The Cheapest Single-Person Tents At Walmart For Your Next Hiking Or Backpacking Excursion

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Whether you're looking to master camping on your own or just need a budget-friendly tent that won't weigh you down, Walmart's Ozark Trail lineup has you covered — even if you don't have much to invest upfront. Their two cheapest single-person tents prove you don't need to spend a paycheck to get outside. Each one offers a quick setup, dependable shelter, and just enough comfort to keep you focused on the trail ahead. The real question is which one works best for your style of adventure? Let's compare these two solid options tailored to different priorities.

First up is the Ozark Trail Oversized 1-Person Hiker Tent ($29.97), which gives you a roomy 7-foot by 5-foot floor area and a tall enough ceiling to sit up comfortably. With a carry weight of 4.4 pounds, it's light for its size, and the large D-shaped door makes climbing in and out with a pack much easier than most one-person shelters. The tent's simple two-pole design means you can pitch it in minutes, and its oversized footprint is a bit roomier for bigger-bodied hikers or those who want extra space for gear inside.

Another option is the Ozark Trail 1-Person Hiker Tent ($35.58), also designed with a two-pole frame, except it's color-coded for easy setup. It's also 4.4 pounds added to your pack and folds down compactly. Both of these tents are pretty similar — you'll find built-in organizer pockets to stash essentials and features like a mesh ceiling and E-port for cord access. However, it has slightly less floor space. In short, if price and elbow room matter, the oversized version wins. But if compact packing and minimalist design are your top priorities, the streamlined hiker tent is a great option.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right tent for your next camping adventure. Budget tents often get mixed reviews, and these Ozark Trail models are no exception. On Reddit, u/dizanbot summed it up well: "If it gets you outside, on budget then it works. Set it up to check for defects beforehand, seam seal it and don't go if there are severe storms forecasted." That speaks to one of the biggest considerations about a budget tent: weather protection. While both Ozark tent models can keep you dry in light conditions, they're not built for high-alpine storms or multi-week treks. Redditor u/siltanator added: "The thing about storms is for real, I was very happy with my $30 tent until it literally got torn apart in gale force winds while I was in it."

When it comes to budget hiking gear, weight and packability are another factor. At roughly 4 pounds apiece, neither tent qualifies as ultralight, but many users note that for short trips, the trade-off is worth it. As hiker u/expired_multipass put it, "It's a great budget option, especially if you're only doing a few nights." Durability also comes up often. Ozark Trail gear tends to be considered "entry-level"— aka good for beginners or casual use, but not designed to hold up like premium backpacking brands. However, Walmart customer reviews on both tents seemed happy with the quality and ease of setup for the price.

Overall, these tents are best suited for campers who want to get outside without a huge upfront investment. Just be mindful of your environment and your long-term goals. And by the time you're eyeing a long trek on the Appalachian Trail, you'll probably be knee-deep in the community enough for recommendations on your next upgrade.