At Preppers Shop, we love a trip outdoors to enjoy the sights of the natural world, breathe in that fresh air, and escape everyday life. And we know we’re not the only ones. We’ve done a few blogs in the past focused on camping for minimalist campers, hammock campers, and other smaller groups, so we thought it's about time we covered family camping.
Whether you’re taking the young ones or the old ones, family camping can be an absolute blast. Of course, your sleeping options are a bit slimmer if you’ve got little ones with you and the practicality of tent camping is probably the best bet. So, below we’re going to cover the best tents for family camping.
Things to look for when buying a new family tent
Space
Space is probably the biggest thing to consider when purchasing a new family tent. You need to consider a tent that can fit everyone comfortably. It’s no good cramming two kids into a 2-man tent and hoping for the best.
A bigger tent may take longer to erect and dismantle but having that bit of extra space will give you a lot more room for sleeping, socialising, and spending time with the family. Consider how many people will be using the tent at one time and decide from there what size berth you think is adequate.
Features
Features to look for in a tent can be anything from awnings, hanging points, inside storage pockets, or bug exclusion nets. Having additional features like these can make a big difference to your trip. An awning for example is great to hook onto the back of a vehicle for added space outside and you can even install a canopy to shield you from the elements.
Carefully consider what additional features could make a big difference to your camping trip and weigh up if you’d be happy to camp without them.
Waterproof
The aesthetic of your tent is important, but it doesn’t matter how stylish it looks if it lacks basic functions such as resisting water. A waterproof tent is probably the only tent you should consider buying. There’s nothing worse than unpredicted rain occurring and soaking you and your family while you’re sound asleep after a busy day outdoors.
Seasonality
Some tents are only built for those warm-ish summer nights and won’t be able to provide you with the insulation you need if you’re camping in the cold. So, it’s important to consider the times of year you plan on camping and the facilities your tent has to keep you warm on colder nights.
Set up
If you are a family camper taking very little ones with you, setting up a tent might be an even more strenuous task that you’d rather avoid. Considering how long it will take you to set up your tent, as well as how easy it is, may be worthwhile to avoid getting to your spot and wishing you’d just booked a hotel.
Our recommendations
Below we’ll cover some of the best family tents we have as part of our range at Preppers Shop.
1. Highlander Juniper 4-man tent
The Highlander Juniper is probably the best budget-friendly family tent in our range and it can be pitched in as little as five minutes, making it perfect for busy family campers looking to set up for the night quickly. Additionally, this tent has a pre-attached porch, giving you somewhere to house muddy shoes and other bits you don’t want cluttering up the tent.
Other features include:
- Fiberglass poles
- Durable groundsheet
- External waterproof PU coating
- 5-minute pitch time
2. Kelty Wireless 6-person tent
Kelty is an exceptional brand that creates camping essentials for every type of camper. Their products are always impressive, and the Kelty Wireless 6 is no exception. An impressive tent that can sleep up to 6 people, the Kelty Wireless is built for family life. It is made from durable materials to withstand the pressures of the environment and it features Kelty Quick Corners for a stress-free setup.
Other features:
- Usable in 3 seasons (not winter)
- Two doors
- Two vestibules
- Fiberglass poles
- Includes duffel bag holdall
3. Easy Camp Huntsville 600 6-person tent
The Easy Camp range is exceptional for family campers. Their tents are made from incredibly durable materials, as well as being spacious and large enough to comfortably house the entire family. The Easy Camp Huntsville has various ventilation panels to ensure the correct airflow, as well as bug-resistant mesh doors to keep out any unwanted guests. And did we mention it’s massive? Perfect for large families looking for a bit of extra living space.
Other features:
- Standing height living space
- Fire retardant
- Insect proof
- Inside pockets
- Various ventilation
- Windows with toggle curtains
4. Easy Camp Palmdale 500 5-person tent
A reliable and comfortable family camping tent, the Easy Camp Palmdale 500 won’t let you down and will comfortably sleep up to five family members. The Palmdale 500 also boasts some great features, including a front canopy and standing height living area for any little ones running in and out.
The Palmdale 500 is large and spacious, perfect for longer camping trips where the family will need a bit of room to spread out.
Other features:
- Adjustable ventilation
- Fire retardant
- Deep front canopy
- Indoor pockets
- Windows and toggle curtains
5. Robens Fairbanks 4-person tent
A fantastic family camping tent built for 4 people, the Robens Fairbanks is a unique bell tent erected in a tepee fashion. This tent is equipped with protective eaves to create a porch for extra shelter from unpredictable conditions. Additionally, this tent includes a single pole constructed using anodised alloy for added stability and it can be pitched in minutes for an easy family camping trip.
Other features:
- Bell tent shape for a unique experience
- Spacious
- Durable materials
- Well ventilated
6. Highlander Cypress 6-person tent
Made from hard-wearing polyester and a waterproof coating, the Highlander Cypress can be used in all weather conditions. This sturdy and reliable tent is perfect for taking the family camping and ideal for a family-friendly campsite or an adventure in the back garden if you fancy it.
Sleeping up to 6 people with a doorway in the middle for segregated living and sleeping, the Highlander is perfect.
Other features:
- Waterproof
- 2 bedrooms
- Living area with windows
- Breathable polyester