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HomeTentsTents by SizeThe 14 Best 6 Person Tents for 2023 (Buyer’s Guide)

The 14 Best 6 Person Tents for 2024 (Buyer’s Guide)

BEST OVERALL
BEST VALUE
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Kelty Wireless 6 Tent
  • 79″ peak inside height

  • Two large 14 sq ft vestibules

  • Budget Friendly!

  • 2 minute set up

  • Great ventilation

  • Amazing value!

  • 2 doors for easy movement

  • 6’2″ peak height for taller people

  • Durable aluminum poles

Wilderness Times may receive commissions for links included in articles to Amazon and other affiliate partners. We take pride in our testing and research, and recommendations are not given out lightly.

If you’re in a hurry, we view the Kelty Wireless 6 Tent as the best 6 person.

6-person tents are a big upgrade from the smaller two and four-person tents, which are mostly used for backpacking or couples camping.

This next size up is perfect for small families or couples who want a bit of extra space. 

But they aren’t great for actually fitting 6 people – for that, we recommend looking at 10- or 12-person tents!

If you’re really in the market for this size tent, we’ve tested and reviewed the best 6-person tents to help you narrow down your search:

Best 6 Person Tent: Our Top Picks

Kelty Wireless 6 Tent

Kelty Wireless 6Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 17 lbs 3 oz | Inside Height: 79″ | Floor: 118 x 106 in (86.9 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins


OVERALL SCORE

8.3


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

8


  Value

8.5


  Weather Resistance

8


  Ease of Use

8


   Intangibles

8


  User Reviews

9.4

Kelty’s Wireless 6 is either a higher-priced budget tent or a low-priced mid-tier tent. But it doesn’t really matter, because this tent reigns supreme as the overall best 6 person tent for a reason.

When it comes to wind and water resistance, this tent is a stellar option. I’ve used many Kelty tents over the years and, if one of my sons had been born a girl, I’d likely have a kid named Kelty by now.

With the consistent quality that Kelty provides, it’s no surprise that they’ve been in business for over 65 years.

It’s got a great amount of space that any group will love with a 79-inch peak height, even the tallest of us will be able to stand upright in the center of the tent.

The durable rain fly wraps around the entire tent, making it waterproof and shielding you from any kind of wind.

It easily packs into the neat “carry cube bag” and best of all it has two large vestibules for gear storage.

Best of all, with only 3 poles, it makes for an easy 5-minute setup.

Pros:

  • The dome-shaped design guarantees high weather resistance, even at high wind speeds
  • 86.9 sq. ft. interior, providing a lot of room for campers and their gear
  • Completely rain-proof, even during heavy pours
  • Has doors on either size along with two large EZ-Zip 14 sq ft vestibules
  • Four average-sized adults could fit inside with room to spare, but six or more is where it starts to get cramped – it’s very spacious for me and my two sons

Cons:

  • Warranty only provides discount coupons, rather than replacing the unit

Best for: groups of 4 who want a large, strong tent that’s so reliable, it’ll become part of the family.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price on Kelty

REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent (formerly Kingdom 6)

REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent

Type: Tunnel | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 22 lbs 15 oz | Inside Height: 75″ | Floor: 120 in x 100 in (83.3 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins

OVERALL SCORE

8.2


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

8


  Value

7


  Weather Resistance

8

  Ease of Use

9


   Intangibles

8


  User Reviews

9.6

The REI Wonderland 6 is a brand new tent launched in 2022, replacing REI’s excellent Kingdom 6 tent.

REI is widely known as a great outdoor brand – and looking at this tent, it’s easy to see why.

What surprised me the most is that even though the tent is pretty big, the setup is relatively simple and easy. With two people it takes less than 10 minutes to fully set it up, despite it being a fairly spacious tent.

Speaking of size – the Wonderland 6 features a peak height of 75 inches and vertical walls. That means that movement inside the tent is easy as pie (and it gives you a lot more space than a dome tent to boot).

The biggest change to the Wonderland 6 is the addition of inverted v-shaped windows at the sleeping bag level. This helps with both ventilation as well as providing a viewing area for campers.

And secondly, the previously included vestibule is now only available for purchase as a mud room add-on. However, if you do this, you’ll get an additional 56 square feet of storage space.

Now, I do have to mention that if you’re camping in windy areas, this tent is not ideal. You want to choose a dome tent that is specially designed to withstand high winds.

Read the full REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Review here.

Pros:

  • Comes with a divider that can create two rooms for extra privacy
  • 2 doors allow for easy movement in and out of the tent
  • 6’2’’ peak height and vertical walls mean you get a lot of extra space
  • For such a big tent it’s relatively easy to set up, even for one person
  • Aluminum poles are both durable and flexible enough to stay erect even during windy conditions

Cons:

  • Pricey – it’s not for budget-conscious campers
  • Vestible/Mud Room has to be purchased as an add-on

Best for: people looking for a great family camping tent with potential add-ons.

Check Price On REI

Check Price on ebay

Marmot Halo 6

Marmot Halo 6

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 20 lbs 9 oz | Inside Height: 76″ | Floor: 118 x 118 inches (96.9 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins


OVERALL SCORE

8.2


  Space & Comfort

9


  Quality & Durability

8


  Value

6


  Weather Resistance

9


  Ease of Use

8


   Intangibles

8


  User Reviews

9.1

The Marmot Halo 6 has made it onto many of the “best of” tent lists for good reasons.

First off, it’s 96.9 sq ft of space is going to give you more space than any other dome tent on this list.

As with most Marmot tents, it is a dome tent with two huge vestibules, you are going to get great weather resistance and additional storage space.

Not only does it have great protection from wind and rain, but it ALSO is fairly easy to setup for a dome tent. With only 5 poles, setup will take only 5-10 minutes even in the dark.

The only real ding to this tent is the value. It is one of the pricier tents on this list.

Pros:

  • With 96.9 sq ft of tent space and an additional 64.44 sq ft of vestibule space, the Marmot Halo 6 is a superb fortress
  • It’s dome shape and quality materials and construction give you some of the best protection you can get
  • 76″ of peak inside height means even taller folks can still stand up
  • Lifetime warranty is included in your purchase – making it worth the money

Cons:

  • One of the more expensive tents on this list
  • No footprint included

Best for: A high quality premium tent that offers great wind and rain protection.

Check Price on CampSaver

Buy Direct from Marmot

Check Price On Amazon

The North Face Wawona 6

The North Face Wawona 6

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 20 lbs 15 oz | Inside Height: 80″ | Floor: 120 x 96 inches (86 sq ft) | Setup Time: 15 mins

OVERALL SCORE

8.0


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

9


  Value

6


  Weather Resistance

9


  Ease of Use

7


   Intangibles

8


  User Reviews

9.2

One of the most unique tents we have in this size group is The North Face Wawona 6. It is a standard dome tent, but with an extra “heck yeah” feature with the covered porch vestibule giving you an extra 44.7 square feet of storage space.

So not only do you get 86 square feet inside the tent, but the extendable vestibule is great for storing bikes, coolers, and other camping gear that you want to keep dry.

Weather resistance-wise, we have nothing but great things to say. This tent will keep you bone dry and stand up to the wind as well as any other dome tent. With a 15 minute setup time, you are getting yourself a real winner with The North Face Wawona.

Pros:

  • Incredibly large 44.7 sq ft vestibule to store your gear
  • Quality construction and durability that can stand up to the elements
  • Lightweight at 20 lbs 15 oz, this is one of the lighter tents in this category
  • Plenty of pockets inside the tent for headlamps, lights and tablets

Cons:

  • A bit pricey for the size, but made up for in quality

Best for: Mountain bikers and campers who want extra storage space.

Check Price On REI

Buy Direct from The North Face

REI Base Camp 6

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent
Type: Dome | Seasons: 3 – 4-season | Weight: 20 lbs 10 oz | Inside Height: 74″ | Floor: 110 in x 110 in (84 sq ft) | Setup Time: 20 mins

OVERALL SCORE

7.9


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

7


  Value

7


  Weather Resistance

8

  Ease of Use

8


   Intangibles

10


  User Reviews

7.8

If you prefer dome tents, but still want that signature REI quality, this tent might be right up your alley.

The one thing that really stands out with this tent is its versatility.

80-degree weather? Mesh walls and plenty of vents will keep you cool without a hitch.

Camping in strong (40+ mph) winds? Its dome shape and sturdy poles will be able to handle it without bending or breaking.

It even performs well in lower temperatures, although I wouldn’t use it for winter camping – there are better tents for that out there.

Pros:

  • Color-coded poles make setup super quick and easy
  • Lots of mesh pockets and loops means there’s enough space for all your stuff
  • The rain fly is really great – not only will it keep you completely dry, but it won’t get in the way of the vents keeping things cool
  • It will remain solid as a rock even in 40 mph winds
  • Plenty of vents means the airflow is never going to be an issue

Cons:

  • Even though setup is simple, it’s still best done by two people
  • Getting the tent back into its bag might be a bit tricky

Best for: car campers looking for a great tent for windy areas.

Check Price On REI

Check Price on ebay

Coleman Weathermaster Tent

Coleman Weathermaster TentType: Cabin | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 32 lbs | Inside Height: 80″ | Floor: 11 x 9 ft (99 sq ft) | Setup Time: 20 mins


OVERALL SCORE

7.6


  Space & Comfort

9


  Quality & Durability

7


  Value

7


  Weather Resistance

6.8


  Ease of Use

8


   Intangibles

7


  User Reviews

8.1

While being tall has its perks, sleeping in a normal-sized tent isn’t one of them. It feels like anybody that’s slightly taller than average is being forgotten by tent manufacturers.

That’s why when I heard the measurements of this Coleman tent, my jaw nearly hit the floor.

With a peak height of 80 inches (yes, 80 – or 6 ft. 8 inches) this tent has got to be the best Christmas gift anybody taller than 6 feet could receive. Add to that 99 sq. ft. of floor space (153 sq. ft. with the screen room) and you get a veritable camping palace.

Tired of messing with zippers? Then you’re going to love its hinged door – you can just walk right in hassle-free.

Now, it is supposed to be waterproof right out of the gate – but why risk it? Waterproofing your tent is cheap and easy and it’s something I do with every new tent I buy.

Pros:

  • Remarkably affordable for a six-person tent
  • A staggering 6-foot 8-inch height means even the tallest people can freely move around
  • A waterproof bathtub floor means you can skip buying a footprint
  • The screen room can act as either an additional sleeping room or extra storage space
  • It comes with fiberglass poles, which are durable and corrosion-resistant

Cons:

  • At 32 lbs, it’s pretty heavy – even for a car camping tent
  • You might have to additionally waterproof this tent

Best for: tall people and families looking for a lot of room.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price at Walmart

Caddis Rapid 6 Tent

Caddis Rapid 6 Tent
Type: Cabin, Instant | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 25 lbs 8 oz | Inside Height: 80″ | Floor: 120 in x 120 in (100 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins


OVERALL SCORE

7.1


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

6


  Value

6


  Weather Resistance

5


  Ease of Use

9.5


   Intangibles

7


  User Reviews

8.2

Usually, the bigger a tent is, the harder it is to set it up.

That’s not the case here. The Caddis Rapid tent really lives up to its name, considering it can be up and ready in less than 10 minutes.

If easy setup was all this tent had going for it, it would still be great.

But it’s also an extremely well-made tent that is able to withstand all kinds of weather, has a ton of storage compartments, and is tall enough to fit an NBA player.

At 25 lbs, it’s not the lightest tent around, but as a car camping tent, it checks a ton of boxes.

Pros:

  • Roomy – with 100 square feet of space and 80 inches of peak height, it will accommodate even the tallest of campers
  • Despite its size, setting it up is pretty much effortless
  • Comes with a gear loft and wall pockets that provide additional storage space
  • Has several windows that both provide great views and increase airflow to the tent

Cons:

  • The floor isn’t that great, so you’ll probably want to invest in a tarp

Best for: campers who want a family tent with easy setup and takedown.

Check Price On REI

Check Price on ebay

Coleman Carlsbad Tent with Screen Room

 

Coleman Carlsbad Tent with Screen RoomType: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 22 lbs | Inside Height: 72″ | Floor: 15 x 12 ft (120 sq ft) | Setup Time: 15 mins


OVERALL SCORE

7.8


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

6


  Value

8


  Weather Resistance

8.2


  Ease of Use

8


   Intangibles

8


  User Reviews

8.2

The Coleman brand is famous for making quality tents at affordable prices, and their Carlsbad tent with a screen room is no exception.

This 6-person dome tent is pretty spacious, with a big screen room and enough space to accommodate two queen size air mattresses.

However, the main selling point of this tent is its Darkroom feature.

That’s Coleman’s patented technology that blocks sunlight and reduces heat in the tent.

This makes it a favorite of those campers who like to sleep late, instead of waking up covered in sweat at the brink of dawn.

Pros:

  • Darkroom technology reduces light in the tent allowing for deeper and longer sleep
  • Quick setup thanks to pre-attached poles
  • The screen room provides extra bug-free lounging space and ventilation
  • The screen area is also great for shoes and dogs so the inside of your tent stays clean
  • Made with high-quality materials that will ensure you remain dry even during thunderstorms

Cons:

  • The screen room is not protected by the rainfly
  • Weighs around 20 pounds so it’s best used for festival and car camping

Best for: if you’re not a morning person and you want to sleep in.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price at Walmart

ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 6-Person Tent

 

ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 6-Person Tent
Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 16 lbs 1 oz | Inside Height: 72″ | Floor: 120 x 120 inches (100 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins


OVERALL SCORE

7.3


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

7


  Value

7.5


  Weather Resistance

7


  Ease of Use

7


   Intangibles

5


  User Reviews

8.6

At 100 sq. ft. with a 6 ft. ceiling, this ALPS tent is a good choice for families with kids who are looking to upgrade and are buying their first six-person tent.

This tent is a great fit for casual campers who are looking to get a quality tent at an affordable price.

But because it’s a dome tent it has better overall weather performance than cabin tents on this list, but with only 2 poles still has a quick and easy enough setup. 

Pros:

  • Two doors mean you can easily move in and out of the tent without stumbling over other people
  • Thanks to its center height of 6 feet, most people will be able to stand upright and walk around
  • Roomy – with 100 sq. ft. of space, it can comfortably house a family of 4 and their gear
  • An affordable tent that will last casual campers a long time with proper care
  • Great ventilation that’s built into the walls and the ceiling of the tent
  • Easy to pack and fits nicely into the included storage bag

Cons:

  • You may need help setting up if you’re pitching this tent by yourself
  • Some people have reported problems with fragile poles

Best for: campers looking for an affordable dome tent.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price on REI

CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent Type: Cabin, Instant | Seasons: 3-Season | Weight: 23 lbs | Inside Height: 72″ | Floor: 11 x 9 ft (99 sq ft) | Setup Time: 2 mins


OVERALL SCORE

8.2


  Space & Comfort

9


  Quality & Durability

7


  Value

7.5


  Weather Resistance

8


  Ease of Use

10


   Intangibles

7


  User Reviews

9.2

Now it’s time to check out the best instant tent on the market today. 

Like some of the other tents we’ve mentioned so far, this CORE tent is a cabin tent.

That means it has vertical walls which allow easier movement and greater comfort inside the tent.

However, it’s also an instant tent – which means its setup is quick and easy – hence the name instant. I can set up this tent by myself in just under 2 minutes!

What sets this tent apart is its ventilation – thanks to multiple windows and two-floor vents, you should have good airflow throughout your camping trip.

You can check out our video review here (and our full written review here):

Pros:

  • 2 minute set up and take down in fair weather conditions
  • The expandable carrying case makes it easy to pack the tent after taking it down
  • Great ventilation thanks to windows on both sides and the front door
  • The back wall comes with a big storage area where you can hang your gear
  • Inexpensive cabin tent for beginner buyers

Cons:

  • Weather protection won’t be as good as dome-style or canvas tents on this list

Best for: people who want a roomy cabin tent with great ventilation at a reasonable price.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price at Cabela's

White Duck 13′ Regatta Bell Tent

White Duck 13 Foot Regatta Bell Tent

Type: Canvas, Bell | Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 71 lbs | Inside Height: 98″ | Floor: 13 ft diameter (132 sq ft) | Setup Time: 20 mins


OVERALL SCORE

8.8


  Space & Comfort

10


  Quality & Durability

10


  Value

7


  Weather Resistance

10


  Ease of Use

7


   Intangibles

8


  User Reviews

9.4

A lot of camping tents are just fine – they get the job done, but you are always looking forward to coming back to a real house and bed.

With Regatta, however, you almost forget you’re out in the wilderness – it’s that comfortable. In fact, a lot of its users are using it as a second home in their backyards when they’re not camping.

While it’s definitely not a backpacking tent, its 70 lbs. weight makes it very manageable for most car campers. Add to that the incredibly simple setup (less than 20 minutes for one person, 10 minutes for two) and you can see why this is one of the best canvas tents around.

Pros:

  • Snow, rain, wind – this tent will stand up to them all without a hitch
  • Easy setup – even one person can do it without any problems within 20 minutes
  • At 70 lbs. weight, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a canvas tent of this size
  • Three windows provide plenty of airflow for cooling and ventilation

Cons:

  • It’s a bit tricky to pack it back in the bag

Best for: people who want a great glamping tent.

Check White Duck Outdoors Price

Check Price on Amazon

ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Person Tent

 

ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Person Tent
Type: Cabin | Seasons: 3-Season | Weight: 27 lbs | Inside Height: 84″ | Floor: 10 x 10 ft (100 sq ft) | Setup Time: 15 mins


OVERALL SCORE

7.2


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

6


  Value

8.8


  Weather Resistance

6


  Ease of Use

8


   Intangibles

5


  User Reviews

7.9

ALPS is a brand that’s famous for quality, affordable tents, and this one is no exception.

With 100 square feet of space, a height of 7 feet, and a weight of 23 pounds, this waterproof tent has a great ratio of size, price, and quality.

On the negative side, the floor is pretty thin, so we recommend buying a tarp to avoid ripping the floor.

Pros:

  • Windows are screened, allowing you to have privacy inside your tent
  • Waterproof – even during long, heavy rainstorms
  • The tent can easily be put together by a single person
  • 100 sq. ft. of space gives you a lot of room to move around

Cons:

  • The floor is thin, so buying a tarp is advised
  • It only has one door, so you can only enter and exit the tent from one side

Best for: people who want a solid, large summer tent.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price on REI

TETON Sports Mesa 10′ 6 Person Canvas Tent

TETON Sports Mesa Canvas Tent

Type: Canvas, Cabin | Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 71 lbs | Inside Height: 78″ | Floor: 10 x 10 ft (100 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins

OVERALL SCORE

8.4


  Space & Comfort

8


  Quality & Durability

9


  Value

7


  Weather Resistance

9


  Ease of Use

8


   Intangibles

9


  User Reviews

9.2

The TETON Sports Mesa 10′ is the epitome of durable. With it’s 100 square feet of floor size makes it a formidable competitor in your hunt for a 6-person tent. With the peak height of 78 inches (or 6.5 feet) means almost anyone can move around the tent with ease.

Add to that the fact it can be easily pitched within 5-10 minutes and that it’s 100% waterproof, and you have one of the best canvas tents out there.

Now, no product is without its flaws. Like all canvas tents, this tent is not for people on a tent budget. You’re are going to have to pay a pretty penny to get TETON Mesa. On the plus side, you can safely expect to hand this tent over to your grandchildren, so in the long run, it will probably end up cheaper than most nylon tents.

Pros:

  • 100 square feet of floor space means you and your family will have plenty of room
  • Easy setup – most people can get it up and ready in less than 5 minutes
  • Comes with two extra-large doors that make movement easy peasy
  • 100% cotton means it will keep you dry even during the worst thunderstorms
  • 78 inches of peak height means even tall people can comfortably use this tent

Cons:

  • No way around it – this is not a cheap product. You pay a premium price, but get premium quality
  • Tent stakes are of lower quality – you might want to pay a few bucks to get better ones

Best for: campers who are willing to invest a bit more for the durability of a great canvas tent with an easy setup.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price on Sportsman's Warehouse

Napier Outdoors – Sportz SUV Tent

Napier Outdoors - Sportz SUV Tent

Type: SUV | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 41 lbs | Inside Height: 90 in | Floor: 10 x 10 ft (100 sq ft) | Setup Time: 15 mins


OVERALL SCORE

7.1


  Space & Comfort

9


  Quality & Durability

6


  Value

6


  Weather Resistance

6


  Ease of Use

7


   Intangibles

7.5


  User Reviews

8.2

Here at Wilderness Times, we have a long and loving relationship with the Napier Outdoors SUV tent. In fact, we even listed it as one of the best SUV tents available today.

There are several reasons why we rank this tent so highly. First off, it’s big. With 100 square feet of floor space, this tent is large enough to be a stand-alone tent without being attached to a car at all!

It also comes with an attached screen room and large mesh windows.

Finally, it’s an SUV tent – it attaches to your car for a more comfortable sleeping experience.

Pros:

  • This tent is plenty large and roomy measuring 10 by 10 feet and 7 feet tall – it also includes an attached screen room and awning for even more room
  • With so much room, this tent also functions very well as a stand-alone tent – it does not need to be attached to a car to work
  • Large sections of mesh windows, especially in the screen room, allow for great airflow and lots of sunlight
  • This tent is made out of durable, waterproof material, so it will definitely hold up during rain and wind

Cons:

  • It’s so large, this tent takes two people to put up in a timely matter
  • The screen room is on the wrong side of the tent, considering that most extra space in a campsite is on the passenger side, not the driver’s side

Best for: car campers who want to attach a tent to their SUV.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price on Cabela's

 

Buyers Guide: Criteria For Buying A 6-Person Tent

CORE 6 Person Instant Tent Sets Up in 2 Minutes by 1 Person
The CORE 6-Person Instant Tent Sets Up in 2 Minutes by 1 Person

Before we get into the specifics about what makes a great 6 man tent, let’s talk about who would get the most use out of this size.

The first group is families. If you and your spouse want to take the kids on some good old-fashioned family camping, 4-person tents will usually be too small to accommodate all of you. On the other hand, 8 and 10-person tents will be too big and take too long to set up. 6-person tents are a great compromise between those two extremes.

They are also great for couples who like camping with a lot of camping gear and/or with dogs. While four-person tents can be sufficient, upgrading to a larger size means you’ll have more room to move inside the tent. You’ll also have more interior space to keep your gear safe from the rain and high winds.

Finally, this size is great if you plan to go camping with a bunch of friends. It’s a lot of fun to lounge around together in a spacious tent, playing cards or other games while it’s raining outside. No one wants to be squished up against each other, so consider getting a six-person tent.

If you’re buying a six-person tent for the first time, you want to make sure you have the basic features covered.

Some things to pay attention to are…

Size

How big is a 6 person tent?
6-Person tents can tasily fit 4 people, plus gear, but I wouldn’t push it past that

From family camping to romantic couples camping, this is a huge determining factor as to whether the tent is going to live up to your expectations.

When a manufacturer says a tent can fit six people, it means six people can lie next to each other and have no room for anything else.

Needless to say, that won’t lead to a great camping experience, packed in there like sardines.

You’ll get the most out of these tents if you have 2-4 people inside. I wouldn’t push it past four, unless absolutely necessary.

That way everybody will have enough room to move around and the tent won’t feel crowded.

The average tent size of a 6-person tent can be anywhere from 80 to 150 sq. ft.

MOST 6-person tents seem to size up pretty comparably. The average 6-person tent is a 10 x 10 ft tent that has 100 sq ft inside the tent.

But there are some standouts. The White Duck 13′ Regatta again, tops the list with the most square footage, next is the Coleman Carlsbad Tent with Screen Room.

The dome-style tents come in generally a bit under 100 sq ft, but not by too much. What you lose in square footage, you get in wind and bad weather performance (typically).

Some of them also come with dividers so you can have multiple rooms in one tent and extra space for your gear.

If you are looking for more headroom, then a cabin tent like the Caddis Rapid 6 Tent or the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent make more sense.

We also like the TETON Sports Mesa 10′ Canvas Tent and the REI Co-op Wonderland 6 for overall consistent height throughout.

Weight

How much does a 6 person tent weigh
You can see how much tents vary in size, but most 6 person tents are quite heavier and bigger than 4 person tents!

All that size and comfort comes at a price, and that price is the weight.

6-person tents are usually heavier than smaller tents.

If you’re an ultralight backpacker, you need to look at much smaller and lighter tents

However, if you’re into car camping, having all that extra space is worth a few pounds more in weight.

Ease of setup and takedown

Ease of setup and takedown
Instant tents are by far and away the easiest, but 2 pole dome tent’s don’t take too long to put up either

Nobody likes to spend time setting up a tent (or taking it down).

That’s why it’s important to choose a tent that can be set up quickly and easily by just one or two people.

Look for tents that have fewer poles and minimum setup time.

Instant setup tents are perfect for summer camping or even day use, and that is where the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent and the Caddis Rapid 6 Tent really shine. These tents can be setup in 5 minutes or less.

But the rest of the 6 person tents we rated aren’t any slouches either. They can all be typically set up between 10-20 minutes depending on the number of people in your party.

The more hands you have on deck, the faster it’ll go!

Quality And Durability

Many tents utilize a combination of the same polyester or nylon materials, but their construction can be just as important.

While most tents have some sort of Limited warranty, the more expensive tents start to come with a lifetime warranty.

Regardless, there is a big difference between fiberglass and aluminum poles, and from budget tent material to premium tent material. 

Believe me, there is nothing worse than setting up a tent for the first time only to have a tent pole snap on you!

Weather Resistance

REI Co-op Wonderland Without Rainfly
Testing out the REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent at our local campground

One thing that is guaranteed to ruin your trip is waking up in a puddle of water.

That’s why we’ve only listed tents that are proven to be waterproof and wind-resistant.

Ultimately when it comes to weather resistance, you simply can’t beat a canvas tent, and that is where the White Duck 13′ Regatta shines yet again.

We also like The North Face Wawona 6 and the Nemo Wagontop 6 if you are looking for tents that can really withstand the elements.

Seasonality

Most of the tents on the market today are 3-season tents, which means they’ll do great in any weather (except extreme blizzards).

If you’re thinking about becoming a winter camper, you want to take a look at tents that are rated for 4-seasons.

These tents will come with tougher materials like canvas or double-walled protection, and come with thicker insulation.

Value & Price

All tents are not created equally, and not all tents are priced equally either. Coleman for instance produces a great budget tent, while Mountain Hardware produces a tent that can withstand the elements.

The Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent is a real budget win. But I wouldn’t slouch on the ALPS Mountaineering Tents or the Coleman Carlsbad or Coleman Weathermaster if looking for an inexpensive, but high-value tent.

However, we take both the price of the tent along with the materials, warranty, manufacturer, and other key factors into assessing a value for each tent.

Based on our ratings, the Coleman Sundome 6 wins out on value. Currently priced at $75.99, you get unbelievable value for the price, even if the materials won’t stand the test of time. You really can buy this tent 5 or 6 times over before hitting the same price as some of the other 6-person tents.

Features

Storage Pockets and Windows
Does the tent come with extra storage pockets and windows for ventilation?

The final thing to keep in mind is which features and accessories the tent comes with, such as windows, doors, rooms, a rainfly, and so on.

Some tents come with a lot of bells and whistles, while others are more basic in their design.

If you plan on bringing a lot of gear, then you’ll want to get a tent with a vestibule.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Six-Person Tents

REI Co-op Wonderland's V Shaped Sleeping Height Windows
REI Co-op Wonderland’s V Shaped Sleeping Height Windows

Like all things in life, 6-person tents come with their own set of pros and cons.

For example, compared to smaller tents, they:

  • Are bigger and more comfortable – you can easily move around in one
  • Come with more bells and whistles, for a better camping experience
  • Often have rooms inside the tent, offering greater privacy
  • Provide more storage space for your gear
  • Offer better weather protection, thanks to a sturdier construction

However, despite all those advantages, 6-person tents do come with a few downsides.

In general, they’re pricier than smaller tents and usually a lot heavier – which means they are best used for car camping. If you’re more interested in backpacking tents, be sure to check out our review on the best 4-person tents.

Now, compared to larger tents (8-person or more), 6-person tents have two great advantages. They are:

  1. Cheaper
  2. Lighter

If you have a big family and want to have them all under one roof, you should consider buying an even bigger tent. However, if you just want to take your kids camping, a 6-person tent would probably be a better choice.

FAQ

Does a 6-person tent really fit 6 people?

Yes, a 6-person tent can fit 6 sleeping bags placed one next to another, like sardines. But it won’t be comfortable at all.

When choosing your tent capacity, it’s always recommended that you choose one that’s several sizes larger than the size of your group – otherwise, things will be a bit cramped!

For 6 people, I would recommend at least an 8-person tent, but your best bet is likely going to be a 10-person tent instead.

What is the average price range for a high-quality 6-person tent?

The average price for a high-quality 6-person tent is around $400-$600.

However, there are many amazing budget models with much lower price tags in the $100-200 range, so you can get a quality tent no matter your budget.

What is the best 6-person tent?

Currently, we believe that Kelty Wireless 6 Tent is a tough one to beat. It’s affordable, weatherproof, has 2 doors, and provides ample gear storage with its 2 vestibules.

Is a 6-person tent too big?

That depends on the size of your group and the type of camping you’re doing. A 6-person tent is generally most suitable for groups of 3 to 4 people, but can also work for couples with a lot of gear.

However, 6-person tents can be heavy, so they’re better for car camping trips – or other scenarios where you’re not carrying the tent very far. If you’re headed out on a backpacking trek, I would definitely suggest bringing more smaller, lighter tents.

Should I get a 4 or 6-person tent?

Tent sizes do not account for extra space. So, if you’re camping with one to two others, go with a 4-person tent.

If your camping group has three or more other members, I recommend you choose a 6-person tent.

How important are the tent’s peak height and floor dimensions in determining the comfort level for a group of six people?

When there are six people in a tent, floor space can get crowded with sleeping bags and gear. In these cases, a tall tent ceiling can give you space to stand up straight or slightly bent, making moving around the tent easier.

Our Verdict

After reviewing and testing 6-person tents, we found that Kelty Wireless 6 Tent is the best overall 6-person tent on the market today.

Providing great weather resistance it is extremely wind and rain resistant. It comes with 2 doors and 2 vestibules on each side.

Rated highly for its quality and durability, it ranks highly with an all-around score of 8.3.

Combine that with an easy 5 minute setup and you can see why it’s our top pick.

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