A tent needs to offer liveability, comfort, and ease of use; essential factors for a fun and relaxing family holiday. We want you to love camping just as much as we do, so each year we crunch the numbers to work out which family tents have come out on top.
We also want our customers to do the talking, not us. These results are based on our customers feedback, both online and in-store at Snowys.
Best Rated Family Tent
Maintaining its position as our best-rated family tent for yet another year, the Coleman Instant Up 10P Lighted Northstar Darkroom Tent is the sunrise-defying shelter for families chasing comfort, convenience, and a much-needed sleep-in. The unique darkroom coating blocks 95% of daylight, while the versatile awning delivers flexible setup options to suit any campsite.
Three rooms separated by zippered mesh and privacy doors carve out space for both family time and a quiet retreat, while integrated LED strip lighting brings the campsite glow at the flick of a switch. Tough flooring that feels great underfoot, paired with a 3000mm waterhead fly, keeps the family dry and comfortable – making this Coleman classic the well-earned number one for family campers at a very affordable price tag.
Check out the whole Coleman Instant Up range here.
Best for: Families seeking value and ease of setup plus all the comforts in a tent for weekend getaways
Best Inflatable Family Tent
Built for the big trip and ideal for large families chasing the best balance of durability and affordability in an air tent – the Evo TL V2 by Zempire delivers premium ventilation, UV protection, wild weather performance, and a whole lot of living space.
Angled beams add rigidity and headroom, the extended awning provides privacy and protection from the elements, and the multi-configuration bedroom system creates flexibility and comfort for families on the move. Fifteen ventilation points and five external windows keep the airflow superb, while bug-proof mesh keeps the insects at bay. Rain, hail, or shine, torrential rain-tested, UV-treated fabric, TPU taping, seam-sealing, and a fire retardant coating armour the Evo against the elements.
For large families wanting room to spread out without spending a fortune, the Zempire Evo TL V2 is the smart-money sweet spot in the air tent line-up.
Best for: Large families seeking the best balance of durability and affordability in an air tent
Best 2 Room Family Tent
When it comes to 2-room family tents, the Santorini FTK TC stands in a league of its own. Despite the scepticism around inflatable frames (often thought prone to punctures) versus alloy, steel, or aluminium – Dometic’s air frame technology features a TPU bladder pressure-tested well beyond typical campsite inflation levels, delivering rock-solid reliability in a lightweight package.
With multi-point inflation and a Quickpitch guying system, the Santorini FTK 4X8 TC pitches in seconds, giving the whole family more time to soak up the campsite. The dual-room layout and near-vertical walls maximise livability and offer flexible sleeping arrangements, while mesh panels keep the bugs at bay. Polycotton fabric reduces condensation and regulates interior temperature, and the large rear ventilation panel adds extra airflow for all-round comfort. Plus, the inflatable canopy caters for any family affair – from feeding the kids to a fun night in with friends.
Best for: Families up to four people who want liveability and ease of setup
Best 4 Room Family Tent
Taking out top spot as our best 4-room family tent, the OZtrail Fast Frame BlockOut Lumos 12P Tent is the spacious, speedy-setup shelter for big families chasing room to spread out without sacrificing comfort. The enormous four-room footprint delivers separate sleeping zones for the whole crew, plus a fully enclosed front room that doubles as covered storage or an additional bedroom – proving there’s a spot for everyone (and everything).
The Fast Frame system and triple hub design make pitch-up a breeze, while a 150D flysheet with 3000mm waterhead rating and tough Polyoxford PVC floor stand up to whatever the weather throws down. BlockOut technology on the fly blocks 95% of light and reduces internal heat by 10°C for sunrise-defying sleep-ins, integrated dimmable 230-lumen Lumos strip lighting brings customised, zoned ambience to each room, and ClimaTech vents paired with No-See-Um mesh keep the air flowing and the bugs out – making this OZtrail flagship the well-earned go-to for families who need a room for everyone.
Check out the OZtrail Fast Frame Lumo range here >>
Best for: Families seeking the most space and liveability for their dollar
Best Luxury Family Tent
Taking out top honours as our most luxurious family tent, the Zempire Pro TM V2 Air Tent is the premium air tent for families chasing top-shelf comfort, convenience, and quality at the campsite. Single-point inflation has the entire tent set up in mere minutes from one sole position, delivering both rock-solid stability and more time spent enjoying the indoor space in any outdoor place.
Three-way windows offer effortless control over airflow and privacy, while a multi-bedroom interior with easy-use zip-out inners carves out up to two private crannies – keeping the campsite parties separate from the bedtime ambience. Tinted PVC skylights add a touch of class and a sense of space, the extended awning delivers shaded living for those lazy days, and a torrential rain-tested fly with an 8000mm waterhead keeps the family dry no matter the weather – making this Zempire flagship the undisputed luxury pick for families who like to camp in style.
Best for: Families seeking a tent that feels, looks and performs the best
Best Tent To Grow With Your Family
Taking out top spot as our best modular family tent, the Zempire Shapeshifter 4 Air Tent Sleeping Module is the shapeshifting shelter that grows and adapts with your family. As the foundation of Zempire’s innovative Shapeshifter Series, this sleeping module is the starting point – and from there, the layout is in your hands.
Connect seamlessly via colour-coded zippers to any of the separately available Shapeshifter modules and accessories – including Living Modules, Awning Modules, and Awning Wall Sets – to expand as the kids, gear, or crew grow. Oversized air tubes inflate in under two minutes, the darkened bedroom pod accommodates sleep-ins, and near-vertical walls deliver generous head height inside. With a PFAS-free Aeroweave canvas fly, 6000mm waterhead rating, and configurable one or two-bedroom layout – this Zempire flagship is the well-earned go-to for families who want a tent that evolves with them.
See the full range of shapeshifter modules here >>
Best for: Families wanting a modular tent that will adapt to your family needs
Best Compact Family Tent
Taking out top spot as our best lightweight and compact family tent, the Zempire Aerospeed 10 Air Tent is the pack-light, pitch-fast shelter for families chasing big-tent comfort without the big-tent bulk. Weighing in at just 15.5kg and folding down to a compact 59 x 33 x 36cm carry bag, this 10-person air tent slots neatly into the back of the car – leaving more room for the rest of the camping kit.
Single-point inflation has the entire tent set up in under two minutes, while lightweight-but-tough aluminium brow poles promote near-vertical walls for room to move and 205cm of head height inside. Front and rear doors with protected awning spaces provide flexible access and ventilation, the easy-attach dividing curtain splits the space into two rooms, and the eco-friendly Dura-Core fly and 5000mm waterhead floor keep the family dry – making this Zempire flyweight the well-earned go-to for families who want maximum space in minimum pack size.
Best for: Compact car setups or anyone wanting to trim bulk and weight
Best Four Season Family Tent
Taking out top spot as our best four-season family camping tent, the BlackWolf Turbo BLK Lite Plus 300 Tent is the all-weather shelter built tough without skimping on livability. A strong 23mm aluminium frame, reinforced pressure points, and a three-pole awning stand firm against the elements, while the 150D polyester fly with 3000mm waterhead and tough 300D Oxford floor with 5000mm waterhead keep the family dry through whatever the seasons throw down.
A triple black PU coating on the inner fly absorbs light and reduces heat for cooler summer days and sunrise-defying sleep-ins, while full ceiling mesh and vented roof panels keep airflow strong and condensation at bay through cooler nights. With a generous 4.8m x 3m sleeping area, 2m head height, and quick-pitch frame for fast setup – this BlackWolf classic is the well-earned go-to for families chasing a tent that handles every season without trading off the room to relax.
See the full range of Black Wolf Turbo Tents & accessories here >>
Best for: Families needing a rugged and liveable tent
Best Family Touring Tent
Taking out top spot as our best family 4WD touring tent, the Oztent RV-5 Plus Canvas Touring Tent is the rapid-deploy, road-ready shelter for families chasing the open track without the setup hassle. Famous for its 30-second pitch, the strong aluminium frame can be assembled or packed away by one person in less than half a minute – so when the kids are tired and the campsite’s waiting, you’re not.
Built from durable 8oz ripstop polycotton canvas with a heavy-duty 510g PVC tub floor and a 210T silver-coated polyester fly, the RV-5 Plus is tough enough to handle the rigours of the road and the unpredictability of the great outdoors. A SkyMesh skylight built into the roof unzips for an insect-free view of the stars and added ventilation on warm nights, while the large attached awning carves out a dedicated living space outside the sleeping zone. Compatible with the wider Oztent ecosystem of side panels, connectors, and tag-alongs – this tent is part of the Oztent RV range that has become the go-to for families hitting the dirt and going the distance.
See the full range of Oztent tents & accessories here >>
Best for: Occasional use or families setting up camp on a budget
Best Affordable Family Tent
Taking out top spot as our best-rated budget-friendly family tent, the OZtrail Tasman 6V Dome Tent is the no-fuss, easy-on-the-wallet shelter for families chasing an affordable way into the great outdoors. Sleeping up to six at a squeeze, but four in comfort, the breathable polyester inner and No-See-Um mesh windows keep things cool and bug-free, while the silver-coated fly reflects heat for added comfort in warmer climates.
The classic cross-pole configuration makes setup straightforward and helps prevent water from pooling on the fly, while user-friendly D-shaped doors at both ends allow easy access and ventilation for the whole crew. Internal organiser pockets keep the small stuff sorted, and the handy lantern hook lets you light things up after dark – making this OZtrail classic the well-earned go-to for first-time family campers and weekend warriors alike.
See the full range of OZtrail Tasman tents here >>
Best for: Occasional use or families setting up camp on a budget
The Verdict
From sunrise-defying darkrooms and shapeshifting modular setups to budget-friendly dome classics and tough-as-nails touring tents, this year’s line-up proves there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to family camping. What works for a weekend getaway in the caravan park might not cut it for a fortnight off the bitumen – and that’s exactly why our list spans the full spectrum.
The good news? Every tent on this list has earned its spot through real customer feedback, in-store conversations, and the kind of trial-by-Aussie-weather that only our campers can deliver. Whether you’re chasing your first family-friendly setup, upgrading to something more luxurious, or future-proofing as the kids and gear pile grow – the right tent is on this list, waiting for its next adventure.
Still not sure which one suits your crew? Drop into a Snowys store, give our team a call on 1300 914 007, or jump into the Snowys Camping Banter Facebook group where thousands of fellow campers share their real-world experiences. From our family to yours – happy camping!
Trekker, surfer, climber, mountain biker, runner, camper. Participator in most things… master of none.
I had my heart set on purchasing an outdoor connection bedarra 2rm tent after countless searching for a new tent but the sales person at the store I went to tried to dissuade me. Any reason you can think of why not to buy this one? Seems to tick all our boxes for a small family in Qld weather..
I’ve got nothing negative to say about the Outdoor Connection tents, Mel. We have sold them in the past and I was a big fan. They weren’t fast movers so our purchasing department made the decision to cut them from our range, but they are well made, reliable and durable tents. ~ Ben
I have a Oztrail fast frame 4 person tent. I did have a Coleman instant up 6 person but find the Oztrail with mesh
At top doesn’t have condensation like Coleman. More air being circulated. Oztrail bag is bigger.
I don’t see the 4 person blockout Oztrail fastframe blockout advertised much. Do they still make this.
We’ve had our Oztent ‘Discovery’ – probably equivalent to the current Oztent RV 3 – for 22 years! It’s getting a bit long in the tooth, as are we, but it’s never failed us. It even sat tight through a memorable gale at Fowlers Bay: in the morning, people were amazed it hadn’t been torn to shreds or blown away. We’ve just re-sealed the roof seams for the first time, so fingers crossed for the next 22 years!
Great to hear, Liz! 22 years is a long time! Sounds like you’ve taken good care of it. Happy adventuring 🙂
Brand new to camping and brought the Oztrail fast frame Lumos 10 person and it ticked all the boxes for a newbie. We can put it up in about 15 minutes including external flooring. Technology attracted us to it and the look and feel the same. Rates highly with us now and see how it goes overt time.
Great choice Shehan, I’m so happy to hear the Lumos ticked all your boxes. Welcome to the camping club mate 🙂 Keep us posted on how you go!
I’ve been using an OzTrail Family 12 for the last 4-5 years. Had some teething issues in terms of the flexible dome poles breaking in the wind. Happened to us twice! However, it was too pricey just to bin and move on. Manually fixed and replaced the broken poles and worked out the weak spot for the wind. Nowadays, I use a couple of poles to ensure the rear guy ropes are secured firmly parallel to the ground. When pinned directly into the ground, there was nothing stopping the tent from folding with a slight gust. The poles add the extra support needed and now it has held up in some of the most extreme weather a few times. I should also mention that it was worth investing in some heavy duty pegs too…
Sorry to hear you had those teething issues DMac, I’m really happy you persevered and didn’t just bin it. Your fix is exactly what we would recommend! And definitely, always, without question… invest in heavy-duty pegs! Good pegs make all the difference. Guy ropes with trace springs help create better flex and recovery in windy conditions as well. Cheers mate
Recently got a Zempire Aero TXL Pro – a lot bigger than the one mentioned here. Sadly Snowy’s was out of stock and I managed to find one elsewhere (who is now out of stock) as I always prefer to buy from Snowy’s. But it’s absolutely fantastic. Can’t recommend enough if you have the means, and obviously the physical space at the campsites you’ll be visiting…
Thanks for your loyalty, Rowan! Bummer about our stock but we’re so glad to hear you’re loving it. The Aero TXL’s are awesome!! Happy camping mate.
I’ve been camping since I was in nappies in the 60’s in everything from a tarp at the Daley River to one of the first dome tents and everything in between. Currently looking at either a Zempire Atlas or a Black Wolf 300 to replace your No.1 seller – Coleman Instant Up 10 Gold – which currently resides at the Nudgee Beach Waste Transfer Station. The Coleman is good if you only plan to camp in good weather in caravan parks – the floor is not up to national park camping and the fly is rubbish when it rains but I’m sure Chuck Noland would have gladly accepted it. The “instant up” poles are prone to locking and difficult to close if bent at all – the spring clips also fail. Out last trip was to Girraween NP where we had a downpour – the fly ripped in two and a pole collapsed in the middle of the night hence why the tent now resides where it does.
Any tent fly needs to deflect water off it – not allow it to pool whilst you slumber….
Thanks for your valuable feedback, Peter!
Mine broke too. Instant Up pole collapsed inwards multiple times during the night. Half the tent literally collapsed onto my 2 kids. Useless in the wind
It’d be nice if you could actually get stock in of the zempire stuff. so frustrating to finally narrow down the tent you want to invest in only to go to order it and find out it won’t be available for at least 6 months.
G’day Scott, we’re really sorry, mate! We know it’s frustrating and we’re trying to keep up to date with delivery dates as best we can but international shipments are still unpredictable. Unfortunately, we get an estimated timeframe and then sometimes that date gets pushed out by weeks (or months!) just a few days prior to when we thought it would land in our warehouse. Hopefully, we can get our shipment from Zempire sooner rather than later!
I know how you feel, I had to wait a few months each for my STS Comfort Deluxe regular wide self-inflating mat, & also my Oztrail Easy Fold jumbo single stretcher*.
It’s really not Snowys’ fault. It’s just how commerce works; sometimes an item is so popular that stores simply can’t keep it in stock, & sometimes it takes the manufacturers a while to get back on top of the demand for re-stock. Generally the reason that happens is because the item is legit brilliant, & so it winds up being worth the wait.
I know mine were! ?
But particularly with all the COVID mess right now, supply disruptions from factories in Taiwan + the like are common, & really not within the control of the home-soil stockists.
The fact that Snowys send stuff they do have in stock basically instantly upon receiving the order should allow them some goodwill in this regard – we all know that as soon as they have any control, everyone will get their goodies.
It’s frustrating for us to have to wait, but we should keep in mind that it’s frustrating for them, too.
*For separate use, obviously.
Thanks for your input, Pamela! We really appreciate your understanding. Great to hear you’re enjoying your mat and stretcher 🙂
I’ve had an OZ Tent Trekker, similar to the RV2, for 20 years and it is still going strong. Been to the top end and back a few times and the only problem I’ve had is the straps on the storage bag have required re-stitching a couple of times. Would highly recommend these tents for ease of setup and usability.
We still get comments from onlookers about how quick we can set up camp.
That’s awesome Leigh! Cheers
I would NOT recommend the Coleman instant up if you’re camping when it’s windy. The frame is good for quick setup but will buckle under windy conditions!!!!
Great writeup as always! I have to say Snowy’s articles and especially videos are some of the best I’ve come across on the web, especially as bricks and mortar stores where you can see tents actually pitched/displayed, are so hard to find.
It’s a pity Australian buyers tent tastes lean towards either a budget polyester, fibreglass poled tent, or if it’s a quality item, then it’s usually designed for bush use, being very long with a collapsable frame (Blackwolf/Oztent) which makes transport difficult for those who like driving sports saloons or coupes, rather than the ubiquitous 4wd light truck or SUV, and/or dislike towing.
I’d agree with your thoughts on Zempire – they’re a recreational family camping tent designed with cutting edge technology and designs; hugely popular in Europe, and feature European style which is such a scarcity here in OZ.
I also love the ‘package’ available with carpets, furniture, and full style and quality matched accessories – something beloved of the caravan and RV crowd, – but thus far unavailable to us who prefer the sensory and back to nature feel of tent camping, rather than towing a luxury room behind you.
Indeed, tent campers in Australia have been shortchanged for quality choice compared to the caravan/RV crowd for some decades, and IMHO a company like Zempire is set to hopefully change this very much for the better.
I own Coleman instant up tents and accessories – your number 1 seller – but I can tell you that my next tent upgrade will be a Zempire – it’s another world of quality and design, and very much needed as a choice here in Australia, which otherwise lags very far behind in tent choices compared to Europe.
Thanks again for your fab blogs and video review – please keep them coming.. 🙂
It’s great to have your input, John! Cheers mate
how nice is it these moms whant to go camping with there children. thats lifted my spirit for today.
Mums and their children
Why buy Plastic Tents Plastic is for for Rain cotes. Bring back the Andre Jamet Cotton tent . Also other British and French tents they are real.
These are always available, just not common in Australia. Checkout the tents section campingworld.co.uk
Zempire TXL Aero Pro. Portable glamping and with the windows when it’s raining out you still get to see the world…. love it!
Love Zempire
Live Zempire
Hey Ben,
The OzTent RV range don’t need roof racks or a trailer. I have a duel cab ute and my RV 2 fits fine in the tub. It fits diagonally and I still have plenty of room in the tub for everything else. I only mention it because a mate of mine was put off buying one for that reason: that you guys state they’ll only fit on the roof or trailer. They are the easiest tent to put up. I love mine.
Cheers ??
That’s the smallest of them. 90% of people will need racks to transport these tents. They are worth it though.
I’m looking at the Coleman Easy Up Gold, 6 person. What are your experiences with it in windy conditions? I’m reading it collapses easily. Is that correct?
I had any easy up that collapsed in moderate wind. Avoid if you want something sturdy.
Hi Doug.
I have the 6p gold.
I’ve had it fur several years and it has had significant use in all weather. Wonderful ventilation in warm weather due to big Windows and front and rear door. The outer fly has many pegging point and a guy in each corner. I find it more stable than many cabin style tents in wet and windy weather. If it’s going to be really adverse condition I tent to double guy the corners. This means 2 guy to pop ropes in each corner in line with the line of the walls. This makes the tent more stable and avoids any twisting of the frame in the wind. Also I ensure all the inner valcro tabs of the external fly are all firmly attached to the frame. This makes the whole structure very stable. No dancing or flapping.
I have quite a few tents but the gold 6p is universal service tent for wide range of weather conditions.
Hope this helps…
B
Doug or anyone else reading – those who have written that the Coleman instant up collapses in the wind either got a rare lemons or would have experienced the same from any other tent through poor pitching. We’ve had ours for nearly ten years in all conditions and it’s still going strong, so impressed with it or next tent will likely just be an upgrade of the same. You’ll have to peg out any tent in wind.
Great to hear Dave, cheers!
I have an instant up and it has survived very windy conditions but I did not sleep a wink over night when the wind does pick up. It moves a lot, is very noisy and sounds like it’s going to take off.
Great to have your input, mate. Cheers
I have an easy up Coleman too. Used it camping in good weather (and snow) and it was fine, but definitely doesn’t stand up to windy conditions. Luckily had my swag with me too and spent the rest of the trip comfortably snug in that.
I’m impressed to hear your Instant Up went ok in the snow, Minnie! Windy conditions can be tough on any tent, so much so, we did a whole podcast episode on it. Extra guy ropes, decent pegs, and trace springs are all tools that can help. Glad you had your swag for backup! Cheers
https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-wind-rain-when-camping/
As a single mum. I’m looking for a family tent for my 6 year old son and myself which is roomy and I am able to set up on my own. What would be some good suggestions?
If ease of set up is a priority – you can’t go wrong with the Instant Up tents. The 4 is a good size for two people, but if you want the extra interior space there is the option of the 6, but the 4 would be easier to manage on your own. If you want to see how to set up one of these tents, we’ve got a video here (it’s the Dark Room 4PV which is a similar model just with just a dark fly) to show you how it’s done. Hope this helps, Chantel!
I have a similar question to above but with more detail.
Can anyone PLEASE provide suggestions?
Would love to hear what you decided on Chantel?
I’m a single mums with a little boy too and want to upgrade my instant up 4p.
4p – easy to put up by myself but no space if you and the little one need to be inside due to bad weather.
6p – I’m assuming the 6p will be the same as the 4p space wise
8p and 10p seem to have a similar price range and minimal differences is weight and dimensions, so wondering if I just go with the 10p???
But, what are the pros and cons? Can I put it up myself?
Do I buy the gold or dark room? We’re early risers anyway and is the dark room an issue if you need to be inside due to bad weather?
Given warranties similar, should I just buy the silver or is the performance of the gold or darkroom definitely worth the price.
Having camped pre child I did have a dome tent and although I’m sure it’s performance and durability would outway an instant up, the timeliness of an instant up with a toddler is probably worth it. Unfortunately the weight and size of a family canvas tent won’t work with a child seat in the back of a Subaru Forester.
With that all said, again ……… can anyone please provide recommendations?
Just in case Chantel doesn’t get back to you Nicole, I thought I would just jump in with our two cents.
It sounds like 8P or 10P size would be more suitable so that you have more room in case of bad weather, and in terms of weighing up the dark room vs gold/silver tents – the dark room fly will block out all the light when it’s all zipped up during the day, so if you’re an early riser and don’t think you’ll benefit from that feature, then the gold/silver sounds like a better option for you. The silver is ideal for occasional users, while the gold has a few extra bells and whistles and more premium fabrics so is better for more regular campers.
For the 8P and 10P size instant ups, you might need to try it at home a couple of times to get the hang of it but you can watch a video of someone putting up the 8P here and the 10P version here which shows how it can be done with one person.
We do also have an article that compares all the instant ups tents which might be useful to help you decide which you can have a read of here. Hopefully that information helps, Nicole – but please to give our customer support team a buzz on 1300 914 007 if you have any other queries.
Hi Chantel, with a 6 year old you are going to need to look firstly at the weight and overall (packed) size of the tent. We bought an Oxley 7 (canvas model) last year and it is an incredible tent, but, it is huge and heavy. It has to go on my roof rack because it is too long for inside the MUX, and really should be a 2 person lift.
This seems to be the downside to all of the easy-up tents.
The upside is that I can set up and pull down by myself.
The Oxley 5 Lite will be lighter, but not sure how much smaller in packed dimensions.
Hope this helps and you get some great camping memories with your son.
Great information, but for a family of 5 we love our canvas monster tent when away for a while and staying in one location. It goes the distance, not so sure I can say the same for our instant tent. It has it’s purpose for weekends but it’s not the same for long trips.