When Do Tents Go on Sale

Planning a camping trip but worried about tent prices? Knowing when tents go on sale can help you save hundreds of dollars while still getting high-quality gear. From holiday discounts to post-season clearance, timing is everything. This guide reveals the best months, stores, and tactics to snag the lowest prices without sacrificing quality or durability.

Key Takeaways

• Major sales happen during holidays: Look for Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day for deep discounts on camping tents.
• End-of-season clearances offer the biggest savings: After summer camping season ends in September, retailers heavily discount tents.
• Online retailers often beat brick-and-mortar stores: Websites like REI, Amazon, and Moosejaw frequently run exclusive online-only deals.
• Sign up for newsletters and loyalty programs: Get early access to sales and special promo codes from major camping brands.
• Consider last year’s models: New tent designs rarely change dramatically—buying last season’s model saves money without losing performance.
• Check military and student discounts: Some retailers offer additional savings for verified students or active military personnel.
• Monitor price tracking tools: Use apps like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to get alerts when tent prices drop.

When Do Tents Go on Sale? A Complete Guide to Timing Your Camping Gear Purchase

If you’re planning your first camping trip or upgrading your gear, buying a tent is one of the most important investments you’ll make. But let’s be honest—tents can be expensive. That’s why knowing when do tents go on sale isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time adventurer, timing your purchase right can mean saving $100 or more without compromising on quality.

This article walks you through every key season, event, and strategy to help you score the best deal possible. From holiday blowouts to post-summer clearances, we’ll show you exactly when tents hit the market at rock-bottom prices—so you can pack light, camp hard, and keep more cash in your pocket.

The Best Time of Year to Buy a Tent

Understanding the annual retail cycle is the first step to smart shopping. Retailers follow predictable patterns based on consumer demand, inventory turnover, and weather trends. For tents, that means certain months stand out as prime shopping windows.

Spring (March–May): Early Season Hype

As temperatures rise and daylight hours grow longer, spring becomes a popular time to buy camping gear. However, this is usually not the best time for deals. Retailers haven’t slashed prices yet, and tents are still relatively new on store shelves. You might find a few promotions, especially around Earth Day or late April, but don’t expect steep discounts.

Instead, use spring to research models. Visit stores, read reviews, and compare specs. This way, by the time fall arrives, you’ll already know what you want—and you can jump on a deal instead of rushing into a pricier purchase.

Summer (June–August): Peak Demand, No Discounts

Summer is when most people hit the trails. As a result, tents sell fast, and prices stay firm. Retailers aren’t motivated to discount because demand is high. If you buy during this window, you’re likely paying full retail—unless there’s a flash sale or coupon.

Still, if you need a tent urgently (say, for an upcoming family trip), it’s better to buy now than wait. Just avoid impulse purchases. Stick to your list and compare at least three options before committing.

Fall (September–November): The Sweet Spot

Here’s where things get interesting. By September, summer camping season wraps up. Retailers begin clearing out inventory to make room for winter apparel and next year’s gear. This is when tents go on sale—sometimes deeply.

Expect 20% to 50% off across many brands during this window. Major retailers like REI, Bass Pro Shops, and Walmart start aggressive markdowns. Even premium brands like MSR and Big Agnes offer discounts on select models.

Major Holiday Sales: When Do Tents Go on Sale?

Holidays are goldmines for bargain hunters. Several key events offer massive tent discounts. Here’s how each one stacks up.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Without a doubt, Black Friday is the biggest day for tent sales. Retailers slash prices across the board, and online stores launch exclusive Cyber Monday deals. You’ll see tents discounted by 30% to 60%, sometimes with free shipping or bonus gear.

Pro tip: Shop early. Popular models sell out fast. Set calendar reminders and sign up for retailer alerts so you don’t miss the drop.

Memorial Day Weekend

Traditionally seen as the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend is another top-tier sale period. Many retailers offer “start of summer” promotions with tents at 20% off or more.

This is ideal if you’re planning a late-spring camping trip. Just be aware that prices may rise again after the holiday, so act quickly.

Labor Day

Labor Day marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall clearance. It’s one of the best times to buy a tent—especially if you want to stock up for next year.

Retailers like REI and Sierra offer extended return policies during Labor Day sales, which adds peace of mind. Combine that with deep discounts, and you’ve got a win-win situation.

Back-to-School and Prime Day

While not traditional camping seasons, Back-to-School promotions and Amazon Prime Day often include outdoor gear deals. These aren’t always the deepest discounts, but they’re convenient if you shop online.

Keep an eye out—some tents appear in Lightning Deals during these events. It’s worth checking if you’re flexible with timing.

Post-Season Clearance: The Hidden Goldmine

After the summer rush, retailers face excess inventory. That’s when post-season clearance kicks in—usually starting in late September and running through October and November.

REI Co-op End-of-Year Closeout

REI holds its annual end-of-year closeout in December. While tents aren’t the focus (more on clothing and accessories), you might find leftover tent models at steep discounts. This is especially true for older designs that didn’t sell well during the summer.

It’s not the best time for new buyers, but if you’re looking for a specific discontinued model, December could be your chance.

Outlet Stores and Warehouse Sales

Physical outlet stores like REI Outlet, Bass Pro Shops Outlet, and Cabela’s Warehouse often have tents on clearance year-round. Prices here can be 40% to 70% off regular retail.

Visit these stores in person during the fall or after major holidays. You might even find floor samples or slightly damaged tents sold at huge discounts—perfect if you don’t mind minor cosmetic flaws.

Online vs. In-Store: Where to Score the Best Deals

The rise of e-commerce has changed how we shop for camping gear. Online retailers often offer better prices and wider selections than physical stores. Here’s why.

Amazon: The Convenience King

Amazon frequently runs tent sales during major events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school periods. Third-party sellers also compete on price, driving down costs.

Use CamelCamelCamel to track price history. If a tent drops below your target price, you’ll get an alert. Be cautious with third-party sellers—check ratings and return policies.

REI and Moosejaw: Member Perks

REI and Moosejaw offer member-exclusive sales. If you’re not a member, consider joining—the annual fee often pays for itself with 10% rewards on purchases and access to member-only discounts.

These stores also host seasonal sales like the REI Anniversary Sale (usually in May) and Moosejaw’s annual Summer Blowout. Sign up for their emails to get early access.

Specialty Outdoor Retailers

Brands like L.L.Bean, Cotopaxi, and Kelty often run site-wide sales during holidays. Their websites rarely match Amazon’s low prices, but they sometimes offer free shipping or bundled deals (like a tent + sleeping bag combo).

Check their “Sale” pages regularly. Some items disappear fast once marked down.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings

Timing is important, but smart shopping habits can take your savings even further. Follow these expert tips.

Buy Last Year’s Model

Tent technology improves slowly. Most features remain consistent from year to year. Buying a 2022 model in 2023 or 2024 gives you the same performance at a fraction of the cost.

Look for “previous generation” labels on retailer sites. These are often deeply discounted.

Use Price Alerts

Tools like Honey, Keepa, or Google Shopping can notify you when a tent drops below a set price. Set your target and let the app do the work.

For Amazon-specific shoppers, CamelCamelCamel is unmatched for tracking historical pricing.

Bundle Up

Some retailers offer package deals—tent, sleeping bag, and stakes all together. These bundles save 10% to 20% compared to buying separately.

Especially useful for beginners who need complete gear sets.

Check for Student or Military Discounts

Many outdoor brands offer 10% to 15% off for students or military members. Verify your status through sites like UNiDAYS or ID.me.

This discount applies to full-price items too—not just sales. Stack it with a holiday promotion for extra savings.

What to Avoid When Buying a Tent on Sale

Sales can tempt you into buying something you don’t need—or worse, something of poor quality. Stay sharp.

• Avoid impulse buys: If you weren’t planning to buy a tent, don’t do it just because it’s cheap.
• Beware of fake discounts: Some retailers inflate original prices before marking them down. Compare prices over time to confirm real savings.
• Don’t skip reviews: A heavily discounted tent isn’t worth it if it leaks or collapses in wind.
• Skip damaged goods unless you’re sure: Floor models or “as-is” items may have hidden flaws. Inspect carefully or ask questions.

Conclusion: Timing Is Everything

So, when do tents go on sale? The short answer: mostly in the fall, during major holidays like Black Friday, and after the summer season ends. But the real secret is combining timing with strategy. By researching early, signing up for alerts, and knowing where to shop, you can save significantly without sacrificing quality.

Remember, a good tent lasts years—even decades—if cared for properly. Investing a little extra during peak season is fine if it means peace of mind. But if you’re patient and strategic, you can get the same gear for half the price.

Next time you’re ready to buy, mark your calendar for Labor Day, set a price alert, and check both online and local outlets. With the right approach, your dream camping trip won’t break the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best month to buy a tent?

The best months to buy a tent are September through November, especially during Labor Day and Black Friday sales. Retailers clear out summer inventory at steep discounts.

Do tents go on sale during Black Friday?

Yes, Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events for tents. Expect discounts of 30% to 60% on many models, both in-store and online.

Can I find tents on sale in December?

While tents aren’t the focus in December, some retailers like REI hold end-of-year closeouts where you might find leftover models at discounted prices.

Are last year’s tent models worth buying?

Absolutely. Tent technology changes slowly. Last year’s models offer nearly identical performance at a lower price, making them a smart buy during sales.

Where can I find the cheapest tents online?

Amazon, REI, Moosejaw, and Bass Pro Shops frequently offer online-only deals. Use price tracking tools to catch the lowest prices.

Should I wait for a sale or buy now?

If you need a tent soon and prices are fair, buying now is better than waiting indefinitely. But if you can delay, fall and holiday sales offer the deepest discounts.