Discover the best camping tents for young families camping with small children. We give the pros and cons of Cons of dome, cabin, pop-up, and backpacking tents.
Best Camping Tents for Families with Small Children
Written by Paul Stimers
Family camper, outdoor enthusiast, and camp host
My wife and I have two daughters. They’re grown now, but I still remember our camping trips when they were young. We divided our time in exploring and corralling the girls who wanted to discover everything new. Camping trips were some to my best memories.
If you’re planning to camp with small kids, having the right tent makes a huge difference. A good tent choice turns chaos into comfort, keeps everyone dry, and gives you a bit of sanity when bedtime rolls around. But choosing the wrong tent will still you give you great memories, but not all of them will be good.
Over our many years of camping, we’ve tried all sorts of tents — dome tents, cabin tents, pop-up tents, and backpacking tents. Each has its perks (and quirks). Here’s what I’ve learned after many campouts, diaper changes, and late-night flashlight stories.
1. Dome Tents — The All-Around Family Favorite
Best for: Families who want balance between weather protection, portability, and easy setup.
What is a dome tent? This is the “classic” camping shape—rounded and steady. We used dome tents when our kids were toddlers because they could handle unexpected wind and light rain. They’re also quick to set up when daylight is fading fast.
Pros
- Stable in bad weather
- Affordable and lightweight
- Quick to pitch
Cons
- Less headroom due to sloping walls
My Opinion: If you camp a few times a year and want something dependable but not bulky, a dome tent is a smart pick, especially for young families.
- 60% polyester, 5% oxford, 15% mesh screen, 15% steel pole and 10% fiberglass pole
- Imported
- ROOM FOR 3-4 PERSON TENT: The camping tent is perfect for 3-4 person outdoor camping. With the size of 10.5ft x 6.4ft x 66.1in(H) (67.2sq ft). 1 queen air mattresses (6.7ft*5ft/200cm*150cm, width below 74.8in) or 3-4 sleeping bags are well fit in the…
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL & WATERPROOF: Made with anti-tear 190T PU1200mm waterproof polyester and 150D PU2000mm waterproof Oxford fabric for long lasting performance. The tent stays completely dry under the light rain. NOTE: 1. Please add a moisture-pro…
- GOOD VENTILATION & SCENIC VIEWS OF THE OUTDOORS: This 3-4 person tent has 2 large mesh doors, 4 mesh windows & mesh tent top, which allow the breeze to come in and keep the bugs out. Top large mesh roof makes it available to watch stars with a wide v…
- EASY SETUP & PORTABLE: We have designed this 4 person tent to be very easy to setup. 2 people could set up the tent around 5~8 min. Please read the instructions before install, be sure to fix the stakes & wind ropes step by step, it will be more stab…
- 100% Polyester
- Made in the USA or Imported
- DARK ROOM TECHNOLOGY: Blocks 90% of sunlight (vs. a comparable Coleman tent) so you can sleep in past sunrise
- REDUCES HEAT: For a more comfortable rest anytime of day
- WEATHERPROOF: Welded corners and inverted seams keep water from getting in; included rainfly offers extra weather protection; strong frame withstands 35+ mph winds
- STAY CONNECTED: E-Port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside
2. Cabin Tents — Comfort Kings (and Queens)
Best for: Families who want space for kids, gear, and comfort.
As our children grew, they (and we) needed more space. The girls wanted to bring more clothes, they wanted more personal space, and we need some space as well. So we upgraded to a cabin tent. One of the big advantages of a cabin style tent is they have nearly vertical walls, give us room to walk around inside the tent. In a dome tent that just wasn’t possible. Another nice feature is some cabin tents have interior walls that create “rooms,” giving you and the kids some privacy at bedtime.
Pros
- Added space and headroom
- Great airflow and some have multiple doors
- Enough floor space to add air mattresses or playpens
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier
- More difficult to set up and take down
My Opinion: For families with small children, a cabin tents is the most comfortable choice. There’s room for a pack-and-play, bedtime books, and even a small folding table.
- Polyester
- Imported
- Roomy 4-PersonTent: Spacious design offers enough room for 4 people, with a size 8′ x 7′ x 72″ (H), nearly straight walls, and a 72 inch center height to create generous space to stand up and move around
- 3 minutes Set-Up for 2 Person: No particular skills are needed, one person also could set up the tent easily in 5 min. The camping tent weighs 13 lb. Ideal for family car camping or camping sites
- Breathable Mesh Windows: This tent has 1 mesh door, 2 mesh windows & mesh tent top, which allows the breeze to come in, zippered access allows campers to adjust the vents from inside the tent mesh paneling and doors offer great views & ventilation
- Stable Structure: 4 steel leg poles, and a rectangular roof, make the tent more firmly, stable, and windproof, ideal for outdoor camping, hiking, and fishing in all weather
- Polyester
- Imported
- ROOMY INTERIOR: Straight wall design with 72in center height create more space to stand up changing and move
- WEATHER PROTECTION: High-tech coating material with sealed seams and waterproof strip guarantees water-resistant
- EASY SETUP & COLOR COATED POLES: No particular skills needed, 2 people could set up the tent easily in 5 min
- GREAT VENTILATION: Mesh tent top and doors offer great views and ventilation
3. Pop-Up Tents — Quick Shelter for Busy Parents
Best for: Those weekend getaways, beach camping, or backyard sleepovers where you won’t be staying longer than a few days.
A pop-up tent is perfect for spontaneous trips. They set up in seconds. With some pop-up tents you just toss it, and it’s ready for sleeping bags. It’s a lifesaver when you and the kids just need a quick get-away without the hassle of setting up a full camp.
Pros
- Instant setup
- Lightweight and compact
- Great for naps, shade or a quick get-away
Cons
- Not built for heavy rain or wind
- Setting them up is simple, but it can be tricky to fold the first few times
My take: A pop-up tent is more of a backup tent—but worth having if you camp with little ones who nap mid-day.
- 100% Polyester
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Instant setup in just 60 seconds – perfect for quick camping trips or backyard stays
- Fits one queen-size air bed, offering ultimate comfort
- WeatherTec technology featuring patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Rugged Polyguard 2X double-thick fabric for tough, enduring use
- Weather-resistant Materials: Constructed of hard-wearing polyester canopy fabric with a UPF 50+ UV protective coating, this 10ft × 10ft pop-up canopy tent boasts a powder-coated steel frame and truss for enhanced durability, strength, and weather res…
- Robust Construction For Outdoors: This 10ft × 10ft pop-up canopy features a hard-wearing polyester fabric, complete with a UPF 50+ UV protective layer for excellent sun protection. The frame and truss are made of sturdy powder-coated steel, ensuring …
- 4-sided Walls For Enhanced Protection: This canopy tent comes with 3 sidewalls and a mid-zip sidewall for enhanced protection from the elements and creating a comfortable space for diverse outdoor activities. Two sidewalls are designed with transpare…
- Adjustable Height For Versatility: The overall height of this pop-up canopy is adjustable from 8.8′ to 9.4′ in 4″ increments. Conveniently press buttons to customize the length of the telescopic legs according to your needs, adding versatility to you…
- Easily Transported With Roller Bag: The outdoor canopy tent can be compacted into the included 10″ L × 8″ W × 45.3″ H roller bag after folding, making it easy to take with you for traveling, camping, or other outdoor adventures
4. Backpacking Tents — For Hiking Families on the Move
Best for: Parents who enjoy backpacking or hiking into remote spots and need an ultralight shelter.
When I was in the service and living in Europe, a friend of mine and I would go backpacking as often as possible. Backpacking tents are made for serious hikers. They’re lightweight, compact, and durable—but space is tight. When we hiked short trails, we carried two small backpacking tents.. It worked fine for a couple of young guys exploring Europe, but I wouldn’t use them as the main family tent.
Pros
- Very light and packable
- Durable for harsh weather
- Easy to carry on long treks
Cons
- Cramped interior
- Not ideal for restless kids or big gear
My take: A backpacking tent is perfect if you’re hiking or canoeing. But if you’re camping with the kids, a dome or cabin tent will make family life much easier and a lot more enjoyable.
- Polyester
- Imported
- 1 PERSON TENT: If trekking or backpacking personal in the backcountry, you will need a quality one person tent to keep you protected from the elements. Polyester rain fly&bathtub with PU 5000 coating is better in waterproof and firmer than you expect…
- LIGHTWEIGHT: For the best 1 person tent, prioritize weight and portability. This ultralight tent has a total weight of 4 lbs (1.8 kg) and a minimum trail weight of 2.97 lbs (1.35 kg) — including only fly, inner tent, and poles, greatly reducing your …
- QUICK SETUP & COMPACT: A solo tent should be very easy to erect and takedown. Freestanding and two Aluminum poles designed for lightweight hiking tent’s fast pitching. Easily set up by one person with no experience. This ultralight backpacking tent i…
- EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN: Interior mesh walls maximize ventilation, while the tent’s reinforced pole structure and adjustable guy lines ensure exceptional wind resistance, keeping it stable even in gusty conditions. A D-shaped door allows easy entry/exit…
- No-see-um mesh
- 1 Person Tent for Kids and Adults: This cold weather tent comes with a waterproof PU5000 poly ripstop rainfly, bathtub floor and tent footprint; Keeps you safe and dry from harsh weather conditions
- Camping Gear and Equipment: Our 37 x 88 x 42 in ultralight tent packs to a compact 16.5 x 5.5 in carrying bag making it a great addition to your backpacking gear; Spacious and versatile 3 season tent
- Dome Tent Accessories: Included in this set is a footprint floor cover, aluminum tent stakes, stake press, removable gear loft, reflective guylines and convenient storage bags for every component
- Leisure Time: Whether you’re thru-hiking or taking a long road trip you can always choose what to bring along; Minimum trail weight (rainfly, poles, footprint) of our outdoor tent is only 3lb 1.4oz
- Hyke & Byke Sleeping Bags: USA-based brand offers premium quality camping gear collection of adult & kids sleeping bags, camping tents & sleeping pods for all your adventures in the great outdoors
Features You’ll Appreciate as a Parent
When you’re camping with toddlers or young kids, here are a few tips that will make a big difference:
- Space: Always size up—get a tent rated for at least one person more than your family size.
- Ventilation: Mesh panels and large doors prevent stuffiness (and crankiness).
- Rainfly & waterproof floor: Non-negotiable for surprise storms.
- Multiple doors: Makes late-night bathroom runs easier.
- Storage pockets: Keep flashlights, pacifiers, and snacks handy.
- Fast setup: Instant or color-coded frames save time and nerves. Tip: if the pieces and parts are color coded, hit them with a dash of colored spray paint.
Safety & Setup Tips for Families
- Pick a level, elevated spot—no puddles or roots under the floor. Tip: We learned the hard way to keep you door opening away from potential running water.
- Stake your tent well. Kids tug on fabric; it’s just what they do.
- Keep shoes and food outside (or in vestibules) to avoid bugs.
- Crack a vent or window for airflow during naps and when sleeping on hot nights.
- Mark guy lines with glow sticks so nobody trips at night.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to camping with small children, start simple. A cabin tent gives you comfort and space, a dome tent offers a quick setup and words great with small kids, and a pop-up brings convenience. Whatever you choose, focus on ease, warmth, and fun. Camping is not perfection; it’s an experience.
Camping with kids can be messy, loud, and unpredictable—but it’s also full of laughter, campfire stories, and memories that last a lifetime. Depending upon they type and length of camping trip, start with getting the right tent. Once you have it, everything else will fall into place.
Sources
- REI Co-op: How to Choose a Tent
- CampingGuidance – Pop-Up Tent Pros and Cons
- BackpackingLight – Family Backpacking Tent Reviews
- The Outfactory & CamperNation – Family Tent Comparisons
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