Camping enthusiast, Wil Rickards, is an expert on outdoor gear and travel for Engearment, and says first-timers should really boils down what kind of camping they want to do. “If you are going to carry your tent in a backpack, your needs will be very different than if you’re car camping. If you’re driving to a site, then weight is no longer as important. This means your tent can be bigger.”
Think about the weather conditions where you’ll be and what you’ll mostly use your tent for. “Will you spend a lot of time in your tent? If you do, you may prefer being able to stand up inside.”
If you are just going to sleep in your tent, explains Rickards, “your tent does not need to be as tall, which means it may weigh less, take up less space when packed, and be easier to put up.”
Don’t invest in an expensive, large family tent if you’re only going to use it once. For example, “If I’m going to a festival, then I will probably—I hate to admit this!—buy a disposable tent,” explains Rickards. “It will likely be destroyed by the end of the weekend, so at this point, quality is not essential.”
Best large family tents 2023
Best overall
CORE Extended Dome Tent
With over 5,000 impressive reviews, this Amazon’s Choice large family tent is sold in an eye-popping shade of orange to make it easy to find and fits up to nine people comfortably. Or, if you’re packing bedding, it holds up to three air beds or five foldable mattresses. One reviewer said the tent fit two queen mattresses and still had lots of room inside.
At 18 pounds, it’s also moderately lightweight and comes with a carrying case made of water-resistant durable polyester. The aluminum poles that offer this bestseller its signature dome shape (some experts argue that domes hold up better against wind than triangular tents) are made of fiberglass. Choose from sizes 9.5mm, 8.5mm and 6.9mm sizes.
Once you finish stargazing through the mesh roof, you can cover it up with a water-resistant rainfly (cover) for additional weather protection. Another perk we love is the E-port located inside the tent which allows you to run an extension cord inside to inflate your beds or charge your mobile devices.
Pros
- Comes in wine shade as well
- Available in 11-person (higher pricer point)
- Features include an internal mesh shelf and lantern hook
- Sturdy velcro around the E-port helps keep bugs away
Cons
- Small front door zipper area
