TOP GEAR PICKS

Best Family Tents: Camping Family Fun Perfection

Waterproof, storm proof, practical design, easy to put on and big family tent
Written by Kane Dane

Do you love to take your family on outdoor adventures? If you do, then you must have an idea how significant a camping tent is to your outdoor adventures. However, are you faced with the problem of selecting the perfect camping tent that will provide comfort and keep your family as warm as possible when necessary? Do you know the types available on the market today? If you do, how do you choose the right one in the sea of best family tents?

There are a lot of options on the market, and you are confused which model to buy. If you happen to face this scenario, do not panic. Now, how do you know the perfect tent for your outdoor adventures? The first thing you should expect to get from a camping tent is the shelter it provides. Choosing the best tent for family camping is quite a challenge because this outdoor equipment comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and features. A good tent also comes with other specific features which depend on your outdoor needs.

According to campingio.com all you need to look for are the significant features, and do research on the internet even if it takes a lot of time and stress to do. But, to save you the time and stress, we have compiled a list of reviews for the best camping tents. Additionally, we also included some tips to make the selection easier. These tips will enable you to choose the ideal camping tent for you and your family. Continue reading to know more about these tips.

Our Top Picks

Product NameWeightMaterialDimensionsPrice
Big Agnes Diamond18 poundsNylon212 x 60 x 67 inCheck price on Amazon
Coleman Tenaya35 poundsPolyester156 x 108 x 72 inCheck price on Amazon
Wenzel Klondike28 poundsPolyester192 x 78 x 132 inCheck price on Amazon
Coleman Instant25 poundsNylon120 x 108 x 72 inCheck price on Amazon
Coleman Weathermaster24 poundsPolyester204 x 108 x 80 inCheck price on Amazon
Core Equipment Extended20 poundsNylon192 x 108 x 72 inCheck price on Amazon
Ozark Dkraw31 poundsPolyester240 x 120 x 78 inCheck price on Amazon
Core Equipment Instant52 poundsNylon79 x 120 x 216 inCheck price on Amazon
Browning Big Horn34 poundsNylon87 x 180 x 87 inCheck price on Amazon

Features to Consider Before Buying

Choosing the perfect tent for the entire family is no picnic, and you need to know what to look for in order not to end up with a tent that is either too small for your family or doesn’t come with the features you need.

Before you purchase a family tent for your outdoor adventures, you need to consider some factors before you purchase the tent. These factors will make your selection easier and effective. The factors are explained below:

Livability

One of the greatest advantages of a camping tent is that it’s bigger compared to the backpacking tent. It is designed to be durable and offers campers more space to relax, hang out, and enjoy the wilderness.

The best tent for family camping should give you more than just a shelter – this should be your portable cabin, your beach side cottage, and your creek side home.

A familly having good times inside of a familly camping tent

The height of the ceiling is instrumental in making your tents livable for the entire family, allowing the taller individuals to stand up without difficulty, to minimize back and neck strain from a weekend of bending and crouching.

When camping in warmer weather conditions, ventilation is a paramount aspect when the greenhouse effect can be felt. More mesh, large windows, and large doors help, so do the specially designed vents.

Therefore, when you are thinking of purchasing a family tent, these are the aspects you will need to consider as comfort adds to the livability of your tent.

Ease of Setup

The weekend is here and the long week has just ended. You have been excited to get out of town ever since the week began. Your plan has been to pitch by the shores of the lake in the back country. Friday rolls around, and it appears everyone else had a similar idea. Traffic is terrible, so you understand that you are going to arrive late at your destination.

Image showing a father and his kid -setting-up-a-tent

Finally, you are there! It is nine o’clock in the evening, and it’s quite dark. Your headlamps are buried, and your stomach is rumbling with hunger. You decide to delegate the duties. While one person sets up the stove, the other is left to set up the tent.

Does this scenario look familiar? To avoid the hassles associated with tent setup, make sure you look for models that can be pitched within the shortest time possible. That way, you’ll have less time pitching the tent and more time relaxing.

Water Resistance

What’s the ideal camping experience? If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you probably envision those sunny days when the sky is clear, with the light afternoon breeze, and the cool evening by the fire.

Image showing the Olpro-Wichenford-2.0-Technical-Family-8-Berth-Tent

For the glory of an excellent weekend of camping, if the weather decides to go sideways, inappropriate or inadequate gear can quickly ruin your perfect weekend. That expensive tent you had bought without doing any research could end up being unhelpful, and worse; it could sour your entire experience while camping.

For that reason, it is advisable to do your homework before picking any tents for your camping needs. The best tent for family camping should be water resistant to ensure you remain dry throughout even in the stormiest of weather.

Seams

The seams of your tent must be reinforced with nylon tape. By stitching the tape into each seam, the seam will be stronger and weatherproof. All the waterproof seams of a nylon tent, like the ones on the floor and fly, should be waterproofed with a sealer. Make sure your tent comes with a bottle of seam sealer.

Image showing a Family Camping Tent

Before going for the trip, set up your tent in the yard and apply the sealer. Give it time to dry before you can pack it. You will need to repeat this process yearly.

Peak Height

If you want to be able to stand up when changing your clothes, you need to find a tent that has a tall peak height. This aspect also enables you to move around the tent with ease and minimizes the strain on your neck and back.

Cabin-style tents– These tents incorporate near-vertical walls that maximize the overall peak height and the livable space. Some models usually incorporate family features such as awning and room dividers.

Image showing a cabin style familly tent

Dome-style tents – These types of tents provide wind-shielding abilities and superior strength, both of which you will appreciate on a rainy night. These models stand tall in the center, and their walls slope outwards reducing their livable space.

Tent Doors

When selecting your tent, it’s important to think about the number of doors as well as their orientation and shape. When camping with your family, multiple doors are essential as they help prevent people from climbing over one another for bathroom breaks during the night.

The cabin-style tents are usually helping in this area. Additionally, you need to note how noisy or comfortable the doors are to operate. The YKK zippers on the door help to resist breaking and snagging better than other brands.

Tent Poles

The structure of a tent pole determines the ease of setup. Virtually all modern family tents are free standing. Not much is involved when you want to set them up.

Image showing aluminum-tent-poles

The greatest advantage of this is that you can shift the tent from one area to the other before you decide that this is the perfect spot for your camp. In addition to that, you can quickly shake dirt of the tent before deciding to take it down.

Tents with fewer poles are usually easy to set up. Additionally, it’s easier to attach the poles to clips as opposed to threading them through their sleeves. Many tent models utilize both short pole sleeve and clips to create a strong balance and provide ventilation. The pole clips and color-coded corners make the setup easier and faster.

Top Products on Today’s Market

Now that you are familiar with the factors that must be present in a family tent, we have selected the best tents on the market today. Below is the review of the top products in the market today:

Big Agnes Flying DiamondBig Agnes Flying Diamond 6 Person Tent

Price: Approx. $700

Weight: 18 pounds

Dimensions: 212 x 60 x 67 inches

Specific features: Breathable polyester Rip-stop, mesh storage pockets, 15 hook stakes included

Best use: Family camping, group camping, outdoor adventures

Description: The Big Agnes Flying Diamond is an excellent product for all your family camping needs. This tent features two doors and vestibule doors for entry and exit. It also incorporates two closure options: Zip up polyester layer for ventilation and the mesh door for ventilation.

The vestibule can be staked out as a shade, by use of hiking poles. Six and eight individuals can be separated into two rooms using a fabric wall which is storable when you don’t need it. The WeatherTec system, as well as the patented welded floors and the inverted seams, make it possible for you to remain dry.

The illumine reflective Guy lines can be seen at night so don’t have to trip when you decide to walk in the dark. The room divider offers extra privacy for the entire group as they spend their time in a space that is large enough to fit two Queen Airbeds.

Since Big Agnes Flying Diamond can accommodate up to six individuals, you can take your entire family on a camping trip in the wilderness. Just remember to carry some essentials including sleeping bags, cloth layers, bathing soap, and many other aspects that could be instrumental to your outdoor survival.

PROS:

  • Breathable polyester rip stop
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Standard rain protection
  • Decent size vestibule at the front door
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Great design and ventilation
  • 15 hook stakes included

CONS:

  • Cannot fit into a backpack
  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Related: After purchasing a family tent for your outdoor adventures, you might also consider getting a camping chair to go with the tent. Especially because we know how exhausting family camping can get. Therefore, we can recommend the Kijaro Dual Lock Chair. A breathable, lightweight, and completely packable, option for unwinding in the nature.

Check the price on Amazon

Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person \Tent Coleman 8 Person Tenaya Lake Fast Pitch Cabin Tent

Price: Approx. $220

Weight: 35 pounds

Dimensions: 156 x 108 x 72 inches

Specific features: Faster setup, water resistant, Weathertec system, fast pitch system

Best use: Group camping, outdoor adventures, family camping

Description: The Coleman 8 Tenaya Lake 8-Person Tent with closet, allows you to store all your luxuries without taking up your precious tent space.

This tent features a built-in closet as well as a hanger bar that makes it possible for you to store your gear and organize your clothes so you can avoid searching for what you want to wear in a pile of clothes.

The fast pitch system utilizes pre-attached, color-coded poles and hub, fast fit feet, as well as the snag-free insta clips, which allow you to set up your tent within the shortest time possible.

If it rains, the Coleman 8 tents are seventy-five percent more water-resistant. The WeatherTec system, as well as the patented welded floors and the inverted seams, make it possible for you to remain dry. The illumine reflective Guy lines can be seen at night so don’t have to trip when you decide to walk in the dark.

The room divider offers extra privacy for the entire group as they spend their time in a space that is large enough to fit two Queen Airbeds.

The tent features hinged doors, to allow for entry and exit as well as a room divider to give you that extra privacy you desire. When you want to disassemble the tent, you can be surprised at how easy it is for you to fit it in the included wheeled carry bag.

PROS:

  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Standard rain protection
  • Decent size vestibule at the front door
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Breathable polyester rip stop
  • Great design and ventilation

CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Related: A compact camping table might be required on your outdoor adventures. The table can be used to set up your breakfast, supper, and dinner. Our recommendation would be the Coleman Outdoor Compact Table. It offers lightweight, stability, and excellent portability, in one.

Check the price on Amazon

Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent

Price: Approx. $250

Weight: 28 pounds

Dimensions: 192 x 78 x 132 inches

Specific features: Weather-repellent polyester, polyurethane coating, double-stacked power corners

Best use: Outdoor adventures, family camping, group camping

Description: For those searching for the right family tent, the Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent is a suitable option for all your outdoor camping needs. This 8-person tent is spacious and provides sufficient room only when the maximum capacity isn’t exceeded.

In addition to that, the Wenzel 8 is easy to set up as it is designed with the users’ needs in mind. Setting the tent up and disassembling takes minimal effort.

This tent also gives you the option of making a full roof mesh. It’s an excellent choice for star gazing during the night when the sky is clear. Moreover, the mesh roof provides ventilation which is essential for your comfort.

Apart from these aspects, this tent also features zippered privacy panels on the windows and doors and incorporates a large door for easy and convenient access to the tent.

The four hanging storage pockets ensure your gear remains close at hand. There is also a room divider that can be used in creating a three-roomed tent for separate living spaces.

PROS:

  • Weather repellant polyester
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Spacious
  • Standard polyurethane coating
  • Decent size vestibule at the front door
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Great ventilation

CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Related: To bring the comfort you get only in your home, we recommend adding an inflatable sofa to your camping gear list. The Eocusun Inflatable Lounger can go well with your family tent. The sofa can be used for sleeping or sitting, without taking up too much free space.

Check the price on Amazon

Coleman Instant 6-Person Tent Coleman Instant 6-Person Cabin Tent

Price: Approx. $150

Weight: 25 pounds

Dimensions: 72 x 108 x 120 inches

Specific features: 150D/150D Polyester/taped seams, WeatherTec system, integrated vented rainfly

Best use: Family camping, outdoor adventures, group camping

Description: Adventure is some moments away when you erect the Coleman Instant 6-Person Tent. This product comes with pre-attached poles that make the setup a simple process, such that your cabin and its integrated rain fly are ready in a matter of seconds.

When it rains, the weather Tec system, as well as the inverted seams and patented welded floors, will help in keeping you safe and dry.

Apart from the above features, this tent also features zippered privacy panels on the windows and doors and incorporates a large door for easy and convenient access to the tent.

The four hanging storage pockets ensure your gear remains close at hand. There is also a room divider that can be used in creating a three-roomed tent for separate living spaces.

This cabin offers sufficient room to place your two queen-sized Airbeds. It also features storage pockets that help to keep your valuables organized. When it’s time to go back home, the Coleman Instant easily packs into a carry bag with a rip strip, awaiting your next adventure.

PROS:

  • Breathable polyester rip stop
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Standard rain protection
  • Decent size vestibule at the front door
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Great design and ventilation

CONS:

  • Can leak through windows if the rain is too strong

Related: Just to be on the safe side when it comes to the weatherproof levels of your tent, and even improve it, you can use waterproof tarps. Our recommendation would be the Tera Hiker Camping Tarp. It can serve as an additional layer of waterproofed material, or, when the weather is sunny, as a picnic mat. You just have to make sure the size you order covers your tent, or if you need an additional one.

Check the price on Amazon

Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent

Price: Approx. $300

Weight: 24 pounds

Dimensions: 204 x 108 x 80 inches

Specific features: Polyester taffeta 75D 450 mm PU coating, WeatherTec System, rainfly for weather protection, patented hinged door

Best use: Family camping, group camping

Description: The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent is designed from polyester taffeta 75D PU Coating. It features a D-shaped door that allows for entry and exit. This tent also features a patented WeatherTec System, with inverted seams and welded doors which prevent water from getting inside the tent.

Apart from these aspects, this tent also features zippered privacy panels on the windows and doors and incorporates a large door for easy and convenient access to the tent.

The four hanging storage pockets ensure your gear remains close at hand. There is also a room divider that can be used in creating a three-roomed tent for separate living spaces.

The Coleman WeatherMaster is designed for extended trips in the wilderness. With two rooms, it can offer ample space for sleeping and relaxation for your family so they can enjoy their time in the outdoors.

The tent is robust enough to withstand strong winds. Simply put, the Coleman Weatherman is not a glorified changing room. It can withstand various elements such as strong wind and torrential rains.

PROS:

  • Great design and ventilation
  • Breathable polyester rip stop
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Comes with inverted seams and welded doors which prevent water from getting inside the tent
  • Great for long trips
  • Strong enough to withstand the wind

CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Related: To improve the stability and wind resistance, you can use additional stakes to “stick” the tent down to the ground. The Sportneer Ten Stakes will help you in keeping your tent set up durable and strong. The stakes come with reflection rope which allows greater visibility, and with a carrying pouch for portability as well.

Check the price on Amazon

Core Equipment Extended Dome Tent Core Equipment Extended Dome Tent

Price: Approx. $180

Weight: 20 pounds

Dimensions: 192 x 108 x 72 inches

Specific features: Core H20 block technology, adjustable ground vent, electrical cord access port, lantern hook

Best use: Group camping and big family camping

Description: The Core Equipment Extended Dome Tent features Core H2O Block technology which is a water resistant technology utilized on fabrics to make them water repellent.

The fabric incorporates an active bead technology for a faster runoff. The doors and windows of the CORE 9 are also rain resistant, so you don’t have to worry about leakages through these sections when it rains.

The fully taped rainfly can be removed during warmer weather to expose the panoramic mesh ceiling and windows. This advanced venting system utilizes adjustable air intake vent that is meant to draw in the cooler air from the ground.

On the other hand, the mesh ceiling makes it possible for hot air to exit, keeping you comfortable throughout. This tent also features privacy panels on the windows and doors, and the included gear loft with hook helps to keep your gear organized. Also, the Core Extended comes with an affordable price.

PROS:

  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Standard rain protection
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Great design and ventilation
  • Breathable polyester rip stop

CONS:

  • Heavy

Related: If you are looking for an affordable and effective way to light up your tent, consider getting an LED lantern. The MalloMe LED Camping Lantern  will give you plenty of light inside the tent, and it can also be used to find your way in the dark if you have the need to go out.

Check the price on Amazon

Ozark Trail 10-Person Tent Ozark Trail 10-Person Cabin Tent

Price: Approx. $200

Weight: 31 pounds

Dimensions: 240 x 120 x 78 inches

Specific features: Taped fly seams, one center door, and two side doors, fits three queen air mattresses

Best use: Group camping, outdoor adventures

Description: You can experience the outdoors with the Ozark Trail 10-Person Tent. This tent offers sufficient sleeping room for ten campers and can fit three queen-sized Airbeds with some extra space to spare.

The Ozark features two removable space dividers which can be used to create three different rooms. Two side doors and a center door provide separate entrances for extra privacy.

Included in the Ozark DKRAW is the extra tall centers that make it possible for you to stand up. The wall dividers that come with this product make it possible for you to divide your tent into different rooms for additional spaces and extra privacy.

The tent also features six windows, panoramic views of the camping area and ventilation. The taped fly seams help in preventing leakages during foggy and rainy conditions. This tent comes with a zippered bag that can be used for storage every time you are planning to go on a camping escapade.

PROS:

  • Comes with taped fly seams
  • The tent can fit three queen air mattresses
  • Breathable polyester rip stop
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Standard rain protection
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Great design and ventilation

CONS:

  • Heavy

Related: When camping during the winter, the temperatures are sure to be freezing. Therefore, beside a great winter sleeping bag, a radiant heater would come quite useful. The Mr Heater Buddy Tent Heater is efficient in a tent, and it will keep it warm. You don’t have to worry about setting the tent on fire as it comes with Auto Shut Off feature, in case it gets tipped over. And, has a sensor that automatically turns the heater off if the oxygen level in the tent becomes too low.

Check the price on Amazon

Core Instant 12-Persone Cabin TentCore Instant 12-Person Cabin Tent

Price: Approx. $350

Weight: 52 pounds

Dimensions: 79 x 120 x 216 inches

Specific features: Instant 2 minute setup, Core H20 block technology, adjustable ground vent, electrical cord access port, two room dividers

Best use: Family camping, outdoor adventures

Description: The Core Instant 12-Person Cabin Tent features stress-free setup within a minute or two. The poles of the tent are pre-attached, and all you have to do is just to unpack, unfold, and extend.

The CORE 12 Cabin Tent used the Core H2O Technology that combines the water repellent fabric with an active bead technology to enable a faster water runoff.

This is paired with rain-resistant window/door seals. Just like the CORE 9, this tent features a fully taped rain fly that can be removed during warmer weather to reveal the panoramic ceiling and mesh windows.

The advanced venting system utilizes an adjustable air intake vent that is designed to allow cool air into the tent and release hot air so you can remain dry and comfortable throughout the season.

Apart from these aspects, this tent also features zippered privacy panels on the windows and doors and incorporates a large door for easy and convenient access to the tent.

The four hanging storage pockets ensure your gear remains close at hand. There is also a room divider that can be used in creating a three-roomed tent for separate living spaces.

PROS:

  • Two room dividers
  • Breathable polyester rip stop
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Standard rain protection
  • Decent size vestibule at the front door
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Great design and ventilation

CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Related: If you are looking for a comfortable night’s sleep, just a soft sleeping bag will not be enough. What you need is a sleeping pad. The Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad can be used in your tent or separately, and it offers exceptional insulation and comfort.

Check the price on Amazon

Browning Camping Big Horn Tent Browning Camping Big Horn Family Tent

Price: Approx. $330

Weight: 34 pounds

Dimensions: 87 x 180 x 87 inches

Specific features: Easy assembly, wall divider for two rooms, 150D polyester Oxford floor, extra-large zippers on doors, fiberglass poles, guy ropes and tent bag

Best use: Outdoor adventures, family camping, group camping

Description: The Browning Camping Big Horn Tent has all the features you would expect to find in your camping tent. This product was designed and built to withstand all outdoor conditions. Even during mild weather conditions, you’ll be in a position to enjoy the features this tent has to offer.

Included in the Browning Camping Big Horn is the extra tall centers that make it possible for you to stand up. The wall dividers that come with this product make it possible for you to divide your tent into different rooms for additional spaces and extra privacy.

The 150D Oxford floor that is about two times the weight of a normal nylon floor will significantly enhance the durability of your tent. The Big Horn is a free standing three pole design that features fiberglass poles as well as two large doors that make it possible to access each room individually.

The tent also features 75D 185T polyester fly buckles for additional strength and adjustability and offers protection against elements even during extreme conditions. The floor and fly seams are factory sealed to provide the best weather protection.

PROS:

  • Breathable polyester rip stop
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Lots of space
  • Standard rain protection
  • Decent size vestibule at the front door
  • Lots of tie points to anchor to the ground
  • Easy to set up
  • Great design and ventilation

CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Related: On your camping expeditions, you might be required to cut wood to make fire. The fire can either be used for cooking or to provide the heat. Therefore, a camping handsaw is essential to include in your pack on your outdoor adventures. We recommend checking out the Fire45 Hand Saw. It is portable, makes the firewood gathering process much easier, and is one of the most affordable in its class.

Check the price on Amazon

Wrapping It Up

With the Fire45 Hand Saw, we have reached the end of our article. We hope that you found it interesting to read, and that you also learned some new things that will help you in making your camping experience a nice memory.

Image showing the Coleman-Cortes-4-Man-Expedition-Tent

Choosing the best tent for family camping is a must, for this item indicates the level of protection, comfort, and safety you will experience when camping. It is, therefore, important to go through the various products highlighted in this guide to pick a tent that meets all your outdoor needs.

You can choose based on your need for a large tent space, or, on the other hand, maybe you are looking for a minimalist family camping choice. Either way, we are pretty sure that among our reviewed models, at least one will fit your personal needs.

Do you have any other options you would like to include in our list? Please let us know about them by posting your suggestions below. Otherwise, enjoy your camping!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kane Dane

4 Comments

  • Seems like there are really nice family tents. I went through all the products and the price is not mentioned in the article. Do you know any tent which can buy for a affordable price? I mean a one which is not too expensive.

  • Family tents are going to cost more because they are bigger. It’s rare you find them for very low prices.

  • These are some pretty good options for family tents. I like the Coleman Tenaya tent for its size and closet space but the Wenzel has a great look. They’re about the same price on Amazon, any advice on which one to go for? My family has 4 people and camps a few times a year.

LEAVE A COMMENT

50  −  41  =