Family Tents

Camping can be a fun, inexpensive way to gather the family together and get away. A quality family tent will ensure many successful family outings where kids and grown-ups alike can stay out of the elements and rest well after a hard day of play.

Big Agnes, REI, The North Face, Kelty, and Coleman offer family tents that sleep four to eight adults. Many family tents, while designed for base camping, pack neatly into a portable pouch and are made with lightweight aluminum poles. Many lightweight tents come in at well under 20 pounds. Color-coded poles, grommet webbing, plastic clips , and easy-to-follow instructions allow even novice campers to get tents up quickly.

Look for tents made with waterproof fabrics, taped seams, awnings, and generous rainflys to keep you and your belongings dry in even the wettest weather. Roll up rainflys, lots of mesh paneling, and skylights will increase air circulation and minimize interior condensation. You’ll also enjoy more bright sunlight and glowing moonlight.

Interior mesh storage pockets will give you the space you need to stash your stuff. Some designs offer room dividers that offer everyone some privacy and can minimize the disruptions caused by varying sleep and wake-up times.

As homey as it may be, always remember to keep food out of the tent lest you attract some unwanted animal guests. Store food and any clothing or gear that smells like food away from your tent. And be sure to set up in area that’s level and free from debris or objects that could damage the floor of your tent.