15 Cool Tents for Family Camping

While you could just go with a plain-hued, drab and totally boring tent on your next family camping trip, why would you want to? Instead, make your family camping trip way more whimsical and interesting with one of these unique and aesthetically appealing tents—outdoor shelters that channel the circus, and charge your phone or embrace the art of the traditional tipi. Which one would you most like to camp in?

Grab a few novels and get camping in the "Fully Booked" tent by Field Candy. It'll hold a family of three (and a few books). It may look pretty cool, but it also happens to be a high performance storm tent—with a classic 'A' frame construction, which is able to stand up to extreme weather conditions (and kids).

To buy: Fully Booked Tent, $389

This is not for a camper who is looking for privacy. In this clear tent, everything is out in the open. It's also not for those who prefer their camping trips to err on the budget-friendly side.

To buy: The Bubble Tent, starting at $1,500

For those who have dreamed of running away with the circus_,_this is the tent for you. Kids will adore the whimsical nature of this easy to set up tent. Tigers and elephants not included.

To buy: The Big Top Tent, $389

This tent by designer Tord Boontje looks more like a piece of art than a piece of camping equipment. It's so pretty you can pitch it in your living room as well as in the wild.

To buy: The Wild Life Tent, $499

Dude! Check this tent out. The VW Camper Van Tent is a full-size replica of the iconic 1965 Volkswagen Camper Van that was all the rage back in the day. It sleeps a family of four and even has a zippered room divider so you can have a wall (albeit lightweight) between you and the kids.

To buy: VW Camper Tent, $337

If you need a tent that sleeps 10 and also looks really cool, this might be the one for you (if you have $3,000 to spend on a tent that is). It features a 6-foot-plus ceiling and 15-foot diameter, so it's roomy enough for the whole crew. It's designed to withstand all four seasons, from desert conditions to snowy expeditions.

To buy: Mountain Hardwear Stronghold Tent, $3,000

Create a tent labyrinth with these small tents that come with tunnels. Connect several sets so that you and your kids have different sleeping areas, but you are still one crawl away.

To buy: Gigwam Tipi Tent and Tunnel, $142

This tent is based on traditional Sioux tribe dwellings, so if you'd like to give your kids historical insight into how Native Americans lived, this is a great way to do so. (Note: The tent doesn't come with the poles so you'll need to order those separately for $132.)

To buy: The Reliable Tipi, starting at $268

If you camp with your high tech gear like iPads, iPhones, laptops and gaming units, you might consider the Bang Bang Solar Tent, which will charge up your electronics using a small portable solar panel.

To buy: Bang Bang Solar Tent, $293

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If you're looking to take your family glamping, rather then merely camping, then The Lotus Belle may be the answer. Just bring along a fancy throw, wicker chair and cow-hide rug to up the style factor and make it Instagram worthy.

To buy: The Lotus Belle, $2,200

Granted, one of the reasons for camping is to leave behind the conveniences of modern living and be one with nature. However, should you not want to break away from "basic" amenities (like some soft, overhead LED lighting, for example), the Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-person tent has you covered.

To buy: Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person tent, $330

Particularly for hike-in camping trips, the lightweight Tentipi is a tent worth the splurge. Lightweight and easy-to-build (in 3 minutes or less), their Nordic tipis will make camping comfortable and low maintenance while providing exceptional protection from the elements.

To buy: Tentipi, starting at $864

This tent is quite literally a "home away from home." Spacious enough for 12 people, divider curtains can be used to make three separate rooms. Plus, there's the bonus of two full-size closets for storage.

To buy: The Northwest Territory Grand Canyon, $250

The beauty of this tent is that it has room to grow should the number of people in your camping group grow. It also provides some options for personal space, allowing multiple tents to connect to one another so everyone can have their own separate sleeping quarters if needed.

To buy: POD Tent Maxi Elite, $899

This tent's durable canvas and bug guard wall (a mesh inner wall along the entire bottom of the tent) will bring comfort to any adverse conditions. Its conical shape is also designed to deflect winds so you can sleep soundly every night, regardless of the storm outside. And rain will never dampen your meal plans thanks to a built-in stove jack at the ready for all your cooking needs.

To buy: Stout Bell Tent, starting at $950