How Big of a Tent Do I Need for a Family of 4?

Posted by Katie Martin on 14th Aug 2024

How Big of a Tent Do I Need for a Family of 4?

How Big of a Tent Do I Need for a Family of 4?

Planning a camping trip for your family of four? Choosing the right tent size is crucial to ensuring everyone has enough space to sleep comfortably and store their gear. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to determine the ideal tent size for your family and recommend some great options available at OLPROSHOP.com.

Our Camping and Tent Expert, Lisa Walton, says ' The berth on a tent is just a guide but you need to always go for a tent that has more berth than you're looking for,  In short double up where you can, upto 8 berth.  8 Berth is comfortable for 5 people.  If you're going beyond 5 people then you may need to think about two tents! and enjoy that outdoor space between them both on an evening. '


Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tent Size

When selecting a tent for a family of four, it’s important to consider the following factors:

1. Sleeping Space

The primary function of a tent is to provide a comfortable sleeping area. As a general rule, each person requires about 20 square feet of sleeping space. For a family of four, you’ll want at least 80 square feet dedicated to sleeping.

  • 4-Person Tents: While a 4-person tent is designed to accommodate four people, it may be a tight fit, especially if your family members are taller or if you want extra space for comfort.
  • Larger Tents: Consider a 5-person or 6-person tent if you want more room to move around or store extra gear inside the tent.

2. Living Space

In addition to sleeping space, think about whether you’ll need additional living space inside the tent.

  • Vestibules and Porches: Some tents come with built-in vestibules or porches, providing extra space for storing gear, cooking, or just relaxing.
  • Separate Rooms: Larger tents often have separate rooms or dividers, which can offer more privacy and flexibility for your family.

3. Height and Comfort

A tent’s peak height is important, especially if you want to stand up and move around comfortably inside.

  • Tall Tents: Look for tents with a peak height of at least 6 feet, which allows most people to stand up fully.
  • Room Dividers: Some tents offer room dividers, creating separate spaces within the tent, which can be particularly useful for families.

How Big of a Tent Do I Need for a Family of 4?

Recommended Tent Size for a Family of 4

Given these considerations, a 5-person or 6-person tent is typically ideal for a family of four. This size provides enough room for sleeping, storing gear, and possibly even a small area for the family to gather inside if the weather turns bad.

If you use our experts advice then I would suggest the following:

1 Person - 1 or 2 berth tent

2 People - 3 or 4 berth tent

3 people - 5 or 6 berth tent

4 people - 8 berth tent

5 people - 8 berth tent


Top Tent Recommendations from OLPRO

At OLPROSHOP.com, we offer a variety of tents that are perfect for a family of four. Here are some top recommendations:

1. OLPRO Wichenford 8.0 Tent

Wichenford 8.0 Tent - This spacious tent is perfect for families who need extra room. It features two large bedrooms, a central living area, and a separate porch, providing ample space for sleeping, relaxing, and storage. With a peak height of over 6 feet, it allows you to move around comfortably.

2. OLPRO Discovery Breeze 6 Berth Tent

Discovery Breeze 6 Berth Tent  - The Discovery Breeze offers a quick setup with its inflatable beams, making it ideal for families on the go. It comfortably sleeps 6 people with extra space for gear, and its high roof and spacious living area make it a great choice for longer trips.

3. OLPRO Abberley XL Breeze 4 Berth Tent

Abberley XL Breeze 4 Berth Tent - Specifically designed for families, this 4-berth tent provides just the right amount of space for a family of four. It includes a large bedroom and a spacious living area, all in a compact and easy-to-carry package.

Additional Features to Consider

When choosing a tent, consider additional features that can enhance your camping experience:

  • Weather Resistance: Ensure the tent is made from durable, waterproof materials and has a high hydrostatic head rating to keep your family dry in rainy weather.
  • Ventilation: Look for tents with multiple windows and vents to ensure good airflow and reduce condensation.
  • Ease of Setup: Consider how easy the tent is to pitch and take down, especially if you’re camping with young children.

The more people you have in a tent the more you're likely to encounter condensation.  Make sure you're aware of this and do everything you can to minimise condensation and the effects of it.

You can find our guide on condensation here: Condensation│Camping Tips & Tricks (olproshop.com)

Conclusion

For a family of four, a larger tent offers the best balance of sleeping space, comfort, and storage. At OLPROSHOP.com, you’ll find a wide selection of high-quality tents designed to make your family camping trips enjoyable and stress-free. Explore our range of tents today and find the perfect fit for your family’s next adventure.

Visit OLPROSHOP.com to browse our full selection of family tents and camping accessories, and ensure your next outdoor experience is comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable!

For a full guide on how to get the best from your campervan awning read our expert's guide: How to get the best from your Driveaway Awning - OLPRO (olproshop.com)

And for more on how to put up and take down a driveaway awning check our full expert guide to putting up and taking down a campervan awning : How to put up and take down a Campervan Awning - OLPRO (olproshop.com)