Best Roomy Car Camping Tents · #8
Wawona 6 Tent
The North Face
Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
The North Face Wawona 6 is a distinctive car camping tent that stands out for its massive integrated front vestibule, which effectively doubles the usable living space. This vestibule, with its own door, is a game-changer for gear storage, cooking in inclement weather, or simply enjoying a bug-free sitting area. The main sleeping area comfortably fits 4-5 people, but the real magic is how the overall footprint allows for an expansive camp experience. Built with durable materials and a robust pole structure, the Wawona 6 can handle a range of weather conditions reasonably well. The full-coverage rainfly ensures good protection from rain, and the tent offers a decent amount of ventilation, although the sheer volume of the vestibule can sometimes make airflow through the sleeping area feel less direct. Setup takes a bit of time due to the size and the number of interconnected poles, but it's manageable with two people. It's a tent that prioritizes extended living space and versatility, making it ideal for longer stays or for groups who bring a lot of gear. Its unique design makes it instantly recognizable and highly functional. **Highlights** * Huge integrated front vestibule provides massive sheltered living/storage space. * Durable construction suitable for various car camping conditions. * Generous interior height in both sleeping area and vestibule. * Intuitive, color-coded poles for easier setup despite its size. * Excellent for groups needing separate sleeping and living zones. **Watch-outs** * Larger packed size and weight due to the extensive vestibule. * Setup for the first time can be a bit challenging due to the large footprint. * Ventilation in the sleeping area can feel somewhat restricted compared to tents with more exposed mesh. * Higher price point due to its unique design and quality.
Pros
- Massive integrated vestibule doubles usable living space
- Excellent headroom throughout, allowing adults to stand comfortably
- Robust construction handles varied weather conditions well
- Dedicated gear storage and protected cooking/lounge area
- Distinctive design is highly functional and recognizable
Cons
- Large packed size and weight requires significant trunk space
- Setup can be time-consuming, especially the first few times
- Ventilation in sleeping area sometimes feels less direct due to vestibule volume
- Higher price point compared to standard 6-person tents
Best uses
- Family car camping
- Extended basecamp stays
- Inclement weather camping
- Group trips with lots of gear
Specifications
- Capacity
- 6 Person
- Footprint
- Vestibule + Main Tent
- Peak Height
- Approx. 74 inches
- Packed Weight
- Approx. 20 lbs
- Setup Time
- 15-25 minutes (2 people)
- Season Rating
- 3-season
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Family car camping, Extended basecamp stays, Inclement weather camping, Group trips with lots of gear
Where to buy the Wawona 6 Tent
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The North Face Wawona 6 isn't just a tent; it's a mobile basecamp designed for those who appreciate serious elbow room. Its defining feature is a sprawling, integrated front vestibule that, for all intents and purposes, doubles your usable living space. This isn't just some token mudroom; it's a dedicated, enclosed area big enough for camp chairs, a small table, or bikes, and it shines in foul weather. The main sleeping compartment comfortably handles four to five people, offering ample headroom for standing. This tent prioritizes an expansive, comfortable outdoor living experience over minimal packed size, making it a standout for extended stays where weather might be a factor. While its footprint is substantial and setup requires a bit of effort – particularly the first time – the Wawona 6 rewards patience with a robust, well-protected shelter. The durable materials and sturdy pole structure inspire confidence when the winds pick up or the rain starts coming down. Ventilation is adequate, though the sheer volume of the vestibule can sometimes create a microclimate that feels a touch warmer than tents with more mesh exposure. For families or groups that bring a lot of gear and value dedicated, sheltered space, this tent offers a unique and highly functional solution that few others can match at its price point.
Who It's For
This tent is for car campers who prioritize space and versatility above all else. If your idea of camping involves more than just sleeping – think cooking in the rain, having a bug-free lounge, or storing bikes and gear out of the elements – the Wawona 6 deserves a serious look. It’s ideal for families with active kids, groups with lots of gear, or anyone planning longer basecamp stays where comfort and a dedicated living area are paramount. It's not for ultralighters or those who move camp daily, but rather for those who set up for a few days and truly settle in.
Materials and Construction
The Wawona 6 utilizes a blend of durable polyester fabrics for both the canopy and the full-coverage rainfly, offering reliable protection from sun and rain. The floor is a beefier polyester taffeta, designed to resist abrasion and moisture from the ground up. The pole structure is a robust, interconnected aluminum design. While the sheer number of poles and their integration can make initial setup a bit of a puzzle, the resulting structure is commendably stable against wind. All seams are factory-taped, and the zippers feel substantial, indicating a tent built for sustained use rather than just a few fair-weather outings.
Real-World Performance
Out in the field, the Wawona 6 performs exactly as advertised: it's a spacious haven. The main sleeping area easily accommodates a queen air mattress with room to spare for bags. The star, however, is that massive vestibule. We've used it to shelter a camp kitchen during a downpour, as a bug-free dining area, and even as a protected storage bay for two mountain bikes. Ventilation through the main tent's upper mesh vents and the vestibule's large doors is generally good, though in humid, still air, the sheer volume can feel a bit enclosed. It handles moderate wind and rain admirably, shedding water effectively and remaining taut.
Weight and Packability
At around 20 pounds, the Wawona 6 is decidedly a car camping tent, not one you'd want to portage far from the vehicle. It packs down into a generously sized duffel bag, which is manageable but certainly takes up significant trunk space. While the integrated vestibule adds immensely to its utility, it also contributes to the larger packed volume and weight. This is a deliberate design choice that sacrifices backpacking portability for unparalleled living space and weather protection at camp. Don't expect a minimalist package here; expect a substantial shelter.
Durability and Longevity
The North Face generally builds gear to last, and the Wawona 6 is no exception. The robust fabrics, strong aluminum poles, and quality stitching suggest a tent that will withstand years of regular use. The floor material is notably resilient against typical campsite debris, and the rainfly shows little sign of wear after multiple setups and weather exposures. While no tent is indestructible, this one feels like it's engineered for longevity. With reasonable care – drying it thoroughly before storage and avoiding unnecessary abrasion – this tent should be a reliable basecamp for many seasons to come.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best roomy car camping tents that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Storm worthiness and livability
- Pitch tension in wind, condensation management, and usable interior space for the weight.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Wawona 6 Tent — frequently asked questions
- Is the Wawona 6 Tent worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Best Roomy Car Camping Tents. The North Face Wawona 6 is a distinctive car camping tent that stands out for its massive integrated front vestibule, which effectively doubles the usable living space. This vestibule, with its own door, is a game-changer for gear storage, cooking in inclement weather, or simply enjoying a bug-free sitting area.
- What is the Wawona 6 Tent best for?
- Best for family car camping, extended basecamp stays, inclement weather camping and group trips with lots of gear. Standouts: massive integrated vestibule doubles usable living space and excellent headroom throughout, allowing adults to stand comfortably.
- What are the downsides of the Wawona 6 Tent?
- Large packed size and weight requires significant trunk space, Setup can be time-consuming, especially the first few times and Ventilation in sleeping area sometimes feels less direct due to vestibule volume.
- What are the key specs of the Wawona 6 Tent?
- Capacity: 6 Person · Footprint: Vestibule + Main Tent · Peak Height: Approx. 74 inches · Packed Weight: Approx. 20 lbs · Setup Time: 15-25 minutes (2 people)
- Who It's For?
- This tent is for car campers who prioritize space and versatility above all else. If your idea of camping involves more than just sleeping – think cooking in the rain, having a bug-free lounge, or storing bikes and gear out of the elements – the Wawona 6 deserves a serious look.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Wawona 6 Tent?
- The Wawona 6 utilizes a blend of durable polyester fabrics for both the canopy and the full-coverage rainfly, offering reliable protection from sun and rain. The floor is a beefier polyester taffeta, designed to resist abrasion and moisture from the ground up.
Compare side by side
Put the Wawona 6 Tent against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.