If you want to accommodate a large group for certain celebrations or go camping with many friends and relatives, you need a correspondingly large tent. Otherwise, you will not only have to drag several small tents but also laboriously erect them individually. Which of course takes a certain time and can be nerve-wracking from mining and transportation to mention.
The best solution is to choose a 12 person tent, which is larger and heavier, but only needs to be set up and dismantled once. Best 12 person tents are designed with several cabins so that they can accommodate up to twelve people with camping utensils and other luggage.
However, finding the best camping tent for 12 people requires good planning: the chosen tent not only has to be stable and waterproof but also has enough space for twelve beds. We have analyzed more than 30 models and finally shorten the list with the top 10 tents so that everyone can find the right model on a budget.
Our buying guide also provides all the necessary features you should consider before making the final decision.
Best 12 Person Tents (Top Picks)
Make sure to check our comparative list of the best 12 person tents in 2023.
- Coleman Skylodge Camping Tent – Best Overall
- Skandika Turin Large Tent – Editor’s Choice
- Browning Two Room Big Horn Tent – Best Value
- NTK Super Arizona GT – Best Waterproof 12 Person Tent
- Ozark Trail 12-Person Instant Tent – Built-in Dark Rest Technology
- KTT Extra Large Family Cabin Tent – With Multiple Rooms
- Skandika Nimbus Hybrid Tunnel Tent – Extra-Large 12 Person Tent
- OmniCore Designs Teepee – Best 12 Person Tent with Vented Roof
- Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent – Best Cabin-Style 12 person Tent
- CORE Cabin Tent for Outdoor – Best 12 person Instant Tent
1. Coleman Skylodge 12-Person Tent – Best Overall
Specs:
- Material: Nylon
- Dimensions: 228 x 120 x 88 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 40.44 lbs.
- Seasons: Three
We set up our list of the best 12 person tents in 2023 with the Skylodge 12-man camping tent, which is one of the latest models from Coleman. With this model, you can go camping for a family holiday. It has a large living room and a multifunctional screen room that provides extra living space to lounge, sleep, or store gear. This tent is designed for large families.
The zippers are of decent quality. And with a roof height of 88 inches, you will be able to move around inside without worry. You can install a table and chairs in the living room to be able to dine, play or chat in the shelter. With taped seams and a water column of 5000mm, it effectively protects your family from rain. Tunnel-shaped steel frame associated with fiberglass poles also effectively resists the wind.
You can add mosquito nets to prevent insects from bothering you. The opening of the entrance and the presence of windows in the cabins provide ventilation to prevent the formation of condensation in the passenger compartment.
Coleman Skylodge 12-person has an inside hook for the camping lamp and storage pockets. The package comes with a transport bag, groundsheet, fiberglass and steel frame, ropes, sardines, and assembly instructions. Another detail, the groundsheet is removable for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Ideal for holiday family camping
- No bending and crawling
- Very spacious
- Screen room
- Wide door
- Easy setup
Cons
- No separating wall
- Thin floor
2. Skandika Turin Family & Group Tent – Editor’s Choice
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Dimensions: 330.7 x 283.5 x 79 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 50.7 lbs.
- Seasons: All
If you’re looking for a large 12 person tent for family camping, the Skandika Turin would be the best option for you. It has plenty of space for all family members and friends, plenty of luggage and furniture with a large living area.
The three inside cabins offer enough space for 12 people and each cabin has its own sewn-in tent floor and mosquito net at the entrance, to ensure a lot of sleeping comfort. With a standing height of 79 inches, the total measurements are 330.7 x 283.5 inches. It also has a large entrance that functions as a sun canopy.
Skandika Turin’s camping tent is quick and easy to assemble despite its huge size. Because color-coded poles and clear instructions help you to install this tent with little effort. This model is weatherproof with a water column of 5000 mm and high-quality sealed seams.
This family camping tent comes with many extras. For example, windows and entrances with mosquito nets, hooks for lanterns, practical organizer pockets, cable ducts, and ventilation openings.
Overall, it would be an ideal choice if you need a lot of space – whether for vacation or party! The package also includes a sturdy carrying bag, simple assembly tools, pegs, and repair kits.
Pros
- Made of top-grade materials
- Designed with 2 m headroom
- Bigger living room space
- Quick and easy setup
- Complete package
Cons
- Doesn’t have a sewn in groundsheet
- Instructions could be clearer
3. Browning Two Room Big Horn Tent – Best Value
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Dimensions: 120 x 180 x 87 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 34 lbs. 11oz.
- Seasons: All
Browning Camping Big Horn Two-Piece Tent inspires images of the big dust bowl & borders and the world’s wildest west. It is a huge tent for 12 people, which makes it perfect for large groups of people, friends, and families who want to escape the absurdity of the modern world and live off the land for the rest of their days.
This free-standing family tent is designed with fiberglass posts and steel studs for added extra strength and support. The freestanding design may be a cause for concern, but it’s actually more efficient than you might think. Because the resilient fiberglass poles provide additional stability where other designs might collapse under extreme weather conditions.
It also features extra center height, straight walls, and two-room wall partitions to provide maximum space. The 6 windows and the 2 large doors allow you to contemplate nature while the extra high center offers you a huge space, which you can delimit with a useful partition.
Browning Big Horn Flexible 12-man camping tent is fully equipped with mesh storage pockets, polyester fly, steel ropes and stakes. Mesh pockets are surrounded by the interior walls for easy storage of your valuables or gear that you need to grab in an instant. However, there’s no overhead storage. But with a 150 square feet tent, you probably won’t need it anyway.
Pros
- Mesh storage pockets
- Very roomy
- Well ventilated
- Two-room wall divider
- Six large windows
- Free-standing design
- Excellent weather protection
- High center for maximum space
Cons
- Very little built-in storage space
- Opening the zipper door isn’t convenient
4. NTK Super Arizona GT Family Camping Tent
Specs:
- Material: 190T Polyester
- Dimensions: 122.5 x 246.8 x 82.7 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 39.77 lbs.
- Seasons: Three
If you are looking for the best 12 person tent for long-term use, then the NTK Super Arizona GT is a good option for you. It is built to last with high-quality materials and excellent construction. The tent has a dome shape and is made with super fine polyester, which is micro mesh to keep mosquitoes and bugs out. Although its D-shaped door has full mosquito protection, it is not enough to provide adequate ventilation during the hot season.
NTK Super Arizona GT 12-person tent features a sturdy frame and poles that fit together to provide you and your family with a safe and stable sleeping space away from home. This model also has high-quality Nano-flex technology. It is able to withstand all the harsh conditions it encounters in all of your camping adventures.
The flooring is also premium quality with its tub-style construction. The anti-fungal polyethylene material used keeps you dry and protected from moisture.
NTK Super Arizona GT tent is made of 190T polyester coated with thermoplastic for UV protection. You can also forget about the water running under your tent or even puddles. The 2500mm midge is specially designed to give you full coverage against rain.
Installation is also pretty simple and can be done quickly by one person. With a central height of 82.7 inches, it is one of the most durable and sturdy built large tents on the market. Its excellent features are worth investing in if you want to get better performance when it’s not that hot outside.
Pros
- Super spacious
- Micro mesh mosquito net
- Comes with complete rain cover
- High quality flooring
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- Not suitable for the winter season
- Windows only have an outdoor zipping option
5. Ozark Trail Instant Tent with Dark Rest Technology
Specs:
- Material: 190T Polyester
- Dimensions: 120 x 240 x 80 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 53.2 lbs.
- Seasons: All
Ozark Trail 12-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent will help you have a fulfilling camping trip by accommodating the whole crew and making everyone feel comfortable. It will comfortably fit four queen air mattresses or up to 12 campers in sleeping bags on the floor. The room dividers allow you to create up to three rooms for separate sleeping and living spaces. Also, the center height leaves plenty of room to walk around!
This dual outdoor cabin tent features innovative Dark Rest technology that prevents sunlight and helps you stay cool and sleep longer. Also, the multiple skylights with interior ceiling panels allow you to customize the direct sunlight and you can roll back for stargazing or for extra interior illumination.
Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent features eight large windows for lovely views of the outdoors, excellent ventilation, as well as 14 tent stakes for stability. You can keep your things organized with the included hanging organizer and deluxe gear pockets. It also offers electrical cord access, and the package includes a carrying bag for your convenience.
You can set up this tent in just 60 seconds, no assembly requires. The steel and fiberglass poles are also pre-attached to the tent, so all you have to do is just unfold and extend.
Pros
- Built-in Dark Rest Technology Skylight
- Extra-large windows
- Complete package
- Deluxe gear pockets
- Electrical cord access
- Simple set up
Cons
- Zipper quality could be better
6. KTT Rectangular Extra Large Multi-Room Tent
Specs:
- Material: Oxford Polyester
- Dimensions: 120 x 145 x 80 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 34 lbs.
- Seasons: Three
Pros
- Plenty of head room
- Waterproof and Durable
- Great ventilation
- Reliable support
- Unique design
Cons
- Included instructions are poorly written
- Tent stakes are standard, not the best
KTT Camping Tent for Family Product Specifications Tent Pattern. For example, it has three Large Mesh Doors, two Bedrooms, Three Mesh Windows, Two Side Doors, and a Big Front Vestibule with a Sleeping Capacity of 10-12 people. It is made of double-layer waterproof polyester that is well-known as high-density mesh fabric. The floor material is also super thick with PE-coated polyester.
This 12-person cabin tent is equipped with water-resistant PU-coated fabric and taped seams to help keep moisture out. The hook can be used to hang the camping lantern. The comprehensive external connection makes it more stable and not afraid of wind and rain.
This large cabin tent is waterproof, windproof, and mosquito-proof. The inner and outer materials are 150D polyester, which extends the service life of the tent. The PU 1000mm coating is 1000mm.
The straight-wall design is very effective, and the interior space is large and convenient. When the door curtain is supported by two rods, it becomes a parasol. The top of the tent is high-density mesh and very breathable. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sky when you are inside.
KTT camping tent not only focuses on quality but also pays attention to its practicality. Your family members can rest inside and also play outside under the awning.
Pros
- Plenty of headroom
- Waterproof and Durable
- Great ventilation
- Reliable support
- Unique design
Cons
- Included instructions are poorly written
- Tent stakes are standard, not the best
7. Skandika Nimbus Hybrid 12-Person Tunnel Tent
Specs:
- Material: 185T Polyester
- Dimensions: 248 x 299 x 84.6 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 80 lbs.
- Seasons: All
This is another best 12-man tunnel tent from Skandika. Skandika Nimbus family-friendly steep wall tent offers plenty of space and is therefore well suited for holidays with family or friends or for the next garden party.
The tent walls, which are around 2 meters high, allow a comfortable stay inside the tent. A large living area and three sleeping cabins of different sizes are available here. The inner tent material ensures adequate ventilation and temperature. The integrated insect nets protect against mosquitoes and similar unwelcome guests.
The tent itself impresses with its weather-resistant processing and a coating that has a water column of 5,000 mm. This is complemented by a wide range of accessories. All fastening materials are also available here together with a tent floor
It offers enough space to set up seating and various sleeping places as well as to stow supplies and luggage. However, the tent floor is not firmly sewn and does not cover the entire tent area. It is also pointed out that the lateral small sleeping cabins only have poor stability.
Skandika Nimbus’s 12-person tent is characterized by a spacious design and robust workmanship, so rainwater or strong gusts of wind cannot harm the property. This makes it a good solution for multi-day camping trips.
Pros
- Quality and robust workmanship
- Front wall is easily moveable
- Quick and easy to set
- Very spacious
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor stability of the small sleeping areas
- Complicated structure
8. OmniCore Designs Teepee Tent with Vented Roof
Specs:
- Material: 190T Polyester
- Dimensions: 216 x 216 x 117 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 26.75 lbs.
- Seasons: Summer
OmniCore Designs is a young, innovative outdoor brand that produces price-conscious camping gear and accessories. With this teepee tent, the manufacturer focuses on the price-performance ratio, so unnecessary bells and whistles have been avoided without sacrificing useful features such as ventilation hoods, ventilation windows with mosquito nets, and front & mosquito nets on the entrance door.
This is a spacious Tipi-shaped group tent with a large sleeping cabin and sufficient height. It also comes with canvas seams, insect net, and transparent window with curtain. It is completely waterproof thanks to a permanently stitched PE bottom and coating with a 3,000 mm water column.
The front door with its clear windows can be opened or closed in different ways. OmniCore Designs Teepee tent offers interior space with only one pole and a lot of space, so you can use the large space individually. You can quickly stow your cell phone or wallet or have it ready to hand.
There are several windows near the floor; the curtains of which can be opened for ventilation. The windows are also fitted with fly screens so that no flies get into the tent. To make it easier to set up, this large group tent comes with pre-assembled guy ropes. This means that unnecessary untangling or tying is no longer necessary.
Pros
- Made of modernized performance materials
- Practical for drawing heat out of the top
- Zippers are good quality
- Innovative vented roof
- Huge and spacious tent
- Timeless design
Cons
- Requires some effort to put together
- Many little plastic rings
9. Ozark Trail 3 Room L-Shaped Instant Cabin Tent
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Dimensions: Not specified; height 82 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 58.15 lbs.
- Seasons: Three
Looking to set a new standard for family camping? Here’s a tent that can accommodate your whole family while still leaving you free usable space. It offers convenience and home-like comfort during your outdoor adventures.
Ozark Trail’s 12-person tent is made of polyester fabric with a water-resistant polyurethane coating. This material gives you protection against moisture from top to bottom. The excellent quality also contributes to high weather resistance. Its seams are double-stitched and all zippers, threads, and straps are treated to be water repellent.
You will enjoy your summer camping adventure with this tent as you will not feel the stress of the insects or the unbearable heat. Ozark Trail 12 person tent has 7 fully closable windows that will allow fresh air to enter while blocking out insects.
As for space, it has a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate 3 large air mattresses or 12 people in sleeping bags. You also have great headroom with a height of 82 inches. You will be able to change comfortably without bending down or crouching.
In addition, accessory pockets sewn into the walls allow you to store your belongings. The poles are pre-attached to the tent, which makes it stable enough to withstand strong winds and storms. However, the installation process will take some time.
Pros
- No assembly required
- 7 windows for good Ventilation
- Electrical cord access
- Excellent rain protection
- Covered awning is remarkable
Cons
- Not designed for all season
10. CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent for Group
Specs:
- Material: 68D Polyester
- Dimensions: 120 x 216 x 80 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 47.8 lbs.
- Seasons: Summer
We conclude our list of the best 12 person tents with an instant cabin tent. CORE 12 People Instant Cabin Tent is not only designed for family camping, but it is also a huge tent; perfect for large groups of people, friends, and families who want to enjoy nature in the world. With 47.8 pounds of small footprint, this tent is perfect for up to 10-12 people.
It has 6 large windows and 2 large doors which allow you to contemplate nature. The extra center height offers you a huge space, which you can delimit with a useful partition. The air vents are amazing for good airflow. Even when it rains, you’ll stay dry.
There’s no overhead storage. But with 120 x 216 x 80 inches dimensions, you won’t need additional storage space for luggage. The included room divider can be used to create three rooms for living and sleeping spaces. CORE camping tent also offers 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.
The poles fold down to reduce the size for ease of transport. It also offers complete protection from insects and moisture. The front side of the tent (outside the sleeping area) will be perfect for storing muddy boots and camping gear. However, the included stakes aren’t good enough.
Pros
- Convenient porch
- Removable Rainfly
- Triple ventilation system
- Built in H2O Block Technology
- Instant setup with no time
- Comes with 1-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Takes time to install properly
Best 12-Person Tent Buyer’s Guide
Without a doubt, there are many big brands on the market that designed excellent 12 person tents for family or group camping. This is why the following factors are necessary to be considered so that the camping trip does not fall into the water or make a bad camping experience.
Type of tent
Some manufacturers offer 12-man tents in different versions, designs, and layouts precisely for this purpose. If you want to spend your free time and your vacation in nature, you have a large selection of different manufacturers. The tents differ in their design and price.
A pure polyester tent is often cheaper, but the material should be a mixture of cotton and polyester because that is breathable. This also avoids accumulated heat even with several people in the tent and creates a pleasant climate.
Waterproof
In addition to a sewn-in tent floor and watertight seams, all of the material should be waterproof and fire retardant. The value of the water column, i.e. the pressure that a tent can withstand before water penetrates, should be as high as possible.
A value of at least 5,000 is recommended for the best 12 person tents.
Tent poles
Fiberglass poles are not only extremely robust but also easier to transport because they are lightweight compared to aluminum or steel. For large tunnel tents, the poles run parallel to each other, which makes it very easy to set up and saves a lot of time.
A tunnel tent also has fewer poles, which means there is less weight. This is a great advantage for you in terms of transportation.
Headroom
In addition to a headroom of as much as two meters, you need a large floor space, which is ideally divided into several cabins. Areas of around seven by four meters should be sufficient for 12 people.
Center height
Center height is also an important factor you should consider before buying the best 12 person tents. It tells you what kind of headroom you will have inside the tent.
All of the tents above offer a wide ceiling height ranging from 6ft to 7ft 5in, which provides space for even the tallest campers to stand and move around without bending over.
Folding design
A large tent can be folded up to the size of a rucksack despite the space it offers, and thanks to its small pack size it can also be easily transported. By the way, simple folding techniques can be used to dismantle it much faster than a 12-man tent with an igloo shape.
Comfort level
Numerous products for the outdoor area increase comfort, which many would not want to do without while camping in nature. Most of the practical 12 person tents are tunnel shaped. Because a tunnel tent has several sleeping compartments and usually a large awning so that everyone has their own area for sleeping.
Also make sure that the tent has enough space so that you can cook, eat, play and relax. The large space is also ideal for storing luggage or when you are out and about to dry your sleeping bag.
Weight
If you looking for a good 12 person tent that is easy to transport, you should compare the different tents and choose exactly the one that suits your needs. When buying, you should therefore make sure that it is easy to carry and lightweight. 12 person tents are quite heavy, which should be considered when traveling on foot or by bike.
Generally, the size of family tents usually has a weight that is not suitable for carrying around.
Prices
12 person camping tents are available in both round and square shapes and are called tipi tents, family tents, or large tents and the price surprisingly varies from model to model. The prices start at around 200 dollars, but can also reach purchase prices of several 1,000 dollars for luxury versions.
On average, the prices for the best 12 person tents we offer in our test are around 450 dollars. The range for the products ranges from 300 to 600 dollars.
FAQs
Can I fit 12 people comfortably in a 12-person tent?
The capacity of a tent is often based on how many sleeping bags can fit side by side. While a 12-person tent can technically fit 12 people, it’s often more comfortable to use it for fewer occupants. This allows extra space for other gear.
Are 12-person tents difficult to set up?
Large tents can be more complex to set up due to their size and multiple components. However, many manufacturers provide color-coded poles and clear instructions to make the process easier.
Do I need a separate rainfly for a 12-person tent?
Most 12-person tents come with integrated rainflies. A separate rainfly can provide extra protection, but it’s important to ensure compatibility with your tent’s design.
Are 12-person tents suitable for backpacking?
Generally, 12-person tents are not designed for backpacking due to their size and weight. They are more suitable for car camping or base camp setups.
Conclusion
We have collected detailed information for you and evaluated a summary of the online customer ratings so that you can choose the right model for your need. Hope you are able to find the right 12 person tent for your needs. However, we recommend buying 2 tents as there are hardly any camping tents for 12 people.
If you are interested, we also offer excellent tests on the best 10-man tents. Here you will find important information and recommendation that you should consider if you are interested to buy a large tent.