Best Family Tents for Camping

Buying guide for best family tents

Ready to buy now? Shop the best:

• Best of the Best: Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent
• Best Bang for the Buck: CAMPROS CP Tent 8 Person Camping Tent
• Trusted Brand: Coleman Sundome Camping Tent with Rainfly
• Best for Long Trips: The North Face Wawona 6
• Best for its Tall Height: MARMOT Midpines 4P/6P Camping Tent

Choosing the right family tent is crucial for a successful camping adventure, whether you’re planning a week in the great outdoors or a simple backyard sleepover. A suitable family tent should accommodate everyone comfortably while offering enough space for gear storage. It’s important to note that manufacturer ratings for tent capacity may often be optimistic, so it’s wise to consider how much room you’ll realistically need.

Our top pick, the Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent, provides ample space for four people and their gear, making it a fantastic choice for families. Read on for detailed insights into each of our recommended tents and how they can enhance your camping experience.

Editors’ picks

Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent

Editors’ Favourite

Total floor area: 61 sq ft | Peak height: 78” | Weight: 30 lb | Number of doors: 2

The Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent is designed for easy family camping. With a total floor area of 61 square feet, it accommodates four campers with room for gear. Its impressive peak height of 78 inches allows even tall campers to stand upright, enhancing comfort.

Set-up is a breeze, especially for families with children. The tent comes pre-assembled, allowing for a quick setup in under 90 seconds, which is a lifesaver when kids are eager to start camping. Additionally, its two D-shaped doors and six mesh windows ensure excellent airflow, while the removable rainfly protects against unexpected weather.

We particularly appreciated the thoughtful storage solutions, including a removable gear loft and multiple pockets for organisation.

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CAMPROS CP Tent 8-Person Camping Tent

Great Value

Total floor area: 126 sq ft | Peak height: 72” | Weight: 17.4 lb | Number of doors: 2

The CAMPROS CP 8-Person Camping Tent is perfect for larger families or groups. With a generous floor area of 126 square feet, it can easily accommodate up to eight campers or three queen-size air mattresses. The tent features a privacy curtain that can divide the space, adding versatility for families.

Worried about rain? No need! This tent is made from durable polyester with sealed seams and waterproof strips, ensuring you stay dry during wet weather. It also boasts excellent ventilation, helping to keep the interior comfortable on warm nights.

First-time campers will find this tent particularly user-friendly, as the colour-coded poles simplify the setup process, allowing two people to assemble it in just five minutes.

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Coleman Sundome Camping Tent with Rainfly

Trusted Brand

Total floor area: 100 sq ft | Peak height: 72” | Weight: 15.2 lb | Number of doors: 2

The Coleman Sundome Camping Tent is a robust option for families who camp in unpredictable weather. With its WeatherTec system, it features a tub-like floor and welded corners to keep water out. This tent can withstand winds of up to 35 miles per hour, providing peace of mind during storms.

It’s spacious enough to fit two queen-size air mattresses and still have room for personal belongings. With a peak height of 72 inches, taller campers can stand comfortably.

Extra features like an e-port for electrical devices and gear pockets add to its practicality, while two awnings offer additional weather protection.

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Types of Family Tents

Ridge Tents

Ridge tents have a traditional peak, reminiscent of a house roof, with poles along the sides and a central pole for support. They come in various sizes and are easy to set up, offering excellent stability. However, they typically provide limited headroom and are primarily designed for sleeping.

Dome Tents

Dome tents feature a semi-circular design supported by flexible poles. They provide more headroom than ridge tents, making them suitable for larger groups. Some users, however, find them less sturdy in strong winds compared to ridge tents.

Instant Tents

Instant tents are ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free setup. With a permanent, spring-coiled frame, they can be erected in moments. These tents are continually improving, especially in durability.

Inflatable Tents

Inflatable tents are a newer option that inflates after being secured to the ground. While they are user-friendly and durable, many campers find them heavier and more expensive than traditional tents.

Choosing the Right Tent Fabric

The fabric of your tent significantly influences its performance. Here’s a quick overview:

Polyester

This synthetic fabric is lightweight and durable, making it the most popular choice for tents. Variations exist in weight and coatings, but it typically offers good weather resistance.

Polycotton

Combining cotton’s qualities with a weatherproof coating, polycotton is common in larger family tents. It tends to be lighter and more affordable than pure cotton options.

Nylon

Nylon is another synthetic fabric, though it requires a strong coating for durability. Cheaper nylon tents can develop holes, leading to potential damage inside.

Cotton

Cotton canvas was once the standard for larger tents. It adapts well to different climates and is very durable. However, it is heavier and more expensive compared to synthetic materials.

Other Considerations

Weather Resistance

If you’re headed to areas prone to wind or rain, investing in a weather-resistant tent is crucial. While they might have a higher price tag, the assurance against ruined trips is invaluable.

Tent Construction

Pay attention to the seams and edges of your tent. Proper construction prevents water from entering and keeps bugs out. Look for flaps over zippers and window coverings to enhance waterproofing.

More Things to Keep in Mind

• Consider the number of entrances and windows for better airflow and access.
• If privacy is essential, opt for tents with internal dividers.

• Look for tents with awnings for extra sun protection.

• Evaluate the internal storage options, such as shelves and pockets.

• Anterooms can be beneficial for cleaning off muddy shoes.

Tent Tips

To maximise your tent’s lifespan and performance, follow these useful tips:

• Choose a previously used campsite: A flat, debris-free area is ideal for setup.

• Use a ground cloth: A high-quality footprint protects the tent from ground damage.

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure: UV rays can damage tent materials, even if they are rated for sun use.

• Handle zippers with care: Use pliers gently if they get stuck and consider lubricating them.

• Store food properly: Prevent attracting wildlife by keeping food sealed.

• Leave shoes outside: Keeping debris out preserves your tent’s integrity.

• Clean carefully: Use a gentle sponge and cold water, avoiding harsh detergents.

• Air-dry your tent: Ensure it’s completely dry before storing to avoid mildew.

Price

Under £50

If you’re a couple or a small family, there are good options available in this budget range. For under £40, you can find waterproof tents that are compact yet spacious enough for two.

Over £100

For larger families looking for well-equipped tents, expect to pay more. Good-quality eight-person tents can range from £200 to £300, with premium options available for higher prices.

FAQ

Q. Should I buy a tent with more than one room?

A. Multi-room tents offer privacy and can create separate areas for sleeping or dining, making them a great choice for larger families.

Q. How much space is needed per person in a family tent?

A. Generally, plan for about 24 square feet of space per person for comfort.

Q. What’s the best material for tent poles?

A. Steel is the strongest option, but fiberglass and aluminium are durable and cost-effective alternatives.

Q. How long should my family tent last?

A. With proper care, a good quality tent can last many years, with some lasting over 30 years.