When is the Best Time to Buy a Tent?

Published January 5th, 2023 by Allen Campbell

when is the best time to buy a tent

It’s a well-known truth that nothing beats the feeling of setting up camp in the great outdoors, but deciding when to buy a tent can often feel like an enigma. While you may have considered foraging for twigs and leaves – like our ancient ancestors used to do – it’s best to save yourself some time (and splinters) and opt for something more modern! 

In this blog post, I’ll answer one of your burning questions: when is the best time to buy a tent? Read on if you’re curious about finding good camping deals or simply ready to make an outdoor home of your own.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Tent: Summary

The Perfect Time to Snatch up a Great Tent Deal

The answer is simple: late August or September. That’s when the summer camping season ends and tents see a drop in demand – so you can snag some great deals. Stores are looking to clear out summer inventory and make room for winter gear, so you will find prices dropping on tents and other camping equipment. Plus, there’s the added bonus of thinking ahead: by the time your next camping season rolls around, you’ll be all set with a great tent!

There are many more chances to find bargains on tents throughout the year, so don’t forget about holiday sales. But, June is considered the prime time to snag a great deal. It is because of Father’s Day and Fourth of July deals as many stores are having special offers. You can take the advantage of these deals and score up to 70% discounts on tents.

Additionally, you can also look out for discounts offered by camping and outdoor stores, as well as online platforms. With a bit of luck and some smart shopping, you’ll be able to get your hands on the perfect tent at an unbeatable price!

I personally recommend investing in a tent in June – it’s the ideal time to get your camping gear all set up before summer ends. With the right know-how and a bit of savvy shopping, you can get yourself an amazing tent at an unbeatable price!

Year-round there are exceptional opportunities to purchase high-quality tents at bargain prices. Down below I have listed 4 more great opportunities to score an excellent deal:

Amazon Prime Day

This is a great time to take advantage of discounts on the tent and camping equipment. Amazon Prime Day usually falls in mid-summer and offers great deals on millions of items, including tents. 

Only the members of Amazon Prime can enjoy these exclusive discounts. There is no exact date for this event, but mid-summer is the best time to look out for it. Not only you can score great deals, but you will also get fast and free delivery. So don’t forget to check out Amazon Prime Day for amazing discounts on tents.

End-of-Year Sales

As the year draws to a close, many camping companies run end-of-year sales. This is the perfect time to stock up on tents and other camping equipment before they get taken off shelves. Many of these sales offer discounts of up to 50%, so keep an eye out if you want to save some money on your camping gear.

Black Friday

Black Friday is an another great opportunity for getting bargain prices on tents. Many stores have offers that run throughout the entire Black Friday weekend, so you can take advantage of discounts and save big. Just remember to shop around if you want to find the best deals available!

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is similar to Black Friday in terms of offering great bargains on various camping items. You can find excellent discounts online, as well as in physical stores – just make sure to keep your eyes peeled! Making the most of Cyber Monday can help you save a ton of money on your camping gear.

Tips for Buying Tents at the Best Times

Plan ahead

Have a clear idea of what type of tent you need and the features that are most important to you before looking for discounts or sales.

Set a budget and stick to it

It can be easy to get carried away when shopping for tents, so make sure you know how much you’re willing to spend and don’t go over your limit.

Research online first before making a purchase in-store

You can usually find better deals online than in physical stores, but always ensure that you’re buying from a reputable source!

Take advantage of holiday season offers

they often have the best discounts available. Lastly, don’t forget to read reviews before buying a tent to make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe to the newsletters of stores that have camping and outdoor items. You will be able to get updates on discounts and other offers, thereby increasing your chances of finding a great deal.

Compare Prices

Always compare prices before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best deal available. Look out for discounts, coupons, and other offers that can help you save more money on your purchases.

Check out Social Media

Follow camping and outdoor stores on social media for regular updates about new products, discounts, and offers. You’ll be able to find great deals here as well!

Take Advantage of Cashback Offers

Many stores offer cashback programs that will give you money back on purchases made through their website or app. Make sure to check if the store you’re buying from has any such offers before making a purchase.

Best Places to Buy Tents From

Amazon

In my opinion, Amazon is the best platform to buy tents from. Not only do they have a wide range of options available, but they also offer great discounts and fast delivery. With their Prime membership, you can even get exclusive offers and free shipping on your orders! 

Most of the times, their products are also eligible for return, making them a great choice for buying tents. I personally have had great experiences while buying tents from Amazon, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

REI

My second choice would be REI. Not only do they have a great selection of camping gear, but you can also find used products at discounted prices in their “Used Gear” category. You don’t have to worry about the quality of the product as REI ensures all their used stuff is thoroughly inspected. 

They often run sales and discounts throughout the year, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for these offers. Additionally, REI is dedicated to customer satisfaction and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their products, which is something that you don’t often find with online retailers. Plus, they have a great return policy, so you can shop with confidence knowing that you’ll be getting a good deal.

Walmart

Walmart is another great platform to buy camping gear from. Not only do they have a wide selection of tents, but you can also find great discounts and offers throughout the year. Their own brand Ozark Trail offers great quality products at an affordable price. 

In addition to their own brand, they also carry top brands like Coleman, Wakeman, and Core. With Walmart, you can also find a wide range of camping accessories to choose from, making it a great one-stop shop for all your outdoor needs.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods is another great option for buying tents and other camping gear. They have a wide selection of quality items and carry some great specialty brands you won’t find anywhere else. Not to mention, their prices are just a bit more wallet-friendly than the big-name brands! So if you’re looking for top-notch camping gear without breaking the bank, Dick’s Sporting Goods is definitely worth checking out!

When is the Best Time to Buy a Tent? - Bottom Line

The best time to buy a tent is late August or September, when stores are clearing out summer inventory. You can also look out for holiday sales like Father’s Day and Fourth of July, as well as Amazon Prime Day in mid-summer. And don’t forget the end-of-year sales, Black Friday and Cyber Monday – all provide great opportunities to save big on tents! 

Additionally, make sure to compare prices, take advantage of cashback offers, and follow stores on social media for regular updates about discounts and offers. With a bit of research and patience, you can find the perfect tent for your next camping adventure without breaking the bank! Happy shopping!

FAQs

What are the 3 seasons for tents?

If you’re a fan of basking in the great outdoors, then you know how important it is to invest in the right kind of tent. A 3 season tent can give you what you need to fully enjoy nature with your friends or family throughout spring, summer and fall. 

These tents provide reliable shelter from light rain and the occasional chill of the night air, allowing users to get out and explore whatever charms Mother Nature has to offer all year round. So if getting back to basics living is your idea of relaxation, then make sure you equip yourself with a quality 3 season tent for your outdoor adventures!

Are tents good for cold weather?

If you’re a fan of winter camping, then you’re likely familiar with the age-old debate over whether tents are good for cold weather. It’s true that temperature regulation in a tent can be tricky depending on its design and materials, but it also comes down to careful packing and preparation. 

A good quality tent equipped with the right accessories is sure to keep you warm and snug throughout your winter camping adventure. Plus, isn’t there something magical about snuggling up in your own little home away from home, watching flakes drift by? If that isn’t cozy enough for you, nothing will be!

What should you not keep in a tent?

When out camping, there are certain items you should never keep in your tent. To start, food and drink should be kept at a safe distance to prevent any intriguing critters from getting too cozy in your sleeping space. We all know that coolers are great for storing food, but what about those smelly socks? 

Keep them far away from the tent as well so curious noses can’t detect it! Cigarettes or matches also don’t belong inside as they pose a fire risk and can easily ignite anything flammable. While keeping warm is nice, don’t forget your tent isn’t meant to be a personal sauna – and that includes no open flames either! So remember to keep any fire-prone materials outside and you should be right as rain.

Should you put something under your tent?

When you’re packing for a camping trip, don’t forget the small things – like what to put under your tent. Although it might be tempting to just set up and go, taking the time to choose a tarp or ground cover can be the difference between a pleasant camping excursion and total misery. 

Not only will this provide a layer of insulation between you and the cold, hard ground, but it will also keep you dry in case of any unexpected rain or melted snow. Additionally, using a ground cover will also help protect your tent’s bottom and keep it cleaner for longer. So while it might seem like an extra step, taking the time to set up a ground cover will definitely make your camping experience much more enjoyable.

Does the color of a tent matter?

Everyone knows the importance of having a good tent when you’re out camping. We often think of materials, sizes and shapes when deciding on the ideal camping shelter – but what about color? It may not seem like an essential detail in the grand scheme of things, but believe it or not, the color of your tent can make a difference. 

A bright orange or green tent might keep you more visible to park rangers – ensuring that they don’t accidentally cite you for unauthorized camping – while a darker hue like gray or brown may help keep your camp well hidden from prying eyes. So, regardless of whether you’re looking for peace, serenity or something else entirely – choosing the right color could mean the difference between a worst-case scenario and one that really rocks!

Allen Campbell with Master Canopies

Allen Campbell

Allen is a full time writer at Mastercanopies.com and enjoys traveling around the United States and exploring nature. He enjoys writing about canopies as he believes they are extremely crucial in having a successful camping trip whether it be a trip to the beach, mountains, or the open plains.

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