Camping season is in full swing. If you're planning a weekend getaway with your family, a sturdy and spacious tent is a must. The good news is that there are many options with different features and at different prices. The bad news: there are many options out there that take time to figure out which tent to buy. Good news again: we've done all the work for you. This guide includes buying tips so you know what to look for and reviews of great family tentswhich we have tested and approved.
How we tested and selected
Most summer vacations when I was a kid included at least one family trip and camping. Now I camp all year round in public places and sometimes in backyards. I slept under the stars in heat, rain, wind and snow.
I limited my search to three-season tents designed primarily for car camping that can accommodate four or more people. I then considered capacity, features, materials, weight, architecture, ease or difficulty of assembly. By the way, you can choose a tent for your trip on the website.
REI Co-op Kingdom 4
Tested weight: 18 pounds 6.4 ounces | Square: 69.4 sq. futa | Peak Height: 6 feet 3 inches| doors: 2
The Kingdom is one of the most spacious four-person tents you can find. Tall round doors and vertical walls allowed us to enter and stand inside without squatting. And nearly 70 square feet of floor space allows us to fit inside or host a group of four. Gear storage is replete with 20-mesh pockets, and the larger sizes have a removable curtain separating just enough square footage so there's separate space for mom and dad, pets, or extra gear. Impressively, the Kingdom was still standing after a night of severe thunderstorms and strong winds - only a nominal amount of water had entered it. All of these features come at a cost, but it's an investment you shouldn't think twice about if you want to. After a solid tent that the whole family can really sleep in.
Coleman Sundome 4
Tested weight: 9 pounds 3.2 ounces | Square: 63 sq. futa | Peak Height: 4 feet 11 inches| doors: 1
Coleman's Sundome is such a popular dome tent for a reason. They cost less than half the cost of most four-person tents, yet they take up more square meters than many competitors. It seemed large, even without the vertical walls and high ceiling. The zippered port is great for connecting an electrical cord to a camping outlet. The tent's two large windows and ground vent increased airflow and prevented condensation from getting inside. However, during our testing, a decent amount of water leaked out after a full day of rain. So be sure to seal the seams before first use (or take advantage of the one year limited warranty). If you can live without caves and don't need bombproof weather protection, Sundome can't be beat.
Eureka Copper Canyon LX 4
Tested weight: 18 lb 12.8 oz | Square: 64 sq.m | Peak Height: 7 feet | doors: 1
Even the tallest people won't have to crouch inside the Copper Canyon LX. This large, square tent has nearly vertical walls and reaches seven feet at its peak, so we could get up, walk around, set up our gear, and change without bumping into the walls or ceiling. Eureka takes advantage of the extra clearance by installing four mesh pockets, two removable gear lofts, and a hook in the center that we used to hang a headlamp. That's a decent amount of storage space, but out of reach for most kids. Despite the height, advancing the LX is relatively easy. I'm five foot four, and it was easy for me to attach the fly alone. When in tight hiding places you want to return home on the second day, in the more spacious Medny
What to Consider
Buying a tent large enough is critical to maintaining family peace and a good night's rest. Manufacturers of tents make models designed to accommodate from four to 12 people. In many cases after sleeping bags and pillows there is not much extra floor space deployed. We recommend buying a size larger than necessary if you need room for everyone's travel bag or if Fido also needs room to smash. For added privacy, some larger tents have baffles.
And don't forget to factor in the height of the tent if you want to be able to stand up straight and walk around without crouching. Tunnel and cabin tents often reach six feet further north than the classic dome, which is usually less than five feet at its highest point. With a few exceptions, large and tall tents are harder to pitch, but they are a worthy trade-off for a more comfortable temporary home. Pay attention to the number of doors in the tent - having more than one reduces the likelihood that a tent mate will crawl over you in the middle of the night if nature screams.
Most tents are designed for three seasons, which means that they are well suited for use in spring, summer and autumn. Rain flies and tent shells often have a durable water-repellent (DWR) or polyurethane coating and are sealed construction. These features increase the tent's water resistance to keep out morning dew or in case the sky opens up. Look for a fly with full coverage or at least a canopy for more weather protection. Alternatively, if you're only camping in the summer or in a hot climate, look for a tent with lots of netting and other ventilation features to help keep you cool.
