The 7 Best Tents For Stargazing in 2023

Have you ever wanted to go stargazing, but couldn’t get comfortable long enough to enjoy it? Perhaps the weather wasn’t being cooperative? Or you found it difficult to enjoy because of bugs swarming around you?

Having a stargazing tent can help to alleviate these types of issues and allow you to enjoy your pastime. It can be difficult to find the right tent for stargazing. But we have compiled some information and reviews of tents that can help you make an informative decision.

Let’s get started!

In this article, we’re going to review the following tents for stargazing:

• Coleman Sundome Tent
• Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint
• Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
• REI Co-op Kingdom 4 Tent
• Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
• Featherstone Backpacking 3-Season Tent
• Marmot Limelight 2 Person Tent
  

Stargazing Tent Buyer’s Guide

Stargazing is an excellent pastime that people have been enjoying since ancient times. But now, you can do this hobby with comforts that weren’t available to them in the past.

There are all kinds of tools and gadgets that make stargazing easier and more amazing than what people had even 30 years ago. But, having the right tent to allow your adventure to be comfortable and relaxing is just as important as any of those tools.

Just because someone enjoys stargazing, doesn’t mean that they are outdoors savvy. And so, we have come up with some information to help anyone out that enjoys stargazing and is looking for a tent to take with them on their excursions.

In this section, you will find all the information that you need to pick the best tent for your stargazing needs, whether you are an outdoorsman or not.

Basics Of Stargazing and Required Tools

Stargazing can be a casual hobby or a more expensive endeavor. No one needs anything special for casually looking up at the night sky and relishing in the beauty of the stars. But for those that like to take this hobby more seriously, some tools can make it easier. Here are a few tools that can enhance this type of experience:

• Red flashlight
• Mesh canopy tent
• Telescope
• Binoculars
• Star chart or astronomy app

These are some of the basics. And if you plan on staying out all night or going on a prolonged stargazing trip, then the tent you choose becomes increasingly important.

Below, you will find more information about tents that can be easily used for stargazing. And what you should look for in different stargazing adventures.

Types of Tents

Regardless of the reason you are looking for a tent, it is important to know the main types of tents and what they are best for. We do admit that there are varieties within each of the types. However, to make an informed, you need to understand the pros and cons of these different types in regards to stargazing.

Dome Tents

Dome tents have many uses, but when it comes to looking at the stars, these types of tents tend to be the go-to choice. They are usually designed to be lightweight, which makes them easy to travel with. And they are easy to pitch, which is excellent for people that aren’t used to the outdoors or pitching tents.

Generally, stargazers like these tents because they provide more liveable space than other tent designs. And when they remove the rainfly, they have a less obstructed view of the night sky.

However, for stargazers that plan on doing so in windy areas, these models might not be the best. They do not hold up to higher winds as well as some of the other tent models, available on the market.

Backpacking Tents

Backpacking tents can still be useful for looking at the stars. Yet, they are generally more expensive than dome tents. Therefore, this type of tent is usually only chosen by stargazers that are also planning on going on a backpacking trip at the same time.

Like dome tents, these tents are also usually lightweight and have a small pack size. But they are usually are less spacious and more expensive.

However, if you plan on combining a backpacking and stargazing trip, then these types of tents can be beneficial. They will allow you to protect yourself and your equipment from hazardous weather conditions that might arise on the trip.

Due to the need for these tents to be lightweight, they sometimes skimp on bells and whistles that other types of tents might have.

Cabin Tents

Out of the three types of tents, cabin tents tend to be the larger of the three. They are designed to provide campers with all the bells and whistles. And they are not generally used for people that have to backpack or hike any distance to set it up, because they are heavier to carry.

Although this type of tent can be used for stargazing, it isn’t the type of tent that you purchase for the occasional camping trip.

Things You Should Consider Before Purchasing A Tent for Stargazing

Now you have an understanding of the different types of tents that are available. And it is time that we go into more detail about the individual features and details that you need to take into account before purchasing your tent for stargazing.

Tent Material

This is one of the most important things that you should consider. Especially when looking for a tent to do stargazing from. The whole point of stargazing is to be able to look up at the sky at night.

Therefore, you want to look for a tent that has mesh material for the top. This will allow you to lay in the comfort of your tent and still be able to see the stars without being annoyed by bugs.

Comfort

With stargazing, you want to have somewhere comfortable to lay back and look up from. In a tent, you want one that has a comfortable floor, like a footprint. Or one that is big enough for at least a small air mattress. This is not necessary, but it does make looking at stars a lot more comfortable.

Ventilation

Whether of the time of year you plan to stargaze, it is important to make sure that your tent has proper ventilation. One of the nicest things about stargazing is being able to do so comfortably. But if your tent doesn’t have proper ventilation, you could find yourself in a stuffy situation.

Size and Height

These two things are preferences. But it is still important to consider to ensure that you have as much room as you need for your stargazing adventures.

For instance, you want it large enough for you not just to lay down and stargaze comfortably. You also want it large enough to be able to hold all your gear, like your telescope, without impeding your sleep time.

Length of Your Trip

Why is this important? Some tents are designed for a single night or perhaps two. And then some tents have extra features that make them more suitable for longer camping or hiking trips.

Weight and Storage

The weight of the tent your choice is important only if you are going to have to carry the tent from where you part to where you plan to camp. The lighter the tent the easier time you will have carrying the tent to your campsite.

Along with the weight of the tent, you want to see if the tent has any sort of storage on the inside. This will allow you to keep your personal belongings safe while you are out during the day. Or just keep them out of your way providing you with more room to spread out inside of the tent.

Durability and Easy of Setup

Having a tent that is easy to set up is always a plus. Especially if you are going to be alone or do not have a lot of knowledge of pitching a tent.

You also want to consider the durability of the materials that are used not only for the tent itself. But also for the rainfly. It will determine how waterproof the tent is if bad weather hits while on your trip.

How To Choose The Best Tent In Regards to Stargazing

When you are looking for a tent to go stargazing with, your priority should be visibility of the night sky and comfort. After all, if you are stargazing, you are not going to want to go at a time when there is bad weather expected. It will obstruct your view of the stars.

However, you still want to plan for the worst-case scenario. And ensure that the tent you purchase will still provide you protection from the natural elements.

You should also look into tents that provide you with interior storage. When looking at stars, you will have different types of gear that you will want to keep safe when you are not using them.

You will also want to have maximum space to move around and rest. Internal storage will allow you to keep your tools safe while still accomplishing this. This is particularly important if you are not alone and are going on a trip with one or more friends and family.

FAQ Section

What is a stargazing tent?

This is a simple question to answer. This type of tent can be any tent that provides you with a view of the night’s sky. You will be looking for a tent that has a mesh canopy so you can remove the rainfly and still have a direct line of sight to the stars you are wanting to gaze upon.

Why you might want one?

There are many reasons why you might want a tent when you go stargazing. It is most important if you plan on making it a trip for a couple of nights or more. You want something that is not only stargazer-friendly. But is also practical and comfortable to sleep in.

What makes a tent good for stargazing?

The most important feature of a good tent for this purpose is the type of material that the tent is made from. For instance, if a tent merely has vents and windows for ventilation, it might be comfortable and have all the required internal storage. Yet, if you cannot sit back and relax inside of the tent and see the sky, then it is not a good choice for stargazing.

What to look for when buying a tent for stargazing?

First and foremost, you want to make sure that the tent you purchase has a mesh canopy. You will also want to look for a tent that has a comfortable footprint. Or is large enough for you to place an air mattress or other furniture that will allow you to enjoy your stargazing.

Do you have to have a tent to stargaze?

A tent is not required for someone to enjoy stargazing. However, if you wish to truly see the stars, you will need to be in a secluded place away from the lights of a city. And the best place to do this is in places that are meant for camping.

So, the easy answer is no, a tent is not required to stargaze. But it is extremely useful to make the outing more comfortable on many accounts.

Top 7 Reviews for Tents Meant for Stargazing

1. Coleman Sundome Tent

Coleman is a popular manufacturer of Sundome tents. And this particular model comes in four different sizes: 2 people, 3 people, 4 people, and six-person. When it comes to stargazing, this tent will provide you with a comfortable place to sit or lay without having to worry about things like bugs.

Most of the top is made from a quality mesh material that will provide you with a clear view of the night sky. However, if fate has it, and you encounter unpleasant weather conditions, these tents come with a rainfly. It helps to cover the mesh areas to keep you warm or dry during these situations.

Specifications:

• Brand: Coleman
• Size: 2, 3, 4, 6 person
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 82.68 x 59.06 x 47.24 inches (2 person)
• Colors: Navy, Green

The frame was designed and tested to withstand up to 35+ mph winds. And there is even an E-port, which will allow you to bring electrical power to the inside of your tent for pleasure and convenience.

Depending on the tent size that you choose, it weighs between 7.5 pounds to 15 pounds. They are all easy to set up, but the larger sizes might require 2 people to set it up. Finally, this tent model comes with a limited 1-year warranty that is backed by Coleman for the quality and peace of mind of purchasing this product.

Pros:

• Fast and easy to setup
• Has ground vent and large windows for excellent airflow
• Comes with a polyester taffeta flysheet
• Has an E-port to allow electrical power

Cons:

• Doesn’t fair well in heavy rain weather

2. Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent with Footprint

The Mineral King 3 tent is designed to last and hold up during most weather conditions. Thanks to the quality of material that it is made from.

This model does include a footprint, which will help to extend the life of the tent floor that is made from 68-denier ripstop polyester.

Although this tent can be used for regular hiking and backpacking trips, it is specially designed for those that enjoy stargazing and enjoy excellent ventilation.

The top canopy of the tent is made from polyester mesh. It will provide you with an unobstructed view of the night sky. It also comes with a rainfly to protect you from the elements, when necessary.

Specifications:

• Brand: Mountain Hardwear
• Size: 3 person
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Dimensions: 90 x 68 x 48 inches
• Colors: Blue

Not only is this tend excellent for stargazing, but this can also duo as a backpacking tent if the need arises. Due to the lightweight design and easy setup.

Unlike many tent designs, this one also has two large doors. It will provide you with plenty of space for entering and exiting the tent without having to bother the other occupants.

Finally, the inside of the tent has five separate interior pockets. They are perfect for off-floor storage of personal items and gear, like wallets, red flashlights, and binoculars.

However, with the good, it is also a good idea to mention that some have found a few issues with the quality of the provided tent bag. So, you might want to consider purchasing a different one if you need to hike with the tent at any distance.

Pros:

• Has a full mesh upper canopy
• Includes five interior pockets for off-floor storage
• Has two large doors
• Comes with symmetrical hub-connected poles

Cons:

• Minor issues with the quality of the zipper
• Could use a sturdier tent bag

3. Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent

Stargazing can be done solo or in a large group. And if you plan on the latter, the Core 9 tent could make an excellent choice for your needs.

It was designed to be able to sleep nine people at a time. The top of the tent is made from high-quality mesh. It will allow you and your group to lay under the stars without worrying about nature’s pests ruining the outing.

It comes with an E-port that will make using an extension cord or other power source to the inside of the tent easy and convenient. It also has a protective flap that covers the opening to help ensure the integrity and dryness of the inside of the tent.

The tent does come with everything that you need to set it up. But a few have found it difficult to get everything back into the provided tent bag when packing up.

Specifications:

• Brand: Elevate LLC
• Size: 9 person
• Weight: 18.21 pounds
• Dimensions: 27 x 9 x 9 inches
• Colors: Orange & Grey

This tent comes equipped with 72 inches of CORE H20 Block technology. It is special to the brand and helps to keep you dry, regardless of the strength of the rainfall.

Plus, on the inside of the tent, some hooks and pockets will allow you to hang a lantern, once you are through stargazing. And put all of your valuables, during the day when out and about.

Finally, all parts of this tent and its fabric accessories are made from water-resistant PU-coated fabric, which is an extra layer of moisture protection. The seams are taped to help ensure that moisture from the outside of the tent remains there and doesn’t seep into the tent.

Pros:

• Equipped with CORE H20 Block technology
• Designed with easy setup instructions
• Capable of fitting three queen size air mattresses comfortably
• Multiple storage pouches inside

Cons:

• Provided storage bag should be larger

4. REI Co-op Kingdom 4 Tent

This Co-op Kingdom tent model is specially designed for four people to rest comfortably, at a time. It is excellent for group backpacking trips or the occasional stargazing outing.

Most of this tent is made from high-quality bugproof mesh. So it can be used for prolonged camping or backpacking trips.

The tent was designed with two separate doorways that utilize four zipper sliders. It makes it easier and more convenient when getting in and out of the tent.

One of the doors has a weather-protective awning, that will allow you to relax in the night air and stargaze to your leisure. The other door has a vestibule, and you can use it as a single or double doorway, depending on your needs.

Specifications:

• Brand: REI
• Size: 4 person
• Weight: 18 1/2 pounds
• Dimensions: 25.5 x 8.5 x 15 inches
• Colors: Blue, Organge, or Green

It is important to note that this tent does not include a footprint. It means you will have to buy one separately if you desire one for your camping and stargazing experience. But it does come with all f the guylines, stakes, and poles required to set the tent up properly.

Finally, this tent does come with a rainfly. However, some people consider the style of the rainfly not too convenient and can allow water to leak. This issue can be fixed by replacing it with a different rainfly if planning on using it during bad weather.

Pros:

• Uses bugproof mesh paneling and doors
• Comes with seam-sealed waterproof polyester fly
• Has multiple interior storage options
• Comes with hubbed pole assemblies, sleeves, and pole clips

Cons:

• Major issues with rainfly leaking
• Isn’t compatible with older footprint and accessories

5. Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

The Core 9 Cabin Tent has a lot of excellent features. It is perfect for stargazing because of the massive amount of mesh material that provides you with an open view from various sides and angles.

However, this tent is designed for larger groups or families that not only enjoy stargazing but camping in general. It is capable of housing 9 people comfortably, and it even comes with a room divider for privacy.

The tent includes a carry bag, a rain fly, and all of the tent stakes that are required to pitch the tent properly. It utilizes CORE H20 Block technology to ensure the inside of the tent remains dry. And it has adjustable ground vents that help to keep the inside of the tent cool by allowing excellent airflow.

Specifications:

• Brand: Core
• Size: 9 person
• Weight: 30.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 48 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches
• Colors: Green and Grey

The material of the tent has to be hand-washed. And unlike other larger tents, this one was designed to be easy to set up taking approximately 60 seconds once you have the logistics of the tent down.

Finally, this tent has an electrical cord access port that could be important. Especially if you have star gazing equipment that needs power or charging at any given point.

Plus, the port is capable of being fully closed when not being used to keep moisture from entering into the tent from the opening.

Pros:

• Capable of housing nine people
• Comes with oversized mesh ceiling panels
• Has advanced vents for air filtration
• Made from water resistant material

Cons:

• Not an excellent response time from manufacturer’s customer support staff

6. Featherstone Backpacking 3-Season Tent

This tent is designed as a 3 season tent, which makes it perfect for backpacking and stargazing trips. Depending on what you need for your trip, the tent can weigh anywhere from 3.8 pounds to 6 pounds. It will provide you with a choice as to how much weight you need to carry based on the type of trip you are doing.

The floor and the rainfly are made from durable Ripstop polyester material that is coated to help make the tent waterproof.

However, the majority of the actual tent is made from Noseeum mesh. It will provide you with an excellent unobstructed view of the night sky, as long as the rainfly is not put on. But it will still help to keep you safe from pesky bugs while trying to enjoy the stars.

Specifications:

• Brand: Featherstone
• Size: 1 person, 2 person
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Dimensions: 84 x 51 x 43 inches
• Colors: Green, Orange, Grey

This tent can be purchased as a single-person tent or for two people. And if you are not accustomed to camping or pitching your tent, then this design will help you.

It has a one-piece aluminum pole that makes it quick and simple even for someone that doesn’t know-how. Finally, the type of mesh that is used for this tent also helps to reduce condensation.

Pros:

• Comes with 75D ripstop polyester rainfly
• Designed to be lightweight and freestanding
• Easy to set up
• Has canopy made from Noseeum mesh

Cons:

• Difficult to get back into carrying bag

7. Marmot Limelight 2 Person Tent

This particular tent is recommended for stargazers because of the design of the poles. It gives you an unobstructed view of the sky when the rainfly isn’t on the tent.

Unlike many other tents, this one has a footprint included with it, as well as a rainfly that is made from water-resistant polyester.

It has interior pockets to keep your personal belongings safe. Plus, this tent is easy and quick to set up. And once you are done stargazing, this tent even has a small place for a headlight to be placed in the ceiling to give you the light that you need.

Specifications:

• Brand: Marmot
• Size: 2 person
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Dimensions: 43 x 54 x 88 inches
• Colors: Organge

Finally, this tent can work for the occasional single night stargazing trip or a more prolonged camping trip because of the lightweight design of the tent. This makes it suitable for you to be able to carry it wherever you need to put it together for the night.

Pros:

• Designed to be easy to setup
• Designed to be 100% waterproof
• Has multiple doors with two vestibules
• Has lightweight design

Cons:

• Minor issues with Marmot warranty services

The Verdict

After researching and reviewing several quality tents that are available, we are secure in our decision to nominate the Coleman Sundome Tent as the best tent when going stargazing. Unlike the other tents that were reviewed, this particular tent has different sizes that can be purchased to house different numbers of people without compromising the integrity of the tent design.

Plus, due to its dome shape, it will provide you with the clearest view of the night sky when you remove the rainfly. It is the most important thing about a tent being used for stargazing.

Although many of the other tents reviewed above have mesh canopies, as well. They do not provide you with the option of different sizes, which can be a downfall.

This does not mean that the other tents would make a bad choice. They all offer different pros and cons to the Coleman Sundome tent. And you should consider your personal needs and wants for your stargazing trip to ensure that you make the right purchasing decision.