We are thinking about taking the kids camping this summer as our family vacation. I camped all the time when I was a kid but always in a camper, dh has only been a few times in his entire life. We were thinking about getting a used pop up camper but I think that will have to wait at least a year so we are thinking about tenting it. Does anyone have any recommendations on tent that would fit all 7 of us and is sturdy enough to keep us dry in the rain.

By Kym on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 07:07 pm:

We have a coleman 3 room tent, and we camped with 7 in the fall, it was a bit cramped, so I would suggest one bigger but don't know what that would be It did great in the rain though so the brand is good, but maybe if they have a 4 room one. Also you may want to get a smaller tent to house the clothes and stuff at night you don't want to leave out.

By Colette on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 07:16 pm:

We do a lot of tent camping. The best way to ensure family harmony is to buy a tent for you, your dh, and your youngest kids, and then to buy individual pup tents for the older ones. They are cheap (you might find some on freecycle) and that way everyone gets there own space. If you can find a tent site w/a leanto in it, that's even better

By Coopaveryben on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 07:45 pm:

My kids would never sleep in a tent alone. We have a Ozark Trail 12 person tent. All five of us sleep very comfy in it (and stand in it). There is one feature I love about ours and it is that we have very large "windows" in the ceiling (if it rains we have rain guards to put up) and we can see all the stars at night, just a peaceful way to go to sleep with all your family together looking at the stars and listening to the crickets.

By Tonya on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 09:21 am:

Ozark 12 person for us too. And there are only 4 of us. But tons of room for rain time and play time and nap time and chabging while standing!

We are also motorhome campers it just depends on where we are going.

By Vicki on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 09:55 am:

I would get the biggest one that you can afford. I don't think there is such a thing as too much room. The idea of a second tent to hold all your supplies is a great one. It seems like you take soooo much "stuff" camping that you run out of room!!

By Mommyof5 on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 10:14 am:

For those of you with the Ozark Trail tents have they held up pretty well for you? Walmart has an Ozark Trail Pentagon 3 dome connection tent that is acutally 3 dome tents that are connected with little tunnels and says it will sleep 8-10.

By Tonya on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 11:49 am:

Those are really nice. My BIL has one and they love it. They have 3 kids and 2 adult snad it works great. A room for changing and junk and a room for kids and a room for the adults. I have been with them and it works great. The middle is great for playing and storing stuff and if it is raining for the kids to play in.