Family tent with camp chairs in a forest clearing at sunset

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Family camping tents

Pick the tent by how many people sleep in it, how you camp and the weather you expect. Start with the size guide, then compare cabin, instant, canvas and beach tents. Each pick says who it fits and who should skip it.

Family tent by a lake at sunset with camp chairs

START WITH THIS Best family camping tents Our picks for families of 4 to 8, with who each one fits.

By size

Tent size guide

By type

Cabin tent with a picnic table in a pine forest

Tent reviews and brands Reviews, brand guides and comparisons of family tents: who each one is for, what owners praise, what they complain about and our verdict. We say whether we used it or only researched it.

Accessories

Frequently asked questions

What size tent does a family of 4, 5 or 6 need?

Pick a tent rated for two more people than you have. A family of 4 usually needs a 6-person tent, and a family of 5 or 6 an 8 to 10-person tent. The rating assumes sleeping bags shoulder to shoulder with no room for gear.

Cabin tent or dome tent for a family?

A cabin tent has near-vertical walls, so adults can stand and cots fit more easily, but it catches more wind. A dome tent is lower, handles wind better and usually packs smaller. For campground trips with kids, most families prefer the cabin shape.

What else should I buy with the tent?

Start with a footprint to protect the floor and stronger stakes, since the ones in the box often bend. A small mallet and a doormat for the entrance help too. If bugs are a problem where you camp, add a screen room for meals.

All tent guides

Free camping checklist

75+ items in a PDF and 3 emails with your first-trip plan.