We’re back with a review of the 6 best tents from Ozark Trail.
For starters, we found the best Ozark tent to be the 14 person cabin tent, which scored just the right marks to emerge as the topper.
Even though Ozark trail is a relatively small player in the market, we went through our standard steps to evaluate each of the products. It wasn’t easy picking the best ones, but after hours of research and sifting through hundreds of feedbacks, we nailed it.
Are Ozark Trail tents any good?
Yes, they are. In case you prefer the occasional camping, hunting, or fishing trips with large groups, they offer great value for money.
Our top product, the 14 person cabin tent, comes with 4 spacious rooms and a liberal central height. You also get a simple setup, excellent ventilation with 12 windows, and a mesh roof for enjoying the views. We had no qualms about marking it as the best of the lot.
For backpackers, the 4-Season 2 person backpacking tent is an affordable option with 38 square feet of liveable space and additional storage space. Apart from a great design, it offers good stability and solid waterproofing. Overall, a great pick for casual backpacking trips.
Standing in the third spot is the 9-Person instant cabin tent that combines a super-easy setup process, 189 square feet of interior space, and excellent head height. We were impressed by the interior layout and the excellent airflow that makes it great for summer camping.
Best Ozark Tents: Top Recommendations
Here are the top Ozark Trail tents that we recommend.
Best Overall: 14 person Cabin tent– A super-spacious tent that’s perfect for summer trips with friends and family.
Best Instant Family Tents:
- 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent– Fast set up, excellent ventilation, and adequate privacy- a perfect choice for two families.
- 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent – A great design with lots and space and the right attention to detail.
Best Summer Camping Tent: 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent – Great for short summer camping trips with friends and family.
For small groups:
Best Backpacking Tent: 4-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent – A well-designed and easy-to-use tent for newbie hikers.
Best Value Tent: 3-person Dome Tent– A pocket-friendly option that’s great for two campers in fair-weather conditions.
If you want to learn a bit more about Ozark Trail tents before making a decision, we’ve also included a buyer’s guide for you. It will also tell you how we selected products on this list.
Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent
- 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%) – 8/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) –7/10
If you’re looking for a large family camping tent, the Ozark Trail is a great option. In terms of comfort and design, it’s one of the best in this category.
With 235 square feet of floor space and a straight-walled design, there’s plenty of space for 4 families. The interior is divided into 4 rooms to allow sufficient privacy. What’s more, the zip room dividers can be customized to divide the area into two, three, or four sections.
Not to forget, the center height is 78 inches. Tall campers above 6 feet found it extremely comfortable. Users also liked the fact all the rooms have separate entrances.
Planning to head out for a glamping trip with your friends? This tent can fit 5 queen air mattresses.
Fact is, quite a few tents with multiple rooms mess up with ventilation. But not this one.
There are 12 windows that offer excellent airflow. The mesh roof adds to the overall airy feel. The tent also received great reviews for the all-around views that it offers. The mesh roof is perfect for stargazing on summer nights.
Another feature that attracted praise was the quick setup time. Even for a large tent, connecting the structure is fairly simple. Two users were able to manage it in under 20 minutes. Taking it down is easy too.
Coming to the downsides, the tent isn’t built for rough weather. It can withstand occasional storms but continuous heavy rain can result in leakage. Being airy, it’s not best for chilly winters either.
Limit the use to summer car camping trips and this Base Camp tent is a solid option. Without a doubt, it’s our top choice in this category
Pros
- A spacious tent at an affordable price
- Easy to assemble even in the dark
- Four rooms with dividers for privacy
- Enough space for queen-size mattresses, tables, and chairs.
- Electric cord access, gear lofts, and media pockets for storage
Cons
- Only suited for summer camping trips
- The floor material isn’t of the best quality
Ozark Trail 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Space & comfort (30%)- 8/10
- 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
Campers users looking for something smaller and lighter will find this tent from Ozark a solid choice.
Bonus feature: it comes with an instant setup.
What this means is, the tent body is pre-attached to the mainframe. All you need to do is extend the leg poles. Two users can set up the main structure within 2 minutes.
That said, it’s not a fully inflatable tent per se. Setting up the screen room and attaching the rainfly does take some extra time. Still, first-timers were able to manage it within 12 to 15 minutes.
If living space is what you need, this is the right tent for you. It offers 189 square feet of space and the cabin-type design has 7 feet of ceiling height. There’s a room divider that can be used to separate the living and sleeping spaces. Great for large families with 6 to 7 members.
It can also accommodate two queen-sized beds. That makes it a great option for two couples.
Users loved the excellent ventilation that the tent offers. It’s mostly made from mesh and there are large windows. So even without separate ventilators, the airflow is great. Users didn’t mention any issues with condensation either.
Now, this isn’t a tent for harsh weather conditions. It comes with a rainfly, but the overall coverage isn’t the best. The short fly offers great all-around visibility though.
We wouldn’t recommend the structure for withstanding storms either.
Overall, if you don’t like tents that take a long time to set up, this one deserves a closer look.
Pros
- A spacious tent with two rooms
- An additional screen room
- Six windows offer a great view
- Gear organizer and electrical cord access
- Separate entrance for two families
Cons
- It’s not a fully instant tent
- Doesn’t have a freestanding design
Ozark Trail 4-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent
- Space & comfort (20%)- 7/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) –6/10
- Weather resistance (20%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (20%)- 7/10
- Ease of setup (10%)- 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 7/10
Frankly, weather-resistant backpacking tents with spacious interiors at an affordable price are hard to find. This product from Ozark does a great job of balancing all the factors and delivers a good package.
So you think 2-person tents mean cramped interiors.
Not so with this model from Ozark. It has 38 square feet of liveable space and an additional 25 square feet for storage. 44 inches of central height isn’t the best in this category. Still, it’s not too bad either.
What makes these perfect for 2 people is the thoughtful design. There are two vestibules, two doors, and even two mesh pockets. Reviewers appreciated two doors in a 2-person tent. Now you don’t have to crawl over the other person to get out at night.
Besides, the rainfly is large in size and offers solid protection from the rains. The low profile also makes the tent very stable in windy conditions. The presence of windows, fly vents, and a mesh roof offers good ventilation and makes this a good choice for summer as well.
Ozark claims this to be a 4-season tent. Most users agreed with that.
On the other hand, at 6.26 pounds this isn’t the lightest among 2-person tents. If you’re looking to travel light, look elsewhere.
In terms of durability, the tent is good but not great. The fiberglass poles aren’t the best in terms of rigidity. The floor material isn’t the most durable either.
All in all, this is a tent that offers solid value for newbie backpackers. In terms of design and floor area, it surely stands out from the crowd.
Pros
- Good storage space
- Snap-on pole guides for easy setup
- Full coverage by rainfly
- Durable zippered duffel bag
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- It’s not a full instant tent
- Overall durability isn’t the best
Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent
- Space & comfort (30%)- 7/10
- 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
The first thing that attracted our attention about this tent is the term “dark rest”.
So what exactly is it?
Well, this tent comes with specially designed dark materials and panels that block sunlight from entering the interiors. It’s great for taking a nap on bright summer days. However, some users found the interiors getting very hot on sunny afternoons.
Keep in mind, this is also an instant tent. With the frame structure pre-attached to the tent, all you need to do is open it and extend the legs. Even inexperienced users were able to set it up within 5 minutes.
Now, the floor area offered is 140 square feet. Considering there’s no vestibule space, we wouldn’t recommend this tent for ten users. It’s best for 5 to 6 campers with luggage for the best comfort levels.
Still, users loved the center height of 78 inches. Tall users were able to walk around comfortably without hunching. Also, you can divide the space into two rooms by using the room divider.
That allows you to sleep in one room and use the other for storing gear. It’s perfect for traveling with pets too.
The overall ventilation in the tent is good. In addition to the eight super-large windows, there are four vents that aid in air circulation. Two vents at floor level and two near the ceiling. Besides, the liberal use of mesh in the inner panels also keeps the air flowing.
Is the Ozark Trail 10-person instant cabin tent worth it?
Considering the price and advanced features, we feel it’s great for summer vacations. But if you want a tent that’s comfortable for 10 people, there are better options.
Pros
- Super quick set up
- Can fit 2 queen-sized airbeds
- Offers excellent privacy
- Large gear pockets and electrical cord access
Cons
- Limited interior space
- Not ideal for rough weather
Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent
- Space & comfort (30%)- 9/10
- Weather resistance (25%)- 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%)- 6/10
- Ease of setup (10%)- 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) –7/10
We have to admit that the Y-shaped design makes this tent look striking in any campground.
But that’s not all…
This is one of the most spacious tents in this category. It offers a huge floor area of 256 square feet with a center height of 76 inches. With 2 room dividers, the area can be divided into 3 rooms. Each room has its own separate door.
Another plus is the instant setup with the pre-attached poles. Ozark mentions that the setting time is two minutes. In real-world scenarios, users took more than 10 minutes to set it up for the first time. Once you get used to the process, it gets easier.
It comes with 10 large windows that offer excellent views. In addition, there’s a mesh ceiling that provides excellent airflow. Also, there are multiple vents at the ground level that assists in ventilation.
In short, this is a comfortable choice for summer camping. However, the roomy and airy interiors don’t make it the best choice for chilly winters. It gets hard to trap heat in the well-ventilated interiors.
Some users reported the stability of the tent wasn’t great in windy conditions. There were also issues with the durability of the poles. Also, the performance wasn’t great in heavy rains. Admittedly, this isn’t the tent to choose for tackling rough weather.
At the same time, a few users found it holding up well during thunderstorms. We feel that staking the tent properly can make a big difference during rough weather.
On the whole, if you want a large tent for occasional use that’s also easy to set up, you can go for this one. If stability and durability are your priorities, there are better options.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Can fit 3 queen-sized airbeds
- The screen room can be used as a porch
- 6 gear pockets in the interior
Cons
- Stability isn’t the best
- Only for car camping trips
OZARK Trail 3-person Dome Tent
- Space & comfort (20%)- 7/10
- Weight & Portability (20%)- 6/10
- Weather resistance (20%) –5/10
- Build quality and durability (20%)-7/10
- Ease of setup (10%)-8/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) –7/10
There aren’t many backpacking tents that offer great quality at affordable price tags. Ozark makes a solid attempt with this 3-person dome tent. It succeeds, but with a few caveats.
The floor area stands at 49 square feet, which we feel is decent. At 42 inches, the center height is acceptable at best. Tall users will feel cramped inside. On the whole, we feel it’s comfortable enough for 2 campers.
Note, this is an Ozark Trail tent that comes with just a single door. Still, users found the door wide enough for easy access.
There’s a rainfly with taped seams for enhanced water resistance. The fly also doubles up as a protective awning. Interestingly, the fly is fixed with the tent base. So there are no guy lines.
Is it good for camping in rough weather?
Not so much.
The problem is, it’s too small to offer complete protection from heavy rains. Also, users mentioned that the stability isn’t the best in windy conditions. Still, it’s a good choice for fair-weather hiking trips.
Note, at 5.64 pounds this isn’t an ultralight tent. But considering the price, we were satisfied with the space-to-weight ratio.
Quite simply, the tent isn’t the best performer under any segment. Nor is it designed for professional hikers. But on the whole, this is a well-crafted package that casual campers will like.
Does it offer the right value?
Absolutely. In fact, the pocket-friendly price tag is the best part of this 3-person dome tent. For occasional campers who don’t want to spend a fortune on a tent, this is a great option.
Pros
- Simple set up process
- Mesh screen roof for ventilation
- Gear loft, hanging organizer, and a mud mat at the entryway
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Not the best in rainy weather
- The headspace is limited.
What to Look for When Getting an Ozark Tent?
Ozark Trail is a brand launched by Walmart to focus on the outdoor gear market. They manufacture a wide range of camping gear ranging from tents, camp furniture, apparel, sleeping bags, and others.
Not much about the technical specifications used in these tents are mentioned. Even so, unless you need tents for extreme weather conditions or ultralight designs, Ozark Trail tents won’t let you down.
Keep in mind most of the Ozark Trail tents are designed for larger groups and family campers. There are smaller tents in their collection too. But the range isn’t as large as family tents.
Before you make your choice, there are a few points that you should keep in mind. Here’s a quick look.
Tent Design
The type of tent you choose depends on the type of camping you will be doing. Tent designs and weight differ completely depending on activities like backpacking or casual car camping.
For car camping trips, tent weight and packed size aren’t an issue. But when you need to hike with a backpack over tough terrains, you need something lighter and compact.
Now the basic types of tents are dome, cabin, tunnel, and A-frame tents. Some of these styles also come in instant or pop-up formats that make setting them up easy. The Ozark Trail collection is focused mainly on Dome and Cabin tents.
Dome tents usually come in smaller sizes and are a lightweight option for backpackers. Due to the low peak height, they aren’t the best option for comfort. Since they are affordable and easy to set up, dome tents are great for beginners.
Cabin tents are larger in size and their straight walls also offer more space. The design also allows for larger sizes suited for more than 10 people. That makes them a good choice for car camping or hunting trips with large groups.
The Number of Occupants
The number of people you are camping with is another important factor. If you’re a 2 or 3 member backpacking team, a smaller tent with a 3 to 4 person capacity will do the job.
When you’re out with your friends or on a family camping trip, you need a tent that offers plenty of room. Larger tents will allow you to set up queen-sized mattresses and extra chairs. For glamping, it’s best to choose some extra space that offers the best comfort.
Check the exact dimensions of the tent and the availability of storage spaces. Remember, if you use inflatable mattresses and sleeping bags, these will take up space too.
Beyond that, the height of the tent is also important for comfort. If you have taller members in your group, they will appreciate the extra height.
The Camping Season
The type of tent you pick will also depend on the time of the year you camp. In general, tents are designed for 3-season use- spring, summer, and fall.
Most tents from Ozark Trail fall under this category. The upper sides and top of the inner tent are made from mesh that aids in ventilation. Over that, there’s the rainfly that covers the roof and sidewalls.
These tents aren’t designed for tackling rough weather conditions and heavy wind loads. But the waterproofing is good enough to keep you protected from the occasional rains. All in all, they are great for summer camping trips.
If you’re planning to go on winter camping trips, you need to pick a 4-season tent. Since they are designed to preserve heat and extra protection, they don’t offer the best ventilation.
Admittedly, Ozark Trail tents don’t offer high-end features for 4-season use as those from top brands like MSR or Nemo. But the affordable price tag makes them a value for money choice.
Final Verdict
There you have it. A complete list of the best tents for Ozark Trail.
We have chosen a mixed variety of tents that will fit the requirements of all types of buyers.
The 14 person cabin tent comes with an excellent design that can accommodate 4 families. If you enjoy camping with large groups, this is a tent that checks all the right boxes. We feel it offers an excellent space-to-weight ratio.
The 9-Person instant cabin tent is perfect for campers who need a smaller footprint but adequate space for two families. And with the instant setup feature, you can forget the tough task of connecting tent poles.
For casual backpacking trips, the 4-season 2 person backpacking tent is a no-brainer. You can use it all year round and on top of it, it looks great. It lacks the advanced features of premium backpacking tents but it’s a perfect package for newbies.
Picking a tent might seem complicated, but once you know your exact requirements and budget you’re good to go.
Now it’s your turn to choose.
