Camping can be an expensive hobby, from the campsite rental, to food bills, to the cost of firewood, and investing in your own camping gear, it adds up fast. For those that enjoy camping in large groups of family or friends, how do you keep your costs down, while having enough space to accommodate everyone?
8 person tents are a great way to alleviate this problem and are believed to be some of the best camping tent around. With room for multiple people, everyone can have a place to sleep and enjoy nature comfortably, with some tents having so much space you can divide them into separate rooms with removable dividers.
Table could not be displayed.This way you can cordon off areas of the tent for cooking, designated sleeping areas or gear storage etc. But how do you know which tent will be the best one for your situation?
Sure we all know the big brands like Coleman, Ozark Trail, Wenzel and CORE all have options up for grabs. But do you know your Red Canyon from your Klondike?
Or your Montana from your Evanston? After this read, you definitely will as we break down all you need to know when looking for an 8 man tent.
Page Contents:
11 Top 8 Man Tents on The Market This Year Reviewed
1. Coleman Red Canyon Tent
The Red Canyon 8 person tent from Coleman has a massive 170 square feet of space (just 10sqft less than the Evanston Model) and 6 feet of height.
This replicates the feeling of living in a small but cozy cave with your family and friends. The setup of this tent uses a conventional pitch with color-coded, shock-corded poles that slide into the sleeves easily, with tent insta-clips aiding in a 60 second pitch time.
The rainfly attaches via hook and loop Velcro, and after staking it down you will have a shelter that can withstand most wind and rainstorms. Coleman outfits the tent in their Weathertec anti-moisture system, ensuring water will never put a damper on your camping weekend.
The tent and rainfly have a water-repellent coating, the bathtub floor has 100% sealed seams with welded corners, and all zippers have a rain cuff for protection. A large D door rolls up when you want to keep the entryway clear, and two zippable screen windows inside the tent will provide plenty of views and airflow, working alongside adjustable Variflo vents.
The interior walls also give you two storage pockets so you can keep your essentials handy while you enjoy nature with your group.
Note: We also have a full Red Canyon Tent Review if you would like an in-depth analysis into all its features, functions and build quality.
Key Features
- Best Selling Budget Model at 170 Square Feet For 8 People
- Weathertec System Ensures No Water in Tent
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
2. Coleman Montana 8 Person Tent
The Coleman Montana series is one of the most popular available on today’s market. This is for 3 reasons. Firstly it has the traditional family design, no over the top features that end up a nuisance on the campsite, just covers the basics and does it very well.
3 different sizes are available, a 6 person, an 8 person and an Elite model which is also an 8 person tent but with luxury features included. One of the main reasons it made our list is due to the fact that the standard model comes in 3 different color themes, and they’ve also taken the time to make an upgraded version for those who like lighted tents.
The ‘Elite’ model of Montana is the lighted version, and is obviously more expensive due to the integrated lighting system. Luckily all 3 models benefit from the patented WeatherTec system protection, so you can expect the same level of protection whichever tent you decide to use on the field.
Some of our favourite features include the huge bungle that you get with the purchase, including all stakes, guylines, carry bag, rainfly, footprint, and even some spares thrown in to boot, this makes for exceptional value given the already reasonable price tag.
The hinged door is a nice feature, allowing for easy access in and out of the tent, especially when you’re camping with the kids. To add to this, the center height is ample, at 74 inches it creates a spacious interior, allowing for plenty of room to move around and equally storage and sleeping space.
Note: If you’re intrigued and want to know more, check out our full Coleman Montana Tent Review on our dedicated page.
Key Features
- Multiple Size and Color Options
- Upgrade Version with Built in Lighting System
- Hinged Door Access
3. Coleman Octagon 8-Person Outdoor Tent
Measuring 169 square feet and nearly 7 feet tall, this octagon-shaped 8-person festival tent from Coleman goes up in about 15 minutes with color-coded poles to give you an excellent shelter for housing multiple campers. Two large doors with windows offer flexibility getting in and out, and two additional screened windows work with the mesh ceiling to provide a ton of airflow.
Coleman uses its Weathertec waterproofing system throughout the tent – inverse stitch seams, taped and welded floor, waterproofed fabric and fly, reinforced corners, covers on the zippers, and a sturdy steel frame to withstand high winds.
The half-fly does a good job keeping you dry while venting and also includes small awnings over the doors to roll-off water. Inside you can fit 2 queen air mattresses, and storage pockets allow you to keep your bug-spray and devices nearby.
Key Features
- Festival Style Tent for Up to 8 Campers
- Large 169 Square Footage with 7 Feet of Height
- Weathertec System Makes Rain and Wind Obsolete
4. Eureka Copper Canyon 8 -Person Tent
The Copper Canyon is a perfect-sized tent for a 5 person family, accommodating multiple bodies as well as mattresses and small furniture, with enough room to still move around easily.
The orange and beige color scheme fills the interior with a lot of light, giving the feeling that the tent is larger than its 130 square foot area. At 7 feet tall, you get increased headroom with walls that are nearly straight, and you can use the tent as either 1 big room, or 2 smaller rooms when you use the provided divider curtain.
A mesh ceiling provides excellent stargazing opportunities when the rainfly is off, and 6 mesh windows surround the tent for 360-degree viewing and excellent airflow. Each window also has the ability to zip shut during rainstorms or anytime you want some privacy.
An E-power port allows you to run electrical into the tent for device charging or running an electric heater, and double doors, 6 pockets, 2 gear lofts, and a ceiling hook for a light/lantern round out the interior features. Packing down to 28 x 10 inches, this 34 lb tent is a great addition to your outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Versatile 8 Person Tent Can Be Used as 1 or 2 Rooms
- Excellent Airflow from Adjustable Mesh Windows
- E-Power Port for Electrical
5. Marmot Limestone 8 Person Camping Tent
Marmot’s free-standing camping tent gives you 77 inches of height, double rooms, and 129 square feet of space to use in 3 of 4 seasons. At 21 lbs, it is lightweight for transporting in its 33 x 16.5-inch shoulder bag, easily carried around the campsite from car to basecamp.
Utilizing 68D polyester taffeta fabric for the canopy and fly, with 150D polyester oxford for the bathtub floor. Waterproofed for camping during stormy weather, the fly is coated in 1500mm, while the floor is doubled at 3000mm.
A separate room with its own door can be created using a divider, and provides a place for additional sleeping, storage, or enjoying nature in a meshed environment. Setup isn’t too complicated with its sleeve and clip combo, and DAC DA17 poles prop up an awning that can be used for shade or rain shelter.
There is plenty of ventilation as 50% of the tent is covered in 40D polyester no-see-um mesh, and the rainfly covers the entire canopy providing excellent protection against the elements, as well as additional vestibule space.
Note: Check our Marmot Limestone 8 Person Full Review for the lowdown.
Key Features
- High-Quality Waterproofed Polyester Fabric
- Can Create Secondary Meshed Room
- Lightweight and Easy Setup with Pole Sleeves and Clips
6. Coleman 8-Person Instant Family Tent
If you are looking for a quality instant tent that can accommodate 8 people, this model from Coleman sizes up really well.
Unfolding from its 52 x 13 x 12 inch carrying case, this pre-assembled tent makes pitching a breeze and can be done in under a minute. It basically unfolds from the bag, with each leg fully extending until they click, locking them into place.
All that’s left to do is stake it down and attach the guy lines to avoid structural failure. As with many Coleman tents, this model excels during inclement weather due to the inclusion of their anti-wetness system.
Compromising of inversely stitched seams, protective zipper covers, a fully sealed and welded tent floor, as well as a water-resistant coating covering the tent fabric.
No rainfly is needed as this tent uses a heavy-duty, double thick, Polyguard fabric, giving it excellent durability and longevity. The 140 square foot shelter has a center height of 6’4”, and is covered in multiple doors and windows, so you have no shortage of ventilation, and they all can be zipped up for privacy or when inclement weather attacks.
Key Features
- Heavy Duty Durable Fabric for Years of Use
- Uses Coleman’s Fully Waterproof Weathertec System
- Can Fit Multiple Mattresses with Gear and Extra Space
7. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent
A 5-stars-across-the-board product if there ever was one, this Kodiak 8 person tent is built to perfection with 79 lbs. of premium quality materials throughout. It uses high tensile 1-inch steel tubing with solid spring 3/8” rods, providing a sturdy and rugged frame.
Staked down with 12-inch solid steel to withstand high winds without failure. A 4 x 7 front awning provides shaded area, and will shield the no-see-um mesh windows so they can remain open during downpours.
The interior gives you 140 square feet of room with a 68-inch ceiling height so that everyone can easily move around on the 16 oz., puncture-resistant heavy-duty vinyl flooring, with has double stitched seams and reinforced corners.
The Hydra Shield tent fabric is 100% cotton duck canvas, tightly woven and silicone-coated for waterproofing, as well as minimizing condensation and humidity inside the tent. The windows and doors can be zipped shut with high-quality YKK zippers that operate smoothly.
Adjustable corner vents will provide airflow when the occasion calls for it. A gear loft and pocket organizer helps to keep the interior of the tent clean while providing adequate storage, and when you are finished the tent rolls up into its user-friendly strap & cinch bag for easy packing and transport.
Key Features
- High Quality Cotton Duck Canvas
- Weatherproof with Heavy Duty Frame and Vinyl Floor
- Premium Price Tag That is Warranted
8. Gazelle T4 Plus 8 Person Pop Up Tent
Unpacking from its 55 x 9 x 9 inch carrying case dimensions, the 47 lb. T4 Plus from Gazelle can hold up to 4 people, with a screened room that can be converted to a secondary sleeping space for an additional 4 campers.
Spacious at 110 square feet x 78 inches high, setup of this pop-up tent takes all of 90 seconds due to its pre-assembled metal hub and fiberglass pole design. By simply popping out the wall hubs and roof panel, you will have a tent in seconds that can be secured with the provided stakes.
A rainfly with fully taped seams attaches with poles to the roof panel, although if you leave it off you will get a great view of the night sky as the tent’s ceiling is heavy on the mesh. Fully waterproof with a 2000 mm coating throughout, the main shell and fly use 210D Oxford weave polyester.
While the bathtub designed floor uses 300D and can be removed when it’s in need of a good cleaning. Gear lofts, as well as storage nets and pockets line the interior of the shelter, and durable YKK zippers make opening and closing the large windows and doors easy, providing less hassle and great cross breeze ventilation during your stay in the wilderness.
Key Features
- Affordable and Well-Constructed 4-8 Person Pop Up Tent
- Fully Waterproofed With 2000mm Coating Throughout
- Screened Room Can Be Converted into Additional Sleeping Area
9. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
Available in multiple colors, the Klondike tent from Wenzel offers 176 square feet of space with 6.5 feet of height for a truly excellent outdoor tent. The backside has a low vent that works with the mesh roof to constantly move air around, keeping you and your fellow campers well ventilated.
The entry to this tent is meshed to provide protection against mosquitoes, and can be used as a separate sleeping space, or storage space, saving your sleeping area from being covered in dirt and gear. With 2 compartments, you can fit a queen mattress in each, and shock-corded fiberglass poles with steel uprights provide sturdy structural support during windy days.
The waterproofed seams and rainfly work to keep you dry during storms, windows can be covered up for privacy and additional protection against rain and UV rays, and returning the tent to its storage bag is easier than most competitors’ shelters. A great value tent for those on a budget.
Key Features
- Excellent Quality Tent for Budget Campers
- Provides Excellent Waterproofing with Rainfly
- Separate Screened Room for Storage or Sleeping
10. TOMOUNT 8 Person Windproof Camping Tent
Tomount’s 8 person camping tent is designed as a rugged shelter to withstand harsh elements, with a waterproof coating of 4000mm. Easy to assemble with color-coded poles, it takes about 15 minutes to go up and gives you a large 126 square foot interior with 72 inches of height.
Great for festival or car camping, you can fit up to 3 queen-sized air mattresses inside and it comes with a privacy curtain if you wish to separate the tent into two rooms. The front has a large roll-up D door that provides campers easy access, and 5 mesh windows combine with the tent’s mesh roof to move air efficiently.
2-way smooth zippers eliminate snagging and catching, and if it starts to downpour the attachable rainfly will keep you dry with its window and door awnings directing moisture away from the tent’s openings. Lightweight and versatile, it packs down to a 3-foot duffel bag that can be transported easily to wherever we are spending time outdoors.
Note: The Ozark Trail 8 person yurt tent is another uniquely shaped tent as the TOMOUNT model, check out the budget alternative if this is over the price mark.
Key Features
- Superior Waterproof Coating at 4000mm
- Large Interior to Fit 3 Queen-Size Mattresses
- Rainfly with Door and Window Awnings
11. Coleman Tenaya Lake Cabin Tent
Employing its patented Weathertec waterproof system with a host of glamping features, the Tenaya Lake Cabin Tent from Coleman brings some of the comforts from home to your camping life. Designed as a fastpitch setup, color corded poles and hubs ease the pain of setting up your tent.
There is a lot of room inside with 117 square feet and 80 inches of height to accommodate a range of camper sizes, as well as mattresses and furniture. Waterproofing features include protected seams, zipper cuffs, a fully taped and welded floor with reinforced corners, as well as a water-resistant canopy and rainfly.
The tent has a mesh dome and windows for excellent views and ventilation, an electrical port can be used to bring power into the tent, a 2 x 2 foot closet works well as a storage room, the large hinged D door is a bonus for getting in and out without problems.
A ceiling hook attached to the ceiling is handy to hang a light on for night time illumination and the entire tent breaks down quickly, then stored in a suitcase-like case on wheels for easy transport.
Note: We have a Coleman Tenaya Lake Tent Review over on our dedicated page, for a deeper breakdown.
Key Features
- Large Fast Pitch Cabin Tent
- Includes Coleman’s Weathertec Waterproof Features
- Interior Closest and Hinged Door are Excellent Bonus Features
Buyers Guide – How to Choose an 8 Person Tent?
Before you fork over your hard-earned cash, you should know exactly what specs to be on the lookout for. The following information will come in handy when you are buying your new tent.
Dimensions
While manufacturers claim you can fit 8 people, that is only if you sardine them in. A more realistic number of people that can be comfortably held is 4-5. You have to take into account that you will be sleeping on large air mattresses (sometimes 2 or 3), backpacks and gear will need a spot.
You might bring along a small table or a pet, and you still need enough room to move around easily. Most models have a square footage of about 140 feet (some less, some more), and an average interior height of 6 – 6.5 feet.
Quality of Materials
Investing in a tent made of high-quality materials is the smartest decision you can make, as it will not only pay off immediately, but for years to come.
Most manufacturers dress their outdoor shelters in polyester fabric, and depending on the density, it can be wind resistant and puncture resistant. Premium quality tents will use cotton duck canvas as it naturally breathes. Eliminating condensation from building up in tent, keeping you warm and dry.
Tent frames will normally be made of fiberglass poles and metal hubs, with some using high-quality steel as well. Most models will come with stakes, but unless you are buying a premium tent, you may want to invest in some high-quality steel stakes to replace the stock versions.
Ease of Setup
No one likes pitching a tent, and breaking them down is even worse! As a lot of campers get to their campsite after the sun has set, it can be annoying to put your tent up in the dark. A lot of car campers favor pop-up tents for this exact reason, as they can be pitched and staked down by a single person in all of 60 seconds.
Free-standing tents take a bit more time to put together and sometimes require a helping hand. Breaking down the tent sounds like it would be pretty simple, but a lot of campers have a hard time fitting everything back into the tent’s storage case/bag, so you might want to pay attention to tents that people claim are easy to pack.
Waterproofing
You will definitely want a tent that is waterproof. Bathtub floor designs help to keep the floor of your tent dry, and manufacturers will coat their tent’s canopy and rainfly with a waterproofing agent to bead rain off the tarp. A lot of campers will tape up the seams and zippers if the company doesn’t provide that feature.
Coleman tents use a Weathertec system in most of their tents that makes them very popular. This includes inverse stitching, zipper covers, taped and welded floors, reinforced corners, wind-resistant frame support, and a waterproofed rainfly and canopy.
Features
With so much space, some 8 person tents will give you the option of splitting the shelter into two rooms. You can use the secondary room, which usually has mesh screened walls, as a sitting room, storage space, or additional sleeping area during clear nights.
Some rainfly’s will also provide you additional space with a vestibule or two. Other popular features you will see is an E-port where you can run electricity into the tent. High-quality 2-way YKK zippers that operate smoothly are desirable and perhaps double doors, so you aren’t climbing over each other. Reflective guy lines to avoid tripping at night, and various gear lofts and storage pockets inside the tent are also important to look out for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big is an 8 Person Tent?
On average they have around 140 square feet of space, some slightly more if they have a screened room or extension. The center height varies depending on if its a dome or cabin, but generally you’ll find the center point between 6 – 6.5 feet.
How Much is an 8-Person Tent?
Prices vary between $150 – $600+ for these tents, but you can get very good quality and long-lasting 8 person tents for around $300.
Are They Waterproof?
Manufacturers waterproof their tents so you can use them in spring, summer, and fall without fail. They will use a water-resistant coating on the fabric, include a rainfly, and have other water-repellant features like bathtub floors, awnings, and taped seams to prevent moisture from entering the tent. I may suggest using a waterproof spray if you opt for the budget choices like the Red Canyon or Klondike, just to be safe.
How to Set Up an 8-person tent?
If you have an instant tent or a pop-up tent, it is as simple as unpacking the pre-assembled tent from its storage case, extending the legs, and staking it down. Free-standing tents take longer to set up as they come disassembled, requiring you to put together the poles, slide them into the tent sleeves, clip the tent to the poles, attach the rainfly, and stake it down.
How Many People Should Fit in an 8-Person Tent?
8 campers of course! However, that is if you cram them in side by side with no extra room whatsoever. A more ideal number of campers that can fit in is 4 or 5, as you still need to store your gear, fit mattresses/furniture, and have room to move around inside the tent. Benefiting from better air circulation also with fewer bodies in the room.
Conclusion on 8 Person Tents
By now you should have a fairly clear understanding of what kind of 8 person tents are available and how they can enhance your camping experiences. Investing in a high quality, durable tent will provide years of use for you, your family, and your friends.
