Guide to Large Camping Tents
Camping with friends and family is loads of fun, but how do you make sleeping arrangements for a large group of people? Individual tents are an option. Large camping tents are another. The decision depends on which type of camping you do.
Large camping tents provide a slumber party-like experience, complete with sleeping bags and nighttime snacks. The biggest downside is their weight. A heavy tent isn’t ideal for a 10-mile hike through the wilderness, but it’s fine for car camping at a traditional campsite.
When your camping trip is more of a social outing than a backpacking trip, one of these large tents will be the perfect space for your group. When choosing one, you should consider:
- Capacity;
- Interior height;
- Weight;
- Ease of setup;
- Tent style.
Large Dome Camping Tent
This traditional dome tent from Coleman is a large-group camping staple. It boasts enough room for three queen size air mattresses. Other key features include door and window awnings, mesh storage pockets and an extension cord port.
Protected seams and zippers, waterproof floors and a wind-resistant frame make this large camping tent suitable for rain or shine. And it takes just 15 minutes to set up this tent.
Sleeping capacity: Eight.
Peak height: 74 inches.
Weight: 23 pounds.
Large Straight Wall Tent
This spacious cabin tent fits seriously large groups. A divider creates two rooms, and a removable rainfly lets you enjoy the sky on clear nights or remain dry through evening showers. Plenty of windows and vents allow air circulation to keep the interior comfortable. Setup time is about 15 minutes, according to an Amazon reviewer.
Sleeping capacity: 12.
Peak height: 86 inches.
Weight: 41 pounds.
Large Tent with Room Dividers
For a little more privacy, opt for a tent with multiple room dividers. This large camping tent has three dividers, allowing configurations of one, two, three or four rooms, each with an external door. It holds up to five queen size air mattresses. Two people can set it up in 20 minutes.
Sleeping capacity: 14.
Peak height: 78 inches.
Weight: 54 pounds.
Large Camping Tent for Families
This large camping tent is just right for families with kids. The Marmot Limestone Tent divides into two sections so kids and adults can sleep separately. Although parents will still hear ghost stories and giggles through the fabric room divider, it will help to block light from lanterns and bumps from little feet.
The second room is also a convenient spot to store extra camping gear when the kids stay home. A removable fly lets you search for constellations at night.
Sleeping capacity: Eight.
Peak height: 77 inches.
Weight: 20 pounds.
Large Roof-Top Tent
Roof-top tents let you sleep high above the ground, but they tend to be smaller than other tents. The Thule Tepui Explorer Autana tent sleeps four. It’s pretty big for a roof-top tent, but it’s still one of the smaller options on our list with just 48 square feet of floor space. It’s great for small groups or families with a couple of siblings.
Since it’s designed for camping with a vehicle, this large camping tent is much heavier than most.
Sleeping capacity: Four.
Peak height: 56 inches.
Weight: 190 pounds.
Large Glamping Tent
Cotton canvas bell tents are a glamping essential. A center pole creates a dramatic peak at the center of the tent.
This tent’s peak height depends on its width; the six-meter version measures three and one-half meters high (almost 11-1/2 feet). This tent is not intended for serious backpack camping. Reviewers had fun decorating it for a luxurious outdoor getaway.
Sleeping capacity: Seven.
Peak height: Three and one-half meters (11 feet, 5.8 inches).
Weight: 46 kilograms (about 101 pounds).
Easiest to Set Up
This large camping tent sets up in two minutes or less, saving time and, more importantly, frustration. But Core’s instant tent has more to offer than convenience. It has two entryways and two room dividers, which can close to create rooms. It also has a removable rainfly and mesh ceiling to allow for air circulation and star gazing.
Sleeping capacity: 12.
Peak height: 80 inches.
Weight: 48 pounds.