10 BEST Extra Large Family Camping Tents

A family camping trip is one of the best ways to enjoy some time in the great outdoors with your loved ones. But, having the right tent, where everyone has the space they need to stretch out and relax, is a must. Finding an extra-large camping tent can be a problem, though, because there are so many great models to choose from.

To get you started, I’ve put together this list of the best extra-large family tents on the market today. At the end, I’ll even offer some top tips for choosing the perfect tent for all your upcoming camping adventures.

The 10 best extra large family camping tents:

1. Nemo Wagontop 

Important Specs:

• Price: $749.95
• Sleeping Capacity: 8
• Weight: 30lbs 3oz (13.7kg)
• Packed Size: 28″ x 13″ x 13″ (71 x 33 x 33 cm)
• Season: Three

The Nemo Wagontop is one of the newest 8 person family tents on the market today, though it’s made waves in the industry for its innovative design. Combining luxury and performance into one package, this tent features a unique frame design that provides enough ceiling height for most campers to stand upright throughout its interior.

Setting up the Wagontop is simple, thanks to its self-contained aluminum hubbed pole system. The tent fly is also made from extra-durable 75D polyester fabric that’s polyurethane treated for maximum waterproofing.

One of the coolest features of this tent is its extra-large vestibule, which provides ample space for gear storage. It can even be combined with Nemo’s Garage for added room inside the vestibule for indoor/outdoor living.

Finally, the Wagontop comes with panoramic windows on either side of the tent body for great views of your surroundings. These windows can be opened and closed from the inside, allowing you to ventilate the tent on hot days and batten down the hatches in the rain.

Pros:

• Fully waterproof construction
• Massive vestibule for gear storage
• Panoramic windows for ventilation
• High ceiling height throughout

Cons:

• Very expensive
• High ceiling hight is somewhat problematic in the wind

More info at: nemoequipment.com

2. CORE Lighted Instant Cabin

Important Specs:

• Price: $349.99
• Sleeping Capacity: 10
• Weight: 47 lbs 12.8oz (21.7kg)
• Packed Size: 49″ x 16″ x 11.5″ (124.5 x 40.6 x 29.2 cm)
• Season: Three

If you want a mix of functionality and luxury in your family camping tent, the CORE Lighted Instant Cabin Tent is a sure bet. This tent can comfortably fit 10 campers in their sleeping bags or two air mattresses for a more glamorous camping experience.

Thanks to its instant set-up design and pre-attached poles, this tent can be pitched in just 2 minutes for added convenience. It is also built with an 84″ (213.4cm) center height, which is tall enough to accommodate the majority of campers.

Perhaps the most unique feature of this tent is its built-in LED lighting. With LED lights built into the ceiling poles and an easy on/off switch, this tent provides a more comfortable living space for the entire family to enjoy at night.

To keep everyone happy, CORE also designed this tent with a removable room divider, which can be used to create two sleeping areas or separate living/sleeping rooms. This divider, combined with the tent’s sprawling screen porch, ensures that everyone in your family gets the privacy and personal space they need while camping.

Pros:

• Included room divider
• Large screen porch
• Tall center ceiling height
• Built-in LED lighting

Cons:

• Not great in very wet and windy conditions

More info at: coreequipment.com

3. Big Agnes Guard Station

Important Specs:

• Price: $1699.95
• Sleeping Capacity: 8
• Weight: 25lb 1oz (11.37kg)
• Packed Size: 10″ x 15″ x 24″ (25 x 38 x 61 cm)
• Season: Four

When weather-resistance is non-debatable, the Big Agnes Guard Station is a top choice. With this burly dome-style tent, you get the ultimate in weather protection, particularly in wet and exceptionally windy environments.

Although it’s originally designed for use on mountaineering trips, the Guard Station is a good option for large families that need a four-season tent. It’s built with a DAC exoskeleton pole system that provides maximum strength against the wind and snow.

Additionally, the Guard Station has an innovative design that allows you to save time during the set-up process by letting you pitch the rainfly first. Then, you can choose to clip in the tent body, or keep it set up as a free-standing shelter without a floor. 

While this tent is made for bad weather, thanks to its silicone-treated Dominico ripstop polyester, it’s also easy to keep cool, thanks to its two ceiling vents. It even has six large windows that can be opened for added fresh air flow, but that can be zippered up should the weather turn sour.

Pros:

• Highly weather-resistant and great in the wind
• Many options for ventilation
• Spacious interior with high center height
• Rainfly is set up first for added weather protection

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Does not come with a vestibule (sold separately)

More info at: bigagnes.com

4. Coleman Weathermaster

Important Specs:

• Price: $299.99
• Sleeping Capacity: 10
• Weight: 31lbs (14.1 kg)
• Packed Size: 30.3″ x 10.2″ x 10.2″ (77 x 26 x 26 cm)
• Season: Three

An affordable option for budget-conscious camping families, the Coleman Weathermaster is a 10 person tent that’s designed to keep you dry in the rain. It is built with Coleman’s proprietary WeatherTec system, which features fully taped seams, waterproof floor, and a burly coated polyester rain fly.

Despite its high level of weather-resistance, this tent is also well-ventilated, thanks to its reverse angle windows. These windows are angled outward to protect them from the elements while also allowing for adequate airflow.

The tent comes with additional Variflo ventilation systems and a Cool-Air port for increased fresh air during the hot summer months. Plus, it has screened roof panels, so you can remove the rainfly on nice days for a view of the stars.

This tent boasts a cabin-style design with two separate rooms to provide extra privacy for everyone in your family. It all packs down into an included carry bag, which is built using separate compartments so it’s easier to keep track of your poles and stakes as you pitch your tent.

Pros:

• Two-room cabin-style design
• Angled windows for ventilation and weather-resistance
• Durable waterproof construction
• Convenient carry bag with plentiful storage

Cons:

• Takes a while to set up
• No vestibule

More info at: coleman.com

5. Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent

Important Specs:

• Price: $299.00
• Sleeping Capacity: 12
• Weight: 61 lbs (28kg)
• Packed Size: 52″ x 15″ x 14″ (132 x 38 x 36 cm)
• Season: Three

Ozark Trail’s Instant Cabin Tent is a home away from home when you’re outside. This three-room shelter provides ample privacy for a large family, giving everyone the space they need to stay comfortable.

With enough space for 12 campers in their sleeping bags or 3 queen airbeds, this tent is a good option for larger families. It comes with 7 large windows for ventilation and good views that can be closed up completely should it start to rain.

Also, the Instant Cabin Tent is one of the few options available on the market that comes with a ground vent that’s perfectly sized for an air conditioner. Plus, it comes standard with electrical cord access points for powering your electronics at night.

For weather-resistance, the tent has a factory-welded tub floor and an included rainfly. The entire tent is fully seam-taped and has an overhanging awning for shade in sunny conditions.

Pros:

• Overhanging awning for shade
• Three-room design with removable room dividers
• Pre-arranged to accommodate an air conditioner
• Large windows for ventilation

Cons:

• Not a great option in heavy winds
• Very heavy

More info at: walmart.com

6. Eureka Copper Canyon LX 12

Important Specs:

• Price: $499.95
• Sleeping Capacity: 12
• Weight: 36 lbs 13oz (16.7kg)
• Packed Size: 11″ x 29″ x 6″ (27.9 x 73.7 x 15.2 cm)
• Season: Three

The Copper Canyon LX 12 is Eureka’s premier large family tent. It has a maximum sleeping capacity of 12 campers and a large divider running down the middle so you can either share your tent with another family or have some personal space for you and the kids.

One of the most identifiable features of this tent is its near-vertical walls, which make it feel more like a cabin and less like a tent. It also has two large doors for easy entry and exit throughout the day.

For ventilation, the Copper Canyon LX 12 is made with multiple mesh windows that feature waterproof curtains, should it start to rain. The vestibule on this tent also provides a bit of rain protection around the doorways for added comfort.

When it comes to gear storage, the Copper Canyon LX 12 doesn’t disappoint. It has a number of stash pockets, as well as a gear loft to help you stay organized.

Pros:

• Multiple gear storage options
• Large mesh windows for ventilation
• Near vertical walls for added living space
• Split room design provides privacy

Cons:

• No vestibule or screen porch

More info at: johnsonoutdoors.com

7. Ozark Trail Hazel Creek

Important Specs:

• Price: $379.00
• Sleeping Capacity: 20
• Weight: 60 lbs 3.2oz (27.3kg)
• Packed Size: 32″ x 15 x 5″ x 11.5″ (81 x 39 x 29 cm)
• Season: Three

If you need a tent to house a whole lot of people, the Ozark Trail Hazel Creek is hard to beat. This 20 person tent is perfectly sized for families that really enjoy their privacy or that are going on a joint camping trip with their friends.

With removable dividers that can create up to 5 private rooms, each with their own door, you can effectively turn the Hazel Creek into a luxurious abode in the mountains. It can comfortably accommodate up to 6 queen-size air beds and has an 84″ (213.4cm) center height for extra headroom.

To help you stay cool on hot evenings, this tent has 13 windows and a mesh ceiling. The mesh ceiling is particularly nice when it comes to star-gazing on clear nights.

When camping with 20 people, gear storage is key. Thankfully, the Hazel Creek has an abundance of hanging organizers and pockets to help keep things neat and tidy inside.

Pros:

• Plenty of gear organizing solutions
• Mesh ceiling and windows for ventilation
• Five rooms with removable dividers
• Each room has its own door

Cons:

• Tricky to set up
• Not great in the rain

More info at: Walmart.com

8. Core Instant Cabin

Important Specs:

• Price: $349.99
• Sleeping Capacity: 12
• Weight: 40lbs (18.1kg)
• Packed Size: 47″ x 14″ x 13″ (119.4 x 35.6 x 33 cm)
• Season: Three

The CORE Instant Cabin is a solid choice for budget-conscious families that want a classic cabin-style tent. Crafted with CORE’s signature instant design, this tent pops up in just a few minutes to save you time in camp.

It has windows that extend from floor to ceiling for ample ventilation and plenty of great views. Additionally, this tent has multiple screen doors, allowing for easy entry and exit while camping.

With enough room to house 12 campers in sleeping bags or three queen air mattresses, the Instant Cabin is a great shelter for medium-sized families. This tent also comes with an included room divider, so everyone in your group can get the privacy and personal space they deserve.

Pros:

• Included room divider for privacy
• Extra-large windows provide ample ventilation
• Budget-friendly
• Instant set-up design

Cons:

• Waterproofing concerns

More info at: coreequipment.com

9. Big Agnes Mad House

Important Specs:

• Price: $1199.95
• Sleeping Capacity: 8
• Weight: 25lb 3oz (11.42kg)
• Packed Size: 26″ x 12″ x 15″ (66 x 30 x 38 cm)
• Season: Four

Big Agnes’ Mad House tent is a four-season camping solution for small families. It has two doors and two vestibules, as well as a two-room design to give everyone enough space for sleeping and gear storage.

The tent has a classic half-dome mountaineering tent shape, which provides it with exceptional performance in high winds. Despite its multi-pole design, it is still easy to set up, thanks to its color-coded webbing and quick-clip buckles.

To make things even easier on you when traveling as a family, the Mad House has multiple oversized bin pockets to provide extra storage space. It’s also fully waterproof and factory seam-taped to keep you dry in the rain.

Pros:

• Fully waterproof, four-season construction
• Two-room design
• Large vestibule for gear storage
• Mesh doors provide ventilation

Cons:

• Very pricey

More info at: bigagnes.com

10. Coleman Instant Dark Room Cabin

Important Specs:

• Price: $259.00
• Sleeping Capacity: 10
• Weight: 42lbs (19kg)
• Packed Size: 42″ x 9″ x 9″ (107 x 23 x 23 cm)
• Season: Three

The Coleman Instant Dark Room Cabin provides an affordable place to rest your head at night while camping as a family. It has enough space for up to 10 campers or 4 queen-sized airbeds for comfortable camping.

Featuring Coleman’s instant set-up system, this tent can be pitched in a matter of minutes to save you time in camp. Thanks to its tub floor and welded seams, it’s also water-resistant enough for use on wet ground.

What sets this tent apart is its built-in Dark Room technology. This nifty feature blocks out up to 90% of sunlight to provide a cooler living space during the day. It also allows for a dark place to sleep at night, so you can get to bed earlier or sleep in later.

Pros:

• Dark room technology provides a cool living space
• Instant set up design
• Spacious interior for comfort

Cons:

• Roof-only rainfly is not ideal in the wind

More info at: coleman.com

 

 

How To Choose an XL Family Camping Tent

Choosing a tent that you trust to house your entire family is no easy feat. So, here are some of the most important features to keep in mind:

Weight & Packed Size

No one likes to carry around more weight and bulk than they need to, so a light, highly packable tent is ideal. As you can imagine, extra large camping tents tend to be, well, quite large, so most models are too bulky for backpacking. But, they often come with surprisingly small packed sizes and carry bags for easier transport and storage.

Windows and Doors

When you’re sharing a tent with a lot of people, having plenty of windows for ventilation is key. Having multiple doors is also helpful so you don’t have to crawl all over each other to get out of the tent at night.

Rooms and Room Dividers

Most families aren’t used to sharing a single room for an extended period of time, so having a tent with multiple rooms is very useful. Room dividers allow you to customize your space into separate living and sleeping areas or whatever configuration you prefer.

Vestibules and Screen Porches

Vestibules and screen porches might seem like “bonuses” in a tent, but they can actually add quite a lot to your camping experience. Vestibules are great places to store wet gear during a rainstorm and and they serve as a separate changing room when necessary. Screen porches, on the other hand, are great for adding outdoor living space to your tent on buggy evenings. 

Gear Storage Options

Camping with a family means bringing along a whole lot of gear, so you’ll need a way to stay organized on the go. Hanging organizers, gear lofts, mesh pockets, and other gear storage options are a must in any family tent.

Which tent I would choose…

All these family camping tents are fantastic, but if I had to choose just one to bring on my future adventures, I’d opt for the Nemo Wagontop. I particularly like how Nemo used an innovative design to provide more ceiling height throughout the tent while also providing large vestibules for gear storage and outdoor living. Plus, it’s fully waterproof and has great windows for ventilation.

 

Up Next In Family Camping:

How Can I Make Hiking More Fun For Kids?

Vail Colorado’s 10 Best Winter Activities For Families

What is the Best App for Geocaching?

Camping Games: 21 Ways To Stay Entertained In The Wild

Share this article!