A 3-room cabin tent with 16 x 16 dimensions and a 2-minute set up? Heck yeah!
Ozark trail 12 person instant tent is a dream for any large family or group of campers. Inside there is enough room to comfortably walk around.
While it’s not a huge canvas glamping model, there is a sense of luxury with the optional private rooms, ample spaciousness, and large front awning attachment.
It feels like a real home inside with the tall roof and wide-open space. You could even fit a queen-sized bed in each room with a little space to spare.
But is this tent all it cracks up to be?
With so many positive reviews from the camping community, what makes this tent special from other 12-person models on the market? We want to dissect every detail for you and reveal all its unique features.
Before going on your next camping trip, you’ll be fully prepared with all the right information on this popular 12-person instant tent.
Page Contents:
Ozark Trail 16 x 16 Instant Cabin Tent Reviewed
Our First Thoughts
At a glance, this is a fantastic cabin tent for a large family. We love the L-shape, and especially the canopy attachment that brings so much versatility.
It’s best to avoid camping locations with high winds or a lot of rain, as this tent is made for more 3-season trips.
Absolutely Huge Interior
The cabin structure is great for making it feel like your own home, but it doesn’t do super well in very windy conditions.
Heaps of mesh can be found everywhere on the windows and roof.
When it is raining, you can close off all the mesh and still receive airflow through the ground venting system, which is a nice touch to prevent interior humidity. For the price, you’re getting a reliable build and roomy interior.
Important Specs at a Glance
| Type
Freestanding Instant Cabin |
Dimensions
192“L x 192“W x 82“H |
| Weight
61 lbs |
Price
$189-$220 |
| Capacity
12 People |
Assembly
Instant with Pre-Attached Poles |
| Season
3-Season |
Materials
Tent & Rainfly – 68D Polyester Floor – 1000D Polyethylene |
| Structure
Steel Stakes & Poles |
Pack Size
52“L x 15“W x 14“H |
| Waterproof Rating
600mm Water Column |
Rooms
3 Rooms with Sewn-In Dividers |
Overview of Features
- Spacious 3 Rooms
- Assembly-Free Instant Set Up
- Large Canopy
- 6” Tub Flooring
- 7 Large Closable Mesh Windows
- Waterproof Rainfly
- Durable Carry Bag Included
- Electric Port Access
- Ground Vents for Air Conditioner
What We Love – Our Top 3 Features
Now that you know all the specs and features, it’s time to look at our favorite qualities of this tent. We’ve ranked them from gold to bronze, but we think they all have an important purpose for making this an excellent tent.
GOLD QUALITY – Rapid Set Up
The innovative framework makes this an impressive instant tent. For a hefty size, it’s comforting knowing how easy it is to set up and takedown. It’s possible to complete with one or two people, taking less than 2 minutes.
It seems unlikely to achieve such a fast installation with such a large structure, but the pre-attached frame makes it such a breeze. Even with this speedy setup, structural integrity isn’t compromised.
With a Fastpitch, More time with the Family
It’s made from steel, and the poles are telescoping which means that they extend and click into place.
The joints are plastic, but we don’t think this would affect the strong build. The cabin shape ensures a stable and durable design with reinforced corners.
SILVER FEATURE – 3 Huge Rooms
The sheer size of these rooms makes them feel like real rooms in a house. Instead of simple divider curtains, each room is sectioned off with sewn-in walls.
When you want a more open plan feel, there are fabric doors that can be rolled and tied back. When they are closed, things feel so private and cozy in the room.
Each Room can be Divided Up
We love these better than simple divider curtains because they are completely closed off. You can achieve full isolation, whereas zippered dividers can sometimes have a slight amount of open space around the edges.
This can get frustrating if people in the other rooms are using lights. Each room is large enough for a queen mattress, so you can make things super comfy.
BRONZE HIGHLIGHT– Awning Attachment
The added canopy provides so much useful space in such a simple way.
It’s connected to the rainfly, so you can only use it when the fly is on, but it’s perfect for protecting against sunrays and light rain.
Plenty of Storage Inside
We think it’s an awesome addition for summer camping. It’s smart to have this open, yet undercover, space because you can soak in the atmosphere whilst staying protected.
You can also use this area for storing unclean clothes and gear so the bedrooms inside can remain clean.
Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail
Smart Design Layout
With the versatility of 3 rooms, we love how well this tent would work in a group or family camping situation. If you’re staying with kids, you have the option to shut yourself away with a sturdy zippered door and recharge.
You can take a nap without worrying about others disturbing you, plus there are 2 doors so people can get in and out from different spots.
Stay Charged with AC Access
3 rooms also give you the option to use one as a living and dining area, or even a storage area. As each room is big enough to fit a queen airbed, there wouldn’t be much space left for bags and other gear.
Use the third room as a multifunctional space. You also even have the area under the awning, so this tent is truly fit for many purposes.
Heaps of Ventilation
Like most tents fit for 3-season trips, you’ll find a lot of mesh openings throughout Ozark trail 12 person tent. The roof is fully screened without the rainfly on, which makes for lovely stargazing at night.
You know you’re protected from any bugs, and you can get a lot of airflow at the same time.
Stay Cool with Large, Closeable Ground Vents
Other than the mesh roof and windows, Ozark trail 12 person tent has 2 big ground vents. They have a long flap that covers them, allowing ventilation even when it’s raining. The mesh also protects you from snakes.
The cool thing about these vents is the fact that you can put a cooling system inside them. You can receive even more air circulation, which is always welcome in the hotter months. Just make sure there’s no chance of rain when you use an air conditioner.
No Assembly Necessary
The instant set up with previously attached poles is one of the best features. Setting up a huge tent is already difficult, so having this streamlined experience makes things so much easier. Just 2 minutes is all it takes with 2 people.
Easily Connect Camping Equipment
Taking it down is also hassle-free. It’s the same simple process, only backwards, and it folds simply to fit into the bag. Something we love about the carry bag is that it has wheels. It’s such a smart choice as this is quite a heavy structure.
Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered
Is There a Power Outlet and What Does it Do?
There is electrical cord access in this tent, and it can be fully covered when not in use. You can cover up any long extension cords without the risk of tripping over them inside the tent. This access allows you to charge any devices with ease, so you don’t have to rely on a car battery.
What is the Peak Height and How Tall are the Doors?
The center height of this cabin is 82 inches, or 6.8 feet. It allows many people to walk around very easily without hitting their heads. The doors are around 6 feet in height, which also allows easy exit and entry.
What does the Mesh Section on the Awning do?
The small screened triangle found on the awning fabric has a couple of uses. It allows some wind to travel through, so the awning doesn’t move around, and it also helps to drain any build-up of rainfall.
Otherwise, water would pool on top of the canopy and it could weigh down and cause sagging. If you don’t want rain coming through, tape it up with waterproof strong tape.
Our Final Thoughts
As you’ve seen from our in-depth review, this Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent for 12 people is an impressive multifunctional tent. With 3 spacious rooms and sewn-in walls, you can achieve ultimate privacy.
Not many tents offer this sewn-in option, so it’s a nice touch. When you’re not sleeping, you can still keep the rooms open and fold back the doors for a lovely roomy and airy feel.
2 doors allow people to enter and exit without disturbing others. The awning is a massive advantage. It provides shelter, gives a spot for storage, and extends the floor area.
When used in the correct conditions avoiding harsh winds and rain, this is a fantastic versatile family tent.
