Ground Tent Buying Guide

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of birds chirping, sunlight filtering through the trees, and a fresh cup of coffee brewed over a campfire. But let’s be real: your morning bliss can quickly turn into a soggy, cramped nightmare if you choose the wrong tent.

This ground tent buying guide is here to help you navigate the dozens of models and features on the market. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from materials and setup time to all-weather protection and ventilation.

Plus, we’ll highlight the Overlandish Basecamp as a fantastic example of a premium, all-season ground tent done right. If you want a tent that stands up to the elements, keeps you comfortable, and is ready for off-grid adventures, you’re in the right place!

These days, rooftop tents and hybrid shelters get a lot of attention in the overlanding world. While they have their perks, ground tents remain one of the most versatile and accessible shelter options for campers of all experience levels. They typically cost less, provide more interior space, and offer flexible setup locations. You’re not tied to your vehicle, and you don’t need a ladder or roof rack to crawl into bed.

Ground tents also excel in comfort and customization. You can find models tall enough to stand in, roomy enough for families, and adaptable to any terrain. If you’re planning to camp with a group, bring your dog, or set up a basecamp for several days, a ground tent gives you that much-needed room to spread out and settle in.

The Overlandish Basecamp proves that ground tents are far from outdated. With 96 square feet of space, a 6’9″ interior height, and true all-weather protection, it offers the comfort and performance you’d expect from much more expensive setups. And it packs down small enough to fit in a short-bed truck or SUV. Nice!

First, determine how much space you truly need. Are you a solo camper or traveling with family or friends? Will you be using a sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress? And don’t forget about gear storage. A good rule of thumb is to choose a tent rated for one more person than you expect to camp with.

As mentioned earlier, the Overlandish Basecamp offers 96 square feet of room. With that much space, you can sleep up to six adults or fit four cots with gear. You can even fit a queen-sized mattress and still have space to move around! That kind of flexibility is exactly what you want in a ground tent.

Nothing kills your camping vibe faster than wrestling with tent poles as the sun sets. Look for tents with quick-pitch designs, color-coded poles, or tension beam frames that simplify setup. Ideally, you should be able to set your tent up in under 10 minutes.

You can do better, though. For example, the Basecamp is built with a tension beam internal structure that lets you pitch it in under a minute. That means less time setting up and more time enjoying the view or prepping dinner. Sign me up!

Weather Resistance

Your tent should keep you dry and secure no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. Key features to look for include a high-quality rainfly, a tub-style floor, sealed seams, and durable zippers.

With triple-layer insulation, a new tub floor that raises the zipper 5.5 inches above ground level, and exterior storm shutters for every window, the Overlandish Basecamp is again a great example of what to look for in a quality ground tent. It’s designed to keep out rain, wind, and snow. It even has an optional Weather Pack with a full-coverage rainfly, footprint, and extra stakes if your camping adventures tend to happen in really terrible weather.

A well-ventilated ground tent is a game-changer, especially in hot or humid climates. Look for a tent with mesh windows, roof vents, and adjustable airflow options. Condensation buildup can lead to damp sleeping bags and discomfort, even if it’s not raining, so airflow really matters.

For example, the Overlandish Basecamp features adjustable side windows, sealable roof vents, and a new low-wall window system for passive cooling. These features allow you to fine-tune airflow while keeping bugs out. Plus, this ventilation system is designed to eliminate condensation while you sleep. It’s the best of both worlds!

High-denier polyester and canvas are popular for their balance of strength and weight. Look for water-resistant or waterproof coatings and reinforced seams. The floor should be thick, puncture-resistant, and designed to keep water out.

A great example of this is the Basecamp’s thick tub-style floor. It’s easy to clean and built to handle tough terrain. Its durable, water-resistant materials offer long-term protection without adding unnecessary bulk, too.

You’ll be zipping and unzipping doors and windows constantly, so high-quality zippers are a must. YKK zippers are the industry standard for their reliability and smooth function.

Structural Integrity

Pole systems vary, from fiberglass (affordable but breakable) to aluminum (stronger and lighter). Reinforced corners and well-designed tension systems can greatly improve wind resistance.

Overlandish includes upgraded and reinforced corners on the Basecamp tent for enhanced durability. Its internal tension beam setup ensures stability in high winds, too, making it ideal for rough weather or exposed campsites.

An all-season tent should keep heat in during winter and stay breathable in the summer. Features like insulated walls, storm flaps, and adjustable ventilation are crucial.

The Overlandish Basecamp, for example, includes triple-layer insulation made from one of the heaviest insulating materials available. It keeps the heat out during summer and in during the winter, all while maintaining breathability thanks to its advanced venting system.

Look for high walls, storm flaps, and full-coverage rainflies in your next tent. The rainfly should cover windows, doors, and extend down the sides for maximum protection.

The Basecamp’s Weather Pack option is the ultimate rain and wind defense. It adds a full rainfly with built-in windows and under-fly ventilation. Combined with storm shutters on every window and secure guy lines, it offers bulletproof protection against the elements.

A tent’s packed size affects where and how you can store it. If you have a compact SUV or need to conserve space for other gear, size matters. The Overlandish Basecamp folds down to just 59 inches and fits inside a Jeep, SUV, or short-bed truck. Despite its size when deployed, it’s designed for real-world portability to save you valuable space in your rig.

Weight Considerations

A lightweight ground tent might be easier to move, but it often sacrifices insulation and weather resistance. Aim for a balance between durability and portability. At 62 pounds, the Basecamp isn’t ultralight—but it’s manageable and packs a ton of features into a transportable design. For car camping or overlanding, it hits the sweet spot.

Multiple doors offer better access, especially if you’re camping with a group. Windows should open in layers: mesh for bugs, clear poly for views, and insulated flaps for warmth.

The Overlandish Basecamp includes four-layer windows: mesh, clear poly, insulated panels, and storm flaps. Each layer can be used independently for total control over light, privacy, and airflow.

Built-in storage pockets, gear loops, and cable ports make it easier to keep your tent organized and power your electronics. With dual 6.25″ wall ports, internal wire management, and space for lighting systems, the Basecamp is wired for comfort. It also includes a tote bag, footprint, and guy lines for setup on any terrain—all features that can turn your camping experience into a much more comfortable and organized outing.

Durability Enhancements

Small upgrades like reinforced corners, high-stress point reinforcements, and double-stitched seams add years to your tent’s lifespan. Again, the Basecamp is a fine example, here. Its reinforced corners, upgraded wall ports, and heavy-duty stitching show that it’s built to last. It’s the kind of investment you can count on season after season.

Not every camper needs a fully insulated, all-season ground tent. But if you plan to camp frequently, in a wide variety of conditions, or just want the best of the best, it’s a smart investment.

The Basecamp is ideal for:

• Overlanders who need reliable shelter for off-grid trips
• Families and groups who want room to spread out
• Year-round campers who face changing weather
• Anyone who values comfort, fast setup, and high-quality construction

If you want a ground tent that can handle just about anything, the Overlandish Basecamp is the gold standard. It’s built with real-world use in mind and strikes a rare balance between comfort, durability, and portability.

Before you buy, make a checklist of your needs. Think about how many people will use the tent, where and when you plan to camp, and how much gear you’ll bring. Then look for features that match your camping style: insulation, setup time, floor space, and ventilation.

Don’t let flashy marketing distract you from the essentials, either. Waterproofing, high-quality zippers, ventilation, and durable construction are far more important than extra gimmicks. And remember—a ground tent is your home in the wild. Choose one that will treat you right.

A ground tent might seem like a simple piece of gear, but it’s the foundation of your camping experience. In the backwoods, the mountains, or the desert, the right tent keeps you safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure.

With this guide in hand, you’re ready to choose a ground tent that fits your needs and your lifestyle. And if you’re looking for one that truly does it all, the Overlandish Basecamp certainly deserves a spot at the top of your list!