7 Best 20 Person Tent
Carla Arbuckle
If you like to take camping trips with your large or extended family, or with friends, a 20 person tent can provide enough accommodation for a large group. An extra large tent can be a fun and practical way to get everyone together and they’re also great for events such as festivals, or for accommodation at special occasions.
Here, we’re going to look at the key points to consider when you’re looking into the best 20 man tent for your needs, and review some of the available options.
Location
Naturally, giant tents that can accommodate up to 20 people are sizable and can be heavy. If you’re looking for huge camping tents with rooms to take to pitch for an event, this isn’t a big issue as you don’t need to transport it far. However, if you’re looking for a big tent to take to a festival or for camping in remote locations where you’ll be hiking in and out, the size and portability is a bigger consideration. Some tents are provided with storage bags but it’s worth checking this detail as it can vary by model and manufacturer.
The floor area of a twenty person tent can be considerable, and you need to add to that the amount of extra space to stake the tent. Some designs are simple circular or rectangular shapes but others, such as large family cabin tents, can be more irregular, so you may need a larger area of clear ground to put them up.
You also need to consider the type of surface you’ll be camping on. Many tents need to be staked into the ground so need to be put up on earth rather than a solid surface.
Use
One of the most important factors in choosing your tent is what it will be used for. Your needs will be different if you’re choosing a tent for an event such as a wedding or party than if you’re searching for the biggest camping tent.
Tents for a celebration tend to have a sturdier construction and often, a heavier frame. They may have more windows along the walls to let in plenty of natural light, and large doors to allow people to enter and exit freely.
If you’re seeking a tent for camping trips, your needs may depend on who you’ll be camping with. If you’re a large family, a tent with one large communal space may work well for you. However, if you’re camping with a group of friends, you may prefer to opt for a tent which can be divided into smaller spaces. These give some degree of privacy, creating a smaller room within the expanse of a twenty person tent. The dividers are often removable so the space can be used flexibly.
When selecting extra large camping tents, bear in mind that the stated maximum capacity may reflect the number of people that can fit into the tent ‘backpacker style’, which means people laying in an individual sleeping bag. This may not leave much space for storing gear or personal items. If you want to have room for airbeds and for backpacks or luggage, you might want to choose the largest camping tent for a more comfortable experience.
When you plan to use your tent is also important. If you’re a fair weather camper only and your tent will be used in the summer months, check that the tent has windows for ventilation. Cooler air circulating will mean a more restful sleep, and mesh at the windows is helpful both for privacy and to keep bugs out. Many tents use a fabric that blocks a proportion of UV rays and this can be another useful feature in the summer months.
Even in the summer months there can be downpours, so check the tent is waterproof and has some kind of groundsheet to prevent water from coming in through the floor. Many extra large camping tents have sturdy, reinforced seams for protection from the elements.
If you want to be able to camp year-round, then you should look for sturdy tents that can withstand more unsettled weather including windy conditions. Some of the biggest tents for camping will have a stove jack opening to keep the inside warm even during the winter months.
Whatever time of year you plan to use your tent, you will want it to last. Look out for durable fabrics and tents with a robust construction, that include features such as a breathable finish that prevents mould. Zippers should also be heavy duty and be sewn in with reinforced stitching so they last for the life of the tent.
Setup
Even if you are a seasoned camper, the setup of a large tent can be more complex than you are used to given the size of 20 person tents.
A tent of this size will usually need at least two people to put it together, and potentially more. Not only is the structure larger, the frame construction may also be bulkier and heavier to support the size. Some of the largest tents can be several metres high at their peak, especially those intended for event use. Tents for events and celebrations may also need an anchoring system.
Some useful features to look out for in terms of setup are colour coded poles, so it’s clear which pieces fit together, and groundsheets which are separate or can be zipped out so the tent can be taken down easily in wet conditions.
Related Tent Buying Guides Based On Capacity
7 Best 20 Person Tent
1. OZARK Trail – 20 Person Cabin Tent
2. Shade Tree – Heavy Duty Wedding Tent
3. Delta – 30’x20′ PVC Pole Tent
4. OZARK Trail – Weather Resistant Cabin Tent
5. White Duck – Luxury Avalon Canvas Bell Tent
6. NTK – Super Arizona GT
7. White Duck – Large Canvas Wall Tent
OZARK Trail – 20 Person Cabin Tent
This is a cabin style tent with separate rooms arranged around a central space, making four rooms in total. Each room has its own access door to the outside. This is a 20 man tent if everyone is using an individual sleeping bag, or it will fit up to six queen size air mattresses for a roomier experience, with one mattress in each side room and three in the central space.
There’s a total of eight windows in the tent for good ventilation and the central area has a domed ceiling with a height of over 2 meters, for a pleasant environment you can walk around in. There are plenty of handy pockets throughout the tent for storage of small items and holding gadgets or water bottles, and there’s also a port for a power cable.
This is a great giant camping tent well-suited to summer trips in mild weather. Putting this tent up is quite simple, and it packs down to a compact size meaning it can be transported easily.
Pros
- Large, roomy design for a pleasant experience.
- Three side rooms for privacy.
- Side rooms have direct access.
- Central area for socialising if you’re camping with a smaller group.
- Eight windows for ventilation.
Cons
- If you’re using this tent at the maximum 20-person capacity, there is limited space for gear.
Our Take
There are many options on the market when you’re searching for giant camping tents, each offering their own benefits. Our favourite 20 person camping tent from the options we’ve reviewed here is the Ozark Trail 20 Person Cabin Tent, and here’s why:
- Big cabin tents such as this one offer flexibility and privacy for large groups camping together.
- Each of the four separate rooms has its own access.
- Plenty of windows for great ventilation.
- Central room has a domed ceiling with over 2 metre ceiling height.
- Great extra features, such as storage pockets and a power cable port.
Shade Tree – Heavy Duty Wedding Tent
This is one of the best large tents if you’re looking for a tent for a special event or occasion, such as a wedding or outdoor party. This tent has an overall size of 20 feet by 30 feet and has a galvanised steel tube frame. There are removable side walls with lattice windows, and end walls with zippers for doorways, a great feature for summer events when you want the option to open up the tent if the weather is fine. The heavy duty polythene fabric for the side walls and end walls is waterproof and also blocks 90% of UV rays.
This is an ideal choice if you need the biggest tent for an outdoor event or celebration. Due to the size, this tent does need an anchoring system and will require several people to put it together.
Pros
- Huge overall size.
- Removable side walls with windows.
- Heavy duty waterproof fabric.
- Sturdy frame construction.
- Great for outdoor events.
Cons
- Intended for events rather than as a big camping tent.
Our Take
Delta – 30’x20′ PVC Pole Tent
This is a large and heavy duty tent for outdoor events such as weddings and parties, measuring 30 feet by 20 feet. The canopy is 12.8 feet at the peak adding to the feeling of spaciousness. There are also attractive arched windows along each of the walls to let in plenty of natural light and give views of the surroundings.
The four PVC sidewalls are removable and there are two zipper doors. The top cover has been heat-bonded to make it 100% waterproof.
This tent is set up using a high quality galvanised steel frame. It needs to be secured by ropes and stakes put into the ground, so should be erected on areas of grass or earth rather than hard surfaces. All the hardware is included, along with storage bags to hold the tent when not in use.
Pros
- Large size for hosting events.
- Peaked roof with high head height makes this tent feel extra spacious.
- Sturdy, galvanised steel frame.
- Removable PVC sidewalls with attractive arched windows.
- Supplied with storage bags.
Cons
- Intended for event use rather than as a multiple person tent.
Our Take
OZARK Trail – Weather Resistant Cabin Tent
If you’re looking for giant tent camping, this 16 person tent is packed with features for a comfortable stay. There are two room dividers which can separate the tent into three rooms, for added privacy. There are also three doors to enable easy access. The high ceilings mean it’s easy to walk around.
This 3 room family tent can fit 16 people in sleeping bags or for extra comfort and space, it’s a great size for four queen size air beds. There’s a removable fly which can be removed if you want to watch the night sky, leaving a mesh roof for bug protection and ventilation. The six windows also help air to circulate. A handy mud mat and drain help keep the inside dry and organised.
Extra features in this tent include three E-Ports for connecting power cables and storage pockets for keeping your gadgets easy to find. It’s relatively easy to put up and can be put up in around 20 minutes by two people.
Pros
- Three separate rooms for comfort and privacy.
- Three access doors.
- High ceilings.
- Mesh roof and six windows for ventilation.
- Simple to put up.
Cons
- If you’re looking at extra large family camping tents, this may not be large enough for you.
Our Take
White Duck – Luxury Avalon Canvas Bell Tent
This is a great example of a bell tent, a style which has become increasingly popular for camping and glamping use at festivals and gatherings. The 20foot version can sleep up to 10 people in one large room. If you are a family wanting to share one space, this is one of the best large family tent models. The head height is 3 feet at the centre and over 9 feet at the centre, making it feel spacious.
There are 12 windows and four air vents to help keep the air circulating, with mesh screens at the door and windows to prevent bugs getting inside. This large tent is made from cotton canvas, and uses a heavy duty centre pole and door frame. The groundsheet can be zipped out and the sidewalls rolled away. which makes it easier to pack the tent away in wet conditions, and also means the tent is versatile for other uses as well as camping.
This tent can be used in all four seasons, with a stove jack allowing a stove to be used in colder weather.
Pros
- Spacious feel thanks to the tall head height.
- Suitable for use in all four seasons.
- Groundsheet and sidewalls can be zipped away.
- Fashionable style for glamping and festivals.
- Plenty of windows for excellent ventilation.
Cons
- Can sleep up to 10 people.
Our Take
NTK – Super Arizona GT
This is a great option if you’re looking at family size tents that can accommodate up to 12 people. The centre ceiling height is over 6 foot, and the tent is roughly 20.6 feet long and 10.2 feet wide, giving a roomy and spacious feeling.
There’s a detachable room divider, offering the option to create a separate room for privacy. This model has two large D-style doors and three windows for ventilation, and a breathable inner tent. It features a micro-mesh material to protect you from mosquitos and other bugs.
This durable tent has a high quality floor to keep the water out and a full coverage rainfly made with double layer polyester laminated with polyurethane to withstand wet weather. The frame uses a fibreglass compound and has colour-coded, connected poles for straightforward assembly.
There’s a handy oversized utility pocket with bottle holder for storing items, and on the ceiling, a lantern ‘O’ ring and further storage.
Pros
- Detachable room divider allowing you to create two rooms.
- Two doors and three windows for ventilation keeping you cool in the summer.
- Mesh material to keep bugs out.
- Waterproof construction with full coverage rainfly and high quality floor.
- Sturdy, fibreglass frame with easy construction.
Cons
- No power port.
Our Take
White Duck – Large Canvas Wall Tent
This is a large, straight-walled, tent available in a range of sizes. If you’re looking for extra large tents for camping, the largest option can sleep up to 14 people. The straight walls are 5 feet high and the centre peaks at 9 feet, giving a spacious feeling to the interior.
The tent is constructed with premium canvas, treated with a breathable finish. There’s a weatherproof tent wall skirting and a heavy duty groundsheet that offers insulation against the cold ground as well as stopping rainwater from entering. The frame is in robust anodized aluminium, with sturdy stakes and ropes that have a bungee cord system to keep the tent securely tethered.
There’s a double door at the front of the tent which has a buckle fastening system for extra protection during strong winds or heavy rain. The doors and windows have mesh to give ventilation but keep bugs out. A stove jack opening with weather flap means that this tent can be used in cooler weather, making this a four season option for giant tent camping.
A useful optional extra with this tent is a porch (purchased separately) giving extra space for eating and relaxing.
Pros
- High ceiling gives a spacious feeling.
- Premium canvas with breathable finish.
- Gives protection from the elements with tent wall skirting and groundsheet.
- Stove jack opening.
- Can be used year-round.
Cons
- Space cannot be divided into separate rooms.
Our Take
