Last updated: June 25th, 2023
Short on time? Our pick for the best 6-person tent is the Coleman Weathermaster.
Our picks for the best 6-person tents on the market, whether you’re car camping with friends or the whole family.
Whether it’s a car camping trip with the whole family or a weekend getaway with your friend group, there’s nothing like getting everyone outdoors.
I grew up camping all over the North East. Since then, I’ve trekked in the Andes and the Alps, and I’ve hiked along the Great Wall of China.
I’ve also car camped my way across North America three times, and I walked the oldest long-distance hiking trail in America.
During that time, I picked the wrong tent many times, which translated to cold, wet, and miserable nights.
I’ve snapped tent poles, ripped rain flys, slept too many people in tiny shelters, and learned it all the hard way.
Now, I know exactly what I’m looking for and I’m here to help you find the best 6-person tent for every adventure.
Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.
Here’s a quick look at our recommendations
- Best 6-Person Family Tent – Eureka Copper Canyon
- Best Budget Tent Under $200 – Coleman Sundome
- Best 4-Season Tent for Cold Weather – The North Face Wawona
- Best Tent for Muddy Conditions- Coleman Evanston
- Best 6-Person Blackout Tent – Coleman Dome Tent for Camping
- Best Tent for a Long Weekend Away – REI Co-op Wonderland
- Best Tent with a Screen Room – Coleman Weathermaster
- Easiest 6-Person Tent to Set Up – CORE Instant Cabin Tent
- Best 6-Person Tent for Wind and Rain – REI Co-op Base Camp 6
- Best Waterproof Tent for Rain – Kelty Wireless 6-Person
- Best Cabin Tent – Coleman Cabin Tent
- Best Lightweight 6-Person Backpacking Tent – MSR Habitude
- Best 6-Person Air Tent – Crua Outdoors Core 6-Person Tent
- Best 6-person Tent with Vestibule- Nemo Aurora Highrise Tent
- Best Canvas Tent – Teton Sports Mesa
- Best Tent for Hot Weather – Eureka Space Camp
- Best Luxury Tent – Unistrength Canvas Bell Tent
#1 Eureka Copper Canyon
Best 6-Person Family Tent
Floor area: 100 ft²
Weight: 25.4 lbs
Height: 84 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: No
The Eureka Copper Canyon is the best 6-person tent for family car camping trips.
While it might not be the largest 6-man tent on this list, the Eureka Copper Canyon has a very high peak height of seven feet.
This means it’ll be comfortable for even the tallest person at camp.
The steep walls offer plenty of space to move around inside, and the rooftop mesh provides great ventilation and lots of stargazing opportunities.
Even though there isn’t a vestibule, the rain fly extends over the door to keep rain from entering while you go in and out.
Other tent features include an overhead gear storage loft and a zippered extension cord opening.
This Copper Canyon tent has a combination of pole clips and sleeves, and one person can easily set it up in 10 minutes.
Keep in mind that the steel poles add extra weight to this tent. However, they also make it more durable in wind, which is a plus.
You can toss this 6-person instant tent in the trunk after work on a Friday night, knowing that setting up camp will be a breeze.
PROS
- Tall-person friendly!
- Plenty of storage pockets
- Quick setup
- Sturdy steel poles
CONS
- The rainfly doesn’t extend down over the windows, which could result in leaks if there’s an intense storm
- Similar tents weigh 5 lbs less, so this is best as a car camping tent
#2 Coleman Sundome
Best Budget 6-Person Tent Under $200
Floor area: 100 ft²
Weight: 16.3 lbs
Height: 72 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No
The Coleman Sundome is the best budget 6-person tent in the $100-$200 range.
Coleman is a classic tent brand that has been around for ages, and the Sundome is the ultimate tent for budget summer family camping trips.
The Sundome 6 has plenty of interior space with a 10 x 10 footprint and a standing height of six feet.
It also has a port for an extension cord and internal storage pockets.
Despite having no vestibule and no full-length rain fly, the bathtub bottom and wide overhang above the door keeps things dry in light rain.
Your biggest difficulty with this tent is high winds. Fiberglass poles are fine for breezy mornings, but not suitable for sleeping on a windy mountain.
There are also no pop-out ventilation ports for summer heat and the mesh windows are completely covered when the rain fly is on.
That being said, the Sundome is the best inexpensive 6-person tent.
And the low cost means you don’t have to worry about letting the dogs inside or leaving it with the kids at summer camp.
PROS
- Cheap! One of the few 6-person camping tents below $200
- Heavy-duty bathtub bottom means no need for a ground cloth
- Lighter and smaller than more complicated tents
- Center height is tall enough to stand up while changing clothes (for people under 6 ft)
CONS
- Fiberglass poles
- Only one door
- No ventilation ports, so it might get stuffy with six people when the fly is on
#3 The North Face Wawona
Best 4-Season 6-Person Tent for Cold Weather
Floor area: 86.11 ft²
Weight: 20 lbs 15 oz.
Height: 76 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: Yes, 44.7 ft²
The North Face Wawona six-person tent is a serious 4-season tent (with a serious price).
The North Face makes its tents like its jackets: durable and with just the right number of pockets.
And if you’re looking for a spacious tent, the North Face Wawona 6 might be your new best friend.
This is a super spacious tent with a vestibule that can be set up as a “living room” area completely separate from your sleeping area.
The combination of the giant vestibule and waterproofing make the North Face Wawona a great 6-person tent for rain and cold weather.
You can sit outside and read a book while staying dry.
Now, keep in mind that the North Face Wawona 6 is more complicated to pitch than the Sundome.
However, it’s worth it for a week of relaxing in your home away from home.
With its higher North Face price point, it’s only practical for regular car campers who are ready to invest in a tent that will last them for years.
PROS
- Durable
- Plenty of storage pockets and covered space for camping gear
- 6 ft 4in peak height for tall people
- The vestibule is great for rainy weather
CONS
- Not suited for high winds
- Takes extra hands to help with the setup
#4 Coleman Evanston
Best Tent for Muddy Conditions
Floor dimensions: 91.8 ft²
Weight: 20 lbs 2oz
Height: 71 inches
Seasons: 4-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No, but it has a screened porch
If you’ve ever been attacked by midges or black flies during high summer, you know the value of a screen room sitting area.
The Coleman Evanston is a simple tent with a screened porch. It’s perfect for mellow evenings in nature without the bug bites or big price tags.
The sleeping area accommodates two queen-size mattresses, and the screen room is big enough for a small table, the dogs, or the cousin who decided to join last minute.
A welded bottom and inverted seams also make the Coleman Evanston more waterproof than the average 6-person tent.
The rainfly doesn’t, however, cover the screen room porch, so just remember to take your shoes inside.
If a full coverage rain fly is important to you and you can fork out an extra $100, I’d recommend Coleman’s Weathermaster, which has an even bigger screen room that’s fully covered.
PROS
- Not much more expensive than the Coleman Sundome 6, but has a screen room porch
- Waterproof floor and rainfly
- More floor space than some of the pricier tents
CONS
- Only one door
- The rain fly doesn’t cover the porch, so camping gear left out will get wet
#5 Coleman Dome Tent for Camping
Best 6-Person Blackout Tent
Floor dimensions: 91.8 ft²
Weight: 21 lbs 5 oz
Height: 68 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No, but it has a screen room
I always fantasize about sleeping in on restful camping trips. Then the sun rises, and I’m up at the crack of dawn.
That’s why the dark room technology of the Coleman Dome Tent for Camping is my best friend.
The dome tent walls block 90% of sunlight, keeping it dark throughout the day.
As a bonus, reflecting sunlight also keeps the inside cooler on hot summer camping trips.
And when the rain rolls in unexpectedly, everyone can huddle up inside.
The Coleman Weathertec system has bathtub floors, welded corners, and inverted seams.
Really though, this is the best 6-person dark tent on the market because while others can promise to keep the sun and rain out, this one also has an additional seating area that’s fully screened in.
Does life get much better than sleeping in and not being covered in mosquito bites?
PROS
- Dark room technology blocks 90% of sunlight and keeps the tent cooler
- Coleman Weathertec weatherproofing
- Guylines and sturdy pole structure for high winds
- Affordable
- Screen room
CONS
- The screen room isn’t fully waterproof
- No mesh roof for stargazing, but the back wall has a full-size mesh window
#6 REI Co-op Wonderland
Best Tent for a Long Weekend Away
Floor dimensions: 83.3 ft²
Weight: 22 lbs 15 oz
Height: 78 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: No, but there is an awning
If you’re heading out on a family camping trip, it’s time to check out the spacious REI Co-op Wonderland.
As a reference point, this REI 6-person tent is basically the next generation of the REI Kingdom 6.
Like the REI Kingdom, the REI Co-op Wonderland tent is massive. It’s 6 feet and 6 inches tall with steep walls for maximum height throughout.
It also has a unique upgraded pole structure that’s more stable in wind and mesh walls for better ventilation.
Remember how hot the Kingdom got, even without the fly?
Additionally, the REI Co-op Wonderland has a zig-zag window design and scalloped rainfly.
It’s not the best design for serious rain, but it’s excellent for fair-weather trips.
I also like it because I can change without flashing the entire campground, yet not sweat to death in a stuffy tent.
Another feature that makes this the best 6-man camping tent for family trips is the room divider.
Having two rooms is essential after day two of spending 24 hours together.
With all of these great updates, I still wish the Wonderland had vestibules.
It’s not a dealbreaker since the tent is so roomy, but I hope that REI’s next iteration has vestibules.
PROS
- Mesh walls and a scalloped rainfly for optimal ventilation with the fly on
- Very tall ceiling compared to dome-shaped tents
- Low windows at sleeping bag height for kids
- Walls are solid at mid-level for privacy
- Room divider
- Lightweight aluminum poles
CONS
- Would be more rainproof with a full-coverage rainfly
- Awnings over each door, but no vestibules
#7 Coleman Weathermaster
Best 6-Person Tent with a Screen Room
Floor dimensions: 129 ft²
Weight: 34 lbs 1oz
Height: 82 inches
Seasons: 4-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: Yes
It’s time for the Coleman Weathermaster, my favorite 6-person tent for windy conditions, rain, and high heat thanks to the covered screen room.
This tent is a step up from Coleman’s Evanston, with the difference being that the screen room is fully covered by the rainfly.
You’ll be safe from bugs on hot days and safe from rain on wet days while playing cards or eating dinner.
As I mentioned above, Coleman makes good-quality budget tents. And I think of the Weathermaster as the budget version of The North Face Wawona 6.
It’s easily the best 6-person tent for the money.
The tent shape has no extra bells and whistles, making it straightforward to assemble. It’s one long tunnel with an entrance through the vestibule space and another through the opposite side.
This Coleman tent also features a 6-foot, 10-inch peak height and a removable room divider for more privacy. And it has a bathtub-bottom sleeping area with inverted seams.
One thing to note is that there isn’t a floor under the porch area.
Bring along an outdoor rug and the Weathermaster becomes the best 6-8-person tent since two extra people can sleep in the covered screen room on warm summer nights.
PROS
- Massive screened-in porch protected by rainfly
- Room divider between the sleeping area and porch
- Taller than any dome tent so people who are 6 feet can comfortably stand inside
- Coleman Weathertec waterproofing
- Hinged door
CONS
- Inexpensive compared to the Wawona but a big jump in price from the Evanston
- The screened-in area has weather protection from the top but not the bottom
#8 CORE Instant Cabin Tent
Easiest 6-Person Tent to Set Up
Floor area: 99 ft²
Weight: 24 lbs
Height: 72 inches
Seasons: 2-Season (advertised as 3 but I wouldn’t recommend it)
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No
While other tents on this list advertise a “fast pitch” for easy setup, the CORE Instant Cabin is truly one of the fastest with a setup that takes just 60 seconds.
This will be a lifesaver when you roll into camp with tired and hungry kids–instant setup to the rescue.
There aren’t vestibules on this tent, but there’s a lot of interior space and a superior organizational pocket system that makes sense for large groups.
Additionally, the CORE Instant Cabin tent poles are steel, which means they’re heavy but extra durable.
I don’t recommend this tent for winter camping since the fabric is rated “water-resistant” and not waterproof.
Waterproofing sprays will help prepare this tent for surprise light rain though.
Besides the easy setup, what really makes the CORE the best 6-person instant tent is its superior ventilation.
It has high and low vents for cool air to enter and hot air to rise out of the ceiling, which helps a lot with ventilation.
PROS
- Fast setup
- Great gear organizer inside
- Durable poles
- Great ventilation
CONS
- Not waterproof
- Setup is fast but takes two people
#9 REI Co-op Base Camp 6
Best 6-Person Tent for Wind and Rain
Floor area: 84 ft²
Weight: 20 lbs 10 oz
Height: 74 inches
Seasons: 3-4 Seasons
Doors: 2
Vestibule: Yes, 2 (27ft² and 17 ft²)
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 tent has a little bit of everything and a whole lot of durability.
It’s the best 6-person tent for high winds and a good choice for hunkering down in to wait out any storm.
The full-cover rainfly and bathtub bottom offer maximum protection and waterproofing.
And the aluminum poles are dome-shaped, so it offers more headroom while still being sturdier in wind and rain.
Unlike most dome tents, some tall people will be able to stand up inside the Base Camp tent with its peak height of 6’2″.
And let me tell you, it’s SO nice to stretch my back even when I can’t go outside.
There are also two roof vents and low-side vents for optimal chimney-style circulation.
Being able to open these from the inside is especially handy when it’s blustery outside, but you desperately need some ventilation.
If you’re looking at a stormy forecast, this is one of the best 6-person tents for bad weather and a good bang for your buck.
PROS
- Reliable weather resistance
- More rugged than your average family tent
- A 6-person dome tent that has nearly vertical walls for more space and height
CONS
- Aluminum poles are prone to bending in high winds
- Doesn’t come with a footprint–although the bathtub bottom will probably suffice
#10 Kelty Wireless 6 Person
Best 6-Person Waterproof Tent for Rain
Floor area: 86.9 ft²
Weight: 17 lbs 3 oz
Height: 76 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: Yes
The Kelty Wireless 6-Person tent wouldn’t be my first pick for sleeping in the heat of summer, but it’s the best 6-person tent for heavy rain.
Twenty square feet of vestibule area offers plenty of space for dirty boots, backpacking gear, and whatever other camping gear you have.
The mesh roof allows for ventilation and stargazing when it’s nice out, but it comes with a rainfly for when the clouds roll in.
The sides are also made of waterproof material, so you don’t have to worry about water seeping in if it’s raining cats and dogs.
The front vestibule becomes a closed area when the rainfly is on. Otherwise, the door has an open view–not the best for privacy, but this won’t be an issue if it’s raining.
The Kelty Wireless 6 tent is as tough and durable as backpacking tents but much roomier.
However, it’s a little heavier than the comparable MSR Habitude backpacking tent, which I prefer for backcountry adventures.
PROS
- Simple, quick setup
- Super lightweight compared to most non-backpacking 6-person tents
- Waterproof sides and rainfly
CONS
- Could improve ventilation with more side windows
- The front window has no privacy without the rainfly
#11 Coleman Cabin Tent
Best Cabin Tent
Floor area: 90 ft²
Weight: 24.7 lbs
Height: 72 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No
This Coleman 6-person cabin tent is more than just a spacious shelter, it’s one of the best tents for easy setup.
Like the CORE, the Coleman Cabin Tent can be set up in just 60 seconds.
It features Coleman’s signature UV-blocking tent fabric, which helps keep the tent cool in hot, sunny weather. The blackout feature also lets you sleep in later.
Unfortunately, this camping tent for six uses zip-close panels instead of a real rainfly.
While Coleman advertises this as a “built-in rainfly,” it doesn’t work as well as a traditional rainfly.
So, if you plan to use this tent in rainy conditions, make sure to purchase a separate rainfly first.
Still, I love this cabin tent. It’s the best Coleman 6-person instant tent when it comes to low-stress summer camping.
PROS
- Easy setup
- A lot of space inside
- Darkroom fabric is a lifesaver in hot weather
CONS
- No rainfly–not great in wet weather
- No vestibule
#12 MSR Habitude
Best Lightweight 6-Person Backpacking Tent
Floor area: 83 ft²
Weight: 14 lbs
Height: 73 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: Yes
The MSR Habitude weighs around 2.2 lbs per person, making it the best lightweight 6-person tent for camping off-the-beaten trail.
For example, my friends like camping on the beach, which requires carrying our supplies down a trail and over the sand dunes.
As the lightest tent on this list, the Habitude is perfect for when you want to set up camp away from the car.
At 16 lbs, the Eureka Space Camp is the closest alternative in weight. Still, the Habitude has a few tent features that make it more backcountry trail-worthy in my book.
Most notably, the Habitude has an ultra-waterproof floor, so you can get away with not carrying a ground cloth. This helps keep the total weight even lower (minimum trail weight is 13.6 lbs).
And although there’s only one door, the Habitude has an extra-large vestibule and comes with an integrated “porch light,” which makes it much easier to get in and out of in the dark.
PROS
- Hubbed poles and color-coded clips for easy setup
- Very lightweight
- A lot of space considering the low weight
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a ground cloth
- Ventilation can be poor with the fly on
- Needs to be guyed out for the fly to work correctly
#13 Teton Sports Mesa
Best Canvas Tent
Floor area: 100 ft²
Weight: 71.5 lbs
Height: 78 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: Yes
The Teton Sports Mesa is one of the more heavy-duty 6-person tents on this list.
Unlike most tents made with polyester or nylon, the Mesa is made with cotton canvas and pitched with carbon steel poles for extra durability.
At 70 pounds, it’s bulky but the toughest tent that we’ve picked out, best for extended family camping or festival camping.
Its most impressive features include highly waterproof fabric and the ability to withstand high winds.
As a bonus, the canvas has a filtering effect that keeps out smoky air.
The durability, two extra-wide doors, an awning, and a heavy-duty vinyl floor are the other main draws to the Teton Sports Mesa.
It also has an extension cord port and special gear organizers.
When I say that this is one of the best 6-person tents, I’m not exaggerating. I would trust this tent in any weather, all year round.
PROS
- Durable
- Modular internal gear storage space
- Straightforward setup
- Waterproof canvas
CONS
- Extremely big and heavy
- Limited awning space
#14 Crua Outdoors Core 6-Person Tent
Best 6-Person Air Tent
Floor area: 124.4 ft²
Weight: 41 lbs 13 oz
Height: 92 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1 (+3 small doors for attaching Duo tents)
Vestibule: No, but there is a porch!
Alright, it’s time to live out your dreams of living on the moon with this high-tech air beam tent and all of its off-shoot tent rooms.
The Crua Outdoors Core 6-Person Tent looks like a space habitat, and I’m here for it.
Crua Outdoors is based out of Ireland and is known for its climate-controlled tents that help you get the best night’s sleep while camping.
And the Crua Core 6-Person is a monstrous tent with one of the highest ceilings on this list.
It’s also a 6-person tent that truly fits six people. Plus, there are three small doors for attaching Duo and Duo Max tents with “cocoon” insulation for 4-season camping.
This is a good option if you’re looking for the best 6-8-person tent because it can grow and shrink depending on which friends want to go camping this weekend.
With all of the Duo tents attached, the Crua Core can sleep up to 12 people.
Now, if you’re cringing at the price tag, you’re not alone!
But if convenience is a priority for you, the really nice thing about inflatable tents is the ease of set-up. There are no poles to clip, slip, or break.
Using a good air pump, you can set this baby up in under 15 minutes.
And as with your air mattress, you can cut that time in half if you have an electric air pump.
With that said, expect it to take 30 minutes the first time if this is your first air beam tent experience.
PROS
- Giant porch with the ability to fully open or close it
- Comes with an air pump
- Very waterproof
- Compatable with Crua Clan off-shoot tents
- Lot’s of guylines for windy weather
- Two-year warranty against manufacturing defects
CONS
- The air pump is low quality–I recommend buying a separate one
- The porch isn’t screened in
- Expensive
#15 Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P Tent
Best 6-person Tent with a Vestibule
Floor area: 83 ft²
Weight: 18 lbs 14 oz
Height: 77 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: Yes, 2 (23.6 ft² + 23.6 ft²)
It’s no wonder that the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P Tent is one of the best 6-person tents of 2024.
I’m always looking for tents that use space efficiently, and that’s exactly what the Nemo Aurora does–even more than its “covered wagon” cousin, the Nemo Wagontop.
First off, it has two huge vestibules. With the rainfly on, you have 47.2 ft² of storage space for wet and stinky gear.
And the windows are designed to promote good airflow even with the rainfly on.
That being said, the window design isn’t my favorite if the forecast calls for rain.
There’s an overhang that shades the windows in the sun but tends to flap in the wind.
Also, the windows aren’t water-tight, which was a problem with the beloved Nemo Wagontop 6P Tent too.
Still, this tent has high-quality materials and features like the nightlight lantern pocket that diffuses light gently.
Additionally, the near-verticle walls make this tent over six feet tall so most adults can walk around inside.
And no-See-Um mesh walls and roof add privacy when the rainfly is off.
Lastly, the Nemo Aurora Highrise is made of flame-retardent (FR) fabric that doesn’t use potentially harmful FR chemicals.
PROS
- Two giant vestibules
- Aluminum poles
- Nightlight lantern pocket
- Near vertical walls, but with the stability of a dome tent
- Flame retardant (FR) fabric that doesn’t use FR chemicals
CONS
- No e-port
- The windows allow great ventilation but aren’t water-tight
CHECK PRICE ON:
#16 Eureka Space Camp
Best Tent for Hot Weather
Floor area: 83 ft²
Weight: 16 lbs
Height: 76 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: Yes, 2
The Eureka Space Camp is ideal for hot weather because it has wide mesh windows and a high-low venting system that promotes airflow through the tent.
This tent has vertical walls and a lot of standing room even at the corners, but the floor is a bit smaller than other tents on this list.
This might make for more crowded sleeping if you’re camping with six people.
The Space Camp also has two doors that open wide for easy entry/exit and large vestibules by both doors.
At 16 lbs, it’s one of the lightest tents on this list and affordable for a tent built with quality poles and fabric.
One of the few downsides to this tent is that the mesh paneling doesn’t entirely cover the roof, so it’s not quite as well suited for stargazing.
However, it does have a well-designed fly that can roll up and out of the way when it’s dry for better ventilation.
PROS
- Good ventilation built into the fly–ideal for hot weather
- Two doors with very big vestibules
- Tall enough for most campers to stand
- Lightweight
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a ground cloth
- Doesn’t have blackout fabric (like some Coleman tents) which is nice to have in hot weather
#17 Unistrength Canvas Bell Tent
Best Luxury Tent
Floor area: 258 ft²
Weight: 77 lbs
Height: 9 ft 10in
Seasons: 4-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No
The Unistrength Canvas Bell Tent is not really playing in the same league as the other tents on this list.
With 300 square feet of floor space, a peak height of 9 feet and 10 inches, and a total weight of more than 70 lbs, the Unistrength tent is hands down the best luxury 6-person tent.
And really, it’s more of a semi-permanent yurt than a regular tent.
It’s larger, harder to move, and more difficult to set up than the other tents we’ve listed.
But, if you’re looking for a luxury home away from home, the Unistrength will likely be the best camping experience you’ve ever had.
Technically, the 4m diameter version fits six people in sleeping bags. But I recommend the 5m diameter tent for six people, which fits three queen-size air mattresses.
Remember, these tents are designed for luxury glamping with camping furniture and even a tent stove so that you’re comfortable in winter weather!
During the summer, you can enjoy four windows and pop-up vents on the roof to let hot air out.
And the bathtub-style groundsheet can also be zipped off for more airflow.
As a bonus, it’s pitched with rust-treated carbon steel poles, and the floor is made from ultra-thick PVC.
One of Unistrength’s main drawbacks is its stakes. If you buy this tent, I’d recommend purchasing stronger stakes to withstand high winds.
Also, give yourself plenty of set-up time because the stakes and poles aren’t color-coated.
This tent would make a great set piece at large events like weddings, as a rustic guest house, or as a glamping tent with a group of friends.
PROS
- Extremely strong and ready for cold weather camping
- Has a fireproof hole for a wood stove
- As tall and spacious as a yurt
- Elegant as sun or rain protection at weddings, parties, and events
- The zip-off bottom makes the tent well-ventilated and easier to clean
CONS
- Will probably need stronger stakes
- Takes a group to set up
- Weighs 77 pounds! Tough to transport frequently
What to Look for in a Six-Person Tent
Size & Floor Space
The “best tent” isn’t the best camping tent if you’re too tall to lie down in it.
With a large six-person tent, this is less of a concern.
However, you’ll still want to do your research on the inner tent body to double-check the square footage of the floor space and the length of the sides.
Vertical walls in cabin tents make your tent feel larger inside and more livable, which is important for 6-person tents.
Also, it’s good to prioritize having multiple entrances so that campers aren’t crawling over each other to exit.
Lastly, keep in mind that tents are rated for six people in theory, but even some of the best 6-person tents are really better suited for four people.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the key features of any high-quality camping tent. With 6-person tents, this is even more important.
Good ventilation will reduce smells, keep you from overheating, and keep condensation at bay.
When the inside of a tent is warmer than the outside, condensation accumulates under the rainfly.
This can happen in any weather condition, regardless of a tent’s weather protection.
Large mesh panels at multiple levels around the tent are best for ventilation.
It’s also a plus if the tent has ventilating points in the ceiling and at ground level.
This allows cold air to enter at low points and hot air to rise out, creating better circulation.
Weatherproofing
Rainfly
In my experience, it’s impossible to sleep well in a wet tent. Make sure your tent is waterproof from above and below.
For camping in rainy conditions, the rainfly should cover the entire tent wall, from peak to floor.
It should also extend several inches out from the tent body, keeping the whole tent area dry.
Half-coverage rain flies (common on a basic summer camping tent) work best for dry seasons.
Also, make sure there’s at least an inch or two of room between the tent body and the fly when the tent is pitched.
If not, your wet fly will soon lead to a wet tent and wet gear inside.
Ground Cloth vs Bathtub Bottom
All tents used to need a ground cloth to protect the floor and keep water from seeping up.
Now, ground cloths aren’t always needed with newer bathtub bottom tents.
Bathtub bottoms are made of heavy-duty, leak-proof material and seams a few inches off the ground.
Materials
Polyester taffeta, nylon, canvas, vinyl, and polyester oxford are all common tent fabrics (with mid-weight, mid-priced polyester taffeta being the most common choice for 6-person tents).
Nylon is usually the best fabric for lightweight tents. It’s tougher than polyester, as well as thinner and lighter.
Some 4-season tents use cotton canvas, which provides more insulation and breathability.
Cotton canvas also prevents condensation from forming–something that’s especially relevant for six-person tents!
Poles
In high winds, aluminum and steel tent poles are less likely to bend or snap, with steel being the strongest.
Carbon fiber and fiberglass poles are lightweight and strong but known to splinter or snap in low temperatures and high winds.
However, they’re usually fine for car camping.
Seam Sealing
Most camping tents come seam-sealed but double-check before purchasing.
Even if a tent comes seam-sealed, you’ll want to reseal it after a few years to keep it from tearing or leaking.
Looking to protect your tent from the weather? Check out our detailed guides on the best waterproofing sprays for tents and how to waterproof a tent.
Ease of Setup
Modern 6-person camping tents typically have color-coded components and a simple pole structure.
Look for unified poles that are linked together so they can’t be lost and pole clips instead of sleeves.
You’ll also want to check the estimated setup time and the number of people needed for setup before purchasing any six-person tent.
The best 6-person tents for family outings are “fast-pitch” with pre-locked poles that are easy to pop into place.
Gear Storage Space
In a six-person tent, I strongly recommend having two doors and two vestibules.
Vestibules are an ideal storage space for shoes and other dirty gear that you want out of the way.
Having at least six internal storage pockets (one per camper) also helps with organization. It’s a bonus if your tent comes with an overhead gear loft.
Looking for more tent options? Check out our articles on the best one-person tents, 2-person tents, 4-person tents, 8-person tents, 10-person tents, 12-person tents, family tents, large camping tents, 3-room tents, instant tents, pop-up tents, inflatable tents, tunnel tents, canvas tents, waterproof tents, insulated tents, winter tents, tents with stove jacks, glamping tents, SUV tents, motorcycle tents, tents for wind, tents with an AC port, tents with a screen room, and cabin tents.
More Questions and Tips for Buying a 6-person Tent
Who makes the best 6-person tents? What is the best 6-man tent to buy?
There’s no single brand that makes the best 6-person tents. The best tent is best for your specific needs.
Basic Coleman 6-person tents like the WeatherMaster, Sundome, or Evanston are typically good for family weekend camping.
However, if you’re a serious camper, check out more heavy-duty 6-person tents like the MSR Habitude or the REI Co-op Base Camp Wonderland.
How big is a 6-person tent? What is a good tent for 6 people?
Many people buy 6-person tents for four people and 8-person tents for six people.
Six-person tents typically have a square floor plan of 70-100 square feet. Cabin tents usually feel roomier because of their nearly vertical walls.
How heavy is a 6-person tent?
The best 6-person tents weigh no more than 15-20 pounds. Think about how far you’ll have to move the tent if you opt for a heavier one.
Is a 6-person tent too big?
Not if you want to fit six people into the same tent.
I do, however, think that six-person tents are harder to manage than carrying two 4-person tents, for example.
And they’re usually too big for backpacking trips.
As a kid, the idea of sleeping in a giant tent with all of my friends was exciting. Now that I’m an adult, I would much rather split into two groups.
My family usually has the adults sleep in one tent, and the kids sleep in another.
How much should I spend on a tent? Are expensive tents worth it?
How often are you camping? How much are you asking of your tent?
Don’t break the budget if you plan on pitching your tent once or twice per summer.
More expensive tents come with specific tent features designed to make them more durable, comfortable, or portable.
Backpacking and winter tents will be the most expensive because they’re made of more expensive materials.
Keep in mind that for simple family car camping trips, you just need enough square feet of floor space for everyone to sleep at night.
Hopefully, the rest of the time will be spent outside.
When’s the best time to buy a tent?
Tents are typically cheaper after the summer season.
Keep an eye on specific store sales, though. For example, REI usually has big sales around Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What is the best 6-person tent for tall people?
The Eureka Copper Canyon tent is seven feet tall. But if that’s not tall enough, the Crua Outdoor Core 6-person inflatable tent has a peak height of 7.5 feet!
Should I get a 6-person or 8-person tent?
For summer camping tents, I prefer to err on the side of extra room. Getting an 8-person tent to ensure that all six campers will have plenty of space is a good idea.
A bigger tent is a bigger commitment though, so the best 6-8-person tent (if you don’t plan on always sleeping eight people) is Coleman’s Weathermaster.
The Weathermaster has a large covered screen room to hang out in and to sleep additional campers.
How many mattresses fit in a 6-person tent?
The best 6-person tents fit two queen-size air mattresses. Don’t expect a lot of space for walking between the mattresses though.
Conclusion: Our Pick For the Best 6-Person Tent
If you’re still confused about which tent to purchase, no worries. My top pick for the best 6-person camping tent is the Coleman Weathermaster.
This tent is one of the most comfortable for a fun weekend of summer camping with the family or a group of friends.
The screened-in porch creates a specific area for eating dinner and relaxing without being eaten alive by bugs.
Additionally, the Coleman Weathermaster is the best 6-person tent because it’s a tent and a canopy in one. It can hold up to summer showers and keep the vestibule area dry.
For warm-weather camping, you can roll up the rainfly to enjoy the breeze and views. In inclement weather, you can hang out and stay dry in the vestibule.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristi Allen
Kristi Allen is a freelance journalist and travel writer from the US, specializing in all things outdoors. She grew up hiking and backcountry skiing in the North East and has driven 15,000 miles across the US and Canada in an ongoing quest to visit every national park. Kristi covered politics before moving abroad and living in Peru, Italy, and China. She is currently exploring the US by van.
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