Big Agnes - Big House 6

What I did when I wanted to test out TV sizes was to make a paper template the size of the screen to see what fit best in the room, You could make a template with kraft paper the size of the tents that you are considering so that you will have an actual visual of how large a tent you will feel comfortable in. You may find that a 6 or 8 person tent is sufficient for your needs and easier to set up and transport. My husband and I have always camped in at least a 8 person tent, our current go to is an eight person Big Agnes Big House tent. It is perfect for us for car camping. We take a smaller Big Agnes Big House 6 person tent for trips that include airline travel but we took a smaller 4 person tent for international travel and camping in France. The different tents and campsite setups is a constant learning process. Walk around the campground and see what others do and you'll find that there are tents of all shapes and sizes. Do whatever makes the camping experience enjoyable for you. I'd suggest the 6 person Agnes as one that you can stand up in and be comfortable with plenty of space for your gear, and a large enough to not feel closed in if you are stuck in on a stormy day. See if there is a place to look at tents fully set up so that you can see how large/small they are.

I can’t speak for anything other than the big house 6. I’ve owned it for several years and it’s the best tent I’ve ever had. I added the vestibule and footprint to go with it. It’s been an excellent tent. I’ve never had any issues with it. It’s a solid tent.

My fave subject! lol Big camper/backpacker before kids, transitioned to car camping with my family. 5 years in, with multi week trips each summer in eastern Canada. Shelter: We have a Big Agnes Big house 6 with a vestibule. 6 man is cozy with 2 adults and 2 kids (or in our case 1 kid one 70 lb dog, lol). But you will be good. A vestibule may be worth considering. We love it for having a dry place to help kids take off/put on shoes/do a quick change without getting in the tent, and take quick cover in rain. Also ideal for storing chairs and gear in the evening before bed without having to pack in/out stuff out of the car (we still store food in the car tho). We deal with things like high dew point so everything gets damp if left out over night, at 40F i would assume the same. If your younger one is potty training it can be a great spot for a potty seat as well. Ok. Now for the MOST important thing I have ever done for camping with kids. lol The sleeping arrangements: When she was little we used a flocked airbed -very cheap at walmart, like $20. We found she would slide off the flat thermarest, so just a word of warning there. The combo of sleeping pad and sleeping bag material can be very slippery for the littles. We would find her wedged between the wall of the tent and the edge of the mat, all damp etc. it was a total fail so we had to regroup on that one....Good call on the big mo bag as opposed to a sleeping bag, just maybe test if the material is slippery against the mat...We used a Woolino sleep sack as a possible alternative. I like that one because wool allows for temp regulation both cold and hot. And here is the magic: a bed tent...not available at camp stores and looks a little insane but it was the best thing I ever got for her for camping, hands down. This creates a separate sleeping space for the kiddos which minimizes night time disturbances (which we found a huge issue from 2y+ when sharing rooms). You can also get them used to it before you go, let them have it on their regular bed a couple nights or do a test drive of the sleep set up, so the transition isn't as big if they are at all anxious or get overly excited in new places. ALSO, if your little one still naps, taking a blackout curtain, if you have one at home, is a game changer bcs you can drape it over the bed tent in the daytime and make a dark place for daytime naps. Little set of battery operated ferry lights from the dollar store if they like a night light, and you have made the tent into a MAGICAL camp palace! lol. My kid is 6 now and we still set up like this and everyone sleeps soundly. Seating: When we started taking my then 2yo camping the picnic tables at the campsites were too big for her, so something to consider. There were a LOT of spills on our first trip at dinner time. We brought a small plastic folding side table and she ate at that in her little camp chair after that and it worked much better. Also nice to have for campfire time etc. so they have a place to put down a drink or snack before bed. :) Also re:evening campfire time: having a poncho for cozy time around the fire pit was really nice, Just pay attention to material, some of the fuzzy blankets really attract dirt and twigs and stuff! But it is so nice to get them all jammed up before campfire time, put on a little poncho and do the last snack/special "late night" activity all cozy. Also doubles as a barrier to sticky/messiness right before bed. lol Those Magic Fire packs are also a great little thing to throw in there, after any cooking on the fire is done!! ;) Ok last thing, I don't know your ages, genders etc. but I will say as a women who gave birth, before kids I always slept on a regular Thermarest, for like 25 years no problem, but after kids my hips would get super sore after a night or 2. I started to worry about sleeping while camping and it really took a toll on me the first few years camping after giving birth. If you are investing in a new sleep pads, the thermarest mondoking is worth the investment if there is a postpartum women in your family!! If you can't tell, I truly believe good sleep is the foundation of every good camping trip! lol Ok, sorry that it turned long. Enjoy! Camping is the best gift to give children in my opinion. Watching children in nature is a beautiful thing!! :)

Have you looked at the Big House vs Bunk House? I use a Big House 6 for car camping which has 82" of headroom. Standing up all the way is a massive game-changer for comfort, and the rain fly does a pretty damn good job of keeping the elements out.

I love my Big House 6. I added the vestibule which is also great, a roomy front porch. can stand up in it easily and ventilates well.

Have you ever camped before? All those cheap brands with giant tents like Ozark will totally fail in rain. Don’t do it. You’re also being too “bougie” with your space needs. You’re not a sheik with a crew to set you up with a full bed. You’re a regular person, camping requires piling in next to each other. They make some decent 4-6 person tents that are plenty big. I like the BigAgnes Big House 6 personally. Guaranteed waterproof and easy to set up. The vestibule is a handy accessory. But that’s not going to be found at Ozark prices.

I went with the Big Agnes Big House tent. I don't like to be cramped so I got the 6-person one. Plenty of room for 4 cots.

I found a screaming deal (so I thought) for the Big Agnes Big House 6 at Campsaver last week for $360. Either price is an awesome markdown from the $599 they still get for same tent in the green color. I've had their Copper Spur 2 UL for years and love the BA quality. I've read (here) the orange fly may attract wasps (thus their surplus and discontinued color) but I've never experienced that with my Copper Spur (same color) in the High Sierra. Besides, I only attach the fly when I NEED to (1:6 trips). Best of luck!

Gazelle T4, North Face Wawona or Big Agness Big House. Agree the T4 is a bear to.load and carry. We use our Wawona a ton once we learned how to set it up hahaha

If you want a higher quality buy-it-once family tent take a look at the Big Agnes Big House. Got a great deal on it because it was a previous year’s model. It has withstood the abuse of toddlers and hardcore wind and in Newfoundland. Also packs up small for such a large tent. I’m 6ft and can stand up in it.