Family Camping: 8 Man Tents - When Bigger Really is Better

Unless you are traveling with a large group and hoping to save on space and money with a tent big enough to sleep eight or more people, you might think an eight person tent is larger than you’ll ever need. There are, however, some distinct advantages to having extra space on a camping trip with family or friends, and times when an eight, ten or twelve man tent may be just what you wish you had brought with you.

For a family vacation camping is always a fantastic choice but it does not come without some drawbacks. One of the biggest of these is limited space when all the family have to crowd into the tent to keep out of the rain or wind. A really big camping person tent can provide a perfect solution for the larger family group – even if it’s intended to sleep less than eight people the extra space can make a huge difference to the comfort of everyone, and a great retreat if the weather turns bad.

The added advantage of this extra space is that there is room to keep younger family members entertained if you are stuck inside for some reason, with plenty of space for a board or card game. Sleeping arrangements are also easier, especially for settling arguments about who has to share with whom – some eight man tents have up to four separate sleeping spaces so there’s room enough for everyone.

Types of Large Family Tents

Large tunnel tents, with sleeping areas at one or both ends and a big ‘living space’, usually tall enough to stand up in, often claim to be a little more sturdy in wind conditions. Dome tents are easy to put up and sometimes have a larger porch area opening onto the living area, with bedrooms opening off each side. Both styles have their advantages but selecting the best eight man, ten man or twelve man tent will largely be a matter of personal preference. The other, more unusual, option is the eight man tipi (or teepee) tent – good if you prefer more ‘open space’ in your tent.

Another common feature of these large family tents is a ‘lights-out’ inner portion which keeps out the daylight to allow for better sleep in the summer months – a fantastic feature if you choose to relax and enjoy a lie-in on those early summer mornings. Overall, an eight man tent can add a lot to your comfort in you’re traveling with a family of more than four and might be worth the slight extra cost over a smaller tent to make your holiday more enjoyable.