How to choose a camping tent for your family

Planning a family camping holiday in Cornwall? Whether you are exploring the scenic coast of Looe or enjoying the great outdoors at our Cornwall holiday park, it’s important to choose the right tent. With so many options available, choosing a tent that suits your needs can be overwhelming.

To help make this process easier, we’ve put together some expert tips to consider when buying a tent for your family. From size and shape to budget and materials, this guide to buying a tent will ensure you find the perfect option for your family.

1) Consider different types of tents

Choosing the right tent can make or break the experience. Families need to be careful when selecting the type of tent that is best suited for them and their holiday.

Bell tents: A bell tent can be a great option to consider. Bell tents are great for larger groups since they offer maximum interior space while still being lightweight and easy to transport. Plus, many come with an integrated groundsheet that offers excellent protection from all weather conditions, including wind and rain.

Dome tents: If you are planning a short camping trip, dome tents can be a wise selection. Dome tents are easy to pitch and lightweight, making them ideal for small families and those who don’t want to spend long setting up.

Tunnel tents: This type of tent is designed for larger families. Tunnel tents afford maximum space and privacy, helping the camping trip feel a little more comfortable. For example, tunnel tents provide separate sleeping and living areas.

Pop-up Tents: For those planning a quick getaway and desire a hassle-free experience, pop-up tents can be a great option. They make camping very easy so for families with young children, they will work nicely.

READ ALSO: Organise A Perfect Camping Trip – A How To Guide

2) Consider your budget

It’s important to consider your budget when selecting any tent. Here is a general guide to tent budgets:

• Budget (£50-£150) – This will afford basic dome or pop-up tents, which are suitable for short trips.
• Mid-Range (£150-£400) – A budget in this range can include tunnel or bell tents for extra space and durability.
• Premium (£400+) – For large family tents with multiple rooms, superior weatherproofing, and added features like porches, you will be looking to make a hefty investment that will pay off in the long run.

Tip: If you’re new to camping, consider renting a tent or buying second-hand before investing in a premium model.

3) Choose the right materials

The material used to make the tent is another important factor to consider when choosing the best one for your family. Some materials are more durable than others, and you want to ensure that your tent can withstand weather and other elements.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a tent:

• Polyester: This material is lightweight, quick-drying, and affordable but may not last as long as other materials.
• Canvas (Cotton): Canvas tents are known to be highly durable and breathable. They are great for long stays but tend to be heavier and pricier.
• Poly-cotton: This blend offers the best of both worlds, providing campers with durability and breathability without being too heavy.

Tip: For camping in Cornwall, where rain showers are common, look for a tent with a high hydrostatic head rating (3000mm or more) for better waterproofing.

4) Think about setup time

When camping with kids, the last thing you want is to spend your entire trip setting up the tent. So, when choosing your family’s tent, consider how much time it takes for setup and takedown. Some models come with pre-assembled tent poles that make them very easy to assemble, while others require more manual labour.

Here are some options to consider when it comes to setup time:

• Instant tents include pre-attached tent poles, which allow for a fast setup.
• Inflatable tents use air beams instead of poles, making them quick to pitch.

Traditional pole tents may take longer to pitch, but they offer better stability.

READ ALSO: A complete guide to Looe

5) Decide which features you want

Finally, depending on your family’s needs and preferences, you may want to consider other features such as extra space for gear, a built-in porch or vestibule area, and removable walls.

If you plan to camp in cold temperatures, look for tents with insulated tent floors that will help keep your family warm during the night. Remember that some tents come with these features while others may require additional purchases.

Other useful features:

• Multiple compartments are great for families needing separate sleeping areas.
• Ventilation panels are essential to prevent condensation build-up.
• Storage pockets are handy for organising camping gear.

Checklist for choosing a family tent

• Is it the right size for your family?
• Is it made of durable and weatherproof material?
• Is it easy to set up and transport?
• Does it fit within your budget?
• Does it have extra features like storage, ventilation, and compartments?

With these expert tips in mind, you can find the perfect tent for your family’s needs and be ready to get out there and make lasting memories. With a little research and preparation, you can ensure everyone is comfortable and safe as you explore the great outdoors. Happy camping!

If you are looking for the perfect camping holiday for your family, our family-friendly Looe camping site ticks all the boxes. Book your holiday today with Tencreek.