There are a lot of family tents out there. Choosing the right one depends on both your intended use and the number of people planning to sleep comfortably in the tent. We chose the following family tents based on car camping (not carrying the tent in your backpack) and sleeping 4 – 6 adults comfortably (so two adults and 2 – 3 kids, no problem).
When considering the size of a tent, most tents will list the number of people that can sleep in it – a 6-person tent, an 8-person tent, etc. Realistically, the number of bodies that can sleep comfortably (plus all the camping gear) will be one or two people less than the listed number. For example, a 6-person tent will comfortably fit four or five people.
With these factors in mind, here are the top-rated family tents:
1. NEMO Wagontop 8-Person Family Camping Tent
Most folks will be able to stand upright comfortably thanks to the 80-inch peak-height of the NEMO Wagontop 8-person family tent, which makes maneuvering around people and gear inside the tent much easier.
The best part about the Wagontop tent is the option to make one of the sections a screened-in “porch” by rolling back the rainfly to reveal large windows on all sides. You can set up chairs and a small folding table perfect for hiding from any pesky mosquitos.
| Seasons | 3-season |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Capacity | 8 people |
| Weight | 30 lbs. 9 oz. |
| Packed Size | 13 x 29 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 180 x 100 inches |
| Floor Area | 125 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 27 square feet |
| Peak Height | 80 inches (6.7ft) |
Jut a heads up, the Wagonton tent material itself is waterproof, so there is no need for a rainfly. Don’t worry, it still holds up well in inclement weather. If you want to get the footprint, you can buy it separately here.
Shop NEMO Wagontop Tent here – Currently On Sale on Amazon – $509.04
2. Big Agnes Big House Deluxe 6-Person Family Camping Tent
The Big Agnes Big House tent is roomy with plenty of headspace to stand up and move around without feeling cramped (78 inches high). The overall square footage of the tent is smaller than the NEMO Wagontop floor area, but it will fit four sleeping mats with room for gear.
There is also an optional vestibule add-on to extend the covered space. Perfect for sun protection or added dry spot safe from the elements. Snag the Big House Vestibule from REI here.
| Seasons | 3-season |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Capacity | 6 people |
| Weight | 13 lbs. 11 oz. |
| Packed Size | 8 x 12.5 x 24 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 112 x 96 inches |
| Floor Area | 78 square feet |
| Head Height | 78 inches (6.5ft) |
Note: The Big Anges Big House tent does not come with a footprint. While not always necessary, footprints can extend the life of your tent by protecting the floor from rocks and other objects that can tear holes. You can buy it separately: Big Agnes Big House Footprints.
Shop the Big Agnes Big House tents – $279.95 Sale Price Currently on Amazon
3. The North Face Wawona 6-Person Tent
The North Face Wawona tent easily sleeps four with room for gear (86 sq ft) plus an extra vestibule extension (44 sq ft) for sun and weather protection. The main walls of the tent are only mesh, so the vestibule closure acts as the main doors, which can be chilly on a cold night.
Similar to the NEMO Wagontop, the Wawona also does not have a separate rainfly, but rather has a rainproof single-wall construction, which makes putting it up super simple to put up.
The footprint must also be purchased separately. Pick one up on REI.com here.
| Seasons | 3-season |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Capacity | 6 people |
| Weight | 20 lbs. 15 oz. |
| Packed Size | |
| Floor Dimensions | 119 x 101 inches |
| Floor Area | 86.1 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 44.7 square feet |
| Peak Height | 80 inches (6.7ft) |