Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 - Best Budget Camping Tent
The Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 delivers quality features at an unbeatable price, making it the best budget option without sacrificing essential weather protection.
- +Exceptional value at under $150
- +Brow pole provides better rain protection than competitors
- +Quick Corners system simplifies setup
- -Fiberglass poles less durable than aluminum
- -Single door design limits access
- -Shorter height than some cabin-style tents
The Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 represents the sweet spot for budget-conscious campers who refuse to compromise on essential features. Priced significantly lower than premium models, this tent nonetheless includes thoughtful design elements often missing in its price range. The crossed-pole design with Quick Corners (short pole sleeves) makes setup straightforward, even for novice campers. A standout feature is the brow pole that sets the porch coverage back, providing superior protection against wind-driven rain compared to other budget tents that skimp on fly coverage. The huge single door, while not as convenient as dual entries, offers easy access, and interior storage pockets help maintain organization.
Testing in Joshua Tree National Park demonstrated its weather resistance when properly staked and guyed out. While the fiberglass poles and basic stakes indicate some cost-cutting measures, they're adequate for fair-weather camping. The Discovery Basecamp gives up some headroom to cabin-style tents like the Eureka Copper Canyon LX but gains weather protection in exchange. Available in both 4- and 6-person sizes, this tent offers multiple seasons of reliable use at a price point that makes it accessible to first-time campers or those needing a secondary beater tent.