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I’m new to camping and purchased an ‘introductory level’ tent over the summer; the Coleman Ridgeline 4.  Great little tent, no problems and ideal for my husband and I for quick weekend getaways with our dogs.  We recently spent a lovely weekend at the Oak Head campsite in Cumbria and quickly became addicted to camping!  However we need to ‘upgrade’ as our two teenage daughters have expressed and interest in coming with us next year hence we would like more room and comfort if we’re away for more than a weekend (we also have 3 dogs!)

I’ve been looking at the Montana 6 and Vermont M.  There are some great deals around at the moment and lots of places are offering free carpets and canopies, i.e. I’ve seen the Vermont M for £339 with free carpet, and the Monty 6 for £328 with free canopy. 

These tents seem HUGE compared with our Ridgeline 4, but I must admit I have a soft spot for the Monty 6, looks like our living room and I love the idea of a SIG! 

Could anyone tell me if they’ve had any problems getting onto campsites due to the size of these tents?  I’m only asking because we were thinking of squeezing in one more trip in before the winter, and the campsite selected has a 5.5 metre max rule in either direction for tent size??  Meeting another family, or we would go elsewhere!  

Thank you

Don't think you would sqeeze either of those tents into a pitch that small. Maybe the site wants to attract back packers more than "leisure" campers. (Not trying to start a discussion, just couldn't think of of a better phrase)

The Vermont M is 7.4m long without guylines taken into account. The Monty 6 is 5.85m long, again without the guylines taken into account and even bigger if you get, and want to use, the canopy.

Personally I'd find a site that would accomodate your choice of tent, and not the other way round. There are plenty of good site in the Lakes.

Welcome to UKCS! I've got a Vermont M, and for me it wins over the Montana because of the enclosed porch area. I don't consider this to be a big tent compared to some of the spread domes on tent market. It does seem to be a small pitch size the campsite has give you, there's not many family tents that would fit on there.

We use the Vermont for 2 plus 2 little ones. I don't know whether it would feel big enough for 2 plus 2 teenagers (it will take 2 doubles in the sleeping pods, and I'm sure your daughters would prefer a single bed each???) In which case the Montana or a Vermont L would suit your needs more.

Many thanks for your input and welcome

I probably didn't make myself very clear in my post, but it's the tent size not pitch size that should not exceed 5.5m in either direction!  That really would be a small pitch!  Here's the link http://www.plassey.com/terms.php  and it certainly isn't a backpackers' campsite!  I just though I'd mention it because I haven't come across this size restriction before and if I'm investing in a bigger tent I didn't want to come across any problems.  I guess as the Monty 6 is one of the best selling tents, and no-one else seems to have problems, then my question is answered 

Beautifullily - I haven't seen the Vermont M up anywhere yet, so I've still got a bit of research to do, but I reckon size-wise both would be more than adequate.  The girls don't mind sharing (double bed but two single sleeping bags) and teenagers being teenagers they do not always want to come away with us! 

We hadn't seen the Vermont M before buying it (not many on display), but had been in the L, so we just had to visualize the space. If the girls aren't always going to come with you, then the Vermont would be my preference. £339 with a carpet is a great price - we paid £370 a couple of months ago without a carpet.

There are a few sites with size restrictions around, but if it was a site you really wanted to visited then you could always take the Coleman.

CamperKMS

Sorry I thought the campsite was then one you went to in the Lakes,

The one you have sent the link to seems quite a family friendly site. Have you called the site to check if they will take the Monty. If they are not that busy when you want to go, they may accomodate you regardless of the T&C's.

billericaylady - thank you, yes that's a great deal, I spotted it myself a few days ago.  Unfortunately Millets have now sold out of the carpet at £29.99, and so it would seem have Blacks who were doing the same deal!   The canopy is still available at both shops for £44.99. 

However, I dashed down to Go Outdoors this morning and they priced matched the canopy and got the Montana 6 for £285, so a little bit more than the All Weathers' price, but no postage.  I'm more than happy and can't wait to use it!   Unfortunately Go Outdoors didn't have the carpet so I'm trawling the Internet now for a bargain - seems I can't get it under £50.

Muttley - Good thinking, I will ring and check especially as the Monty is only 0.30 metres bigger than their limit!  Failing that we'll go in our trusty Ridgeline