Best Family Tent for New Campers?

[Anonymous]

I'd like to start tent camping and haven't been in 15 years at least. Any recommendations for a decent quality family tent? (For 2 adults and 2 kids) TIA.

[Anonymous]

Depends on how much space you want in your tent vs. how much time you want to take setting up. I've seen some elaborate tents with screened in porches and side rooms. For us, we prefer a large dome style tent that takes 4 poles to set up. Our large tent is an Eddie Baur dome and it has worked well for us. We mostly use a small 2 pole tent from REI and it has been very durable and weather resistant. On a few occasions we've gone camping with friends when it rained and ours was the only dry tent.

If you want to spend the money, this is the 4 person version of our 2 person REI tent http://www.rei.com/product/777757 (there are a lot of other options at REI of course)

If you aren't sure if family camping is going to be a new favorite activity, get a cheaper $60 tent and if it turns out you really like it, upgrade for Christmas. Campmor.com usually has good prices.

[Anonymous]

If you have 4 people, get a tent big enough for 6 people. You want extra space. Get another dining tent or tarp, you will want it in case of rain. I don't have a suggestion for brand, still haven't been camping with kids, but plan on a really big tent for 3.

I would go to REI and ask questions.