Camping’s always more fun with more people, whether it’s your growing family or a group of great friends.
Finding a tent that’s big enough for the whole gang, though, isn’t always easy.
Thankfully, we’ve researched the best 8-person tents on the market and dug into some of the technical specifications that you’ll want to better understand before making a purchase.
- Tent shapes. Geodesic? Cabin? Understand the pros and cons of both to buy a tent that makes the most sense for your camping experience.
- Materials. You want something durable and waterproof. We break down the best materials you should look for in an 8-person tent.
- Doors, windows, and vestibules. This is a biggie for eight people in a tent. You might just want the convenience of dual-doors to better accommodate the foot traffic.
Read More : 8 Person Tents Buying Guide
Make sure to examine each recommended tent before deciding to make a purchase.
Here are 6 of the best 8-person tents for camping.
| Tent Model | Floor Dimension | Floor Area | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Kingdom 8 | 150” x 100” x 75” | 104ft² | 25.2lbs / 11.4kg |
| Coleman Montana 8 | 192” x 84” x 62” | 112ft² | 24.5lbs / 11.1kg |
| Eureka Copper Canyon LX 8 | 156” x 120” x 84” | 130ft² | 34.1lbs / 15.4kg |
| Big Agnes Mad House 8 | 176” x 116” x 73” | 124ft² | 24.6lbs / 11.1kg |
| Marmot Lair 8 | 156” x 156” x 96” | 165ft² | 26lbs / 11.7kg |
| The North Face 8 | 155” x 155” x 83” | 125ft² | 51lbs / 23.1kg |
REI Co-op Kingdom 8 Tent
- Dimension : 150” x 100” x 75”
- Floor Area : 104ft²
- Weight : 25.2lbs / 11.4kg
A car camping tent from one of America’s top camping gear retailers, the REI Co-op Kingdom 8 Tent is the best value 8-person tent, especially for families who want to share the same tent.
We really love the design of this tent, from its two large doors for easy entries and exits to its innovative vestibule, which can double as an awning during the day.
What’s really handy about this REI 8-person tent, though, is the divider that gives you two private rooms. It’s especially great for families with young children or even toddlers who might be sleeping in a pack-n-play.
By putting them in a separate room, you can get the kiddos to bed early and won’t have to worry about bumping into them as you get to bed later in the night.
What we like
- Two private rooms which are great for letting everyone spread out a bit more.
- Simple setup. Everything is color-coded to allow for a quick setup.
- Double doors. Two zipper doors allow for people to enter and exit without disturbing anyone who’s still sleeping.
What we don't like
- Leaking issues. The rain fly isn’t the most dependable especially during heavy downpour.
Coleman Montana 8 Person Tent
- Dimension : 192” x 84” x 62”
- Floor Area : 112ft²
- Weight : 24.5lbs / 11.1kg
For those on a budget looking for an 8-person tent from one of America’s oldest camping gear companies, the Coleman Montana fits the bill.
The top feature of this 8-person tent isn’t the fact that you can easily fit three queen-sized air mattresses into it, instead, it’s the smartly-designed awning entrance that allows you to drop your muddy boots and wet raincoats, before hopping into the sleeping area.
Coleman also implemented some interesting protected seams that help with weatherproofing.
That being said, it doesn’t fare too well during heavy hail storms. If you find yourself in that situation, make sure to thoroughly inspect your tent afterward, as Coleman’s warranty would cover the damage.
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t mind the fact that there’s only one door on this tent, then Coleman’s 8-person option might just be for you.
What we like
- Extremely spacious. Easily fit eight people in sleeping bags or up to three queen-sized air mattresses.
- Extended awning. Very helpful for taking off muddy shoes and not tracking it into the sleeping area.
- Budget-friendly. This is the cheapest 8-person tent on our list.
What we don't like
- Durability. It can withstand some rain, but struggles with hail and high winds.
Eureka Copper Canyon LX 8
- Dimension : 156” x 120” x 84”
- Floor Area : 130ft²
- Weight : 34.1lbs / 15.4kg
Whether you and your partner simply want a lot of space to spread out, or that space is necessary because you have a large family, the Eureka Copper Canyon LX 8 tent is a high-quality option at a great price.
We really like how this massive tent features two large doors on the front and back.
Some campers implement the tent’s divider to use the front as a large vestibule for dropping off shoes or setting up a table for a game of cards during inclement weather and then use the back area for sleeping.
Even with the divider, the backroom can easily accommodate a queen size air mattress.
We advise you to place a tarp underneath this Eureka 8-person tent to preserve the floor and prevent any water from leaking in.
What we like
- Great height. Unless you’re seven-feet tall, you don’t have to worry about bumping your head on the ceiling.
- Awesome rainfly. If installed correctly, campers report zero leaks with this fly.
- Stargazing roof. If the weather is clear, enjoy the mesh roof to gaze at the stars.
What we don't like
- Tricky setup. It’s going to require some practice. We recommend setting it up at home first before heading to the campsite.
Big Agnes Mad House 8 Tent
- Dimension : 176” x 116” x 73”
- Floor Area : 124ft²
- Weight : 24.6lbs / 11.1kg
Designed for mountaineers who want to take their camping experience to the next level, the Big Agnes Mad House 8 Tent is a more premium 8-person tent option that you shouldn’t ignore.
First, the basics: It’s plenty big at 124ft². It features two doors for multiple entrances and exits. And it has a versatile vestibule that could be staked out as an outdoor sitting area.
What’s really impressive about this tent, though, is its durability. It’s designed for the harshest of conditions by using polyester rip-stop made of high-tenacity yarn. That means the chances of tearing decreases by about 25%.
Now, for this Big Agnes tent, be prepared to open your wallets. These more premium products come with premium prices.
But in exchange, you get a tent that’s extremely waterproof and one that will last you a very long time.
What we like
- Super-tough. This is designed for four seasons and the harshest conditions.
- Removable divider. Have one big room or two separate rooms.
What we don't like
- Pricey. This falls into the four-figure tent category.
Marmot Lair 8 Person Tent
- Dimension : 156” x 156” x 96”
- Floor Area : 165ft²
- Weight : 26lbs / 11.7kg
Calling all snow-loving, mountain campers, it’s time to take a look at the Marmot Lair 8 tent.
This beautiful orange dome is designed to be a base-camp tent as you explore the trickiest of mountains. Campers have reported using it successfully along the Alaska Range, which is known for its harsh weather.
We really like the removable floor because if you’re backpacking in snowy mountains, chances are high of snow making it into your tent. The removable floor lets empty it out but make sure everything is totally sealed when you place it back in. Make sure to seal the tent, as bugs can make their way inside if it’s not sealed.
At 26lbs, this Marmot 8-person tent is relatively light, making it perfect for those hardcore expeditions.
What we like
- Great for extreme camping. Need a tent for base camp before tackling a mountain? This will do.
- Adequate ventilation. This tent has multiple vents to trap heat and let out condensation.
- Removable floor. This is very helpful if you need to get snow out of the tent.
What we don't like
- Expensive. Another premium tent with a big price tag.
The North Face 8 Person Tent
- Dimension : 155” x 155” x 83”
- Floor Area : 125ft²
- Weight : 51lbs / 23.1kg
The North Face 8 Person Tent is certainly not for everyone, but if you’re looking to explore the harshest of conditions or need something ultra-durable for a big-time expedition, you may want to check it out.
But beware. It’s really expensive.
When we say this tent is tough, the specifications back it up. It uses a fly made of super-strong 210D nylon, which cuts down on wind. The floor is also made of that strong nylon, and it’s coated with 10,000mm PU for best-in-class waterproofing.
It’s best feature, though? It has a chimney ventilation system, which allows you to cook with a small camping stove inside. This is extremely nice when it’s below freezing out and snowing.
If you’re backpacking with this North Face tent, make sure you understand that it’s 50lbs.
What we like
- Unbelievably tough. This is designed for professional mountain climbers.
- Wind-proof design. The dome shape cuts down on wind drastically.
- Chimney vent. You can actually cook inside this tent.
What we don't like
- Super-expensive. This is a luxury tent with a big luxury price tag.
8 Person Tents Buying Guide
You’ve now seen some great tents, but what specifications and features should you be looking for to buy an 8-person tent that fits your camping needs?
Use this guide to make the best-informed decision.
8-person tents shapes
There are two main designs when it comes to 8-person tents.
- Geodesic tents are more commonly used for base camp-type camping on rugged mountain terrain. Because they are engineered to be extremely tough and help cut down on wind, these dome-shaped tents tend to be more expensive. The North Face 8 Person Tent is a perfect example of a geodesic tent. If you take on those kinds of harsh camping conditions, the expense will be worth it.
- Cabin tents are the more typical style for an 8-person tent. Most on the market, like the REI Co-op Kingdom 8 Tent, feature a vestibule to take off your muddy shoes and then a divider to break up the rest of the tent into two different rooms. Cabin tents can run on the heavier side, but they’re geared toward car campers, so it’s not a big deal to lug a 50lbs tent.
Averages 120 to 130ft² of floor area
Obviously, you want to ensure you have enough floor space to accommodate up to eight people. The 120 to 130ft² of space is more than enough to accommodate that many campers in sleeping bags.
If you have less than eight people, you may still want that extra room.
The Coleman Montana 8 Person Tent, for instance, is 112ft²t and can accommodate three queen-sized air mattresses. Knowing that, 120ft² is more than enough room.
Head height between 80” to 90”
When it comes to head height, you really want a tent that gives you at least 80 inches of space. Most campers are no taller than 6 feet, so having a tent ceiling that’s close to 7 feet, like the Eureka Copper Canyon LX 8, is ideal.
There’s certainly shorter 8-person tents on the market, like the Coleman Montana 8 Person Tent, which is 62” tall. That will still work, but taller campers will likely rub their head on the ceiling.
3 season vs 4 season tents
You’ll see these terms used in describing all sizes of tents.
- Three-season tents are designed for spring, summer, and fall. Come winter, they don’t really do well in the snow. They tend to be on the more affordable side, like the REI Co-op Kingdom 8 Tent.
- Four-season tents are designed to be used in harsh winter conditions, like the Big Agnes Mad House 8 Tent. They are typically made using the toughest materials and have the highest-quality waterproof coating on the floor. The North Face 8 Person Tent actually includes a chimney ventilation system so you can cook inside your tent while there’s a blizzard outside.
Materials used
The durability of 8-person tents depends on the materials used to manufacture the tents.
The North Face 8 Person Tent, for example, is made of 210D nylon, which is a super-tough grade of nylon that can withstand the toughest of conditions.
For comparison, the REI Co-op Kingdom 8 Tent is made of 75D nylon, which means it’s not as heavy and durable. It’s also not designed for use in the winter, though.
Most tent poles are made of aluminum because it’s strong, lightweight and flexible.
Doors, windows and vestibules
Doors
You will want an 8-person tent with a minimum of two doors. Preferably, you want an entrance and exit on both sides of the tent.
This is especially important for families who want to set up sleeping bags or a pack-n-play for their toddler child. A room divider can keep things quiet in the kid section of the tent, while the adults enjoy more time outside before calling it a night.
Vestibules
Most 8-person tents include a vestibule, which is an entrance area where you can take off your dirty shoes and wind down before heading to the sleeping area. It’s a nice way of keeping the bedroom section of the tent clean.
Some vestibules, like the one found in the Big Agnes Mad House 8 Tent, can convert to an outdoor seating area with a canopy cover.
Windows
Windows double as vents, which are handy, especially when camping in the hot summer months.
Windows are also a nice way to bring some natural light into the tent if you’re stuck inside due to inclement weather. The Eureka Copper Canyon LX 8 features several large windows.
Ease of set up
Most manufacturers advertise an easy setup, but be advised that 8-person tents are big and can be difficult to set up. They typically take two people to set up and we advise practicing at home before hitting the campsite.
That being said, some tents are easier to set up than others.
We’re big fans of Eureka tents because of how easy it is to set up. It includes a fiberglass frame, which is light, and a nice clip system which holds everything together as you put the poles together.
Packed weight vs trail weight
When shopping for an 8-person tent, you’re going to see two terms related to the weight of your tent.
- Packed weight is the weight of the entire tent package, which includes everything like stakes, stuff bag, and additional accessories that may come with it.
- Trail weight refers to the bare minimum pieces of equipment you need to set up your tent, like the rain fly, tent canvas and poles.
If weight is important to you, it’s important to understand that most 8-person tents weigh in between 25lbs and 35lbs. This is totally acceptable for car campers, but might be trickier for backpackers.
Also, typically the more durable the tent, like the North Face 8 Person Tent, the heavier it is. That tent weighs about 50lbs.
The Coleman Montana 8 Person Tent is a good example of a lightweight 8-person tent at 24.5lbs.
Warranty period
Not all tents are perfect and could come with manufacturer defects. Luckily, all of these tent manufacturers offer warranties that can result in you getting a replacement tent at no cost.
REI used to have one of the best warranties in the business, offering a lifetime guarantee on all of its products, including tents. That recently changed, though, to a one-year warranty. REI’s warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, but if there’s a clear manufacturer defect, the company will replace it free of charge.
Coleman runs a similar warranty with its tents, but advises customers to call them before sending back a product like a tent.
What you will typically see, as is the case with the Marmot Lair 8 Person Tent, is a one-year warranty only against manufacturer defects.
Andrew Dodson
Andrew Dodson is an avid camper who enjoys the great outdoors with his wife and two-year-old son. He resides in Colorado, where you can often find him enjoying hikes with a toddler strapped to his back and mini goldendoodle Percy nearby.
