What Is The Best 6-person Tent? Don’t Buy A New Tent Until You Read This!

You are getting ready for the big camping trip and realize that your family has grown since the last time you went. That little 2 man pup tent you used when you were young just won’t be big enough. What will you do? You could go buy a couple other tents, but this is family togetherness time and you want to stay together.

The only choice you can come up with is to buy a bigger tent. But there are hundreds out there to choose from and you don’t have an inkling of which tents are good and which ones are not. Well, have no fear. I am going to help you find the best 6-person tent.

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: COLEMAN Hampton 6 Person Family Camping Cabin Tent w/ WeatherTec
2. Runner-up: Sportz SUV Blue/Grey Tent with Screen Room
3. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 6- Person Canvas Tent, Deluxe
4. NTK Cherokee GT Sport Camping Dome Tent
5. Ozark Trail 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

**You’ll find our more detailed reviews below, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

What To Look For In A Tent

Let’s look at the things you need to consider in a tent. I have divided my recommendations and the reasons why I think they are important below.

1. Size

Not all people are the same size, right? Well, all 6-person tents are not the same size either. A tent that may hold 6 twelve-year-olds, would be a tight fit for 2 adults, 2 teenagers, and 2 younger children. The best way to ruin family togetherness is to be too close when you are trying to rest.

So, if in doubt, remember bigger is better. Make a floor plan on a piece of paper and add the family in one at a time. Don’t forget to allow for your supplies too. Unless it is a tent you are going to be carrying in a backpack, go big.

Need a tent for a large group? Try this​ Best 10-Person Tents

2. Height

You will want a tent that you can fully stand up in. Getting dressed in the morning while bending over is no fun. With multiple people in the tent, the extra airflow is a bonus too.

3. Windows

When camping in warm weather, windows can make a big difference. Just be sure that they have quality mesh over to keep the mosquitoes out. Even if the wind isn’t blowing, the windows will let the heat escape the tent.

I like at least 2 windows across from each other. Again, airflow is a good thing when sharing a tent.

4. Ease Of Assembly

I am sure you are capable of putting together the most difficult tent, but with the great tents out there today, there is no reason to have to spend an hour or even half an hour, setting up your tent. Look for a tent that goes together simply.

That will give you more time to enjoy your vacation and one less thing to stress over. Decide whether you want one that has guide ropes to hold the sides out, or one with spring fiberglass poles that only needs to be staked down.

Looking for a fast set-up and takedown tent? Check out these Instant Tents!

5. Doors

Some of the 6-person tents out there now have 2 doors. This is something you may want to consider. Having 2 doors means there will be less chance you will have to climb over someone to go outside in the middle of the night.

6. Rain Fly

A rain fly is a must have for me. While tents are mostly waterproof, if it is raining and you touch the top or sides, some have been known to leak. Always look for a tent that comes with a rain fly or at least has one available.

If nothing else, at least bring a tarp that will cover the tent in the event of rain.​

7. Material And Construction

Make sure that the material the tent is made of is durable and waterproof. It needs to be constructed with a “bathtub” floor. A ‘bathtub” floor is a one piece floor that is 100% waterproof. This will keep you from waking up in a wet sleeping bag with all of your supplies sitting in a pool of water.

Also, look at the materials that hold the tent up. You will either have fiberglass poles, steel, or aluminum pieces that slide together. Both have their place. The ones with the aluminum or steel poles are, in my opinion, a little sturdier. But the ones with the fiberglass poles usually are quicker to set up and only have to be staked to the ground.

8. Additional

Separation

Do you want a tent that has separate rooms, or a divider that will give you a little privacy? These options are available. It isn’t mandatory, but sometimes a little privacy is a good thing.

Climate

What type of weather is expected? You may be alright taking a winter or cold weather tent camping in June, but taking a summer tent in January would probably be a mistake. Check the specifications from the manufacturer to see what temperature the tent is intended for. They are fairly accurate and will give you an idea whether the tent is suitable.

Awning

It is considered a luxury, but a nice awning over the door is really something worth considering. With the awning, you can sit outside in the shade, leave your shoes outside with less chance of the weather getting to them, and if it rains the entryway will be dryer and you will be less likely to track in mud. Not a requirement, but they are nice.

Now that you know what I look for, let’s look at my picks for the best 6-person tent.

My Top 6-Person Tents

1. Best Overall: COLEMAN Hampton 6 Person Family Camping Cabin Tent w/ WeatherTec
2. Runner-up: Sportz SUV Blue/Grey Tent with Screen Room
3. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 6- Person Canvas Tent, Deluxe
4. NTK Cherokee GT Sport Camping Dome Tent
5. Ozark Trail 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

**You’ll find our more detailed reviews below, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

1. COLEMAN Hampton 6 Person Family Camping Cabin Tent w/ WeatherTec

Our Ratings

The COLEMAN Hampton 6 Person Family Camping Cabin Tent w/ WeatherTec is just about everything I look for in a tent. It is big! It has a hinged door and a room divider. And Coleman gives you a stay dry guarantee. This tent has windows all around too.

It got its name because they say it’s like staying at the Hampton Inn. Set up takes around 30 minutes, but I am sure you will agree it is worth the time.

• Size:13’X7’X7’
• Doors: 1
• Material: Canvas
• Poles: Steel or aluminum

Pros

• This tent feels huge. 7-foot ceilings make a big difference.
• The divider makes this feel like 2 tents set up next to each other that share a door.
• The “bathtub” floor is strong. I am still careful, but somehow you always miss that one rock when you are setting up your tent.
• I really like the stay dry guarantee. And hope I never have to use it.
• There is a spot to run an extension cord into the tent.
• The hinged door is incredible, it automatically closes behind you, and of course, can be zipped shut.
• This tent has a window on all 4 sides. And mesh to keep the bugs out too.
• The rain fly does its job even though it doesn’t cover the windows.
• Comes with a door mat.

Cons

• It weighs about 27 lbs.
• The poles feel like they could be a little stouter. Never had an issue with them, but might steady it a little more.

2. Sportz SUV Blue/Grey Tent with Screen Room

Our Ratings

This tent is just fun. It is a 10’X10’ tent with a 7’X6’ screened in area (no floor in the screened area) that also will hook up to the back of your SUV to give you even more room. You do not need the SUV, the sleeve is removable, but the convenience and extra area is something you may want to consider.

• Size:10’X10’X7’ plus 7’X6’ floorless sunroom and the tent will hook to the back of your SUV for added room.
• Doors: 2 large doors
• Material: 1200 PU polyester taffeta
• Poles: 6 Steel, 5 Fiberglass, and 2 steel awning poles

Pros

• The above-mentioned sleeve that turns your SUV into an additional room for your tent.
• ‘Bathtub’ floor.
• Awning.
• Rain fly.
• Removable sunroom.

Cons

• Difficult to assemble by yourself.
• Reports of leakage at the seams, you may need to treat the seams to correct this.
• Still rather heavy at 41 lbs. But if you connect to an SUV then there is no need to carry it far.

3. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 6-Person Canvas Tent, Deluxe

Our Ratings

This tent is nice. It is tall enough for most people to move in freely. No matter where you are camping, this tent should do the work just fine. With its front and rear doors, you will be able to get in and out with ease and not disturb everyone in the process. It even has a gear loft!

• Size: 10’ X 10’ X 6.5’
• Doors: 2 – front and back
• Material: Hydra-Shield, 100% cotton Duck Canvas
• Poles: 3/8th-inch solid spring steel Flex-Bow rods and 1-inch galvanized steel tubing frame

Pros

• The canvas is durable, watertight, and breathable.
• It has 2 doors. One in the front and one in the back.
• It has 4 Large windows.
• It is tall inside. Most people can stand and move around under the 6’6” ceiling.
• Once it is staked out it goes up easily and fast.
• It has two vents that help to improve airflow.
• It has an awning.
• There is a built-in gear loft for storage.

Cons

• At 68 lbs., this tent is a little heavy.
• The canvas can get mildew and ruined if not stored correctly.
• It is a one room tent with no divider.

4. NTK Cherokee GT Sport Camping Dome Tent

Our Ratings

The NTK Cherokee GT 5 to 6 Person 9.8 by 9.8 Foot Sport Camping Dome Tent is a 1 door tent that is suitable for most camping situations.

It’s a 3 season tent, (spring, summer, and fall) that is 100% rain proof. When NTK built this tent, keeping you dry was their number 1 priority. It must be working because I haven’t heard or seen any complaints about the tent leaking.

• Size: 9.8’X9.8’X5.9’
• Doors: 1
• Material: Heavy duty anti-fungus seamless polyethylene with inner silver coated layer for the floor, 190T breathable Polyester mosquito net for the walls
• Poles: Fiberglass

Pros

• This tent is 100% waterproof! Even the one person who was in a storm so bad that one of the fiberglass poles broke stated he stayed dry.
• Full coverage rain fly made of Double layer 190T polyester laminated with polyurethane 2500 mm water column, partially aluminum, heat-welded PU seam sealed and UV protection.
• Anti-fungus “bathtub” floor.
• Gear loft and utility pocket.

Cons

• Fiberglass poles.
• Only 5’9” at its highest.

5. Ozark Trail 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Our Ratings

This is a nice, no-frills tent at an affordable price. It’s made by Ozark Trail and even has a small doormat in front of it. This tent also has a spot to run your electrical cord inside so you can completely close the door.

• Size: 10’X9’X6’
• Doors: 1
• Material: not stated
• Poles: Steel pre-attached to the tent

Pros

• 1 minute set up time. Just unfold the tent and connect the poles.
• Screened roof so you can look at the stars.
• Rain fly to keep you dry if it rains
• ‘Bathtub’ floor to keep the rain out.
• 3 windows with screen.
• Lightweight and easy to handle.

Cons

• Would suggest placing a tarp underneath to protect the floor. Issues have been reported a couple of times.
• Single room with no divider.
• No awning.

My Choice

All of these tents are more than enough to ensure you have a great camping trip. The Coleman is my choice just because I like the room and the style. It was close. The Sportz SUV tent almost beats it. But the Coleman just has something that fits me.

That’s the other thing you should consider while choosing your tent. What style fits you? The best tent with all the extras won’t be the right one for you if you don’t like the way it looks or feels.

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