Quick Summary
For a family of 4, choose a 5 or 6-person tent with a separate living area and at least one bedroom pod. Inflatable tents pitch faster and are more wind-resistant; poled tents are lighter and more affordable. For UK camping, look for 4,000 mm+ waterproofing on the flysheet.
Our top picks: Vango Savannah Air 600XL (inflatable) · Kampa Croyde 6 (poled) · Vango Iris 500 (mid-range)
Choosing a family tent is one of the biggest camping decisions you'll make — get it right and it'll last years of holidays. Get it wrong and you'll be cold, cramped, and counting down the days until you get home. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.
What Size Family Tent Do You Need?
Tent capacity ratings are notoriously optimistic. A "6-person" tent means six adults in sleeping bags, shoulder to shoulder, with no gear. In practice:
- Family of 2 adults + 1–2 young children: a 4 or 5-person tent is comfortable
- Family of 2 adults + 2–3 children: go for a 6-person tent minimum
- Family of 2 adults + teenagers: consider a 6-person tent with two separate bedroom pods for privacy
Always prioritise a tent with a separate living area — somewhere to sit, eat, and shelter from rain without being in the bedroom. This makes a huge difference on a wet day in Cornwall.
Inflatable vs Poled Family Tents — Which Is Better?
This is the most common question we get asked in store, and the honest answer is: it depends on how you camp.
Inflatable (Air) Family Tents
- Pitch in 10–15 minutes — a game changer with tired children
- Air beams flex in wind rather than snapping like fibreglass poles
- Generally more spacious and better structured
- Higher price point, but worth it for regular campers
Our pick: Vango Savannah Air 600XL 6-Person Inflatable Tent Package — a complete package with footprint included, ideal for families who want a fast, reliable setup.
Poled Family Tents
- More affordable — great entry point for occasional campers
- Lighter to carry if you're moving pitches regularly
- Longer setup time (30–45 minutes) but straightforward once you know the tent
- Fibreglass poles can snap in strong winds — always carry a repair sleeve
Our picks:
- Kampa Croyde 6 Poled Tent — a well-built, spacious 6-person tent with a large living area, ideal for family holidays
- Kampa Hayling 6 Poled Tent 2025 — updated for 2025 with improved weatherproofing and a redesigned porch
- Vango Iris 500 Tent — a versatile 5-person tent that punches above its price point
What Waterproof Rating Do You Need?
For UK camping — especially in Cornwall and the South West where the weather can turn quickly — waterproofing matters. Here's what to look for:
- Flysheet: 3,000 mm minimum; 4,000 mm+ for reliable UK weather protection
- Groundsheet: 6,000 mm minimum to keep ground moisture out
- Seams: look for taped or welded seams on the groundsheet and lower flysheet
Don't be tempted by cheap tents with low hydrostatic head ratings — a leaking tent on a wet Cornish night is miserable for everyone.
Key Features to Look For in a Family Tent
- Separate living area — essential for rainy days; somewhere to eat, play games, and dry off
- Multiple bedroom pods — gives parents and children their own space
- Porch or awning — useful for muddy boots, wet gear, and extra shade
- Ventilation panels — reduces condensation on warm nights
- Electrical cable entry point — handy for EHU pitches
- Good pegging points — critical for exposed coastal pitches in Cornwall
- Carry bag with wheels — family tents are heavy; wheels make a big difference
Package Deals — Are They Worth It?
Yes — if you're buying a new tent, a package deal that includes a footprint (groundsheet protector) is almost always better value than buying separately. A footprint protects the tent floor from abrasion and adds an extra layer of waterproofing, extending the life of your tent significantly.
- Vango Savannah 600XL Package — includes free footprint
- Vango Savannah Air 600XL Inflatable Package
- Kampa Croyde 6 Pack Deal
- Kampa Hayling 6 Package
Come and See Them in Person — Newquay Camping Shop
We know buying a family tent online can feel like a leap of faith. That's why we have selected tents pitched up in our Newquay showroom — you can walk inside, check the headroom, and get a real feel for the space before you commit. Our team are on hand to answer questions and help you find the right tent for your family and your style of camping.
Whether you're planning a first camping trip to Cornwall or upgrading after years of squeezing into a too-small tent, we'd love to help. Find out more about visiting us in person.
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing a Family Tent
What size tent do I need for a family of 4?
For a family of 4, we recommend a 5 or 6-person tent. Tent capacity ratings assume sleeping bags side by side with no gear — a 6-person tent gives a family of 4 comfortable sleeping space plus room for luggage. Look for a tent with a separate living area and at least two sleeping pods.
Are inflatable family tents worth the money?
Yes — for most families, inflatable (air) tents are worth the extra cost. They pitch in 10–15 minutes compared to 30–45 minutes for poled tents, and air beams are more resilient in wind than fibreglass poles. If you camp regularly or have young children, the time saving alone makes them worthwhile.
What waterproof rating do I need for a family tent in the UK?
For UK camping, look for a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 3,000 mm on the flysheet and 6,000 mm on the groundsheet. For Cornwall and the South West where weather can be unpredictable, 4,000 mm+ on the flysheet is ideal.
How many bedrooms should a family tent have?
It depends on your family setup. A family of 4 with two adults and two young children can often share one large bedroom pod, but two separate pods give parents and children their own space — and are essential for teenagers. Look for tents with removable dividers for flexibility.
What is the best family tent for Cornwall and the South West?
For Cornwall and the South West, you need a tent with a high waterproof rating (4,000 mm+), strong pegging points, and good ventilation to handle both rain and warm summer days. The Vango Savannah Air 600XL and Kampa Croyde 6 are both excellent choices for UK coastal camping.
Can I try family tents before buying?
Yes — at Newquay Camping Shop we have selected tents pitched up in our showroom so you can see them in person before you buy. Our team can walk you through the features and help you find the right tent for your family.
