These spacious, easy-to-assemble tents will elevate your next camping trip.
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A tent can make or break a camping trip. You need one that’s comfortable, spacious, and best-suited for your lifestyle. Families that enjoy the luxuries of glamping can bask in features like tall ceilings for extra roominess and storage pockets to organize essential items. On the flip side, outdoor enthusiasts will be happy campers if they have a tent that simply keeps them dry and lets them gaze up at the stars at night.
We ventured outdoors to test a range of family-sized tents. Each tent was evaluated based on several key attributes, such as spaciousness, weatherproofing, ventilation, durability, and more. We also consulted industry pro Bill Gamber, founder and president of Big Agnes, on what to look for in an outdoor abode. Then, we narrowed or list down to the best tents for family backpackers, budget-shoppers, beginner campers, and more.
Feel free to spread out as much as you want in this tent that has steep sidewalls and a sprawling peak height.
It’s not ideal for winter camping since the rainfly doesn’t go all the way down to the ground on all sides.
Our top recommendation sets the bar high. The Nemo Aurora Highrise Camping Tent has an impressive peak height of 6.25 feet, which makes it a rare find for tall campers who want to step inside without crouching down and move around freely. When it came to organization, we liked being able to store gear in the vestibules that are located at not one, but two entrances. We stashed smaller items, like books, electronics, and bug spray, in the interior gear pockets, so they were organized but always in reach. When it comes to protection from the elements, this tent does not disappoint. We camped for two nights on a windy beach and found that nothing — not even a wolf — could blow this house down. Light rain during the trip reinforced the tent’s waterproof rating, and there is an oversized fly to batten down the hatches when a light drizzle of rain turns into a heavy pour. We do wish that the rainfly reached all the way down to the ground on all sides, though, as this would be ideal for camping in cold climates.
The whole assembly process is quick and intuitive, and it’s straightforward enough for first-time campers to set up in a flash. We loved getting to the fun parts of camping faster, like singing around a campfire and roasting marshmallows. The tent’s light blue color and whimsical floor pattern are also helpful ingredients for family fun.
Price at time of publish: $500
The Details: 15.8 pounds | 90 x 100-inch floor | 4-person
The unique vertical design and large vestibules provide more than enough room for six people and their gear.
The rainfly only has small ventilation holes, which means that the tent can get quite hot on warm days.
When you’ve got up to six people sleeping horizontally at night, you need a tent that can fit everyone and the kitchen sink. This vertical tent designed with a 76-inch ceiling fits the bill, making it the perfect hotel underneath the stars for family camping trips or weekend getaways to music festivals with friends. Our testing gang consisted of two adults and two young children. We slept on queen-sized air mattresses and kid-sized sleeping bags, respectively. Even with a full brood, there was enough room for everyone to spread out like an eagle without arms or heads grazing the sides of the tent. Overpackers won’t lose sleep over gear cramping their space, as the two vestibules take the brunt of housing items.
With the tent being so spacious, it's a perfect hangout spot for rainy days or late nights. Anyone can feel like a gifted host with features like a lampshade pocket at the top of the ceiling to provide ambient light — perfect for telling scary ghost stories — and two separate D-shaped doors to keep campers from bumping into one another on the way in or out. There’s a mesh lining at the top of the tent for letting sunlight in during the day and laying back to admire the stars at night.
Price at time of publish: $529
The Details: 15.79 pounds. | 120 x 100-inch floor | 6-person
A huge, sturdy vestibule adds loads of convenience to camping trips.
Spacing in the tent feels a little tight with more than four people.
Another great choice for campers looking for extra storage on their campsites, the North Face Wawona 6 is outfitted with a large vestibule that simplifies storing gear and changing out of dirty shoes and clothes. This tent also exceeded our expectations by handling rain well, no doubt thanks to the heavy-duty double wall construction. Although the wind was heavy, the tent’s 75-denier polyester fabric with a 1,200-millimeter waterproof rating was durable enough that no additional anchoring was needed.
Setup and disassembly are a breeze. The brand updated its previous assembly process with improvements like a color-coded system of pole colors matching the pole sleeve and a re-engineered DAC MX poleset that’s capable of bending without breaking. A wide cinch-top opening on the carrying case also contributes to easy campsite cleanup.
Price at time of publish: $500
The Details: 20.93 pounds | 120 x 96 inches floor | 6-person
The carrying case has multiple buckles to expand the size of the bag.
The Instructions being on the internet via QR code could pose a problem for those camping in remote areas with little-to-no cell service.
Camping as a family is a great way to create cherished memories. But the trip isn’t going to start off on the right foot if Dad’s back is hurting from carrying a heavy backpacking tent and the kids keep asking, “Are we there yet?” This tent provides the balance needed between spaciousness and portability. It’s a three-person tent, ideal for small families or couples who want extra room. We were comfortable testing it with two adults and a yellow lab. Even at 5 feet, 6 inches, one of our campers had to duck down at times. But the tent has your back in other ways, like its waterproofing features. Vertical walls ensure that rain rolls off the tent and doesn’t get trapped underneath the flooring. There’s a vent located at the highest point of the tent for a breath of fresh air, and other little touches to appreciate include four inner pockets, gear lofts, and mesh inner panels to keep bugs at bay.
Price at time of publish: $529
The Details: 6.98 pounds| 90.5 x 78.7-inch floor | 3-person | 4,000 millimeters
This imposing tent is a blessing to tall folks and gearheads.
The footprint is sold separately.
It’s a tall order to find a tent that can fit an extra-tall person. We like this tent by REI, which is the tallest tent on our list at 6 feet and 6 inches. A 6-foot, 4-inch camper who tested the Wonderland with us was overjoyed by the extra room. It also affords plenty of interior space for storage. We brought along a queen-size air mattress, a twin cot, bags, and a dog bed. Two large corner pockets were perfect for keeping small belongs safe.
Normally, extra height on a tent makes it vulnerable to getting thrashed in the wind. This wasn't a problem with the Wonderland thanks to the added stability from the triangulated center pole and an extended ridge pole. We’ve raved about the tent’s height so far, but it did have some drawbacks during installation. Our shorter tester needed a rope to grab the middle support pole, so you may need someone to help you set up the tent. But since it sleeps six, help shouldn’t be hard to find. Bug-proof mesh, awnings for shade and rain protection, and an interior divider wall for privacy also helped this tent claim a spot in the winner's circle.
Price at time of publish: $599
The Details: 22.93 pounds | 120 x 100-inch floor | 6-person
This tent is a total bargain for its roomy interior and comfortable features.
It only comes with a one-year warranty, which pales in comparison to other tents that are guaranteed for a lifetime.
Shopping on a budget is easy with this tent that packs incredible value. It comes in two colors and fits two queen-sized beds. We found it more than spacious enough for a camping couple and a large dog. Without the frills that come with a more expensive tent, setup was easy. Snag-free sleeves made the poles glide in like butter. The poles are sturdy but still bendable, so they always have some give. The tub-like design of the waterproof floor no water makes it to your sleeping bag. This WeatherTec system consists of inverted seams, welded corners, and a strong frame to handle high winds just as effortlessly. Since the ground vent is meant to keep cool air in and hot air out, this is an ideal tent for the summer months, and two zippered windows keep nature close but bugs at bay.
Price at time of publish: $130
The Details: 120 x 120 x 72-inch floor | 6-person
We tested family camping tents at several different locales, such as a beaches, campgrounds, and remote locations with hardly any cell service. Some of our testers camped for one night with their partners and pets, while others spent days and nights with their friends and family.
We analyzed how the tents fared based on several attributes, including ease of setup and disassembly, spaciousness, and price compared to competition. We also considered how inclement weather affected fabric and pole structure and whether there were any signs of wear and tear after using the tents on rough terrain. We also factored in whether extra tools were required for setup, if the tent was lightweight or heavy to carry, and whether there was significant ventilation during hot, muggy days.
We’ll continue using the products and collecting their insights for a period of six months after the initial test.
When searching for a tent, you may see the words “waterproof rating” advertised. This refers to the amount of water pressure a fabric can endure before moisture seeps through. Waterproof ratings are measured in millimeters (mm) and use a sliding scale of around 800 millimeters to 10,000 millimeters. For solid waterproof protection, choose a tent with a minimum waterproof rating of 2,000 millimeters.
You will prevent a lot of fights within your family if everyone has a designated spot to store and organize their gear. Look for tents that have internal pockets, gear stash bags, and vestibules. If storage options aren’t included, you can always purchase add-ons.
A tent — especially a tiny one — can get real stuffy, real fast. This is especially the case when the weather is bad and you must keep the windows and door shut. Ventilation reduces condensation, prevents odors by keeping the air fresh, and helps you sleep better.
Ventilation in a tent takes on many forms, such as a mesh ceiling, floor vents, wall or fly vents, and mesh windows. Some companies take this a step further by creating tents with breathable fabric and adding ventilation to vestibules.
This depends on how many people you’ll be camping with. While there’s no industry standard for how much space is needed, 30 to 40 square feet per person is recommended. But a lot of factors can affect this decision, including a person’s height and weight, their sleeping habits (do you or your guests toss and turn at night?), and whether pets or small children are coming along.
The size of your sleeping gear is another consideration. According to Gamber, a camping bed is usually 20 to 25 inches wide for single people. So if you put four people in a four-person tent, you should be able to fit four people and their beds comfortably. There’s also always the option of sizing up, which we recommend when trail weight isn’t an issue. “Consumers are buying three-person tents fairly often for two people,” Gamber explains.
There’s a right way and a wrong way to clean a tent. The wrong way is using a washing machine. The right way utilizes these steps:
A tent is never going to be as comfortable as, say, a hotel room, but there are ways to maximize comfort, starting with choosing the right gear. This includes items like a high-quality air mattress that won’t deflate during the night, a sleeping bag to keep you warm in the cold months and wick away sweat during the heat, and extra floor padding.
Don’t want to splurge on too many items? Utilize what you already own. For example, you can use makeshift floor padding by bringing along sleeping pads, yoga mats, and moving blankets. A tent heater, extra blankets, cushions, and a rug are also worth considering. To ensure you always sleep like a rock, don’t forget about safety accessories like flashlights, bear spray, and padlocks.
Sarah Kester is a contributing writer at T+L where she reviews various travel products. As an army cadet for over five years, she spent her summers and winters camping in the bush. To put together this list, she relied on real world tests, extensively researching the products, and the expert advice of Bill Gamber, founder and president of Big Agnes.
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