When hosting large celebrations or embarking on camping trips with numerous friends and relatives, opting for a correspondingly spacious tent is essential. Otherwise, managing multiple smaller tents can prove cumbersome and time-consuming, from transportation to setup.
The optimal solution lies in selecting a 12-person tent, which, although larger and heavier, requires only one setup and takedown. The best 12-person tents feature multiple cabins, accommodating up to twelve individuals along with camping gear and luggage.
However, choosing the best camping tent for 12 people necessitates careful planning. The selected tent must offer stability & waterproofing and provide ample space for twelve beds. We have analyzed more than 30 models and finally shortened the list with the top 10 tents so that everyone can find the right model on a budget.
Best 12 Person Tents (Top 10 Picks)
Make sure to check our comparative list of the best 12 person tents in 2024.
- 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 – Best Overall
Specs:
- Material: Nylon
- Dimensions: 228 x 120 x 88 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 40.44 lbs.
- Seasons: Three
The Skylodge is one of the latest camping tents from Coleman. With this tent, 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 have decent quality. With a roof height of 88 inches, you can 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 gear 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. With color-coded poles, setting up the tent is very easy.
Coleman Skylodge 12-person tent 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 Famil 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 family 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. this will 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 also weatherproof with a water column of 5000 mm and high-quality sealed seams.
This family tent comes with many extra features. 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 Big Horn 2-Room 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 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 more efficient than you might think. It won’t collapse even 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.
Pros
- Mesh storage pockets
- 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 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 a large 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. It 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 has high-quality Nano-flex technology. It can withstand all the harsh conditions it encounters in all of your camping adventures.
NTK Super Arizona GT tent is made of 190T polyester coated with thermoplastic for UV protection. The flooring is also premium quality with its tub-style construction. The anti-fungal polyethylene material used keeps you dry and protected from moisture. 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. It can be done quickly by one person in less than 15 minutes. With a central height of 82.7 inches, it is one of the most durable and sturdy 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 offer an outdoor zipping option
5. Ozark Trail Instant Dark Rest Tent
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 single 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 extra interior illumination.
Ozark Trail 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. This tent also offers electrical cord access.
You can set up this tent in just 60 seconds, no assembly is required. The steel and fiberglass poles are also pre-attached to the tent, so all you have to do is just unfold and extend. The package includes a carrying bag for your convenience.
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 Cabin Tent
Specs:
- Material: Oxford Polyester
- Dimensions: 120 x 145 x 80 in
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 34 lbs.
- Seasons: Three
KTT Camping Tent 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 super thick with PE-coated polyester.
This 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 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. KTT not only focuses on quality but also pays attention to its practicality. You can rest inside and play outside under the awning.
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.
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 12P
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 tents from Skandika. The Nimbus family-friendly steep wall tent offers plenty of space. It is well suited for holidays with family or friends or for the next garden party. This tent has 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.
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 further impresses us 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.
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
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 low-price camping gear and accessories. With this teepee tent, the manufacturer focuses on quality and comfort, so unnecessary bells and whistles have been avoided without sacrificing useful features such as ventilation hoods, 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, an insect net, and a 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 fitted with fly screens so that no flies get into the tent. To make it easier to set up, this 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 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 adventures.
Ozark Trail’s 12-person tent is made of polyester fabric with a water-resistant polyurethane coating. This material ensures protection against moisture from top to bottom. The excellent quality 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 summer camping adventure with this tent as you will not feel the stress of the insects or the unbearable heat. It has 7 fully closable windows that will allow fresh air to enter while blocking out insects. The poles are pre-attached to the tent, which makes it stable enough to withstand strong winds and storms.
As for space, this tent has a spacious interior that can comfortably fit 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. However, the installation process will take some time.
Pros
- No assembly required
- 7 windows for good Ventilation
- Electrical cord access
- Excellent rain protection
- Remarkable cover awning
Cons
- Not designed for all season
10. CORE Instant Cabin Tent – Best 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 outstanding instant cabin tent from Core. This large cabin tent is huge 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. However, the included stakes aren’t good enough.
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.
Pros
- Convenient porch
- Removable Rainfly
- Triple ventilation system
- Built with 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
Undoubtedly, numerous reputable brands offer excellent 12-person tents tailored for family or group camping. Considering the following factors is crucial to ensure a successful camping trip without any hiccups or unpleasant experiences:
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, 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 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 shows 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. 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
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 ideal for storing luggage or when you are out and about to dry your sleeping bag.
Choose tents equipped with multiple windows, vents, and mesh panels to promote airflow and reduce condensation, ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment.
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, 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.
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 rainfly. 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.
Can a 12-person tent withstand inclement weather conditions?
Many 12-person tents are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and moderate snowfall. Look for tents with sturdy construction, reinforced seams, waterproof materials, and integrated rainflies for enhanced weather protection.
Are there any alternatives to a 12-person tent for accommodating large groups?
If finding a true 12-person tent is challenging, consider alternative options such as purchasing multiple smaller tents or opting for a larger cabin-style tent with multiple rooms or partitions. Also, combining tents with communal areas like awnings or gazebos can provide extra space for group activities and gatherings.
How should I care for and maintain a 12-person tent?
Proper care and maintenance are essential to prolonging the lifespan of your 12-person tent. After each use, ensure the tent is thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent mold and mildew growth. Store the tent in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use, and periodically inspect for any signs of damage or wear.
Conclusion
We’ve compiled comprehensive information and summarized online customer ratings to assist you in selecting the perfect 12-person tent for your needs. While we hope you find the ideal tent, finding a camping tent truly accommodating 12 people is rare. Therefore, we recommend considering purchasing two tents to ensure ample space and comfort during your camping adventure.
If you are interested, we also offer excellent tests on the best 10-man tents. Here you will find important information and recommendations that you should consider if you are interested in buying a large tent.