Best Family Tents Reviewed and Rated for Quality
Erin Cain
Chantelle Fowler
Camping is a favorite and traditionally summer-oriented activity for many families. If your family is not renting a camper or a trailer, then a tent is the best option for shelter while you and your kids are enjoying the natural outdoors. Unlike the options of yesteryear with an old-school canvas covering and a real “roughing it” level of discomfort, modern family camping shelters are designed with a combination of practicality and sensibility; thankfully, they are also more comfortable and depending on the size needed, spacious. We have researched and determined the top ten options on the market so you can use this information to choose the best one for you and your family.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research
Canvas is treated and water resistant
Quick and easy to set up and take down
Bugs are kept out of doors and windows by sturdy screens
Perfect for all-seasons
Large rooms give families plenty of space for bedding and belongings
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Kodiak Canvas Deluxe 8-Person -
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NTK Arizona GT 9 to 10 Person -
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CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin -
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Browning Camping Big Horn -
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Wnnideo Instant -
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Coleman Tenaya Lake -
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Tahoe Gear Gateway 12-Person -
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ZUMIT -
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Wenzel 8 Person Klondike -
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Coleman 8-Person
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
10 Best Family Tents
1. Kodiak Canvas Deluxe 8-Person
Canvas is treated and water resistant
Quick and easy to set up and take down
Bugs are kept out of doors and windows by sturdy screens
Perfect for all-seasons
Large rooms give families plenty of space for bedding and belongings
All-season but not recommended for use in heavy snow accumulations or extreme winter mountaineering
Water will pool on top of the awning during rainstorms and cause it to sag
For large families or camping groups, the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe is a durable and treated product that will keep campers dry and comfortable outdoors. Made of superior material and offering plenty of space for large parties, this is the ideal choice for families who want to enjoy nature without the discomfort that lesser made shelters provide.
Read moreRugged and All-Season
Made of marine-grade Hydra-Shield canvas, the Canvas Flex-Bow is made to withstand any weather conditions as an all-season tent. The custom-woven, treated cloth includes a double-fill design and dry-finish, silicone treatment that keeps it watertight and breathable. This design keeps campers dry and comfortable, even in rainstorms and downpours. The Canvas Flex-Bow lets water vapor escape thereby minimizing condensation, mugginess, and humidity. No matter the season, this has you covered.
Extra Features
This product includes two funnel-flow vents for air circulation and temperature management. The 6-foot, 6-inch ceiling height offers plenty of space and light is provided courtesy of the four large windows and two large D-shaped doors. The doors and windows are covered with a sturdy yet breathable mesh to protect against mosquitoes and other pesky insects. Additionally, the Canvas Flex-Bow has a reinforced vinyl floor, an 84 x 78-inch awning, a large storage bag, and a customizable gear loft with organizer pockets.
Cost and Value
A top-quality product like the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow is not inexpensive; however, the construction, water resistance, durability, and its many additional comforts and features are well worth its price. Larger families or camping parties will want to check out this incredibly versatile and rugged product.
2. NTK Arizona GT 9 to 10 Person
Water resistant capabilities are excellent in wet weather conditions
Quality screens for insect protection and ventilation
Easy for one person to set up and break down
Design elements are well-crafted and efficient
Double seams and tarp floor keep it sturdy, durable, and dry
Window flaps only open from the outside
Some users feel that the canvas and tarp floor are too flimsy
The NTK Arizona GT 9 to 10 Person Sport provides families with the ultimate camping experience. Spacious and easy to assemble, this puts quality, comfort, and safety first for families who want to enjoy their outdoors experience in a large, sturdy shelter.
Read moreFull Coverage and Easy Assembly
At 6.2 feet, the NTK Arizona GT offers maximum comfort for groups of 9 to 10 people. With two rooms, three windows, and two doors, lots of light and space makes this comfortable for large parties. It has a double layer polyester and polyurethane-laminated canvas with UV protection. Large mesh vents encourage ventilation and large D-style doors are perfect for evening gatherings and family time. The included rainfly features cover the entire thing to the ground and keep all occupants safe and dry.
Extra Features
This includes utility pockets, a gear loft for gear storage, and an aluminum pin-and-ring system for easy assembly and tear down. The mosquito mesh keeps out the smallest insects and offers some privacy as well. The floor has an anti-fungus covering with an inner layer that keeps the floor dry and comfortable. The package also includes a heavy-duty carry bag, compression straps, and an ID label for personalization.
Cost and Value
The NTK Arizona GT is priced quite reasonably for a product that can comfortably house 9 to 10 people and belongings. Add in the extra features and comforts, and you have an excellent deal.
3. CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin
Can be assembled quickly and easily
Includes a removable rainfly fabric for water resistance
Adjustable ground air intake vents keep it cool and comfortable
Spacious room and height allows up to 9 people to fit comfortably
Three-season option for families
Some users find that the standard stakes are not durable enough
The floor material is flimsy and prone to tearing
The CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin has plenty of space, breathability, and protection from the elements, making it a top choice for family shelters on our list. This camping shelter offers plenty of extra features too, and all for an extremely reasonable price.
Read moreBreathable and Spacious
With a center height of 78-inches, the CORE gives families lots of space; there is room for two queen air mattresses and gear. The CORE can be set up within 60 seconds, making it highly convenient for families on the move. It has adjustable air intake ground vents that draw cool air in while hot air escapes through the large mesh ceiling. This stays cool and comfortable for all occupants inside it.
Extra Features
The CORE has a room divider, wall storage pockets, rain fly coverage, a carry bag, and stakes. The oversized mesh ceiling panels offer a clear view of the sky, and the removable rainfly fabric has wide, thick, heat-sealed tape to keep it dry during wet conditions. Additionally, an electrical cord access port, which is fully closable when not used, it included.
Cost and Value
For its size and amenities, the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin is a steal at its market price. It offers many of the same features as more expensive models but at a lower price. Camping families that are on a budget will find the CORE an attractive shelter option.
4. Browning Camping Big Horn
Holds up well in wet weather
Center height of 7’3” offers plenty of room to stand and move
Can be divided into two rooms on either side of a zippered panel
Canvas is sturdy and built to last for years
Multiple sources of ventilation keep it cool and bug-free
Buyers have noted that the poles are not very durable
Built to last, the Browning Camping Big Horn Two-Room is ideal for hardcore camping families who want a spacious shelter at a fair price. With its weatherproofing measures, this large and durable product is suitable for camping in a variety of weather conditions.
Read moreLong Lasting Protection
The Camping Big Horn product has a protective awning over both large doorways. Factory sealed floor and fly seams provide excellent weather protection. The durable floor made of polyester oxford keeps the inside dry no matter how hard it rains outside. A full coverage rain fly screen provides further protection from insects and the elements. The Big Horn is designed to last for years worth of camping adventures.
Extra Features
This features straight walls, a wall divider, and an extra tall center for spaciousness and ease of movement. Six windows, two large doors, and a mesh roof provide light and ventilation. The Big Horn has a polyester rain fly, mesh storage pockets, steel stakes, and ropes.
Cost and Value
The Browning Camping Big Horn is an excellent choice for large camping families who are on a budget or who don’t need some of the extra features available in more expensive models. This offers roominess, ventilation, and weather protection, all at a low price.
5. Wnnideo Instant
The instant pop-up design provides a quick set up and take down
Big windows and doors provide lots of fresh air and ventilation
Elasticized fabric is windproof and waterproof for a comfortable, dry shelter
Lightweight and easy to carry
Spacious and relaxing
Some users are unhappy with the strong plastic smell when they open it up
Buyers noted that it more comfortably fit 3 people than 4 to 5
The Wnnideo Instant option is a quick pop up that is waterproof and comfortably fits 4 to 5 family members. With elasticized fabric and efficient design, this camping shelter provides every essential element that your family needs while spending time outdoors.
Read moreAutomatic, Windproof Design
This Wnnideo is an instant set up shelter that is easy to assemble and operate, and just as convenient to take down. Although it is easy to set up, the Wnnideo is durable enough to withstand windy and wet weather. The frame is wind-responsive and has guy-out triangles and redesigned, sturdy poles. It is six-angled, a design that makes the room wider and more stable in windy and rainy weather. Waterproofing is a priority with this; the main body, windows, and doors are made of waterproof Oxford canvas. The interior and floor are lined with waterproof silver coating.
Extra Features
This includes four detachable mesh screens, two screen doors with two-way zippers, three top screens, and deal doors for light and ventilation. For easy carry, this product comes with a shoulder bag with plastic buckles to prevent damage during transport. When camping season is over, it can be folded up in thirds and hung up on the wall, out of the way.
Cost and Value
Families that want to camp in a sizeable space with general amenities without spending a small fortune should check out the Wnnideo. It’s easy to assemble, is weatherproof, and provides plenty of room and ventilation.
6. Coleman Tenaya Lake
Large rooms give everyone space to stretch
Inverted seams, welded floors, and a rain fly cover help keep it dry
Built-in closet and storage allow users to keep their belongings organize
All parts are color coded and easy to assemble
This Coleman model packs up into a backpack for ease of carrying
Some users state that the shelves sag too much to be useful
The zippers on the doors are too similar and cause repeated attempts to unzip the doors
Organization and spacing is the name of the game with the Coleman 8-Person with a built-in closet. With lots of weather protection and storage, this is a great way to camp with a large family yet keep everyone’s belongings organized and neat.
Read moreOrganized Spaces
This cabin has a built-in closet which includes a hanger bar and shelves. These are perfect locations for clothing and gear so they are easy to locate and out of the way. The 8-person designed space has a room divider for privacy and a hinged door for easy exit and entry. With a center height of 6 foot, 8-inches, there is lots of space to stand up and move around easily.
Extra Features
This Coleman model includes a WeatherTec system, inverted seams, and welded floors for water resistance. An included rain fly cover also works to keep water and dampness away. Additionally, an e-port is included to make it easy to power up your digital belongings inside. A wheeled carry bag is in this package for easy take down and transport and an area to hang up a lantern near the center in the dead.
Cost and Value
The Coleman 8-Person with a Built-In Closet is an affordable option with multiple additional features. Larger families or families who camp and bring lots of gear will find this a great choice for spaciousness and quality.
7. Tahoe Gear Gateway 12-Person
Holds up well under challenging and wet weather conditions
The multiple windows bring in lots of light and provide ventilation
L-shaped design allows for three divided rooms within the shelter
Canvas is sturdy and durable
Easy to assemble and take down
Some users state that the main door tends to sag
It is difficult to put it back into its carrying case after use
Generous space and ample comfort are the hallmarks of the Tahoe Gear Gateway 12-Person Deluxe Cabin. For large families or camping groups, or smaller parties with lots of gear, this easily assembled shelter is an excellent choice for space and flexibility.
Read morePractical and Comfortable
The L-shaped Tahoe Gear Gateway offers a practical design with the potential to divide into three separate rooms with privacy dividers. The ceiling’s center height reaches 7-feet and allows campers to stand up and move easily throughout.
Extra Features
This includes a fly with guy ropes to secure it in windy weather. A solar shield reflects the sunlight and keeps it cool in warmer weather. The polyester body keeps the occupants safe from wet weather.
Cost and Value
The Tahoe Gear Gateway is available for an affordable price. It offers copious amounts of space for people and gear and won’t leave a dent in the family budget.
8. ZUMIT
Takes only minutes to set up and is easy to disassemble
Comes with an awning for sun and rain protection
3000mm hydrostatic waterproof rating
Exceptionally lightweight at only 4 lbs
Windows provide plenty of ventilation in warm weather conditions
The zipper for the main door is located on the outside of the door
There are no additional storage areas or electrical cord run-throughs
The ZUMIT can comfortably house 3 - 5 people, making it a top shelter selection for smaller families or groups that enjoy camping. Available at a reasonable price, this ZUMIT is rugged and ready for camping season.
Read moreLightweight and Roomy
This has more roominess than it may seem at first due to the hexagon shape. The shelter itself is lightweight with an anti-tear polyester canvas including PU coating. This waterproof quality will keep the whole family dry even on rainy days at the campsite. The door and side windows keep ventilation flowing.
Extra Features
The ZUMIT features a front awning for sun and rain coverage. It also comes with a portable bag that makes it easy to put it away and transport it when done. The floor is seamless, and the cabin itself has a rain fly, mosquito mesh, elastic poles, stakes and limbs, and wind ropes.
Cost and Value
While not as loaded with features as some other products on this list, the ZUMIT provides the basic comforts in a quickly assembled product. Its price is more than reasonable for smaller families or groups who enjoy camping a few times during the summer.
9. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike
Provides separation of spaces for living, relaxing, and sleeping
Clear, detailed instructions are sewn into the carry bag for assembly and break down
Fabric and seams are waterproofed
Includes a screened in front porch
The ceiling is covered with mesh for airflow throughout
The dark-colored rain fly may make it unbearably hot during the daytime
Some users state that the plastic pins can come loose even in mild wind conditions
For large camping families on a budget, the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike is a fantastic shelter option worth some consideration. This roomy product can fit up to 8 people and includes a screened sitting room that serves as a front porch. With added weather protection and space for gear, the Wenzel Klondike is a great way to experience the outdoors at an affordable price.
Read moreLots of Space
The Klondike has a spacious front awning for dry entry and protection from the elements. Measuring at 16 x 11-feet, this has 98 square feet of space, including a 60 square foot front screen room that three or more people can stay comfortably. This three-season product also has 6.5-feet of headroom.
Extra Features
This comes with a rain fly, mesh roof vents for cool air flow, a separate gear loft, zippered windows, and a carry bag for storage and transport. With one large door and two windows, there is plenty of light and air coming in. The full mesh roof and windows are screened to keep insects out, and a rear vent encourages a cooling ground breeze. The canvas is double-stitched, and the polyester fabric has a water-resistant coating to keep it and its insides dry during rainstorms.
Cost and Value
The Wenzel 8 Person Klondike is just the type of camping shelter that large families need. It provides lots of space, is waterproof, and is priced perfectly for budget savvy buyers.
10. Coleman 8-Person
Waterproofed and weather-resistant
Included gear loft and inside mesh pockets offer space to store belongings
Incredibly roomy with space for up to 8 people
Easy assembly and take down make this convenient for families
Room dividers are available to create three separate spaces
There is no zipper on the ground vent to prevent cold air overnight
Some users note that this is not warm enough for cold weather camping
With durable construction and practical design, the Coleman 8-Person shelter has the roominess necessary for large camping groups and the gear that comes along with them. With weather protection and room dividers, this shelter is a great way to get the family together for camping at a price that works with any budget.
Read moreStrong Frame and Design
This durable, spacious product is 17 x 10-feet, 6-feet at center height, and can comfortably sleep eight people. It includes the option of creating up to three separate rooms with >removable privacy walls. The frame is strong enough to withstand higher winds with a wind-responsive frame, guy-out triangles, and redesigned poles.
Extra Features
This Coleman model has welded, waterproof floors and inverted seams to keep moisture and water out. It is easy to assemble, take down, and pack away with >multiple bags for the shelter, stakes, and poles. Additionally, it has zipper cuffs made of weather-resistant fabric to keep the elements outside where they belong.
Cost and Value
The Coleman 8-Person offers lots of room and protection from wet weather, and all at an affordable cost.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Capacity When families go camping, especially larger groups, space inside the shelter becomes a premium. That is why it’s so essential for people interested in a family-sized product to consider how much space they need. Our research team determined that capacity was the top criterion for this top ten list, so we looked specifically at products on the market designed for four or more people and that offered some extra space for storage and gear. In particular, we looked at many options that offered separate room capabilities and entry areas that would keep living and sleeping spaces clean and clear of dirt and debris.
Features When you are going camping with your entire family or a large group of friends, you want to have amenities that will make your stay in the great outdoors fun but also warm, dry, and comfortable. Our team researched key features such as ventilation and breathability, privacy dividers, canvas durability, and waterproofing levels. We also examined products on the market that included extra rooms, shelving, pockets, or other storage because that is a necessity when traveling with family anywhere and anytime.
Value Camping with family can be a memory-making experience, but for those families for whom it is a regular occurrence, it is worthwhile to invest in a product that is large enough for the whole group and that provides the extra features that are must-haves. Whatever your family’s size and specific needs, there is sure to be an option within your budget on this list that also offers the value that you are looking for in a three-season shelter.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Capacity Features Value 
Many family shelters are designed to be three-season options, as winter is generally too cold for camping. Even so, there are plenty of wild weather conditions that can strike during warmer weather. High winds and rain are the two significant weather challenges to camping. If you plan to camp in areas where rainy or windy conditions are likely, choose a product with high-quality construction to preserve your vacation. For camping in drier locations, an inexpensive pop up or instant option will work fine.
Although many family shelters claim to be able to house a certain number of people, sometimes these spaces can be tighter than you realize until you get everyone in them. Err on the side of caution and purchase one that is bigger than you think you need; that way you will have more space to configure people in the camping shelter. Watch out for oddly-shaped products which may have ample floor area but that prevents people from stretching out full length while sleeping. Keep in mind family dynamics as well; do certain family members snore? Do you have younger kids who will keep the rest of the family awake? A divided room option that is large enough for everyone may solve those dynamic issues.
Fabric is an important consideration when purchasing any kind of shelter. No one wants to spend time in close proximity to others in the middle of the woods when its wet, cold, and rainy. Therefore, choosing one made of durable, waterproof material is essential to an enjoyable experience. Look for fabrics like nylon, which is breathable and allows moisture to dissipate. The heavier the nylon, the stronger its durability. Rain fly coverages should be made of polyester and should cover the whole shelter instead of just the roof. Welded or taped floor seams are stronger and more waterproof at the corners and edges, and bathtub designs have floors that wrap up onto the wall and promote more dryness within the shelter.
Other Factors to Consider
Durability Any locations inhabited by family on a regular basis are bound to suffer some wear and tear over time. Camping shelters are no exceptions, thus you want to purchase one that can withstand the storms outside and within. Our team looked to durability as an important additional factor to consider when purchasing your shelter. We chose the top products that are equipped to withstand damaging weather conditions as well as the rough-and-tumble little hands and feet that will be running in and outside of it. Quality of fabric was taken into consideration as well as design, construction, and tear-resistant materials.
Protection These shelters provide a place of safety, comfort, and security at the end of a long day outdoors. Protection is therefore vitally important to a successful camping outing. Whether its protection from the weather or insects or an annoying sibling or child, the products we chose to rate offer a variety of means of protection from some or all of these elements. From fabric protection to screens and divided rooms, we considered protection a top criterion.
Frequently Asked Questions
While most family cabin sare designed for quick set up, they may come with unclear directions or may be difficult to construct despite their advertised ease. A quick way to fix this before you go camping is to set it up beforehand in your yard. Choose a day when the weather is calm and dry, and when you have time to spend on careful reading the directions and walking through the assembly process. This practice run would also be an excellent time to add layers of waterproof sprays or seam sealers so everything will be ready to go when you are camping.
Not necessarily. The stakes that come with your product might not hold up under the strongest weather conditions. It’s never a bad idea to purchase some stronger stakes so it is firmly rooted in strong winds. Generally, the larger the cabin, the more surface area the wind can grasp. Also consider getting a ground cloth or piece of plastic to cover the entire bottom. This material will prevent ground moisture from seeping up into your shelter.
It depends entirely on what type of camping you do. For families that camp in the spring, summer, or fall, or a combination thereof, a three-season option should do the trick for camping at any of those times. If, however, you and your family partake in winter camping, then an all-season one is a must.
For practicality and comfortability, you should choose one that has at least two doors. It will be much easier for people to enter and exit without having to climb over each other or crawl over gear and belongings.
If you are planning on backpacking while camping, you will want a lightweight option. Carrying extra pounds for potentially many miles will make for an unpleasant camping trip. Should your camping experience stretch no further than your backyard, choose a lightweight one. If, however, you and your family are spending significant time living outdoors, a heavier product that is designed to hold up to weather and prolonged use would be the wiser choice.
If you are tall, then ceiling height is going to be critically important to your comfort while camping. No one enjoys stopping while walking or hitting their head on the top. Shorter individuals may not need to choose one with an extensive ceiling height unless they would prefer the extra space.
Sources
- , How to Choose a Tent Q&A, Blog article, Mar 10, 2015
- , 8 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Family-Size Tent, web article , Apr 09, 2015
- , How to Choose the Best Camping Tent, web article , May 09, 2018
