Top 10 · Compare
Compare Best Roomy Car Camping Tents head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
#10 on this list
Montana 8-Person Tent
Coleman
The Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent is a perennial best-seller for a reason: it offers an enormous amount of space for a very reasonable price. This tent is designed for large families or groups who need serious square footage, comfortably accommodating 6-7 people with gear, or 8 if you're really cozy. Its cabin-like design provides ample standing room, and the large D-shaped door makes for easy coming and going. The attached hinged door is a nice touch, offering a more house-like feel. While not built for extreme weather, the Montana 8 is perfectly adequate for most fair-weather car camping trips. Its fiberglass poles provide decent stability, and the included rainfly offers basic protection for the roof and door area, with a small awning over the front. The mesh roof and multiple windows allow for good cross-ventilation, helping to reduce stuffiness. Setup is manageable, though its sheer size means it's best done with two people. For those who prioritize maximum space and a budget-friendly price, the Coleman Montana 8 is a hard deal to beat. It's a reliable choice for family reunions at the campground where space is paramount and conditions are generally mild. **Highlights** * Excellent value and immense interior space for its price point. * Cabin-like design with ample standing room throughout. * Hinged front door for easy and convenient access. * Good ventilation with mesh roof and multiple windows. * E-Port access for electrical cords. **Watch-outs** * Fiberglass poles are less robust than aluminum in high winds. * Rainfly offers only basic protection, not full coverage or vestibules. * Very large packed size and heavy weight. * Not suitable for harsh weather conditions or strong winds.
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#1 on this list
Base Camp 6 Tent
REI Co-op
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is our top pick for families and groups who prioritize robust weather protection and excellent livability. This tent doesn't mess around; it's built to withstand a serious storm while offering generous headroom and floor space for up to six people, though we think it's most comfortable for four to five with gear. The two large D-shaped doors, each with a vestibule, make entry and exit smooth, even with multiple campers. Construction is REI's standard high quality, featuring burly aluminum poles that laugh at strong winds and a full-coverage rainfly designed to shed torrential downpours. The tent body itself is a blend of breathable mesh and durable ripstop nylon, striking a good balance between ventilation and privacy. While it's certainly not light, at around 20 pounds, that weight translates directly into stability and peace of mind when the weather turns. Setup, while involving a few more poles than some, is intuitive thanks to color-coded clips and webbing. Its nearly vertical walls maximize interior volume, giving it a much roomier feel than its footprint might suggest. This tent is a long-term investment for serious car campers. **Highlights** * Superior weather protection with full-coverage rainfly and strong poles. * Near-vertical walls create exceptional interior volume and headroom. * Two large doors and vestibules for easy access and gear storage. * Ample ventilation with mesh panels and adjustable rainfly vents. * Durable construction with robust fabrics and aluminum poles. **Watch-outs** * Heavier and bulkier packed size compared to some competitors. * Higher price point, though justified by durability. * Setup takes a bit longer due to multiple poles.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Montana 8-Person Tent | Base Camp 6 Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 8-Person (comfortably 6-7) | 6-person (comfortable for 4-5) |
| Packed Weight | 24.5 lbs | Around 20 lbs |
| Floor Area | 112 sq ft | — |
| Peak Height | 74 inches | 72 inches |
| Pole Material | Fiberglass | — |
| Setup Time | 15-20 min (2 people) | — |
| Doors | — | 2 |
| Poles | — | Aluminum |
| Season Rating | — | 3-season+ |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Montana 8-Person Tent
- Exceptional interior space and standing room for the price
- Hinged front door offers convenient, house-like access
- Good ventilation with mesh roof and multiple windows
- Includes E-Port for easy electrical cord access
- Budget-friendly, offering great value for its size
- Fiberglass poles are less stable and durable than aluminum in wind
- Rainfly offers only partial coverage, limited storm protection
- Very heavy and bulky, strictly for car camping
- Not suitable for harsh weather or strong winds
Base Camp 6 Tent
- Superior weather protection against wind and rain
- Exceptional interior volume and headroom from vertical walls
- Durable construction with robust aluminum poles and fabrics
- Two large doors and vestibules for easy access and gear storage
- Reliable choice for long-term, adverse weather camping
- Heavy and bulky packed size
- Setup takes slightly longer due to multiple poles
- Not ideal for minimalists or those with small car trunks
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.