In case you’re running out the door, my favorite 3 room tent is the CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent.
If you’re like me, you enjoy camping in large groups from time to time. But, finding a good spot to pitch 1 tent is hard enough. Finding a good spot to pitch 3 tents close to one another is a whole other level of hard.
That’s where 3 room tents come in. A multi room tent is the best option when it comes to group camping.
We’ve rated, reviewed, and put together a list of the best 3 room tents. Let’s dive right in!
Still confused? Check our 3-Room Tent Comparison Table here.
Best 3 Room Tent: Our Top Recommendations
CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Size: 12 Person | Tent Type: Instant, 3-room | Weight: 47.8 lbs | Inside Height: 80 in | Floor: 18 x 10 ft (180 sq ft) | Setup Time: 2 mins
I was blown away by the CORE 12 Person instant cabin tent, and here’s why.
The tent comes with many incredible features. One of the stand-out features is that it can be set up in a matter of minutes by unpacking, unfolding and extending the legs until they click.
For a large camping tent, this was impressive. You don’t need a whole group of people to set this tent up. Just check this out how quickly the tent goes up:
The space inside the tent is exceptionally large and versatile. The tent can fit ten adults in sleeping bags with a little extra floor space for baggage.
If you’re a tall person, like me, you don’t need to worry. This tent has a huge center height.
The CORE is split into three separate rooms by two detachable dividers. Meaning, you can set the tent up differently every time you camp. The two large doors on either side of the tent make working with large groups hassle-free.
The detachable, water repellent rain fly keeps you dry in the rain but also gives you better airflow in the hotter months.
The advanced venting system in the tent is also a great feature. It brings cooler air into the tent from the ground and lets the warm air out through the top of the tent (heat rises, right). The vents are adjustable, so you can close them in the winter to stay warm.
Pros:
- The versatile design gives you tons of options – you can remove the rain fly, adjust the venting system, or remove a divider to customize your camping experience
- I love the pre-attached tent poles, as they make set up extremely easy – just unpack, unfold, and click into place
- CORE’s advanced venting system allows for a cooler tent in hot weather and the ability to keep heat in during winter
- For its size, this tent is affordable for all
- Hugely weather resistant – the tent can withstand strong winds and heavy rain with ease due to its sturdy frame and high-quality material
Cons:
- 1 Year Warranty may seem a little short if you don’t camp that much
- Since it’s got a large surface area, packing the tent might be difficult
Best for: anyone – whether it’s a group of friends getting together or a family camping trip away, this tent performs!
CAMPROS 12-Person Tent
Size: 12 Person | Tent Type: Dome, 3-room | Weight: 24.3 lbs | Inside Height: 72 in | Floor: 20 x 9 ft (180 sq ft) | Setup Time: 20 mins
Now we come to the CAMPROS dome tent. It is seriously lightweight for a 12 person tent at only 24.3 lbs.
But don’t let the weight fool you, with a 20′ x 9′ structure, CAMPROS offers you 180 square feet of living space, including two room dividers to make this a 3-room tent.
It is most definitely the least expensive option on this list, giving it a great gang for its buck.
Pros:
- Budget friendly – the least expensive tent on this list
- Room dividers to split this tent into a 3-room tent
- Lightweight at only 24.3 lbs
- Made with 185T polyester and a PU1000mm water-resistant coating to keep water out
Cons:
- The pole sleeves are a bit tight
- A limited amount of pockets for this size of tent
Best for: Budget conscious families.
Ozark Trail 10-Person, 3-Room Tent
Now we’re going to jump into the larger style. Ozark Trail makes tents of all sizes, but we’ve found larger family camping tents to be their forte.
This 10 person tent is a whopping 20’ by 10’ and splits into three rooms. It fits three queen size air mattresses inside. You also might be able to squeeze in another twin-sized bed if you want to pack more people in.
It’s also got a center height of 7′ and has a T-style door on one side. I love this style of door. Although they’re a little harder to use, they allow you to move bigger furniture in and out of the tent easily.
What I particularly like about this family tent is that although it’s a large tent, it’s more of a dome-style construction. Most of the larger tents are cabin-style, meaning they have walls that are angled straight up.
Cabin-style straight wall tent designs provide more lateral space, sure, but a dome tent is better against the wind. This tent is no exception. The rounded sides make this tent well suited to withstand strong winds.
Pros:
- Lots of windows and simple design make this very breathable
- Comes with an electrical cord outlet
- Even though it’s not an instant style tent, it’s very easy to set up for its size
- Provides a ton of space without the complications of rooms and hallways
- Lightweight for a 10 person tent (22 lbs)
Cons:
- Zippers aren’t the best, there might be issues with wear and tear
- Although breathable, this tent doesn’t hold heat very well (better for summer vs. winter)
Best for: larger groups that want the size of a cabin tent with the aerodynamics of a dome tent.
Ozark Trail 11-Person, 3-Room Instant Cabin
If the previous tent isn’t your style, you might be itching for an Ozark Trail cabin tent. Cabin-style tents provide more headspace and allow you and your gang to walk around more.
This 11 person instant cabin tent is an excellent option for those who want a tent that’s less like a hallway and more like a big room. The main area is huge, giving you and the family plenty of room to enjoy each other’s company.
But, sometimes you want privacy, and this tent offers great room options. The main room has a divider down the middle, and then there’s the pop-out room on the backside. This pop-out room is great to use as a kid’s play area, a gear storage “garage,” or just an adults-only sleeping room.
The design of this tent is a big rectangle, and it only has one door, but I haven’t found this setup to be a problem. The front door is a massive T-style door, allowing you to move large gear in and out with ease.
Last but not least, this Ozark Trail camping tent is roomy. It can fit 3 queen air mattresses easily, but still sets up within minutes.
Pros:
- Instant-cabin style means this tent sets up in less than 2 minutes – that’s great for this size
- Pop-out side rooms provide additional space without weighing you down too much
- Excellent price for the amount of space & features you get with this tent
- The front door is covered by a porch, which gives you a nice area to sit and enjoy the sights & sounds
- Like most Ozark Trail tents, it comes with a port to run an electrical cord through
Cons:
- Directions are not that straightforward – definitely set this one up in your backyard before trying it in the field
- There’s only one door, so not optimal if you expect lots of foot traffic
Best for: families or larger groups that want a spacious tent to fit everyone.
Ozark Trail 12-Person, 3-Room Instant Cabin
Type: Cabin, Instant, 3-room | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 55.2 lbs | Inside Height: 82 in | Floor: 8 x 8 ft + 8 x 8 ft + 8 x 8 ft (192 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins
The tent can fit 3 queen-sized airbeds with an extremely spacious interior for sleeping, hanging out and camping gear storage.
It has 7 fully closable windows for ventilation during the summer months, and several vents to assist with airflow.
In the center, the inner tent stands at just under 7 feet. So if you’re tall, no worries about bumping your head. Don’t believe me, check out this video tour:
The tent also comes with power outlet capability to allow you to charge your electronics. This is a great addition to any tent and in my opinion, a necessity.
Coming with pre-attached poles makes the setup of the tent extremely easy, and packing it up is just as simple. The carrying bag allows for all the parts to be stowed away easily in just a few minutes.
Pros:
- The power outlet allows you to light up the tent and power any electronics you might need
- The taped and sealed seams make for great, durable protection from the elements whenever needed
- Having 7 fully closable windows on this tent makes for great visibility during the day and sublime privacy during the night – they also add airflow, keeping the cabin cool
- The L-shaped design gives you plenty of privacy and a big covered porch
- Ozark’s T-style door allows you to move big furniture in and out without struggling to squeeze it through the door
Cons:
- At first, the material and the poles may be stiff and rigid – but, this goes away after a few setups
- Although the material itself is lightweight, the whole tent is on the heavier side, making it a little awkward to travel with
Best for: large-sized parties, glampers, and those who camp in pre-existing campsites.
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Cabin Tent
We’ve tested Tahoe products in the past, and they’ve always impressed. The Tahoe Gear Ozark 16 person tent did not disappoint either.
With a sturdy frame and high-grade polyester material, this tent was able to withstand strong weather in most cases with minimal leakage. The rain fly is made out of 1200mm polyester with taped seams. This extends over the door for added protection from the elements on rainy days.
The open mesh design allows for a great automatic ventilation system, stopping the tent from getting too hot. Cooler air can also enter the tent through the durable polyethylene floor.
For transportation purposes, the tent comes with a strong carry bag that contains all the tent parts. Unpacking the tent is remarkably easy, with the shock-corded poles attached making set up even easier.
Pros:
- Tahoe’s high-grade polyester exterior can take quite the beating from the elements
- The durable carry bag makes travel simple and convenient – ideal for those in a hurry
- I like the power port (by the door), which allows you to charge your devices inside the tent
- There’s plenty of center height (7 feet tall!) so taller individuals will have no problem standing up
- Lots of mesh windows and vents provide excellent airflow
Cons:
- The floor vents can sometimes allow leakage in extremely wet environments
- Fiberglass poles are not the best – it might be worthwhile to invest in aluminum poles
Best for: large families that want a spacious tent that offers superior rain protection.
3 Room Tents – Everything We Recommend
Choosing The Best 3 Room Tent
Planning a camping trip with a large group can be hard. From the equipment, to travel plans, to bringing everyone’s favorite foods, nothing is easy.
However, you can smooth out your trip by choosing the right tent. Use the pointers below to prevent any unnecessary headaches.
- Weather – Planning for the right weather conditions is extremely important, even if the weather can be unpredictable. If there’s any chance it could rain, make sure your tent has a secure rain fly. If it’s summer, make sure you have a tent with lots of windows.
- Space – “The more space, the better” doesn’t necessarily apply here. You should look for a tent that gives a good amount of room to move around but also does not have too much free space. If you have too much free space, you’re going to have a hard time keeping it warm at night!
- Function – What kind of group are you? Are you there to hike, hunt, fish, party, or just relax? Or a little bit of everything? Depending on this you want to choose a tent that will fit the main purpose and function. For example, if you’re out there to party, you should choose a tent with multiple entrances, extra space, and places to hang lights.
FAQ
Here are a few of the most common questions people ask about 3 room tents – answered:
What is the best 3 room tent?
In my personal opinion, the best 3 room tent on the market is the CORE 12 person instant cabin tent.
What are the key features to look for in a 3 room tent?
Ensuring that the tent is ready for any weather situation is important. Make sure the tent has a rain fly, or if it does not, purchase one separately.
Some tents may be better suited with a separate ground tarp to lay underneath also, but it may be best to look for a tent that already has this attached.
Ventilation is an important factor, and so is comfort. The two come hand-in-hand and should be looked at alongside each other. Ensuring that you have closable windows and adjustable ventilation is critical.
Are pre-attached pole tents better than conventional setup tents?
Yes. Whether you’re an experienced camper or someone who is just getting started, tents with pre-attached poles (otherwise known as instant tents) are a better option.
They allow for easy construction of the tent in just a matter of minutes, and after practice, even faster!
The only real downside to an is that it’s heavier than a tent with standard poles. So, if you were looking for a , it might not be the best way to go.
But, a is going to be heavy whichever way you look at it, and chances are you’ll be , so you might as well go for an setup with .
Our 3-Room Tent Rating & Review System
New in 2022, Wilderness Times has rolled out an entirely new tent rating and review system.
We’ve already been utilizing our own personal experiences, other campers we talk to, online reviews and any other piece of content we can get our hands on from YouTube videos to Amazon video reviews, etc.
But now in 2022, we’ve built out a new scoring system and algorithm powered review process. What goes into this? We grade each tent on a variety of metrics:
- Space and Comfort
- Quality and Durability
- Value
- Weather Resistance
- Ease of Use
- Intangibles (unique features and key selling points)
- User Reviews
Depending upon what you are looking for in a tent, you’ll want to pay more or less attention to each specific item.
Overall Score
All of the above metrics are factored into our algorithm to create an Overall Score. The Overall Score is going to be the best for tents that are top notch in every category accordingly.
Therefore only a tent that provides great all-around value, weather resistance, high quality materials, along with intangibles AND great user reviews will score better than a tent that is specifically made for 4-seasons, but is also extremely expensive.
Or perhaps you are looking for a great tent at a great value? In this case, your tent may not be rated the highest, because it may not be using the best of the best materials, but it will surely have the highest value to price ratio.
So while the Overall Score is important, it is not everything.
Space And Comfort
When you are camping with a large group of people, this is a huge determining factor as to whether the tent is going to live up to your expectations.
You don’t want to get this one wrong…but if you are a backpacker, you will not care as much for space and comfort, as you would for quality/durability and most of all weight.
We rate space and comfort for each tent within their tent category and size. So for a 3-room tent, since they come in different sizes, we rate them in comparison with other tents of the same size. So for a 12-person tent, we rate that tent against other 12-person tents.
But one side note – this does not mean that a 12 person tent will comfortably fit 12 people. It simply won’t. You’ll be more likely comfortably fitting 6-7 people, 8 tops.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the top 3-room tents by height:
As you can see, the Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Cabin Tent comes in the tallest at 7 feet or 84 inches, but most of the other 3-room tents are all going to give you plenty of headroom.
The Ozark Trail 12-Person, 3-Room Instant Cabin and the CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent thanks to their cabin-styles both offer plenty of head room at over 80 inches tall and wont have any spots you really need to duck down.
Now let’s take a look at the overall square footage inside each tent:
Even though these tents come in varying “sizes” you can see that they do all offer plenty of room. Clearly the Tahoe Gear tent is the biggest, but it’s also the lowest rated tent on our list overall.
Size wise, if you are looking to fit 6 to 8 people into a tent, you will want to go with one of the 12-person tents on the list: Ozark Trail 12-Person 3-Room Instant Cabin,CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent, or the CAMPROS 12-Person Tent.
Quality And Durability
This metric is pretty straightforward. We rate the tents based on their actual materials and the quality of the construction.
We also get feedback from tent owners who put it their tents the test over a long period of time.
Many tents utilize a combination of the same polyester or nylon materials, but their construction can be just as important. This all gets factored into the quality and durability score.
Also factored in the Quality and Durability score is the warranty.
While most tents have some sort of Limited warranty, many have Lifetime Limited Warranty’s, but REI for instance, only has a 90 day return policy and warrants only that the product is free from defects at the time of sale.
Value
All tents are not created equally, and not all tents are priced equally either. Coleman for instance produces a great budget tent, while White Duck produces a superior canvas tent that can withstand the elements. These tents will not be priced anywhere close to each other:
Surprisingly, many of the 3-room tents pretty affordable. The Coleman 8 Person Red Canyon Tent is a steal at only $123 (at the time of publishing), for a tent with 3-rooms. But it is only an 8-person tent, so you are only going to comfortably fit 4-5 people in it.
If you need bigger, the CAMPROS 12-Person Tent may be your next best budget pick. It is extremely effective against bad weather, but is big enough to fit a few more people into the tent.
But don’t sleep on the value of our overall best pick in the CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance is a simple metric.
Does the tent let in water, or does it not? Does the tent withstand high winds, or collapse onto itself? Does the tent have good ventilation during the summer months or does it get too hot and stuffy? This is what matters to us when we rate a tent for weather resistance:
None of these tents are going to provide 100% protection against the elements. The nature of tents are that typically the larger they get, the more vulnerabilities they will have against wind or rain.
But of all of the options, the dome tents will be your best bet if you are worried about wind and rain. The CAMPROS 12-Person Tent and the Coleman 8 Person Red Canyon Tent will be your top choices.
Ease Of Use
How fast can an average user pitch this tent? How easy it is to take down and/or utilize additional features?
Also, how much does the tent weigh? A tent weighing 55 lbs is going to score slightly lower than lightweight 12-person tent that weights 24 lbs total that can be pitched in the same amount of time.
So here is all of the data that goes into this rating:
This is where the CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent really shines. Being an instant tent, the quick setup really cannot be beat. And while it is a bit on the heavier side, it is still pretty comparable with some of the other larger tents on this list.
No matter how fast the tent pitches, you’ll still have plenty of tie downs to do, oh don’t you worry.
As with any tent, practice makes perfect, and two people helping to pitch a tent is going to make it go twice as fast, if not more!
If you are worried about weight, then you’ll want to eye in on some of the lighter dome-style tents.
Intangibles
These are the unique features or selling points of each individual tent that give it a leg up on the competition.
Does the tent have two doors? Perhaps the tent has a large vestibule for storing equipment? Is the tent is a two-room tent with a special space for the kiddos or a dog? Maybe the footprint is included in the price?
This ALL gets factored into the intangibles score.
User Ratings
Last, but not least are user reviews!
We can get a lot of great feedback from user reviews, but they aren’t perfect. The average tent owner won’t ever leave a review, so reviews are typically left by users who either have a really favorable or unfavorable experience.
Of course even that is still good information, because if 90% of tent owners leave a positive 5-star review, then that is really saying something. So we blend reviews together from various sources and come up with an average user rating score.
We also don’t simply trust the overall user rating on Amazon. We go through and read the reviews. We read the good, we read the bad, and then we factor in the quantity of reviews and calculate all of into our final User Rating score.
Here is how they shake out for 3-room tents:
As you can see, four of the 3-room tents are rated very highly. The CAMPROS 12-Person Tent in particular scored a 9 out of 10 rating. But don’t sleep on the CORE 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent or even the Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Cabin Tent both of which had very close to 9 out of 10 as well.
Our Verdict
Overall, the tents I’ve listed here are all great products fit for their purpose. But we must crown a winner!
The best 3 room tent for camping in a large group is the CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent.
This tent has all the great features you need in a large tent, regardless of weather or function. It ticks all the boxes.
The high-quality material of the tent makes for a durable and remarkably stable tent even in the harshest winds.
If you’re tall, or a person in your group is tall, you’ll have no problem with this tent. It’s spacious in height and width allowing for the comfort of a home away from home.
Remember to prepare well for your trip and use the tips I’ve provided here. And most of all, enjoy yourself. Good luck out there!
