Welcome to the world of camping with the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room. This exceptional tent is designed to enhance your outdoor experience by blocking 90% of sunlight, providing ease of use, and ensuring a pleasant atmosphere. Whether you’re embarking on a family camping trip or enjoying a weekend getaway with friends, this tent offers an array of features that will make your camping adventure memorable. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features, materials, ventilation, suitability for different conditions, and our final thoughts on the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room.
Key features & benefits
- Dark rest design.
- Screen room.
- Huge waterproof rating.
- 2 Rooms.
- Great price.
What is this about
The Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room is a new addition to their lineup, expanding upon the popular 6-person Carlsbad model. This upgraded version accommodates 8 people and features a similar dome-style design
Dark Rest Design

One of the standout features of the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room is its innovative dark rest design. Constructed with a specially designed dark material, this tent is engineered to block 90% of sunlight, creating a dark and restful environment inside. This not only promotes better sleep but also helps to reduce the heat inside the tent, ensuring a comfortable and cool interior even on hot summer days.
Screen Room

Another notable feature of this tent is the inclusion of a spacious screen room. The front screen room offers additional space for relaxation, socializing, and storing camping gear. It serves as a versatile area where you can enjoy the outdoors while being protected from insects. It is important to note that while the screen room is floored, the sides are not fully protected by the fly, and there are no inner panels. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions against ticks and similar creatures when using this area.
Huge Waterproof Rating
When it comes to protection against the elements, the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room excels. The tent boasts an impressive 3000 mm waterproof rating, ensuring reliable waterproofing even during heavy rain showers. The floor is constructed with a strong and tub-like material, featuring patented welded corners for enhanced durability. Additionally, the tent utilizes inverted seams, a feature found in all Coleman tents, to prevent water from seeping through the stitching.
2 Rooms
Designed to accommodate a larger group, this tent is classified as a 2-room tent. It consists of a fully sealed back room with a floor and a front screen room. The back room provides privacy and protection from the elements, making it suitable for sleeping or storing personal belongings. On the other hand, the front screen room offers an open and airy space, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the outdoor scenery. It is important to note that while the screen room does provide some protection, it is not fully rainproof.
Great Price
One of the standout advantages of the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room is its affordability. Despite its numerous features and benefits, this tent is offered at a very reasonable price point. It provides excellent value for campers who are looking for a tent that combines functionality, durability, and affordability. Whether you are a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor lifestyle, this tent offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.
Tent Design and Construction
Structure and Setup
The Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room features a sturdy and reliable structure that is designed for easy setup and convenience. The tent follows a dome-style design, providing a stable and spacious interior. Setting up the tent is a breeze, thanks to the Fast Pitch technology employed by Coleman. This innovative technology utilizes pre-attached poles and a hub, fast-fit feet, and snag-free clips, allowing for a quick and hassle-free setup process. Whether you are a seasoned camper or a beginner, you will appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of the tent’s setup.
B. Materials
The Poles:
The tent is supported by a system of 3 + 1 fiberglass shock-corded poles. These poles are lightweight yet sturdy, ensuring the stability and durability of the tent structure. The Fast Pitch technology, which incorporates these poles, contributes to the tent’s easy setup and enhances its overall performance.
The Fabric:
The fabric used in the construction of the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room is carefully selected to provide optimal protection and comfort. The tent offers a substantial 3000 mm waterproof rating, which means it can withstand heavy rain without compromising its integrity. While this rating is impressive, it’s worth noting that some users have reported occasional leaks. Nevertheless, the tent’s floor is designed with tub-like construction and patented welded corners, adding an extra layer of durability and water resistance. The tent also features inverted seams, a common feature in Coleman tents, to prevent water from seeping through the stitching.
Other Features:
- Illumilin reflective guy lines: These reflective lines enhance visibility during nighttime, preventing tripping hazards and allowing for easier navigation around the tent.
- E-port: The inclusion of an E-port enables campers to bring electrical power inside the tent. This feature is particularly useful for charging electronic devices or powering essential camping equipment.
Ventilation
Mesh Windows and Door
The Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room prioritizes airflow and ventilation to ensure a comfortable interior environment. The tent is equipped with mesh windows that allow fresh air to circulate throughout the space while providing panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Additionally, the inner door is partially protected under the fly, allowing campers to enjoy good airflow while still maintaining some level of privacy. These mesh openings not only promote ventilation but also help in keeping pesky insects outside the tent.
Ridge Pole Design
The tent’s ridge pole design plays a crucial role in optimizing ventilation. By raising the fly on the sides, the ridge pole creates vent-like openings that facilitate the escape of trapped heat and moisture. These openings act as natural vents, allowing for proper airflow and preventing condensation buildup inside the tent. While the ridge pole design contributes to ventilation, it’s important to note that the screen room’s angled front mesh limits its height. This means that if you plan on sitting in the screen room, you may need to use lower chairs to ensure a comfortable seating position.
Who is this Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Tent for?
Regarding the Area:
While the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room is marketed as an 8-person tent, it’s important to note that the actual usable space may not comfortably accommodate eight individuals. The estimated inner tent area is around 108 ft² (10 m²). Therefore, it is recommended to consider this tent suitable for smaller groups or families of up to five people. This allows for ample space for sleeping arrangements and storage of personal belongings.
Regarding Seasons:
The Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room is most suitable for summer camping or up to two seasons. Its design and construction prioritize ventilation and airflow, making it an excellent choice for warm weather conditions. However, for harsher seasons or extreme weather, it is advisable to consider tents specifically designed for those conditions.
Regarding Climate:
This tent is best suited for moderate climates and regions with minimal rainfall. While the tent does offer a substantial 3000 mm waterproof rating, some users have reported occasional leaks, so it is recommended to exercise caution during heavy rain. The tent is designed to withstand winds of up to 35 mph; however, it is always advisable to evaluate weather conditions and exercise caution in windy areas.
Regarding the Weight:
The Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room weighs approximately 26.55 lb (12 kg). With its larger size and sturdy construction, it is considered a heavier tent. Therefore, this tent is best suited for camping trips where you have access to a vehicle for transportation. It is not recommended for backpacking or situations where carrying the tent over long distances is necessary.
Packed Size:
When packed, the tent has dimensions of 30 x 13.3 x 12.8 inches (76 x 34 x 33 cm). The tent’s packed size is relatively bulky, which further emphasizes its suitability for car camping or trips where portability is not a primary concern. The larger packed size provides enough space to accommodate the tent along with other camping essentials in your vehicle.
Regarding the Price:
One of the standout advantages of the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room is its affordability. Despite its numerous features and benefits, this tent offers a very good price point. It provides excellent value for campers seeking a tent that combines functionality, durability, and affordability. Whether you are a budget-conscious camper or looking to make a cost-effective investment in a feature-rich tent, this option is worth considering.
Specifications:
- Weight: 26.55 lb (12 kg)
- Official Capacity: 8 people
- Dimensions: 15 x 12 ft (457 x 366 cm)
- Inner Area: Approximately 108 ft² (10 m²)
- Screen Room Area: Approximately 70 ft² (6.5 m²)
- Peak Height: 6 ft (183 cm)
- Packed Size: 30 x 13.3 x 12.8 in (76 x 34 x 33 cm)
Pros
- Sleep better with a dark rest design.
- Enjoy extra space and fresh air with a screen room.
- Get great value for money.
Cons
- May not comfortably accommodate the advertised capacity.
- Relatively bulk
Conclusion
The Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room proves to be an exceptional choice for campers seeking a feature-rich and affordable camping tent. With its dark rest design, spacious screen room, and impressive waterproof rating, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Although the official capacity may not be realistic, and the tent can be a bit bulky, the numerous advantages outweigh these minor drawbacks. Overall, the Coleman 8-Person Carlsbad Dark Room Dome Camping Tent with Screen Room delivers on its promises and provides campers with a reliable and budget-friendly option for their outdoor adventures.