Camping with a big crew is always a blast—until you’re all trying to cram into a tiny tent like sardines. Trust me, I’ve been there. Whether you’re heading out with a group of friends, a large family, or a scout troop, space and comfort matter a lot when it comes to large family tents for 6 or more people. We’ve tested a bunch of tents on real trips, from rainy lakefront weekends to chilly mountain nights, and we’ve seen firsthand how these shelters perform in the wild. Hence, this guide on the best tents for large groups!
In this post, we’re walking you through our top tent picks for large groups—options that aren’t just roomy but also durable, weatherproof, and easy to set up. Each tent has been field-tested by our team, and we’re sharing exactly what we liked, what could’ve been better, and what makes each one worth considering. These aren’t just specs off a product page—we’ve lived in these best large family camping tents.
Let’s dive into the batch of large tents that kept us dry, comfortable, and (mostly) sane during our group adventures in the great outdoors.
Table of Contents
- The North Face Wawona 6P
- ALPS Mountaineering Tent
- Coleman Instant Tent
- Coleman Skydome Family Tent
- CORE Tent for Family Camping
- EVER ADVANCED Cabin Tent
- TIMBER RIDGE Camping Tent
- Our Verdict!
- How to Choose the Best Tents for Large Groups Camping
- Spacious Layout with Dividers
- Fast and Easy Setup
- All-Weather Protection
- Which type of tent can be used for large groups or families?
- What makes a tent good?
- What are large tents called?
7
The North Face Wawona 6P
We took the The North Face Wawona 6P out for a three-day trip during a warm, rainy stretch in late spring, and let me tell you—this tent gets it right. We pulled up to the campsite mid-afternoon, and even though clouds were looming, setup was a breeze thanks to the color-coded poles and trims. No arguing over what goes where—just snap, clip, and done.
The hybrid double-wall design and that giant mesh front door? Game-changer. Even when the humidity was up and the rain was steady, the airflow inside the tent was solid. We kept a small rechargeable fan running, but honestly, the ventilation held its own. One of us even set up a queen-sized air mattress and still had space for a mini side table, extra gear, and changing area. The ceiling height was tall enough that we didn’t have to crouch, which made rainy mornings much more bearable.
But the real hero was the massive vestibule. We turned it into a lounging zone with camp chairs, a folding table, and our coolers all under cover. Gear stayed dry, and so did we. It’s rugged, reliable, and definitely one of the best camping tents for large families we’ve camped in as a group.
Check out the official listing of the product for better analysis of the features!
Pros:
✅ Massive vestibule for gear storage or lounging
✅ Durable materials hold up in rough weather
✅ Excellent ventilation and airflow
Cons:
❌ Takes longer to pitch than most instant tents
6
ALPS Mountaineering Tent
We brought the ALPS Mountaineering Tent on a three-week road trip that involved hopping from campground to campground—think forests, deserts, and everything in between. This tent was our go-to basecamp, and it didn’t disappoint.
Setup was quick—just two shock-corded fiberglass poles and a freestanding design. We had it up in under 10 minutes, even when we were tired from long drives. The polyester rainfly was sturdy, gave decent UV protection, and those factory-sealed seams? Lifesavers during surprise downpours. Not a single leak.
We fit a full-size cot, two big dogs, and our gear inside—and still had room to stretch out and move around. Standing up inside was no problem with its 6-foot center height. One thing we did notice though: the floor was a little slippery. We laid down a grippy mat on the inside and that solved it.
This tent doesn’t have a vestibule (some reviews mistakenly said otherwise), but we never felt cramped. With well-placed mesh panels and zippered windows, ventilation was solid. And the quality—well, let’s just say we’ve used ALPS tents before, and this one lives up to the reputation. It’s dependable, simple, and built for real large family tent camping.
Pros:
✅ Strong aluminum poles offer solid stability
✅ Weatherproof design with factory-sealed seams
✅ Spacious enough for a group plus gear
Cons:
❌ A bit heavier for long hikes or solo trips
5
Coleman Instant Tent
Easiest Setup. One of the best large family tents, the Coleman Instant Tent made its debut on one of our more relaxed trips—flat terrain, mild temps, and plenty of time to just chill out. But what stood out wasn’t just the comfort—it was the speed.
This thing pops up fast. The company says one minute, and while we didn’t quite hit that (closer to two minutes with two people), it’s miles quicker than your standard dome tent. Extend the legs, snap into place, and boom—you’re in business. The screened porch was a dream. We used it as a gear dump during the day and a bug-free hangout zone at night. It adds about 35% more space, and when you’re with a group, that matters a lot.
Inside, there’s plenty of room—we fit a queen mattress and still had space for bags and movement. The windows on every side offered tons of airflow, and the reflective guy lines were a nice touch for late-night bathroom runs. One heads-up though: without the rainfly (sold separately), it’s not totally waterproof. So if there’s even a hint of rain in the forecast, don’t skip that accessory.
Still, for summer trips and casual group camping, it nails the basics and then some.
P.S. Feel free to browse our roundup of the Best Camping Tents Under $200 (Tried and Tested).
Pros:
✅ Super quick 1-minute setup
✅ Dark Room technology blocks sunlight
✅ Solid waterproofing for rainy nights
Cons:
❌ Bulky when packed—takes up trunk space
4
Coleman Skydome Family Tent
We tested the Coleman Skydome Family Tent on a beachside trip where the winds picked up and the humidity clung to everything. Setup took longer than the advertised 5 minutes (more like 15 for us), but once it was up, it was a solid fortress against the elements.
The nearly vertical walls gave it a spacious feel—we fit three queen air mattresses inside without playing human Tetris. And even with all that gear, it didn’t feel cramped. One side doubled as a sitting area for late-night chats, and thanks to the wide doorway, moving airbeds and coolers in and out was a breeze.
We didn’t get heavy rain, but the WeatherTec system—tub floor, welded corners, inverted seams—gave us peace of mind. Plus, the mesh pockets kept smaller items from vanishing into the gear chaos. The tent had great airflow from the ground vent and door awnings, which helped beat the sticky ocean heat.
No interior divider and a bit of a learning curve for the first setup, but once we had the hang of it, this best large family tent felt rock-solid. It’s roomy, durable, and makes a great home base for bigger families or mixed-age camping groups.
Also, see our exclusive roundup of the 7 Best Camping Tents 2025: Top Picks for Every Adventure!
Pros:
✅ Pre-attached poles make setup hassle-free
✅ Wide door and tall ceiling for easy movement
✅ WeatherTec system keeps interior dry
Cons:
❌ Ventilation can feel limited in very hot weather
3
CORE Tent for Family Camping
We brought the CORE Tent for Family Camping on a weekend getaway with two families and a whole lot of gear—coolers, cots, lawn games, the works. From the moment we unrolled it, this thing looked like a camping fortress. Setup was surprisingly painless; even with kids buzzing around, we had it up in under 20 minutes thanks to the nearly straight-wall design and intuitive pole setup.
The first thing you notice? The headroom. I’m 6’3″, and for once, I could walk around the entire tent without ducking—no kidding. It’s 86 inches tall in the center and uses every inch of space well. We fit three queen air mattresses with extra room to walk around, store our gear, and even toss in a card table for evening games. With the room divider up, the tent felt like a two-bedroom suite—great for giving the kids their own space.
But the real MVP was the H20 Block rainfly system. We got hit with an unexpected storm one night—loud thunder, sideways rain—and not a drop came through. The fly sits high and wide like a canopy, so even with windows open, nothing got soaked. The tub-style floor and fully taped seams sealed the deal (literally). We loved the large windows too—lots of airflow and great views in the morning. Add in the built-in storage pockets and dual doors, and you’ve got a tent that nails both comfort and function.
It’s a beast, in the best way possible. Sturdy, dry, and tall enough to stretch, even when you’re juggling 12 people and a pile of camping gear.
Pros:
✅ Tall interior—stand and move comfortably
✅ Exceptional weather protection with H20 Block
✅ Fits up to 12 people or 3 queen airbeds
Cons:
❌ Large footprint may not suit smaller campsites
2
EVER ADVANCED Cabin Tent
Best Sturdiness. Missouri in July? Hot, sticky, unpredictable. That’s why we tested the EVER ADVANCED Cabin Tent on a humid lake trip that turned into a rain-soaked weekend. And honestly? We might never go back to regular tents again.
This thing blocks out the sun like a blackout curtain at a hotel. Even with the sun rising at 5:30, we all got to sleep in until 8 a.m.—a luxury when you’re camping with kids. The blackout design also kept the tent cooler than expected. We brought a small fan, but with the mesh ceiling vents and zippered windows rolled open, the airflow stayed surprisingly nice.
Setup was straightforward, especially with the color-coded poles and included instructions. The layout is clever too. There’s a full-size 9×9 inner room and a 9×6 porch area that’s also blacked out, so we turned the porch into a reading and snack zone while the kids napped inside. It easily fit our group of five adults and three kids with gear tucked neatly in the corner pockets and hanging organizers by the windows.
This tent is for those who want a little more privacy, a little more sleep, and a lot less stress—especially when the weather’s unpredictable.
Feel free to visit the official website of the brand for more interesting options.
Pros:
✅ Blackout design blocks sun and keeps cool
✅ Divided rooms offer privacy for families
✅ Excellent rain protection and sturdy build
✅ One of best extra large family camping tents
Cons:
❌ Porch area not fully enclosed from bugs
1
TIMBER RIDGE Camping Tent
Best Overall. This one was our “go big or go home” choice—and the TIMBER RIDGE Camping Tent lived up to the hype. We took it out on a long weekend trip with another couple and their kids, and when we unrolled it across the site, it drew admiring glances from neighboring campers.
At 20 feet long, this thing is huge—big enough to fit two full-size air mattresses, a couple of camp chairs, and still have room for bags and a board game table. The screen room at the front was our favorite hangout spot—bug-free, shady, and the perfect place to sip morning coffee or play cards when it rained.
Setting it up wasn’t hard either. The poles were color-coded, and the instructions were attached to the carry bag (plus a bonus copy inside). With two people, it took us around 15 minutes. The tent has a tunnel shape, which handled wind better than expected. We had a gusty afternoon, and the upgraded fiberglass poles and guy lines held strong.
Inside, the ventilation was great. Mesh windows and ceiling panels let air flow through, and we could peek up at the stars from our sleeping bags. The PVC tub floor kept everything dry—even when the rain started falling hard the last night. No soggy socks or sleeping bags here.
What really sold us was the thoughtful design: an E-port for charging phones, extra pockets and carabiners, smooth zippers, and heavy-duty waterproofing throughout. Even after packing up, it all fit easily back into the tote-style carry bag—no wrestling match needed.
If you’ve got a bigger group or just want a little extra elbow room for your gear, this is the tent to beat. It’s sturdy, spacious, and loaded with smart features that make life easier when you’re off the grid.
P.S. Watch this detailed review of the product by Family Camping Tents on YouTube!
Pros:
✅ Screen room adds bug-free lounging space
✅ Huge 20-foot layout fits 2 airbeds + gear
✅ Color-coded poles for easy setup
Cons:
❌ Might feel oversized for smaller groups
Our Verdict!
From the above roundup of the best tents for large groups, we chose the TIMBER RIDGE Camping Tent as the Best Overall option because of its spaciousness, amazing performance, user-friendliness, and value for money. Apart from that, there are two other options that we set aside based on one specific feature for each. Let’s see them below.
- Best Sturdiness: EVER ADVANCED Cabin Tent
- Easiest Setup: Coleman Instant Tent
How to Choose the Best Tents for Large Groups Camping
When you’re planning a camping trip with a big crew—be it family, friends, or a scout troop—the tent can make or break the experience. A best camping tent for large family isn’t just about sleeping space; it’s about comfort, convenience, and making sure no one ends up grumbling through the night. From weather resistance to setup speed and interior layout, there are a few key things to keep an eye on.
Here’s what really matters when picking best tents for large groups:
🏕 1. Spacious Layout with Dividers
Large groups need elbow room—period. Look for tents that offer a generous floor plan and a tall center height so adults can stand and move freely. Room dividers are a bonus, turning one giant space into separate sleeping areas for privacy or organizing gear and people.
Pro Tip: A tent that fits 10+ people should ideally allow space for sleeping pads AND walkways.
🌦 2. Fast and Easy Setup
You don’t want to spend an hour figuring out color-coded poles while the rest of the group wanders off. For group tents, especially with kids involved, ease of setup is key. Many modern tents come with pre-attached poles or instant pop-up designs that can be pitched in under 15 minutes—even with minimal help.
Look for tents with intuitive designs, clear instructions, and included carry bags for easy transport.
🚪 3. All-Weather Protection
Big tents often face bigger challenges in bad weather. Strong winds, heavy rain, or hot sun—your tent should be ready for it all. Features like full-coverage rainflies, waterproof flooring, and reinforced seams are must-haves. Ventilation is just as important, especially when body heat and gear start warming up the tent.
Bonus: Blackout fabric or screened porches can help control light and temperature while adding comfort.
Which type of tent can be used for large groups or families?
For large groups or families, cabin-style tents are your best bet. These large family size camping tents offer tall, straight walls for maximum standing room, multiple rooms or dividers for privacy, and enough floor space to fit several air mattresses or sleeping bags comfortably. Many models also feature screened porches, large windows for ventilation, and easy setup systems—making them perfect for family getaways or group adventures. They’re basically a portable home away from home.
What makes a tent good?
A good tent strikes the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and ease of use. It should keep you dry in the rain, stable in the wind, and cool on hot nights with smart ventilation. Setup should be quick and painless—no wrestling with tangled poles. Inside, it needs to offer enough room to move around, stash gear, and maybe even stand up if you’re lucky. Bonus points for thoughtful features like storage pockets, room dividers, or an E-port. Simply put, a good tent feels like a home away from home when you’re out in the wild.
What are large tents called?
Large tents are often called family tents, cabin tents, or multi-room tents, depending on their design and purpose. These spacious shelters are built to accommodate six or more people and typically feature high ceilings, multiple doors, and room dividers for added privacy. Some even come with screen rooms or porches, making them perfect for group outings, festivals, or extended camping trips where space and comfort matter most.
