Winter camping is a great way to experience the beauty of nature during the winter months. It’s also a fun activity for families who love being outdoors together! Is there anything more bonding than being stuck in a tent together all night with nothing else to do but to hurdle together and exchange stories?
Winter camping might seem to the inexperienced camper to be inaccessible and daunting. But if you go in informed, but it isn’t as complicated as some might think.
To have an enjoyable time, you’ll need to buy a good tent that will keep your family warm and dry – or else it could be a very miserable weekend. There are many different types of tents on the market, so we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best family tent for winter camping.
What is the Best Family Tent for Winter Camping?
We have compiled for you the top 9 Best Family Tent for Winter Camping in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with family camping tents for winter and having used several family tents for winter camping you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about family tents for winter camping.
1. MOON LENCE Instant Pop Up Tent Family Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 121.3 x 114.2 x 52.4 inches (308.1 x 290.1 x 133.1 cm) Size: 4 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Moon Lence Instant Pop-Up tent is an affordable 3-season camping tent that features an instant pop-up mechanism that allows you to set up the tent in under a minute. It features a 90 square foot floor space that accommodates four sleeping bags with minimal elbow space. However, I would recommend it for two campers with minimal gear for comfort. The tent also features four large mesh windows with inner covers and one D-shaped door for ventilation. On the downside, this tent does not feature floor vents, and therefore, the tent may produce heavy condensation when the windows are closed up in the rain.
This tent has a free-standing design that gives you the flexibility to set it up without the stakes. But, it also comes with guy lines and lightweight pegs to hold it down in windy conditions. Plus, the tent features a polyester construction with a 2000-PU hydrostatic rating that enables it to withstand sustained rainfall for a few hours without leaking. The windows and doors also feature SBS zippers that provide better water resistance than conventional zippers.
Pros
- Lightweight design with instant set up for convenience,
- Large mesh windows for ventilation and comfort in hot weather,
- Its free-standing design allows flexibility in choosing terrain,
- 4-foot headroom height enables easy movement inside the tent,
- It comes with a spacious carry bag for portability
Cons
- May leak through the seams and zippers in heavy rain,
- It does not feature ground vents to prevent humidity
2. KTT Large Tent 8~10 Person,Family Cabin Tents
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 31.97 pounds (14.5 kg) Size: 150 x 102 x 79 inches (381 x 259.1 x 200.6 cm) Material: Polyester Waterproof: Yes Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Cabin |
The KTT 8 to 10 persons camping tent provides a spacious interior for most families. It has a good height which only adds to the open feeling of the tent. Large windows keep the space ventilated, keeping any musty smells at bay. Most of the poles for setting up the tent are of sturdy iron material, so you don’t need to worry about the tent collapsing during a storm. The tent also provides a privacy sheet to divide the space into two rooms. The mesh canopy allows you to gaze out into the sky while inside.
However, you will find that fitting eight people in this tent is a bit of a stretch. At most, five people can comfortably reside within the tent. Any more than five feels cramped and, soon enough, everyone will be on each other’s nerves.
It is also worth mentioning that the tent is highly resistant to leaks during a downpour. All in all, the average family will find this tent suitable for their needs.
Cons
- Bulky,
- Front awning not wide enough to keep oped during rain.
3. Lightweight Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 82.7 x 55 x 43.2 inches (210.1 x 139.7 x 109.7 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Nylon Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
This Hillman 2-person backpacking tent is remarkable for its ability to keep you warm and cozy in cold weather camping. It is also significantly lightweight and reasonably priced for a 4-season tent. Although the space inside may be a little tight for two adults to fit in comfortably, it is adequate for an adult and their gear or an adult plus a child. Furthermore, it has excellent water resistance and snow shedding abilities, and its frame can withstand 30mph winds with remarkable stability.
On the downside, the tent poles, zippers, and stakes provided are not durable, and some users noted that it produces a lot of condensation in some situations. However, the tent offers excellent comfort and livability in any season to make it worth getting, and it is easy to assemble. Plus, it features a robust nylon construction with UV protection and ventilation panels to keep the interior cool in hot seasons.
Pros
- High-quality construction for a 4-season tent
- Reasonably priced and offers easy setup and takedown
- Excellent comfort and stability in any weather
- It comes with a convenient gear loft
Cons
- Limited space to accommodate two campers
- Poles and zippers are not durable
- It does not come with a footprint
4. Ayamaya Pop Up Tents with Vestibule for 4-6 Person
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 150 x 102 x 53.5 inches (381 x 259.1 x 135.9 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 3000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Tunnel |
The Ayamaya brand is relatively new in the outdoors gear market, and this pop-up tent is getting some positive reviews from people who’ve bought it. This tent is an affordable option for small groups and features an instant setup design with double-layer construction. While it has a low profile tunnel shape where the center height is about four feet, I like that it has two access doors on either side of its short ends, which helps with movement in and out of the tent.
Additionally, the tent features a covered vestibule area that you can use for your gear or as a comfortable sleeping area for your pets. However, the interior space is not enough to accommodate six people, but it may take up three or four campers comfortably. The tent’s double layer structure helps to keep the tent dry in wet weather and improves the overall airflow while stakes hold it down to withstand windy conditions.
Pros
- Pre-assembled design is easy to set up, Double-layer provides ideal conditions comfort and livability,
- Excellent ventilation with double doors, mesh windows, and rear vent,
- Comes with a multi-use covered vestibule
Cons
- Takedown is not as straightforward as setting up, Leaks through the window panels in sustained rainfall
5. MoKo Waterproof Family Camping Dome Tent 3 Person
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 82.7 x 70.8 x 41.3 inches (210.1 x 179.8 x 104.9 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 180T Polyes Waterproof: 2000mm Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Moko Waterproof 3-Person Camping Tent is an excellent and affordable option for camping in any season. It has a 2-layer design that includes a 180T inner tent with a 2500mm hydrostatic rating and a polyethylene tub floor with a 5000mm waterproof rating. It also features a 68D polyester full-coverage rainfly with a PU-2000mm rating that also provides a small vestibule for shoes and other gear. The tent structure enables quick setup and breakdown with two people. However, most users recommend opening it up at home first before going on your camping trip to get the hang of assembling it.
The tent has remarkable weather resistance and insulation that makes it suitable for cold-weather camping trips. Furthermore, many buyers have noted that it is comfortable and delivers excellent performance in heavy rain. It is also sturdy to withstand strong wind and has a gap between the inner tent and rainfly that prevents condensation from soaking the interior. On the downside, it may not shed heavy wet snow effectively and limits the tent for intense camping trips such as mountaineering. The ventilation includes a mesh window and door when the weather is fair, while roof vents provide air circulation when covered for rain. However, some users note that the tent can get stuffy in warm weather, and you might want to consider carrying along a tent camping fan to help circulate air. While it comes as a 3-person tent, it fits two campers more comfortably.
Pros
- High build quality with exceptional waterproof performance,
- It has excellent insulation to keep warm in winter camping,
- Robust construction makes it a good value for money,
- Rainfly design helps to prevent condensation,
- Generous interior space for comfortable livability
Cons
- First time setup may be a little confusing and time consuming,
- It has a strong plastic smell that lasts for days when new,
- It may not have the best airflow for summer camping
6. CAMPROS 6 Person Waterproof Windproof Family Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 20 pounds (9.07 kg) Size: 132 x 84 x 72 inches (335.3 x 213.4 x 182.9 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 185T Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Cabin |
CAMPROS is an upcoming outdoor gear brand from Cambodia that produces camping tents and furniture for various markets. The 6-person camping tent model is part of a series of similar camping tents of different sizes and is suitable for small families. The tent features a simple design with 185T polyester construction and fiberglass poles that allows a quick 10-minute assembly and takedown.
It also offers a roomy interior which campers note can fit up to four people and their gear in comfort, but it would squeeze six campers. I like the headroom height that allows the average adult to stand straight and the storage pockets and gear loft for keeping small items inside the tent.
On the other hand, the tent features large mesh windows on its sides and roof for ventilation. However, it does not come with ground vents which would make it breathable at night, and some campers have noted that the tent gets stuffy as a result. It has a decent waterproof rating which means it can withstand moderate rain, but it performs best in dry weather.
Pros
- Has quick assembly and repacks easily in the carry bag,
- Good quality and robust construction for camping enthusiasts,
- Generous interior space offers comfortable living,
- Tall headroom space makes maneuverability easier
Cons
- It can be stuffy as it doesn’t have ground vents,
- The door zipper keeps snagging the flap
7. UNP Tents for Camping 6 Person
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 20 pounds (9.07 kg) Size: 120 x 108 x 78 inches (304.8 x 274.3 x 198.1 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 185T Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Cabin |
The UNP 6-Person Tent is a cabin-style tent with a notable 6.5-foot headroom space that allows free movement without bending. It features a single room interior space that might be too tight for six adult campers to fit comfortably. It also comes with a single mesh door and five double-layer mesh windows for ventilation. The tent also comes with a rainfly to cover the mesh roof when the sun is too hot or rainy.
This tent has decent build quality with steel poles for stability and 185T polyester material with taped seams and a PU-1000 hydrostatic rating. Plus, the tub-style floor features welded seams that prevent water from seeping through the floor. However, this tent will deliver better performance in fair weather with minimal rain and wind than any other season. It also has poor air circulation when the mesh panels are closed up due to the lack of ground vents. Other attributes include mesh pockets, a lantern hanging ring, guy lines and pegs for stability, and an e-port to power your devices.
Pros
- Cabin-style design with high headroom space,
- D-shaped door offers convenient accessibility,
- Generous mesh panels for breathability in hot weather,
- Lightweight with a decent build quality for its price point
Cons
- It cannot fit six people comfortably,
- Performs well in dry weather only
8. UNP Camping Tent 10-Person-Family Tents
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 23.1 pounds (10.48 kg) Size: 216 x 108 x 78 inches (548.6 x 274.3 x 198.1 cm) Material: Polyester Waterproof: Yes Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
Anyone looking for a tall, spacious tent would appreciate the design of the UNP 10-Person camping tent. For this large-capacity tent, the setup is quite simple. The extended dome-shaped tent includes two entrances and five windows, providing ample ventilation. A practical feature for families is the separating screen in the middle. If you want to give your children and yourself some privacy, this tent provides you with the means to do so. You can also enjoy a view of the starry sky- thanks to the clear mesh ceilings. You will also find an electrical access port to connect your devices to an outside power source. While the product is advertised as waterproof, we have found that it doesn’t stand a chance in heavy rain. A light shower is manageable, but under a heavy spell, water leaks in through the windows. So, we only recommend this product for the dry or warm seasons. Overall, the tent has a decent price and accomodating size, which makes it highly attractive for families and large groups planning an outing.
Pros
- Spacious,
- Easy installation,
- Divider screen for privacy,
- Well ventilates space.
Cons
- Thin floor,
- Fiberglass poles- which is a bit less-durable material,
- Chances of leaking during rain.
9. Liamoy 6-Person Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 19 pounds (8.62 kg) Size: 120 x 108 x 78 inches (304.8 x 274.3 x 198.1 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 1200mm Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Cabin |
The Liamoy 6-Person Tent features an easy 3-minute setup with two people, making it a convenient choice for small families and group campers. It is a single-layer model that features a 190T polyester construction with sealed seams and a tub floor to prevent leaks. Additionally, the tent features two doors that make access easy for all campers, plus two mesh windows on opposite ends and roof mesh that enable air circulation. The windows and doors cover with zippered interior panels, while its short coverage rainfly covers the extensive roof mesh.
The Liamoy tent has a cabin-style design that gives it a generous 6.5-foot headroom for easy movement inside the tent. Plus, it comes with several interior mesh pockets for stashing small items and doormats for your shoes. However, the interior space is generally smaller than other 6-person tents in the market, and many users recommend this tent for three or four campers. Also, it has a low hydrostatic rating of 1200mm for a 3-season tent, although it can keep dry in light rain and wind.
Pros
- Cabin style tent with tall headspace and easy assembly,
- Decent quality and durability for its price point,
- It comes with two doors for easy movement,
- Excellent airflow system with extensive mesh panels
Cons
- It has a smaller footprint than the competition,
- Only suitable for camping in fair weather
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of family tents for winter camping and decided that 9 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Family Tent for Winter Camping is MOON LENCE Instant Pop Up Tent Family Camping Tent which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider KTT Large Tent 8~10 Person,Family Cabin Tents as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Lightweight Backpacking Tent is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying family tents for winter camping
Tent seasonality rating
Want to know how your tent will hold up in certain conditions? Take a look at the tent seasonailty rating. If your adventure takes you to warm, dry areas, a 1-2 season tent will be your best companion. For those targeting more moderate climates with both dry and wet periods, a 3-season tent is a decent all-rounder. For those who can’t be confined to a season, a 4-season tent will cover you for most conditions, although it may be less ideal for hot weather. Lastly, a 5-season tent is strictly for those who find themselves in extreme weather conditions and is generally not recommended for the average camper.
Water, Wind and Snow Resistance
Tent manufacturers aim to blend comfort with resilience. Dome designs are an excellent preventive measure against snow accumulation, while an extensive rainfly offers stellar rain protection. The inclusion of robust poles and stakes, along with water-resistant fabrics, make up the tent’s weather-resistant features.
Ventilation & Heat Resistance
For multi-season getaways, having enough mesh in your tents is important to keep cool in the warm months. Warm weather necessitates tents with several mesh windows, which helps create a brisk and comforting airflow. While tactics like tent placement in shaded spots and modifying the rainfly offer some reprieve, we’ve collectively noticed that the rainfly’s waterproofing, although essential, can prevent proper ventilation, leading to condensation. We recommend prioritizing tents that incorporate vents in their interior ceilings. When paired with a rainfly, this design creates a vented space, adeptly merging the benefits of ventilation and rain protection.
Family Size Tents
For those of us who venture out with bigger crews, family size tents are an excellent option. They typically start at a six-person capacity but can go up to sleep as many as 15. Multiple rooms and vestibules for gear storage are common perks, but remember, the latter could reduce your available living space inside the tent.
Weight
If you haven’t considered it already, the weight of your tent is a big deal in the long run. It’s no secret in the adventure community that the lighter the tent, the more you may end up paying or compromising on space. When we’re out selecting tents for our excursions, we always aim to strike a balance between its weight, its durability, and its price tag. A pro tip from our travels is to stick to 3 pounds per person for a 2-person tent. Solo wanderers, this means a 3-pound limit, but those of you in pairs can comfortably split a 6-pound tent.
Large Tent Materials
Material choice is a crucial consideration when picking out a tent. Nylon and polyester have proven to be excellent choices for larger family tents, balancing lightness with durability. Cotton tents, although durable and well-insulated, have been edged out in popularity, particularly for bigger tents, due to their greater weight.
Questions and Answers About family tents for winter camping
How do I choose a family tent?
When choosing a family tent, you want to decide how many partitions you are going to need. It might be that you are happy to sleep side by side in the main chamber – in which case you need only one bedroom that is wide enough for you to fit side by side and can be sectioned off from the rest of the tent to trap heat into one zone.
If your family is big and you need two bedrooms or you need to partition by gender or age, then you need to make sure that you have enough bedrooms that are big enough to fit you all. If you have people that like ending the night reading a book, then you probably want partitions that are thick enough to block the light from the awake person keeping up the people trying to sleep. Some tents will describe their tent as ‘black out’ or something similar so you want to look out for that time of descriptor.
You also want to make sure that any partitions are easy to remove. If it’s raining, then you and your family might be spending more time in the tent than simply sleeping. Being able to remove the partitions and have one big tent can go a long way in reducing the feeling of claustrophobia that you might experience.
How do you keep a tent warm in the winter?
The best way to keep a tent warm in the winter is to keep it dry. Moisture might cause you to lose heat as your body burns energy to evaporate it from your skin. If you open a vent at the lower end of the tent the cold, dry air can flow in and heavy, moist air flow out. Warm air can stay circulating in the tent as it rises. To add to this effect, you might want to bring a portable heater inside your tent. In this way, the air will warm at a faster rate for cold air being fed in. While there is a certain amount of risk involved in space heaters and tents that are highly flammable, these risks can be managed. Don’t use a gas heater within a tent and if you must make sure that your heater comes with detectors with monitor the amount of oxygen in the air, detect the presence of Carbon Monoxide, or detect the presence of Liquid Propane (LP) gas in the tent. Preferably you have multiple different sensors.
If you are operating an electric heater in your tent, be aware of the potential for water to meet electricity. Even if you don’t put your wet clothes near electrical items, moisture might condense above an electrical item and drip onto it. In this way you should not have exposed plug sockets or extension leads in your tent. Also, the leads connecting to your heater might cause a trip hazard. There are already enough trip hazards with the guy-ropes, be careful that you don’t create more.
How cold is too cold to camp in a tent?
In extremely cold temperatures tents mainly exist to block off the wind and snow. A tent is generally not designed to keep you warm. Tents are not built to offer the kind of insulation that could stop heat from escaping your tent or cold air from entering your tent. The best way to use a tent in cold weather is to allow air to flow from the outside into your tent and back out, as this will allow moisture to escape the tent. Being wet and cold will kill you much faster than just being cold.
In this way, there is no such thing as too cold a camping condition so much as if you have prepared enough gear to camp with. You should, however, not camp in temperatures significantly (18 degrees Fahrenheit/10 degrees Celsius) colder than you have previously encountered. You should also camp with people and equipment you have experience camping with. The last thing you need is for something not to go as planned, placing your life in danger, and you haven’t got the equipment or help to safely overcome your problems.
