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Camping with the family can be an exciting and wholesome way to create lovely memories that you will treasure in the years to come. How thrilling would it be to explore exotic locations and introduce new cultures to the young ones?
Think about taking on a challenging hiking trail where you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the surrounding lands.
While these possibilities paint such a beautiful picture, family camping requires careful planning and preparation to get everything right. From choosing child-friendly destinations to figuring out all the logistics, some may find this activity a downright nightmare to arrange.
If this sounds all too familiar to you, we’ve got you covered! This article features everything you need to know about selecting one of the best family camping tents for your upcoming group trip.
Perfect, let’s get started!
What are Family Camping Tents?
At a glance, family camping tents look like a typical backpacking or car camping tent but with enough space to accommodate two or more individuals. The best ones, however, are designed to provide comfort, privacy, and security for every member of the family.
Need a tent to fit the whole family in comfort? Get one of these fantastic family camping tents for your next trip!
Here are our top choices for the best family camping tents:
| Product | Type | Season | Waterproofing | Capacity | Cost |
| Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent | Budget | 3 seasons | 3000 mm HH | 4 people | £ |
| Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Car Camping Tent | Budget | 3 seasons | 4000 mm HH | 8 people | £ |
| Vango Odyssey Air 600SC Inflatable Family Tunnel Tent | Mid Range | All seasons | 4000 mm HH | 6 people | ££ |
| Vango Odyssey 800 Family Tunnel Tent | High-End | All seasons | 4000 mm HH | 8 people | £££ |
| Coleman Rocky Mountain 5 Plus Family Tent | High-End | All seasons | 4500 mm HH | 5 people | £££ |
| Gonex 3/5 Dome Camping Tent | Budget | 3 seasons | 3000 mm HH | 3-4 people | £ |
| GEEDIAR Automatic Pop-Up Tent | Budget | 2 seasons | 3000 mm HH | 3-4 people | £ |
| NTK Super Arizona 11/12 GT Series Family Camping Tent | High-End | 3 seasons | 2500 mm HH | 11-12 people | £££ |
| Coleman Oak Canyon 4-Person Family Tent | High-End | All seasons | 4500 mm HH | 4 people | £££ |
| Coleman Octagon 6-Person Festival Dome Tent | Mid-Priced | All seasons | 2000 mm HH | 8 people | ££ |
*Cost Rating: £ = Budget, ££ = Mid-Priced, £££ = High-End, ££££ = Luxury
Best family camping tents for 2022 – Our Favourites
Just because you are out camping with your family, doesn’t mean setting up a large tent that can fit everyone in comfortably needs to be stressful. Many tents are designed to make the initial set-up painless and easy to get going in no time.
Many of the top rated family camping tents that we are going to show you, are not only affordable, they are also built to last, meaning that you and your family can get a good night’s rest, without needing to worry about any leaks or pesky bugs spoiling all the fun.
If you want to skip through all the glorious details and know what is the best family camping tent? Our overall top pick is: NTK Super Arizona 11/12 GT Series Family Camping Tent
So here are our picks for the best family camping tents that you need to consider.
1) Best budget tent: Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent
If it’s the first time your family will go camping, we recommend this classic 4-person tent from the Coleman Sundome series. Through the brand’s WeatherTec system, you can rest assured that everyone and everything will stay nice and dry inside the tent. It can shield you from rain and moisture through its coated polyester walls and rainfly, as well as waterproof polyethylene bathtub floor.
Winds of up to 35 mph will also not topple the tent down, given its strong fibreglass frame and guy pegs. You can also power up all your devices inside through the zippered electrical access port. There’s a lantern loop on the tent ceiling, and you won’t have to worry about accidents due to sparks or flame because the tent fabric is fire retardant, too.
Why this tent stands out:
- The hooded rainfly and windows ensure proper air circulation within the tent even when raining.
- You can assemble this tent within 10 minutes because of its pin and ring design.
- The tent is large enough to fit one queen-sized air bed.
- Small valuables, such as mobile phones, wallets, and eyeglasses, may be safely stored in the tent’s interior mesh pockets.
- Keep your devices powered up through the dedicated E-Port.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 65.43 x 16.04 x 15.64 cm
- Capacity: 4 People
- Weight: 4.99 kg
- Waterproofing: 3000 mm HH
- Seasons: 3 seasons
- Included: Tent, rainfly, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
The Coleman Sundome 4-Person tent can be an excellent choice for small families with little to no camping experience. Its design, materials, and WeatherTec system will allow you to set it up quickly without compromising your loved ones’ comfort and personal safety during the trip.
Buy the Coleman Sundome tent now!
2) Best tent for beginners: Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Camping Tent
A lot of customers have been pleasantly surprised by this large but portable family camping tent. It can comfortably fit up to 8 people in your group. If anyone wants a separate room or to get dressed, all you have to do is put up the wall dividers provided along with the tent.
Setting up this model will likely be a two-person job, but it won’t take a lot of time and effort because it uses the standard poles and clips. Taking it down, however, can be done by just a single person, and you can put it back into its original carry bag without having to struggle with its size or weight.
Why this tent stands out:
- This octagonal family camping tent can be divided into three rooms for extra privacy.
- Each “room” within the tent has enough space for a mattress and some camping essentials that you need to store inside.
- The inverted seams and door zipper are engineered to protect you from water leaks.
- You won’t have to worry about moisture from the ground because of its waterproof welded floors.
- If folded correctly, this large family camping tent is relatively compact when packed back into its carrier bag.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 64.14 x 24.13 x 24.13 cm
- Capacity: 8 People
- Weight: 9.75 kg
- Waterproofing: 4000 mm HH
- Seasons: 3 seasons
- Included: Tent, wall dividers, tent poles, stakes, and carrier bag
Concluding thoughts:
If you’re keen on privacy and space, consider taking the Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon tent on your next camping trip. You can customise its interior layout without breaking a sweat through its detachable wall dividers. The tent also features the brand’s trademark weatherproofing system for added peace of mind.
Buy the Coleman Red Canyon tent now!
3) Best air tent: Vango Odyssey Air 600SC Inflatable Family Tunnel Tent
Skip the time-consuming and tiring process of pitching poles for your tent by choosing this inflatable 6-person tent. This model comes with a manual double-action pump that can only finish the job within a few minutes. While similar tents tend to be swept away on a rather breezy day, Vango’s inflatable tent is engineered to resist strong winds through their TBS II system.
The brand also has enhanced heat regulation inside the tent due to its unique Airzone technology. Together with the dark inner fabric, these design features guarantee that every member of your family will be resting and sleeping well during your camping trip.
Why this tent stands out:
- Through the added AirBeam technology, the tent can be inflated and pitched in just 8 minutes by a single person.
- The fabric used for this tent is both waterproof and fire retardant.
- The mesh front door ensures proper air circulation inside the tent.
- The side entry has a canopy to keep you and your camping gear safe and dry.
- The morning sunshine won’t wake you up earlier than you want because the tent’s dark inner fabric lessens the amount of light that passes through from the outside.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 585 x 380 x 200 cm
- Capacity: 6 People
- Weight: 19.95 kg
- Waterproofing: 4000 mm HH
- Seasons: All seasons
- Included: Tent, manual pump, poles, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
By going for the Vango Odyssey Air 600SC Inflatable Tent, you can focus more on introducing your kids to the joy of camping rather than worrying about your accommodation. Its special pitching technology reduces the effort and time you’d need to assemble a 6-person tent that can withstand any weather.
Buy the Vango Odyssey Air tent now!
4) Best tunnel tent: Vango Odyssey 800 Family Tunnel Tent
This affordable but sturdy 8-person tent offers flexibility and sufficient headroom for the adult members of the family. You can set up dedicated bedrooms or changing areas within the tent using the included wall dividers. The cover of the PVC windows may be rolled up or down, depending on how much privacy you need at the time.
Rain and winds won’t be an issue if you’re staying in one of these family camping tents. Every seam of the waterproof fabric has been sealed well, and the sewn-in groundsheet prevents moisture and bugs from getting inside. The brand’s patented tension band system has also been applied to keep it stable even on a stormy day.
Why this tent stands out:
- Most people are able to stand up and walk inside the tent.
- The brand’s tension band system offers extra protection during windy days.
- The 70 denier polyester tent fabric is highly durable and protective against moisture or chill.
- It has enough space to provide your children with a covered living or play area.
- You can subdivide the tent into a one to four-bedroom camping accommodation.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 70 x 39 x 22.9 cm
- Capacity: 8 People
- Weight: 22.9 kg
- Waterproofing: 4000 mm HH
- Seasons: All seasons
- Included: Tent, tent poles, wall dividers, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
Large families needing a reliable and spacious camping tent should consider purchasing the Vango Odyssey 800 Tunnel Tent. It’s made of sturdy materials and engineered for all kinds of weather. You can also modify it to suit your sleeping preferences through the wall dividers provided with the tent.
Buy the Vango Odyssey Tunnel tent now!
5) Best blackout tent: Coleman Rocky Mountain 5 Plus Family Tent
Bright mornings out in the wild won’t wake you up before you’re ready if you will choose this Coleman family camping tent. Its two bedrooms feature blackout fabric to filter out 99% of the light from the outside. This technology doubles as a temperature regulator, so you can take refuge inside the tent if the weather becomes too warm for your liking.
We also love how inclusive this family camping tent is. The younger members of your group can join and experience pitching the tent because of the intuitive colour-coded poles. If you’re taking toddlers on the trip, you can move their buggies in and out of the tent without a problem since the bottom part of the main door can be flattened. The same goes for any member of the family who requires a wheelchair.
Why this tent stands out:
- This model features Blackout Bedroom technology to lower the temperature inside the tent by up to 5 degrees.
- The colour-coded tent poles make it quick and easy to assemble, even if you’re a beginner.
- The drop-down portion of the main door helps prevent tripping and provides easy access for family members in a wheelchair.
- The four PVC windows may be covered whenever you need privacy.
- By using the removable wall dividers, you can create a living area and one to two bedrooms inside the tent.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 480 x 310 x 195 cm
- Capacity: 5 People
- Weight: 15.9 kg
- Waterproofing: 4500 mm HH
- Seasons: All seasons
- Included: Tent, tent poles, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
Campers heading to sunny destinations will be much better by opting for the Coleman Rocky Mountain 5 Plus tent. This model provides SPF 50 protection and blocks up to 99% of sunlight. The multiple ventilation slots will also help you stay cosy throughout the day and night.
Buy the Coleman Rocky Mountain tent now!
6) Best lightweight tent: Gonex 3/5 Dome Camping Tent
Family members who are on the taller end of the scale will certainly appreciate the added headroom of this dome tent that can fit 3 to 4 persons. The brand also designed it to have multiple storage options inside, as well as a hanging peg on the ceiling.
To keep you and your valuables dry, the tent is made of a special laminated fabric that consists of three waterproof layers. That doesn’t mean you will feel stifled due to the lack of airflow. This model features two semi-circular doors that can double as windows, as well as ground air vents for optimal air circulation.
Why this tent stands out:
- The pre-attached fibreglass tent poles speed up the pitching process to about 3 minutes.
- It offers 20% extra headroom compared to most 6-person dome tents.
- The hot-press laminating technology applied to the polyester fabric has increased the tent’s ability to repel rainwater and moisture from other sources.
- The ground vents of the tent may be opened to allow more air inside the tent when needed.
- Store your mobile phones, books, or small camping gears in the three inner pockets.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 240 x 240 x 150 cm
- Capacity: 3-4 People
- Weight: 3.99 kg
- Waterproofing: 3000 mm HH
- Seasons: 3 seasons
- Included: Tent, rainfly, frame poles, awning tent poles, fixed ropes, tent stakes, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
The Gonex 3/5 Dome Camping Tent goes the extra mile in terms of space provision and weather protection. It feels roomier than its peers because of its tent pole design. Hot or rainy days won’t be a problem, given the tent’s laminated fabric and enhanced ventilation channels.
Buy the Gonex Dome camping tent now!
7) Best pop-up tent: GEEDIAR Automatic Pop-Up Tent
We believe this is one of the best instant family camping tents on the market today. The pop-up mechanism can be activated by just lifting and pressing the top portion of the tent. Then, set the bottom joints in place and secure the entire thing with the provided pegs and guy lines.
The tent has enough space for 3 to 4 family members, yet it can be carried on your back after use since it weighs only 3.15 kg. This degree of portability didn’t sacrifice its quality and reliability, though. This model can handle heavy downpours and strong winds. The tent fabric will shield you from harmful UV rays, too.
Why this tent stands out:
- Pitching this pop-up tent can be done within 1 minute only.
- The alloy pegs and guy ropes increase the tent’s ability to withstand strong winds or heavy rains.
- Its doors come with two zippers for added protection against extreme weather conditions.
- The polyurethane tent fabric is highly resistant to rain, moisture, and UV rays.
- You won’t have a hard time carrying around this lightweight tent once it is back in its dedicated carry bag.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 75.7 x 30.6 x 13.6 cm
- Capacity: 3-4 People
- Weight: 3.15 kg
- Waterproofing: 3000 mm HH
- Seasons: 2 seasons
- Included: Tent, tent pegs, guy ropes, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
Setting up a tent won’t be a challenge at all with the GEEDIAR Automatic Pop-Up Tent. This model is perfect for families travelling with young children or seniors. It also ensures that everyone will feel safe, dry, and well-ventilated, even on a hot summer day.
Buy the GEEDIAR Pop-Up tent now!
8) Overall best value tent: NTK Super Arizona 11/12 GT Series Family Camping Tent
Get all the space you want out of your camping tent with this extra-large family camping tent from NTK. It has spacious bedrooms for every member of the family, plus a mesh-covered living area to keep you and the children safe from mosquito bites.
You won’t have a hard time setting up this tent that fits up to 12 people. It is designed with a pin and ring system, and every fibreglass tent pole is colour-coded. The laminated polyester fabric used for this model is resistant to both water, UV rays, and gusts of wind, too. The extended canopy provides added ventilation to the D-style doors and windows of the tent.
Why this tent stands out:
- This giant tunnel tent can be assembled within 20 minutes or less because of its colour-coded fibreglass poles.
- The incredibly spacious interior may be rearranged to fit the beds of around 11 to 12 adults and children.
- Its height and size will allow you to stand and roam inside the tent.
- The polyethylene floor has a special coating that keeps fungi from growing and destroying the material.
- The mesh layer of the inner tent prevents mosquitoes and other insects from entering.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 629.89 x 310.9 x 210.31 cm
- Capacity: 11-12 People
- Weight: 18.04 kg
- Waterproofing: 2500 mm HH
- Seasons: 3 seasons
- Included: Tent, tent divider, tent poles, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
Large families won’t have to break into smaller groups while camping if they will pick the NTK Super Arizona 11/12 tent. Its detachable room dividers offer enhanced flexibility, while the breathable, waterproof fabric ensures everyone will enjoy the camping trip and remain comfortable—rain or shine.
Buy the NTK Super Arizona tent now!
9) Honourable mention 1 : Coleman Oak Canyon 4-Person Family camping Tent
The Coleman Oak Canyon tent aims to provide maximum comfort to every member of the family. It has an easy-pitch design so that you can settle down right away and without breaking a sweat. The waterproof fabric and welded seams ensure that you do not have to worry about water leaks or bugs while inside the tent.
The two blackout bedrooms provide refuge on a hot day. The technology also guarantees that you won’t be rudely awakened by the heat and brightness of the morning sunshine. If you wish to set up a lounge or play area, the extra-large living area can fit a few chairs and a table, as well as your children’s beloved toys. Getting in and out of the tent won’t be an issue because it features two entrances/exits.
Why this tent stands out:
- The tent has two 5-sqm sleeping cabins and a large covered living area that can fit a small table and some chairs.
- It features blackout fabric to lessen the temperature in the bed areas significantly.
- Children won’t have a problem opening or closing the tent door because the zippers are designed to keep within their reach.
- In addition to an enormous PVC window, the bed areas have a ventilation slot to keep the air flowing in and out of the tent.
- The tent’s high waterproofing rating, taped seams, and built-in groundsheet make it a reliable option for all types of weather.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 485 x 280 x 200 cm
- Capacity: 4 People
- Weight: 18.5 kg
- Waterproofing: 4500 mm HH
- Seasons: All seasons
- Included: Tent, tent pegs, and carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
Families with young kids who wish to go camping should check out the Coleman Oak Canyon 4-Person Tent. It has some child-friendly features and a significantly large area for playtime or rest. You can rest assured that everyone will stay cosy during the day or night through the blackout technology.
Buy the Coleman Oak Canyon tent now!
10) Honourable mention 2 : Coleman Octagon 6-Person Festival Dome Tent
This highly rated dome tent is ideal for families visiting picturesque glamping destinations. The brand has made the most of its octagonal form by putting a door and windows on every side. These will not only provide you an opportunity to soak in the beautiful views, but the tent will also protect you from bug bites because every opening is covered in fine mesh.
The brand’s well-known weatherproofing system ensures that you and your gear stay dry even when it rains. Morning dew won’t also be a problem because it has a sewn-in groundsheet. The steel and fibreglass frames also keep the entire tent stable on a breezy day.
Why this tent stands out:
- Beginners can set up this tent without much trouble because its steel tent poles are colour-coded.
- Enjoy two spacious bedrooms and full headroom throughout this large octagonal tent.
- The tent provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings through its two hinged doors and large windows on all sides.
- The outer tent layer may be removed to turn it into a mesh-covered sitting or lounging area.
- Even though it is relatively big and heavy when packed, you can move this tent quickly because the carry bag is equipped with two wheels.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 429 x 429 x 225 cm
- Capacity: 8 People
- Weight: 20.7 kg
- Waterproofing: 2000 mm HH
- Seasons: All seasons
- Included: Tent, wall divider, rainfly, tent pegs, and wheeled carry bag
Concluding thoughts:
If you want to soak in the view and keep the mosquitoes away at the same time, go glamping with the Coleman Octagon 6-Person Dome Tent. Its design also guarantees excellent air circulation and strong protection against the wind, rain, and sunlight.
Buy the Coleman Dome tent now!
So all in all, our verdict for the best family camping tent to suit any budget is the: NTK Super Arizona 11/12 GT Series Family Camping Tent
How to choose the best family camping tents for you and your family
We’ve gone through and gathered everything that you must know when comparing the best camping tents for families so that you can find the best one for you. This includes information about the perfect tent size, the best materials, tent features and much much more.
1) Type of family camping tents
Family camping tents may be classified into four types, as described below:
- Wedge Tent – If you’re looking for something light, compact, and easy to set up or pack, the wedge tent may be ideal for your small group.
- Dome Tent – Campers go for dome-shaped tents because of their portability and moderate wind resistance. However, note that the signature sloped walls make the space inside smaller than you might expect.
- Tunnel Tent – Though it looks like a dome tent, the tunnel tent offers bigger interior space because its two opposite sides have vertical walls. This type may also withstand moderate winds as long as it has been anchored well to the ground.
- Cabin Tent – This is perfect for big families or those who want extra space, even if it would mean packing and assembling a huge, heavy tent.
Should you buy a car camping tent or backpacking tent for family camping?
The answer depends on your overall expectations, camping skills, and the family members you’re bringing along for the trip.
Car Camping Tent
Pros
- Offers a larger sleeping and living space to fit multiple adults and children at the same time
- Ideal for those who prefer a low-key and relaxing day on the camping site
Cons
- Might be challenging to pack, set up, or disassemble for beginners
Backpacking Tent
Pros
- Quicker and easier to construct because it requires smaller components to put together
- Great for hiking or taking nature walks because of its portable weight and compact packing size
Cons
- Has limited interior space to maintain its portability
2) Which tent size is best for families?
Sometimes, when you look online for the amount of people that a tent can hold, it can sometimes be misleading. Usually the number online tends to be higher than what it would be in reality. For example, if you see a family camping tent online that states that it is a 6 person family camping tent, you might end up finding that it can house just about 5 people.
The best advice when looking for the perfect tent size for families is to take the number of people in your family and then add 1-2 extra people in order to find out which tent size will be best for you. If you are a family unit of 2 adults and 2 children, then you should probably look to buy a 5-6 person tent.
3) What is the best tent height?
The height of a tent is relative to its overall size. That means the larger the tent is, the taller it will be. The best family camping tents have heights ranging from 0.9 metres up to 2.1 metres.
Children and teens might be fine with crawling or kneeling, but older family members may not have the same flexibility and endurance. Therefore, the ideal tent height that will be comfortable for everyone is around 1.5 to 1.8 metres. This sweet spot will allow the adults to stoop down or stand while inside the tent.
Family camping tents with these heights can typically accommodate four to six people. Something taller might seem the more enjoyable option, but many campers could agree that it may not be the best choice for windy regions that could cause the tent to shake or even topple over.
4) How much space is needed inside a tent?
The space within the tent is usually dictated by how large of a tent you buy. This means that the larger the amount of people that your tent can house, the more space inside the tent for you and your family to relax.
The major factors that you need to consider when it comes to the room inside the tent is headroom when you are standing, how large the doors will be and the general airflow within the tent. This will be important if you have taller members in the family who might need more space to move around freely.
Opting for a larger tent may be worth it. The last thing you want is your family squished together like sardines regretting coming on the trip in the first place!
5) What is the ideal tent weight?
If you are choosing strong durable family camping tents, they are likely going to be heavy, especially if you are a larger family. It should not be too much of a deciding factor especially if you will be travelling to a campsite in a car. However, you may not want to find a tent that will be way too heavy as you will still need to transport around the campsite.
Although, it must be noted that if you want a tent that will be more lightweight and easier to carry around, it is likely that you will be spending more as lightweight materials tend to cost a little more. A higher-priced tent will likely come equipped with material that is breathable and lightweight. If a tent with a high price point is not in your budget, you might need to try and pack less to compensate.
6) Ease of use
The last thing that you want after a long trek with your family to the campsite is trying to put together a tent with loads of bells and whistles with many complicated pieces that need to be put together. This becomes even more stressful if you’ve brought along your children for a weekend camping trip and they are getting hungry and rowdy. All you want to do is eat and relax in your cosy tent without stress.
Some tents are designed with the camper in mind and make life so much easier as they come with special colour coded pieces. Setting up is much less stressful this way as you don’t need to think about which part goes where, just simply match up the colours and voila, your tent is ready in no time.
7) Good waterproofing
Bad weather can sometimes be unpredictable especially if you decide to take your family around parts of the UK, where bad weather is common. It is really important that you not only select a tent that has a high enough level of hydrostatic head waterproofing, but also that you find a tent that has been sealed correctly close to the stitching.
Material
The best family camping tents are made of waterproof and weatherproof materials. In general, tents made of canvas offer good ventilation and durability—rain or shine. On the other hand, nylon or polyester tents are much cheaper and lighter, but they don’t last long if exposed to sunlight frequently.
The tent poles are usually aluminium or fibreglass. Aluminium poles are easier to manoeuvre around, but they are costlier than fibreglass poles. Unfortunately, the latter tends to break more quickly, especially when handled by inexperienced campers.
The material used for the tent floor matters, and a good choice is to go for Oxford or 70 denier nylon since they provide a high level of protection from water leakage.
Condensation
Despite your best efforts to keep the rain out, you might notice moisture build up from within the tent. Do not be alarmed though, this is usually just condensation forming, especially if you have been in the tent for long periods of time. This is usually formed by the contrast between the warmth from within the tent and the cold weather from the outside.
The best way to prevent a large build-up of condensation is through good quality ventilation. Ensure that you try and keep the tent door slightly unzipped to increase the flow of fresh air within the camping tent.
8) Weather and wind
We all know that the weather can sometimes get really bad, with strong gusts of wind that could potentially put your tent to the test. That is unless you’ve chosen to go with a tent that is built to survive bad weather.
A good tent is one that is well built and a great tell-tale sign of this is the way that the seams and stitching has been done. A poor job means that the tent will likely suffer problems sooner or later.
Fibreglass poles are also a great thing to have in strong winds as they are both sturdy enough to endure, but also flexible enough to allow the tent to withstand the wind without it buckling or the tent poles snapping under the pressure.
9) What features do I need?
To make the camping experience more pleasant for the family, look for tents with the following features:
- Rainfly – This waterproof cover is placed over the roof of the tent as an added layer of protection against rain, dew, and wind.
- Tent Dividers – Some tents come with interior nylon panels that you can zip up and down whenever some privacy is needed, like when changing clothes.
- Ventilation panel – Look for tents with ventilation panels on the ceiling, walls, or door, especially when heading somewhere hot and humid.
- Vestibule – Attach this to your tent as storage for dirty shoes or other items that don’t have to be secured inside.
- Gear Lofts – These are useful in storing your eyeglasses, mobile phone, books, or children’s toys.
- Lantern Hooks – Use this to illuminate the inside of the tent or to hang other small valuables and keep them off the floor.
10) Cost
Good family camping tents don’t have to break the bank. It’s a matter of searching for the one that best matches your needs, preferences, and budget. However, remember that opting for cheap tents will likely cost you more in the long-run.
Saving a few extra quid by buying a cheap tent might prevent you from thoroughly enjoying the trip because the tent does not have sufficient wind resistance or waterproofing. There is also a chance that you would have to purchase another tent because the poles or fabric got destroyed.
Conversely, a pricey tent may not always guarantee the best experience for your family. A more thoughtful way to get the most value out of your money is to go through the reviews of actual campers or camping tent review guides like this one and pay attention to their recommendations and words of caution.
11) Tent Aesthetics
Aesthetics is one of those things where you really shouldn’t care about how a tent looks and more just how it functions, but we all know that we still want something that looks good enough to feel comfortable camping in.
No one said you can’t mix functionality with beauty!
Now what makes a tent good looking is quite subjective. You might, however, want to think of things in terms of whether you wish to stand out from the crowd with an extra colourful tent or if you’d prefer to blend in with the background. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
FAQs about The Best family camping tents:
Pop-up tents are incredibly easy to set up, even with no prior camping experience. All you have to do is uncoil it and let it pop into its tent form.
However, this type of tent can sometimes come with features that may be less than ideal for your family trip. A pop-up tent may not be the best choice for super windy conditions because it may not have the sturdiness to endure the wind. Carrying it around may not be the easiest, given its large disc shape when packed away.
Despite these points, pop-up tents can still be a great purchase if you intend to use them only for certain activities on a day with good weather—for example, a picnic at the beach or attending an outdoor festival with the family.
While a standard 4-person tent might be the first thing that comes to mind, we recommend a 6-person tent size instead. Going for this size will ensure that everyone will feel nice and cosy, even if the group includes children or teens.
You don’t want anyone to sleep up against the tent wall. That will increase the risk of water leaks and the formation of condensation in case it rains. Remember to put at least a 15-cm distance between the mattress or sleeping bag and the wall.
A 6-person tent typically has an area of 8 to 12 square metres, with a height that allows adults to stand up and walk around carefully inside the tent. Of course, you can choose something bigger than this, but you might run into some problems, such as finding enough flat space to build the tent on or keeping it stable on a windy day.
Being required to stay indoors for the past few years has inspired several families to go camping. Now, new trends have emerged as camping enthusiasts try to enjoy the great outdoors again.
We often see families looking for campgrounds that allow pets to travel and stay with them. Having spent a lot of time together at home has made many of us unwilling to part with our furry friends.
Eco-friendly camping gears are also on the rise. Tents and sleeping bags made of sustainable or repurposed materials can offer comfort and an opportunity to contribute to the green movement. We have also seen more companies releasing solar-powered generators, lighting, and power banks to charge phones, tablets, and handheld gaming consoles during the trip.
It’s great to see so many families eager to embrace nature again with heartfelt enthusiasm and careful consideration of the impacts of camping on the environment.
Planning your dream family camping trip
A memorable camping trip with the entire family can be achieved through diligent research and planning. The camping tent is one of the critical factors that spell the difference between a dream holiday and a miserable ordeal.
Picking the right one will provide everyone in the family with a haven to relax and sleep without worrying about getting wet or bitten by bugs. On the other hand, settling for cramped, cheap tents will put everyone’s health and safety at serious risk.
Keep yourself from making common rookie mistakes by remembering our tips on finding some of the best family camping tents on the market today. Take the time to explore what the top brands have to offer.
Imagine your family working together in constructing the tent. Is it fun and easy? Or do you believe it might cause some frustrations along the way?
Pay attention to the materials and features, too. Even though most of your waking moments won’t be spent inside the tent, everyone will surely appreciate a cosy place to rest and sleep.
So, given everything you have learned from this article, which tent do you think will be the perfect companion for your family’s camping trip?
Want some camping tips to go with your new tent? Go and check out our blog and also follow our Pinterest account to get you pumped for your next trip with some camping inspiration.