Costco's Budget Camping Essential Is A Game Changer Worthy Of Its Social Media Hype

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, and there's no better way to immerse yourself in nature than going camping. Whether you're embarking on the ultimate thrilling road trip to explore breathtaking national parks or planning an outdoorsy staycation close to home — camping should definitely be a part of your summer plans. 

As you sit around the campfire sharing stories, fall asleep under the stars, and awake to the sounds of birdsongs, you're sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. But before you can skip to the good part, you'll need to ensure you have the proper gear. A quality tent is a must-have item for any successful camping trip. If you're in the market for a new one, the CORE tent from Costco is an excellent choice.

Costco is a beloved membership-based warehouse club with locations in North America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Members love scoring great deals on everyday essentials, and each summer, Costco causes a splash when it releases great gear for epic outdoor adventures. The CORE tent has garnered a cult following and taken social media by storm. You can't trust everything you see on social media, but most of the time, things go viral for a reason. According to customers, the CORE tent really does rock.

Most tents on the market tend to feel a little cramped. If you're someone who likes some breathing room when you sleep, you may be sorely disappointed. Luckily, the CORE tent comes in two sizes, and both of them offer plenty of space to spread out. Whether you're taking your kids on their first camping trip or heading to a music festival with a big group of friends, the spaciousness of CORE tents is a total game changer.

The six-person option is perfect for families, people traveling with pets, a few friends who don't want to feel cramped, or couples who like to spread out. It's 10 feet long and 9 feet wide. The height is 5.5 feet at its tallest point, so there is room to stand up in the middle if you're petite. There's enough room to fit two queen-size air mattresses inside without feeling cramped.

The 10-person CORE tent should be your go-to for backyard slumber parties, family reunions, and music festivals with friends. This tent has room for the whole crew — and then some. It's 14 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 6.5 feet tall. Even fully grown adults can stand upright inside. Changing clothes is normally super annoying in a tent, but not with this outdoorsy palace. Four queen-size air mattresses can fit comfortably inside, so you and all of your friends can sleep like royalty. With this tent, you can easily transform your basic campsite into a luxury glamping experience. 

After a long day on the road, setting up camp can sometimes be a struggle — especially if you arrive at your campsite after dark. If you're traveling with the CORE tent, set up is simple and takes just two minutes.

Recently, my partner brought the 10-person tent along to a campout in North Carolina. We got delayed on the drive and didn't end up arriving until after midnight. Before I was able to find my headlamp, he'd set up the tent by himself! The whole process was easy and efficient. It's an instant tent, which means the poles are already in place. All you have to do is unfold it, pop it up, lock the pieces into place, and put the tarp on. The tents have built-in LED lights with high, medium, and low settings, so you don't always have to go searching for your flashlight in order to add some light to your campsite. The larger tent has room dividers for a little added privacy between sleeping spaces, or to add a separate living room and bedroom area. There is also an option that comes with an awning for some shade. 

Both tents are relatively light, and most people will be able to carry them by themselves. Despite their large sizes, the CORE tents still pack up relatively small. You wouldn't want to take them backpacking, but for car camping they work perfectly fine. The bigger 10-person tent weighs 41 pounds. Another major perk is their budget-friendly price tags. A similar 10-person tent from Coleman costs about $550, but the CORE tent costs only $275. The six-person version is even more affordable at $120.