After extensive research, we found the best cabin tent is the Eureka Jade Canyon 4. If you want more budget-friendly options, the OT QOMOTOP instant tent and Coleman Tenaya Lake Cabin will fit the bill.
If you’re looking for a cabin tent, you’re probably sick of walking with a hunch. Or trying to change clothes while bumping your head into the tent ceiling. Maybe you just like the comfort and home-like feel of cabin tents.
Whatever the case, we are here to help you get through the vast sea of offers and make the right choice.
We’ve spent 15+ hours of research, along with some personal experiences, to come up with different solutions that cover all of your preferences. We’ve looked high and low, through specs and features, to narrow down the choices.
All said and done, here’s the list of our recommendations.
Top Recommendations
Best quality and comfort: Eureka Jade Canyon 4 Tent
Best value for money: Coleman 8-Person Tenaya Lake Cabin Tent
Best budget option: OT QOMOTOP Tents, 4 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Best cabin tents for 2-4 people:
- OT QOMOTOP Tents, 4 Person Instant Cabin Tent – affordable instant tent
- Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room – Roomy tent with a screen room
- Eureka Jade Canyon 4 Tent – extra-tall, weatherproof tent with some tech features
- REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent – tall tent without excessive floor area
Best cabin tents for 3-6 people:
- Browning Camping Big Horn Tent 5 – roomy and livable tent with high ceiling
- REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent – Superb quality and tons of convenient features
- UNP Tents 6 Person Family Camping Tent – budget model with easy setup
Best cabin tents for 4-8 people:
- Coleman 8-Person Tenaya Lake Cabin Tent – weatherproof family tent with built-in closet
- Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent – spacious tent with a screen room
- Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent – quick setup and outstanding ventilation
OT QOMOTOP Tents, 4 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Best for: Campers on a tight budget and beginners looking for an easy setup; $
If you’re a new camper or running on a tight budget, the OT QOMOTOP Tents, 4 Person Instant Cabin Tent is one of the best choices out there.
It’s super-easy to set it up or break it down even if you have no camping experience. It doesn’t come with fancy, high-end features, but it offers great value for money.
Measuring 8 by 8 ft, it’s roomy for 2 people, 3 tops. It fits one queen-size air mattress with enough space around it to store your stuff.
While the waterproof rating is relatively low, many users have reported staying dry in rainy conditions. Considering the price, it is well built and protected. The bathtub floor, welded corners, sealed inner and outer seams provide decent protection against rain.
Make no mistake, it won’t handle downpours and heavy rain for an extended period of time. But, in light and moderate rain, you’ll most likely stay dry and happy inside the tent.
Mesh ceiling and mesh windows will allow you to enjoy a bug-free time inside of the tent. I wish the windows were a little bit larger for a wider view. However, the airflow is excellent. There’s an additional ground vent that provides high-low air circulation for great ventilation.
This tent is pretty simple, but it has some extra-convenient features. An E-port allows you to bring the electricity inside the tent. You can recharge your smartphones or use other electrical devices. It is fully closable to prevent water from seeping in when not in use.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- 60-second setup
- Holds well in windy conditions
- Excellent ventilation
- Electrical cord port
- Great choice for beginners
Cons:
- Mediocre water resistance(600mm waterproof rating)
- Low center height (4 ft 11 in) for cabin-style tent
Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room
Best for: Couples or groups of 2-3 who want a spacious tent with a screen room; $$
If you enjoy sitting in front of your tent while being out of reach of bugs and insects, The Coleman Cabin Tent with Screen Room was designed to match your needs. Furthermore, the screen room has a front cover to keep away the rain and wind.
This tent is roomy. It fits one queen airbed with a little bit of extra room for your stuff. Not a lot, but then you have a screen room. An extra person can sleep in the porch area. Still, I would prefer to fit two chairs in there enjoying a cup of tea or the sunset.
Weather-wise, you should be well protected in this tent. I love the design of the rainfly. It fully covers the whole porch area and the front part of the tent. At the back, it doesn’t extend fully to the ground but covers windows, roughly halfway through.
This nice design tweak will still keep you fully protected from the rain. But, you can leave the top part of the windows unzipped to allow decent airflow in rainy conditions.
Speaking of the ventilation, it’s simply remarkable. Large windows, mesh roof, and ground vents ensure amazing ventilation in all conditions.
Users commonly praise how the tent performs in rainy conditions.
One caveat, though. A screen room has a bathtub floor separated from the sleeping area, but it’s lying flat at the front. In case of flood, water may enter the screen room.
That being said, there’s a mesh strip on the porch floor to allow water to drain to the ground.
Pros:
- Roomy (11 x 8 ft) with 6 ft tall ceiling
- Protected porch area
- Huge panoramic windows
- Excellent ventilation even with the rainfly on.
- Bathtub floor design
- Welded corners and inverted seams
- Power port
Cons:
- Low-quality poles
- No place to hang lanterns
Eureka Jade Canyon 4 Tent
Best for: Tall campers who want a weather-resistant tent with unique tech features; $$$
Do you need a tent capable of standing tall (pun intended) in the face of rain and wind? How about having touch-friendly pockets for your smartphone and tablet? Eureka Jade Canyon 4 Tent might be your perfect match.
With a peak height of 7 feet and almost vertical walls, this unique tent offers lots of space (8 by 8 feet floor plan) and headroom.
The steel and aluminum frame is stable and can handle some stormy weather. A waterproof rating of 2000mm is good enough to withstand some heavy rain.
Such level of weather-resistance is quite rare among cabin tents since their straight walls make them vulnerable to strong winds.
If you’re a tech geek, you’ll love this tent’s features. E!Media Center is storage for smartphones and tablets. It has a touch-friendly pocket so you can use your gadget without getting it out of the pocket.
E!luminate is another cool and fancy feature. Two reflective panels will reflect the light from your lantern to double or even triple the available light at the floor level.
Mesh windows and roof provide excellent airflow on hot sunny days. It might be difficult to stay warm in cold weather, but it’s a 2-3 season tent.
It comes with a heftier price tag, but it has something to offer for the price. If you prioritize affordability, Eureka has an almost identical, budget-friendlier model – Eureka Copper Canyon 4 Tent.
Pros:
- Nearly vertical walls provide more space
- Tall ceiling – 7 ft
- Sturdy and durable construction – aluminum and steel poles
- Can handle some heavy rain (2000mm waterproof rating)
- Stands strong in moderate winds
- Plenty of storage pockets + gear hammock
- Touch-friendly media pocket for smartphone or tablet
- Reflective panels to double the light you get from your lantern
- E-port
Cons:
- The door zipper tends to catch the fabric
REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent
Best for: Campers who want a tall tent with a relatively small footprint; $$$
If you don’t need a tent with a large footprint, but you want a standing room, the REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent fits the bill. With a 60 sq ft floor area and a maximum height of 78 inches, you’ll get plenty of headspace and great comfort for two people.
Nearly vertical walls provide more space to stand freely anywhere in the tent. Two doors allow easier access. The rainfly extends in front of both doors to create 2 vestibules. You can use them as storage spaces for shoes or a bag.
This is a durable tent capable of dealing with weather. The rainfly fully covers the tent, providing excellent protection against the rain. While REI doesn’t provide a waterproof rating, several users have reported staying bone dry in heavy rain and rainstorms.
I think it’s safe to say that it can handle some downpours and heavy rain. Very strong wind is the only enemy of this tent.
I liked the buckles that come with the rainfly to ensure a very quick and secure setup.
With ground vents and large mesh windows, the tent is airy and well ventilated.
High-quality fabric and aluminum pole system guarantee that this tent is going to last.
On the downside, the hub pole system is not one of my favorites. It’s not difficult to set it up, but it takes some practice to get hold of it.
Hub pole systems also don’t fare very well in windy conditions. Combine it with the height and you’ll get some wobbling and swaying in stronger winds.
Pros:
- Durable fabric and aluminum pole-system
- Waterproof
- Full-coverage rainfly
- Buckles for quick rainfly setup
- Rugged floor
- Ground vents for better air circulation
- Lightweight (14lb) – not for backpackers, but light for car camping
Cons:
- Not so good for windy conditions
Browning Camping Big Horn Tent 5
Best for: Couples or small families who want a spacious and livable tent; $$
Like to carry lots of stuff and gear on your camping trips? Like tents that feel like a living room? Check out the Browning Camping Big Horn Tent 5.
The declared capacity is 5 people, but as usual, it means you can pack them in, shoulder to shoulder.
So, it’s a tent for 2 or 3 people. And they are going to love the interior of this tent. Measuring 10 x 8 ft, with straight, almost vertical walls, and a high ceiling, it’s really spacious. You will notice it from the moment you step into it.
You can fit one queen-size air mattress in it and there will be plenty of room left. So, in terms of space, you’ll get great comfort and livability.
A freestanding design is stable and reliable. Nevertheless, the tent comes with steel stakes and guy lines. So, use them anyway to secure your tent as you never know when the wind may pick up.
The tent should perform well in rainy conditions as well. The rainfly doesn’t fully cover the tent, but it extends a bit over the roof and creates a small awning above the door. While full coverage is desirable, it is still better than covering the roof only.
The bathtub floor is somewhat thin, although it has a 2000mm waterproof rating. I would back it up with a tarp underneath to prevent rips and tears. No info is available on the waterproof rating of the rest of the tent. It may be the same or, more likely, lower than the floor rating.
While many users claimed it withstood some heavy rain, I wouldn’t recommend it for the wet season. Yes, it may hold well, but it is designed primarily to perform in nice weather.
Pros:
- Spacious interior (10 x 8 ft) + near-vertical walls
- Generous headroom – center height 7 ft
- Freestanding design
- Storage pockets
- Guy ropes and steel stakes
- Rainfly extends above the entrance area and down the corners.
Cons:
- The floor is not thick enough
- On a heavier side (21lb)
REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent
Best for: Campers ready to pay more for premium quality and great functionality; $$$$
If you’re ready to pay more to get a top-notch, reliable tent, the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent is a safe choice. A bunch of thoughtful features backed by superb materials and strong structure make this tent worthy of the name.
A tunnel design and a center height of 75 inches provide open and functional space. It’s not too large (120 x 100 inches), though.
The rainfly covers almost all of the tent to the ground. Only the rear door isn’t covered but it is waterproof, so no worries there.
The rainfly is also adjustable, and you can set it in three different ways to cover different parts of the tent. It’s a great design that allows you to choose perfect airflow rates.
Weather protection is formidable. Mind you, it’s a 3-season tent and, unless it’s too cold, it will perform great. It can handle rainstorms without any moisture creeping inside the tent.
It’s a tall tent, so it is not the best option for extremely strong winds. However, it has a very sturdy, hub-style construction with 10 anchoring points and several pole intersections. Poles are made of strong aluminum. And it includes 13 stakes and 6 guylines.
It means that this tent is a beast and will withstand some strong winds. Just make sure to stake it properly.
I also love the room divider. It can be set in two different positions to create two equal rooms or the large one and the small one.
But, it’s not all roses. The floor is thin and doesn’t appear to be very rugged or durable. You can purchase a footprint, but considering the price it should have been included. Also, some users have had issues with bent poles in stronger winds.
Pros:
- Tunnel-like shape provides additional space
- Almost full-coverage rainfly. The backdoor isn’t covered but it’s additionally waterproofed
- Adjustable rainfly includes 4 vents
- 22 storage pockets (!)
- Super-strong and durable construction
- Room divider
Cons:
- Footprint sold separately
- Even though it performs great, it’s still expensive
UNP Tents 6 Person Family Camping Tent
Best for: Groups of 3-4 or families on a budget who want a roomy tent; $$
If you want to save some money but still get a decent and spacious tent, the UNP Tents 6 Person Family Camping Tent might be the best choice.
This cabin tent is roomy and very comfortable for 3 people. The dimensions are 10 x 9 ft, with a ceiling height of 78 inches. So, there’s lots of space, and you can stand in the tent while changing or walking around.
The setup is also very easy, and 2 people can get it done in 3 – 4 minutes. Truth be told, the rainfly is a bit more difficult to set. It fits pretty tightly and needs to be positioned correctly.
While declared as a 4-season tent, make no mistake and forget about winter camping. It has a waterproof rating of 1000mm which is not very high. It means it can handle light rain and that’s it.
Considering the price, this tent comes with several unexpected and convenient features. There’s a protected E-port to plug your devices and bring electricity into the tent.
Ventilation is also great, thanks to the large mesh roof and low side vent. This design allows high-low air circulation, making sure to keep you cool in warm weather. Roof vents can be closed from the inside.
You can stash your small items in a gear loft and two easy-to-reach mesh pockets.
On the downside, it’s probably not the most durable tent. It is made of solid materials but one tent pole always appears to be too long. As a result you need to create a lot of tension to fit it into the “sleeve”.
Several impatient campers have managed to tear the sleeve while setting the tent up.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Spacious
- Tall ceiling – 75 in
- Easy set-up
- Relatively lightweight for a large car camping tent (20lb)
- High and low vents for better airflow
- E-port
Cons:
- Low waterproof rating (1000mm)
- Vague setup instructions
- Awkward setup can lead to rips and tears if you’re not very careful.
Coleman 8-Person Tenaya Lake Cabin Tent
Best for: Larger groups who want weatherproof and comfortable tent; $$
Do you need a large tent capable of coping with weather adversities? The Coleman 8-Person Tenaya Lake Cabin Tent will not disappoint you. It really offers great value for money.
It most certainly stands out for its great waterproof record. A great number of users came through rainstorms, staying dry and safe in this cabin tent. Even though the rainfly covers only the top of the tent, the walls proved to be waterproof as well.
As for space, it’s a large tent, but don’t try to fit 8 people in there. Yes, it’s possible, but not very comfortable. If you place two queen air mattresses, side by side, you’ll still have about 3 feet strips of free space on two sides.
Oh, and there’s a generous headroom with a peak height of 6 ft 8 in. So, it’s spacious enough to enjoy your trip even when it’s raining outside.
Apart from the basic (and most important) features, this tent offers a couple of rare tent amenities.
How many times have you struggled with the door zippers? Well, you can forget about it with the Coleman Tenaya Cabin Tent.
A hinged door makes it so much easier to get in and out. Velcro tabs keep the rigid door closed. You still have a zipper that goes all the way around the door, in case you want to seal it firmly.
And the icing on the cake? The tent has a built-in closet with a couple of shelves and a hanger bar! And it doesn’t take any space on the inside, because it sticks out of the tent.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Roomy
- Plenty of headroom (center height 6 ft 8 in)
- Hinged door
- Built-in closet
- Mesh roof for stargazing
- Convenient carry bag with wheels
Cons:
- It’s heavy (33 lb)
Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
Best for: Campers who love spacious tents with a screen room; $$
If you think that a screen room takes the camping experience to another level, this might be your perfect cabin tent. The Wenzel 8 Person Klondike tent offers ample space including a pretty large screen room.
It is billed as an 8-person tent, but as usual, it means you can fit 8 sleeping pads with no spare room. In reality, 4 or 5 people can use it comfortably. Here’s the math:
The main room has 98 sq ft and the screen area measures 60 sq ft. The screen room can be fully zipped and used as another “regular” room.
However, an airy and spacious screen room is probably the major selling point of the tent. So, I’d rather use the main room for sleeping, and the screen room as a living area.
Tents with screen rooms are usually meant to be used in warm and sunny weather. This one is no exception. Yes, the screen room can be fully zipped and become waterproof. Also, there’s a rainfly covering the roof.
Most users have reported staying dry in light rain or even short rainstorms. But some of them got pretty wet after experiencing heavy rain.
My verdict is that you should avoid the rainy season. It’s too airy and unable to retain heat, anyway. In warm weather, it will perform great. And it’s good enough to withstand summer rain.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Pretty large screen room (60 sq ft)
- Lots of mesh for great ventilation
- 2in1 ground vent. A vent or AC port for the AC window unit
- Center height of 6 ft 6 in. The screen room is about 6,7 inches lower, though.
- Bathtub floor design
Cons:
- It takes 15 to 20 minutes to set it up. It wrinkles and sags in the process.
Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Best for: Taller people who prefer summer camping; $$
Want to walk around your tent without hunching down? The Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent is a large and tall tent that will allow you the freedom of movement with ample headroom space.
It’s a 3-season tent, but it’s designed mainly for summer. It has two large doors, several windows, a huge mesh ceiling, and two ground vents. So, you get an amazing airflow and great view.
While you can fully enjoy the summer breeze, or stargazing at night, it will work against you in colder weather. Instead of cooling, you’ll get chills. But, as long as you use it in milder weather, you’ll be delighted with this tent.
With a 14 x 9 ft floor plan, you’ll easily fit two queen-sized air mattresses with room to spare. So, 4,5 people can comfortably sleep in it.
A removable divider allows you to separate the tent into two rooms. It works great for two couples, parents with kids, or anyone who needs some privacy.
The tent has a D-shaped main door and a large, side T-door. However, if you set up the room divider, both doorways lead to the same room. It would be much more convenient if each room had its own entrance.
A great number of users rave about this tent’s performance in nice weather. But, will it perform in wet and windy conditions?
For starters, it comes with the rainfly that covers only the roof. But, the tent fabric is also waterproof and all seams are sealed. So, it will handle some rain and it won’t leak. However, the waterproof rating is low (600mm), so it’s not meant to withstand heavy rain.
Pros:
- Tall ceiling (78 inches)
- Mesh roof for stargazing
- Great airflow
- Removable room divider
- Electrical cord port
- Pre-assembled poles for quick setup
Cons:
- Thin floor
How to Choose the Best Cabin Tent
Are you tired of hunching down in small and constricting tents? Whether you have a large family or want to accommodate a couple of friends, cabin tents provide the solution.
Benefits of Cabin Tents
If you have already decided to get a cabin tent, you can skip this section. But, if you have some second thoughts, here’s a brief reminder on cabin tents advantages:
Straight walls and tall ceilings. You will have more room for your gear, and you’ll be able to stand upright or walk around your tent.
It’s more than a shelter. Basically, cabin tents provide a sort of downsized home comfort. So, you get all the benefits of fresh air and nature while having a home-like living quarters.
Perfect match for families and car camping lovers. It’s obvious, isn’t it?
Finally, some of them really look cool.
So, let’s see what you need to look for to find the best cabin tent to meet your needs.
Size & Capacity
First, you need to decide the number of occupants and your preferred camping activities.
When it comes to capacity, disregard the manufacturer’s recommendations. Well, not completely, but the number they provide designates the maximum sleeping capacity with no spare room.
It’s a general rule of thumb to subtract at least 2 people from the rated sleeping capacity. For larger cabin tents, subtract 4+ people to make it comfortable.
Larger cabin tents usually come with removable room dividers. That’s great for privacy but it can also help to organize the tent.
The floor area matters more than sleeping capacity. Check out the length and width of the tent, to get a better picture. You can sketch the floor plan, “place” your beds/cots/sleeping bags, and see how much room is left.
Ceiling Height
When a manufacturer provides “ceiling height” information, it typically refers to peak height. It’s the distance between the floor and the highest point in the tent.
Ample headspace provides a more luxurious feel, apart from the ability to stand upright. It also allows you to hang some stuff on the ceiling without blocking your way.
Most cabin tents are tall, it’s one of their major advantages. Still, don’t choose a height that barely exceeds yours. You might be able to stand upright only at the center of the tent.
Basically, the higher, the better, if you want to be able to walk around every corner of the tent without bending down.
Weight
Cabin tents are typically heavier than some other tent types. However, it’s not a big deal since they are meant for car camping primarily. So, you shouldn’t worry about the weight too much.
Some models, like the Coleman 8-Person Tenaya Lake Cabin, come with wheeled tent bags for easier transport from the car.
Nowadays, many cabin tents come with pre-assembled poles for quicker and easier setup, but this adds up some weight, too.
Anyway, the weight of cabin tents differs a lot from approximately 15lb to 50 lb or even more. Most of them fall in the range of 20-30 pounds. If you prefer lighter models, the REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent weighs only 14 pounds.
Weather Protection
Cabin tents are not the most exceptional kind when it comes to weather protection. Simply, they are designed for convenience and comfort for car camping trips. Vertical walls and high ceilings emulate real cabin experience, but there’s a trade-off.
It takes a streamlined shape to reduce wind pressure. Tents with vertical walls will struggle in windy conditions and there’s a risk of collapsing. However, with stakes and guylines, most cabin tents will withstand some stormy weather.
Also, a cabin tent has a rainfly that only covers the roof of the tent. As a result, the sides, windows, and doors are exposed to rain especially if it’s windy.
So, if you want your tent to withstand heavy rain, look for a model with a full-coverage rainfly or the ones with a high waterproof rating. Rating of 2000mm or more will handle some downpours and heavy rain.
Waterproof ratings vary a lot, so check it out for each model. Reading user reviews and ratings can be very helpful to figure out how the tent handles the weather.
Apart from the fabric, seams and floors are the places where water may seep in. Make sure that the seams are sealed to prevent leaks.
As for the floor, it should be thicker and more waterproof than the walls or fly. All tents slowly lose water-resistant properties over time. The floor is more susceptible to it because of abrasions and direct contact with the ground.
A bathtub floor design is also desirable. This type of floor extends up the walls for a couple of inches. It keeps vulnerable seams off the ground to provide better protection.
Materials
The tent production involves several different materials. But, what you really want to know is the quality of tent fabric and poles.
Cabin tent fabric
A vast majority of cabin tents are made of polyester. Ideally, you should look for lightweight, but durable and tear-resistant fabric.
However, it’s difficult to determine how strong and durable the fabric is. One way is to check out user experiences. Different people have different opinions. But if the majority of users speak highly of a certain feature, it’s very likely it will work for you, too.
You can also check out the Denier count. It’s a unit that refers to the thickness of individual fibers used to create a fabric. Fiber thickness improves fabric strength and durability. So, the higher the Denier, the better.
Cabin Tent Poles
Tent poles are usually made of aluminum, fiberglass, or steel. Each material has some upsides and downsides. So, which one is the best for cabin tents?
Cabin tents commonly use a combination of steel and fiberglass poles. Strong steel poles are used to support the structure, while lighter fiberglass poles are used for the roof.
If you’re looking for an instant cabin tent, they come with telescopic poles. They are usually pre-attached to the structure for a quick and easy setup. It’s just a design tweak, the materials are the same as for regular poles.
That being said, telescopic poles are much harder to fix when broken since they are so many moving parts.
Ventilation
Avoiding stuffy air is important to enjoy your camping adventures. So, your tent should have decent ventilation.
Luckily, most cabin tents shine in this department. Mesh panels are the answer to the camper’s prayers regarding airflow. Mesh doors, windows, and roofs provide lots of airflows while keeping the bugs away.
In case of rain, you’ll have to seal all of the openings and decrease the ventilation. However, many models, like the Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent, have ground vents to improve the airflow.
Also, look for models that provide some room between the mesh roof and the rainfly. Combined with ground vents you’ll get plenty of air circulation even in rainy conditions.
The sheer volume of tall and spacious cabin tents also helps.
Tent Setup
Cabin tents are typically large, so it naturally takes a little bit more time to pitch them. However, this is the department where tents have improved immensely over the years.
Many models of cabin tents are designated as “instant” tents and can be up and ready in 1,2 minutes. Check out the OT QOMOTOP Instant Cabin Tent. If you want a quick, hassle-free setup, numerous different models will meet your needs.
“Regular” cabin tents usually take between 10 and 30 minutes to pitch them.