Best Large Family Tents: Spacious Camping Solutions for Big Groups

Camping trips often create some of the fondest and longest lasting shared memories for families, from enjoying the great outdoors together to telling stories and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. Now that it’s time to get yourself a family tent and create those memories for your kids, there’s a lot to consider. From size and capacity to brand names and reputations, let’s take a look at the top 10 features to take into account when purchasing a large family tent.

1. Size and Capacity

When you’re searching for a large camping tent, one of the first filters you should set is the size and capacity to make sure it meets your family’s needs for both sleeping areas and living space. Tents are often categorized by the number of people they can accommodate, with common sizes including 4-person tents, 6-person tents, 8-person tents, and even 12-person tents for larger groups.

While these classifications may seem straight forward, it’s important to note that the recommended number of people is usually a bit optimistic, assuming everyone will be sleeping shoulder to shoulder and leaving no real space for extra gear. If you want a more roomy and spacious feel, it’s best to size up by at least a person or two on the label.

Headroom and overall living space are also important to factor in when you’re thinking about space. Adequate headroom allows occupants to stand up and move around without feeling cramped, enhancing the overall camping experience in the great outdoors.

2. Tent Seasonality

Generally tents are categorized as either 3-season tents, suitable for spring, summer and fall; or heavy duty 4-season tents, equipped to withstand all weather including heavy snow, high winds, and harsh winter weather. Generally, for a family camping trip in the spring or summer, you won’t need to invest in a 4-season tent, unless you plan on taking the family out for an intense winter camping trip. For most, a 3-season tent will hold up just fine for the casual weekend getaway with the family.

Regardless of what seasons you plan to camp in, it’s always best to come fully prepared. Just ask anyone who’s ever uttered the forbidden words: “No, we don’t need to bring the rainfly. All sun in the forecast.” Trust us.. go ahead and get a tent with proper weatherproofing and a quality rainfly with guylines that can stand up against heavy rain to save yourself the headache of a soaking living quarters.

3. Material and Durability

As you’re trying to narrow down the best family tents on the internet, learning more about the materials used for each part of the tent is an important part of the equation. Investing in a sturdy tent made from high quality materials can drastically impact your tent’s durability.

Tent Fabric

• Polyester & Nylon: Commonly used for the tent body, both materials are lightweight and durable. Polyester is favored for its resistance to UV degradation, while nylon is praised for its strength-to-weight ratio. Neither is inherently waterproof but can be treated to repel water.

• Canvas (Cotton): Offers excellent durability and breathability, making it ideal for extended camping trips. Canvas tents are heavier and require more maintenance but provide a unique balance of insulation in cold weather and coolness in hot temperatures.

Tent Floor

• Polyethylene: Often used for tent floors due to its waterproof properties and overall toughness. It's a heavier material, which adds to the tent's durability and resistance to wear and tear.

• Oxford Cloth: A stronger variant of polyester or nylon, Oxford cloth is frequently treated for water resistance and offers a good balance between durability and weight.

Poles

• Fiberglass: Popular for its flexibility and affordability. Fiberglass poles are suitable for less demanding conditions but can be prone to splintering under heavy stress.

• Aluminum: Known for its strength and lightweight properties, aluminum poles are favored in higher-end tents for their durability and resistance to bending and breaking.

Tent Pegs

• Steel: Offers the highest durability and is ideal for securing tents in tough terrain. However, steel pegs are heavier, making them less ideal for backpacking.

• Aluminum: Lighter than steel, aluminum pegs provide a good balance between weight and strength and are adequate for most camping conditions.

Overall, your tent’s materials affect the durability, the weight, the weather resistance, and the ease of maintenance.

4. Ventilation

Ventilation is a lesser known factor to consider when narrowing down the best camping tent for your family. With all the extra body heat, it’s important to allow adequate air flow, especially in the warmer months. Features like mesh windows and doors, as well as vents in the roof or walls not only allow for a steady flow of air, keeping the interior cool, but also help to minimize the buildup of moisture inside the tent. You should also pay some attention to the placement and size of the mesh panels. Ideally, a family camping tent should have large, strategically placed mesh areas that promote cross-ventilation without compromising privacy or protection from insects.

5. Weight and Portability

Most family car camping trips don’t involve much packing in and out of camping gear into the backcountry, so weight and portability are usually lower on the list of concerns when shopping for a new family camping tent. It is still, however, a factor you should consider.

The size of the tent when it’s packed away in its carry bag is the main concern here. This is the size that you’ll need to find storage for in the garage, and more importantly, it will need to fit in the car with the rest of the camping gear. While not a primary concern, make sure that the weight and portability of your family tent won’t cause problems for your storage capacity.

6. Ease of Setup and Storage

As tents get bigger, the setup generally gets more challenging. So you’ll want to keep your eyes out for features that make the tent setup process quicker, easier, and simpler:

• Color-Coded Poles and Sleeves: Tents with color-coded poles and corresponding sleeves or clips make it easier to identify which poles go where. This system reduces the guesswork and potential frustration during setup, especially for larger family tents that may have more complex structures.

• Instant or Pop-Up Design: Instant or pop-up tents are designed to be set up in a matter of minutes. These tents typically come with pre-attached poles that simply need to be extended and locked into place. This design is ideal for families looking to really minimize setup time and hassle.

• Clip Attachments Instead of Sleeves: Tents that utilize clip attachments for securing the tent fabric to the poles can be easier and faster to set up than those requiring the poles to be threaded through sleeves. Clips allow for more flexibility and ease of assembly, which can be particularly helpful in windy conditions.

• Freestanding Design: A freestanding tent can stand on its own without the need for stakes to hold it down. This feature allows you to easily move the tent to a different spot before staking it down, and it generally simplifies the setup process since the structure supports itself during assembly.

• Pole Hub Systems: Some tents feature a hub system where multiple poles are connected to a central hub. This design can simplify the setup process by reducing the number of separate pieces that need to be managed and assembled.

7. Features and Accessories

Here are some of the most useful features you’ll want to keep an eye out for that will keep the whole family happy.

• Vestibules / Awnings: These are extensions of the tent fabric that create a sheltered area outside the main sleeping quarters. They're great for storing gear, muddy shoes, or even for a bit of shade on a sunny day. Vestibules and awnings effectively expand your living space without increasing the footprint of the tent itself.

• Storage Pockets and Gear Lofts: Internal storage options like pockets and overhead lofts keep the tent's interior organized and clutter-free. They're perfect for storing glasses, headlamps, smartphones, and small personal items that you want to keep within easy reach.

• Electrical Access Ports: These openings allow you to bring an electrical power cord into the tent from an external power source, making it possible to use electronic devices inside the tent without compromising insect protection or privacy. This is great for device charging as well as running portable fans on warm summer days.

• Multi-Room Tents with Vertical Walls: A multi-room tent with vertical walls offers the closest experience you can get to being in separate rooms while still sharing a single tent. These tents often come with room dividers that can be attached or detached as needed, providing privacy and a sense of individual space.

8. Price

With enough money, finding the perfect tent is a breeze; heavy-duty enough to last you years with all the features, zippers, and add-ons you could dream of. But those dream tents can get really expensive really quickly. Considering how much you’re willing to spend on your family camping tent is a huge part of the puzzle. Luckily, there is a massive selection of tents out in just about every price range, but be wary of bargain tents. But if you’re budget allows, it’s usually worth it to invest a bit more up front.

9. Brand Reputation

When you pack up the whole family for a weekend in the woods, a primary concern is making sure you all have a reliable place to lay your head at night. While Amazon is full of off brand tents to choose from, it’s often worth sticking with the brands who have built a strong reputation of quality and durability. Here’s a quick list of some of the top tent brands, each known for quality, durability, and innovative designs tailored to family camping needs.

1. CORE: CORE tents are known for being spacious, easy to set up, and affordable. They offer a variety of large family tents, including the CORE Instant Cabin Tent, which can sleep up to 10 people.

2. Coleman: Coleman is a well-known brand that offers a wide variety of camping gear, including tents. One of their more popular large family tents is the Coleman Sundome Tent, which can sleep up to 10 people and features the signature Coleman Dark Room tech, blocking 90% of sunlight. The Coleman instant cabin tents also make excellent family tents with a quick and easy setup.

3. Kelty: Kelty tents are known for their high quality and durability. They offer a variety of large family tents, including the Kelty Sequoia Tent, which can sleep up to 8 people.

4. North Face: The North Face is a popular brand that offers a variety of outdoor gear, including tents. A fan favorite is the North Face Wawona Tent, which can sleep up to 8 people.

5. REI: REI is a co-op is also known for high quality outdoor gear as well as a great member program that offers customers rewards for every purchase. The 8-person REI Co-op Camp Dome Tent is a popular choice among families.

10. Warranty

Look for warranties that offer comprehensive coverage for a reasonable period, and pay attention to what’s included, like repairs, replacements, or refunds. A good warranty can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are supported in the event of any issues. Always read the warranty terms carefully before making your purchase to understand the process for claims and what is required on your part.

Additional Family Camping Tips

• Choose Sleeping Bags Wisely: Select sleeping bags that are suitable for the season you're camping in. For children, consider bags that can grow with them or are specifically designed for their size to ensure they stay warm and comfortable throughout the night.

• Invest in Inflatable Sleeping Pads: Inflatable sleeping pads provide extra cushioning and insulation from the cold ground. They're lightweight and easy to pack, making them an excellent choice for family camping trips where comfort is a priority.

• Consider Cots for Adults: Cots can quite literally elevate the sleeping experience by keeping you up off the ground while you sleep. This can be especially beneficial for adults who might appreciate the added comfort and support, as well as the ease of getting up in the morning.

• Bring Air Mattresses: Air mattresses are particularly useful for family tents with ample space.

• Practice Tent Setup at Home: Before heading out, practice setting up your tent at home. This not only familiarizes you with the process but also ensures that all parts are accounted for and in good condition.

• Create a Comfortable Living Space: Use rugs or foam tiles to create a softer and warmer floor in your tent. This can make playing games or moving around inside the tent more comfortable, especially for little ones.

• Organize with Storage Solutions: Use storage bins or hanging organizers to keep the tent tidy and everything within easy reach. This helps manage clutter and makes finding essentials hassle-free.

• Lighting: Set up adequate lighting inside and outside the tent. Lanterns, headlamps, and string lights can make the tent feel cozy and help everyone navigate safely at night.

• Safety First: Always have a first aid kit, know the location of the nearest medical facility, and teach children about camp safety, including fire safety and wildlife precautions.

Our Favorite Tent Sites

Check out some of our favorite places to pitch a tent across the country to inspire your next family camping trip.

Yosemite RV Resort — Coarsegold, CA

Just outside Yosemite National Park, this campground is a perfect base for tent campers looking to explore the park's natural wonders. Its proximity to Yosemite's entrances means easy access to hikes, waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

Book your stay at Yosemite RV Resort today or explore other top-tier tent camping options near you!

Nowhere Campground — Kingstree, SC

Situated in a more secluded area, Nowhere Campground offers a laid back tent camping experience ideal for families seeking a quiet reconnection to nature. Its rustic setting allows for star-gazing and wildlife encounters for a true outdoor adventure.

Book your stay at Nowhere Campground today.

Leaning Tree Cafe and Campground — Babb, MT

This unique spot in Northern Montana places you right outside the gates of West Glacier and offers easy access to nearby mountain towns including Whitefish and Kalispell. This is the perfect location for nature lovers to explore Big Sky Country.

Book your stay at Leaning Tree Cafe and Campground today.

River Bay Premier Camping Resort — Lyndon Station, WI

Located on the bank of the Wisconsin River, this resort is fantastic for tent campers who love water activities. From fishing to boating, families can enjoy a variety of aquatic adventures alongside comfortable camping facilities.

Book your stay at River Bay Premier Camping Resort today.

Lake Lauderdale Campground — Cambridge, NY

With its serene setting on the shores of Lake Lauderdale, this campground is ideal for tent campers who enjoy water activities and a peaceful environment. It's a family-friendly spot offering swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities in a beautiful locale.

Book your stay at Lake Lauderdale Campground today.

Booking Top-Notch Tent Sites With Spot2Nite

Once you’ve secured your family tent, it’s time to start planning your next camping trip. Whether you’re headed deep into the woods, out to the coast, or somewhere in between, take advantage of our user-friendly interactive booking platform to find your perfect basecamp. Only see sites that are available on your selected dates, completely personalize your search with amenity and experience filters, and book multiple campsites in one quick and easy transaction if you’re planning a multi-destination trip. Happy camping!