Best Large 3-Season Tents for 2019


Our review process

Picking out a new tent is no easy task. It can be overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you need. Luckily for you, we've gathered and analyzed information on more than 500 different tents and also looked at more than 17,500 data parameters for each one, so that you won't have to look any further. Out of these tents, we then took another look at 20 large 3-season tents using our progressive machine learning platform. The following article will break down the benefits and disadvantages and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on.

Relax after a long day of hiking in a large 3-season tent. Suitable for spring, summer, and fall, 3-season tents will keep you cool in hot seasons and warm during cold months. They are equipped with mesh paneling and typically have vents to help reduce condensation. These lightweight tents are easy and comfortable to carry during long-distance treks.

With a large design, you can go camping with all of your family and share a tent. Large tents have a roomy design, so you will be able to comfortably accommodate all of your equipment while still providing a lot of sleeping space. However, they are built with a large frame, so it might be more difficult to locate a flat and clear area to set your tent up. With limited privacy, they aren't a great choice if you're sharing a tent with other people. Additionally, they are bulky, so they are more difficult to transport.

Our Top Ranking Tents:
Product NameBrandTent TypeCapacityDimensionsPole Material
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Kelty Large 6-Person Gray Cabin 3-Season 106 X 81 X 131 Inch Tent
Kelty Large 6-Person Gray Cabin 3-Season 106 X 81 X 131 Inch Tent
Kelty
cabin
6 people
106 x 81 x 131
steel and fiberglass
Runner Up
2
An image of Paha Que Wilderness Large Waterproof 6-Person Gray Cabin 3-Season 27 X 10 X 10 Inch Tent
Paha Que Wilderness Large Waterproof 6-Person Gray Cabin 3-Season 27 X 10 X 10 Inch Tent
Paha Que Wilderness
cabin
6 people
27 x 10 x 10
fiberglass
Best for Bad Weather
3
An image of Wenzel Large Waterproof 9-Person Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26.5 X 10.2 X 10 Inch Tent
Wenzel Large Waterproof 9-Person Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26.5 X 10.2 X 10 Inch Tent
Wenzel
rectangular
9 people
26.5 x 10.2 x 10
fiberglass
For Family Camping
4
An image of Kelty Large 6-Person Ponderosa Moss and Smoke Cabin 3-Season 112 X 82 X 112 Inch Tent
Kelty Large 6-Person Ponderosa Moss and Smoke Cabin 3-Season 112 X 82 X 112 Inch Tent
Kelty
cabin
6 people
112 x 82 x 112
steel
Lightweight Option
5
An image of Burton Large 6-Person Gautikat Print Dome 3-Season 62 X 38 X 18 Inch Tent
Burton Large 6-Person Gautikat Print Dome 3-Season 62 X 38 X 18 Inch Tent
Burton
dome
6 people
62 x 38 x 18
aluminum
Our Top Ranking Tents
Customer Rating
Brand
Kelty
Tent Type
cabin
Capacity
6 people
Dimensions
106 x 81 x 131
Pole Material
steel and fiberglass
Customer Rating
Brand
Paha Que Wilderness
Tent Type
cabin
Capacity
6 people
Dimensions
27 x 10 x 10
Pole Material
fiberglass
Customer Rating
Brand
Wenzel
Tent Type
rectangular
Capacity
9 people
Dimensions
26.5 x 10.2 x 10
Pole Material
fiberglass
Customer Rating
Brand
Kelty
Tent Type
cabin
Capacity
6 people
Dimensions
112 x 82 x 112
Pole Material
steel
Customer Rating
Brand
Burton
Tent Type
dome
Capacity
6 people
Dimensions
62 x 38 x 18
Pole Material
aluminum
Best Overall Score
An image of Kelty Large 6-Person Gray Cabin 3-Season 106 X 81 X 131 Inch Tent

If you're camping out with a large group, you should consider looking at the Kelty Cabin 6-Person Tent. This tent has steel and fiberglass poles, which combine two materials to create a highly durable tent structure. It is designed to withstand three seasons, so you can take this tent with you almost any time of the year, and it will be able to endure most climates. Featuring a cabin design, it is great for accommodating large groups. It features a polyester floor, which is a fabric that doesn't shrink easily and also won't get damaged by sun exposure. This 85 sq. ft. tent sleeps six campers, so you'll have a lot of space to fit your entire group.

    Pros
    • Sleeps a large group of people and all their gear, providing you with more space to fit in your camping equipment
    • Cabin design has a more spacious interior, allowing you to divide the space according to your requirements
    • Great for festivals
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester floor has a limited lifespan compared to other fabrics
    • 3-season tents are not the best choice for snowy conditions
Runner Up
An image of Paha Que Wilderness Large Waterproof 6-Person Gray Cabin 3-Season 27 X 10 X 10 Inch Tent

With the Paha Que Wilderness Cabin 6-Person Tent, you can plan a great weekend getaway. This tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that is 100% rust and corrosion proof. It is built with waterproof materials and it has storm flaps and sealed seams. Designed for three-season use, it can endure heavy rain and light snow, perfect for late fall and early winter camping. Featuring a cabin design, this tent is a durable choice due to its sturdy build. This 80 sq. ft. tent sleeps six campers, providing ample room for large families. It features a gear loft, so you will not need to waste time in the morning searching for your glasses or phone. This tent includes a rainfly, stakes, and awning poles.

    Pros
    • Waterproof protection keeps you safe from rain and other harsh weather conditions
    • Storm flaps for maximum dryness and safety during harsh weather
    • Corrosion resistant to prolong the life of your tent
    Cons
    • 3-season tents can't withstand heavy snow or hail
    • Cabin design is hard to carry on your back
Best for Bad Weather
An image of Wenzel Large Waterproof 9-Person Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26.5 X 10.2 X 10 Inch Tent

Searching for a dependable large tent for your next adventure? Consider the Wenzel Rectangular 9-Person Tent. This tent is meant for car camping trips, so take all your equipment with you without worrying about weight. It features a rectangular design, which provides ample interior space, making it one of the most common purchases. This tent is designed for three-season use, is made with weather resistant materials, and is waterproof, protecting you from heavy rains.

This Wenzel tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that will not corrode. It includes hanging pockets and is built with a gear loft, helping you keep track of personal items that can get lost over the course of a trip. With a polyurethane coating, it protects against water seepage. Made of polyethylene, its floor is naturally water-resistant and doesn't need an additional layer of protective coating.

    Pros
    • Polyethylene floor does not fall apart with prolonged water exposure
    • Features an easy setup, taking just two minutes to put together
    • Features a lightweight design, giving you coverage and protection without contributing too much weight
    Cons
    • Polyurethane coating is susceptible to peeling off the tent surface after limited use
    • Lightweight tents are usually less spacious than bulkier tents
    • 3-season tents are not designed for areas of very harsh wind
For Family Camping
An image of Kelty Large 6-Person Ponderosa Moss and Smoke Cabin 3-Season 112 X 82 X 112 Inch Tent

If you're going camping with a large group, you should take a look at the Kelty Cabin 6-Person Tent. This tent has a cabin design, allowing you to split up the interior according to your needs. It is designed for three seasons of the year and has taped floor seams, protecting you from strong downpours and stormy weather. It has steel poles, which are highly durable and are not likely to break with applied force. This tent includes storage pockets, so you can eliminate any mess and have everything in its place.

    Pros
    • Noiseless zipper allows you to quietly open and close the tent
    • Taped floor seams prevent water from seeping inside the tent if you get caught in a storm
    • Fits a large group of people and all their gear, making it great for camping with children
    Cons
    • 3-season tents can't be used in extreme winter conditions
    • Cabin design is bulky
Lightweight Option
An image of Burton Large 6-Person Gautikat Print Dome 3-Season 62 X 38 X 18 Inch Tent

Are you looking to buy a new large tent for your next family camping experience? Make sure to take a look at the Burton Dome 6-Person Tent. This Burton tent features a dome design, requiring only the poles to be slid into the slots for fast pitching. It has aluminum poles, which can bend under pressure but are relatively simple to repair. Designed for three-season use, this Burton tent withstands the weather conditions of spring, summer, and fall.

This tent includes storage pockets, so you can easily keep track of all your things. It is designed to accommodate six people. With reflective ropes, it makes it easy to tie and secure your tent even in the dark. This Burton tent includes a repair kit and stakes.

    Pros
    • Easy setup can be assembled almost instantaneously once you unpack it
    • Features a lightweight design, making it easy to take this tent with you no matter the trail
    • Mesh windows promote fresh airflow
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester floor has a limited lifespan compared to other fabrics
    • Lightweight tents are usually less spacious than bulkier tents
Best Affordable Option
An image of Stansport Large 6-Person Blue and Tan Dome 3-Season 26.5 X 6.2 X 6.2 Inch Beach Tent

With the Stansport Dome 6-Person Tent, you can plan an incredible weekend getaway. This tent has fiberglass poles, which are made of lightweight materials and will not corrode. It features a dome design, requiring only the poles to be slid into the slots for fast pitching. Designed to withstand three seasons, it keeps you protected when it's rainy or windy, ideal for summer, fall, and spring weather conditions. Perfect for the beach, it is made from breathable but windproof fabric. This Stansport tent has storage pockets, allowing you to put away any equipment so it doesn't get lost or damaged. It is designed to accommodate up to six people.

    Pros
    • Perfect for the beach, providing excellent shelter from the wind and sun
    • Accommodates a large group of people and all their equipment, making it great for camping with kids
    • Includes storage pockets to keep your gear and equipment safely stowed
    Cons
    • Dome design can take more time to pitch than pop-up tents or other designs
    • 3-season tents can't be used in extreme winter conditions
    • Affordable tents are unable to withstand harsh weather
Additional Picks
An image of Kelty Large 6-Person Freestanding 3-Season 120 X 98 X 74 Inch Tent

If you're camping out with a large group, you should consider looking at the Kelty Freestanding 6-Person Tent. With a freestanding design, this Kelty tent can be set up anywhere. It is designed for three-season use and features an adjustable fly, providing a larger or smaller air passage, depending on climate and weather conditions. This Kelty tent has a polyester floor, which is water-resistant. It is equipped with a gear loft and includes nightlight pockets, helping keep your tent clean and organized. This tent has aluminum poles, which can support large amounts of weight and are unlikely to snap with applied pressure.

    Pros
    • Color-coded pole sleeves help speed up the time in which you pitch your tent
    • Features an easy setup, sparing you assembly time so you can get directly to the outdoors
    • Adjustable fly keeps your tent protected from the rain
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester floor has a limited lifespan compared to other fabrics
    • Freestanding design is the least lightweight option
An image of Slumberjack Large Polyester 6-Person Non-Freestanding 3-Season Tent

Use the Slumberjack Polyester Non-Freestanding 6-Person Tent for your next epic hike for the utmost safety and comfort while spending time outdoors. This tent features a non-freestanding design, which stands upright on stakes. Featuring polyester material, it is lightweight which makes it easy to hike with. With the ability to withstand three seasons, this tent keeps you protected when it's rainy or windy, ideal for summer, fall, and spring weather conditions. It has fiberglass poles, which are made of lightweight materials and will not corrode. This 94.2 sq. ft. tent accommodates six people and is perfect for family camping. It is built with wind-resistant materials, standing up to fierce winds, so you will feel comfortable inside the tent no matter the conditions outside. It comes with stakes and a carry bag.

    Pros
    • Made of polyester, making it lightweight, so you can take on your next trekking experience
    • Features a full No-See-Um mesh, helping you remain cool while still providing protection from insects
    • Built with wind-resistant materials, keeping you cozy inside the tent
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester has low breathability and is prone to condensation
    • Polyester floor has a limited lifespan compared to other fabrics
An image of Eureka Large Waterproof Polyester Taffeta 8-Person Orange Dome 3-Season 28 X 10 X 10 Inch Tent

If you're going camping with a lot of people, you should take a look at the Eureka Polyester Taffeta Dome 8-Person Tent. With a dome design, this tent can remain secure in windy conditions without guy lines or stakes. Constructed from polyester taffeta, it dries quickly, so you don't need to worry about having to delay your morning start because of a wet tent. It is designed for three seasons of the year, so you can use this tent almost any time of the year, and it will be able to handle most climates. This Eureka tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that is 100% rust and corrosion proof. Designed with a polyurethane coating, it protects against water seepage. It is designed with waterproof materials, making sure that the tent remains dry during inclement weather. This tent is designed to accommodate eight people.

    Pros
    • Polyester taffeta has a more waterproof design than other tent materials, making it a reliable choice for any weather condition
    • Waterproof protection keeps your belongings safe in heavy rain
    • 8-person tents give the entire group plenty of space to spread out
    Cons
    • Polyurethane coating is susceptible to peeling off the tent surface
    • Polyester taffeta is susceptible to becoming very hot in warm weather
    • PU-coated polyester floor is not as strong as silicone-coated fabric
An image of Suisse Sport Large 6-Person Blue Dome 3-Season Tent

With the Suisse Sport Dome 6-Person Tent, you can plan a great weekend away. This Suisse Sport tent has a dome design, keeping its shape, even in windy conditions. With the ability to withstand three seasons, it can endure heavy rain and moderate snow, perfect for late fall and early winter camping. It accommodates six people, providing ample room for large groups. This tent has mesh pockets sewn into the side, allowing you to put away any equipment so it doesn't get lost or damaged.

    Pros
    • Fits a large group of people and all their gear, making it great for camping with children
    • Features mesh pockets sewn into the side, keeping your essential items all stored in one accessible and convenient spot
    • Dome design is built to handle strong winds
    Cons
    • Dome design is less stable in larger sizes
    • 3-season tents can't be used in extreme winter conditions
Large 3-Season Tents: Here's Some More Information To Think About:
Which Pole Material Best Suits Your 3-Season Large Tents?
Tents with Aluminum Poles

We recommend you check out a 3-season large tent with aluminum poles, like this one. Aluminum poles are very strong yet lightweight, so heavy winds and snow won't break the poles. The poles will only bend if overloaded beyond their safety limit, which can be easily fixed. Something to consider is that they are prone to corrosion, so they aren't suitable to use in humid areas.

Tents with Fiberglass Poles

We recommend you check out a 3-season large tent with fiberglass poles, like this one. At a more affordable price, fiberglass poles are perfect if you're shopping on a budget. These poles won't be affected by heat in the summer and cold in the winter, so they can be used in all weather conditions. They are corrosion and rust resistant, so they can last for years without deteriorating if handled properly. Something to consider is that these poles are hard to connect, so they may be a nuisance to assemble, especially if you've been hiking all day. In addition, they are much more fragile compared to aluminum poles, so they are likely to shatter if broken, which can cause damage to your tent canvas material.

Tents with Steel Poles

We recommend you check out a 3-season large tent with steel poles, like this one. Steel poles are usually coated, painted, or plated, so they won't be affected by the damaging effects of rust. These poles are durable, so they won't easily bend, snap, or shatter. However, they come with many pieces and instructions, which can make them hard to connect. Moreover, they are not very flexible, making them best for semi-permanent structures, such as cabin tents.

Some Designs Offer More Room at the Base of the Tent, Others Maximize Ventilation-Let's See What Makes Sense for Your 3-Season Large Tent
Non-Freestanding Tents

The non-freestanding design for your 3-season large tent will greatly enhance your next camping adventure. Non-freestanding tents are lightweight, making them very easy to carry. They are staked to the ground, so they are more windproof than freestanding tents. One downside is that they must be pitched to the ground, so they might be a bit more difficult to set up and take down compared to other types of tents. If a non-freestanding design seems like the best choice for you, check out this fantastic one.

Tunnel Tents

If you're interested in a tunnel design for your 3-season large tent, keep reading to discover if this is the right tent for you. Tunnel tents are supported by one or two poles for added durability. They have a lightweight construction, so you can hike greater distances and enjoy camping without being weighed down by heavy equipment. With a low-rise build, only two people can sit up at once. Another downside is that they feature less ventilation, which makes them more prone to internal condensation. If you're looking for a tunnel design, check out this great one.

Dome Tents

Resisting strong winds, it may be worth your while to take a look at the nine 3-season large tents with a dome design. Dome tents are typically supported by cross poles, so they can withstand the strongest of winds and heaviest of snow. They have plenty of headroom, so your tent will have a roomy feel. These aerodynamic tents can resist extreme winds. These dome tents are easy to set up and take down since they rely on just one center pole for support, making them perfect if you will be stopping frequently for short stays at various campsites. They have a lightweight construction, so you can hike greater distances and enjoy camping without being weighed down by heavy equipment. If you are interested in learning more about a dome design, try taking at a look at this option available.

3-Season Large Tents Come in Different Kinds of Materials
Polyester Tents

If you go camping often, it is important to get the perfect material for your 3-season large tent. Polyester tents dry quickly, saving you time when you want to continue on your journey. They are extremely water repellent, so moisture won't get trapped inside the roof of the tent and form mildew and mold. However, these tents limit airflow, so they might feel stuffy inside. Another downside is that they are more likely to lose their color from extended sun exposure. Made your decision on material? For a wonderful choice, explore the 3-season large tent.

Poly-Cotton Canvas Tents

If you go camping often, it is important to get the perfect material for your 3-season large tent. Poly-cotton canvas tents provide good insulation, so you will stay warm and comfortable during the night. Now that you know all about poly-cotton canvas, you'll want to consider this awesome one.

Polyester Taffeta Tents

There are two 3-season large tents made from polyester taffeta. These tents dry fast, saving you time when you want to continue on your journey. However, they limit airflow, so they might feel stuffy inside. In addition, they are more likely to lose their color with extended sun exposure. Now that you're a bit of an expert on polyester taffeta, you'll want to consider this awesome one.