The best part about 12 person tents is that you can fit a large amount of people with extra room to spare, as long as it’s less than 12, of course. While this might seem strange, its common practice to have fewer people than the capacity of which the tent suggests.
This gives you so much vacant space to store heavy and dirty gear, which we know can stack up when there are lots of people.
Tents for 12 to 13 people offer a sort of luxury camping experience. You can use the additional room as a living space, which gives you the option to play games and do other fun activities inside when the weather is bad.
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Even a large-sized family can camp comfortably, won’t feel cramped and can hang out together without stepping on each other’s toes.
Yet still, the ever-present danger of going flying out a guy line remains, apologies.
Another benefit of a 12-person capacity is the overall price. While it may appear more costly upfront, your whole group will be saving on costs, making this size one of the best tents for camping.
Purchasing one large tent instead of numerous others, you’re saving money on accommodation in the long term. However, there are many to choose from with top brands like Ozark Trail, CORE and Tahoe with great options.
Here we have our list of the best 12 to 13-man tents based on their awesome structures, thoughtful layouts, and high-quality materials.
Page Contents:
10 Best 12 and 13 Person Tents for Camping List
1. CORE 12 Person Cabin Tent with Side Entrance (New Model)
Perfect for a big family or huge group of friends, this has 3 room options for ultimate privacy. When the bedrooms aren’t in use, the room dividers can be folded back to create a large living area. An instant pitch sets up in less than 2 minutes, as the poles are already attached. Inside is quite roomy with 3 big rooms and 2 foldable dividers.
This gives added privacy, and lets you separate living space from the sleeping quarters. If you decide to use all 3 rooms as bedrooms, you can fit 3 queen air beds inside, with a tight squeeze.
The rainfly is water repellent with a PU coating and taped stitching. It has a water rating of only 600mm, so it would hold up well against light rainfall.
The rest of the fabric on the body is made from tough 68D polyester to resist tearing. It’s the perfect tent for warm weather as the entire ceiling is mesh. The windows are also meshed, and even with the fly on there is an advanced vent system at the bottom that draws up cold air. You can leave the front mesh open during rain as the fly has a slight awning over it.
Several storage options include various mesh pockets, a hook for a lamp or lantern, and a roof gear loft to store valuables out of the way.
Features:
- 216” L x 120” W x 80” H
- Simple Instant Set-Up
- 3 Rooms
2. Tahoe Gear Prescott 12 Person Cabin Tent
A family tent that is broadly shaped with charming traditional-style windows, this has 200² feet of room. This makes a good 3-season tent as the windows all completely shut from the inside and the rainfly sits well over the inner form. Even though it’s a cabin, it has a more aerodynamic shape with the sloping sides, which is a smart design because water will slide right off and onto the ground.
For a tent that is made more for rough camping conditions, it has a high center peak of 6.5 feet. Although it’s tall, the sleek rounded form allows wind to travel around it, lowering the risk of anything blowing away.
Both the fly and the rest of the tent are made with an enduring 190T polyester that has UV resistance and a 1200mm waterproof coating. For a secure structure, the framework has shock-corded fiberglass poles, helping create resistance when there are winds. These factors make it suitable for withstanding tough elements.
During warmer conditions, there is a lot of ventilation, even with the fly on. You can roll back all the openings and have the mesh exposed. Small air vents are also placed on the two ends, allowing a breeze to circulate when all the windows are closed.
Features:
- Curtain Divider Makes 2 Rooms
- 1200mm Water Rating
- 240” L x 120” W x 80” H
3. NTK Super Arizona GT 12 Person Tent
Perfect for sporty types, this premium tunnel-shaped tent is aerodynamic and 100% waterproof to suit true rough outdoor camping. A hassle-free ring-and-pin system makes for a super simple set up, where there are basically only 2 large poles for the body, and one smaller one for the front section.
These poles are nano-flex shock-corded fiberglass to resist winds and general wear-and-tear. With a detachable curtain, 2 rooms can be created, with 3 double beds and 2 singles fitting inside. You have a huge area for living, which can be hard to find in tents that are suited to harsh conditions.
This tent is highly weatherproofed. Tub-style flooring sits high from the ground to prevent leaking. It’s also anti-fungus and made from seamless polyethylene with an inner silver coating layer. This can also provide a small amount of warmth circulation.
As a full-coverage rainfly, it stretches all the way to the bottom with window closures for fantastic protection from rain. It has a water column of 2500mm so it can hold up against moderate and slightly heavier rainfalls. It can also work well in warmer conditions, as there are several no-see-um mesh panels that can be left open without the fly on. Lots of ventilation can be achieved, even with the fly on there are ground vents.
While it is a heavier model, the carry bag is very heavy-duty to disperse the weight for easy transportation. It has compression straps and reinforced buckles that keep everything packed inside nice and compact.
Features:
- 247.2” L x 122.4” W x 82.8” H
- Full Coverage Rainfly
- 2500mm Waterproofing
4. Ozark Trail Instant Cabin 12 Person Tent
Another instant model on our list, this also has a set up of less than 2 minutes for a streamlined experience. All the rods come in place within the fabric, so all you need to do is extend it and secure everything. The cool thing about this one is the design.
While it’s a traditional cabin with steep walls and a flat-ish top, it is shaped like an “L”, with a large awning that extends to create a full square. We love this because it adds more sheltered space without adding any extra bulk when packed up. Having this canopy space is so handy, especially when camping in warmer weather, as you can relax under a cover whilst still fully enjoying the outdoors.
It’s quite an open plan with huge panels covered in mesh. This accentuates the airflow and gives you the freedom to decide which rooms are separated as the dividers can roll back. 2 ground vents also encourage air to flow through even when the fly is on. These vents can also fit standard air conditioners, which is a pretty cool feature – just make sure it’s not raining as the unit sits outside the tent.
As it’s quite a tall structure, it won’t do well in very high winds, so it’s best to use it in calmer weather. The rainfly is water-resistant with fully taped factory-seamed seals to provide good leak protection. There is a 6” welded tub floor for a waterproof ground experience.
Features:
- 3 Large Rooms
- Super Simple Instant Pitch
- 192” L x 192” W x 82” H
5. CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent (Best Seller Model)
Experience effortless installation with a 2-minute instant set up. with a 10-pole design, lifting and extending the pre-attached legs is a breeze. This is a very airy tent. The panels are massive with soft mesh that can be folded and tied out of the way.
If you’re using it with less than 12, the front section can be used as a screen room, because the mesh windows are so high that they reach the roof. Use it as a bug-free relaxation area, playroom, or spot for extra storage.
With the second entrance on the side as well as the front, it makes it so much easier for everyone to enter and exit without disturbing others. You also have 2 mud mat protectors outside each doorway so the interior stays clean.
The rainfly is water repellent and sits just over the 2 entrances with a small hooded part. It has a hydro rating of 600mm which withstands low levels of rainfall, and heat-sealed seams add further protection. This provides slight protection from rain, but it’s not full coverage so we recommend this as more of a summer or spring shelter. This is also because when the fly is removed, the rooftop is fully meshed. You can watch the stars and feel a wonderful airflow without worrying about bugs getting inside.
Features:
- 2 Rooms With Zipper Divider
- 2 Entryways
- 216” L x 120” W x 80” H
6. Eureka Copper Canyon 12 Person Tent
With a peak height of 7 feet, this is a great family camper for casual trips. Assembly is quick and simple with a ring-and-pin system and 9-pole design. This type of system takes the guessing out of set up as it’s so easy to follow.
Floor space is maximized for people to sleep comfortably, and there is a room divider that can separate it into 2 rooms. We find this helpful because you can separate the living area from the sleeping one, so everything can stay clean.
A fiberglass frame helps everything remain stable, but we wouldn’t recommend using this in extreme winds because of the high walls. Although the rainfly doesn’t provide full coverage to the ground, we think this can work well for 3-seasons, and perhaps in slightly colder weather as well. 6 generous windows are screened to give full views and airflow through the entire tent when it’s warm.
They can close all the way, so you can get privacy whenever needed. Plus, the ceiling is all mesh. In wetter weather, this could last against moderate rain due to the water rating of 1200mm that is prevalent through the walls, fly, and flooring.
They’re also made from durable and thick 75D 190T polyester taffeta. Bathtub flooring wraps the bottom sides to protect against water splashes and ground moisture.
6 storage pockets, 2 upper gear lofts, and 8 hanging loops give heaps of storage options, which is always convenient when you’re camping with a group.
Features:
- 2 Room Tent
- 168” L x 144” W x 84” H
- 1200mm Waterproof Column
7. TETON Sports Sierra 12 Person Canvas Tent
This exorbitant beast can be used for both intense camping, as well as more relaxed glamping trips. Canvas is one of the most heavy-duty materials you can use for camping, due to its strong form and natural ability to be weatherproof.
Despite its large size, set up is rather simple as there are only 2 poles needed to install. For harsher climates, you can close the entire form. In hotter weather, you can remove the main body and just use the roof and floor as a roomy canopy. We love the versatility because it gives you a different style option, like a 2-in-1. You’re given a huge amount of interior floor space, however, there is no integrated option to section off the space to make separate rooms, although can be done manually.
Although robust in nature, canvas material is still breathable for comfortable temperature control. It’s an all-weather canvas, meaning it won’t leak moisture inside, even if it’s bumped or moved. We think this is more suited to colder weather, as it doesn’t have a lot of ventilation spots apart from several mesh windows near the ground.
Some additional ventilation can also be felt through the front door, which has a mesh inner layer that you can zip open and shut. The flooring is also very heavy-duty and highly leak-proof. All seams are reinforced to ensure everyone stays dry inside, whilst also extending the lifespan. Carbon-steel stakes make a very stable structure and can sink into even the toughest terrain.
Features:
- Durable Cotton Canvas
- 144” L x 144” W x 98” H
- All-Season Tent
8. Ozark Trail Hazel Creek 12 Person Tent
Another cabin structure, this has a very aesthetically appealing design with neutral colors and a home-like structure. It’s the ideal family tent because of this homey feel, and it’s quite elongated to emulate the look of large living space.
We like these longer kinds of tents because you can get more privacy between one end and the other – think about using the 2 end rooms and leaving the middle as a living room so everyone can be secluded in their own space. The overall design is perfect for hosting a meal with others because it has a comforting feel.
2 curtain dividers inside allow you to create 3 separate rooms, so you can customize the layout to your own liking. There is a lot of headroom to be able to stand up inside.
The framework is made up of traditional all-steel poles for resisting winds. This is important of cabins like this, because they usually aren’t made for withstanding strong winds. Plenty of mesh windows and a half-mesh door promote lots of air circulation. Without the rainfly, the whole roof is made from mesh, giving it a super airy feel.
We love the 2-foot deep closets that are included in this model. They have 4 large shelves, which are netted to easily view where certain clothes are, as well as a separate gear hanger. These closets allow this cabin to be used more long-term, as you don’t have to live out of your bag for weeks on end. Since these closets are so deep, they won’t take up any precious space.
Features:
- 240” L x 108” W x 84” H
- 3 Large Living Spaces
- 1200mm Waterproof Rating
9. CORE 12 Person XL Cabin Tent
Unlike the other ones on our list from CORE, this one has a traditional pitch instead of an instant one. We don’t see this as a limitation though, because this is still an amazing option for big group and family camping. The assembly isn’t complicated, requiring poles to be inserted into the sleeves and extended, whilst securing everything with pins and stakes.
You have 2 roomy spaces when the divider is zipped up, which gives you the option to have a dedicated storage space away from the sleeping area. Another cool thing you could use the divider for is as a home cinema. Bring along your own projector and set it up to show your favorite films on a big screen.
H20 Block Technology means that this has water repellent fabrics that create a faster water runoff, so leakages can be avoided. This is paired with heat-sealed seams on the large rainfly, doors, and all the windows. The fly covers the inner body quite well, as it sits just above.
Overhead the front doors, the fly extends, so you could probably leave the mesh exposed without moisture getting inside. Ventilation is provided through the advanced venting system. There are ground vents on either side, a visible mesh ceiling, and all mesh windows.
Features:
- 192” L x 132”W x 86”H
- 2 Spacious Rooms
- Suitable for 3-Season Camping
10. Americ Empire 12 Person Cabin Tent
With an upgraded structure, this has an effortless set up that would take less than 15 minutes for 2 people. The framework is much stronger with robust steel rods that keep it firmly on the ground during winds. This one only weighs 31 lbs, which is quite lightweight for tents in this capacity range. 2 doors for easy entry and exit, 6 big windows, 4 interior storage pockets, and a hook for lanterns are all included for streamlined living.
Weatherproofing is done well with this large model. It is 100% waterproof with a rather high water column rating of 2000mm. The materials are a combination of polyethylene, 190T polyester laminated fabric, and an inner layer that is coated for extra strength.
These are all robust materials that contribute to a high level of protection, especially with keeping everyone dry. Everything is also anti-fungal which is great for larger tents as things can get humid inside quite often.
You can take this on 3-season trips, but we think you should be mindful of taking it in heavy winds. Although the materials are very durable, the tall cabin style might not work well with lots of wind as it’s not very aerodynamic. We believe it could hold up well in slightly colder weather, as some windows are plastic instead of mesh.
This holds heat inside well, while at the same time maintaining good airflow with several mesh openings. The rainfly does not fully conceal the entire form, but it does sit above and there is a small hood over the front door to stop rain from dripping in.
Features:
- 252” L x 120” W x 84” H
- 100% Waterproof
- 3 Rooms with Dividers
Buyers Guide – How to Choose a 12 Person Tent
Check the True Size
Although you might think it strange to have a tent dedicated to 12 and have fewer people inside, this is one of the most important factors when choosing one. Manufacturers often make tents and tell you the capacity of how many sleeping bags can fit on the floor with a small amount of room left.
Always check the exact dimensions and see what kind of air beds you can fit inside, and whether this matches up with how many people you want to bring along. Especially if the tent can be divided into several rooms, you should figure out before purchasing how you will set everything up inside. Will you use one room for storage? Decide how many people will fit in the other room to comfortably sleep.
Lots of Airflow
All tents can have a build-up of humidity, no matter how small or large. While you may think that a larger amount of space means less chance of mugginess, this is not always the case. With more people living in one enclosed area, more body heat is produced. Consequently, it’s crucial to have ample ventilation throughout your tent so that air can circulate in and out uninterrupted.
Full mesh roofs are always great for airflow, particularly during very hot months. If yours doesn’t have a complete mesh ceiling, look out for hidden ground vents, and roof vents integrated into the rainfly. These small vents can suck up a lot of concentrated cold air and push it through the interior. Screen windows are also fantastic to have.
Your Preferred Shape
As these types of tents are in the middle range between small and extremely large ones, we’ve found that there is more versatility in the choice of style. On our list, we’ve included a wide range of designs, from cabins, tunnels, and even a teepee. In particular, the cabins come in many different layouts, so you have the freedom to choose a shape that will suit your camping style.
We mention this because the shape of your tent can affect its ability to withstand certain weather conditions. Large cabins with tall walls and roofs are often not well known for holding up against rough winds. Tunnel tents can be the opposite and endure winds because of the tubular shape. Think carefully about the location of your trip and whether the one you choose will do well in certain specific weather.
Other Features
With larger structures comes more space for storage, but we think you should always look out if a tent has other storage options. Search for models with plenty of interior mesh pockets, a gear loft that sits in the roof to protect valuables, a hook for hanging lanterns, and an opaque room divider. Even built-in closets are an awesome feature for putting away clothes and organizing them nicely. When you have more people living inside, the opportunity for storing certain items can become less available. Having these other storage spaces can come in handy more than you may think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Group Should Use a 12 Person Tent?
It’s important to always look at the actual dimensions of the tent, instead of relying on the intended capacity. While you can fit 12 sleeping bags or pads on the floor, you’ll have virtually no space left for your gear, which can build up rapidly when camping with a group. We suggest 4 to 6 people should use this capacity, as there will be enough leftover space for dining, living, and storage.
How Big is a 12 Person Tent?
We did some calculations to find out the average size based on the 10 tents on our list. Keep in mind though, they are all different shapes, so you should always check the exact accurate dimensions of yours before you purchase it.
- Length: 210.72”
- Width: 132.24”
- Height: 84.08”
*mean average over 32 models
How Much Does a 12 Person Tent Cost?
This greatly differs on the manufacturer, style, interior layout, and materials used. However, based on our list and research, we’ve found that the lower range comes in at around over $100, while the higher quality ones can go over $500.
Are They Waterproof?
These tents are waterproof as it’s important for them to withstand wet weather to keep all the people inside dry and comfortable. With a larger surface area that the tent takes upon the ground, there is also a higher chance of leaks coming through. Look out for waterproof ratings of 600mm or over for protection against light rainfall, and over 1500mm for higher levels of protection.
Water repellent or resistant ones are slightly different, as they aren’t designed extreme rain. In this case, ensure that it has sealed seams and a tub-style floor to prevent water splashes and small seepage.
How to Reinforce a 12 Person Tent?
Whether they’re freestanding or not, we recommend always reinforcing a larger tent properly to ensure a high level of security in the structure.
Ensure you choose heavy-duty steel stakes that will hold the big form down as strong as possible. Bring a hammer to make sure the stakes go very deep into the terrain, so there is no chance for them to slip out, even if it rains and the dirt can become mud.
Also, insert them at an angle of about 45° for ultimate stability. Robust guy lines are also very important and should be used in conjunction with these stakes. Secure everything down further with some heavy rocks if things get extra windy.
Conclusion
Family camping has never been better thanks to the best 12 person tents on our list. We’ve shown how versatile in shape and design they can be, and how much extra space and comfort they deliver when used by 6 to 8 people. Most are adaptable enough to use during 3-season camping, whilst giving ultimate comfort that smaller models just can’t provide.
