Best Small Family Tent: Camping Awards 2024

WINNER – Best Small Family Tent 2024

Outdoor Revolution Camp Star 500XL DT

£469

(Photo by Iain Duff)

Why the Outdoor Revolution Camp Star 500XL DT?

Although inflatable tents remain the dominant force in family camping, there are many campers who prefer the traditional pole structure. And one of the main reasons for that is the cost. Generally, air tents are still more expensive than their poled equivalents, and for families on a budget that can be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing a tent.

Yorkshire-based Outdoor Revolution is renowned for the quality of its inflatable tent system, but for 2024 it has recognised that there remains a vast market for affordable pole tents – and that has seen the development of a new poled range of its entry-level, Camp Star tents. The 500XL DT is a superb quality medium-sized tent, that costs less than £500 but offers plenty of space for a small family, or as a home from home for a couple on weekend adventures.

The front porch and side door provide flexible living options and the whole tent has a bright, airy feel. And just to add to that value for money, the Camp Star 500XL comes complete with a footprint groundsheet.

We like

• Fully enclosed front porch
• Darkened bedrooms
• Great value for money

Our verdict

A new addition to the Vango family camping range, the Beta 450XL is a four-berth, poled tunnel tent that offers decent sleeping space and a large porch area for storage and relaxing. Aimed at smaller families, it features darkened bedrooms and a Sentinel fabric flysheet, with ColourLok Eco technology to ensure your tent retains its colour for longer.

Our verdict

Bright, airy and easy to pitch, this is an ideal tent for hot weather holidays or summer festivals. We reckon it’s a top choice for families and groups of friends, at a very reasonable price.

It’s a compact tent but there’s enough sleeping room for a young family of four, and the living area is surprisingly spacious.