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Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or hosting an outdoor event, investing in a large tent may be worth your while. But how do you know which option is right for you? To help you narrow your search, we at MtnScoop have evaluated the top large tents on the market based on space, capacity, durability, and customer approval.
While there is no official definition of a large tent, for the purposes of these rankings, we consider any tent that can sleep eight or more people to be a large tent.
If you want to camp with some room to spare for gear and comfort, a good rule of thumb is to look for a tent that sleeps two more than the number of people that you actually plan to have sleep in the tent. For example, if you plan to have four people stay in the tent, you should look for a six-person tent. An average-size adult needs between 20 and 25 square feet of floor space for sleeping, while children need between 15-20 square feet.
Be aware that large tents are typically very heavy and are best suited for car camping. Additionally, the setup for a large tent is often recommended to be done by two people.
Large tents are very popular for family camping, providing more space and comfort and room dividers for dedicated kids spaces. They are also a great option for festivals or events. Some have even turned these large tents into seasonal outdoor rooms in their backyard or deck, complete with carpets, outdoor furniture, lights and fans.
Here is our list of best large tents.
The Alpha Wall Tent by Whiteduck is the gold standard when it comes to sturdiness thanks to its tough fabric and sturdy steel brackets. This model is a year-round tent that comes in six different sizes, the largest 16 feet by 24 feet. The largest size is not meant for full-capacity sleeping, but rather to offer space for things like a table, chairs, stove, and even bathrooms. The ability to accommodate these luxuries makes this tent great for glamping. The Alpha Wall comes with an included stove jack, which makes this tent a popular choice for semi-permanent campgrounds. This tent is a favorite amongst hunters who often set up camp for several weeks at a time during colder weather months.
The CAMPROS 12-person tent offers a relatively easy-to-assemble option for larger groups. The color-coded rods and slots, combined with minimal equipment and accessories, makes setup a snap. The tent sleeps 12 people with sleeping bags, or can fit three queen air mattresses. The removable rain fly features extra wide, thick tape that is designed to withstand downpours and heavier winds. However, the rain fly can be easily pulled back to allow for viewing of the sky.
The Super Arizona GT 12 Person Tent by NTK is a mid-priced tent that can be used in the fall, spring or summer months. The tent is designed with families in mind: It is spacious, sturdy and has a lot of room to store supplies. There is even a gear loft to help keep the tent organized. What’s more, the tent can be divided into multiple rooms for added privacy. Meanwhile, lantern hooks and large windows allow for plenty of light.
While light from the stars or campfire can be great, sometimes campers need a little extra visibility. This tent, which comes in six, nine, 10 and 12 person capacities, is a mid-price-point tent with built-in lighting. The integrated lights can be set to three different brightness levels: high, low, and night light. A wall-mounted light switch on both the inside and outside of the tent controls LED lights built into the ceiling poles. Another popular feature of this tent is the room divider, which improves privacy.
The shape of this tent may not seem as though it could accommodate larger groups. However, the design actually helps maximize space and allows for a separate area for gear storage. The storage area can also provide shade or serve as a hang-out area in inclement weather. This relatively affordable tent also features large mesh side walls with three windows that provide ample cross ventilation.
The 12×12 Cabin Lodge Tent bills itself as “rugged meets refinement,” and while it’s more expensive than other large tent options, many customers feel it’s worth the cost. This all-season tent is made with 100-percent cotton duck canvas that boasts a tight weave and silicone finish to keep the tent dry without feeling stuffy. The canvas also reduces condensation and mugginess. This large tent features a stove jack that allows for use of a wood burning stove. In addition to the thick and durable material, this tent has a tough vinyl sewn-in floor with welded seams and one-inch, galvanized steel tubing frames that withstand most strong winds and even snow.
This large and affordable tent is a popular choice for outdoor music festivals, parties, and light family camping trips. The tent holds 10 sleeping bags or three queen-size air mattresses and can reportedly be put together in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for those who despise setting up and breaking down camp. The removable divider screen serves a dual purpose: not only does it separate the tent into two rooms, it can also double as a projector screen for outdoor movie nights.
The Coleman® Skylodge™ Instant Camping Tent, which comes in four-, six-, eight-, 10-, and 12-person sizes, can reportedly be set up in just a couple minutes thanks to the tent’s telescoping pre-attached poles. This mid-price-point tent features a proprietary WeatherTec™ system, with welded corners and inverted seams that help keep campers and their gear dry. Meanwhile, the tent can withstand winds up to 35 miles per hour. The spacious tent boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a room divider that can be used to partition the tent into two.
The Regatta Bell Tent by Whiteduck earns praise for its functionality and versatility, as well as its stylish circular “yurt” design. This four-season tent can withstand some of the harshest weather conditions thanks to resistance from galvanized steel poles and shock-absorbing grounding system. Additionally, the proprietary DYNADUCK fabric with 8.5 oz army duck cotton canvas and a water repellent, mold & UV resistant finish helps keep the tent dry, no matter the weather. It is great for winter camping and hunting thanks to a pre-installed stove jack.
This winter tent may feature a higher price tag than other options, but that is because it is specifically designed to withstand harsh elements and extreme weather conditions. Its geodesic shape, seven-pole structure, and rugged and durable waterproof materials help this tent hold its ground against heavy wind and precipitation. Given its sturdiness, the Alaskan Guide Model is a popular choice for fall and winter camping trips. What’s more, this tent has a separate vestibule for gear storage, so you don’t have to bring wet or muddy gear into the tent.
Albeit lacking many of the flashy amenities that come with other large tents, this affordable option has its perks. Firstly, it’s lighter and easier to set up than many large tents, comparable almost to a standard-size option. Secondly, because it doesn’t have windows, this tent creates a blackout environment for those whose sleep is easily disturbed by light. Inside, storage pouches and a gear loft help with organization. Meanwhile, the Dark Room Skydome’s welded corners and sturdy material can withstand winds up to 35 miles per hour.
This durable, watertight and breathable tent is one of the most versatile on the list as its features adapt to most year-round weather conditions, even light snow. However, the extra protection this tent provides against the weather also makes it heavier to carry. The large triangle windows provide not just a great view, but also extra ventilation and openness – a crucial feature in hot summer weather. And with plenty of storage pockets and a gear loft, you’ll have tons of space to store your stuff.