The North Face Wawona 6 Tent
Our Take
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent is built for car campers who want a basecamp they can actually stand up in, with its 76-inch peak height and 86 square feet of floor space making it feel more like a cabin than a tent.
That massive vestibule gives you nearly 45 extra square feet for muddy boots and gear, and the DAC MX poles inspire real confidence when weather rolls in.
The tradeoff is weight and bulk: at nearly 21 pounds with a tedious solo setup, this is strictly a drive-up tent, and at $585, you're paying a premium for that livable space.
If your camping style involves hauling gear in a trunk rather than on your back, this tent delivers where it counts.
How We Rated It
Pros & Cons
PROS
- ✓Massive 44.7-sq-ft vestibule
- ✓76-inch standing peak height
- ✓Strong DAC MX poles
CONS
- ✕Heavy, bulky pack
- ✕Tedious solo pitch
How It Compares
| Tent | Score | Est. Price | Weight | Sleeps | Seasons | Floor Area | Vestibule | Doors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The North Face The North Face Wawona 6 Tent This tent | ★ 8.0 | $585 | 20 lbs 15 oz | 4 people | 3-season | 86 sq ft | 45 sq ft | 1 | ✓ Current |
 The North Face The North Face Wawona 8 Tent | ★ 8.2 | $785 | 20 lbs 15 oz | 4 people | 3-season | 112 sq ft | 45 sq ft | 3 | vs → |
| ★ 7.7 | $212 | 16.4 lbs | 4 people | 3-season | 100 sq ft | 0 sq ft | 1 | vs → | |
 Coleman Coleman 8-Person Evanston Tent | ★ 7.5 | $290 | 26.4 lbs | 4 people | 3-season | 180 sq ft | 50 sq ft | 1 | vs → |
| ★ 7.4 | $285 | 22 lbs. 9.6 oz. | 4 people | 3-season | 162 sq ft | 0 sq ft | 1 | vs → | |
 Coleman Coleman Montana 8 Person Tent | ★ 7.0 | $220 | 23.14 lbs | 4 people | 3-season | 112 sq ft | — | 1 | vs → |
What We Think
The Wawona 6 is The North Face's answer to a question many family campers ask: what if a tent actually felt like a room?
With 86 square feet of floor space, a 80-inch peak height, and a vestibule that rivals some tents' total footprint, this is a basecamp shelter built for comfort over compromise.
It scored a 8.0 overall, earning high marks for durability and weather protection while losing points on value and setup convenience.
Quality & Durability
The North Face built this tent to last, and owners consistently confirm it holds up season after season.
DAC MX aluminum poles are the same grade you find in expedition-level shelters, offering meaningful flex strength in wind without the brittleness of budget fiberglass.
The 75-denier polyester floor is standard rather than exceptional, but it handles typical campground wear without complaint.
The tent scored a 9.0 in Quality & Durability, reflecting construction that justifies its premium positioning.
Weather Resistance
This is a three-season tent that punches above its weight when conditions turn ugly.
The 68-denier rainfly fabric provides solid coverage, and the massive 44.7-square-foot vestibule keeps gear dry even in sustained rain.
Owners who camp in genuinely wet climates report confidence in the shelter's ability to shed water, though the partial-coverage fly design means you are trading some storm protection for ventilation.
It scored a 9.0 in Weather Resistance, placing it among the more capable family tents for variable summer weather.
Space & Comfort
The 80-inch peak height is the headline number here, and it delivers exactly what it promises: adults can stand fully upright and change clothes without the awkward tent crouch.
The 86-square-foot floor comfortably fits a family of four with room for gear, though the single door means some coordination during midnight exits.
That vestibule deserves its own mention, as 44.7 square feet is essentially a covered porch for muddy boots, camp chairs, or a cooler.
It scored a 8.0 in Space & Comfort.
Ease of Use
Here is the honest tradeoff: this tent is tedious to pitch solo.
The 15-minute setup time assumes two people working together, and owners repeatedly flag that wrestling 21 pounds of tent fabric alone is frustrating.
The CORE 9 Person Extended Dome offers similar livable space at a fraction of the price and weight, with a more forgiving pitch for solo campers.
It scored a 7.0 in Ease of Use, which reflects a tent optimized for destination camping rather than quick overnights.
Value for Money
At $585, the Wawona 6 sits in premium territory for family car camping tents.
The Big Agnes Bunk House 6 costs $165 more but shaves nearly two pounds and adds a second door, while the Coleman 12-Person Skydome Tent XL delivers comparable space for half the price with a quicker pitch.
You are paying for The North Face's build quality and that exceptional vestibule, which may or may not justify the premium depending on your priorities.
It scored a 6.0 in Value for Money.
User Reviews
Owner feedback runs remarkably positive, with the most common praise centering on that standing height and vestibule space.
The recurring theme in negative reviews is the bulk and weight, as the packed size makes this a car-to-campsite-only proposition.
It scored a 9.2 in User Reviews, one of the higher owner satisfaction marks in its category.
Who It's For
The Wawona 6 is for families who drive to established campgrounds and stay put for multiple nights.
If you want a tent that feels like a cabin, with room to stand, space to spread out, and a covered area for gear, this delivers.
The North Face also makes the Wawona 4 for smaller groups and the Wawona 8 for larger families.
The Bottom Line
The Wawona 6 scored a 8.0 and earns it through exceptional build quality and genuinely livable space.
The premium price and solo-unfriendly setup are real limitations, but if your camping style involves pulling into a site and making it home for the weekend, few tents do that better.
Pay for the vestibule, stay for the standing room.
Full Specifications
| Tent Type | Dome |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeps | 4 people |
| Weight | 20 lbs 15 oz |
| Floor Area | 86 sq ft |
| Vestibule Area | 44.7 sq ft |
| Peak Height | 6' 8" |
| Floor Dimensions | 120 x 96 inches |
| Doors | 1 |
| Setup Time | 15 mins |
| Pole Material | DAC MX |
| Floor Fabric | 75-denier polyester |
| Rainfly Fabric | 68-denier polyester |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Made In | Imported |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Additional Notes | Unique Covered Vestible |
| Price | $585 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the North Face Wawona 6 best for?
How long does it take to set up the Wawona 6?
How does the Wawona 6 handle rain and wind?
Is the North Face Wawona 6 worth $585?
Can six people actually sleep comfortably in the Wawona 6?
How does the Wawona 6 compare to the Coleman 12 Person Skydome XL?
How does the Wawona 6 compare to the CORE 9 Person Extended Dome?
What do owners say about the Wawona 6?
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