Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent (10-Person)

A lot of people sh*t on Ozark trail but they have pretty solid instant tents. I’ve had the 10 person instant tent for 6 years and it’s been very sturdy. I can set it up by myself in 5 minutes and half that time with someone else helping. The side zipper gave out last year and I haven’t been able to fix it so it’s probably time for a new one. I still use it though. I Bobby pinned the side door shut lol. I also have a vevor inflatable 4-6 p tent and it’s surprisingly sturdy. I used to talk trash about inflatable tents because in my experience, anything inflatable eventually develops a leak and then it’s a game of find the leak. But the tent material is very strong. I’ve only had this tent for 1 year and I’m pretty sure down the line I’ll probably get a leak somewhere but so far it’s really good. The big draw back is that they’re very pricey.

Our Ozark trail 10 person instant cabin tent we bought last year has been perfect for us (family of 5). It was only like 200 bucks. I’m hoping it continues to hold up, so far it’s been awesome Also, I’m so grateful I went for an instant cabin tent, makes setup with young kids running around so much easier

Rather than get something expensive and that's designed only to be used by experts, I'd suggest the Ozark trail l-10 that goes on the outside of an easy up and then using the easy up as covered space. When you're camping with two or three small kids what you want is a lot of space for them to wiggle around inside the tent. What you don't want is a tent where you can't stand up or sit up and have to slide your way in and then sit inside a mummy bag motionless

Do whatever you want :)  We have a family of 6 and bring  like 3 tents the largest of which is a 10 person tent that is ridiculously large inside.  We have like a rotation to children in the tent depending on weather and who got scared and well basically don’t really care what anyone thinks?  We got the 10 person Ozark Trails tent from Walmart and that thing can fit like 3 queen size air mattresses so it’s definitely got whatever room you are looking for lol. 

I have this one which has been great so far. It’s really heavy though. I suppose it doesn’t take up a ton of car space - if they got the6 person version (if there is one) that would probably work out fine. There’s always space under a cot to store stuff also.

For two adults and two teens, if you’re going to be all in one tent, Walmart has an Ozark Trail 10 person tent with a little mesh foyer. Tent is mostly blue, and they have it in store in most Walmart if you want to look at the package. It’s lasted us four years of family camping including a week for summer camp every year. I think it’s about $120, so definitely more affordable as far as big family tents go. It has lasted well even in high winds and bad rain storms. This one comes with room dividers which is helpful for changing clothes. Also has good ventilation so it’s not just a greenhouse trapping all the heat in the summer. For mattresses, have you considered camping cots? We are also in the Midwest and especially June thru September campouts (both kids in scouts, we go one weekend every month and a whole week in July) I prefer a cot because I hate waking up sweaty on a mattress. We got the cheap Magellan cots at Academy. The best thing about a cot is you can put backpacks and bags under them so your tent isn’t a clutter nest. Not relying a pump or something that could pop is helpful too. The cot keeps the sleeping bag and pillow up off the floor so people aren’t stepping on them! If you’re super set on mattresses, the most comfortable one I’ve used is the Exped Megamat, but they’re pricy. I sleep on them just as good as I do at home (seriously, best sleep ever), but I don’t need the extra insulation in the summer. The separate canopy can be fun. We splurged a couple years and got the Kelty big shady. Not sure if they still make them, but it’s amazing for shade from the sun and the walls can be pitched lower to protect from rain or even blowing sand. We take it to the beach, the park, and on family campouts. It takes two people to set up, but my 10 year old and I can manage just fine. If you’re more set on a popup, the e-z up 10x10 has lasted us several summers and it’s nice to have shade to eat under. The problem with a pop up like this is it won’t fit in a sedan. The Kelty big shady packs up into something the size of a medium duffle bag which is why we got it originally. If it’s hot out (60-80+) I usually don’t want my sleeping bag. I may bring it but in the summers I usually just want a light blanket and a pillow. If you’re grimy with no shower access, a top sheet will help keep your harder to wash sleeping surfaces cleaner. Other things I’d bring are camp chairs, maybe a cheaper 2 burner camp stove if you are in an area with fire bans, and then a big pot to use to wash other dishes (or heat large amounts of water if needed).

For a week of Cub Scout camp in the summer, something you can stand up in to change is good. We’ve used an ozark trail one for the past three summers and been fine, but that’s with a family of four. I’ll thread that one below so this comment doesn’t get deleted if the link gets flagged. For just one parent one scout, we’ve used the done style 4 person tents from Alps and they’re pretty comfy, but even short adults can’t fully stand in them. At that age, most of our cub scouts don’t mind sleeping just in a sleeping bag on the ground (I’m also cubmaster for our small pack). Some families like to use the Coleman quick cabins. These are heavy and don’t do great in high winds, but if you’re driving right up to the campsite they’re super quick to set up and have good head room. Links incoming