As an avid camper, I’m always on the lookout for camping gear that combines practicality, comfort, and affordability. During my recent search for the perfect family camping tent, I stumbled upon the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch. Its impressive features and budget-friendly price tag immediately caught my attention.
In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with this spacious tent and provide you with all the essential details you need to know before making a purchase.
So, if you’re in search of a camping tent that can accommodate your entire family or a group of friends, stay tuned. I’m excited to take you through the ins and outs of the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your outdoor adventures.
Let’s dive in and discover the wonders this tent has to offer!
Key Features & Benefits
- Two Rooms plus a Screen Room: Provides separate living spaces and a screened area for bug-free relaxation.
- 4+2 Windows: Ample windows for natural light and ventilation, with mesh and zippered panels for privacy and rain protection.
- Steel & Fiberglass Poles: Sturdy construction with steel legs for stability and fiberglass roof poles for structural support.
- E-cable Port: Convenient access to power for lighting and charging electronic devices.
- Freestanding Design: Easy setup and positioning, but staking is recommended for stability.
- Spacious Capacity: Accommodates up to 12 people, with a sewn-in divider for privacy.
- Suitable for Warm Weather Camping: Ideal for summer camping due to its design and mesh ceiling.
- Convenient Storage: Multiple storage pockets for organizing smaller items.
- Included Accessories: Steel and plastic stakes, guy ropes, and corner joints provided.
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for a spacious family camping tent.
What Type of Tent is This?
When it comes to camping tents, understanding the specific type of tent can help you make an informed decision.
In the case of the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch, let’s delve into the details of its design and categorization.
Cabin-style Design with Straight and Tall Walls:
The Ozark Trail tent features a cabin-style design, characterized by straight and tall walls. This design maximizes interior space, allowing campers to move around comfortably without feeling cramped.
The vertical walls also make it easier to set up cots or air mattresses, ensuring a more comfortable sleeping arrangement.
Three-Room Tent:
The tent falls under the category of three-room tents due to its structure. It consists of two inner rooms and a front screen porch. While the inner divider is sewn-in, providing a bit of privacy, it’s important to note that it may not offer complete isolation.
However, the multiple rooms allow for organization and designated spaces, enhancing the overall camping experience.
Screen Room for Bug-free Outdoor Enjoyment:
One of the highlights of the Ozark Trail tent is the front screen porch. This area is un-floored, which means you can place camping furniture in it without worrying about the ground.
The screen porch provides protection from flying insects while allowing you to enjoy the outdoor environment. It’s an excellent space for relaxation, dining, or even cooking, thanks to the included roof that provides shade.
Freestanding Design for Easy Setup:
The tent is designed to be freestanding, which means it doesn’t require external support for setup. However, it’s important to note that due to its tall and heavy construction, it’s highly recommended to stake down the tent using the included stakes.
This ensures stability, especially in windy conditions. While the tent can stand on its own, staking it down adds an extra layer of security.
Tall Peak Height for Spacious Interior:
With a peak height of 90 inches (229 cm), the Ozark Trail tent offers a pleasant and tall interior space. The increased headroom allows campers to move around comfortably without feeling confined. Whether you’re standing, sitting, or changing clothes, the generous height adds to the overall livability of the tent.
Understanding the type and design of the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch gives you insights into its features and functionality.
The cabin-style design, three-room structure, screen porch, freestanding capability, and tall peak height contribute to its versatility and suitability for family camping.
Doors & Windows
A well-designed tent should provide easy access and adequate ventilation. In the case of the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch, the doors and windows play a crucial role in enhancing convenience and airflow. Let’s take a closer look at the doors and windows of this tent:
Two Huge Doors for Accessibility
The tent features two large doors that provide convenient entry and exit points. Each of the inner rooms has its own door, allowing campers to access their respective spaces without disturbing others.
The two doors also facilitate airflow and ventilation throughout the tent, helping to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.
Multiple Windows for Ventilation and Views
The tent boasts four separate windows on three sides of the main cabin area. These windows are strategically positioned to maximize ventilation and airflow, ensuring a fresh and comfortable interior.
All windows are equipped with mesh and zippered panels, providing options for privacy and protection against rain when necessary. Additionally, the two inner doors also feature mesh and panels, contributing to airflow and keeping pesky bugs out.
The Screen Room
The screen room of the Ozark Trail tent features a spacious inverted-T-shaped door. This large opening allows easy access to the screen porch area, making it effortless to move in and out of the space.
Whether you’re enjoying meals, socializing, or simply relaxing, the inverted-T door ensures smooth transitions between the interior and the screen room.
Unobstructed Views in the Screen Room
The screen room, while not featuring panels like the windows, provides unobstructed views of the surrounding outdoor scenery. Whether you’re enjoying the sunset, watching the stars, or keeping an eye on the kids playing outside, the screen room allows you to have a panoramic view while being protected from insects.
The thoughtful design of the doors and windows in the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch ensures easy access, proper ventilation, and the opportunity to connect with nature.
The multiple doors and windows, coupled with mesh and zippered panels, offer versatility in terms of privacy, airflow, and protection from the elements.
Who Is It For?
When it comes to accommodating a larger group of campers, the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch offers ample space. With its declared capacity of 12 people, the tent provides a roomy interior measuring 168 ft² (15.6 m²).
Now, you might be wondering if there’s enough room for everyone. Well, let me break it down for you. With approximately 14 ft² (1.3 m²) per person, individual space may be somewhat limited, but fear not. You can get creative with the layout and make it work.
Room for More:
I’d suggest considering bunk camping cots to optimize the space and comfortably accommodate even more than the declared capacity. Who says you have to stick to the numbers?
The tent is flexible, and you can tailor it to suit your needs. Plus, the added screen room gives you an extra 54 ft² (5 m²) of covered space.
While it may not provide full rain protection due to its mesh walls, it’s still a cozy spot to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
Ideal for Warm Weather:
If you’re planning a summer camping trip, look no further. The Ozark Trail tent is designed to keep you cool and comfortable in warmer weather. Picture this: the mesh ceiling allows refreshing airflow, creating a pleasant environment.
Just make sure to choose a location with the right climate. You might not feel as great in cooler temperatures, as the focus is on ventilation rather than insulation.
Caution in Windy Conditions:
Now, here’s a friendly piece of advice. When setting up the tent, it’s crucial to find a calm and sheltered spot. You see, the Ozark Trail tent boasts an impressive peak height of 90 inches (229 cm), which gives it a tall and commanding presence. While this height provides a pleasant and spacious interior, it also makes the tent more susceptible to wind.
To ensure a stable and secure camping experience, it’s important to stake down the tent properly and choose a location that offers protection from strong gusts. Trust me, you don’t want to struggle with a wobbly tent in gusty winds. Stability is key to a peaceful camping experience.
And remember, the tent’s cathedral roof design is visually appealing, but it’s not built to handle any extra weight. So, let’s save the snow adventures for another tent.
Considerations for Transportation:
Now, let’s talk logistics. The tent is a bit of a heavyweight, tipping the scales at 44 lb (20 kg). Its packed size of 28.9 x 17.3 x 10.9 inches (73 x 44 x 28 cm) means it’s not the most compact package either.
You’ll definitely need a car or some reliable transportation to bring this beast to your camping destination.
Ease of Setup:
Setting up a tent shouldn’t be a struggle, right? Luckily, the Ozark Trail tent is fairly straightforward to assemble. With a little teamwork and around 20 minutes or so, you’ll have your temporary home ready.
I highly recommend having a partner to help with the fly, especially given the tent’s impressive height. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Materials
Understanding the materials used in the construction of a tent is crucial for assessing its durability, reliability, and overall quality. Let’s explore the materials employed in the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch:
- Poles:
The tent’s structure relies on a combination of steel and fiberglass poles. The steel legs provide robust support and stability, ensuring that the tent remains upright even in moderate winds.
On the other hand, the four roof poles are constructed from fiberglass, offering flexibility and structural integrity.
- Attachment Methods:
The tent utilizes a combination of sleeves and clips for pole attachment. The sleeves on the roof provide a secure fit for the fiberglass poles, while the clips make the process of setting up the tent easier and more efficient.
Additionally, the tent features the traditional pin-and-ring system at the base, ensuring a secure connection between the tent body and the poles.
- Fabric:
While the official information regarding the tent’s fabric and its waterproof rating is not explicitly provided, it’s important to note that the rain fly of the Ozark Trail tent features taped seams.
This helps to enhance its water resistance, particularly on the roof section. However, the level of waterproofing throughout the entire tent is not specified.
Other Features
The Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch offers several additional features and accessories that contribute to its functionality and convenience. Let’s take a closer look at these features:
- Stakes:
The tent package includes a total of 6 steel stakes and 13 plastic stakes. These stakes are essential for securing the tent to the ground, providing stability and preventing it from being blown away by wind or other environmental factors.
- Guy Ropes:
Included with the tent are 10 guy ropes. These ropes are used to further stabilize the tent by anchoring it to the ground. Guy ropes are particularly useful in windy conditions, as they provide added support and prevent the tent from swaying or collapsing.
- Corner Joints:
The tent comes equipped with 8 corner joints, which play a crucial role in connecting the poles and maintaining the tent’s structural integrity. These joints ensure a secure and stable framework, contributing to the overall durability of the tent.
- Storage Pockets:
The Ozark Trail tent features several storage pockets on its walls. These pockets offer a convenient solution for organizing and storing smaller camping essentials such as flashlights, phones, or other personal items.
Having these pockets within easy reach enhances the overall organization and tidiness of the tent’s interior.
Specifications
Here’s a table presenting the specifications of the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch:
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Declared Capacity | 12 people |
| Weight | 44 lb (20 kg) |
| Inner Dimensions | 14 x 12 ft (4.27 x 3.66 m) |
| Floor Area | 168 ft² (15.6 m²) |
| Area per Person | 14 ft² (1.3 m²) |
| Screen Room Area | 54 ft² (5 m²) |
| Peak Height | 90 in (229 cm) |
| Packed Size | 28.9 x 17.3 x 10.9 in (73 x 44 x 28 cm) |
Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch vs Competitors
When considering a camping tent, it’s helpful to compare it with similar options on the market. Let’s compare the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Screen Porch to a couple of its competitors, highlighting its unique features and advantages:
- NTK Super Arizona GT 12:
The NTK Super Arizona GT 12 offers superior protection with its full-coverage fly and high waterproof rating. However, the Ozark Trail tent provides a screen porch for bug-free outdoor enjoyment, which the NTK Super Arizona GT 12 lacks. If bug protection is a priority, the Ozark Trail tent might be a more suitable choice.
- Tahoe Gear Gateway 10 to 12 Person Deluxe Cabin:
The Tahoe Gear Gateway tent is also a summer camping tent, similar to the Ozark Trail model. However, it’s important to note that the Tahoe Gear tent is a tunnel tent, whereas the Ozark Trail tent features a cabin-style design.
The cabin design of the Ozark Trail tent offers straight and tall walls, maximizing interior space and providing a more livable camping experience.
To further compare these tents, here is a table summarizing their key specifications:
| Tent Model | Ozark Trail 12 with Screen Room | Tahoe Gear Gateway 12 | NTK Super Arizona GT 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight, lb (kg) | 44 (20) | 39.6 (18) | 42 (19) |
| Floor Size, sq ft (sq m) | 168 (15.6) | 215 (20) | 210 (19.5) |
| Peak Height, in (cm) | 90 (229) | 84 (213) | 83 (210) |
| Packed Size, in (cm) | 28.9 x 17.3 x 10.9 | 29.6 x 13.7 x 9.7 | 28 x 16 x 14 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Type | Cabin | Extended Tunnel | Extended Dome |
| Awning | Screen Room | No | Yes |
| Rooms | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Final Thoughts, Rating, Pros & Cons
If you’re considering other tent options, here are a few additional recommendations:
- Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent: This tent offers quick and easy setup with its pre-attached poles. It features a spacious interior and a weather-resistant design, making it suitable for various camping conditions.
- REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent: Designed with comfort in mind, this tent offers a roomy interior and a removable divider for added privacy. It also features excellent ventilation and durability, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
- CORE 9-Person Extended Dome Tent: This tent provides a balance of space, affordability, and convenience. It features a unique extended dome design, multiple windows for ventilation, and a durable construction that withstands the elements.
Please feel free to leave any questions or comments in the comment box below. I assure you that this review is not sponsored, and I am not affiliated with any specific brand. Your feedback and engagement are greatly appreciated. Have a wonderful day!
