conditions.

Your tent needs to be waterproof, have great ventilation, and have the ability to withstand minor winds.

It’s also best to find something that’s mosquito repellent. If you’ve spent time in Florida, you know how annoying they can be!