Going camping with the family is the best solution to feel in the company even if you are far from the beaten sites. But, as we all know, camping requires a tent. And if you are going with a whole family, you should also consider purchasing a tent that can accommodate all family members. Camping tents for 12 people are the best choice to benefit from more space to allow everyone to flourish.
Here we offer a list of 7 Best 12 Person Tents who have already proven themselves. These are the most liked camping tents for 12 people by users and hikers.
The 7 Best 12 Person Tents: Reviews
We compared 7 models and analyzed the comments of buyers. If you want to opt for the best model from our selection right away, we recommend the Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent.
1. Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent
[amazon box=”B01JK6V2D8″ title=”Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent”]
This 12-person cabin-shaped tent offers maximum comfort to all users. It is ideal for your camping trips in the countryside. Its excellent impermeability, as well as its good weather resistance, ensures a pleasant and protective use of this tent.
One of its most exceptional qualities is the instant setup. It also has pre-attached poles that are designed to withstand relatively strong gusts of wind. They are unbreakable, although very flexible.
This 12 person tent is very spacious. It is made up of 3 large rooms. The ceiling’s height in the main room of 6.8ft ensures better mobility inside the tent, even for tall people.
It has 7 windows that facilitate the circulation of air and can be closed completely. The ventilation openings that are integrated into the rooms allow for a pleasant temperature because the fresh air circulates efficiently.
At the same time, you are protected from insects’ very unpleasant intrusion that can disturb you during your sleep or bite you.
Its beautiful colors offer you a tent with flawless design and aesthetics.
General Specification
- Dimension: 16 feet x 16 feet x 6.8 feet
- Weight: 27.6 kg
- Tent shape: Cabin
- Compartment: 3
- Material: 1000D thick polyethylene
- Impermeability: 600 mm
- Poles: Steel
- Season: 3-seasons
- Color: Orange/Ash
Pros
- Large dimensions of all parts.
- Tent very quickly operational.
- Excellent stability and optimal waterproofing.
- A removable and waterproof mat.
Cons
- The size of the rooms cannot be adjusted according to needs.
Our verdict on Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent:
The Holiday is perfect for a week of camping with the whole family during the summer or hot weather. Its organization in 3 bedrooms makes it extremely practical and allows you to stay indoors in complete comfort in bad weather. The installation is best done by 2 unless you know the tent well. The price-area ratio is impressive.
2. Outbound Dome Tent for Camping with carrying Bag and Rainfly
[amazon box=”B07RHBM7DP” title=” Outbound Dome Tent for Camping with carrying Bag and Rainfly “]
If you like camping with a group or with the family, you also know that a spacious, sturdy, and versatile tent is necessary. This is precisely what this tent offers you and much more, making it one of the best 12 Person Tents.
The Outbound Dome Tent offers you a large surface area with which you can shelter comfortably when you go camping.
In fact, with no less than 20 feet x 9 feet x 6.6 feet, you have enough space to settle in the tent without huddling together like sardines.
This large living area includes a large living room where you can store furniture, some belongings and where you can even meet for group meals or very lively moments of relaxation.
Besides, to ensure that everyone is very comfortable in this 12 person tent, the air circulation has been optimized to ensure total comfort for the occupants.
The water column is 600mm; you do not have to worry about possible penetration of water inside the tent.
General Specification
- Dimension: 20 feet x 9 feet x 6.6 feet
- Weight: 9.5 kg
- Tent shape: Tunnel
- Material: Poly Taffeta 185T 68D
- Impermeability: 600 mm
- Poles: Fiberglass
- Season: 3-seasons
- Color: Blue
Pros
- Mosquito nets and transparent PVC at entrances and other openings.
- Organizing pockets.
- Transport bag and accessories provided.
- Waterproof sewn-in groundsheet.
- Durable and lightweight.
Cons
- The walls seem a bit thinner than it looks.
Our verdict on Outbound Dome Tent:
We highly recommend this tent for its superior quality. No problem in terms of comfort and space. We also appreciate the small details, such as the storage pockets. The materials used are reliable. Take good care of it, and this tent will witness all the best summer memories of your family.
3. NTK Super Arizona GT
[amazon box=”B01FURJN7S” title=”NTK Super Arizona GT”]
This tent is one of the best 12 person tents you could dream of if you are a large group of campers. Indeed, its large dimensions, as well as its characteristics, allow having indisputable comfort and practicality with maximum security.
With its tunnel shape, this 12 person tent offers ample space for a large group’s needs.
Suffice to say that even very tall people will find it easy to move around and move around inside the tent itself.
To allow sufficient air circulation throughout the tent, 3 large windows are fitted to your tent. Associated with the tent’s 2 entrances, they will enable you to enjoy the fresh ambient air.
However, you do not have to worry about insects’ intrusion because all ventilation openings and entrances are fitted with mosquito net doors.
Even the groundsheet helps prevent insects from coming down to disturb you. It is also waterproof to protect you from rain and moisture. To make cleaning this 12-person tent easier, the groundsheet is removable.
It comes with the necessary accessories, such as anchor ropes, sardines, and an assembly instruction manual.
It is also easy to transport because it comes with a carrying bag.
General Specification
- Dimension: 20.6ft x 10.2ft x 6.9ft
- Weight: 18.4 kg
- Tent shape: Tunnel
- Compartment: 1
- Material: Polyester Taffeta 68D 190T
- Impermeability: 2500mm
- Poles: Fiberglass rods
- Season: 3-seasons
Pros
- Fiberglass and steel poles maintain the excellent stability of the entire tent.
- Enormous dimensions, offering plenty of space.
- Proper height and very pleasant configuration.
- Easy assembly and practical storage.
Cons
- Slightly detailed instructions.
- Pretty heavy.
Our verdict on NTK Super Arizona GT:
This 12-person tent certainly has the essential qualities that one would expect from a tent for a larger or smaller group. In addition to being spacious, it has excellent stability to cope with winds provided that they are not very violent and protect you from the sun and rain. It is effortless to use, it offers very appreciable comfort to each occupant, particularly by promoting proper ventilation and more practical storage. It will surely satisfy you.
4. TETON Sports Sierra Canvas Tent
[amazon box=”B079W9PXY3″ title=”TETON Sports Sierra Canvas Tent”]
This conical-shaped teepee-style tent will give you the impression of recreating the atmosphere of the American Indians’ magnificent tipis. Its design is very successful, and its configuration is intensely studied to safely camp with a group of friends or members of your family.
With a higher waterproof rating, this 12 person tent is made to protect you from the rain during your stay in the woods. It is able to withstand relatively heavy rains while keeping you dry indoors. Its heat-sealed and reinforced seams greatly help to waterproof this tent.
It has only one unique room in which all campers will enjoy meeting as well during meals or games but also rest. So privacy is not really to be sought when we decide to opt for this tent.
Also, no matter how tall you are, there is no need to crawl to get inside this tent.
To allow all occupants to be very comfortable, ventilation openings have been provided at the roof level and on the side walls.
Its assembly is so easy to achieve and intuitive that its user manual in English is not ultimately a significant flaw of this 10 person tent.
Its minimal dimensions after folding are very practical.
General Specification
- Dimension: 12ft x 12ft x 8.1ft
- Tent shape: Bell-style
- Compartment: 1
- Material: Breathable Cotton Canvas Shell
- Impermeability:
- Poles: Carbon steel
- Season: All-seasons
- Color: Brown
Pros
- Big space.
- Intuitive and straightforward assembly.
- Good ventilation quality.
- Able to withstand relatively heavy rains.
- Truly functional and practical for long camping trips.
Cons
- 8 places rather than 10.
- Lack of occupant privacy.
Our verdict on TETON Sports Sierra Canvas Tent:
This 12-person tipi-type canvas tent is comfortable and pleasant to live in. So, of course, we deplore the absence of the stay for group moments, the lack of separate bedrooms to have a little privacy. But in the end, we are quite satisfied with the excellent performance to which we are entitled by using this tent.
5. Tahoe Gear Bighorn Camping Tent
[amazon box=”B085F3XCF3″ title=”Tahoe Gear Bighorn Camping Tent”]
Whether with family or friends, this 12-person Tipi tent will allow you to spend time together for your group camping trips. Very spacious, it offers each camper sufficient space to feel very comfortable, especially at bedtime.
With a phenomenal dimension of 18ft x 18ft, this 12 person tent accommodates all sizes without occupants having to bend over. In addition, the large diameter allows the occupants to have maximum space both for moments of relaxation and at bedtime. This obviously allows the air to circulate well.
On the other hand, the tent is made up of a single room which serves as a living room and sleeping place. This is not really conducive to privacy, and this is the fault that can be compared to other best 12 people tents.
However, this is compensated by convenient organizer pockets, which make it easier to store certain small everyday items.
General Specification
- Dimension: 18ft x 18ft
- Tent shape: Teepee
- Compartment: 1
- Material: Breathable Cotton Canvas Shell
- Impermeability: Waterproof
- Poles: Carbon steel
- Season: 3-seasons
- Color: Orange/Grey
Pros
- Transparent PVC at entrances and other openings such as windows.
- Easy assembly and disassembly.
- The steel arch ensures the stability and strength of the tent.
- The tent-sewn groundsheet is waterproof.
Cons
- This is not a tent designed to face bad weather.
- Lack of privacy.
Our verdict on Tahoe Gear Bighorn Camping Tent:
This tent indeed has flaws, but this is due to the type of tent we are dealing with. It finally makes you get closer to life in the countryside, and that’s what we love. Functional and weather-resistant, this 12-person tent offers you pleasant protection while letting you breathe clean air. It also protects you from lapping thanks to its openings which can be closed. Another aspect that may interest you is its very advantageous price-performance ratio.
6. Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent
[amazon box=”B07WJVX8Z1″ title=” Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent”]
Bushnell offers you a camping tent for 12 people allowing you to stay even when you are hiking. This camping tent will make you feel like you are at home with your family. With a capacity to accommodate 12 people, space and conviviality are guaranteed, and you will not have the impression of being in a small place.
Since you are camping in little wild places with rain, insects and all the other whims of Mother Nature are common. The manufacturer knew how to design this tent with screened windows and UV protection resistant to sunlight. It is made of construction with robust materials that can resist water.
Since you are camping as a family, we all know parents need a reserved space. This is why this tent was designed with three sleeping cabins to separate the area from each. Therefore, you can always set up a tent as if you were at home with your wife and children.
Pre-attached steel poles are an excellent choice for resisting rust (if you’re camping near the beach) and providing wind and storm resistance to the tent.
However, we had to note two caveats. Already the price should be reviewed by the manufacturer, but also the installation guide is not too clear, in our opinion. But apart from that, this tent for 12 people remains an excellent choice for hikers and campers.
General Specification
- Dimension: 18ft x 11ft x 6.6ft
- Tent shape: Cabin
- Compartment: 2
- Material: Polyester
- Impermeability: Waterproof
- Poles: Aluminum
- Set-up style: Instant
- Season: 3-seasons
- Color: Dark green
Pros
- Big space; well ventilated.
- Ease of assembly.
- Price/quality ratio.
- UV protection.
Cons
- The breakdown is quite difficult than the assembly.
Our verdict on Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent:
This 12 person tent is a tent with some configuration details that are extraordinary and most practical, to say the least. Functional and very comfortable. Resistant and waterproof, you can cope with bad weather without difficulty. However, remember to check the quality of your package to avoid any bad surprises!
7. OmniCore Designs Teepee Camping Tent
[amazon box=”B07X38FBLP” title=”OmniCore Designs Teepee Camping Tent”]
Pyramid tents are an excellent choice. They are also the most popular and the most loved by campers.
OmniCore offers you this quality camping tent designed with 100% polyester material and PU coating assembled by Sol stitching. Polyester has advantages for camping because it dries quickly after rain. It is also effortless to clean, is very resistant and insensitive to mold, less sensitive to UV rays, unlike other types of fabrics such as cotton and nylon.
This tent has a huge entrance to ventilate the interior during hot weather, but also to protect campers during storms or strong winds.
Made with top-quality polyester, this tent is able to protect you very effectively from the elements. Its 3000mm waterproofness and taped seams have a lot to do with it.
However, we estimate that a camping tent for 10 people should have at least 3 reserved spaces. Although polyester is known to be easy to clean, this tent is difficult to wash. But the aesthetic side, space side, and stiffness side, nothing to say.
General Specification
- Dimension: 18ft x 18ft x 9.9ft
- Tent shape: Teepee
- Compartment: 1
- Material: 70D x 190T Ripstop Polyester
- Impermeability: 3000mm
- Poles: Aluminum
- Set-up Style: Conventional
- Season: 3-seasons
- Color: Dark green
Pros
- Practical details available.
- Good stability.
- Removable waterproof floor mat.
- Vented roof.
- Promotes optimal air circulation.
Cons
- The manufacturer should review the tent poles.
Our verdict on OmniCore Designs Teepee Camping Tent:
This tent is truly equipped to make your life easier and allow you to make the most of your camping trips. Very practical to use and resistant, this 12 person tent will allow you to have a maximum of space for all the occupants. It will protect you against bad weather and the sun and will allow you to rest and spend pleasant moments in good company.
Why You Should Choose a 12 Person Tent?
A tent of at least 10 to 12 people allows you to enjoy all your fellow campers’ company. It is generally composed of a large living room and a number of shared rooms. The living room is most often used to house meetings with family or friends. The excellent quality of ventilation ensures a comfortable stay for all occupants. The large dimensions, therefore, allow users to feel comfortable bivouacking.
It is also effortless to assemble and disassemble because generally, it has multiple accessories and particular colors, which make it easy to locate. It is usually designed to withstand adverse weather and sometimes hostile climates of specific regions. Functional and practical throughout its use, the 12 person tent is an ideal option for a successful stay.
This type of tent, with specific models, has practical functions such as storage pockets for small objects or even a place for the electric cable. Its price can also vary depending on the capacity of the tent to protect its occupants. But one thing is for sure, even if you have few resources, you should be able to find yourself a tent to suit your needs.
How to Choose the Best 12 Person Tents for Camping:
- Price & quality
You know, the price often determines the quality. The price of a tent can vary from a few dozen to over a thousand dollars. Choose a quality according to the intended use of the tent. Are you going to use it once a year for a few days, or do you plan to camp for 3 months halfway around the world in varying conditions?
- Weight
For camping use, weight is less critical than when hiking, for example. Most of the time, you set up your tent not far from your car. In contrast, large camping tents can be quite substantial. Up to 30kg for some. Also, once stored, they can occupy a large volume. Make sure you have enough space to store them for the rest of the year but also in your trunk.
- Installation
Generally, the more a tent occupies a large volume, the longer and more difficult it is to pitch. Dome or instant tents can be set up quickly and easily. However, they offer less living space. Tunnel tents are longer and more delicate to set up but offer more comfort. Finally, there are inflatable tents that can be set up relatively easily and quickly even for the largest.
- Durability
Sustainability will often come from quality. A tent built with resistant and solid materials such as nylon for the canvas and aluminum for the poles will be more resistant over time. Again, if you use your tent a little, polyester and fiberglass may do the trick. Also, good maintenance will be decisive for the durability of your tent. On this subject, you can find our advice below.
In addition to the quality of the materials, you must also study the openings (number, mosquito nets, windows, and ventilation), the presence of an awning, the storage spaces, the seams, or the strength of the closing zip.
- Capacity
Pay special attention to the number of people indicated by camping tent manufacturers. This does not take into account recreational space and space for equipment. If this is important to you, don’t forget to take it into account. Note that some manufacturers indicate a “+” after the number of people. This means that the tent has additional space, often for storage.
- Season
Different types of tents exist for different seasons. The most common is the 3 season tent, which is intended for camping in spring, summer, and autumn. It is developed to reduce condensation to a minimum by providing good ventilation. When it comes to camping tents, this is what we will focus on in our selection. Note that there are also 4-season and expedition tents that are built to withstand snow and extreme cold.
- Weather resistance
Water tightness is an important criterion for a tent. It is measured in mm of water; understand the amount of water received by the tent before it passes through the tent. The European standard sets a minimum of 1500mm. Some fabrics dry faster and allow air to circulate. The presence of a double roof is also strongly recommended for insulation, reduction of condensation, and simpler cleaning.
Also, don’t forget to take into account the resistance of the tent to the wind. It would be a shame if your tent was torn off the ground at the slightest gust of wind. Finally, opt for an anti-UV canvas, preventing you from waking up in a sweat.
- Groundsheet
The tent mat is a canvas that insulates your camping tent from the ground. It is installed before the assembly of the latter. Some tents are not equipped. Also, many campers ignore it or simply don’t think about it. However, the ground carpet will effectively protect your tent from humidity, the harshness of the ground, and will improve its longevity. It is also easier to maintain a groundsheet than the floor of your tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use Your Tent Well?
To have a tent that you will be able to use in the long term, certain actions must be adopted.
After your camping trip, wash your tent with a soft sponge and a non-abrasive detergent, and then let it dry properly. Above all, no rush. You really have to let the tent dry. Not in the sun, obviously because of its corrosive effects on the tent. If you have a removable groundsheet, regular cleaning will be a snap for you.
Once your tent is well dried, store it in the transport bag.
Avoid always folding your tent, in the same way, to prevent certain places from wearing out due to folding.
Remember to always take your repair kit with you whenever you take your tent with you.
What Type Of Tent Should You Choose?
There are several types of tents. This actually relates to the shape of the tent. Each type offers a visual that may appeal to some and not to others. Not to mention the fact that the characteristics of the tent can, in some cases, vary depending on its shape. You usually have a choice of the tunnel, dome, or tipi-shaped tent.
10-Person Tent, 12-Person Tent, or More?
Everything obviously depends on the number of people who generally make up your troop of campers. That said, don’t be satisfied with the number of people announced by the manufacturer. Take a look at the actual dimensions of the tent that interests you. This will allow you to know in a concrete way if all the occupants will be really well settled and comfortable.
Why are the Specifics of the Camping Area Important?
It is important to take an interest in the climate of the area in which you are going to camp. Opt for sturdier materials if you have to camp in the mountains where the winds are particularly strong. If you have to camp in the middle of winter, it makes sense to equip yourself with a tent with resistant materials. It will allow you to face the harsh climate while maintaining optimal stability.
There’s usually no need to look for a tent that’s too complicated in terms of climate-related features for outdoor camping. In all cases, make sure that gusts of wind do not risk sweeping your tent in their path. Fiberglass and steel poles are commonly used because they are strong and, at the same time, offer excellent stability.
What level of waterproofing should you prefer when choosing a 12 person tent?
Ideally, opt for 5000 mm to ensure you cope with torrential rain without the risk of getting wet. A piece of breathable and waterproof fabric is commonly used to protect occupants from the elements. If the rains are reasonable in the area in which you camp, you can go down to 4000 or even 3000 mm. Also, remember to take an interest in the quality of the seams. Waterproof seams are a guarantee of safety. Tents with a flysheet offer better protection against water and humidity. In addition, an equally waterproof groundsheet is a must in order not to be disturbed by humidity.
What should be the best configuration for my tent?
Most of the 12 person tents are equipped with a large living room with at least 3 bedrooms with ideally modular dimensions. The living room is used for friendly meetings between occupants and the storage of certain luggage. Prefer a ceiling height of at least two meters for obvious reasons of comfort while moving inside the tent. Also, integrated storage pockets are very practical for having certain frequently used items close at hand without creating clutter in the common room. On the other hand, teepee tents do not have a room but a single room. It’s up to you to see what you prefer.
What is the importance of the quality of the ventilation?
To enjoy your stay, it is very important to have good ventilation throughout the tent. Entrances that can be transformed into terraces can contribute to optimal ventilation. But what must first be looked at is the number of windows, entrances, and other ventilation holes available on the entire tent. However, to avoid being disturbed by insects, make sure you have resistance nets to avoid their intrusion. If you want to get enough rest, make sure you have good ventilation.
How heavy should my tent be?
Tunnel or dome tents are generally the heaviest, while cabin forms are the lightest. Depending on whether you have to transport the tent on your back or by car, it is essential to choose a more or less light tent. For practical reasons, it is necessary to have a bag for transport and storage.
Final Verdict
To benefit from a good camping experience, opt for the best 12 person tents. These are the most suitable for campsites and hikes, bringing together several people.
Once you have all the information, choosing a good 12 person tent will be done in a snap. But everything will depend on your budget and the camping season (choose a 4-season tent if you intend to camp in the winter period). Besides, you must also take into account the quality of manufacture and the capacity of the tent to resist the laws of nature (bad weather, rain, cold, dust…).
Max, a passionate lumberjack and outdoors enthusiast, loves fishing, camping, and hunting. He has extensive experience in the great outdoors and is eager to join Outdoor Fun Mag to share his adventures and knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Max promises to bring laughter, learning, and an unforgettable outdoor experience.