The #1 Perfect Bell Tent Size
The Dilemma is Real
3m, 4m, 5m, or 6m? It’s a common dilemma. Deciding on the right bell tent size to purchase can be a real struggle. Even when presented with every size option pitched in front of them, we found that most will struggle to make this decision.
This common dilemma is frequently talked about in various on-line forums, with everyone inputting having their own unique viewpoint.
The advice below is aimed at those setting up a glampsite. Guests at a glampsite will expect a lot more space compared with a group of Scouts, for example. Glampers are likely to spend more time in their tent by day than other groups – for Guides and Scouts, the tent is simply a place to sleep.
Some of the advise that follows can also be applied to the individual camper.
How The Sizes Are Described
In the main, bell tents are circular (with a flat edge at the entrance). The bell tent size is described in metres (m) in terms of the overall diameter, excluding the guy ropes. However the distance required for the guy ropes really does add to the bell tent’s overall diameter.
Advice on correct guy rope length varies from supplier to supplier, and so the following advice is a general summary: –
3m bell tent size + 1.5m guy ropes (either side) = 6m overall circular footprint
4m bell tent size + 2m guy ropes (either side) = 8m overall circular footprint
5m bell tent size + 2m guy ropes (either side) = 9m overall circular footprint
6m bell tent size + 2.5m guy ropes (either side) = 11m overall circular footprint
The Pro’s & Cons of Each Size
Each bell tent size has its own pros and cons when used at a glampsite and these are illustrated in the table below:
| Bell Tent Size (M)etres | Pack Size | Handling | Pitch Time | Max No. of Guests | Double Bed (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3m | Small | 1 Person | 1 Person, 10 mins | 2 | N |
| Advice For The 3m |
Not recommended as a standalone tent for glamping. This size is too small and difficult to furnish. Glampers would need to sleep in single beds either side of the central pole. The only time we’ve seen this size work well was on a fishing lake where they were used to accommodate two adults (mostly male friends) who had previously been used to far less desirable accommodation. This size is perfect though if you wish to combine it with a 4m or 5m and offer separate ‘rooms’ for adults (the 4m or 5m) and children (the 3m). |
| Size (M)etres | Pack Size | Handling | Pitch Time | Max No. of Guests | Double Bed (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4m | Medium | 1 Person | 1 Person, 10 mins | 2 +1 | Y |
| Advice For The 4m |
Good for glamping if you’re aiming at couples or couples with a baby/small child. It will accommodate a standard double bed and there is plenty of space to also fit a travel cot or small single without compromising too much on space. However, the double bed would need to be placed with one side to the ‘wall’ of the tent and the other side to the central pole, and so entry to the bed would be from one side only. This set-up doesn’t look so good and it’s not possible to put a bedside table on either side of the bed. |
| Size (M)etres | Pack Size | Handling | Pitch Time | Max No. of Guests | Double Bed (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5m | Large | 1-2 People | 1 Person, 20 mins | 2 +2 | Y |
| Advice For The 5m |
Good for a family of four using up to a king size double bed, and small singles for the children. The bed can be placed at the back of the tent with the feet to the central pole and heads to the wall. Entry to the bed is possible from both sides, and bedside tables can be fitted on both sides – a pleasing look upon entry to the tent. This size is a very popular choice as it is a catch-all size in which single campers through to a family of four can be accommodated. |
| Size (M)etres | Pack Size | Handling | Pitch Time | Max No. of Guests | Double Bed (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6m | Extra Large | 2 People | 2 People, 30-45 mins | 2 +3 | Y |
| Advice For The 6m |
Good for a family of four or five using up to a queen size double bed and small singles for the children. Plenty of extra space. More and more glampsite owners are opting for this size particularly if aiming at the family glamping market or groups. Particular care should be taken when pitching a bell tent of this size with attention to choosing where to pitch, and following the manufacturers guidance on pitching. Expect more problems with this size tent in adverse weather conditions. |
Is Bigger Better?
Some suppliers offer 7m+ bell tent sizes in their ranges. We always felt this was irresponsible as consumers are tempted by the bigger size without being aware of the extra weight, handling and storage required. Further, the 6m tents that we sold were the most problematic in the wrong hands, particularly with regard to their performance in windy conditions if pitched incorrectly.
The bigger the tent, the more canvas and weight is put upon it’s component parts. The stitching and poles etc can only take so much weight and stress. Smaller tents are certainly more robust.
A Mixture of Sizes
It can be tempting to offer a mixture of sizes on your site, to cover all scenarios. However, uniformity equates to simplicity. It’s far easier to bulk furnish tents of the same size than it is to furnish different sized ones. For example it’s better that all your tents take the same size bed (and bedding) and that they share the same interchangeable spares and accessories. Any other way and you could get in a real mess on change-over days, and when bringing equipment out of storage.
In addition, mixing the sizes can potentially risk alienating some of your guests. Imagine booking a 3m bell tent and looking across the site to another camp enjoying the extra space afforded in a 5m bell tent? Buyers remorse is real and it’s often better that your guests feel equal.
