Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy everything that the great outdoors has to offer. Nature is a soothing presence and sleeping out among the trees can offer mental and physical benefits that go far beyond regular recreation.

For family camping in all four seasons, consider the WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent. It features durable waterproof canvas and an available stove jack to keep you warm when the temperature drops.

If you are planning on using your bell tent at high elevations for long periods of time, you’ll look for different features than if you will only occasionally camp in temperate weather.

For cold-weather camping in wet climates, you’ll need to look for bell tents made of heavy-duty canvas. Canvas comes in different weights, usually indicated in ounces. Quality bell tents will be made of canvas that weighs between eight and 11 ounces. The higher the number, the heavier the canvas, and the more it will help shield you from harsh wind and cold.

Heavier canvas is great in terms of protection against the elements, but it’s not a good choice for backpackers. Canvas is heavy and bulky, so if you plan to hike into the wilderness to camp, a nylon tent might be a better choice.

Before you buy your bell tent, you’ll want to choose a size based on how many campers will sleep in it. Solo campers don’t need a tent that can fit a large family — and probably won’t want to put it up by themselves, either.

Look for high-quality hardware when buying your bell tent. Tent poles are available in different materials, including:

Bamboo and iron are the lightest materials, with steel and iron being much heavier options. Bamboo can be deceptively strong, though, so don’t write it off as flimsy. The key here for bell tents is to find a strong, thick center pole. This pole is the essential support for the roof of your tent, and it needs to be able to hold up against whatever weather comes your way.

Still not sure which tent might be right for you? Take a look at the tent buying guide from BestReviews for more tent options.

A fireproof stove jack is a lined hole in the roof that allows for a woodstove pipe to pass through. This means that your bell tent can be a warm escape, even when camping in cold weather.

Look for bell tents that come with a heavy-duty sewn-in or zipped-in flooring option, which can help keep creepy-crawlies out of your tent. Zippered floors also make for easier cleaning when it’s time to pack up.

Bell tents can heat up quickly, so bug-free circulation is a must-have feature. Windows should have heavy-duty, fine-mesh screens that are opposite each other to allow for air movement.

Because of their shape, bell tents naturally shed rain very quickly. However, a rainfly can help preserve the canvas and add another layer of protection between you and an unexpected storm.

Nothing is more disappointing than a camping trip ruined by inclement weather. Some bell tents come with a front porch that offers a covered outdoor space for fun no matter what the weather brings.

Bell tents range in price depending on the size and features you choose. Expect to pay between $300-$1500 for your bell tent.

A. It depends on how often you use it and how well you care for it. Some manufacturers place the life expectancy of a bell tent right around 52 weeks. If you camp for 2 months out of the year and properly care for your bell tent, this means your tent will last around seven years.

Anecdotally, some people report their bell tents lasting a decade or more, even when set up regularly. No matter what, buying the highest quality tent you can afford and caring for it properly will extend its life.

A. Taking good care of your bell tent can extend its life considerably. Follow these tips for proper care:

If your tent develops mold, you can clean it with a dedicated mold cleaner or use a diluted vinegar solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Spray it on and allow it to dry in the sun, then clean as usual.

WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent: available at Amazon

Our take: This is an all-around, high-quality tent that comes with everything you need to camp in style and comfort.

What we like: Available in three colors of waterproof eight-and-a-half ounce canvas, this family-friendly tent also features a stove jack, sewn-in groundsheet and standard mesh on the door and three windows.

What we dislike: Some desert campers noted that this tent was not great in arid, windy climates.

Happybuy Bell Tent: available at Amazon

Our take: Bring the outside in when you roll up the entire side of this bell tent.

What we like: A steel center pole holds up the heavy-duty waterproof canvas of this bell tent, and the rest of the frame is made of galvanized steel. It also features four windows with screens and double-sewn seams and included floor. This model is available in five sizes.

What we dislike: The side walls of this tent are only 24 inches, which means the usable space is limited as you move from the middle of the tent.

DANCHEL OUTDOOR Two Stove Jacket Bell Tent: available at Amazon

Our take: If you want all the bells and whistles, this is the tent for you.

What we like: This bell tent features a fully lined floor, waterproofed cotton canvas and two stove jacks. A 10- by 13-foot awning extends from the front of the tent, which means you can sit outside, no matter the weather. This is a great feature for families who camp in all weather.

What we dislike: Even with all of its features, the sidewalls are only 24 inches tall.

Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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