Our Favorite Family Camping Tents, Sleeping Bags, and Pads in 2023

There are affiliate links in this post, at no extra cost to you. We share products we own, use, and would recommend to a friend.

Which sleeping bags are best in 2023?

Best Tent Camping Gear for Families in 2023

Are you looking into more adventure travel and camping vacations with your family? Have you been thinking of jumping into tent-camping as a family but you're just not quite sure where to begin? We are here to help.

Sleep is important wherever you are. Especially when you’re camping. So here’s the best adult and kids camping gear as far as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and family tents are concerned.

We've been at this camping / backpacking thing over the past 25 years.

We've tent-camped with kids and teenagers in France, Italy, Germany, and back home in the USA in the Ozark Mountains, Havasupai Falls, several national parks, and all over Colorado.

Our family camping vacations, plus a handful of week long backpacking trips in the Colorado Rockies, have helped us discover the right camping gear, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and tents that stand the test of time.

How to Go Car camping with kids and Love it

If you're not 100% sure you love a camping family vacation, consider borrowing good adult and kids camping gear from experienced camping friends before you buy out REI.

Durable, made-to-last camping gear is a long-term investment for budget-minded families like us. Well-made items can last 20 years or more.

Thankfully, we lucked out 20 years back when our friends gave us a camping themed couples shower right before we got hitched. That definitely gave us a head start. Christmas and birthdays are a great way to get your gear too. 

As kids come along, you’ll be shopping for kids sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and a bigger tent.

As your kids become teenagers, they require adult size sleeping bags and pads.

This post zeroes in on the best sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents for families in 2023.

But what else do you need for your family campsite? Access our ultimate checklist of family camping gear essentials and never forget a thing!

These are our Kelty Cosmic Down Sleeping Bags that we’ve owned for several summers. The colors have changed, but it’s still the same great sleeping bag.

Best sleeping bags for Tent Camping

Women’s Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Degree Bag

Best ADult Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Down 20

We invested in new Kelty Cosmic Down sleeping bags after 20 years of sleeping with our synthetic Marmot — it was the best decision.  

These award-winning adult sleeping bags are perfect for 3-season car camping and backpacking. The price is right for this affordable sleeping bag that packs down tight and tight.

Our teens love the same Kelty Cosmic Down Bags for overnight camps too.

Big Agnes Double Sleeping Bag for Couples

Couples Sleeping Bag

Wanna snuggle and sleep tight right next to your honey? The Big Agnes King Solomon Double Sleeping Bag (is made with an integrated sleeping pad sleeve, pillow sleeves, and a roomy double-wide shape. With 650-fill down, the Big Agnes offers superb warmth-to-weight ratio.

PRO TIP: To keep your down sleeping bags in good shape, hang them in your closets. Never leave your down sleeping bags stuffed in their bags for long periods of times. To keep your sleeping bags clean and odor-free, periodically wipe them down with a 50/50 water/vinegar solution and let them air dry in the sun.

Try a Complete Zenbivy Bed Sleep System

Skip building your sleep system from scratch.

Zenbivy Beds combine the warmth of a mummy bag, the versatility of a backpacking quilt, and the comfort of your bed at home.

The Zenbivy Bed + Flex™ Mattress Bundle is ideal for those looking for maximum comfort and convenience while camping. It’s available in both down and synthetic.

However, we are most excited about their newest sleeping bag system added in 2023.

Introducing the Zenbivy Core Bed!

2023 Zenbivy Core Bed

The all-new Core Bed is Zenbivy's simplest, softest, and most affordable backpacking bed system.

Without zippers or a complex convertible footbox, the Core Bed’s simple patent-pending Fast Footbox™ utilizes just one hook to quickly transform the footbox from "mummy mode" for maximum warmth to “wide mode” for maximum space.

The proven draft-free clip system keeps things minimal and lightweight while the soft liner and supple new 30d Nylon Taffeta shell provide maximum home-like comfort.

What I love about this new Zenbivy Core Bed is that it took mere minutes to fill up the mattress, slip on the sheet, and clip on the quilt. 

The Zenbivy Core Bed includes the Core Quilt and insulated Core Sheet and a large mesh bag for long-term storage. Mattress and accessories sold separately.

Available in both down and synthetic versions, I chose the 25 degree Synthetic Zenbivy Core Bed. I plan to use it camping and backpacking this summer all over Colorado. My teenage daughter will pack it for her kayaking trip in British Columbia.

Enjoy the convenience of double the power during your outdoor adventures. $1000 OFF the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro May 10-16. SHOP NOW

Best Sleeping Bags for kids: Kelty Big Dipper 30 degree BAG

Several Christmases ago, our four kids each received 30 degree Kelty kids sleeping bags and they have been worth their weight in gold.

A kids sleeping bag labeled “30 degrees” simply means the bag will keep your kiddo warm even if the air outside gets as cold as 30 degrees.*

Award winning Kelty kids sleeping bag

Kelty makes some of the best kids sleeping bags. They keep your kiddos snug and cozy on even the chilliest of Colorado nights.

Kelty sleeping bags pack up light and tight too, so they don’t take up much space when you’re packing the car for camping.

PRO TIP: A clever way to add warmth to any sleeping bag is to fill up any extra space at the bottom of your bag with extra clothes, like a sweatshirt or sweatpants or both.

Bonus: Your feet stay warm and those clothing items will be warm when you are ready to throw them on in the morning before climbing out of your tent.

We take our lightweight Baja Fade Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket everywhere.

Camping Blankets

When every ounce matters, the Rumpl Featherlite is your everywhere blanket. This lightest blanket yet it is the same size as Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket seen here, at less than half the weight.

An incredibly durable blanket that feels light-as-a-feather, the plush goose Down Puffy Blanket by Rumpl is your everywhere blanket for hiking and camping when space is limited, but comfort is crucial.

Best Sleeping Pads for Tent CAmping

Best Adult Sleeping pad: Exped Mats

Goodbye blow-up mattresses that don’t last through an entire year.

The Exped Sleeping Pad is a life-changer for moms and dads who desire to car-camp and sleep on a warm, comfy bed that also packs down light and small when not in use.

We say go for the top rated Exped Dura 5R in size medium-wide.

Your growing, adventurous teens will love them too. Durable easy to fill with the integrated hand-pump, this pad is great for tent-camping and backpacking. Plus, no crackling or crinkling when you move around in your sleep.

Kids Sleeping Pad: REI Kindercamp Kids Pad

For the best kids camping gear when it comes to a sleeping pad, REI’s top-rated Kindercamp Kids Sleeping Pad is a must.

This kids sleeping pad works well for kids and tweens until they hit 5 feet tall or taller.  Once your kids hit 5 feet, it's time to buy the adult size sleeping pad above.  

PRO TIP: If you have older kids, we suggest investing in adult size sleeping pads mentioned above — they’ll be there soon enough!

This REI kids sleeping pad weighs about a pound and rolls up tight, deeming it perfect for car-camping. It’s also a great option when your kids are ready for backpacking in the backcountry.

DID YOU KNOW? Your lifetime REI membership (one-time fee) never expires AND your kids can have one too! Even your newborn. You will pay yourself back in no time.

REI Member Benefits include:

• FREE Standard Shipping - no minimum purchase (NEW!)

• Access to Member Only 20% OFF Coupons a few times a year (THIS is why you should sign up your kids, especially if you are investing in camping gear)

• 10% Back in Rewards annually on eligible purchases (most everything!)

• Early access to quality gear and deals

• Shop and Trade Used Gear

• 20% Off Shop Services (think bike and ski gear)

---

Best Family Tents for Car Camping

Every family likes to tent camp differently. Some parents prefer heir children sleep in the same tent with them, especially when they are younger. We’ve been known to park a pack and play inside a tent many times!

As your kids get older, you may prefer for them to share their own tent with a sibling.

Our Favorite Big Family Tents

One big family tent means you only spend time putting up one tent and you have space to play games and keep each other company when a bit of rain comes.

If you’re looking for the best family tent for car camping, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent is great for families who want to cozy up together, safe and dry from the elements.

The wide-mouth door orientation gives all sleepers equal access to the 2 doors—no need to crawl over a tent mate to get in and out. Peak height is 74” making it a great standing up tent for changing clothes.

Alternatively, we love the Big Agnes Big House 4 Tent, another great standing up tent that’s super ideal for car campers and the perfect-size shelter for housing the whole family under one "roof."

HEY REI Members! This year's Big Memorial Day Sale includes a 20% off one full price item AND a 20% off one outlet item coupon, meaning you save lots of dough on that piece of gear you've been wanting. 

Use the code “ANNIV23” at REI.com between 5/19-5/29 to redeem!

Two person tent

Sierra Designs Summer Moon 2

A 3-season tent, the Sierra Designs Summer Moon 2 is great tent for two siblings or for mom and dad to share. We have two boys and two girls, so our family camps with three 2-man tents.

As far as kids camping gear, this tent is a piece of cake even for an eight year old to set up.

We bought our first Sierra Designs tent 20 years ago, and it's still going strong. It's our very favorite tent.  Easy to set up, durable, and lightweight too.  Plus, we LOVE the net dome for star-gazing.

Wanna rent an Outdoorsy campervan?

Here's our experience!

Best Places to shop Sleeping bags, Pads, and Tents

There are always deals to be found on long lasting adult and kids camping gear, and we recommend shopping around to get the best price.

You might have a recycled outdoor gear store near you. For example, here in Colorado Springs we have Mountain Equipment Recyclers — the best used outdoor gear store around with a huge inventory of brand name second hand gear for sale on consignment.

Here are the best online stores for price comparisons of camping gear like quality family tents for car camping, kids sleeping bags, adult sleeping bags, and sleeping pads that are also durable, lightweight, and packable:

Family Camping Gear Essentials and more

The Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist

What about your camp kitchen and all the extras that make family camping that much sweeter?

Here’s the Ultimate Family Camping Gear Essentials Checklist as you prepare for more adventure travel with kids and teens. Our printable packing list covers everything from best family camping gear for the camp kitchen, campsite essentials, sleeping gear, proper clothing and shoes for outdoor recreation, and more.

Best campsites in Colorado

Go off grid and enjoy camping in Colorado where the best amenities are trickling creeks, rushing waterfalls, and shaded sites surrounded by Aspens and forests of pine trees.

Many of these awesome Colorado campsites for tents, camper vans and small RVs — all simultaneously basic and stunning — are only open during the warmer months, mid May through September or October.

Download our best recipes for camping and at home. We make this meals year round.

How to pack the Car for camping

The Stowaway Max Cargo Carrier

For big families road tripping in their Swagger Wagons, this is the perfect way to tote all of your family camping gear. 

Don’t go shopping for a bigger vehicle. The StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame (pictured above) fits on a 2” hitch is the ultimate packing hack and will give you the extra trunk space you need.

RELATED: Review Stowaway Max Hitch Cargo Box

How can we help?

If you want to talk more about kids and adult camping gear or budgeting and planning your next great road trip, sign up with us to get connected.

Invest in the best family tents, adult sleeping bags, and kids sleeping bags for camping and family tent camping just might become your new favorite type of family vacation..