12-person tent: Top picks for large camping crews

The Bushnell 12-person instant tent is designed to be incredibly quick and easy to set up in any situation, thanks to its instant setup technology, where all poles come pre-attached for convenient assembly.

Its innovative heat-shield technology uses a reflective coating on the rainfly that reduces UV rays, making it noticeably darker and cooler inside so you can either sleep or chill inside the tent on those hot summer days. 

The Bushnell tent is very spacious, has a highly comfortable living space, and comes with a nice vestibule and lots of storage space. Most importantly, its frame can easily withstand thunderstorms, heavy rains, and strong winds without shifting out of place. Not only that, but it can also keep you warm and dry.

To top it off, it’s a well-ventilated tent, but not even the tiniest bug can squeeze through its walls and windows. 

There are a few caveats worth noting, like the clips holding rain are pretty light and cheap. Unfortunately, they’re challenging to replace as they’re sewn into the tub of the tent, but it’s doable with a bit of extra effort. 

If you don’t have lots of experience, setup can take longer than advertised and require two people. Plus, putting the tent back into its carry bag can be challenging.

The NTK Arizona 12-person dome tent is a solid purchase for any outdoor adventure. We’re impressed with how waterproof it is, and it was able to withstand multiple days of rain and storms while keeping us warm and bone dry. 

This tent checks all the boxes you need for camping. It features plenty of loops to hang string lights, a well-crafted spacious structure, and several extra anchor points for staking it down during windy weather.

Most importantly, pitching it is relatively straightforward, and when you’re done, it breaks down into a compact piece of equipment, comfortable to bring along to quick (and not so quick, of course) road trips. 

The NTK Arizona comes with many additional touches, like multiple small storage pockets, air vents, and windows. The ventilation is really bliss. 

Another part we love about this tent is the included screen room which comes in handy for storing shoes and other gear. Plus, this tent knows how to deal with heat, so you feel warm and comfy in most weather. 

On the downside, it might sometimes be challenging to fold it back into the carry bag thoroughly, but that’s the story of most tents. Also, it would be nice if windows could be accessible from the inside and the zippers would be more robust. The door canopy could be wider for extra protection from rain; plus, we recommend adding a tent footprint to be 100% sure about your floor safety.

The Core 12-person tent is ideal for family camping trips or weekend adventures with a group of friends. It can be set up and taken back down quickly, thanks to the attached poles, and offers plenty of headroom – allowing you to stand up and walk around inside without crunching. 

Its open-air ceiling invites stargazing on summer evenings, while big screen windows provide excellent airflow throughout the tent. 

The included rain fly has quick-attach buckles for convenient setup, and the storage bag the tent comes with is generously sized, so there’s no fighting to get the tent back in it after use. 

There are plenty of inner storage pockets for small items such as wallets and keys, with a velcro system on the cord slot to seal the entry if a power cable needs to run inside.

The main downside is that while everything may stay dry inside the 12-person tent itself, anything in the pockets won’t – so make sure that whatever essential items you need to keep safe are kept waterproof before using it. We recommend waterproofing your tent before use, as well.

Another drawback is that its zipper might get stuck occasionally due to its door construction, which is not a big deal but quite annoying. Also, the Core 12-person tent features cheaply-made steel stakes, which are okay for occasional camps, but you’d wish to change them for something sturdier if you’re an avid camper.

This 12-person tent is quite bulky, so you won’t want to carry it too far on your shoulders. Overall though, this 12-person tent boasts a variety of features worth getting.

Runners-up

If you’re still not convinced and ready to look for some more options, we’ve got you covered. Here are some other tents packed with unique features worth your attention.

If you find the above CORE 12-person instant cabin tent an option worth considering but want to add some more glam to your camp, this upgraded version with built-in LED lights is your way to go.

From the specifications perspective, it’s nearly identical to its simple version, just with an extra pound and inch that comes along with extra lighting. 

So, what’s so special about those LED lights? They’re built in ceiling poles with three levels of glare-free, even lighting, namely low, high, and night light. The control panels are set both inside and outside. The CORE 12-person tent with LED lights has a battery compartment added to the package; you’ll only need a set of 4D batteries to buy yourself. 

The lights give plenty of light, so you can cross out the lightning question from your camping checklist. They’re not replaceable, but all chances are they will outlast the tent’s lifetime. 

If you’re up to a quality tent with an innovative design and the idea of having built-in LED lights fascinates you, then this CORE tent is absolutely worth a shot.

The Coleman Skylodge 12-person tent is a powerhouse of strength and practicality. Its WeatherTec system features a tub-like floor, welded corners, and inverted taped seams that are designed to withstand winds up to 35 mph.

The tent also stands impressively tall – its top center three feet off the ground – giving you plenty of room not only to fit four queen-size airbeds but also to hang fans or lights and not to worry about hitting them from time to time. 

Ample windows provide many ventilation options, and mesh pockets offer plenty of storage space. It has a wide door that helps to quickly move air mattresses, sleeping bags, or other camping gear inside and out of the tent.

The tent’s top is furnished with all mesh covering, allowing you to enjoy an open sky view without the rainfly. On top of all that, you’ll get a nice screen area that doubles as a second room or storage space for shoes.

With strong seams and sturdy material, this 12-person tent is built for maximum durability – perfect for those seeking long-lasting outdoor adventure gear.

There are some things to mention on the less positive side, though. First, it can be pretty hard to pack away in the storage bag – we didn’t successfully fit the poles. 

Also, setting this tent alone might be a hell of a challenge; yet it’s a relatively straightforward job for two. Especially if it’s windy – until you stake down the tent, an extra hand to keep everything where it’s supposed to be is vital.

The Eureka! Copper Canyon LX 12-person tent is a master of weather endurance, as it holds up exceptionally well in even the craziest weather conditions.

It’s incredibly waterproof, with absolutely no signs of leaks after bad storms. The setup is fast and easy (though for two people, preferably), so you won’t be wasting time trying to set it up during your camping trip. 

The tent is huge and features two massive doors with large mesh windows for beautiful views and plenty of ventilation throughout the interior. Plus, it comes with a rainfly that extends over the door area for extra protection from adverse weather.

However, keep in mind its base which uses the same material as other parts of the tent, so consider opting for a tent footprint to give it extra cushioning and increase lifespan. And though the whole tent doesn’t seem to have problems with durability, the carry bag isn’t up to par, so be careful. 

Another downside is that the windows don’t zip closed completely and can let clapping sounds in during strong winds.

The CAMPROS 12-person tent is a great pick for groups of people – especially families –  looking for a spacious and well-constructed tent for stress-free outdoor getaways. It’s built with strength, stability, and endurance in mind. Its seams and zippers are very tough and waterproof, made to hold up even in extreme rains with zero leaks. 

Setup of this tent is relatively straightforward – all you have to do is unfold the tent on the ground and connect the poles – so you’ll have more time to have fun instead of trying to set it up. And when you take the CAMPROS tent down, it’ll easily fit back into its sturdy bag.

This 12-person tent comes with plenty of space for gear storage, two doors, and a built-in bottom to prevent cold while enjoying decent ventilation inside. The tent is rather dark, so it’ll serve just fine on hot summer days. 

Some minor issues include zippers that could sometimes get stuck and poor floor quality that requires adding a tent footprint for extra protection.

Though considering all its features – large size, waterproofing ability, sturdy construction, and well-organized setup process  – this 12-person tent is indeed good value for money that just shouts quality.

The 12-person Ozark Trail 3-room tent is a solid and sturdy family tent for those who like to move around and have plenty of space to create privacy for each member.

Every compartment is huge, and the tent has a large screen door that gives plenty of airflow. 

The room dividers are very solid, too, providing ample privacy from other groups or campers nearby. Plus, they all come with open corners for running electrical cords through. 

The Ozark Trail tent is made with a breezy top material to help keep temperatures down and humidity out. The tent design also gives bugs a super hard time getting in (actually, they just do not). 

Setup and teardown can be easy and quick if done right, and, most importantly, the tent fits its bag well without much improvisation. 

The downside? There is only a little built-in storage space to keep gear organized. Also, the door flap could be improved as the current version doesn’t allow the water to run off.

Despite that, only a few minor adjustments would be nice, like top loops for lanterns hanging in all rooms and tiny improvements to make the bag’s instructions a bit clearer.

Buyer’s guide: What to hunt for in a 12-person tent

12-person tents – being the most functional, roomy, and comfy shelters out there – have almost anything you’d expect from a camping tent. Built-in LED lights, air conditioners, and all-around scenic views are just some of the features these giants offer for more glam in your camp. 

All glams aside, there are some technical specifications you shouldn’t miss when choosing your go-to outdoor mansion. Here’s what to look for:

Weight and package size

We bet hiking with a 12-person tent on your shoulders isn’t part of the plan. Unless we call those few meters from your car to the pitching spot a hike. Still, weight does make a difference, especially if it’s double – yes, there might be tents that weigh 40 pounds, and there are those of 80 pounds. 

Plus, while some pack gracefully in their carry bag with a shoulder strap, others will take you two separate bags and, naturally – more storage space. 

If that doesn’t sound a big deal and you’re ready to give as much space as your new tent requires, go for it. Just think in advance if that’s not going to put extra struggle on your shoulders over time. 

Ease of setup

As with any camping gear, the easier it is to assemble, the better. After all, no one wants to sacrifice hours upon hours setting their 12-person tent up instead of enjoying the camp. Even skilled campers with plenty of experience putting tents together benefit from simplified setup directions.

When shopping for your tent, look for features like pre-attached poles, color coding on parts, and easy access storage bags – these features simplify the setup process tremendously.

Floor size

A 12-person tent with too small of a floor can result in cramped conditions and make it difficult for larger groups to be comfortable. 

On the other hand, a tent with ample floor space means you won’t have to worry about your group being packed too closely together – potentially uncomfortable or stressful, especially during longer trips when folks may end up spending nights and other time inside the tent.

Keep in mind you have to think about more than just sleeping space for people; you must also consider the availability of room for items such as sleeping bags and camping gear.

In actual fact, 12-person tents can cozily accommodate up to 6 people; so if you’re planning on anything extra, floor size should be your top condition to look for.

Durability

A 12-person tent must withstand a larger group of people coming and going as well as the elements, so you want to make sure that you purchase one that is built well enough to last. Ultimately, it’s nothing similar to a backpacking tent where you should aim for everything ultralight. 

Durability concerns factors like the quality of materials and construction, as well as any security measures to ensure that your 12-person tent can withstand anything nature throws at it – rain, wind, snow, sun, and more.

Go for higher denier fabrics like 150D instead of lower ones (65D) for them to withstand more use. Also, seek stronger poles made of metal or alloy steel (or a mix of steel and fiberglass poles, where fiberglass holds less usable parts like vestibules) that’ll stand through wear and tear for a long. 

Overall, if you’re up to investing in such a large tent, choosing the one that will serve for years to come definitely pays off. 

Waterproofness

The last thing you want is to end up trapped with 12 other people in a damp tent with leaking seams, soggy sleeping bags, and moisture in the air. 

But rain and wind don’t necessarily mean a damaged camping experience if your tent acts as it’s supposed to – as a warm and dry shelter from the elements.

Look for rigid tent materials, a waterproof rating, and added rainfly for extra coverage. You also want to check for tight seams and reliable zippers that stand up well against moisture and heavy use over time. 

It’s always a good idea to waterproof a tent for extra protection and increased lifespan.

Number of rooms

With a large group of people, not everyone (if any) will be comfortable sleeping in the same room. Looking for a tent with multiple rooms will definitely maximize comfort. 

The more separate rooms, the more privacy your group will have to relax. Plus, it’ll help keep your things organized and stored nearby, so they don’t get scattered around the camp area. 

A typical 12-person tent will have a three-room setup, where each room can fit a double cot or a queen-sized air mattress.

Looking for other types of tents?

We got you covered. Check out our detailed reviews on other types of tents that stand out from the market:

• If you’re a light sleeper or simply want to improve your sleeping experience outdoors, there’s no better option than a blackout tent.
• If hitting the road in the pickup is part of the plan, a truck tent is worth a shot.
• If you’re on the hunt for a compact, lightweight shelter for you or plus one, a small 2-person tent is exactly what you’re looking for.
• A cabin tent will do wonders if you want something that’s stylish, extremely spacious, and full of features.