Best 12 Person Tent

After testing many large family tents, I found seven of the best 12 person tents for your camping group needs.

Camping with one or two friends is fun but camping with a group of friends or your extended family is even better. Whether your group prefers a simple 12 person tent, a tent with all-the-perks, or somewhere in-between, we’ve tested the seven most popular ones to help you decide on the best one.

As an avid camper myself, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a tent great and what makes a tent just decent. But, of course, the most important thing to consider when buying a tent is the price to quality comparison, which is why the Core 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent is our top choice.

Yes, there are tents of superior quality than our recommended, like the 23′ Avalon Optimus Bell Tent; however, the price stands in the way. 

Keep in mind that any 12 person tent on the market will do what you need it to – fit 12 people. But some certainly offer more durability and stability than others, so keep reading to find out.

7 Best Tents for 12 Campers Reviewed

1. CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
2. Outbound Dome Tent
3. Coleman Skylodge 12-Person Cabin Tent
4. Eureka Northern Breeze 12 Screenhouse
5. Core 12-person Extra Large Straight Wall Cabin Tent
6. Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent
7. 23′ Avalon Optimus Bell Tent

Best 12 Person Tent for Bigger Family or Friends:

CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent – Best Overall

The 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent made by Core is the best overall tent that comfortably sleeps 12 people with its 18 by 10-foot floor space, options to create three rooms with dividers, and two points of entry.

The tent is certified water and wind-resistant, with Amazon reviews attesting to its water-resistant PU-coated fabric and 7-inch steel stakes.

The best thing about this tent is that its sturdiness and durability make it a worthy investment, and the removable rainfly allows for optimal stargazing conditions.

Key features

• Easy assembly with setup taking less than 2 minutes.
• Removable water repellant rainfly
• The adjustable ventilation system provides comfort for almost any season
• Two detachable room dividers
• It fits three full-size airbeds
• Built-in electrical port sealed with Velcro
• Four storage pockets
• Gear loft with lantern hook
• Includes rainfly and stakes 

Tech Specs

• Durable 68D polyester fabric
• 125gsm PE durable floor material
• 80-inch peak height
• 20 steel stakes
• Telescoping steel tent poles 

Best For

• Taller people that want a tent they can stand-in
• Large families
• People who want a simple setup
• Rainy conditions
• People who want to invest in a tent for the long-term 

Tips

• No matter how durable, it’s a good idea to get a footprint, especially if you know you’re camping on rough terrain. If you want to stay with the brand, consider CORE’s durable polyethylene Footprint made special for a 12-person tent.
• Make sure to pull the corners as tight as possible and always stake them down properly.
• For heavy wind, make sure that the rainfly is taut and secure.
• Consider purchasing some rope or straps if you encounter trouble putting the tent back into the bag, as it will make it easier to pack up.

Con(s)

• It may not be ideal for colder weather since there are no zippers to close mesh air vents.

Outbound Dome Tent – Best Budget Friendly

The Outbound Dome Tent is the best freestanding tent with enough space to fit up to 12 people. In addition, the tent had a 29% price reduction, making it the best tent for the price with a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.

While the tent may appear short in pictures, the best thing about the Outbound dome tent is that it reaches a peak height of 78-inches.  

Key Features

• Rainfly with front canopy
• Suitable for Spring, Summer, and Fall
• Leakproof seams and bathtub floor to keep moisture out
• It comes with a convenient zippered duffle bag
• Tent stakes and guy lined included
• Mesh windows with options to zip closed
• Two storage pockets
• It fits two queen-size airbeds

Tech Specs

• Fiberglass “Easy Up” technology for quick setup
• Water-resistant with Poly Taffeta 185T 68D 600mm
• 600 mm coated rainfly
• 68D Polyester
• Made from fiberglass
• Carry weight of 21lb
• Shock-Corded Fiberglass poles 

Best For

• Hiking and backpacking
• Backyard camping
• Summer camping
• Large families with children

Tips

• If you encounter issues with the poles, purchasing higher-quality bars may be worth the investment. 
• Use the tent in the summer and early fall to help you decide if using it in colder conditions is a good idea 

Con(s)

• It doesn’t come with room dividers

Coleman Skylodge 12-Person Cabin Tent – Best Waterproof

Coleman Skylodge Cabin Tent is the best water-resistant and weatherproof 12-person tent. The Skylodge tent can withstand winds up to 35 mph and keeps moisture out with its tub-like floor, welded corners, and inverted seams.

The two notable features of this tent are the five by 10-foot weatherproof screen room for extra storage and the wide door to quickly get gear in and out. 

Key Features

• Color-coded poles and sleeves for easy setup
• Screen room provides more room for storage, sleeping, or lounging
• 19 by 10-foot floor space
• It can fit four queen-sized airbeds
• Built-in electrical port
• Ground vent for even more ventilation 
• Straight-wall design makes it feel even more spacious
• 88-inch peak height 
• Storage pockets for gear

Tech Specs

• WeatherTecâ„¢ technology
• Nylon material
• Mesh ventilation fabric 
• Carry weight of 44.2lbs 

Best For

• People with a lot of gear
• Large families 
• Rainy conditions
• High winds
• Groups of twelve who need more than just a shelter for sleeping  

Tips

• Despite Coleman’s intuitive color-coded poles, most say setup takes around 20 minutes. It will take one person even longer, so don’t hesitate to ask a friend for help. 
• This is a large tent, so it is a heavy tent. At 44.2lbs, I don’t recommend carrying it any further than you must – i.e., max carry distance should be from your vehicle to your campsite.
• If you’re camping on rough terrain, I’d recommend investing in a Footprint. 

Con(s)

• Need two people for setup
• Thin floor material means it may require a tarp or Footprint.

Eureka Northern Breeze 12 Screenhouse – Best to Keep Summer Bugs Out

The Eureka Northern Breeze 12 Screenhouse is the best freestanding tent to keep your group protected from the harsh sun and light rain. The option to unroll and zip shelter fabric on all four sides, where one side doubles as an awning, provides excellent moisture protection for your gear and family.

Key Features

• Waterproof shelter fabric
• 110-inch peak height
• Four loops to hang gear
• Four storage pockets
• One lantern loop
• Awning
• Closable top vent
• Zippered shelter walls to close mesh walls
• Sleeps over eight people
• Easy setup

Tech Specs

• 12 by 12-foot floor space
• Two doors
• Four 6000-series aluminum
• 150-denier polyester oxford canopy fabric
• Carry weight of 25lbs and 13 ounces
• UPF 50+ sun protection

Best For

• Summer
• Light rain
• Camping
• Overhead protection from the sun 

Tips

• The tent is best for complete protection from the elements (sun and rain). However, the screen house doesn’t include a floor, so to keep the ground dry, we recommend investing in REI’s Snap-In Floor made for the Eureka Northern Breeze 12.
• While the shelter has waterproof fabric to protect the inside from moisture, this tent shouldn’t replace a tent that can withstand heavy rain and wind. 

Con(s)

• It doesn’t come with a floor
• Can’t withstand windy conditions over roughly 10-miles per hour

Core 12-person Extra Large Straight Wall Cabin Tent – Best for Comfort

At $349.99, the Core 12-Person Extra Large Straight Wall Cabin Tent is the best 12 person tent for comfort due to its spacious cabin that can fit four queen-size airbeds. It can withstand winds of 40 mph and rain with a Footprint or tarp, but I recommend using the tent in warmer weather because of the open mesh roof – even with the rainfly, cold air will come in. 

Key Features

• Removable water repellent rainfly
• Includes tent poles, awning pole, stakes, and carry bag
• Options to make multiple rooms with room dividers
• Two points of entry: One T-door and one D-Door
• Built-in electrical port
• Secure pin-and-ring system
• Awning
• Water repellant
• Lightweight
• Zip up windows

Tech Specs

• 16 by 11-foot floor space made of 115gsm PE
• Durable 68D polyester fabric
• 86-inch peak height
• H2O Block Technology

Best For

• Maximum space
• Warmer temperatures
• Rain with Footprint or tarp
• Large families 

Tips

• Keep in mind that the tent and floor material is water-resistant, not waterproof, so invest in a Footprint or tarp
• A campsite with rougher terrain may require purchasing better quality stakes
• Not optimal for cold conditions because of the mesh roof
• Overall, the tent is an easy setup. With the help of 2-3 others, assembly should take around 10-20 minutes.

Con(s)

• Some Amazon reviews report design flaws with the rainfly’s lack of tightness, which may cause pooling
• Poor quality tent stakes

Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent – Best for Large Friend Groups

With prices currently as low as $413.02, the Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent is a unique L-shape tent with pre-assembled poles for quick setup. We recommend this tent for large groups that plan to camp a couple of times in the summer. However, this tent has water-resistant features that allow it to withstand slow winds and light rain.

Key Features

• Three large rooms
• It fits three queen-size airbeds
• Water-resistant and weatherproof
• Seven closable windows
• Square door
• Includes rainfly, 25 tent stakes, and wheeled carry bag
• No assembly required
• Can install an air conditioner through ground vents

Tech Specs

• 16 by 16-foot floor space
• 82-inch center height
• Carry weight of 55.5lbs
• Polyester material
• Factory-sealed seams with leak protection

Best For

• Friend group camping trips
• Maximum privacy
• Short-term investment
• Warm weather
• Music festivals 

Tips

• Assemble the tent before a camping trip and apply a waterproof spray – especially if you’re expecting rain
• Invest in a 20 by 20-foot tarp or Footprint 

Con(s)

• Room dividers aren’t removable

23′ Avalon Optimus Bell Tent – Best All-Season Tent

The 23′ Avalon Optimus Bell Tent is the best yurt-style tent for glamping, specifically because of the 5-inch heat-resistant silicone stove jackhole. The tent is also the best four-season tent, as it can withstand 50 mph winds and heavy rainstorms, with its weatherproof Dynaduck canvas, shock-absorbing plastic cord, Double-stitched seams, and reinforced corners. 

Key Features

• Water repellant, mold, and UV resistant fabric
• Durable poles, protective skirting, and roof vents
• Three points of entry
• Four roof vents
• Built-in electrical port
• Two large storage areas and many pockets

Tech Specs

• Army duck cotton canvas
• Sold galvanized steel pegs
• 144-inch peak height
• 23-foot diameter 
• Carry weight of 209-277lbs.

Best For

• Six glampers or 12 campers
• All-weather conditions 
• 4-seasons
• Maximum comfort and space for large groups
• Large group hunting trips 

Tips

• There is no need to purchase a Footprint or tarp
• Additional $300 for fire repellant fabric, but it is safe to have a wood stove with ventilation from the back without it and with caution. 

Con(s)     

• Expensive 
• It can get warm in hot temperatures

Buying Guide for a 12 Person Tent

Before searching for a 12 person tent, set a price range and know what climate, weather conditions, and season you intend to use the tent. For example, if you plan to use the tent mainly during the summer, a completely waterproof tent shouldn’t be necessary.

Depending on your camping plans, here are some things to look for in a 12 person tent.

1. Number of Campers

While all these tents can fit up to 12 campers, for some, that’s a bit of a stretch. For example, tents like the Outbound Dome Tent and Core Instant Cabin Tent can fit 12 people in sleeping bags with little gear; however, how comfortable is the question.

However, if six out of 12 campers are small children, you may be able to fit everyone in comfortably – gear and airbeds included.

For luxury camping or glamping, keep in mind that it may be a struggle to fit the gear of 12 luxury glampers or a 12-person hunting group. If this is the case, we recommend looking for a tent advertised to sleep 14+ people.

2. Three Season or Four Season

The season you plan to camp in is the most significant factor to consider. For example, with summertime camping, features like a closable roof and waterproof fabric may not be necessary. However, as the season transitions to fall, a tent with water-resistant fabric with a rainfly is needed depending on your location. 

If you want a 12 person tent to withstand three to four seasons, then look for tents with durable, heavy, duty fabric and zip-up mesh windows-for example, the Coleman Skylodge Cabin Tent or the 23′ Avalon Optimus Bell Tent.

3. Style of Camping

If you plan to bring items that require electricity, then a tent with a built-in electrical port

is convenient, so you don’t have to have a cord sticking out of your tent’s zip door. For air beds or cots, a tent with a wide door or two entry points will make bringing stuff in and out easier.

In addition, if you plan to watch movies on your projector, look for a tent that includes room dividers so that you can cast the projector on it.

4. Tent Price

Quality 12 person tents can range anywhere from $350 to over $1,000. But, of course, quality is the main feature any tent buyer should be looking for, so before jumping in, set a reasonable price you’re able to spend based on the ranging costs for a 12-person tent. 

5. Height of Tent

Height plays a significant role in the comfort of a tent. Especially if there are one or two taller people in your group, consider a tent with a peak height of over 6-feet or 72-inches. Peak height is definitely a feature to consider when purchasing a tent. 

Most 12-person tents have a peak height of over 72-inches, so don’t worry too much about being able to stand in your tent.

6. Tent style

Tents for 12 people come in two main styles: cabin-style and dome-style. The cabin style has near-vertical walls, which can help make the space feel larger and reduce possible tent moisture since the water will bead right off the tent. 

A dome-style tent has sloping walls that make the space physically smaller, making it feel smaller. However, you can find 12-person dome-style tents with your desired peak height that will work perfectly; they just may feel smaller. 

Our Choice

The best 12 person tent is the Core Instant Cabin Tent based on quality and price comparison. Its two-minute setup, double doors, room dividers, built-in electrical port, water resistance, sturdiness, and durability make it the best value for the money.

A close second is the Coleman Skylodge Tent, great for groups that need extra storage room.

Hopefully, with our review of the seven best 12 person tents, you’ve found a large tent to sleep your group of 12 campers, or you now know what to look for when shopping for a tent.