Are you planning a family camping trip and searching for the perfect shelter? Look no further. For families who love the outdoors and need reliable and spacious accommodation, choosing the right tent is crucial. We’ve rigorously tested a range of camping tents to bring you our top recommendations for the Best Family Tents available today. Whether you prioritize space, weather resistance, ease of setup, or value, we’ve got you covered to ensure your family camping experience is comfortable and unforgettable.
Top Pick for Families: The North Face Wawona 6
The North Face Wawona 6 family camping tent
Score: 85/100
Key Features:
- Spacious Comfort: 9.0
- Weather Protection: 8.0
- User-Friendly Design: 7.0
- Family Features: 9.0
- Build Quality: 9.0
Specifications:
- Peak Height: 6′ 4″
- Floor Area: 10′ x 8′ 6″ (85 sq ft)
Why We Recommend It for Families:
The North Face Wawona 6 stands out as an exceptional family tent, particularly for active families who bring along gear-intensive hobbies like biking, climbing, or fishing. Its standout feature is the massive front vestibule, offering an incredible amount of protected storage space – think of it as a garage for bikes, strollers, or all your camping equipment. Inside, the tent provides a generous 85 square feet of living space, comfortably accommodating a family and their essentials. The Wawona 6 balances space, weather resistance, and value effectively, making it a consistently award-winning choice for family campers.
While the spacious design offers numerous benefits, setup can be a bit challenging, especially in windy conditions due to the updated detached fly and pin-and-circle mechanism. Guy lines are essential to secure this large tent. However, once pitched, the Wawona 6 proves to be a robust and comfortable shelter, easily withstanding strong winds and rain, as proven in our Joshua Tree tests. For families seeking ample space and excellent value in a reliable tent, the Wawona 6 is a top contender and a fantastic basecamp for all your family adventures. For superior weather performance, consider the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze, though it may not be as family-focused.
Read our full review of The North Face Wawona 6
Best Value Family Tent: Coleman Skydome XL 8
Score: 75/100
Key Features:
- Spacious Comfort: 9.0
- Weather Protection: 6.0
- User-Friendly Design: 6.0
- Family Features: 9.0
- Build Quality: 6.0
Specifications:
- Peak Height: 6′ 1″
- Floor Area: 16′ 2″ x 7′ 1″ (114.5 sq ft)
Why It’s Great for Families on a Budget:
The Coleman Skydome XL 8 is a true behemoth, boasting an impressive 115 square feet of living space, making it one of the largest family tents we’ve tested. For families or large groups needing maximum space without breaking the bank, the Skydome XL 8 is an exceptional value. It comfortably sleeps eight people on sleeping pads or accommodates up to three queen-sized air mattresses, offering unparalleled room for everyone. The durable tarp floor is a standout feature for families, being easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear from kids and pets. Additional family-friendly features include a massive mesh roof for stargazing, good ventilation, storage pockets, an electrical port, and even built-in string lighting to add a fun ambiance to your family campsite.
However, its size comes with trade-offs. The Coleman Skydome XL 8 is large and heavy, making setup more time-consuming and requiring more effort. It also relies heavily on stakes for stability, especially in windy conditions, and the rainfly is somewhat basic. While not the most rugged tent in our lineup, the Skydome XL 8 offers incredible space and family-friendly features at an unbeatable price. If you need something slightly smaller and easier to manage, consider the Kelty Wireless 6 or the Gazelle T4 Hub for smaller families.
Read our full review of Coleman Skydome XL 8
Best 4-Person Family Tent: MSR Habitude 4
MSR Habitude 4 spacious and durable family tent
Score: 82/100
Key Features:
- Spacious Comfort: 8.0
- Weather Protection: 9.0
- User-Friendly Design: 8.0
- Family Features: 7.0
- Build Quality: 9.0
Specifications:
- Peak Height: 6′ 1″
- Floor Area: 7′ 11″ x 7′ 11″ (62.4 sq ft)
Why It’s Ideal for Smaller Families:
For families of four seeking a high-quality, spacious tent without the bulk of larger models, the MSR Habitude 4 is an excellent choice. This stylish tent is lightweight (12 pounds) yet robust, constructed with premium materials. It offers a tall interior (6′ 1″ peak height) and a comfortable 62.4 square feet of floor space, providing ample room for a smaller family. Family-friendly touches include a porch light for nighttime convenience, a large vestibule for gear storage, and excellent ventilation to keep the tent comfortable.
The Habitude 4 is built to last, offering excellent weather resistance. Minor drawbacks include a single door design that requires two zippers to open, and the porch light does not include a battery. Despite these minor points, the Habitude 4 outperformed all other 4-person tents in our tests, providing a perfect balance of space, quality, and portability for smaller family camping adventures. Another great 4-person option is the Marmot Tungsten 4, which is lighter and also feature-rich.
Read our full review of MSR Habitude 4
Best Family Tent for Bad Weather: REI Co-op Base Camp 6
Score: 82/100
Key Features:
- Spacious Comfort: 9.0
- Weather Protection: 8.0
- User-Friendly Design: 6.5
- Family Features: 8.0
- Build Quality: 9.0
Specifications:
- Peak Height: 6′ 2″
- Floor Area: 9′ 2″ x 9′ 2″ (84.3 sq ft)
Why It’s Perfect for Unpredictable Weather:
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is engineered to withstand challenging weather conditions, making it an ideal family tent for camping in areas with unpredictable climates. REI touts it as one of their most weatherproof general camping tents, and our tests confirm its robustness. Drawing design inspiration from four-season tents, it features full-length pole sleeves, high-quality aluminum poles, a low-hanging rainfly, and a substantial pole-supported vestibule, all contributing to superior weather resistance. Beyond weather protection, the Base Camp 6 is also family-friendly, offering ample pocket storage, two large doors, and gear loops. An optional Vehicle Connector adds another layer of versatility, allowing you to connect your tent directly to your car for even more space and convenience.
Setup can be a bit more involved, especially with the Vehicle Connector, and the Base Camp 6 requires staking to achieve its full form and stability, which can be challenging on surfaces like sand or rock. Sticky zippers were a minor annoyance in our testing. However, for families prioritizing weather protection and a robust build, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is a top-tier choice. For a unique tent design, consider the Gazelle T4 Hub, though it doesn’t offer the same level of extreme weather capability.
Read our full review of REI Co-op Base Camp 6
Best Form and Function Family Tent: NEMO Aurora Highrise 6
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 stylish and spacious family tent
Score: 80/100
Key Features:
- Spacious Comfort: 9.0
- Weather Protection: 7.0
- User-Friendly Design: 7.0
- Family Features: 8.0
- Build Quality: 8.0
Specifications:
- Peak Height: 6′ 5″
- Floor Area: 8′ 4″ x 10′ (83.3 sq ft)
Why It Combines Style and Practicality for Families:
The NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 excels in blending style, space, and functionality, making it a visually appealing and highly practical family tent. It offers a very spacious interior, comfortably fitting a twin and two single mattresses with room to spare, and a generous 6′ 5″ peak height. Family-friendly features include dual vestibules, an extra-large front door for easy entry and exit, privacy options, and a unique, fun floor design. The Aurora Highrise 6 is perfect for families who appreciate both aesthetics and practical camping features.
While setup can be a bit tricky the first time and ideally requires two people, it becomes easier with practice. The window design is not ideal, and additional storage pockets would be beneficial. Despite these minor drawbacks, the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 is a fantastic family tent that combines appealing design with comfortable and functional features. For a more traditional six-person tent design, explore the Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6.
Read our full review of NEMO Aurora Highrise 6
Most Versatile Family Tent Option: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 stylish and spacious family tent
Score: 77/100
Key Features:
- Spacious Comfort: 7.0
- Weather Protection: 8.0
- User-Friendly Design: 9.0
- Family Features: 7.0
- Build Quality: 8.0
Specifications:
- Peak Height: 4′ 0″
- Floor Area: 7′ 6″ x 5′ 8″ (42.5 sq ft)
Why It’s Great for Flexible Family Adventures:
While technically a 3-person tent, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 offers exceptional versatility for small families or as an additional tent for larger family setups. It’s incredibly lightweight and quick to pitch, making it ideal for campsites or even short backpacking trips. The all-mesh body offers amazing views, and the fly can be configured in multiple ways for adaptable weather protection and ventilation. For families who value flexibility and need a tent that can serve various purposes, from car camping to occasional backpacking, the Mineral King 3 is a top choice.
The interior is smaller and headroom is limited, making it less suitable for larger families or extended stays inside the tent. Guyline stakes are not included, which is a minor inconvenience. However, its lightweight and versatile design make the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 a valuable addition to any family camper’s gear collection. For another lightweight option suitable for a small family, consider the Marmot Tungsten 4.
Read our full review of Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3
Top Pop-Up Family Tent: Gazelle T4 Hub
Gazelle T4 Hub easy setup family tent
Score: 74/100
Key Features:
- Spacious Comfort: 7.5
- Weather Protection: 7.0
- User-Friendly Design: 8.0
- Family Features: 7.5
- Build Quality: 7.0
Specifications:
- Peak Height: 6′ 5″
- Floor Area: 7′ 10″ x 7′ 10″ (61 sq ft)
Why It’s Perfect for Quick and Easy Family Camping:
The Gazelle T4 Hub is the epitome of convenience, requiring virtually no assembly. This pop-up tent is incredibly easy to set up – most families can have it fully operational in under two minutes, even without reading instructions. The T4 Hub is our favorite instant shelter for families because it’s stable, weatherproof, and packed with convenient features. Its self-contained design eliminates the hassle of traditional tent poles. Family-friendly features include a spacious interior, large windows, great internal storage pockets, and a removable floor for easy cleaning.
The main downsides are its weight and packed size. The robust construction and instant setup mechanism make it heavier and bulkier than traditional tents. It also lacks a vestibule and can be challenging to repack. However, for families who prioritize ease of setup and appreciate the convenience of a pop-up tent, the Gazelle T4 Hub is a fantastic option. For a smaller pop-up option, consider the Coleman Camp Burst Dark Room 4.
Read our full review of Gazelle T4 Hub
Best Rooftop Tent for Family Car Camping: Thule Approach M
Key Features:
- Weight: 128 lbs
- Max Inside Height: 40″
Why It’s a Unique Family Camping Experience:
For adventurous families interested in rooftop camping, the Thule Approach M offers a unique and comfortable experience. This softshell rooftop tent mounts to your vehicle and provides a spacious sleeping platform with a simple setup after initial installation. The interior is roomy with large windows ideal for stargazing, offering a memorable family camping experience. The Approach M locks to your roof rack, adding a level of security.
Rooftop tents are not for every family. They require climbing a ladder for access and necessitate a vehicle capable of handling the weight. The rainfly can be somewhat difficult to attach, and there is no built-in storage for the tent cover when removed. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Thule Approach M is one of our top picks for rooftop tents, offering a comfortable and elevated camping experience for families. For a more budget-friendly rooftop option, look at the Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander.
Read our full review of Thule Approach M
Compare Family Camping Tents
Three family camping tents under the stars comparison image
Three of our top-performing family camping tents enjoying an evening under the stars.
How We Test Family Tents
To ensure we recommend the best family tents, we conduct rigorous testing. We researched top options, purchased 18 leading camping tents, and put them through a series of real-world tests in diverse environments, from Lake Tahoe to Joshua Tree National Park and beyond. Our team performed over 60 individual tests to assess each tent across five key metrics relevant to family camping:
- Space and Comfort (35%): We evaluate interior space, headroom, vestibule size, door and window design, and storage options to ensure comfortable family living.
- Weather Resistance (25%): We test performance in various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and sun, assessing rainfly coverage, stability, and ventilation.
- Ease of Use (15%): Setup and takedown times, ease of packing, and intuitiveness of design are key factors for family campers.
- Family Friendliness (15%): We consider features specifically beneficial for families, such as capacity, storage, pet-friendliness, and ease of managing kids within the tent.
- Quality (10%): Materials, construction, durability, and long-term reliability are assessed to ensure the tent will last for years of family adventures.
Learn more about our detailed testing process in our how we test article.
Why Trust Our Family Tent Recommendations
Choosing the right family tent is crucial for enjoyable camping, and we take our recommendations seriously. Our lead tester, Rob Gaedtke, brings extensive outdoor experience to our testing process. With a background in adventure racing, climbing, backpacking, and camping for over 20 years, Rob has set up hundreds of basecamps in various terrains. Jason Wanlass, a seasoned backpacker with global trekking experience, also contributes his expertise, ensuring our family tent reviews are thorough and reliable.
Together, Rob and Jason combine their deep knowledge and rigorous testing methodology to help you confidently choose the best family tent for your needs.
REI Grand Hut hub setup detail
The hub setup on the REI Grand Hut.
Enjoying rest in Basecamp 6 family tent
Enjoying a rest in the Basecamp 6 family tent.
Enjoying rest in Basecamp 6 family tent
Getting close to my max reach and I still have higher clips to go!
We’ve taken these tents far and wide to ensure they are top-notch and ready for your family camping journey.
How to Choose the Best Family Tent for Your Needs
Family camping tents are designed for comfort and space when camping near your vehicle at established campsites or campgrounds. When selecting the best family tent, consider these key factors:
Family Tent Type
- Four-Season Tents: For families camping in winter or in harsh conditions, four-season tents offer extra durability and weather protection. However, they may be overkill for warm-weather camping and are generally more expensive.
- Double-Wall Tents: The most common type for family camping, double-wall tents offer a breathable inner tent and a waterproof rainfly. This design provides excellent ventilation and weather protection.
- Single-Wall Tents: Primarily for backpacking, single-wall tents are lightweight and compact but less comfortable for family camping due to reduced ventilation and space.
Family Tent Size
Family tents are typically available in 4-person and 6-person sizes, and even larger. Remember that these numbers indicate maximum capacity; for comfortable family camping, subtract two from the listed capacity. A 6-person tent comfortably accommodates a family of four. Larger tents offer more living space and are generally more enjoyable for family camping if you have the car space to transport them.
Wawona 6 large family camping tent
Camping with a whole family? A large tent like the Wawona 6 is an excellent choice.
Family Tent Performance Analysis
We rigorously evaluated these family tents across key performance metrics to help you choose the best one for your family’s needs.
Best Value Family Tents
Value in family tents means getting the best balance of performance and price.
- The Marmot Limestone 4 offers excellent performance at a reasonable price, making it a great value 4-person family tent.
- The Kelty Wireless 6 is an outstanding value for a 6-person family tent, offering quality at a lower price point.
- For a versatile and compact option, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 provides excellent value for smaller families or couples who also want a tent for backpacking.
- For budget-conscious families, the Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup is a great value option, offering easy setup and decent quality at a very affordable price.
Kelty Wireless 6 value family camping tent
Great design, quality materials, and a low price point. The Wireless 6 is a high value choice for families.
Mineral King 3 versatile family tent
The Mineral King is the perfect tent for a quick father-daughter campout.
Wawona 6 value family tentValue is important for family camping, and the Wawona 6 offers lots of it.
Family Tent Space and Comfort
Space and comfort are paramount for family camping.
- The North Face Wawona 6 excels in space and comfort, with a spacious interior, tall peak height, and a massive vestibule, providing ample room for families and gear.
- The NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 also offers excellent space and comfort, with a large floor plan, tall interior, and dual vestibules, ideal for family living.
- The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 provides generous space, thoughtful features like ample storage pockets, and an optional vehicle connector for expanded living space.
- The Coleman Skydome XL 8 offers the most space, with a massive 114.5 square feet of floor area, perfect for large families or groups.
Wawona 6 spacious vestibule family tent
The giant vestibule of The North Face Wawona 6 is incredibly comfortable for relaxing under.
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 spacious family tent floor plan
The large floor plan of the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 fits a family of 4 and then some.
Enjoying rest in Basecamp 6 family tent
Getting the full scope of the Base Camp 6 and its vehicle connector accessory.
Enjoying rest in Basecamp 6 family tent
Measuring the flat length of the Skydome. This tent is huge for families.
Remember to check floor plans to ensure the tent meets your family’s layout needs.
Big Agnes Bunk House 6 shelter mode family tent
The shelter mode feature with the Bunk House 6 makes for an awesome covered eating area for families.
The Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6 and Big Agnes Bunk House 6 are also notable for their spaciousness, with the Eureka offering exceptional headroom and the Big Agnes featuring a versatile shelter mode.
Even 4-person tents like the MSR Habitude 4 can offer great space and comfort for smaller families.
The Coleman Camp Burst Dark Room 4 offers a unique “dark room” feature, blocking out light for better sleep, which can be beneficial for families with young children.
Enjoying rest in Basecamp 6 family tent
It’s late afternoon, and it’s almost completely dark inside our Coleman Dark Room tent.
Consider tents with large vestibules like the Big Agnes Bunk House 6 and The North Face Wawona 6 for extra storage and covered areas, ideal for family camping.
Big Agnes Bunk House 6 large vestibule family tent
The Bunk House 6 has the biggest vestibule in our lineup, offering plenty of room for covered hangouts and family gear storage.
Family Tent Weather Resistance
Weather resistance is crucial for family comfort and safety.
- The Marmot Limestone 4 is highly weather-resistant, performing well in both hot and windy conditions, thanks to its robust design and full rainfly coverage.
- The MSR Habitude 4 and Snow Peak Alpha Breeze excel in weather resistance, offering sturdy construction and features designed to handle various conditions. The Alpha Breeze stands out with its heavy-duty materials and numerous stakes.
- The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 features a reinforced rainfly and robust design, providing excellent protection in bad weather.
- While the Wawona 6 rainfly offers good protection, it may allow some moisture in during windy rain due to partial mesh coverage.
Alpha Breeze unique shape family tent
A perfect view of the unique shape found on the Alpha Breeze family tent.
REI Wonderland 4 staked family tent
Loads of guylines and stakes hold the massive 4-person Wonderland family tent securely to the ground.
Proper staking and guying out your family tent are essential for maximizing wind resistance.
Habitude 4 robust stance family tent
The stance of the Habitude 4 is as robust as the quality materials inside, ensuring weather resistance for families.
Family Tent Ease of Use
Easy setup and takedown are crucial for stress-free family camping.
- The Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup is the easiest to set up, going up in under 60 seconds, ideal for quick family camping setups.
- The Gazelle T4 Hub is even faster to set up, often pitched in under 40 seconds, making it incredibly convenient for families.
- The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is not only quick to pitch but also easy to pack, offering hassle-free use for family outings.
- The Marmot Tungsten 4 is also easy to set up and lightweight, making it user-friendly for family camping.
- The Kelty Wireless 6 features Quick Corners for easier solo setup, beneficial for single-parent families or quicker pitching.
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Gazelle T4 Hub convenient family tent features
Relaxing after pitching the Coleman Cabin family tent in 43-seconds. Plenty of time left to look off at the other campers still unpacking their tent.
[Gazelle T4 Hub convenient family tent features
Showing off some of the many conveniences that make the T4 Hub easy to use for families. One of our favorites is the removable floor.
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Mineral King 3 fast pitch family tent
The Mineral King has a very fast pitch thanks to an intuitive hub and clip system, making it easy for families to set up.
Marmot Tungsten 4 hub system family tent
The hub system allows for the Tungsten to be pitched solo with very little frustration, great for ease of use for families.
Kelty Wireless 6 quick corners family tent
The Kelty Quick Corners make pitching this tent a breeze, even when solo, enhancing ease of use for families.
Consider purchasing a footprint to protect your family tent floor and make packing cleaner and easier.
Tyvek footprint family tentTyvek “Home Wrap” is our favorite footprint for car camping and basecamping because it’s waterproof, highly puncture resistant, and exceptionally durable for family tents.
Family Friendliness Features
Family-friendly tents cater to the specific needs of camping with a group.
- The North Face Wawona 6 is highly family-friendly, comfortably accommodating a family of four with ample space, storage, and a large vestibule that can even be used as a camp shower area.
- The Coleman Skydome XL 8 is a family favorite due to its massive size, easy-to-clean floor, and family-friendly features like string lighting and an electrical port.
- The NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 offers a blend of style and family-friendly features, with a spacious interior, dual vestibules, and a fun design.
- The Kelty Wireless 6 comfortably fits a family with pets and offers dual vestibules for organization, making it a great family-friendly option at a good price.
- Even the smaller Marmot Tungsten 4 offers family-friendly features in a more compact and lighter package.
Wawona 6 family chilling style tent
Chilling out in style in the Wawona 6 family tent. Take note of the open floor in front which can easily extend the sleeping area.
Enjoying rest in Basecamp 6 family tent
The Skydome’s tarp flooring is durable and very easy to clean — a plus for any large family.
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 cozy family tent views
Enjoying the views from the cozy Aurora Highrise family tent.
Kelty Wireless 6 cozy family night tent
Getting ready to start a new day after a cozy night in the Wireless 6 family tent.
Marmot Tungsten 4 privacy family tent
The view from above shows the added privacy of the white mesh walls found on the Marmot Tungsten 4 family tent.
Consider your family’s specific needs and camping style when evaluating family-friendly features.
Family Tent Quality
Quality materials and construction ensure your family tent lasts for years.
- The MSR Habitude 4 is built with top-notch materials throughout, from poles to fabrics, ensuring long-term durability for family camping.
- The Wawona 6 has a proven track record of quality and durability, using robust materials and construction.
- The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is another high-quality tent built to withstand years of family camping, featuring premium materials and construction.
- The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze stands out for its exceptional build quality and heavy-duty materials.
- For families concerned about floor puncture resistance, the Marmot Limestone 4 and Coleman Instant Setup offer durable 150D polyester floors.
Habitude 4 quality materials family tent
Quality materials can be found throughout, from the floors to the poles, the Habitude is built to last for family use.
Wawona 6 quality materials family tent
The North Face Wawona 6 has quality materials all around, making it a reliable family tent.
Enjoying rest in Basecamp 6 family tent
Full-length sleeves give greater strength to the tent’s aluminum pole structure, allowing it to better resist wind and the weight of snow for family safety.
Alpha Breeze durable family tent
Even with the vestibule in awning mode, the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze stayed firmly in place even during heavy winds, showcasing its durable quality for families.
Kelty Wireless 6 high quality mesh family tent
Exposing the high quality mesh top after a warm nights sleep in the Kelty Wireless 6 family tent.
Investing in a higher-quality family tent is often worthwhile for long-term durability and performance.
Wawona 6 long term investment family tent
The North Face Wawona 6 is a family tent with a true garage, ready to store all your toys and gear, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Conclusion: Find the Perfect Family Tent for Your Adventures
Choosing the best family tent is essential for creating memorable and comfortable camping experiences. Consider your family’s size, camping style, budget, and weather conditions you expect to encounter. Innovations in tent design mean there’s a perfect family tent out there for every need. Explore our top recommendations and find the ideal shelter for your next family outdoor adventure. Now, go get yourself a tent and get your family outside!
