11 Best Large Camping Tents for the Whole Family

Reviewed by Jodelle Marx
Last updated:

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Short on time? Our pick for the best large family camping tent is the Eureka Copper Canyon.

My picks for the best large camping tents on the market right now, whether you’re camping with a group of friends or the whole family.

Whether you’ve been camping for a long time or it’s a relatively new hobby you’ve picked up, it pays to have the right gear.

And your tent is arguably the most important piece of gear to invest in if you plan to go camping.

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably looking for a roomy family camping tent or a tent for a group of friends for a fun weekend away.

This article is designed to make it as easy as possible to choose the right camping tent for you and your group based on several factors–from cost to ease of setup, durability, and more.

As someone who has camped all over the world in various terrains and weather, you can rest assured that I’ve done the heavy lifting in terms of research so you don’t have to.

These are my picks for the best large camping tents on the market right now that are all worthwhile investments, depending on what you’re looking for.

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.

Point of view of a person's legs crossed as they lounge in the open doorway of an orange tent, with trees on the horizon.

Here’s a Quick Look at Our Recommendations

#1 Eureka Copper Canyon 12-Person Tent

Best Large Family Camping Tent

Product photo showing the white and orange Eureka Copper Canyon Tent.

Floor area: 168 sq ft
Weight: 36 lb 12 oz
Height: 7 ft
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: No

If you’re looking for a large camping tent, the Eureka Copper Canyon is one of the best big family tents for warm-weather camping.

This three-season camping tent features tall walls that provide enough room for everyone to stand up inside the tent.

There are two doors, one in the front and one in the rear, which is essential when camping with a larger group. Plus, when using the room divider, each room will have its own entrance.

One of my favorite aspects of this tent is the huge mesh windows that come with waterproof curtains. 

These help with ventilation and give you a good view of the outdoors from your tent. They’re not as waterproof as a full fly, but that shouldn’t be a problem for summer camping.

Although this large family camping tent doesn’t have a vestibule, there will be a lot of extra space for gear inside if you’re camping with 6-8 people. 

The Eureka Copper Canyon also has mesh pockets and an overhead gear hammock for additional storage.

Lastly, this camping tent comes with a mesh roof and an E! Power Port that allows you to run an electric cable into the tent for lights, chargers, and more. 

If a 12-person tent is too large for what you’re looking for, they also offer 4- and 8-person versions of the same tent.

Otherwise, another good large family camping tent that’s slightly less expensive is the Coleman Instant Tent 8p

The Coleman Instant Tent has a similar design to the Eureka Copper Canyon, just with fewer features.

PROS

  • Tall interior that allows you to stand up inside–peak height is 7 ft!
  • Zippered E! Power Port that allows you to use an electric cable for lights and chargers inside the tent
  • Comes with a room divider to make it into a two-room tent
  • Extra mesh storage pockets and an overhead gear storage area 
  • Extra-large windows and a mesh roof for good ventilation 
  • Two doors for easy accessibility

CONS

  • The floor is thin, worthwhile to use a tarp or footprint to protect it from tearing
  • Requires two people for set up  
  • Heavy 
  • Partial cover rainfly is best for summer camping

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#2 NTK Arizona GT Tent

Best Large Waterproof Camping Tent

Product photo showing the NTK Arizona GT Large Waterproof Camping Tent in a deep turquoise color.

Floor area: 210 sq ft
Weight: 40 lbs
Height: 6 ft 11 in
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No, but it has an awning

If you’re looking for the best waterproof family tent, look no further than the NTK Arizona GT Tent.

The NTK Arizona GT can fit up to 12 people (at its limit) and features heavy-duty materials that hold up in bad weather.

This tent is also one of the most affordable large waterproof tents on the market.

It’s made with double-layer 190T polyester laminated with polyurethane. And its rainfly is UV 50+ and has a 2500mm hydrostatic head (HH) waterproof coating.

This is the only tent of this size and price range with a full-coverage rain fly. There are also windows in the rain fly designed for added ventilation without compromising the waterproofness.

Additional tent features include no-see-um mosquito mesh that adds privacy when the rainfly is off. 

There are also utility gear pockets and a gear loft for more storage, and a zippered E-port to run an electric cord into the tent.

The NTK Arizona is shaped more like a dome tent than a cabin tent. 

However, extra support poles boost the headspace to optimize space and provide extra room for groups waiting out the storm. 

The main downside to this tent is that there isn’t an exterior vestibule space, which is nice to have for muddy or wet gear.

Still, the NTK Arizona GT is one of the best car camping tents and large family camping tents on the market.

This is especially the case if you’re looking for a waterproof design that keeps you dry and protected without needing to break the bank.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for an instant tent with similar waterproofness, I’d recommend checking out the Gazelle T8 Hub, which is an 8-person instant cabin tent.

PROS

  • Waterproof and bathtub floor
  • E-port for running an electric cord into the tent
  • Gear loft and utility pockets for extra storage
  • Rainfly is UV 50+ 
  • Mesh roof for star gazing and ventilation when it’s not raining

CONS

  • The tent is difficult to fit back into the bag
  • Dome tent with sloping sides
  • Not an instant tent, though there are color-coded poles
  • Tent poles are fiberglass, not as sturdy in the wind and freezing temperatures as aluminum or steel

#3 Coleman Montana Tent

Best Tent Under $200

Product photo of the light green and white Coleman Montana large camping tent.

Floor area: 112 sq ft
Weight: 24 lb 5 oz
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: Not really, just enough space for dirty shoes

The Coleman Montana Tent is one of the best large tents you can purchase on a budget. It’s perfect for beginner campers who don’t want to spend an arm and a let on their camping gear.

The Coleman brand always comes through with affordable large family camping tents that last for a long time and the Coleman Montana is no exception.

Similar to the smaller Coleman Sundome, the Montana offers the basics of a tent, but with a larger interior space. 

It’s rated as an 8-person tent (although it’s most comfortable as a six-person tent).

This isn’t an instant tent. It takes around 10-15 minutes to set up, but once it’s ready, it can fit up to three queen-sized mattresses. 

Just note that without room dividers, you’re unable to create separate rooms in this tent.

The Coleman Montana has 2,000mm HH waterproofing, but with a partial rainfly, I don’t recommend it for downpours. 

If you do get caught in the rain, an extended door awning provides extra protection over the front door for entering and exiting.

Overall, the Coleman Montana is good for anyone who is looking for an affordable large family tent, beginner campers, or those who plan to mostly camp in the summer or during nice weather.

PROS

  • Affordable budget camping tent
  • Can stand up in the center if you’re 6′ and under
  • Roomy interior that fits two queen air mattresses with room leftover (or up to three mattresses)
  • A hinged door that easily swings open when going in and out of the tent
  • Great camping tent for beginners

CONS

  • Partial coverage rainfly means it’s not so waterproof
  • Doesn’t have great ventilation
  • Basic, not many extra features (e.g. no room dividers)
  • Hard to fit back into the tent bag
  • Flimsy stakes
  • The dome shape reduces height when not in the center of the tent

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#4 Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow

Best Large 4-Season Tent

Product photo of the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow, a canvas tent with an awning.

Floor area: 140 sq ft
Weight: 84.65 lb
Seasons: 4-Season
Height: 6.5 ft
Doors: 2
Vestibule: It’s more of an awning (40 ft²)

The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow is the best 4-season tent that you’ll find on this list. It’s not the biggest–it’s suitable for no more than 8 people–but it’s the most weatherproof.

The Kodiak features 140 sq ft of floor space, which is spacious as far as 8-person tents go. Plus, the awning out front enables you to leave stinky wet shoes or muddy equipment outside.

Its alloy steel poles are heavy but damn strong. You won’t have to worry about fiberglass poles shattering in cold weather. 

Plus, paired with canvas material, this tent can withstand wind and snow like no other tent on this list.

If you haven’t slept in a canvas tent before, prepare to fall in love. The 100% Cotton Duck Canvas is watertight (no drip, drip on your forehead at 2 am!). 

Its Hydroshield keeps you dry while the canvas allows for more breathability than common tent materials like polyester or nylon. 

Two vents add extra airflow and help with temperature management without sacrificing waterproofness. We all know that with eight people, you’ll need all of the fresh air you can get.

The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow is way too heavy for backpacking, but it’s fine for car camping. 

I’d recommend this tent for dedicated all-year campers. Sun, sleet, or snow, you’ll stay comfortable.

PROS

  • Extremely durable and weatherproof 
  • Good for cold-weather camping
  • Includes a large awning
  • Zippered vents and breathable with waterproof cotton duck canvas
  • Additional interior pockets and loft for extra storage
  • Waterproof vinyl floor
  • Limited lifetime guarantee

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Heavy–don’t plan to carry this tent far from the car
  • No room dividers
  • Overkill for most people in search of a family tent, but if you’re a fan of mountain or winter camping where the temperature gets below freezing, this is a good investment for the best large camping tent that will keep you comfortable all year-round

#5 Coleman Skylodge 12-Person Tent

Best Large Tent for Windy Conditions

The grey and green Coleman Skylodge 12-Person tent.

Floor area: 190 sq ft
Weight: ‎40 lbs 7 oz
Height: 7 ft
Seasons: 3
Doors: 1
Vestibule: Screen room instead of vestibule

Planning to camp in windy weather? The Coleman Skylodge 12-Person has steel leg poles for added durability in high winds. 

This tent is a good balance of the durability that you get with the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow and the convenience of most large family tents. 

With 190 sq ft of floor space, you’ll have a large open room for more sleeping bags or just more gear. 

Also, a screen room adds the luxury of eating dinner, playing games, and lounging away from the bugs. 

It has Coleman’s signature WeatherTec protection, with a bathtub-style floor that extends a few inches off of the ground to prevent water from leaking in at ground-level seams. 

The seams themselves are also inverted, and corners are welded to protect against leaks. 

Unfortunately, this tent only has a partial-coverage rainfly, which limits its waterproofness. 

With nylon tents, it’s really best to have double walls, which help manage condensation and add another layer of protection.

For most summer campers, the Coleman Skylodge 12-Person will be an excellent choice, especially if you want to do any windy beach camping. 

With this tent, you can rest well, knowing that the steel leg poles won’t snap in the middle of the night if winds pick up.

PROS

  • Can withstand 35 mph winds 
  • Screen room with waterproof tub-style floor
  • Good ventilation with lots of mesh windows and a vent
  • Dual-room design with removable room divider
  • Giant door into the screen room and then into the sleeping area

CONS

  • Partial coverage rainfly limits the waterproofness
  • Only one entrance, which isn’t optimal for large tents
  • Steel leg poles add weight

#6 Ozark 16-Person Tent

Best Multi-Room Camping Tent

A product photo of the large, blue-grey Ozark Trail 16-Person Tent.

Floor area: 240 sq ft
Weight: 49 lbs
Height: 6ft 11in
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 3
Vestibule: No

After a long day of camping adventures, sometimes I need my own space. That’s where the Ozark 16-Person Tent comes in. 

Ozark makes the best camping tents for casual summer campers who like plenty of space and multiple rooms.

What sets this Ozark Trail tent apart from others is the layout: shaped like a Y, the separate rooms are extensions of the main area of the tent. 

The 240 sq ft of floor space can fit four queen air mattresses. Unlike other tents, the rooms are more private, separated, and extended out like their own pods. 

For smaller families, set the kids up in one room and parents in another, leaving the center room as a common area for hanging out and storing extra gear. 

This tent is very similar to the 20-Person Ozark Cabin Tent but smaller. 

Neither are good backpacking tents because of their weight, but typically large tents are built for their comfort over portability.

Big car camping tents also tend to sacrifice their waterproofing, and the Ozark 16-Person Tent is no different. 

It’s water resistant but not waterproof. You’ll be okay in summer sprinkles, but watch out for stormy weather.

During dry August camping trips, the Ozark 16-Person Tent will come through with a mesh ceiling and windows that create a cross-breeze. 

There’s also plenty of extra space in the center for storing gear and hanging out, perfect for large groups on a summer camping trip.

PROS

  • Steel leg poles are less likely to snap in cold weather or wind
  • Fits four queen-air mattresses
  • Room dividers
  • Plenty of storage pockets
  • Mesh windows and roof for ventilation and stargazing

CONS

  • Water resistant, but not waterproof
  • Steel tent poles add extra weight
  • This is a particularly large tent with a non-rectangular footprint that might be difficult to find a spot for at a small campground

#7 Core 11-Person Family Cabin Tent with Screen Room

Best Large Tent With Porch 

Product photo showing the Core 11-Person family cabin tent with a screen room and orange walls.

Floor area: 204 sq ft
Weight: 32 lbs 10 oz
Height: 7 ft 2 in
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No, unless you use the porch as a vestibule

If you camp in buggy areas, having a screen room is a life-saver. The Core 11-Person Family Cabin Tent has a screen room that’s almost as big as the living space. 

The total floor area of the tent is 204 sq ft, which includes the 120 sq ft cabin area and the 84 sq ft screened area. 

This being said, to fit 11 people in the tent, some people will have to sleep in the screen room.

The sleeping area is the size of a large family tent and will be most comfortable for six people. 

Now, if you read my review of the Coleman Skylodge 12-Person above, you might be wondering what the main difference is between these two tents with large screen rooms. 

For one, due to its fiberglass poles, the Core 11 is about 10 lbs lighter. 

This means it won’t be as strong in high winds or freezing temperatures. However, most summer campers won’t need to worry about this. 

The Core 11 is also one of the tallest tents on this list, with a standing height of over 7 ft. 

Like the Coleman Skylodge, this tent is not particularly waterproof, but it has a partial-coverage rainfly. 

When there’s no rain, the mesh roof and sides are excellent for stargazing, panoramic views, and airflow in the heat of summer.

All in all, the Core 11-Person Family Camping Tent will keep you comfortable on summer camping trips when the mosquitos are looking for dinner.

Prefer to have a separate screen room? Read our guide to the best screen houses for camping.

PROS

  • Includes a bug-free screen room, which most large tents don’t have
  • Easy to set up 
  • Decent ventilation
  • Interior storage pockets
  • Minimalist design that’s great for anyone just looking for the basics

CONS

  • Made from cheaper materials
  • Rainfly doesn’t cover the mesh material of the porch so it’s easy for rain to get in
  • Because of the open porch area, the tent can get cold at night

#8 White Duck Canvas Bell Tent

Best Large Luxury Camping Tent

best large glamping tent - whiteduck regatta canvas bell tent

Floor area: ‎214 sq ft
Weight: 70 lbs
Height: 10 ft in the center
Seasons: 4-Season
Doors: 1
Vestibule: No

If you’re looking to camp in style, the White Duck Canvas Bell Tent is one of the best glamping tents on Amazon.

This deluxe camping tent can fit 6-10 people and features an open design with tall ceilings and plenty of space to move around inside.

It also has a huge Bug Mesh Door, 12 windows and large roof vents for good ventilation, and four interior utility pockets.

Since the tent is made from 100% cotton canvas, it’s breathable, water-repellent, and mold and mildew-resistant.

Plus, its zip-in/out durable groundsheet provides insulation from the cold ground and can easily be removed for cleaning when it gets muddy or wet.

And the tent features just keep coming.

This camping tent also has durable waterproof zippers, stove compatibility with a 5″ stove jack and weather flap that can withstand high heat, and roll-up walls to make the entrance as large as you want.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a room divider, so this isn’t a two-room tent like most large camping tents. 

With the circular floor plan, you can optimize space by sleeping with everyone’s feet in the center and heads around the perimeter. 

This layout gives each camper more breathing room while sleeping. It’s a unique feature that you won’t have with large tents that are rectangular.

If you’re looking for a large glamping tent, this is one of the best options on the market right now.

As an alternative, if you’re looking for a summer luxury tent that’s not quite as expensive but comes in a larger size, I’d recommend the 20-Person Ozark Cabin Tent.

PROS

  • Good insulation to keep you warm even on the coldest nights
  • Good ventilation with numerous mesh windows and roof vents
  • Includes a stove jack 
  • Spacious and open interior with a roll-up door for a large entryway 
  • Made from durable, breathable, water-repellent, and mold and mildew-resistant cotton canvas
  • Tall ceilings that allow you to stand up inside
  • Waterproof zippers
  • Zip on/off insulated groundsheet that can be removed for easy cleaning

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Heavier and bulkier to carry since it’s made from canvas
  • Longer set up time (~30 minutes, but can be set up by one person

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#9 Ozark Trail Cabin 20-Person Tent

Best Extra Large Family Camping Tent

Product photo of the large Ozark Trail 20-Person cabin tent in grey with red trim.

Floor area: 283 sq ft
Weight: 50 lbs
Height: 6 ft 11 in
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 3
Vestibule: No, unless you use one of the rooms as a vestibule

When it comes to big tents, the 20-Person Ozark Cabin Tent is the largest. 

It will fit the entire girl scout troop and chaperones. Or it’s perfect for a large family camping trip when everyone wants their own room to hang out and relax in. 

This is a giant 20-person camping tent, so it takes up a lot of space and is best set up with two people. 

The center area connecting the rooms is perfect for playing card games or setting up an at-home theater. 

Hang up string lights and enjoy the Ozark 20-person tent as a less expensive luxury summer alternative to the White Duck Canvas Bell Tent.

I love the space that this tent offers, but the big drawback for me is that it’s way below the standard level of waterproofing that I always look for. 

This Ozark Trail tent is rated 600mm HH, less than half of the standard 1500mm HH. 

This being said, it’ll be your favorite spacious tent in the summer. Most of us use our huge tents for camping in the summer, during family reunions and road trips anyway.

You can also add a layer of waterproofing spray, which is something that I highly recommend to boost the durability of this tent. 

Overall, this tent has all the space you could dream of, plus internal storage pockets, room dividers, and three doors. Yes, I said three doors.

PROS

  • Tons of space!
  • Four separate rooms
  • You can stand up and walk around inside
  • Easily fits three queen-size mattresses, with additional living area space

CONS

  • Rainfly is water resistant, but not waterproof
  • Takes two people to set up

#10 Core Instant Cabin

Best Large Cabin Tent

The grey and maroon Core 12-Person instant cabin tent.

Floor area: 180 sq ft
Weight: 52 lbs
Height: 6 ft 8 in
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: No

If you’re looking for tall camping tents that you can stand up inside, cabin-style tents are usually a good bet with steeper walls and ceilings.

The Core Instant Cabin Tent is one of my favorites and another one of the best large family camping tents for its easy, instant setup (about two minutes) and roomy interior.

It’s made from durable 68D Polyester, and its floor is made from 125gsm P.E. 

The water-repellent rainfly works just fine in light sprinkles, but unfortunately, it’s not waterproof, just water-resistant.

This is a huge tent and an excellent family tent. 

While other tents have one room divider, this 12-person instant cabin tent has two room dividers, so you can make it a three-room tent when you need more privacy. 

It also has a gear loft, wall storage pockets, an E-port to have electrical cord access in the tent, and front and back doors. 

Additionally, its advanced ventilation system keeps the tent at an ideal temperature without condensation build-up.

You can fit up to three queen-sized mattresses comfortably or up to 12 sleeping bags if you’re camping with more people.

This is one of the best large car camping tents for someone looking for an affordable, large pop-up tent that’s spacious and has enough headspace to stand up inside.

Otherwise, if you like the style of a cabin tent and the speed of instant setup, the Gazelle T8 90-Second Pop-Up Tent is an excellent alternative.

The Gazelle T8 is a little more expensive but has outstanding 5000mm HH waterproofing. It also has pre-attached poles for quick setup.

PROS

  • Easy, instant set-up–takes around two minutes
  • Cabin-style tent with ample headspace for standing up inside
  • Comes with two room dividers to make it into a three-room tent
  • Back and front door 
  • Advanced ventilation system
  • Extra storage space with a gear loft and wall storage pockets
  • Includes an E-port for electrical cord access

CONS

  • Stakes and tent poles can be a bit flimsy (you really have to stake them down)
  • Can get a little cold in the tent at night since the vents don’t close
  • Water resistant, but not waterproof

#11 Gazelle T8 90 Second Pop-Up Tent

Best Large Pop-Up Tent 

Product photo of the orange and grey Gazelle T8 90-second pop-up tent.

Floor area: 110 sq ft
Weight: 56 lbs
Height: 6 ft 6 in
Seasons: 3-Season
Doors: 2
Vestibule: No

Our final tent on this list is the Gazelle T8 Hub 90-Second Pop-Up Tent. 

The Gazelle T8 Hub combines convenience with high-quality construction, offering pre-attached poles for easy setup. 

The poles fold down to about the size of a standard pop-up canopy. Setup is as easy as popping out the tent body and roof.

My favorite unique aspect of this instant cabin tent (aside from its quick setup) is the detachable floor. 

Unfastening the floor makes cleaning out the inside easier than trying to shake debris out of the door. 

Another benefit of this tent is the storage space. There are so many pockets and an overhead gear loft that will keep even the largest of groups organized. 

A removable room divider also adds privacy, and the near-vertical walls add height.

And similar to the NTK Arizona GT Tent, this tent is built to withstand rain. 

With that said, the rain fly doesn’t extend all the way to the ground on all sides, which means that some of the tent body has only one-wall protection. 

A full-coverage rain fly is preferable for torrential rains, but its 5000mm HH waterproof material will do the trick for almost anything you throw at it.

Keep in mind that there isn’t a mesh roof for star gazing like with some of the other family-friendly tent options.

Overall, this tent is probably a little more than casual once-a-year summer campers need for family camping trips. 

However, the Gazelle T8 is worth it if you want to be able to camp in spring, summer, and fall.

PROS

  • Twice the standard waterproofing
  • Easy, instant setup (90 seconds)
  • Good headroom for standing up inside 
  • Good ventilation system
  • Removable bathtub floor for easy cleaning
  • Extra storage space with a gear loft and interior pockets

CONS

  • Heavy due to the extra durable construction
  • Doesn’t pack down as small as traditional tents because all poles remain attached
  • Rainfly doesn’t extend to the ground all the way around the tent

What to Look for in a Large Camping Tent

What to Look for in a Large Camping Tent

Size

Just because you’re camping with eight people doesn’t automatically mean you should get an eight-person tent.

Often, those numbers represent the maximum of how many people (usually with a tight squeeze), you’d be able to fit into a tent.

For this reason, I generally recommend going a size up for more breathing room.

Also, consider the difference between a cabin tent and a dome tent. 

Cabin tents have near vertical walls, which make them feel more spacious. Meanwhile, dome tent walls slope to a center peak, making the corners feel cramped.

Level of Weatherproofing

In general, I prefer to invest in waterproof camping tents or, at the very least, water-resistant camping tents so that I’m able to use them whenever and wherever I want.

With that said, waterproof materials are usually more expensive, especially with a large tent. 

If affordability is more of a priority for you, you might prefer to go for a water-resistant tent that can still be used for a good chunk of the year.

Think about what time of year you usually camp and how the weather usually is. Often, inclement weather isn’t an issue for summer camping.

Looking for DIY waterproofing tips? Check out our article on how to waterproof a tent.

Durability

You can go for the cheapest possible camping tent to save money now, but you’ll probably end up spending more in the long run because you’ll have to replace it.

Durable quality materials go a long way when it comes to large family camping tents.

If you prioritize durability, you’ll be able to keep the same tent for years, and the investment will eventually pay for itself.

You can also upgrade parts of your tent to help it meet your needs. 

For example, you can easily replace bendable aluminum tent stakes with steel stakes from REI Co-op. 

Or invest in the longevity of your floor by laying down interlocking foam tiles inside your tent.

If you’re the type of person who likes being prepared for every scenario, pick up an emergency repair kit at REI Co-op. It’s small enough to take on every camping trip.

Tent Materials

In terms of materials, large family camping tents can be made with various materials, but the most popular by far are polyester and nylon.

Camping tents made with polyester or nylon are often less expensive, quick to dry out, and require less maintenance.

Other common tent materials are cotton or canvas (which is also made from cotton).

Tents made from canvas tend to be heavier and require more maintenance, but they’re usually better insulated and keep out moisture well.

And lastly, there’s poly-cotton which combines polyester and cotton materials to bring the best parts of each material to the camping tent.

Each type of tent material has its pros and cons, so choose what matches your needs best.

Ease of Setup

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your campsite late and realizing that your tent is a complex work of art and not straightforward to set up.

This is why a pop-up or instant cabin tent is a good idea. Instant cabin tents have gained so much popularity in recent years for a reason.

It’s hard to beat the convenience of being able to set up a tent in 60 seconds. 

Just keep in mind that instant tents typically aren’t as compact for storage.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is extremely important when it comes to large family camping tents, especially if you plan to fit a lot of people into one tent.

Ventilation not only helps with better airflow and temperature control, but it also prevents condensation and odor buildup.

So, you’ll want to look for a comfortable camping tent that doesn’t feel suffocating. 

The tent could have as many square feet of space for sleeping bags and camping gear as you want, but if it doesn’t have enough ventilation, no one will be comfortable.

Vestibules and Storage

If you’re purchasing a large tent, there’s a good chance you’ll be car camping and can probably leave some things in your car if you need to.

With that said, it’s nice to have some gear nearby in your tent for easy access.

A vestibule is a separate area of the camping tent where you can keep extra gear if need be.

Especially if you’re camping with a lot of people, it’s nice to have extra storage and the extra space of a vestibule if possible.

Number of Doors

If you’re camping with a lot of people, it’s convenient for a large family camping tent to have more than just one entry and exit point.

Having two doors allows people to come and leave easily. It also means not stepping over everyone on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Warranty and Return Policy

If you’re spending a pretty penny, know the warranty and return policy of the camping tent you’re buying.

Is the warranty only good for one year, or is it a lifetime warranty? Is the return policy only for 30 days unused, or is it more flexible?

Knowing what to expect comes in handy in case you run into any issues after purchasing it.

Footprints

Camping tent footprints are in no way a necessity, but they can be useful for keeping the bottom of your tent in tip-top shape.

Footprints are usually an additional add-on (~$40 or more), but they help protect the bottom of your tent from wear and tear and extend the life of your camping tent in general.

Footprints aren’t for everyone, but if you often camp in rough terrain or the bottom of your tent has a low denier fabric (low weight density and durability), consider using a footprint.

Types of Large Tents

A large, green tunnel-style tent pitched on a grassy lawn beside a red hatchback car, with trees, RVs, and a cabin in the background.

Cabin vs Dome-Style Tents

Most large camping tents are cabin tent style. Dome tents are less common because, with large groups, you need as much space as you can possibly get.  

Cabin-style large tents have relatively vertical walls, reminiscent of a traditional cabin. The vertical walls mean more headroom for standing up and moving around than in a dome tent.

Large families will also appreciate cabin tents as no one is squished into the corner with a low-sloping wall. 

Multi-Room Tents

Multi-room camping tents come with removable room dividers to separate different parts of the tent from each other.

Having multiple rooms can be especially nice when you’re traveling as a family and you want separation from the kiddos at night.

They also add privacy to a large camping tent with big groups of friends.

Waterproof & Water-Resistant Tents

As I mentioned above, I’m a big fan of waterproof and water-resistant tents. 

These camping tents are often made from more durable materials that will protect you from rain or unexpected storms, especially waterproof tents.

Waterproof and water-resistant tents are great in terms of versatility and the ability to use them in most weather and climates.

Deluxe and Luxury Tents

If you’re more of a glamper and budget isn’t your main concern, consider getting a deluxe or luxury camping tent.

These usually include special features or amenities that make your camping experience more convenient and comfortable.

Luxury and deluxe large family camping tents are also usually made from higher quality materials and with the utmost comfort in mind.

Budget Tents

If you’re not ready to spend a ton of money on a large family camping tent, it’s good to look for a budget tent.

One of my favorite budget tent brands is Coleman. They know how to make quality tents that are cheap but usually last for years.

Canvas Tents

Since most large family camping tents these days are made from polyester or nylon, canvas tents (aka cotton tents) are a more unique type of tent.

Large canvas tents are often heavier than their polyester/nylon counterparts, but they also tend to be better with insulation and keeping moisture out.

With that said, canvas as a material usually needs more upkeep to keep it fresh and free from mold.

But if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, canvas tents can last a long time and are a good option for those who aren’t as worried about the weight of their tent.

Looking for more tent options? Check out our guides to the best one-person tents, 2-person tents, 4-person tents, 6-person tents, 8-person tents, 10-person tents, 12-person tents, family tents, 3-room tents, instant tents, pop-up tents, inflatable tents, tunnel tents, canvas tents, winter tents, insulated 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.

FAQs About Large Camping Tents

Two people sit in camping chairs amongst tents in a warmly-lit campsite at night.

How Big Are 8-,10-, 12- and 20-Person Camping Tents On Average?

Although each size can differ depending on the tent manufacturer, these are the average dimensions for the different camping tent sizes:

  • 8-person tent = 120 to 140 square feet of floor space. 
  • 10-person tent = 150 to 180 square feet of floor space.
  • 12-person tent = 180 square feet of floor space. 
  • 20-person tent = 280 square feet of floor space.  

What Size Tent Do I Need For Camping?

It’s up to you and how much space you think you’ll need.

I tend to size up at least one tent size from how many people will actually be sleeping in the tent.

For instance, if I’m camping with eight people, I might size up to a 10-person or 12-person tent, so we’re not squished.

Although if everyone is sleeping with just sleeping bags and there are one to two vestibules, it’s not always necessary to size up.

When figuring out what size tent you need, it’s also good to think about what type of gear you usually camp with.

Do you like camping with queen-sized air mattresses or cots

Make sure your camping gear will fit in the dimensions of the tent you’re looking at and size up if need be.

What Are the Easiest Tents to Put Up?

Pop-ups (aka instant tents) are the easiest large family camping tents to put up.

You can generally set them up within a few minutes with very little done on your part besides opening the tent.

When’s the Best Time to Buy a Tent?

If you’re looking for large family camping tents on sale, the best time to buy a tent is generally late fall to early winter.

Since most people camp in the summer months or early fall, a lot of tents go on clearance right after this time of the year to make room for the next season of tents.

Not every tent will go on sale at this time, but it tends to be a good time to find deals and discounts on tents.

How Much Should I Spend on a Large Camping Tent?

It depends on a lot of factors, but you probably won’t want to spend much less than $200 for quality large family camping tents.

The bigger the tent, the more expensive it tends to be as well. 

In general, plan to spend at least $200-$600 on a good quality camping tent that can fit somewhere between 8-20 people.

What are the Best Quality Large Family Camping Tents?

Some of my favorite best-quality tents are from Coleman, Eureka, and Core.

Conclusion – What is the Best Large Family Tent?

Conclusion – What is the Best Large Family Tent?

There are a lot of good options for large family camping tents, but my favorite for value, size, and quality is the Eureka Copper Canyon 12

This tent is simple with trustworthy materials. It comes with standard large tent features like a zippered E! Power Port and mesh pockets for storage. 

The cabin-style walls with 7 ft ceilings are also very important. You’ll have tons of floor space and it’s not compromised by sloping sides. 

Plus, two doors on opposite ends make it so you can enter either side of the tent with the room divider up. 

Lastly, as a family camping tent, the partial coverage rain fly and waterproof window curtains will keep you dry in light summer rain and allow plenty of airflow on hot, dry camping trips.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (5 years), where she currently resides.


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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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