What To Look For
Obviously, the desired size of the family tent will depend on the size of the family. Look for a tent that accommodates the entire family and, if desired, any camping friends or guests. Other features to look for include multiple rooms to offer privacy in the tent, rain, fly and screen rooms or porches. A rain fly is a separate fabric over the tent to shed rain and provide shade for a cooler tent. The screen room or porch provides an insect-free area adjacent to the tent area for dining or relaxing.
Common Pitfalls
Family tents are large and not meant for backpacking, and are generally transported by vehicle to the campsite. Still, weight and bulk are a consideration when picking a family tent. Family tents, or any large tent, can be difficult to erect. Look for tents that set up easily. Camping in rough or stormy weather, which can happen on any camping trip, requires a tent that is stable in high winds and capable of keeping the contents dry during all types of weather.
Where To Buy
Family tents are available in the sporting goods departments of discount stores, sporting goods stores, outdoor outfitters and on the Internet. Discount stores will often offer the lower end lines of family tents. Higher end family tents are available from the more specialized sporting goods and outdoor outfitter stores. The more specialized stores will also often have the tents setup allowing the purchaser to see the size of the tent rather than visualizing it from pictures and dimensions.
Cost
Family tents range in price from about $100 to $200 for the lower end tents available at a discount store to more specialized tents ranging in price from about $250 to nearly $1,000 in August of 2010. Quality and durability of the tents is often relative to the price. Campers should purchase the highest quality tent their budget will tolerate.
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