Choosing Family Camping Tents

Many adults will say one of the most memorable parts of their childhood was the family’s camping trips. Camping is near and dear to a lot of peoples’ hearts whether the sleep out took place in the backyard or involved a more in depth planning and execution process. It makes sense that as those children grew up and had families of their own that they would want to continue the family tradition and take their children on camping trips as well. To make this dream a reality, the most important piece of equipment is the family camping tents. These tents have evolved over the years into virtual paradises of home like comfort.Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent


You can find family camping tents in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Almost any version can be found to accommodate the family’s size and needs. Family camping tents are better made than ever with the advancement of technology, and are constructed of the most durable and weatherproof materials. While it may not be the optimal experience to camp in inclement weather, with these tents it doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever either. While deciding on the perfect tent for your family there is a certain criteria to keep in mind.Swiss Gear Elite Series 12 Person Huge Family Dome Camping Tent SG33151


Before style even becomes a consideration, it is important to find a well made family camping tent. When you find a tent that you really like, check online message boards for honest reactions to the products performance. There are several websites available that are designed to provide consumer opinions. Then visit the local sporting goods store to take a look at the tent up close and personal. You will want to pay careful attention to the zippers, fastenings, and how easy or difficult the tent is to put up. Be sure to also look into the type of material used and the quality of the poles and attachments. A good family camping tent should be made to last a long time and hold up to the rigors of the great outdoors.Coleman Tent Light


Once you have found several family camping tents you like, then you can narrow down your selection according to your personal preferences. Some family camping tents are a large one room design, while others have a tunnel between two “rooms” that children find a lot of fun. Also consider the size and space available in the vehicle that will be used for camping trips. Many models are made to be compact and space saving for smaller vans and cars.Eddie Bauer Tamarack 2 Room Family Dome Tent


Family camping trips are worthwhile. Be sure to be properly prepared with one of the high quality family camping tents available for a more enjoyable vacation.

About The Author
Paula Radmall

Great Tips for Car Camping Enjoyment

amping is one of my favorite activities and my favorite type of camping is car camping. However, there are many other types of camping such as base camping, canoe camping, RV camping, tent trailer camping and back yard camping. Regardless of how you spend your time out of doors or how much time you spend out of doors, there is always more to learn. I have compiled an extensive list of camping tips and this installment is for car campers. Here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of your car camping experience.

Organize your gear before you go. The basic principle is to organize or categorize your gear by "when" and "how quickly" you will need it. When I get to the campsite, the first thing I do is prepare shelter. So my tent and shade awning are the easiest pieces of gear to get to.

Plan your campsite. Understand how vehicles, wind, sun and rain will enter the campsite. For example, if the wind is coming out of the west, you’ll probably want your tent and kitchen west of any campfire to reduce smoke nuisance.

Always have a first aid kit in camp. Everyone in camp should know where it is, have access to it and know how to use it. I keep mine in plain sight in my kitchen. If it’s locked in my truck, no one can get to it except me.

Every camp needs a shovel. I believe a shovel is the most important tool in camp. You’ll use it to manage your campfire, leveling sleeping spots and countless other uses. Don’t leave home without it.

What tent should you use? I recommend a tent that is bigger than you think you’ll need. If inclement weather sets in, you’ll have a spot out of the elements for reading and playing games. My tent is big enough for two people, two cots, two chairs and two dogs.

There is nothing wrong with having a checklist. Things frequently forgotten are: extra batteries, trash bags, kitchen towels, hats, reading material, sleeping pillows, hiking boots and pet food.

Your most important camping gear should always be on your body. Not in your pack, not in your tent or in your vehicle. Whenever you leave camp always have a watch, a whistle, a cell phone, a flashlight and a knife on your person.

Some neat tidbits I’ve picked up over the years are: a golf towel is perfect for hanging in your kitchen because it comes with a grommet, you can never have enough zip lock bags, you won’t find me camping without a flare – it’s perfect for lighting wet firewood, my camp chairs have side tables attached to them, I pre-cook baked potatoes at home and warm them up in the camp fire, in good weather my hammock gets lots of use.

Car camping allows you to take virtually anything with you when you camp. But the most important of all is good company. Take along good friends and family. When you do, it doesn’t really matter if you have the best gear or the best techniques, the one thing you will have is the best of times. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

The Author

Chuck Fitzgerald