15 Best Family Tents for Cold Weather & Winter Camping

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Preparing for that winter camping trip with your family definitely calls for some careful consideration, especially when it comes to family tents for cold weather and winter camping.

When setting out on a winter camping expedition, proper gear, particularly regarding shelter, is a MUST.

The market offers a plethora of options, but figuring out which tents can withstand heavy winds, harsh conditions, and plummeting temperatures is huge.

Luckily, we’ve created a guide to exploring the top features crucial for the best family tents in cold weather, encompassing durability, size, weather resistance, and price point- as well as answering your most frequently asked questions on family tents for cold weather and winter camping.

How Cold is Too Cold for Family Camping?

While the threshold for cold weather camping varies depending on individual tolerance levels and preparedness, it’s generally advisable to avoid venturing out when temperatures drop below freezing without proper gear and accommodations.

However, with the right equipment, including insulated sleeping bags and winter-ready tents like the North Face Wawona or Nemo Aurora Highrise, families can comfortably camp in temperatures as low as -20°F, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience even in the depths of winter.

What to Consider When Choosing Family Tents for Cold Weather and Winter Camping

1. Durability in High Winds

When camping in winter, it’s so important to consider the possibility of encountering heavy winds. Be on the look out for tents specifically designed to withstand windy conditions, with features such as

• sturdy poles
• reinforced seams
• and guy lines.

A double-wall design can provide extra protection against strong gusts, ensuring your shelter remains stable even in the toughest conditions when it comes to choosing the best family tents for cold weather and winter camping.

2. Weather Resistance

Cold weather tents should also be able to withstand heavy rains and snowfall. Opt for tents made from waterproof materials with a high hydrostatic head rating.

And, of course, tents with large vestibules offer a convenient space to store wet gear, keeping the interior dry and comfortable.

3. Size and Space

Family tents for cold weather come in various sizes, so consider how many people will be sleeping in the tent and how much gear you need to store.

Look for tents with enough square footage to accommodate everyone comfortably, along with separate rooms or room dividers for added privacy.

A spacious floor area and generous peak height will ensure everyone has enough space to move around comfortably.

4. Versatility for 4-Season Camping

Investing in a 4-season tent is crucial for winter camping. These tents are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions year-round.

Brands like The North Face Wawona and Nemo Aurora Highrise offer reliable options known for their durability and performance in cold weather.

5. Easy Setup and Accessibility

In bad weather, you’ll want a tent that can be set up quickly and easily. In this case, Look for tents with intuitive pole systems and color-coded components to simplify the setup process.

Multiple entrance doors and large doors make it easy to enter and exit the tent, even when carrying bulky gear or wearing multiple layers.

6. Price Point

Family tents for cold weather vary in price, so it’s essential to consider your budget when making a purchase.

While premium brands like The North Face and Nemo may come with a higher price tag, there are also budget-friendly options like Ozark Trail available.

Evaluate the features and durability of each tent to determine the best value for your needs.

7. Comfort and Insulation

To stay warm in cold weather, it’s crucial to have proper insulation inside the tent. Invest in quality sleeping bags rated for low temperatures and consider using insulated sleeping pads for added warmth.

A well-insulated tent with minimal drafts will help retain heat and keep your family comfortable throughout the night.

The Concept of Winter Tents

Yes, family tents for cold weather and winter camping are indeed a reality, specially engineered to withstand the challenges posed by cold weather camping.

These 4-season tents, such as the North Face Wawona and Nemo Aurora Highrise, feature reinforced construction, robust frames, and weather-resistant materials designed to excel in inclement weather conditions.

With features like large vestibules, room dividers, and double-wall designs, winter tents provide the ultimate shelter for families seeking adventure amidst snowy landscapes and windy conditions.

The Best Material for Cold Weather Tents

When it comes to enduring frigid temperatures and icy winds, nothing beats the durability and insulating properties of high-quality ripstop nylon.

Tents crafted from this material, such as the Nemo Aurora Highrise, provide exceptional resistance to tears and abrasions while effectively trapping heat inside.

Combined with a sturdy frame and waterproof coating, these tents offer a reliable refuge from the chill of winter.

The Best Tent for Extreme Cold Weather

In extreme cold weather camping, the North Face Wawona is a tough shelter against harsh conditions.

Its robust construction and double-wall design offer unparalleled protection, making it a top choice for families braving the harshest conditions.

With ample square footage and separate rooms, the Wawona ensures there’s enough space for everyone to hunker down comfortably, even in the face of heavy winds and heavy rains.

Best Tents for Cold Weather & Winter Camping

Now let’s get into the contenders for the title of the best family tents for cold weather and winter camping by revealing a range of materials, features, and price points to suit various preferences and needs.

From robust constructions to innovative designs, these tents are meticulously crafted to brave the elements while providing ample space and comfort for your family’s outdoor adventures.

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1. North Face Wawona

The North Face Wawona is a fortress against the elements, offering plenty of space and superior protection for family winter camping adventures.

With a floor area of 86 square feet and a peak height of 75 inches, this tent comfortably accommodates up to 6 people.

Its double-wall design and robust construction ensure stability in heavy winds and heavy rains, while the large vestibule provides additional storage space for gear.

The Wawona also features multiple entrance doors for easy access and ventilation, along with interior pockets for organizing essentials.

2. Nemo Aurora Highrise

Crafted from premium ripstop nylon, the Nemo Aurora Highrise combines durability with exceptional insulation, making it an ideal choice for cold weather camping.

With a floor area of 74 square feet and a peak height of 70 inches, this tent offers ample space for up to 4 people.

Its spacious interior and thoughtful design features, such as room dividers and large doors, provide comfort and convenience for family outings in winter conditions.

The Aurora Highrise also features a waterproof rainfly and bathtub floor to keep you dry in heavy rains.

3. Coleman 8-Person

The Coleman 8-Person tent is a great addition to your holiday adventures. With a spacious interior and durable construction, it provides a comfortable retreat for families seeking outdoor fun in cold weather.

The tent features a WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep water out, along with a strong frame and wind-responsive design for stability in high winds.

With room dividers for privacy and multiple windows for ventilation, the Coleman 8-Person tent offers comfort and convenience for extended camping trips.

4. NTK Arizona GT

The NTK Arizona GT tent offers spacious accommodation for family camping trips in cold weather.

With a floor area of 145 square feet and a peak height of 78 inches, this tent comfortably sleeps up to 10 people.

Its sturdy frame and weather-resistant materials provide protection against heavy winds and inclement weather, while the large vestibule offers ample space for storing gear.

The Arizona GT also features multiple doors and windows for ventilation, along with a mosquito mesh to keep bugs out.

5. Kodiak Canvas Deluxe

Crafted from premium-grade materials, the Kodiak Canvas Deluxe tent offers durability and comfort for family camping adventures in cold weather.

With a floor area of 140 square feet and a peak height of 78 inches, this tent provides ample space for up to 8 people. Its Hydra-Shield canvas fabric is breathable, waterproof, and durable, while the sturdy steel frame ensures stability in heavy winds. The Deluxe tent also features large D-shaped doors and windows with mesh screens for ventilation and views.

6. Toogh 2-3-4 Person Camping Tent

The Toogh 2-3-4 Person Camping Tent is a versatile and durable shelter designed for outdoor adventures, perfect for those winter camping trips with family.

With its easy setup and lightweight construction, this tent is ideal for backpacking trips, car camping, and various outdoor activities.

The tent features a dome-shaped design with double doors for convenient entry and exit, as well as ample ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable during warm weather.

Its waterproof and windproof materials provide reliable protection from the elements, ensuring a dry and secure camping experience.

The tent also comes with a carrying bag for easy transport and storage.

7. GEERTOP Ultralight 2 Person Backpacking Tent

The GEERTOP Ultralight 2 Person Backpacking Tent is a versatile and lightweight shelter designed for cold weather and winter camping adventures with the family.

Featuring a durable construction and innovative design, this tent offers reliable protection and comfort in harsh conditions.

With its spacious interior and easy setup, it provides ample room for two people and their gear, making it an ideal choice for small families seeking a compact and portable winter camping solution.

The tent’s weather-resistant materials and snow-ready design ensure warmth and shelter, while its lightweight and compact size make it easy to transport and set up in various outdoor environments.

8. MSR Habitude

The MSR Habitude tent is built to withstand the toughest conditions, making it an ideal choice for winter camping adventures with the family.

With a floor area of 100 square feet and a peak height of 80 inches, this tent comfortably sleeps up to 4 people.

Its strong frame and durable fabrics provide stability in heavy winds and heavy rains, while the spacious interior offers ample room for sleeping and storage.

The Habitude also features multiple entrance doors and large windows for ventilation and views.

9. MSR Access 3P

The MSR Access 3P tent is designed for winter camping adventures, offering durability, comfort, and protection in cold weather conditions.

With a floor area of 40 square feet and a peak height of 45 inches, this tent comfortably sleeps up to 3 people.

Its lightweight design and easy setup make it an ideal choice for family outings in the snow, while the sturdy frame and durable fabrics provide stability and protection against the elements.

The Access 3P also features a waterproof rainfly and bathtub floor to keep you dry in heavy rains.

10. The North Face – VE 25

The North Face VE 25 is a winter fortress, designed to withstand extreme cold weather conditions while providing ample space and comfort for family camping trips.

With a floor area of 48 square feet and a peak height of 60 inches, this tent comfortably sleeps up to 3 people.

Its durable construction and innovative design features ensure stability in heavy winds and heavy rains, while the spacious interior offers ample room for sleeping and storage.

The VE 25 also features multiple entrance doors and large vestibules for gear storage and organization.

11. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV2 Expedition Tent

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV2 Expedition Tent is built for winter camping adventures, offering durability, comfort, and protection in cold weather conditions.

With a floor area of 29 square feet and a peak height of 42 inches, this tent comfortably sleeps up to 2 people.

Its lightweight design and easy setup make it an ideal choice for family outings in the snow, while the sturdy frame and durable fabrics provide stability and protection against the elements.

The Copper Spur HV2 also features a waterproof rainfly and bathtub floor to keep you dry in heavy rains.

12. Black Diamond HiLight 2 Person Tent

The Black Diamond HiLight 2 Person Tent offers reliable shelter for family camping trips in cold weather.

With a floor area of 30 square feet and a peak height of 42 inches, this tent comfortably sleeps up to 2 people.

Its lightweight design and compact footprint make it ideal for backpacking adventures in the snow, while the durable construction and weather-resistant materials provide protection against the elements.

The HiLight 2 also features a single-door design with a vestibule for gear storage and organization.

13. Mountain Hardwear Trango

The Mountain Hardwear Trango is more than just a tent; it’s a winter fortress engineered to defy extreme weather conditions.

With a floor area of 40 square feet and a peak height of 50 inches, this tent comfortably accommodates up to 3 people.

Its durable construction, featuring ripstop nylon fabrics and aluminum poles, ensures longevity and reliability in harsh environments.

The innovative design includes welded seams and reinforced stress points, enhancing its ability to withstand heavy winds and snow loads.

The Trango’s spacious interior provides ample room for sleeping and storage, while the multiple entrance doors and large vestibules offer convenience and organization options for gear.

14. Ozark Trail 4-Person Tent

The Ozark Trail 4-Person Tent is a reliable companion for family camping adventures in cold weather.

Featuring a floor area of 60 square feet and a peak height of 72 inches, this tent offers generous space for sleeping and relaxing. Its durable polyester construction and sturdy fiberglass frame provide stability and protection against the elements, while the large doors and windows ensure ample ventilation and views of the surroundings.

The Ozark Trail tent is also quick and easy to set up, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous winter getaways.

15. Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent

The Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent is designed to provide comfort and convenience for family camping trips in cold weather.

With a floor area of 108 square feet and a peak height of 80 inches, this tent offers plenty of space for sleeping, dining, and relaxing.

Its durable polyester construction and strong steel frame ensure stability and protection against the elements, while the patented WeatherTec system keeps water out even in heavy rains.

The WeatherMaster tent also features a hinged door for easy entry and exit, along with multiple windows and a mesh roof for ventilation.

Conclusion

Tthe selection process for the best family tents in cold weather necessitates a careful evaluation of essential features.

Whether you opt for the top-tier craftsmanship of a brand like The North Face Wawona or the practicality of a budget-conscious option like the Ozark Trail, ensuring your tent can withstand the rigors of winter camping is crucial.

By prioritizing durability, insulation, and weather resistance, we are confident that you are going to create the most unforgettable family outdoor experiences with confidence.

Happy Camping!

-Wander Wildschool