The Best Family Camping Tents of 2021
If you’re looking for a fun way to introduce your kids to nature, but aren’t sure they’re ready for a hike, we’ve got you covered. Camping is an excellent stepping stone into nature that can be as challenging or relaxing as you want. The key to having a good time is having the right gear, and the best place to start is with an awesome tent! In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know when picking the best tent for your family, including capacity, seasonality, material, and weight. Read to the end to see our list of the best family camping tents.
How To Pick A Tent
Picking a tent for your family doesn’t have to be confusing. There are plenty of options to choose from, with features ranging from waterproof materials to tents with multiple rooms. This guide will break down all of those features so you can make a well-informed decision on the best family tent!
Capacity:
The first factor you should consider when choosing a tent is how many people you need to accommodate. Often, tents will be rated based on how many people can “comfortably” sleep inside. Unfortunately, there are no industry standards for the size of a person so we recommend sizing up. This should give you plenty of room to sleep and store your gear.
Seasonality:
Next, consider when and where you’ll be camping. Generally, tents are either rated for 3 seasons or 4 seasons. 3-Season tents are lightweight and tend to be better at staying cool in warm weather. We suggest using a 3-season tent in Summer, Spring, and Fall. A 4-season tent is more rugged and has better insulation than a 3-season tent, which is why they are recommended when camping in the Winter.
Material:
When shopping for a tent, keep material in mind. It will allow you to fine-tune your comfort and make your adventure special. For example, you would want a waterproof tent if you plan on camping in a rainforest, like the Olympic National Park. If you’re in an International Dark Sky Park, such as Death Valley, you might want a tent with a mesh roof for viewing the stars.
Weight:
Finally, it’s important to consider the weight of the tent you choose. If you’re planning on hiking out to your campsite, think about how much weight you want to be carrying with you. If this sounds like your type of adventure, we suggest you check out our lightweight tent recommendation below.
Tent Recommendations:
Whatever your trip calls for, there’s sure to be a tent that will fit your needs. We’ve put together a list of a few of our favorite tents for a range of situations. Read on for our list of the best family camping tents!
Best Family Camping Tent: Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
This is a great tent for families. It’s intuitive enough to be set up in 60 seconds and sleeps ten people. It also includes Coleman’s Dark Room technology, which keeps the tent cool by blocking out 90% of the sunlight coming in.
Best Lightweight Tent: Big Agnes Big House 6
The Big Agnes Big House 6 is a great tent to pack if you’re looking to go light. It sleeps six and weighs only 16 lbs, making it perfect for taking the family on a backcountry trek.
Best 4-Season Tent: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 4-Person
Cabela’s has been in the camping business for a long time and is a trusted source of high-quality equipment. This rugged tent can withstand serious weather making it perfect for winter camping trips. It fits up to four people and features a unique geodesic design.
Best SUV Camping Tent: Rightline Gear SUV Tent
This unique tent fits perfectly into the trunk of most SUVs and has room to sleep six people. It’s great for families going off-roading!
Best Budget Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P
Coming in at only $200, the Coleman Skydome 6P won’t break the bank or compromise on comfort. It’s spacious enough for two queen-sized air mattresses and comes with a rainfly so your family can stay dry on those rainy days.
There you have it: our list of the best family camping tents of 2021! If you’re interested in camping, check out our trips to the North Cascades and Mt. Hood. Our handpicked experts will craft you a personalized itinerary fit perfect to your needs!
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