After thorough research and a couple of debates, our team has decided that the Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent is the best extra-large tent. If you’re seeking a super-large tent, the Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent is our top pick.
The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent is large, tall, comfortable, and has many other convenient features. But, it stands out from the crowd for excellent craftsmanship and performance in bad weather.
Even more importantly, it has stood the test of time. This model was launched in 2009 and is still running strong. Best things never go out of fashion. So, it’s a safe and attested choice.
Apart from the impeccable performance, you’ll get convenient features such as a hinged door, 2 entryways, a room divider, E-port, storage pockets, and more.
In the gigantic tents category, the Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent is a clear winner. It has a fantastic and super-convenient design that offers great comfort and versatility.
It comes with 4 spacious rooms, each with its own entrance. With an all-mesh ceiling, excellent ventilation, and 12 windows, it’s easy to see why it came on top.
Still, we are aware that different people have different needs and priorities. Therefore, we have invested many hours compiling a list of the best large tents to suit anybody’s demands.
Check out the buyer guide to learn more about our selection process.
- Top Recommendations – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 1. The Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 2. The Coleman Dark Room Skydome 8P Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 3. The Core 9-Person Extended Dome Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 4. The Bushnell Shield Series 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 5. The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 6. The WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 7. The Ozark Trail 12P Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 8. The CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 9. The Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 10. The Tahoe Gear Ozark 3-Season 16-Person Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- How to Choose the Best Tent for You – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Size and Capacity – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Shapes – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Height – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Ventilation – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Setup – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Material Quality – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Weather Protection – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Weight and Portability – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Conclusion: The Final Verdict – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Frequently Asked Questions – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- 1. What Are the Benefits of Using an Extra-Large Tent, and What Makes Them Different from Smaller Tents? – FAQs
- 2. How Many People Can an Extra-Large Tent Accommodate, and What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing the Right Size? – FAQs
- 3. What Are Some of the Best Materials and Construction Methods for Extra-Large Tents, and How Do They Affect Durability and Performance? – FAQs
- 4. What Features Should I Look for in an Extra-Large Tent to Ensure Comfort and Convenience, Such as Ventilation and Storage Options? – FAQs
- 5. How Do I Set Up and Take Down an Extra-Large Tent, and What Tips Can Help Me Do It More Efficiently and Safely? – FAQs
Top Recommendations – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
Best Overall – Top Recommendations
Best for Smaller Budgets – Top Recommendations
Best for Instant Setup – Top Recommendations
Best with Blackout Fabric – Top Recommendations
Best Yurt Tent for “Glamping” – Top Recommendations
Other Top Picks – Top Recommendations
- Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent – roomy tent with a screen room
- Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent – airy and comfortable with 2 AC ports
- Ozark Trail 12P Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent – instant setup and blackout fabrics
- Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent – 4-room tent with 4 doors
- Tahoe Gear Ozark 3-Season 16-Person Cabin Tent – extra tall tent with a large livable space
1. The Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 7/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 6/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Best for campers who want a spacious tent with a screen room; $$
Some campers think the tent is incomplete without a screen room. Opinions differ, but the Wenzel Klondike Tent fits the bill if you prefer large tents with screen rooms.
The first thing you’ll notice about it is its unique design. This tent is a hybrid between dome and cabin style with a dome-like roof and cabin-like vertical walls.
As a result, it’s a large and livable tent. Obviously, it has two separate rooms. Both are protected the rainfly, so you have many options to organize them to suit your needs.
The inner tent has a 98 sq ft area, while the screen room offers 60 sq ft. If you ask me, it’s a great tent for 4 people. They can comfortably sleep in the main chamber, leaving the screen room free for storage and sitting during the day.
Yes, you can fit more people but will lose storage and living space.
The maximum height of 77 inches allows you to walk freely inside the sleeping quarters. The screen room roof is lower at roughly 60 inches.
With the rainfly off, the tent is as airy as it gets. All-mesh roof and mesh screen room walls ensure you can enjoy your views. And you’ll feel a constant breeze to stay cool in warmer weather.
The tent fabric and rainfly are waterproof, but I couldn’t find information on the waterproof rating. Some users claimed it stayed bone dry in rainy conditions, while others have reported some leaking.
Scouring through dozens of reviews tells me it will most likely withstand some short storms and light to moderate rain. But, it won’t stop the water from leaking during heavy or prolonged rain.
Pros – The Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent
- Very roomy
- Almost all-mesh screen room
- Bathtub floor in both rooms
- Compact packed size
- Excellent area-to-weight ratio
- The ground vent that can double as an AC port
Cons – The Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent
- Not the easiest setup. There’s a learning curve, and it’s difficult to avoid sagging.
2. The Coleman Dark Room Skydome 8P Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 7/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for campers who like to sleep in;$$
Morning sunlight is your greatest enemy if you like to stay late and sleep longer. Well, not with the Coleman Dark Room Skydome tent. This tent comes with a blackout fabric that blocks 90% of sunlight!
Okay, I can’t confirm the number, but the tent is really very dark, even on the brightest day. So, you can rest assured that the sun won’t wake you up. Moreover, this technology keeps the tent cooler.
Intuitively, one would expect that dark fabric absorbs more heat. It doesn’t. I am not sure how, but this technology really works. The tent is noticeably darker and cooler than “regular” tents.
Note that you must keep the rainfly on to enjoy the blackout experience. It means you’ll have to sacrifice stargazing even though the upper part of the tent is roughly 50% mesh.
While darkroom fabric is a standout quality of the tent, it has a great set of other features. You’ll love it from the get-go. A declared 5-minute setup might be a stretch, but it’s easily doable in 10 minutes which is very quick.
The tent is tall (76 inches) with very steep walls for a dome tent. So, it’s roomy even though it’s not too large. The floor area of 108 sq ft will provide a comfortable experience for groups of 2 to 4 campers.
As for the rain protection, it’s a typical Coleman tent. It uses a WeatherTec system to keep the rain at bay. Inverted seams, welded corners, and a bathtub floor design are standard features of Coleman’s tents.
I also loved the wide and large entryway. It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference.
On the downside, the airflow is pretty low with the rainfly on.
Pros – The Coleman Dark Room Skydome 8P Tent
- Darkroom fabric keeps the tent cooler and darker
- Very quick setup
- Tall ceiling ( maximum height 6’ 4”)
- Vertical walls
- Waterproof
- Relatively lightweight and compact when packed
- Extra-wide door
Cons – The Coleman Dark Room Skydome 8P Tent
- No ground vents. There’s not enough ventilation with the rainfly on.
3. The Core 9-Person Extended Dome Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 6/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 8/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Best for: families or groups of 4-5 campers who want a large but lightweight and affordable tent; $
If you want a great bang for your buck, the Core 9-Person Extended Dome Tent might be your best bet. It’s a roomy, relatively lightweight (18.21 lbs.) and affordable tent.
Speaking of space, a 16 by 9 ft floor area is pretty generous. It can fit 3 queen-size air mattresses.
Nevertheless, 9 people or 3 queen airbeds will take all the space inside the tent. So, downsize to 4,5 people, and now you can call the tent roomy and comfortable.
The maximum height of 6 ft provides additional comfort. Note that due to the dome design, it gets considerably lower as soon as you move away from the center point. Still, it’s a decent height to provide comfortable moving around the tent or to change clothes.
You will also love how airy the tent is. The mesh roof provides ventilation and stargazing opportunities. If you like to have a nice view – you’ve got it. Mesh windows will provide it.
There’s also a ground-level vent to ensure you’ll get a nice breeze throughout the tent. It is so well-ventilated that you can’t prevent it even if you want to. So, in colder weather, it will work against you.
Short summer rains won’t be a problem, either. The rainfly doesn’t fully cover the tent but extends enough to keep the water away from doors and windows.
Pros – The Core 9-Person Extended Dome Tent
- It’s spacious (144 sq ft)
- Decent headroom (peak height 72 inches)
- Excellent airflow
- Lightweight considering the size (18.2 lbs.)
- E-port
- Great value for money
Cons – The Core 9-Person Extended Dome Tent
- Only one entryway. It’s not a big deal, but having multiple doors for a tent this size would be much more convenient.
- Not for colder weather
4. The Bushnell Shield Series 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 6/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 9/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Best for: summer campers who want a luxurious and airy tent; $$
Do you love car camping trips but not so much when it gets wet, rainy, and muddy? The Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent is designed for people like you. The tent offers some great features and comfort for warm sunny days.
To begin with, it’s big. Measuring 15 by 9 ft, it provides plenty of room for groups of up to 5 campers. The cabin-style design means it has almost vertical walls, thus, lots of room.
The ceiling is tall, with a peak height of 78 inches. So, you can stand up in the tent and walk around without hunching over. Unless you’re very, very tall.
Furthermore, it has a removable gear loft and 2 internal storage pockets. There are several pockets on the outside, protected by an awning.
So, it’s big and convenient, but what about quality? Steel poles are heavy but strong and sturdy. The fabric is 150D polyester. Typically, tents in this class use 75D or 68D polyester. So, it’s a thick and durable fabric.
As a trade-off, thick fabric and steel poles make it heavy, but it’s not a big issue for car campers.
Last but not least, there’s lots of mesh everywhere. The roof is all mesh, with large windows on the tent’s sides. Windows come with covers if you need privacy or want to cool down the tent with an AC unit.
While it offers many great features, this tent has several downsides. It has a water-repellent fabric, but it is not waterproof.
In the real world, it means it will protect you from a drizzle or light and short summer rain. Any persistent or heavier rain will creep into the tent sooner or later.
Pros – The Bushnell Shield Series 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Quick and easy setup and takedown
- Steep walls and tall ceiling
- Exceptional airflow
- Reflective coating blocks UV rays
- Strong steel poles
- Multiple storage pockets
- Room divider
- 2 AC ports/ground vents
Cons – The Bushnell Shield Series 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
- It’s heavy (45.8 pounds)
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
- Thin floor
5. The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 9/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 7/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for campers who want a durable and weather-resistant tent; $$
Do you love summer camping but want a reliable tent should the rain come? The Coleman WeatherMaster can be your best option. It is made of durable and waterproof materials to provide comfort and peace of mind if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
This tent won’t cost you a fortune, but it will deliver exceptional performance. Seriously, the WeatherMaster is a jack of all trades.
It is large and tall. The floor area measures 17 by 9 ft providing ample space for your group. Yes, it can easily fit 3 queen-size airbeds. A 10-person maximum capacity is possible but not recommendable.
You have 153 sq ft at your disposal, so it’s super comfy for 5,6 people and okay for 7. This tall boy has a maximum height of 80 inches. So you can walk proudly throughout the tent.
Coleman’s WeatherTec system with coated fabric, welded corners, and inverted seams provides excellent protection against rain. Moreover, it is tested to withstand 35 mph winds, a standard procedure for all Coleman’s tents.
These claims are also attested by hundreds of users in real-life conditions.
I love angled windows design. It allows you to keep the windows open even if it rains.
Apart from the basic and most important features, this tent has additional convenient details. Think of a hinged door, a room divider for privacy, 2 doors for easy access to both rooms and storage pockets.
While it excels in many areas, this tent is unsuitable for colder weather. Like pretty much all tents with a mesh roof, retaining the warmth when it gets colder is impossible.
Also, a 20-minute setup is not bad, but not something to be proud of.
Pros – The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Ample headroom
- Angled windows won’t allow water for a while, maintaining the airflow.
- Mesh roof for sky gazing
- Excellent ventilation
- Hinged door
- 2 doors and a room divider
Cons – The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
- Not the best for colder weather
6. The WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 9/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 9/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 9/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 5/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for groups of campers who want a premium tent with premium features; $$$$
If you don’t mind spending more to get the best quality, the WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell is the tent for you.
Call it a teepee tent or yurt, or bell tent, it will provide home-like comfort. Whatever you throw at it, this tent will withstand.
To begin with, it’s large and tall. I’ve been talking about several extra large and tall tents, but this one wins the race. The space won’t be a problem with the floor plan of 211 sq ft and a center height of 9’ 10”, the space won’t be a problem.
It’s a 100% cotton tent, and it comes with all the benefits of the material. It is breathable, waterproof, and very durable. It is also UV-resistant and has a fire-retardant finish.
The groundsheet is sewn-in, and it’s thick and insulated. Also, mesh doors and windows will keep the bugs at bay.
As expected from WHITEDUCK, it comes with accessories and convenient features such as storage pockets, a tool kit, and high-quality zippers.
In the summertime, it will stay cooler than polyester or nylon tents. Come the winter, it will retain the warmth better. Still, it’s a huge and well-ventilated tent, so it will get cold eventually.
No worries, a stove jack is opening with a flap to insert a woodstove pipe. It is made of fire-retardant materials for safety reasons. It’s a 3-season tent, but you’ll be fine even in wintertime with a tent stove.
On the downside, there are no room dividers for more privacy. Also, it is heavy (the water/fire repelling version weighs 71 lbs.), but all canvas/cotton tents are. Especially if they come with water-repelling and fire-retardant properties.
Pros – The WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent
- Very spacious (211 sq ft)
- Breathable
- Super-sturdy and durable
- Comes with a stove jack
- Waterproof
- Best zippers (YKK)
- Ideal for glamping
Cons – The WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent
- Heavy and bulky
- The door pole stands in the middle of the door. Not a big issue but not the best solution.
7. The Ozark Trail 12P Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 9/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 6/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 6/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 9/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Best for Campers who prefer instant tents and like to sleep longer;$$
If you’re more of an owl than a lark and want a tent that sets up in two minutes, the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Tent might be your new favorite.
Measuring 20 by 10 ft, this tent is large in the first place. The set of features makes it pretty unique.
It’s huge, but one person can set it up in 5 minutes. Then again, it offers an unmatched level of privacy in the class.
While blackout fabric is not as effective as in Coleman’s tents, it’s still dark inside and works. They claim it blocks 70% of sunlight. Whatever the number, the tent is cooler, darker, and provides more privacy.
2 removable room dividers allow you to organize the space to your liking. And add more privacy.
Vertical cabin-style walls and 80 inches peak height provide ample space and headroom. Furthermore, there’s an abundance of storage pockets.
The roof is all mesh, as expected. The airflow is great with 2 doors, 8 windows, and 2 ground vents.
Considering the number of advanced features, it is also a pretty affordable tent.
On the downside, it is not the best tent regarding weather protection. According to reviews, I couldn’t find waterproof ratings, but it can only withstand light rain.
Some users have also noticed early signs of wear and tear after only a few outings.
So, it’s a great tent with some shortcomings. In my opinion, the number of advanced features easily outweighs the downsides.
If you prioritize space, livability, instant setup, and blackout fabric, this tent offers great value for your money.
Pros – The Ozark Trail 12P Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent
- Quick and easy setup
- Dark rest technology keeps the tent darker and cooler
- 2 removable room dividers and 2 doors
- Plenty of storage pockets
- It fits 4 queen airbeds.
- Great airflow
Cons – The Ozark Trail 12P Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent
- Not the most durable tent
- Weather resistance is very average
8. The CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 9/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 7/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 9/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Best for campers who want a comfortable, tall tent that sets up quickly; $$$
Looking for a tent with ample space and height? Or the one that can be pitched in no time? Look no further. The CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent will meet your demands and then some.
To begin with, even though it’s a huge tent, you can erect it in just a couple of minutes. 2 adept people can do it in 2 minutes. The takedown is equally effortless.
This model is a definition of comfort for summer camping. The 18 by 10 ft floor plan provides huge space. 2 room dividers can split the tent into 3 separate rooms. Each room can fit a queen size air mattress.
Moreover, the 80 inches center height and roughly 70 inches by the (vertical) walls allow the freedom of walking and no hunching over.
How about having a nice view? No problem. There are 2 large doors and mesh windows for a panoramic view. The roof is all mesh if you prefer looking at the stars and not your feet. And it’s a huge roof.
With all that mesh, the ventilation must be exceptional. But to make it even better, there are 2 adjustable ground vents.
What else could you need? Maybe, storage pockets? Check. There are 4 of them, plus a gear loft.
So, you’ve got everything to enjoy camping in nice weather.
If the weather gets ugly, you’ll have decent protection. The waterproof rating of 600 mm is rather low. But they use H2O Block Technology, combining water-repelling properties and faster water runoff.
As a result, the tent will withstand light to moderate rain with no leaks. Still, heavier rain will eventually enter the tent.
You’d expect a tent this big to be heavy. It’s very heavy at 47.8 lbs. The floor is not very thick, which usually translates to not being very durable. I would recommend backing it up with a ground tarp.
Pros – The CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Super-quick and easy setup and breakdown
- Standing height everywhere in the tent
- Superb venting system
- 4 storage pockets, gear loft, and lantern hook
- 2 room dividers
- 2 doors
Cons – The CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Thin floor
- It’s heavy (47.8 lbs.)
9. The Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 9/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 6/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 6/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Best for families or large camping parties who want space and privacy; $$
If you have a large family or many camping friends, one tent is still enough to accommodate all of you. But not any tent. It has to be huge, like the Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent.
This tent has 4 rooms so you can divide your group and everyone can get some privacy.
With a 20 by 20 ft ground base, you’ll hardly find a tent that takes up so much space. Seriously, it’s a mansion in the world of tents. The usable floor area is around 230 sq ft. But it’s not all about the size.
For starters, it’s very easy to set it up. 2 people can pitch it in around 20 minutes. You can even do it solo, although it would take more time.
The tent has a cross or plus structure looking from above. A dome chamber is 78 inches tall at the center and 4 sections on each side.
The central area creates a single room together with the main entryway section. The remaining areas create 3 separate rooms. They have built-in room dividers but can be pulled aside to get a 1,2,3, or 4-room tent.
Furthermore, each room has its own entrance/exit. So, the design is convenient and flexible, giving you plenty of options.
Each door has a mesh panel, and each room has two additional mesh windows. If you didn’t calculate, it’s 12 side mesh panels overall! And the roof is all mesh.
As you would expect, the ventilation is as good as it gets.
While the rainfly only covers the ceiling, numerous users claim it stands well in rainy conditions. Still, it’s not designed for harsh weather.
Pros – The Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent
- It is huge
- Affordable
- Superb ventilation
- Surprisingly easy to pitch it even though it takes 20-25 minutes
- 4 rooms and 4 doors
- Power cord port
- Compact carry bag considering the size (28.5 x 14 inches)
Cons – The Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent
- Difficult to find a camping spot due to the gigantic base area
- Suited for mild weather only
10. The Tahoe Gear Ozark 3-Season 16-Person Cabin Tent – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
- Space & comfort (30%) – 9/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 7/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 6/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Best for families or groups of campers who want huge livable space; $$$
If you’re looking for a super-large camping tent, the Tahoe Gear Ozark Tent is one of the largest tents. It is a comfortable and portable “cabin in the woods”.
Measuring 16 by 15 ft, this tent is larger than the previously mentioned Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person tent. However, I would recommend fitting a slightly lower number (say up to 8) of occupants due to room arrangement.
This tent is designed to be super-comfortable and livable. It is divided into 2 equal sections with the sewn-in room divider. The front part is meant for daytime activities. It has huge panoramic windows and 2 doors.
The back part is designed to be a sleeping area. Not as many windows in this section, and they are considerably smaller. This area can be divided into 2 separate sleeping rooms down the middle.
So, you have 2 bedrooms and a huge living room. The height is more than generous throughout the tent, allowing you to walk upright inside the tent.
Apart from the size, it comes with a rainfly with a waterproof rating of 1200 mm. It means the tent will handle light to moderate rain.
The rain fly has 2 air vents, which is great and uncommon in large summer tents. With 2 ground vents, you can rest assured you’ll get sufficient airflow even with the rainfly on and windows covered.
On the downside, the configuration of the living room/sleeping room and having both doors at the front of the tent don’t allow too much freedom for different organizing options.
Pros – The Tahoe Gear Ozark 3-Season 16-Person Cabin Tent
- It is gigantic
- Very tall ceiling (7 ft)
- 2 room dividers
- Excellent airflow
- Panoramic views
Cons – The Tahoe Gear Ozark 3-Season 16-Person Cabin Tent
- Vague setup instructions
- Both doors are in the front room
How to Choose the Best Tent for You – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
Large tents allow you to bring your whole family on camping trips. Or a bunch of friends. Still, it can be overwhelming to sift through myriads of options.
We are here to offer some guidance and point out the most essential features of large tents. So, this is what you should look for.
Size and Capacity – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
How large is really enough? It depends on the number of occupants and the amount of gear. But here are some ground rules.
Forget about designated capacity. It tells the number of occupants packed like sardines next to each other. It is the floor area that matters.
Family and car campers need at least 20 sq ft per person. So, check out the dimensions of the tent and do the math. If you plan longer trips, you’ll need more equipment, so add a few square feet to the aforementioned baseline.
If you plan cooking or other activities inside the tent ( if it rains), further upsize the tent.
Remember that it’s always better to end up with one size larger than a one-size smaller tent. You can’t extend the existing tent, while the extra space won’t bother you as much.
Shapes – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
A cabin tent is the most common shape for large tents. Still, there are some dome, tunnel, and teepee tents in the large tents category.
Cabin tents offer ample space and great livability due to vertical walls and decent height. And that’s what most families and larger camping groups are looking for. They provide home-like comfort, and they are perfect for warmer weather.
On the downside, they rarely have a full-coverage rainfly and don’t offer extraordinary protection against the rain. Also, the height makes them more vulnerable to gusts of wind. The taller the tent, the more pressure it has to endure in strong winds.
Large dome tents are typically hybrids that combine dome and cabin or tunnel-shape styles.
Extended dome structures like the Core 9 Person Extended Dome tent have almost vertical walls like cabin tents, but are more aerodynamic thanks to the sloping dome shape at the top of the tent.
Larger tunnel tents provide better protection against the elements than their cabin counterparts. They rarely have a mesh roof and have fewer mesh panels overall. Therefore, the airflow is usually lower when compared to cabin tents.
Teepee tents resemble traditional tents or yurts of historic nomadic tribes. Their features may vary a lot, although they are commonly heavier.
Height – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
The larger the tent, the more important the height becomes. Why? Campers spend more time in larger tents, and hunching over all day doesn’t improve the camping experience.
The ability to walk upright inside the tent raises the comfort significantly. Changing clothes is more comfortable as well as any movement throughout the tent.
So, a standing height is not mandatory but a great plus.
Ventilation – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
Ventilation is an important aspect of any tent. For starters, no one likes stuffy air. In hot weather, the airflow is essential to push the hot air out and let some breeze in.
Great ventilation is also the best way to prevent condensation issues.
Look for tents with plenty of mesh and openings to avoid ventilation issues. Ground vents combined with a mesh roof are particularly effective, providing high-low air circulation.
Truth be told, a vast majority of large tents come with lots of mesh and excellent airflow. So, make sure not to pick a rare rotten apple.
Setup – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
Some campers hate pitching a tent. Instant tents have changed their attitude for good. While camping in a large group means you’ll have help, a quick and easy setup is still convenient.
It’s not essential, but what if it starts raining? Wind can create havoc when you’re trying to set up the tent. Even if you’re old school, you’ll appreciate the ability to set the tent in minutes.
Naturally, larger tents are more difficult to set up, but modern technologies have come to the rescue. Some very large instant tents are out there, like the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Tent.
Also, tents with a conventional setup often come with clear instructions and color-coded poles and sleeves.
So, a setup can be a breeze even for inexperienced campers.
Material Quality – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
This is a must when choosing any tent. The ultimate quality of the tent depends a lot on the quality of the materials.
While several materials are utilized to produce a tent, the fabric and the poles matter the most.
Tent fabric determines how strong, durable and functional your tent will be. The fabric repels the water, may block UV rays, affects the weight, and after all, the looks of your tent.
Tents are typically made of polyester, nylon, or canvas (cotton).
Nylon is mostly used in backpacking tents as it is lightweight and relatively strong.
Large tents are most commonly made of polyester. It’s a tradeoff: polyester is slightly heavier and weaker than nylon but much more affordable. You shouldn’t worry, though. Weaving techniques can make polyester very tough and durable.
You should check out the D(Denier) value. The higher the denier, the better. Typically, large tents are made of 68D or 75D polyester. Anything less will be flimsy, anything more will bring extra toughness and strength.
Also, pay attention to floor fabric. Due to abrasion, it must be thicker and stronger than the rest of the tent.
Tent poles can be made of fiberglass, steel, aluminum, and other modern and expensive materials.
Steel poles are very strong but also very heavy.
Aluminum poles are strong, flexible, and lightweight. Under too much pressure, they won’t break but bend.
Fiberglass poles are affordable but not as flexible or strong as aluminum ones. If overloaded, they will break. Still, they offer a good quality-to-price ratio.
Extra-large tents rarely come with aluminum poles. With more weight and length, they tend to bend easier.
So, large tents commonly use steel poles for the corners and lighter fiberglass poles for the roof structure.
Steel poles will provide more stability but will add some weight.
Weather Protection – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
Large tents are designed with mostly summer camping in mind. Still, weather protection is very important. A leaky tent is the number one culprit for ruined camping trips. A tent collapse in windy conditions is the next culprit in the line.
So, you get the picture. Most large tents won’t offer exceptional protection from the elements. Still, the more protection, the better.
But how to tell if the tent can withstand some rain and wind? There are a few ways.
First, you can check out the waterproof rating. It is measured in mm and shows the height of the water column the tent can hold before it starts to leak. For summer tents, anything above 1000 mm is okay. By the way, an umbrella has a waterproof rating of 400 to 500 mm.
But it’s not all about the waterproof rating. If the seams aren’t sealed, the tent will leak badly. Also, water can come from the ground through the floor.
Therefore, you should ensure the tent has sealed seams and a thicker and more waterproof floor.
Weight and Portability – How to Choose the Best Tent for You
This is not essential since your car will usually carry the tent. So, as long as you don’t need a forklift to move the tent, the weight is unimportant. Still, the lighter, the better.
Large tents can vary a lot in terms of weight. Lighter ones will weigh around 15-20 pounds. On the heavier side, some of them exceed 50 to 60 pounds. That’s not convenient, even for a short walk.
If you like some heavier tents, it’s a good idea to check if they come with a wheeled carry case. You can also split the weight between you and your camping companions.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
Well done! You’re still with us! It means you’re meticulous about choosing the tent, which is great. You’re more likely to make the best choice.
Speaking of choices, our top pick, the Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent, deserves the laurels. It is a reliable and proven tent.
High build quality, durability, excellent weather protection, and ample space make it a safe choice for any camper.
While we believe it’s the best tent overall, it’s not necessarily the best for every camper. After all, that’s why we have a list of different tents with different stand-out features.
Now, you know what to look for and how to evaluate different features. The only thing left is to make the final call. And go out there. Enjoy it!
Frequently Asked Questions – The 10 Best Extra-Large Tents
1. What Are the Benefits of Using an Extra-Large Tent, and What Makes Them Different from Smaller Tents? – FAQs
Extra-large tents offer several benefits over smaller tents.
They provide more space and comfort for larger groups or families and added storage space for gear and equipment. They are also often designed with additional features like multiple doors and windows, room dividers, and built-in storage pockets.
The main difference between extra-large and smaller tents is their size and capacity, with extra-large tents typically able to accommodate 8-12 people or more.
2. How Many People Can an Extra-Large Tent Accommodate, and What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing the Right Size? – FAQs
Extra-large tents can vary in size and capacity, but they are typically designed to accommodate 8-12 people or more.
When choosing the right size, it’s important to consider factors like the number of people in your group, the amount of gear and equipment you will be bringing, and the type of activities you will be doing.
It’s also a good idea to choose a tent slightly larger than you think you need to ensure that everyone has enough space to move around comfortably.
3. What Are Some of the Best Materials and Construction Methods for Extra-Large Tents, and How Do They Affect Durability and Performance? – FAQs
Extra-large tents are typically made from durable materials like polyester or nylon, with sturdy poles and guy lines to provide stability and support.
Look for tents with waterproof coatings or sealed seams to keep water out and strong zippers and mesh windows for ventilation. Some tents may also feature UV-resistant materials or reflective coatings to keep the tent cool and comfortable in hot weather.
Good construction methods like double stitching and reinforced corners can also help improve the tent’s durability and performance.
4. What Features Should I Look for in an Extra-Large Tent to Ensure Comfort and Convenience, Such as Ventilation and Storage Options? – FAQs
When choosing an extra-large tent, look for features that will ensure comfort and convenience, like good ventilation, ample storage space, and easy-to-use doors and windows.
A tent with multiple doors and windows will allow for better airflow and ventilation, which can help prevent condensation and keep the tent cool and comfortable. Built-in storage pockets and gear lofts can also help keep gear organized and out of the way.
Additionally, look for tents with detachable room dividers or separate sleeping areas to provide added privacy and comfort.
5. How Do I Set Up and Take Down an Extra-Large Tent, and What Tips Can Help Me Do It More Efficiently and Safely? – FAQs
Setting up and taking down an extra-large tent can be more challenging than a smaller one, but a few tips can help make the process easier and safer.
First, ensure you have plenty of space and a flat, level surface to work on. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and enlist the help of a few people to make the process easier. Consider setting up the tent at home or in your backyard before your camping trip to ensure you are familiar with the process and can identify potential issues.
Finally, be patient and take your time, as rushing can lead to mistakes and accidents.