As a family of four who has camped over 100 times since the pandemic, we’ve tried almost every camping setup possible—from basic car camping to experimenting with more luxurious glamping. But what’s been the game-changer for us? Our 13’ White Duck Avalon Bell Tent. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity—what we like to call “semi-glamping.” Today, I’m excited to share our experience setting up the White Duck Canvas Bell Tent and why it’s been a step up for our family camping adventures without all the glamping fuss. Plus, we’ll compare it with 9 other popular bell tents so you can see how it measures up.
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Why We Chose the White Duck Avalon Bell Tent
We decided to invest in the 13’ White Duck Avalon Bell Tent because it checked all the boxes for what we needed. We wanted something more spacious and durable than our typical car camping tent but didn’t want the elaborate (and often costly) setup that comes with glamping. The White Duck Avalon Bell Tent offers the perfect middle ground:
- Size & Space: At 13’, there’s plenty of room for our family of four plus our gear. It’s tall enough to stand up comfortably, which makes getting ready in the morning so much easier.
- Durability: The 100% army duck canvas material is sturdy, waterproof, and breathable, which keeps us dry even in unexpected rain and cool in warm weather.
- Ease of Setup: Even though it’s bigger than a typical tent, we’ve been able to set it up in about 30 minutes with one or 2 people The single center pole makes the process straightforward, and the guy lines ensure the tent is secure, even in windy conditions.
- Only one con: It is 100lbs and takes quite a bit of space, so make sure you have room for it in your car.
Our Setup Process
Setting up the White Duck Bell Tent has become second nature to us. After a few times, we got it down to about 30 minutes. Here’s how we do it:
- Lay the groundsheet: We start by laying the heavy-duty groundsheet to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Install the center pole: The tent’s center pole is lightweight but sturdy, making it easy to lift and position. This creates the tent’s peak height.
- Secure the guy lines: The bell shape comes together as we attach and tighten the guy lines around the tent.
- Final touches: Once the tent is secure, we bring in our sleeping gear, portable stove, and a few homey touches like string lights to make it cozy.
Why It’s Perfect for Semi-Glamping
Our White Duck Canvas Bell Tent offers that extra space and comfort that make family camping easier without crossing into full-on glamping territory. It’s still about being in nature and keeping things simple, but the tent provides more room and protection, especially during those longer camping trips when we want a little extra comfort.
White Duck Avalon Bell Tent
- Made from Weatherproof DYNADUCK Pro Canvas fabric, with 10.10 oz. Army Duck Canvas, waterproof and UV resistant
- Spacious interior with standing height, perfect for family camping
- Double-layered mesh windows and doors for ventilation and bug protection
- A-frame door with heavy-duty zippers for easy entry and exit
- Zip-in/out floor for quick setup and cleaning
- Four-season tent with a heat-resistant stove jack for cold weather
- Reinforced seams and galvanized steel poles for stability in tough weather
- Ideal for families looking for a step up from car camping without the extravagance of glamping
Comparing the White Duck Avalon Bell Tent to Other Bell Tents
While we love our White Duck Avalon Bell Tent, we did research other bell tents before making our final decision. Here’s how it compares to 8 other popular bell tents you can find on Amazon:
| Bell Tent | Main Features | Comparison to White Duck Avalon Bell Tent |
|---|---|---|
| White Duck Avalon Bell Tent (Our Pick) | 100% army duck canvas, waterproof, durable, great ventilation, easy setup, large space, highest quality | Our favorite for ease of setup, durability, and space—perfect for semi-glamping. |
Teton Sports Sierra Canvas Tent | 100% cotton canvas, waterproof, large door, great ventilation. | Similar in durability and weather resistance but lacks the extra groundsheet protection of the Avalon. |
| Danchel Outdoor 4-Season Cotton Bell Tent | Four-season tent, stove jack for cold weather camping, excellent ventilation. | Great for year-round camping but more expensive due to its added stove jack and 4-season capability. |
| UNISTRENGH Cotton Canvas Bell Tent | Spacious interior, durable canvas, waterproof, fire-resistant. | Larger size options but can be bulkier to transport compared to the White Duck’s manageable size. |
| PlayDo Waterproof Cotton Canvas Tent | Built-in stove jack, waterproof, snowproof, perfect for winter camping. | A better option for extreme weather, but heavier and takes more time to set up than the Avalon. |
| Happybuy Bell Tent | Economical option, durable, comes in multiple sizes, great for budget-conscious campers. | Affordable but doesn’t offer the same level of breathability and ventilation as the White Duck Avalon. |
| Dream House Outdoor Cotton Canvas Tent | Classic bell tent design, waterproof, offers a stove jack for winter use. | Comparable in durability but lacks the premium features and extra protection of the Avalon Bell Tent. |
| WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent | 100% cotton, waterproof, mold-resistant, built-in stove jack. | A very similar alternative, though the Avalon has the edge with extra interior space and ease of setup. |
Choosing the Right Bell Tent for Your Family
If you’re looking for a tent that’s a step up from car camping but doesn’t require the time or investment of full glamping, the White Duck Avalon Bell Tent is a fantastic option. It’s spacious, durable, easy to set up, and offers just the right amount of comfort for a semi-glamping experience.
There are a few different sizes available, depending out big your family is.
Final Thoughts
After using the White Duck Avalon Bell Tent for countless trips, we’ve come to appreciate how it strikes the perfect balance between car camping and glamping. It provides our family with extra room, weather protection, and the simplicity we love in camping. If you’re looking to upgrade your family’s camping experience, I highly recommend giving a bell tent like the White Duck Avalon a try. It’s truly transformed our outdoor adventures, and we think it will do the same for yours!