Are Bell Tents Good for Families? Camping Together Comfortably

A family camping trip can be one of the greatest adventures you’ll ever have, full of memories you’ll never forget, for better or worse. And choosing the right setup, like a bell tent, can make all the difference in creating memories you’ll cherish forever.

But are bell tents good for families? Absolutely. Here are several reasons why families love bell tents when camping with the crew.

Why Bell Tents Are Good for Families

Family camping trips offer several nurturing benefits. Yet, many hesitate to head outdoors. Maybe it’s due to first-time camping jitters. Maybe it’s because being away from amenities sounds unappealing. Whatever the reason, we’re here to assure you that camping can be a great experience. Even family members with different comfort levels can enjoy it. The easiest way to make sure everyone is content and happy is to use a bell tent.

Here are several reasons why.

Bell Tents Offer A Spacious Interior for Families of All Sizes

Bell tents offer a spacious, open room that is much larger than that of standard tents. A tall center pole allows headspace, giving you room to walk about freely, while the perimeter keeps camp gear, trunks, essentials, and other family games and toys for the kiddos.

Bell tents also come in many sizes. Some are so spacious you can fit queen and king-size beds. And its sidewalls are high enough for sitting areas, cots and even bunk beds.

Check out our camping tent size guide to compare differences in a bell tent vs. a traditional nylon tent. Because while a 6-person standard tent can technically squeeze six family members, it won’t be comfortable – it will be crowded! Instead, a 13-foot canvas bell tent gains you 30 extra square feet to fit two full beds or 3-4 cots.

Family Gathers in a Shared Communal Space

A bell tent’s open layout serves more than one purpose. Its size encourages families to gather closer together under one roof. What better way to connect!

Whether you’re sharing stories or projecting movies on the canvas walls, families can gather inside a bell tent to bond and simply be together. This is especially true for those rainy, bad-weather days that require shelter and a way to keep everyone occupied while still having family fun.

Bell Tents Can Provide the Same Comforts of Home

Bell tents are practically synonymous with glamping. When they’re set up right, these tents can offer the same comforts as home. This makes it easier to convince outdoor-wary family members to go camping. They won’t feel like they are roughing it.

Built-in features like screened windows and roll-up sidewalls allow for ventilation while the canvas itself provides breathability. Other practical touches, like cord entry points, allow you to bring in electrical or solar power, meaning you can bring anything from electric blankets to coffee makers.

Accessorize your bell tent to the nines to make your family’s camping experience enjoyable. In fact, you can make your family bell tent downright cozy.

They’re Built to Last and Handle All Kinds of Weather

The frame and materials are sturdy, tough, and built to last. Even in unexpected bad weather, a metal center pole withstands strong winds, keeping your family safe and secure inside. A water-resistant, thick canvas fabric sheds water and heavy snow without leaking. And extra mold- and mildew-resistant, as well as fire-resistant, treatments give peace of mind. And thanks to a stove jack, some can be hot tents by installing a wood-burning stove, keeping everyone toasty warm during fall or winter camping trips.

Investing in a bell tent with quality features, along with other tent essentials, ensures your family feels comfortable enough to head into the wilderness. And if you give your bell tent the care and maintenance it deserves, it will also shelter your family for many adventures.

And although a bell tent is built heavy-duty, the setup and breakdown take roughly 20 minutes (depending on size) and can be handled by two adults.

Find a Bell Tent Your Family Will Love

As you gather supplies for your family camping checklist, consider a bell tent. They truly are great for families, big or small. Just pick the right size and style and consider how much space you need or want (if your family is still growing!).

And if you still have camping skeptics in your crew, keep in mind that your family can also enjoy a bell tent at home. Simply set up a bell tent indoors or pitch it in the backyard. You could even transform it into a multi-purpose room or guest room for visiting family and friends.