What Size Tent Do I Need for a Family?

Jan 1, 2026

Choosing the right size family tent can make the difference between an enjoyable camping holiday and a cramped, frustrating experience. Tent sizes are usually described as 2-man, 4-man, 5–6 man, 7–8 man and so on, but these ratings rarely reflect how most families actually use their tent in real life.

This guide explains what those sizes really mean, how much space you actually get, and what size tent works best for different family setups.

How Tent “Man” Sizes Actually Work

The “man” rating on a tent is based on how many sleeping mats can be laid side-by-side in the bedroom area. It does not take into account:

luggage
airbeds or camp beds
living space
comfort
how much space children or teenagers actually take up
real-world camping habits

So while a 4-man tent technically “fits four people”, in reality most families would find that far too tight for a camping trip lasting more than a night or two.

As a general rule:

👉 If you want to be comfortable, go at least one size bigger than the number of people sleeping in the tent.

Best Tent Sizes for Different Family Types

Family of 3

A 5-man or 5–6 man tent is normally ideal.

Why?

gives enough sleeping room without feeling cramped
allows a decent living area
helps future-proof things if your child grows or you add more kit

A 4-man may work for short weekends, but most families prefer a little more room.

Family of 4

This is where many families get caught out by “4-man tent” labelling.

For a typical family of four, a 5–6 man tent is generally considered the best minimum size, because it allows:

separate bedrooms
wider sleeping spaces
room for clothing and bags
a living area suitable for UK weather days

If you’d like more space or plan longer holidays, a 7–8 man tent gives a much roomier layout.

Family of 5 or Larger

For five people or more, a 7–8 man tent is normally the best choice.

These tents usually offer:

three or four bedroom spaces
better standing height throughout
larger living areas
layouts that feel closer to a small holiday home than a basic camping shelter

Bedrooms, Layout and Privacy

Size isn’t just about how many people fit inside – layout matters just as much.

Things to think about:

How many bedrooms do you want?
Do the kids share or need separate rooms?
Do you want a spare bedroom for storage?
Do teenagers need their own space?

Many families like:

2 bedrooms = parents in one, children in the other
3 bedrooms = parents + children + spare/storage or older child separate

If privacy matters or your family is growing, choosing the larger size usually makes life easier.

Living Space Matters Just as Much as Bedrooms

A lot of families focus on sleeping space, but the living area is what often makes a tent comfortable.

A good family tent living space should allow room for:

a table and chairs
bags and general kit
moving around without feeling cramped
somewhere to sit on rainy days

Bigger tents usually give:

higher head height
better airflow
more natural light
space that feels more “livable”

Airbeds, Camp Beds and Reality

Another key point:
Tent “man” sizes are based on slim sleeping mats — not double airbeds, camp beds, or wider sleeping systems.

Two double airbeds inside a 4-man tent usually means:

little spare room
nowhere for bags
tight movement space

If you plan to use:

double airbeds
camp beds
extra storage units

It’s worth going up a size.

Short Trips vs Main Holiday Tent

Think about how you will actually use the tent.

For weekend trips

A 5–6 man tent suits most families of four comfortably.

For main summer holidays

A 7–8 man tent is normally a better choice because:

you’ll have more room to live inside the tent
you’re more likely to encounter mixed weather
it’s far more comfortable for longer stays

Many families upgrade after realising their first tent was too small — going slightly bigger at the start often works out better.

Air Tents vs Poled Tents – Does Size Choice Change?

Both work well for family camping.

Air tents

quick to pitch
generally very spacious designs

Poled tents

lighter to transport
can be more affordable in larger sizes

The size advice above applies to both - it mainly comes down to how you like to camp and how much space you want.

Quick Family Tent Size Guide Summary

Here’s a simple way to look at it:

Family of 3
✔ 5-man or 5–6 man

Family of 4
✔ Best: 5–6 man
✔ More room / longer trips: 7–8 man

Family of 5+
✔ 7–8 man

If you’re unsure, choosing the slightly bigger option normally results in a more comfortable camping experience.

Still Unsure? We’re Happy to Help

If you’re not sure what size family tent you need, we’re always happy to offer honest advice. We’ve helped countless families choose tents over the years and we understand what works in real-world camping, not just on paper.

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