Think you need a massive, pole-juggling tent to camp in comfort with the family? Nope. The best inflatable tents (or air tents) give you all the space you need without the headache. Fast to pitch, rock-solid in bad weather, and – best of all – no fiddly poles to battle with as the rain sets in and the kids start asking for snacks.
I learned the hard way. After freezing my hands and patience, threading poles at midnight near Keswick, I finally saw the light. Inflatable tents are the only way I camp now, especially in the UK, where rain is guaranteed and winds get cheeky.
This guide rounds up the top inflatable tents that make family camping easier, comfier, and way less stressful.
Why Air Tents Make UK Family Camping Way Easier
If you’ve ever fumbled with rigid tent poles in the wind, you’ll get why inflatable beams are a game-changer. Here’s the truth: the best inflatable tents don't just pitch fast. They also stay stable, even when the Scottish wind tries its best. They save you time, your back, and your sanity.
Let’s break it down:
- Quick setup: Five to ten minutes, even solo. The kids can “help” and nothing gets lost.
- Comfortable: Decent headroom, blackout sleeping pods, space for muddy boots.
- Dead simple: No faffing with fiddly bits. Pump, peg, done.
- Weatherproof: Most top picks shrug off British rain and wind with proper hydrostatic head ratings and sturdy groundsheets.
You want family time, not family arguments over missing poles. Air tents make that happen.
Best Inflatable Tents for Easy Family Camping in the UK
Berghaus Air 600XL Nightfall
Sleeps: 6
Weight: 38.5 kg
Waterproof Rating (HH): 6000 mm
Blackout Bedrooms: Yes
Porch Area: Yes
Pavillo Sierra Ridge 4
Sleeps: 4 (tight)
Weight: 15 kg
Waterproof Rating (HH): 5000 mm
Blackout Bedrooms: No
Porch Area: No
Decathlon Air Seconds 6.3
Sleeps: 6
Weight: 25.9 kg
Waterproof Rating (HH): Lab-tested in 200L/hr rain
Blackout Bedrooms: Yes (Fresh & Black)
Porch Area: Optional
Eurohike Air 600
Sleeps: 6
Weight: 18.7 kg
Waterproof Rating (HH): 4000 mm
Blackout Bedrooms: Yes
Porch Area: No
Coleman Weathermaster 6XL
Sleeps: 6
Weight: 38.4 kg
Waterproof Rating (HH): 4500 mm
Blackout Bedrooms: Yes (up to 99% block)
Porch Area: Yes
1. Berghaus Air 600XL Nightfall – Comfort and Quality for Proper Family Adventures
Quick Specs:
- Sleeps: 6 people
- Weight: 38.5kg
- Dimensions: 675 x 450 x 220cm
- Material: 75D polyester, 6000mm HH waterproofing
- Extras: Nightfall blackout bedrooms, sewn-in groundsheet, pump included
If you're after a big, well-built air tent that feels more like a proper basecamp than a glorified shelter, the Berghaus Air 600XL Nightfall is a cracking choice. It’s quick to pitch (about 15 mins with the included pump), rock solid once up, and packed with thoughtful features.
One of the big wins here is the Nightfall bedrooms – they actually block light properly, so you can sleep in past 5am or get the kids down early without a sunbeam waking them up. The three-bedroom pod layout is flexible too – use them individually or unzip dividers to create a bigger communal sleep space.
The living area is massive, airy, and practical. Big windows with privacy curtains let in loads of light, and the standing headroom makes the whole space feel more like a cabin than a tent. Storage pockets, multiple vents, and a fully sewn-in groundsheet all add to the comfort. It’s heavy – no denying that – but the wheeled bag helps. Just make sure your pitch spot isn’t miles from the car!
2. Pavillo Sierra Ridge 4 – Great Value Starter Tent for Smaller Groups
Quick Specs:
- Sleeps: 4 (realistically 2–3 adults with gear)
- Weight: 15kg
- Waterproof Rating: 5000mm HH
- Setup: 3 airbeams, fast pitch
- Features: Dual doors, large front window, roll-up ventilation
The Pavillo Sierra Ridge 4 is proof that you don’t need to drop big cash to get the benefits of an air tent. It’s compact, easy to pitch, and keeps out the wet even when the forecast turns nasty.
With three air beams, setup is quick and drama-free – perfect for short trips or festival weekends. The waterproofing is genuinely impressive at 5000mm HH, and the tent holds steady even in gusty conditions. It’s also light enough (15kg) to carry without too much grumbling.
Inside, space is decent but not luxurious – realistically, it's best for two adults and a child, or three adults travelling light. The large front window is a lovely touch, especially for keeping an eye on kids or enjoying the view, and the roll-up option gives you decent airflow on warmer days.
All in all, a brilliant first air tent if you're not ready to commit big money but still want easy setup and proper weather protection.
3. Decathlon Air Seconds 6.3 – Incredible Value and Feature-Packed
Quick Specs:
- Sleeps: 6
- Weight: 25.9kg
- Pack Size: 85 x 38 x 38cm
- Material: Polyester with ‘Fresh & Black’ tech
- Features: 3 bedroom pods, zip-off groundsheet, side door vestibule
Decathlon’s Air Seconds 6.3 is one of the best bang-for-buck options on the market right now. It’s big, clever, and doesn’t skimp on the features – despite being priced well below similar models from premium brands.
The layout is family-friendly with two double bedrooms at the rear and a detachable front pod you can clip in as needed. The front of the tent opens wide to create a great indoor/outdoor living space with top-notch ventilation. We especially liked the zip-off groundsheet design. It’s handy for muddy days and helps avoid water pooling inside when the rain starts hammering.
The standout feature is Decathlon’s Fresh & Black tech. The blackout fabric is honestly fantastic. It keeps things cool and dark, which means better sleep and less sunburn on lazy mornings. Storage pockets, mesh screens, and a rear access hatch all show smart design choices too.
Only real downside? No pump included, so factor in the cost of a compatible 7PSI hand pump from Decathlon. Also, while the pale colour looks nice, it might not stay that way after a few muddy pack-ups.
4. Eurohike Air 600 – Great Value Without the Fluff
Quick Specs:
- Sleeps: 6
- Weight: 18.7kg
- Dimensions: 465 x 385 x 210cm
- Material: 4000mm HH waterproof flysheet
- Beams: 3 airbeams
- Extras: Fully sewn-in groundsheet, blackout bedrooms, storage pockets
- Pump: Included
If you’re new to air tents or just want something solid without spending half your holiday budget, the Eurohike Air 600 is a cracking value option. It’s one of the most affordable 6-person inflatable tents out there and still offers some great features, especially those blackout bedrooms and a decent 4000mm waterproof rating.
The deep navy fabric looks smart straight out the bag, though the instructions? Not so much. Thankfully, if you’ve pitched an air tent before, you’ll have no trouble here. The three airbeams go up quickly, and the whole tent can be ready in around 15 minutes.
Inside, it’s simple but effective. The rear sleeping area is large and can be split into two rooms, and – surprise bonus – you can stand up in both, which is rare at this price. There’s also a handy pocket ladder sewn into the inner tent for small item storage. The main living area is functional with big plastic windows and decent airflow from two large vents, but don’t expect luxury touches like a porch roof or integrated storage zones.
There’s no covered porch, so wet boots and soggy jackets will need to stay just inside the door or under a tarp if you're packing one. But if you're happy with a no-frills layout that gets the job done, this tent is an absolute bargain.
5. Coleman Weathermaster 6XL – Premium Comfort and Space for Larger Families
Quick Specs:
- Sleeps: 6 (with 8XL option for more)
- Weight: 38.4kg
- Height: 215cm
- Hydrostatic Head: 4500mm
- Beams: 5 inflatable beams
- Extras: Blackout bedrooms, large porch, UV Guard, lantern hooks, side rain shelter
- Pump: Included
If you want the best of the best for your family camping trips, the Coleman Weathermaster 6XL is the tent to beat. It’s big, beautifully made, and packed with smart features that make life on site genuinely enjoyable. Yes, it’s an investment, but one that’ll easily last you for years.
First off, the blackout bedrooms are a game-changer. Coleman’s material blocks out up to 99% of sunlight, which means actual lie-ins, even in summer. It also helps regulate temperature, keeping things warmer when it’s cold and cooler when it’s baking. That alone puts it ahead of a lot of competitors.
The living space is enormous, with a dedicated porch area, large lounge, and three double bedrooms at the back. There are thoughtful touches everywhere – z ippable flyscreens, storage racks, lantern hanging points, and even a rain vestibule over the side door. The air beams are sturdy and easy to inflate (despite having five of them), and the overall structure feels rock solid, even in wind and rain.
Fabric quality is seriously good – thick, weather-resistant, and UV protected. It's heavy, yes, and the pack size is no joke, but that's what you get for premium build and comfort. For large families or those who want space to spread out, the 6XL or 8XL models are worth every penny.
What Matters Most: Key Features to Check Before You Buy
Nobody wants an expensive disaster. Here’s what to focus on when choosing the best air tent for family camping in the UK:
- Weather protection: The UK’s biggest camping enemy. Look for a proper hydrostatic head rating (3000mm+ is non-negotiable; 5000mm is better).
- Size and layout: Don’t trust “person capacity” on paper. Four-person tents are comfy for three with all your kit and children’s toys everywhere.
- Setup time: Go for fewer beams if possible. All-day pitching is a mood killer (and nobody brings you tea).
- Weight and packed size: If you move camp often or pitch solo, shave every unnecessary kilogram. Your back will thank you.
- A decent pump (preferably one with a gauge) is worth its weight in gold. Some air tents even throw one in. If not, budget twenty quid extra.
Roof Tents: If You Hate Packing and Setting Up Altogether
Want ultimate camping speed? Roof tents, like the TentBox Lite XL, could be your answer. These mount straight to your car roof and pop up in minutes. The best bit: you never get flooded by rising ground water and never need to hunt for a flat pitch. I’ve seen families asleep on top of their SUVs while everyone else is still fighting with tent bags below.
Downside? They’re spendy at first and not for every car. But for spontaneous overnighters or exploring camp spots off the beaten track, they open up new freedom. Worth considering if you hate packing up wet canvas.
Picking Your Family’s Best Air Tent: My Straight-Talking Tips
Picking the right inflatable tent isn’t just about brand names or specs but about how you camp. If you’re only heading out for the occasional weekend, don’t overthink it. Go with something like the Pavillo Sierra Ridge 4. It’s budget-friendly, quick to pitch, and gets the job done without fuss.
But if you camp more regularly or want one solid tent to see you through a few years of muddy festivals, family holidays, and rainy weekends, the Berghaus Air 600XL Nightfall or Decathlon Air Seconds 6.3 strike a great balance between comfort, quality, and value. Both give you space to spread out, reliable weather protection, and those sleep-saving blackout bedrooms.
Got a big family or plan to camp for longer stints? The Coleman Weathermaster 6XL is hard to beat. It’s got a brilliant layout, tough materials, and seriously dark sleeping pods – ideal when you’re trying to keep kids sleeping past 6am.
Here’s the truth: air tents really do make camping easier. You’ll spend less time fighting poles and more time soaking up sunsets or sipping tea by the fire. So think about your camping style, match it with your tent, and practise pitching before you hit the road.
