The 7 Best Family Camping Tents 2022
Also available in: French
Feeling the urge to head out into the great outdoors with the family? Find yourself scanning through tent options but just can’t decide on which one to choose? Explore our selection of the best family tents so that you can spend a comfortable stay under the stars with your loved ones three seasons a year.
In this article, you will learn more about:
SAIL Toundra tent
MSR Elixir tent
Big Agnes Blacktail tent
MSR Habitude tent
Eureka Tetragon NX tent
Coleman Skydome Dark Room tent
Big Agnes Bunk House tent
Please note that the high demand for outdoor gear and replenishment issues from international vendors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a more limited tent selection this year. Several models are currently out of stock. We apologize for any inconveniences that this situation may cause and would like to thank you for your patience and understanding.
We strongly recommend that you check to make sure that the tent you are looking for is available at the SAIL location of your choice before visiting. Or, you may purchase your tent online for a simple and practical solution. Happy camping!
The best family camping tents of 2022: 7 tents to check out
If you’re going on a family camping trip, target a tent that sleeps four or more. Four-person expedition tents will accommodate your family, but may be a little crowded, while leisure tents generally allow you to stand up inside comfortably and are more roomy.
When shopping, don’t hesitate to analyze the poles and their material, as well as the waterproof rating (in millimeters) and breathability of the tent’s ground sheet and membranes.
| Family hiking tents | Family recreational tents |
|---|---|
| SAIL Toundra tent
2″>MSR Elixir tent Big Agnes Blacktail tent |
MSR Habitude tent
Eureka Tetragon NX tent Coleman Skydome Dark Room tent Big Agnes Bunk House tent |
SAIL Toundra tent
This durable polyester fabric tent with sealed seams sleeps four in a compact way. Once out of its compression bag, the SAIL Toundra tent is easy to set up so you can spend most of your time having fun with your family.
- Size: 4
- Number of doors: 1
- Vestibule: 1 (outside)
- Floor sheet: Polyester
- Rainfly: Polyester
- Poles: Aluminum
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric: 5,000 mm
- Waterproofing index of the rainfly: 2,000 mm
- Weight: 3.17 kg (7 lb.)
MSR Elixir tent
Lightweight and compact, this tent from MSR is just right for backpacking and outings with older children to remote campgrounds. It holds up well in varying weather conditions in addition to being quick to set up and includes convenient overhead storage for fragile objects.
- Size: 4
- Number of doors: 2
- Vestibule: 1 (outside)
- Floor sheet: Taffeta nylon
- Rainfly: Ripstop polyester
- Poles: Aluminum
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric: 3,000 mm
- Waterproofing index of the rainfly: 1,500 mm
- Weight: 4.3 kg (6.6 lb.)
Big Agnes Blacktail tent
This Big Agnes tent model is well designed and offers both value for money, reasonable lightness and a satisfactory level of comfort; two adults and two toddlers can fit in without being too cramped. The polyester membranes and mesh panels provide good breathability and ventilation.
- Size: 4
- Number of doors: 2
- Vestibule: 1 (outside)
- Floor sheet: Polyester
- Rainfly: Polyester
- Poles: Aluminum
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric: 1,500 mm
- Waterproofing index of the rainfly: 1,500 mm
- Weight: 4.3 kg (6.6 lb.)
MSR Habitude tent
This MSR tent lives up to its French name. You’ll quickly develop a habit of camping in it every summer. Its ripstop membrane is designed to withstand the elements – wind, rain, sand, etc. – The six-person tent easily accommodates six people and several pieces of luggage. The Habitude has enough height to stand upright, so it’s ideal if you need to put a baby to sleep or set up a playpen. Finally, this tent is easy to set up and has a huge vestibule with a built-in lantern to make it easy for everybody to get inside.
- Size: 4
- Number of doors: 1
- Vestibule: 1 (outside)
- Floor sheet: Taffeta polyester
- Rainfly: Ripstop polyester
- Poles: Aluminum
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric: 10,000 mm
- Waterproofing index of the rainfly: 1,500 mm
- Weight: 5.7 kg (12.6 lb.)
- Size: 6
- Number of doors: 1
- Vestibule: 1 (outside)
- Floor sheet: Taffeta polyester
- Rainfly: Ripstop polyester
- Poles: Aluminum
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric: 10,000 mm
- Waterproofing index of the rainfly: 1,500 mm
- Weight: 6.4 kg (14.1 lb.)
Eureka Tetragon NX tent
This tent from the American brand Eureka is made of synthetic materials and strong fiberglass poles. The bag has printed instructions on it and makes it easy to store and carry the tent. This well-ventilated model allows five people to stay in it and enjoy a memorable camping experience. The bonus? The overhead hammock that allows you to store clothes, a lantern or small items you don’t want to lose.
- Size: 5
- Number of doors: 1
- Vestibule: none
- Floor sheet: Taffeta polyester
- Rainfly: Taffeta polyester
- Poles: Fiberglass
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric: 1,500 mm
- Waterproofing index of the rainfly: 1,500 mm
- Weight: 5.6 kg (12.3 lb.)
Coleman Skydome Dark Room tent
This Coleman dome tent is ideal for those who like to sleep in near total darkness and need a lot of comfort. While the four-person tent has room for one large air mattress, the six and eight-person tents have room for two large mattresses. The Dark Room technology blocks 90% of the sun’s rays without compromising the coolness or ventilation inside the tent. A peaceful sleep is guaranteed!
- Size: 4, 6 or 8
- Number of doors: 1
- Vestibule: none
- Floor sheet: Unknown
- Rainfly: Unknown
- Poles: Pre-integrated poles in the tent walls
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric and rainfly: unknown
- Weight: unknown
Skydome Dark Room Tent – 4-Person
Skydome Dark Room Tent – 6-Person
Skydome Dark Room Tent – 8-Person
Big Agnes Bunk House tent
You’ll be impressed with the main vestibule, which is so vast that you can relax in it while the others nap inside the tent. The Bunk House tent from Big Agnes is ideal for a multi-day getaway or a vacation with a bunch of kids. The 1.78 m (70 in.) tent offers high ceiling which allows you to organize the space and enjoy the living area if the weather doesn’t favor playing outside. You won’t be able to live without this giant tent!
- Size: 6
- Number of doors: 2
- Vestibules: 2 (outside)
- Floor sheet: Polyester
- Rainfly: Polyester
- Poles: Aluminum
- Waterproofing index of the floor fabric: 1,500 mm
- Waterproofing index of the rainfly: 1,500 mm
- Weight: 7 kg (15.4 lb.)
Bonus tips for your shopping session
- Pick the right size tent. How many people will be camping with you? A tent that’s too small will make you feel cramped while a tent that’s too big will cause heat loss on cool summer nights. You’ve also got to consider that some people move around more when they sleep, and their height might play a role as well. It’s a good idea to make your choice based on these criteria. Don’t forget to look at the height of the tent; your significant other who is 6 ft. 2 in. tall may not be thrilled about having to bend in half before entering the tent. https://www.sail.ca/en/camping/tents/three-season-tents
- Practice putting up and taking down your tent before buying it, if possible. Also, notice the structure (pointed or square doom) and take a look at the poles to determine if the assembly will be easier, or more complicated than you think.
- Use a room divider if you need privacy. If you’re travelling with teenagers, they may want their own space to read magazines or novels late at night.
- Calculate the weight of the tent when it is stored in the carry bag. Generally, the more spacious the tent, the heavier it is. If you’re heading out canoe camping and will be doing some portage, you’ll probably want a lightweight, compact tent.
- Opt for a good mattress and a sleeping bag that’s warm enough for a peaceful night’s sleep. Having the tent is good, but a proper mattress and adequate blanket are even better. These can make or break your experience and help you not get too cold or too hot.
What to bring camping?
So, you’ve got one of the best 2022 family camping tents, and not sure about the next step? In addition to your personal belongings, bring some rope, tarpaulins, and a sewing kit to repair possible holes.
Make your life easier by consulting our list of essentials to bring when camping. What’s more, enhance your stay with this list of accessories that will add a touch of glam to your nature getaway. We’re making it near impossible to forget anything.
Also available in: French
