If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you might often want to enjoy nature with family or friends. In such cases, having the best 8 person tent ensures enough space for everyone, and it’s useful for storing gear like fishing or hiking equipment.
An 8 person tent is not just about space; it’s also about comfort and protection from the weather. Stay tuned for our top picks of 8 person tents to enhance your group outdoor adventures.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Eureka Copper Canyon LX
Best Budget
Portal 8 Person Family Camping Tent
Best Use of Space
North Face Wawona 8
Best Overall
Eureka Copper Canyon LX
The Eureka Copper Canyon LX, an 8-person tent, stands out for its steep walls designed to maximize usable space, making it our top pick for an all-around large tent. It offers a spacious interior with a floor area of 130 square feet and a ceiling height of 8 feet, enhancing both standing room and space for air mattresses or sleeping bags.
Additional features include a divider curtain for privacy and an extended fly over the door for weather protection. It also has a zippered “power port” for easy electrical access at powered campsites.
Pros
- Durable enough for sustained use by scouts, other groups
- Interior stays dry even in heavy rains
- Storage features are a welcome part of tent’s design
Cons
- Set-up may be difficult for some users
- Loops for window flaps can be a hassle
- May be too heavy for some users to maneuver
Best Budget
Portal 8 Person Family Camping Tent
The Portal 8 Person Family Camping Tent, a budget-friendly option, is ideal for introducing outdoor living to family and friends. It features a covered screen porch, adding space and ventilation, and is compact for transport, measuring just over 2 feet when packed and weighing slightly more than 25 pounds.
This tent offers ample storage space once set up, making it a practical choice for group camping.
Pros
- Color-coded tent poles makes set-up easy
- Remains stable in windy conditions
- Repair kit included
Cons
- May have some leakage during heavy rains
- Requires two people for set-up
Best Use of Space
North Face Wawona 8
The North Face Wawona 8 is a top choice for a home-like camping experience in an 8-person tent. It features three doors, a space-dividing divider, and a vestibule for outdoor relaxation.
With a full-length window, it offers great outdoor views and includes internal storage pockets for convenience. The vestibule also serves as a storage area for bikes and other gear, keeping them protected from the weather.
Pros
- Exceptional rain protection
Cons
- Two people is best option for set-up
- May be a bit snug for eight people
Coleman Skydome XL
The Coleman Skydome XL, an 8-person tent, offers ample space with 7×16 feet dimensions and 6 feet of headroom. Key features include two wide doors with awnings for weather protection and ventilation, ground vents for air circulation, and an electrical port.
Its quick setup, under five minutes with pre-attached poles, and water-resistant design with inverted and taped seams, make it a practical choice for comfortable camping.
Pros
- Frame can withstand winds up to 35 mph
- Constructed with durable materials
- Easily fits back into storage back after being taken down
Cons
- Set-up instructions can be hard to follow
Buyer’s Guide
To enhance your 8-person tent buying experience, consider these expanded guidelines:
- Space Needs: Look for at least 30-40 square feet per person to ensure comfort. This space should accommodate not just sleeping arrangements but also personal movement and gear storage.
- Practicing Setup: Before heading out, practice setting up the tent in a familiar environment, such as your backyard. This familiarization helps avoid setup challenges during actual camping.
- Complex Setup Considerations: Larger tents may have intricate setups. Be prepared to handle complex assembly, which might involve knot-tying or anchoring.
- Wall and Ceiling Design: Pay attention to the tent’s wall slope and ceiling height. These factors significantly impact the interior space, especially for taller occupants or when using thicker mattresses.
- Gear Storage Solutions: Assess how much camping gear you’ll bring and ensure the tent has adequate space or features like vestibules, pockets, and hooks to store and protect your equipment from the elements.
- Ventilation and Privacy Features: Check for adequate ventilation options and privacy features, especially if camping in warmer climates or with a larger group.
- Material and Durability: Evaluate the tent’s material for weather resistance and durability. Look for features like water-resistant coatings and robust zippers.
- Portability and Weight: Consider the tent’s weight and packed size, especially if your campsite is not directly accessible by car.
By thoroughly considering these aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to select a tent that best suits your camping needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are used in making 8 person tents?
Canvas tents, reminiscent of old scout camping trips, are still available, offering durability and waterproofing but at a higher cost and weight. Modern 8-person tents are typically made from water-resistant synthetics like polyester or nylon, with sturdy synthetic floors.
They are waterproof but may need occasional seam sealing. Their major advantage is being lightweight and compact, making them easier to transport and set up in the wilderness.
What about windows and doors?
Your 8-person tent will have zippered windows and doors with tie-backs. Tents with two doors are more convenient, especially for nighttime use. Windows are crucial for ventilation, not just for views. Ideally, your tent should have at least two large windows on opposite sides for effective air circulation.
Should the tent floor be protected from the ground?
To protect the floor of your 8-person tent, which is typically made of tougher material, consider placing a tarp underneath it. This not only safeguards against sharp objects and roots but also provides additional insulation from the ground.
How waterproof will my tent be?
When choosing an 8-person tent, consider its waterproof rating, measured in millimeters. This rating indicates how much water the tent can withstand before leaking. A rating of 1,000mm is water-resistant, while 1,500mm is the minimum for adequate waterproofing. For harsh weather, a higher rating like 5,000mm ensures protection against heavy rain. Remember, the pressure from a driving rain is more intense than static water, so choose a rating based on the typical weather conditions you’ll encounter.
Wrapping up the Best 8 Person Tent
We hope this post has provided you with helpful information on how to choose the best 8 person tent for your camping adventures with family and friends. Additionally, we hope this post may have steered you to a tent specifically geared to your needs and wants for an 8 person tent. For more on all kinds of camping gear, check out Beyond The Tent.