Wild Camping Luxury: KingCamp Khan C 500 Bell Tent Review

A Summer Solstice Like No Other

This wild camp was different.

Not because I ventured somewhere new (though I did), or because I cooked something other than boil-in-the-bag (which, shockingly, I also did). It was different because I swapped out my trusty Phoxx 2 for something massive, something luxurious, something… completely over the top.

This camp was all about the KingCamp Khan C 500 — a luxury bell tent that laughs in the face of lightweight backpacking setups.

And on the hottest day of the year, during the UK summer solstice, I dragged 30 kg of canvas into the woods to see what it could really do.

First Impressions: It's a Beast

Let’s be honest — this isn’t a tent you hike with. At over 30 kg, the KingCamp Khan C 500 is not for stealth missions or fast getaways.

But what it lacks in portability, it makes up for in sheer presence.

Setting it up felt like building a medieval pavilion. Canvas everywhere, hefty poles, and thick guy lines — but the quality? Spot on.

• Heavy-duty pegs

• Reinforced canvas/poly fabric

• Strong zips and metal rings

• Beautiful stitching and internal finish

It even comes with military-style centre pole systems — something I’ve only really seen through work at Challenger Troop.

Setup: Sweat, Swearing & Surprises

With no instructions and only a vague memory of similar setups, I cracked on.

Sweating through 33°C woodland heat, I eventually got the main structure up. The pole slides easily into a built-in cord system. Guy lines pull it taut. There are even door frame poles to give it a proper entrance — something I didn’t expect but absolutely appreciated.

Interior Space: Like Camping in a Living Room

I’m 5’11" and I couldn’t touch the roof from inside.

This thing is huge.

• 8-man capacity (though I’d say 4–5 is more realistic for comfort)

• Mesh windows for ventilation

• Canvas door roll-ups

• Stove outlet (yes, it’s a 4-season tent!)

• Pockets and hanging points everywhere

The ventilation surprised me. Once I rolled up the canvas walls and opened the mesh vents, it was cooler inside than outside.

Kit Used for This Camp

Here's what I brought to kit out the space:

• OneTigris Black Crystal Mat – inflatable sleeping mat under review

• Echo Arc pump – made setup a breeze

• Kilos Gear lighting & chair – lightweight and reliable

• Berghaus vintage rucksack – still going strong

• Cast iron skillet – heavy but worth it

• Fire pit & fuel – for cooking up a steak baguette

Cooking Attempt: Chaos with a Side of Steak

I'm not a chef. Far from it.

But with ingredients prepped (sort of), I attempted a steak baguette with mushrooms, onions, and horseradish.

The result? Edible. Tasty, even. But chaotic.

• Asparagus = rotten

• Salad = also rotten

• Cooking tools = mostly forgotten

Still, the steak sandwich got made. Fire flared. Bread toasted. Hands burnt. Classic.

A Night to Remember (Or Forget?)

I didn’t plan to fall asleep early, but I did — tented out after a long day.

And something odd happened. The camera kept rolling and picked up… weird noises.

Could be animals. Could be wind. Could be something else. Either way, I’ll let the footage speak for itself.

Morning After: Eggs, Sausage, Disaster (Again)

Breakfast was a classic Andy disaster:

• Sausages burnt

• Eggs nearly lost in the fire

• Pan melted (again)

But it’s all part of the journey. And hey — I made food that wasn’t a ration pack.

Pack Down Challenge: 18 Minutes

I set a timer to see how fast I could pack up the Khan C 500. Final score?

18 minutes, 14 seconds.

Not bad for a tent the size of a studio flat.

Key Takeaways from the KingCamp Khan C 500

• Not for wild stealth camps – far too big and heavy

• Perfect for family holidays – think 4–5 people, base camp luxury

• Ventilation is incredible – great for hot nights

• Takes time and space – don’t expect a quick pitch

• Build quality is top-tier – sturdy poles, premium canvas, solid pegs

• You’ll sweat during setup – bring water and patience!

Final Thoughts

Camping doesn’t have to mean discomfort. And while this wasn’t a typical Beard in the Wild stealth camp, it was an experience I loved.

Sleeping in the KingCamp Khan C 500 felt like glamping in the middle of the woods — but with all the DIY, sweat, and challenges that still make it feel earned.

Would I use this every weekend? I wish! but i wouldn’t be able too

Would I bring it for a proper base camp with friends or family? In a heartbeat.

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