There are many large tent options available from leading manufacturers. Tent materials and designs have improved over the years. So has the size of large tents available. There are some massive ‘tent palaces’ available. These tents are so big they can make your camping space look small!
Manufacturers describe the size of a tent by the number of people that can sleep inside it or number of ‘berths’. There are tents available that can sleep varying groups sizes from 6 to 14 people and more. Yet, you need to give things more consideration when making your decision. Remember that need space in your tent for living and not only sleeping.
Large tents are a nice option for families. Children are happier if they have their own sleeping compartment. They give you plenty of space for your family and to store your gear. Keep in mind, the bigger the tent, the harder it is to put up and the more space it will take up to pack. Large tents also tend to be heavy and bulky.
You also want to make sure your group is comfortable, dry and stay nice and cool on hot summer nights. Weatherproof materials and venitalation are important factors to consider when making your decision.
In this article, we are going to review the following large tents for camping:
- Coleman Montana Tent – 8 Person
- Core 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Coleman WeatherMaster Tent – 10 Person
- CORE Straight Wall Cabin Tent – 10 Person
- Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent – 11 Person
What are the benefits of having a large tent?
One of the biggest benefits of buying a large tent is having a shared living space to enjoy together. You will spend time outdoors and sleep in your tent but you also might want a space to spend time together.
Use this space for meals together, card games or even for children to play.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few tips for camping with a large group to makes things a little easier.
Ideal for large families
A large tent is a nice option for large families. Children will have added comfort with parents nearby. It is also exciting for them to stay in a large shelter that they can help you construct.
You can also keep everything in one place. This makes organising your camp much simpler.
–> You might also like reviews of 10 person tents here.
—> Or reviews of 12 person tents here.
What features to look for when purchasing a large tent?
Ease of setup
Keep in mind, large tents are usually heavy and aren’t designed for you to carry far. They are perfect for car-camping trips. Once you get to camp, you’ll want to get setup quick.
I’ve been there: it’s dark out, cold, the wind is coming and you need to set your tent up to sleep outside. This is the worst time to forget tent instructions but it happens.
You better know how to set your tent up so your family or friends have a place to sleep. This is why choosing a tent that is easy to setup is a good idea.
There are many fast pitch tent designs available that allow you to set up camp in a few minutes. There are also tents with color-coded poles to make it much easier putting it together.
Interior space
Large tents will offer you a generous living space. Sleeping is also another thing to think about. Make sure the tent will be able to sleep the number of people in your group. The manufacturer always lists these details.
It may also be that your group wants some privacy. In this case, a divider inside the tent or separate rooms can be ideal. If you want separate sleeping spaces, it is also helpful to think about entries and exits. This helps avoid stumbling into other areas late at night to get out.
As you will use your tent as a sleeping space, it is also a place to store gear. Families have a lot of stuff and you will need a place to store your gear while camping. Consider buying a tent that sleeps a few more people than your group so that there is room for your items.
When thinking about the layout, consider where everyone will keep their bags. Also, think about group activities. Will you be able to eat or play games if it’s pouring down with rain?
Weatherproof material & features
Most tents havepolyester materials. There are different grades of polyester material available. The waterproofing rating of the material is the Hydrostatic Head. Generally speaking, the higher the number the more waterproof your tent will be.
Some more expensive tents have Polycotton which is a blend of polyester and cotton. The difference is these tents will stay warmer when the weather is cold and cooler when the weather is hot.
Look for added features to keep you comfortable in rain and windy weather. For example, check that the tent comes with a rainfly for an added level of protection. Also check that the flooring of the tent is waterproof as some models do not come with this. Finally, make sure your tent will be sturdy enough to cope with gusts of wind.
Ventilation system in your large tent
Ventilation in your tent is important, especially when sharing it with a larger group. Good airflow will help to keep your large tent cool on hot summer nights.
It will also help to prevent condensation within your tent. This happens when humid air encounters a colder surface. The problem with condensation is that it will make everyone damp and uncomfortable.
Large mesh windows and roof openings will help to ensure there is a decent level of airflow. Also, vents throughout the tent can help to push air up and out of your tent.
Help ventilate your tent by rolling back the rainfly. You can also leave the vestibule door open so humid air and moist air can escape. It also helps to cook and boil water outside of your tent to reduce humidity levels.
1. Coleman Montana Tent – 8 Person
The Coleman Montana Tent is an 8 person tent giving groups some extra sleeping space. There is an extended door awning that creates a dry space for gear. The WeatherTec system and rainfly help keep you dry if it rains. There are also patented welded floors and inverted seam to keep you dry.
Other features like the angled windows you can keep open in the rain. They will help keep you dry and also allow for extra air and circulation.
There is a hinged door for easy in and out of the tent. There is enough interior space for three queen size air beds as well as storage pockets for small items.
Pros
- Spacious 8 person tent
- Space for 3 queen size air beds
- WeatherTec system
- Patented corner welds
- Inverted seams to keep water out
- Extended door awning keeps gear dry
- Hinged door for easy access
- Quick setup in 15 minutes
- Carry bag included for easy transportation
Cons
- Lighter material is less durable
- Not for extreme weather conditions
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
2. Core 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
The Core Instant Cabin tent can sleep up to 12 adults in sleeping bags or fewer campers with lots of gear. The floor plan is 18’ by 10’. There are front and back doors that make it easy to share this tent with many campers. Both doors are covered by awnings.
You can enjoy night time star gazing through the oversized mesh ceiling panels. The heat sealed tape on the rainfly fabric will help keep you dry.
Pros
- Sleep 12 people with an 80 inch center height
- Fits 3 air beds
- Instant setup in 2 minutes
- Water resistant PU coated fabric
- Taped seams to keep moisture out
- Steel poles come pre-assembled for quick setup
- Two included room dividers
- Divide your tent into 3 private living spaces
- Large vents to draw in cool air from the ground
- Mesh ceiling to allow hot air to escape
Cons
- Not for extreme weather conditions
- Lighter materials are less durable
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
3. Coleman WeatherMaster Tent – 10 Person
The Coleman WeatherMaster Tent gives you enough room to fit three queen size air beds. This tent sleeps 10 people It is a two room tent with room for a large group or family. The interior is tall enough to stand in . It has a hinged front door with zippered back door to let people come and go.
It has a WeatherTec system. This features patented floors and inverted seams to help keep you dry if it starts to rain. Reverse angled windows let in the air and light but not the water. There is also an adjustable ventilation system. This allows you to customise your level of comfort.
This tent has a quick set up with color coded poles and continuous pole sleeves. It also stores in the carry bag for easy transportation.
Pros
- Cabin like 10 person tent
- Space for 3 queen size air beds
- Hinged front door for easy entry
- Room divider for extra privacy
- Set up easily in 20 minutes
- Measures 17 by 9 feet
- 6-foot to 8-inch center height
- Leak free seams
- Weather-resistant fabric
- Protected seams to increase weather resistance
- Zipper protection
- Wind strong frame
Cons
- Not for extreme conditions
- Heavy poles
- Not fast setup
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
4. CORE Straight Wall Cabin Tent – 10 Person
The CORE Straight Wall Cabin Tent sleeps 10 people and fits two queen air mattresses. It features water resistant fabrics and seams that are thermal sealed to help keep you dry. There also seals around the door and windows to keep rain out.
Adjustable ground vents help keep the tent ventilated. There is also front and back door access which is convenient for many people sharing a tent to go in and out.
This tent includes poles, rainfly, gear loft, room divider, tent stakes, expandable carry bag and 1 year limited warranty.
Pros
- Tall mesh ceiling with 86 inch center height
- 14 by 10 foot floor size
- Advanced venting system
- Water resistant exterior
- Electrical access port
- Expandable carry bag
- Removable rainfly
- Gear loft
Cons
- Not for extreme weather
- Poles could be more durable
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
5. Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent – 11 Person
The Ozark Trail Tent is an open cabin with an extra attached back room. This tent sleeps 11 people and fits two queen airbeds. It also features a large front awning for protected entry. There is a 76’’ ceiling height for lots of headroom. There is an included room divider and back room door to create three separate living spaces.
There are six large windows. Also, a mesh ceiling for comfortable airflow and ventilation. This tent can be set up in under 2 minutes.
Pros
- Sets up in under 2 minutes
- No assembly required
- Sleeps 11 and fits 2 queen air mattresses
- Large front awning for protected tent entry
- 6 large windows and mesh ceilings for ventilation
- Includes rainfly with factory sealed seams
- Electrical cord access
- Room divider included
- Carry bag included
Cons
- Light material is less durable
- May take more time for setup
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
My recommendation
I know that camping encompasses a wide range of scenarios. You might be pitched on a mountain or next to a lake. You need to pick the tent that fits your preferences and that you will be able to rely on.
If I had to pick my favourite of the tents reviewed above, I would go with the Core 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent. The quick setup in 2 minutes or less makes this tent convenient to construct. Also, you can remove the water repellent rainfly. This exposes the mesh ceiling for panoramic views. I love a bit of star gazing on clear summer nights.
The advanced ventilation system uses the adjustable air intake vent. It pulls cool air from the ground while the mesh ceiling lets the air escape.
I also like how there are two doors available for many people coming in and out. You also have the option of making three rooms with the room divider. This gives you nice freedom to create many separate living and sleeping spaces.
The best tent for your trip deserves careful consideration. Especially when you’re off the beaten track and with a large group. Use this guide to help you choose the best large tent. You should find something for the entire group to stay comfortable.
