Would you like to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Well, with tent camping you can! From stunning mountain landscapes to tranquil lakeside retreats, camping in a tent allows you to explore the hidden gems of the great outdoors. The soothing sounds of nature will lull you to sleep and help you clear your mind from everyday stresses.
So, let’s discover why tent camping is the best and why you should embark on this camping lifestyle today.
TENT CAMPING QUICK START
New to Tent Camping? Start Here:
- Pick your tent (size for your group + season – see our picks below)
- Start close to home – your backyard, then a campground, then backcountry
- Reserve early (sites open in February and book fast)
- Pack the essentials (tent, pad, sleeping bag, tarp – full checklist linked)
- Choose a good site (away from outhouse, near water)
- Expect a rough first night – you’ll sleep like a log on night two 🙂
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Why Tent Camping is Fun
First and foremost, let’s get some basics out of the way.
Why tent camping? Well, if anything, one would ask, why not? To enjoy the outdoors, by this, we mean to make a home away from home; you have choices. From SUV camping to truck bed camping, to even RV camping, a camper van or a car. Or you can set up a tent! Technically, you could also sleep under a tarp or hammock, but that is for the hardcore camper. I would not recommend these options for the beginner camper.
On a side note, I am not quite ready to enjoy the outdoors by sleeping under a tarp or on a browse bed. Sorry, let’s rephrase this. I am ALWAYS “prepared” to sleep under a tarp as this setup is part of the standard carry in my backpack. But it’s reserved for an emergency or survival situation.
However, there is a much better ‘feeling’ of being with nature when camping in a tent. You can feel the temperature, wind and weather as it changes. You can also hear sounds that get lost in an insulated RV. There’s also something tent living that’s primal – no fridge, stove and all the usual conveniences we take for granted.
Access Backcountry Camping with Tent Camping
Whether camping in a tent in the backcountry or at a reserved camping site, the choice is personal, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Backcountry camping is solitude. You become one with nature, listening to only the nearby wildlife, water flowing and maybe a train in the distance. Yes, there always seems to be a dreadful train, no matter where you are. But it’s ok, that train can be your best friend if you ever get lost. And it also serves as a reminder that you are not alone.
Aside from swimming and hiking, what you bring will determine your activity level. For example, bring a canoe, and you have greater access to venture further in the water. Bring your fishing gear, and you can catch an organic camping meal. Camping in the wilderness allows you to move your camping spot and perhaps try island camping instead. The point is that tent camping grants you access to places no RV will ever go.
A disadvantage and what may make some people weary or uncomfortable when camping in the backcountry are the sounds of a branch breaking or the sound of distant (or not so distant!) steps. These reasons are why some prefer camping at reserved campground sites at national parks or provincial park.
Reasons to Try Tent Camping in Campgrounds
Campground camping usually has people around you, which can be comforting to most. I find that provincial parks are fairly clean, noise levels are low, and there are many offerings such as playgrounds, maintained beaches for swimming, rentals, hiking/biking trails, activities, a fire pit and picnic tables, electric service, fun activities, free hot showers and so on. More importantly, they have just the right amount of privacy without the feeling of being anti-social:)
Camping in Canada at some of the better campgrounds have maximum overnight stays. I recommend that you use the campsite reservation service, which opens in February – most sites are booked by the time the summer rolls in!
The majority of campgrounds have fees for extra vehicles and additional people if the small group is over 6.
Tent sites have a price range depending on the location, for instance lake view sites are more expensive. And before I forget, no matter where you are tent camping, you’ll sleep soundly on day 2. Your exhaustion from lack of sleep on day one will override any fears.
FURTHER READING:
Looking for a Roomy, Functional Family Tent? Cozy camping awaits – see our review of the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 Tent.
Is Sleeping in a Tent Good for You
I would hope so! Not only are you surrounded by nature, which soothes the soul, but you are also breathing in fresh, clean air. I should add, only if you are camping away from the city.
As to sleeping, so long as your tent is not sitting on top of protruding roots, rocks or a lumpy surface, you’ll sleep just well. You can make your sleep more comfortable by investing in a quality sleeping pad or a tent mattress for the ultimate comfort. FYI – pair your sleeping pad with a quality sleeping bag.
Calling all side sleepers! Sleep comfortably in this 3-season Nemo Forte Sleeping Bag. It's spoon-shape design allows for more room at the shoulders and knees, leaving you to feel less constrained and allowing you to sleep in your favourite position.
What is Tent Camping?
Well, a tent is a portable fabric shelter with a rigid framework, usually anchored with stakes using guylines, which keeps the tent from tipping or blowing away. This shelter is where you will sleep or hang out if the weather turns on you.
The great thing about tent camping is that you are pretty much good to camp wherever you see fit – whether in your backyard, backcountry, a campground, off an ATV trail, on canoe routes, riverside or so on. The choice of tent spots is virtually endless, provided you set up somewhere where you are legal to do so.
The Purpose of the Tent in Camping
Remember that the term ‘camp’ is right inside the word camping. The tent is not for cooking in, nor for storing camping food so as not to attract wild animals. And so the tent is one element of ‘camp’ when tenting. That being said, I highly suggest you pack a quality tarp. You will now have an area sheltered from rain, sun, or whatever extremes come your way. This sheltered area will allow you to cook outdoors, do your chores, or hang out no matter the weather.
This heavy-duty, 10 x 10 foot Aquaquest tarp is favourite amongst bushcrafters and preppers. Use it as a tarp, shelter or even a rainfly. It features webbing tie-outs for quick pitches, has a 20,000 mm waterproof rating and comes with a lifetime warranty.
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From camp chores to survival, discover why you need to bring a multi-tool with you when camping.
How to Buy a Camping Tent?
There are so many things to consider when purchasing a cozy camping tent, let’s review what some of these factors are:
- How many people/pets will this tent need to sleep?
- Always size up when not backpacking – capacities on sleeping do not accomodate gear, just people sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder.
- 2 campers = 3 or 4 person tent.
- 3-4 campers = 6 person tent.
- 5+ campers = 8-10 person tent.
- What season(s) are you planning to use the tent?
- There are 3-season tents as well as 4-season.
- The conversion from 3 to 4 is generally an add-on layer of fabric to seal things up.
- There are even camping tents dedicated for winter camping.
- Are you backpacking or transporting?
- Tents made for backpacking or biking are substantially lighter and more compact.
- Hiking vastly reduces options when compared to overlanding in a Jeep.
- Your budget?
- Under normal circumstances, we have camping tent choices in style, shape, colour and quality.
- The choices you make will reflect the price. For example, Coleman makes many budget-friendly camping tents that can last many years. They may not have the qualities of a premium tent, but they get the job done and get you outdoors.
- Waterproofing
- Yes, water is your best friend and keeps you alive, but it’s your worst enemy when camping. Misery is when your clothes, bed, gear and everything that comprises your home away from home is soaking wet. In fact, during that rainy but cold season, it can be deadly.
Trusted Brands in Tent Camping
Usually, higher-end tents are found in smaller shops or retailers that are not limited to carrying just their own or discount brands.
Independent shops are a great place to start looking for tenting brands like Eureka, MSR, NEMO, Big Agnes, and so forth. Pricing at this level of tent quality will be about $100 per person.
Remember
Remember that there are no guarantees that any tent can withstand a weather situation. Price and trusted brands are usually a good indicator of what to expect but by no means a guarantee.
Types of Camping Tents that We Own
Here is a quick overview of the types of camping tents available and our opinion on the style and functionality.
Howling Moon Commanche – 6 Person Camping Tent
In our arsenal is a 6-person canvas Howling Moon Commanche camping tent. This tent is massive, and I am confident you could fit two more comfortably and still have room for your belongings and tent camping equipment.
The tent is separated into three rooms: 2 bedrooms and a main room. Each room has two sets of screened windows.
The tent comes with a fly, which is a piece of material that goes over the tent to shelter it from rain. The fly is large enough to double as a front awning. Being a canvas tent, it is breathable, which is the hallmark of canvas. It’s also water resistant (not proof, as it leaks a little). That ‘resistance’ only comes as long as you remember to reapply waterproofing every year or two. Canvas requires a lot more care and maintenance and is not for everyone.
Unfortunately, for group camping or family tent camping, this tent has to be transported by a large vehicle as it does not fit into a small car. It is extremely heavy and takes a long time to set up. It renders the tent too cumbersome for general tent camping.
Based on size and difficulty alone, this tent is perfect for the backyard, a hunting camp or a situation where it will see use over at least a week. Otherwise, it’s not worth the effort.
Canadian Military Crew Tent – 4 Person
Our other tent is a military issue 4-man Crew Tent. I love this tent, but my family hates it. The 4-man Crew Tent is an A-frame style, meaning it’s shaped exactly like an ‘A’ (steep roof line).
Generally an old-school shape for tents and is no longer popular in the market – despite a following that still swears by them.
The crew tent has two large screened openings and a very short tub, perfect for looking out. You may be asking yourself, what is a tub? A tub or bathtub refers to the floor of a tent. This thicker fabric curves up to meet the walls or mesh of the tent. Its purpose is to keep the water from entering the tent, particularly as it splashes off the ground.
A pet peeve is when the tub is too tall. The view gets obstructed should you wish to lie down and be able to look out at the beautiful scenery you just drove 4 hours to get to.
Military Quality
As with the previous camping tent, this too comes with a rainfly. Most tents, by the way, are designed to work with a fly. This particular one happens to be nylon, which is a far superior material to polyester.
Nylon is usually reserved for very high-end tents. The fly on this model is also completely waterproof. The reason why my family hates this tent is that it is extremely dark inside, and I get it, I really do.
The army crew tent is a perfect example of an overlanding tent. Since the tent is big and heavy, its use is in places with car access. Technically, it was designed for use by tank crews. It does set up VERY quickly and ticks off all the boxes of what an impeccable tent should do. It’s unfriendly, maybe even ugly, as it’s military OD green. Unlike the typical surplus items, it comes with a premium price tag for a new one.
Coleman Galileo – 3 Person
We also have a Coleman Galileo 3-person camping tent, a family favourite as it is super bright, dome-shaped and takes less than 10 minutes to set up. We have four people who slept in it comfortably until the kids grew a bit – now it’s tight. To help you gauge size, it easily fits a queen-sized air mattress.
The Galileo is a very breathable tent. This attribute is far more crucial than most people realize. The Coleman Weathermaster model was a tent we liked but returned as NO AIR seemed to move through it. It was choking on a hotter day. The Galileo tent can get a bit cool at night, but if you stake the fly closer to the tent, it slows the airflow. Or you could throw on an extra layer of clothes.
All-in-all, this tent has held up through some wicked rains, strong winds, repeated use and even lengthier setups. If tent camping is on a budget, this one is a winner. Ours paid for itself a while ago, yet it keeps going strong.
The Galileo’s been discontinued, so we picked up Coleman’s Skydome Dark Room as its replacement – we haven’t had the chance to put it through a real trip yet, but we’ll update this with our honest take once we do.
Nemo Aurora Highrise 6-Person Camping Tent
Since our children are taller and are active sleepers, we knew it was time to invest in a bigger family camping tent. We wanted something brighter, breathable and weather-resistant. A 4-person tent was impossible to find during the pandemic. It’s a popular size and the first to sell out. With a short timeline, we settled for the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6-person camping tent and I must say, it was the perfect choice, for which we have a full review. This one’s our baby!
The Nemo Aurora 6-person Tent features a massive interior for easy standing, a funky floor design, two doors and vestibules, large windows and integrated rain covers. It's the perfect and reliable tent for large families.
Comparing the 4 Tents
| Tent | Size | Best For | Weight | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howling Moon Commanche 6p Canvas Tent | 13.8 × 12.5 × 6 ft | long stays, overlanding basecamps, groups | 132 lbs | Very roomy, accomodates large groups, and breathable – but very heavy & takes forever to set-up. |
| 4-man Crew Tent | 165″ x 98.5″ | off-grid camping, hunting trips | 12 lbs | My favourite tent! Easy set-up, low tub, airy, blends with environment. |
| Coleman Galileo 3p Tent | 7′ x 7′ | budget-conscious, weekend camping | 9 lbs | Quick set-up, bright and cozy. Tub is a bit too deep, making seeing out and climbing in/out difficult. |
| Nemo Aurora Highrise 6p Tent | 120″ x 100″ | group or family-camping | 18 lbs 10 oz. | Very roomy, standing height, set-up is quick – family loves this tent! |
Tent Camping Essentials Checklist
Now that you know why tent camping is the ultimate home away from home and what to look for in a tent – before heading out on your camping trip, there are a few things you should know.
First, ensure you have all the tent camping essential supplies for car camping with our camping essentials checklist. This checklist includes camping gear like a tent, tent pads, sleeping bags, camping stove, cookware, first aid kit, and other necessities.
Being well-prepared will make your camping experience more enjoyable and ensure your safety and well-being.
How To Find the Perfect Campsite
Choosing the best tent campsites can make or break your camping experience. Through trial and error, you will determine if you prefer a secluded spot in the wilderness or a family-friendly campground with convenient amenities. Either way, consider the location, water access, amenities, activities, and nearby attractions.
Doing thorough research and planning will help you find the perfect campsite that suits your preferences and needs and ultimately lead to the perfect camping experience. Unfortunately, what one sees as the perfect spot, may not necessarily be comfortable or convenient for you. For example, some people prefer the secluded backcountry, others a family-friendly campground, and some would rather an adult-only campsite – the choice is ultimately yours!
Let’s take it one step further, you also have the choice to camp in your backyard, in the city, on crown land in the backcountry or provincial (national) campgrounds.
Some beginner campers take comfort in starting in their own yards. This gets you accustomed to noise, surroundings and your mindset. Once you’re comfortable, I would suggest moving up to a state / provincial campground, before making your way into the backcountry. Check out Parks Canada reservation service for park information and camping fees. You need to be prepared and have some self-reliance skills to be able to camp in the middle of nowhere – alone!
Campsite Pro Tip
When reserving tent camping sites at a campground, choose a spot further away from the outhouse/parking area. For nighttime use, you want to be close, but not close enough that the constant banging of doors awakes you.
Tent Camping FAQs
1. How do I start tent camping as a beginner?
Start by picking your tent (size for your group + season). Camp in your backyard first and work your way into the backcountry. Reserve a campsite early, as the good ones book up fast. Pack the essentials and choose a good site, preferably away from the outhouse. Expect the first night to be sleepless.
2. What size tent do I need?
Rule of thumb – 20 to 40 square feet per person. When not backpacking, always size up when buying a tent. Manufacturers do not factor in bags/gear when sizing tents – they measure by shoulder-to-shoulder. 2 campers = 3 or 4 person tent, 3-4 campers = 6 person tent, 5+ campers = 8-10 person tent.
3. 3-season vs 4-season tent – what’s the difference?
The conversion from 3 to 4 is generally an add-on layer of fabric to seal things up. 3-season tents are light and airy, while 4-season tents feature solid walls with extra poles to handle snowfall.
4. Is sleeping in a tent good for you?
Yes – nature soothes the soul + you’re breathing in fresh, clean air as long as you’re camping away from the city. As to sleeping, so long as your tent is not sitting on top of protruding roots, rocks or a lumpy surface, you’ll sleep just well. You can make your sleep more comfortable with a quality sleeping pad or a tent mattress.
5. What’s the best budget camping tent?
Coleman make excellent budget-friendly camping tents. At the time, the Coleman Galileo was our pick, being discontinued, opt for the Coleman Skydome Dark Room series.
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure of Tent Camping
Tent camping offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the great outdoors. From the allure of sleeping under the stars to the joy of cooking over a campfire, every aspect of tent camping brings you closer to nature and allows you to rejuvenate and create lasting memories.
So, there you have it, camping for beginners doesn’t have to be scary, take the leap, grab some tent decorations and experience why so many tent campers, including ourselves, love camping.
👉 Comment below what are you most looking forward to on your first camping trip?
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More Camping Add-Ons from BushLife:
- How To Start Fishing: another activity you can do when you’re camping
- Camping Gear Checklist: everything you need for a car camping trip
- Sleeping Bags: choose the right sleeping bag to go with your new tent
- Camping Multi-Tool: don’t leave home without one
- Nemo Aurora Tent Review: family camping made cozy and comfortable
- Nephton Trails: when you’re ready to camp the backcountry
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