Best Cabin Tents – Expert Review

Updated: February 12, 2024
Best-Cabin-Tents

When you want to camp but your partner wants a cabin, compromise by getting a cabin tent. Getting the right one to suite both your needs can be really tough.

If you are worried about space, check out the Wenzel Klondike. It sleeps 8 people inside the tent and has an outside convertible screen room for a storage or kitchen area.

The Eureka Copper Canyon LX is a beautiful 3 season tent that allows you to get outside come rain or shine.

When looking for a "lock up and go", or should I say "pop up and go" type of tent, what you want is the Coleman Instant 6 which sets up in only 60 seconds.

Best Cabin Tents (Top Picks)

CORE Instant Cabin Tent | Multi Room Tent for Family with Storage Pockets for Camping Accessories | Portable Large Pop Up Tent for 2 Minute Camp Setup | Sleeps 9 People, 14' x 9'

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Coleman Camping Tent with Instant Setup - 4/6/8/10 Person Weatherproof Tent with WeatherTec Technology, Double-Thick Fabric, and Included Carry Bag, Sets Up in 60 Seconds

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Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent with Screened Porch, Weatherproof 6-Person Family Tent with Included Rainfly and Carry Bag, Easy Setup Tent with Screened-in Porch

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Top Cabin Tents For Camping (Detailed Reviews)

We reviewed over 13 cabin tents for this article. Below are the best cabin tents that made our short list.

  1. Core 9 Person Instant Cabin - Best Overall
  2. Wenzel Klondike 8 
  3. Eureka Copper Canyon LX
  4. Coleman WeatherMaster - Best 2-Room
  5. Coleman Montana 8 
  6. Standing Room Family Tent
  7. Core 4 & 6 Person Camp Tent - Fast Set Up
  8. Coleman Instant 6 - Best Value

Read our complete buyers guide for cabin tents.

1. Best Overall Cabin Tent

CORE Instant Cabin Tent | Multi Room Tent for Family with Storage Pockets for Camping Accessories | Portable Large Pop Up Tent for 2 Minute Camp Setup | Sleeps 9 People, 14' x 9'

4.6/5 Overall Rating

The Core 9 Person Instant Cabin is a well-designed and functional tent that offers an excellent option to all outdoor enthusiasts that want a large comfortable space. With a pre-assembled frame, most of the effort of setup has been taken away.

With its mesh roof and huge windows and doors, you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort with uninterrupted views. The design allows you to enjoy the space with windows open while maintaining privacy, but they can be closed with zip panels.

Main Features
  • Two rooms with privacy screen
  • Power cable vents to run cables safely and neatly into the tent
  • Fully taped rainfly included
  • Sealed seams for improved waterproof
  • Rain resistant window and door seals
  • Core’s H20 Block Technology with water repellent fabric and moisture beading
  • Two doors for easy access
  • Permanently attached frame and telescopic poles
  • Excellent vertical space with 6ft 6 in height at the peak
  • Great floor space
  • Freestanding
What we like
  • The pre-attached tent frame is fully foldable
  • Large screen windows with roll down rain panels
  • Electrical cord access port which can be closed when not in use
  • Adjustable intake vent to circulate cool air
  • Simple and quick setup and take down
  • Zip up privacy panels on all windows and doors
  • Affordable
  • Attractive design
What we dislike
  • No vestibule or screen room for gear storage
  • Fly only covers the top so not ideal for heavy rain or strong winds
  • Not enough storage pockets

2. Great Cabin Tent

Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent, Blue

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Wenzel Klondike 8 sleeper comes in at a close second in the Best Cabin Tent review. Well-priced, good looking and filled with great features including a screen room, it is an excellent addition to your family’s camping gear staples.

Main Features
  • Excellent floor space and a large 60 sq ft screen room
  • Hi-Low ventilation system featuring a mesh opening at the top of the tent and a vent at the bottom which channels cold air through
  • Great 6 ft. 6 in. height in the main room
  • Detachable fly included
  • 20 minute setup time with 2 people
  • T-style door for access to screen room
  • Mesh door between screen room and main room to allow ventilation
  • Large side windows with zip closures for privacy
  • Shock corded fiberglass poles combined with steel upright poles for intuitive setup
  • Sturdy fiberglass frame
What we like
  • Large screen room that can be used as a second bedroom
  • Recommended for mild weather, rated for 3 seasons
  • Welded strong polyethylene floor that doesn’t require an additional footprint
  • Double Staked power corners for improved stability
  • No-see-um mesh fabric to keep out all the bugs yet not obstructing the views
  • The pocket to tuck the bedroom / screen door into, when open is a nice touch
  • Available in different color combinations
What we dislike
  • Only 2 small storage pockets for such a large tent
  • Didn’t hold up well in the wind

3. Best 3 Season Tent

Eureka! Copper Canyon LX, 3 Season, Family and Car Camping Tent (6 Person)

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Eureka Copper Canyon is a great looking, all rounder that is rated for three seasons. It comes up tops for space and comfort with a 10 x 10 ft. internal space, and a very generous center height of 7 ft. 

While it is still quite heavy, it packs up into a convenient and compact package, making it easier to carry around.

Main Features
  • Strong steel and fiberglass frame for exceptional stability
  • Weighs only 23 lbs. 2 oz. packed
  • Built in guy lines with a special stow away pocket on the rainfly
  • Three large windows, and a door with inset window
  • Easy to set up with color-coded tent and fly markings
  • Windows can zip up for privacy
  • Two storage pockets
  • Separate rainfly included
What we like
  • The E-Power port is conveniently tucked away in a zipped compartment
  • Pre sealed seams for improved waterproof rating
  • A big sack to pack up and store tent after use 
  • Packs up quite compact, making it easier to carry
  • Gear loft to stow items out of the way
What we dislike
  • Footprint recommended, as the floor is very lightweight
  • No vestibule or porch space
  • Storage pockets aren’t easily accessible while lying down as they’re located near the top of the tent
  • Sticky door zip

4. Best 2-Room Cabin Tent

Coleman WeatherMaster Camping Tent with Screened Porch, Weatherproof 6-Person Family Tent with Included Rainfly and Carry Bag, Easy Setup Tent with Screened-in Porch

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Coleman WeatherMaster is a two-room tent with an additional screen room, giving you exceptional space. Weighing in at 32 lbs. this is one of the heavier tents reviewed but given the size of the tent, this is to be expected.

Main Features
  • Two doors with the front door being a hinged door for easy access
  • Setup should take about 20 minutes
  • Coleman’s WeatherTec System that includes leak-free seams, weather-resistant fabric, waterproof floors, zipper cuffs to protect the zip, and a wind-strong frame
  • Durable 19-millimeter steel poles
  • E-port for easy passing of power cables into the tent
  • Large screen-room for extra living or storage space
  • Rugged and expandable carry bag for easy packing
  • Rainfly included
What we like
  • Auto closing screen door ensures door is not accidently left open, letting in bugs and other creepy crawlies.
  • Strong 1,000 denier polyethylene floor mean a separate footprint is not required
  • Variflow adjustable airflow vents
  • Deep mesh storage pockets
  • Features a lot of mesh, which is great for ventilation
  • Color-coded poles and continuous pole sleeves for easy set up
What we dislike
  • Leaks especially from moisture collecting on the rainfly
  • Heavy

5. Best Large Cabin

Coleman Tent for Camping | Montana with Easy Setup

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Coleman Montana 8-person tent is a hybrid between a traditional dome tent and a cabin tent. With the familiar crisscross tent pole structure, setup is about 15 minutes, which is a bit longer than other tents reviewed, but considering the size of this tent and all the additional features, it is well worth the effort.

Main Features
  • Angled windows to allow in light but keep rain out
  • Insta-Clip attachments that are strong and easy to use
  • WeatherTec features like welded floors and inverted seams to keep moisture out
  • Snag free continuous pole sleeves for easy setup
  • Large patented hinge door for easy access
  • Additional screened area for gear storage
  • Replacement parts are available from Coleman so if you lose your poles or the light breaks, you only need to replace those
  • Electrical port
  • Separate fly included
What we like
  • Exceptional space
  • Built in LED lights with options to use included CPX power cartridge or D cell batteries
  • Wall mounted light switch with four settings
  • Auto-roll windows
  • Good value for money
  • Available in three different color options 
  • Suitable as a 3-season tent
  • Stands up well to wind
What we dislike
  • Some water leakage from the rainfly
  • Some users struggled to set up the tent
  • Weak fiberglass poles

6. Second Home Cabin Tent

Standing Room, Family Cabin Tent 8.5 ' OF HEAD ROOM 4 Big Screen Doors, waterproof Fabric Ceiling NOT LEAKY MESH screen FULL TUB STYLE Floor CANOPY FRAME NOT INCLUDED For 6 Person

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Standing Room Tent is a hanging tent, and as such does not come with a frame. You need a separate 10 x 10 ft. canopy frame that you can attach this tent to. Clips are included.

This large cabin tent is sure to offer you the closest thing to the comforts of home. With an impressive 8.5 ft. center height, even the tallest person can stand up tall and in comfort.

Main Features
  • 2 doors that can be opened and tied back out of the way for additional ventilation. (4 in XL)
  • 4 individual storage pockets scattered around the tent
  • Pack with shoulder strap for ease of carry
  • Fully waterproof fabric ceiling with zipper skylights
  • Tub floor for superior moisture protection from the floor
  • Rugged 150 denier polyester
  • Two power pocket with Velcro closures
  • Available in standard or XL model
  • Lantern hook
What we like
  • Spacious feeling thanks to the high ceiling
  • The tents can be “stacked” alongside each other to create additional rooms
  • Easy to set up, even single handedly
  • Due to using a separate frame, it’s easy to fold up and pack away
  • Ideal for up to 4 people
  • Suitable for warm weather conditions
What we dislike
  • Plastic hooks to attach tent to the frame are not very secure or durable
  • Flimsy sticky zips
  • Difficult to get an exact fit over other manufacturer frames and measurements might not be the same

7. Fast Set Up Cabin

CORE 4 Person Straight Wall Cabin/Camp Tent with Carry Bag for Outdoor, Portable, Included Tent Gear Loft Organizer for Car Camping Accessories

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Core 4 & 6 Person Camp Tent range has options for 6 to 12 people. The one reviewed here is the 6-sleeper with wall organizer.

Perfect for a small to medium sized family or group, this freestanding tent is great for summer and mild temperatures.

While the tent can sleep 6, it will be a tight squeeze, so for maximum comfort, stick to maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Main Features
  • 6 ft (72 in) central height
  • With pre-attached tent poles, setup can be done in 60 seconds, even on your own
  • Gear loft for out of the way storage
  • Mesh ceilings and windows with zip up privacy screen
  • Durable 68 Denier Polyester Tent Fabric with Polyurethane Coating
  • Inverted stitching and taped seams that are not only stronger, but also more resistant to bad weather
  • Strong steel stakes and compact carry bag included
  • Removable rainfly
  • Lantern hook
What we like
  • Dirt and stain resistant making it easier to clean your tent after use
  • Additional storage in the form of a large hanging wall organizer
  • Adjustable airflow vents to draw in cool air from the ground
  • Large T-doors for easy access. The doors can also be tied back for extra ventilation
  • Electrical Cord access with a hook and loop closure to keep cables neat and safely out of the way
  • Easy to pack up
What we dislike
  • Difficult to assemble if you’re on the shorter side
  • Thin floor, best used with separate footprint

8. Best Value Cabin

Coleman Camping Tent with Instant Setup - 4/6/8/10 Person Weatherproof Tent with WeatherTec Technology, Double-Thick Fabric, and Included Carry Bag, Sets Up in 60 Seconds

4.5/5 Overall Rating

A little bit smaller than some of the other cabin tents, the Coleman Instant 6 sleeper offers great value for money. Poles are pre-attached to allow for quicker setup with an integrated fly. 

While this tent does feature Coleman’s WeatherTec system, some users have reported leaks in heavy rain, so best keep this freestanding tent for dry weather camping trips.

Main Features
  • Integrated rainfly with additional vents for added ventilation
  • Good center height with 6 ft
  • Coleman’s WeatherTec system with welded floors and inverted seams to keep moisture out
  • Strong, Polyguard 2X fabric for extra durability
  • 10 x 9 ft floor space, enough space for two queen airbeds side by side
  • 2 storage pockets
What we like
  • Dark room technology, which is great, especially if you like a lie-in. This keeps 90% of the sun out which in turn also reduces the internal temperature by up to 10%
  • Pre-attached poles for faster setup
  • Carry bag with expandable seams for easy pack up
What we dislike
  • Poor waterproofing and leaks
  • Storage space is very limited

Buyer's Guide

What is a Cabin Style Tent?

Unlike dome or long tunnel tent, cabin tent offers a comfort of almost straight walls and practical space use. This is great for joint camping, as you will be able to stand up and move around the tent easily.  

Although on a heavier side and made of nylon or canvas, cabin tents most resemble home outdoors and are perfect for long car camping with more people. However, they are not suitable for hiking or backpacking.

All the above tents have good space in terms of living area, and height clearance. What sets them apart is additional communal space, like a screen room, or a split two-room configuration.

Consider how much time you are prepared to spend setting up. Some tents are easy to do on your own, while others can be part of the adventure, and you can set up as a group, or with your children. Then 20-30 minutes is not such a deal breaker.

It’s a good idea to prep your tent before you head out. Make sure you use a seam sealant or seam tape if you’re heading into wet conditions. This will ensure that any needle holes created during the manufacturing process are well closed.

The main things to consider when buying a cabin tent:

  • Number of people
  • General Use
  • Weather
  • Budget

What is the Easiest Tent to Put Up?

Among cabin tents the easiest one to set up are Core 4 & 6 Person Camp Tent, Core 9 Person Instant Cabin and Coleman Instant Tent 6.

You don’t want to spend most of your holiday fighting with your tent. While a manufacturer might proclaim a quick setup – even as little as 60 seconds, you will still need to practice a few times before you become proficient. Practice setting up and taking down the tent a number of times before you start your trip, especially if you’ll be doing it on your own.

For the fastest and easiest set up check our suggestion for Pop Up Tents.

Other Features to Consider Before Getting a Cabin Tent

Weight & Packed Size

A cabin tent is traditionally bigger and heavier than a dome tent, so if you’re looking for a backpacking option, a cabin tent might not be your best bet. On average a 6-person tent will weigh around 24 lbs. If you are okay with the weight, look for a compact package that is not too cumbersome to carry. Some tents include a pack that can be carried as a backpack, keeping your hands free to carry other things.

Materials: Fabric & Poles

All tents will use a fabric that is treated for various degrees of waterproofing. Some may be treated to resist stains and be strengthened for abrasion resistance, offering additional durability.

Poles are generally steel or fiberglass as these materials give a good balance between strength and weight.

Floor Space & Height

While manufacturers may rate their tents for a specific number of people, this guideline is really for maximum sleeping area, which does not take into account additional space for gear, chairs or tables, or just space to get dressed and move around. For comfort, opt for a tent with capacity more than the expected number of campers.

Weather Resistance & Season Rating (Single vs Double Wall)

Most general use tents will be rated as 3-season so it will withstand light rain and wind. Things like mesh roofs and windows will provide better ventilation but can be cold when the sun sets, even with a fly attached. A separate rainfly will keep condensation and light rain out, but check if the fly is adjustable or fixed, and how much overlap there is over windows and doors to prevent leaks.

Look for a sturdy frame with options for guy lines for improved stability to withstand wind.

Comfort

Factors that will add to comfort include space, and temperature. You’ll want sufficient space to not feel cramped as well as good ventilation from vents and windows. Some tents feature blackout technology that reduces the amount of sun that gets in, thereby reducing the internal temperature by up to 10%.

Footprints

If the floor of the tent is not very durable or well sealed against moisture, you may need an additional footprint. This is cumbersome as it’s additional gear to pack. However, if you are sleeping on a cot rather than directly on the floor, you may be able to do without an additional footprint.

Accessories

It’s always useful to have a range of accessories that you can purchase to improve or upgrade your purchase. Some manufacturers include additional footprints or screen rooms that can be attached, or extra tent poles. Being able to buy specific replacement parts that get broken or lost, rather than replacing the entire tent is also a pro.

What is a Cabin Style Tent?

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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