North Face Wawona 6
Best overall family-camping tent, offering the largest floor area (86 sq ft) and robust construction.
Consolidated from 20 cited sources across 19 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 1 enthusiastic source
- 11 positive sources
- 6 neutral sources
- 1 unconvinced source
2 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
Although marketed as a top-tier family tent, it is heavier and less weather-resistant than the Kelty Wireless 6 at a higher price point. It offers no clear advantage over cheaper options.
Flagged 23 August 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Largest floor area among family tents
- ✓ Robust construction for weather resistance
- ✓ Wirecutter’s best for family camping
- ✓ Spacious floor area for families
- ✓ Excellent weather protection
- ✗ seam failures reported after a year of use
- ✗ Higher weight
- ✗ Less weather resistance compared to similar tents
- ✗ Heavier than comparable options
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 11 articles and 9 video reviews
1 enthusiastic source
11 positive sources
Your family will love camping in the The North Face Wawona 6 , a long-standing favorite in our testing that keeps beating the competition year after year. Why? This tent is just amazingly large, comfortable, and convenient. The vestibule is like having a two-car garage attached to the tent. The main tent area is a luxurious 85 square feet, creating a remarkable living space.Read O
In this case, the North FaceWawona 6 tent fits that bill, providing the highest quality camping experience of any of the 6-person tents in its class. Specifically, it achieved its highest score for its durability and workmanship.Watch C
The North Face Wawona 6 earns our top spot because it nails the things that matter most for family camping : lots of livable space, a tall interior most adults can stand up in, and a massive vestibule that makes camp life easier. After testing more than 50 tents over dozens of nights in Colorado , the Wawona 6 is the one we keep coming back to.Read T
Elevate your camping experience with the ultimate in spaciousness, durability, and comfort.Watch B
The North Face Wawona 6’s 86.1-square-foot floor is easily spacious enough for a couple or small family, and it fits four 26-inch-wide Nemo Roamer pads side-by-side when arranged parallel to the door. With the same pads set up in an L-shaped configuration, this tent could comfortably sleep three people, plus all of their gear.Read A
It's overall a pretty impressive tent. I understand cost to people and at the end of the day it is a tent and you'll have to justify if that cost is right for you. And this is going to be a review where there isn't really much of a preconception about all the features. I did not study up on the tent. I simply stayed in it. And I'm used to staying in cheaper tents.Watch B
Compared to the The North Face Wawona 6 , which uses similarly thick materials but didn’t show the same wear, the Westward 6 falls just slightly behind. Still, taken as a whole, it’s a well-built, durable tent that should hold up to regular use.Read A
Users consistently mention that it feels solid and stable even in light to moderate wind. Space is a major advantage. Designed for six people, it comfortably fits sleeping bags, CS, and gear while still allowing movement inside. Reviewers say it feels roomier than other six-person tents, making it great for families or groups who want more comfort while camping.Watch O
The North Face Wawona 6 proved the ultimate family tent for tester Jenny Wiegand and her family of 4, with enough space for a pack-n-play and a full-sized camping mattress.Read T
So, I'm I'm just glad I finally got something, you know, worthy, good quality. Uh especially now that I got the truck. There we go. Now I got the truck. Just trying to make more videos. Finally getting serious about the camping stuff. Uh my buddy's going to meet me in just a little bit. Uh we're still getting set up. We're headed out to Belfare, Washington.Watch P
And for families who want a genuine basecamp experience, the North Face Wawona 6 offers an unmatched combination of space, comfort, and durability at a fair price.Read
6 neutral sources
The North Face Wawona 6 is our overall winner for best camping tent . It has a generous vestibule that can fit a bike or camping table. It's not quite as easy to set up and is more expensive. It has similar peak height and packability but is sturdier in the wind. Learn more in our in-depth review of The North Face Wawona 6 camping tent .Read T
One of the cons is that the window drapes can only be done from the outside. So, if you've got the window flaps open and you decide you want them closed, you have to get up and get out of the tent and roll them down. Not a deal breaker, but it's kind of annoying. It does have a couple of vents on the sides.Watch S
But no tent is perfect, and the Wawona’s mesh-heavy build, expansive interior, and roomy vestibule earn it a spot among our favorites. For more, read our full review of The North Face Wawona 6 .Read G
While the livability and build quality earn consistent praise—scoring 8.0/10 overall with 9.0 for durability—reviewers note the rainfly has a learning curve, the included stakes are weak, and the tent is heavy for backpacking. Best for car camping families who prioritize space and comfort over ultralight portability.Watch C
Pros ✅ Uncommon stability for a large family tent ✅ Predictable behavior in sustained wind ✅ Quiet, well-tensioned fabric Cons ❌ Requires careful staking ❌ Premium priceRead N
Cons: Screen room height declines noticeably by 6”Read
1 unconvinced source
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #4 (A tier) on our consolidated tents board, drawn from 20 cited sources across 19 outlets.
seam failures reported after a year of use. Higher weight. Less weather resistance compared to similar tents. Heavier than comparable options.
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