Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent

Are you in the market for a spacious, durable, and affordable 12 person tent? Look no further than the Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent! This tent is perfect for car camping trips and accommodating large groups.

Before purchasing this family-sized tent, it’s important to understand the key features, setup process, and real customer reviews. Use this comprehensive buying guide to learn everything you need to know about the Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent!

Overview of the Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent

The Ozark Trail brand is known for producing affordable and reliable outdoor gear sold exclusively at Walmart. The 12 person tent is roomy enough to fit 3 queen air mattresses or multiple sleeping bags. With multiple room dividers and doors, and standing head room, it’s built for comfort.

This tent features welded corners and inverted seams to make it waterproof in light rain. The polyethylene floor adds durability. For ventilation, it has large mesh roof vents and mesh windows.

Some key specs of the Ozark Trail 12 person tent include:

• Dimensions of 20 x 10 feet
• Center height of 78 inches
• Weight of 38 pounds
• Polyester taffeta fabric with polyurethane coating
• Water resistance rating of 1500mm

This tent is designed for casual camping in mild weather. While it provides sleeping space for a large group, it may be cramped with 12 people and gear. Ideal capacity is 8-10 people.

Step-by-Step Setup of the Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent

Setting up the Ozark Trail 12 person tent is best done with 2+ people. Expect setup to take 15-20 minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a flat, level campsite free of rocks, sticks, etc. Unroll and lay out the tent.
2. Assemble the fiberglass poles. There are 2 longer poles that form the roof framework and 1 shorter pole for the room divider.
3. Insert the poles through the pole sleeves on the roof. Connect the ends of the poles together with the included pin and ring system.
4. Stake down the 4 corners of the tent first using the provided stakes.
5. Next, stake down the rest of the loops around the bottom edges.
6. Attach the room divider pole and clip it to the main roof poles.
7. Drape the rainfly over the tent and secure it with the Velcro loops at each corner.
8. Stake out the rainfly away from the tent walls for more airflow.
9. Roll out sleeping pads or air mattresses inside and enjoy!

With practice, setup can be done in 10 minutes. Follow the included instructions closely your first time.

Waterproof Performance of the Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent

This Ozark Trail tent provides water-resistance, though it is not fully waterproof. The seams are inverted rather than taped, so heavy rain may lead to leaking.

The polyester taffeta fabric has a 1500mm water-resistance coating to shed light rain. This rating means it can withstand light showers less than 1.5mm per hour before moisture starts to seep through.

For downpours, the included rainfly is essential. It protects the roof and doors from getting soaked. Make sure to stake out the rainfly several inches away from the tent walls. This allows for airflow to reduce condensation.

While this tent offers decent water protection for car camping, backpackers should look for a tent with a higher waterproof rating. Adding a tube of seam sealer can also improve the Ozark Trail tent’s weatherproofness.

Durable Design and Quality Materials

The Ozark Trail brand focuses on creating affordable gear, yet doesn’t skimp on quality. This 12 person tent is built to last using robust fabrics and construction:

• 68D polyester taffeta fabric – This tight weave creates a durable, lightweight shelter. The tent walls are opaque to block sunlight and heat.
• Polyethylene floor – PE material helps make the floor water-resistant and puncture-resistant from rocks and sticks.
• Fiberglass frame – The shock-corded poles flex in wind versus breaking. Fiberglass is also resistant to rust and corrosion.
• Mesh roof vents – Improve airflow and cooling while keeping out bugs and rain when closed.
• YKK zippers – Known for their smoothness and durability on the doors and windows.
• Bar tacked stress points – Reinforced stitching prevents ripping at high-use points.

While affordable, the Ozark Trail tent is built to handle regular outdoor use. With proper care, it can serve large groups for years.

Spacious and Flexible 12 Person Layout

This tent delivers ample space to fit a crowd with thoughtful room arrangements:

• 3 room dividers split the tent into rooms that can be zipped closed for privacy.
• 2 doors make entry and exit easy with a removable divider between them.
• 78 inch center height allows most people to stand comfortably inside.
• 10 x 20 footprint provides 200 sq ft of floor space.

While advertised as a 12 person tent, the ideal capacity is actually 8-10 people to allow room for pads and gear. Four queen airbeds can fit inside the sleeping area.

The flexible room dividers allow you to customize the layout. Separate kids, parents, and gear into different “rooms” for more privacy. This adds to the spaciousness since you’re not all packed in like sardines!

Adequate Ventilation from Meshed Roof Vents

Proper airflow is important in a large tent to reduce interior condensation. The Ozark Trail 12 person tent promotes adequate ventilation:

• Large mesh roof vents run along the ridgeline to let rising hot air escape.
• Mesh windows on doors and room dividers improve air circulation.
• Air vents located at floor level allow cool air intake.
• Rainfly vent flaps along the roof improve airflow from underneath.
• Open mesh doors provide cross-breezes on hot days.

Ventilation could still be better for a tent this size. Adding extra guy lines to roll up side walls helps increase airflow on hot, humid days.

While not on par with expensive backpacking tents, the mesh vents make the interior climate comfortable in most weather. Just don’t expect it to be cool on scorching hot days.

Withstanding Strong Winds

The Ozark Trail 12 person tent performs reasonably well in windy conditions thanks to several features:

• Dome-style tents are naturally stronger against wind pressure versus cabin designs.
• Diagonal roof poles create a sturdier posture than horizontal poles.
• Fiberglass poles flex gently in gusts before breaking.
• Guy lines and stakes provide crucial support in high winds when used properly.
• Rainfly flaps release pressure from wind when added.
• Ventilation prevents the tent from becoming a billowing sail in wind.

While fairly stable, it’s still a lightweight camping tent vulnerable to gale force winds. Severe storms, mountain conditions, or winds over 25 mph can cause poles to snap.

Add guy lines to all loops and stake the tent as taut as possible. Check it frequently in windy weather to reinforce loose areas. Avoid exposed sites on high-wind days.

Where to Buy the Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent

As an exclusive Walmart brand, there is only one place to buy genuine Ozark Trail tents – Walmart stores and their website.

The Ozark Trail 12 person tent is stocked at most Walmart superstores that have sporting goods and camping departments. Availability depends on season and inventory.

For the widest selection and easy online ordering, shop directly on Walmart’s website. The tent usually costs between $150-$250 depending on whether any sales or markdowns are running.

Walmart offers free in-store pickup for online orders. This saves time and shipping costs. Make sure to inspect the tent and parts before taking it home.

While found elsewhere online, listings from 3rd party sellers may be counterfeit Ozark Trail tents. For authenticity and warranty protection, stick with Walmart.

Cleaning and Care of the Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent

Like any camping shelter, the Ozark Trail 12 person tent requires regular cleaning and preventative care for longevity. Here’s how to keep it in great shape:

• Air dry completely before packing away to prevent mildew in the fabric.
• Sweep out debris like dirt, leaves, pine needles so they don’t abrade the floor.
• Spot clean stains on the walls with a soft brush, mild detergent, and water.
• Spray down with cleaner occasionally to remove accumulated dirt. Let it dry fully.
• Check for tears or holes needing repair after trips. Seal them with seam sealer.
• Waterproof annually using tent sprays or silicone-based solutions. Re-coat the rain fly too.
• Zippers should be lubricated with wax to keep teeth sliding smoothly.
• Store loosely in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, moisture, and rodents.

With regular cleaning and preventative maintenance, an Ozark Trail tent can last for many seasons of camping.

Impressively Lightweight for its Huge Size

One remarkable stat about this tent is its weight versus capacity. At 38 pounds, the Ozark Trail 12 person tent is impressively lightweight given its generous proportions.

Comparably sized tents usually weigh 50+ pounds. The light polyester fabric, fiberglass poles, and simple dome architecture help keep the overall heft low.

A 38 pound tent is still bulky and heavy to lug around. This makes it best suited for car camping versus backpacking. Plan to have at least two people help carry the tent to and from the campsite.

While manageable for short distances from a parking spot, don’t expect to hike miles into the backcountry with it. The weight savings are more apparent during setup. Less fatigue means it gets pitched quicker and easier.

Just know at 38 pounds, you sacrifice some ruggedness found in heavier-duty tents. But for a budget-friendly car camping tent, it hits a sweet spot of spaciousness and light weight.

How It Compares to Similar Large Tents

The Ozark Trail 12 person tent belongs to the budget-tier when compared to similar large camping tents. Brands like Coleman and Core Equipment offer comparable models:

Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent

• Price – $150-$250
• Weight – 38 pounds
• Doors – 2
• Windows – 8
• Waterproof – 1,500 mm coating
• Packed size – 30 x 15 inches

Coleman Prairie Breeze 12 Person Tent

• Price – $290-$350
• Weight – 44 pounds
• Doors – 1 roomy
• Windows – 3 taped
• Waterproof – Polyguard fabric
• Packed size – 34 x 12 inches

Core 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent

• Price – $450-$550
• Weight – 52 pounds
• Doors – 1 wide
• Windows – 5 wall vents
• Waterproof – 68D coated
• Packed size – 35 x 12 inches

The Ozark Trail tent holds its own with more mesh, similar space, and easier setup. But the higher-end models offer better rain protection, durability, and ventilation.

Overall, the Ozark Trail 12 person tent punches above its weight class given the bargain price. But serious campers may want to invest more for hardcore performance and weather resistance.

What Reviewers Are Saying About This Tent

This tent earns an average 4.5/5 star rating across over 600 reviews on Walmart’s site. Here’s what real-world users like and complain about:

Pros

• Easy, quick setup with color coded poles
• Spacious interior with room dividers
• Well-made for the very low price
• Withstands light rain and wind fine
• Mesh windows and roof vents
• Fits 4 queen air mattresses comfortably

Cons

• Condensation build up when fully zipped
• Water pools on roof instead of running off
• Rainfly is thin and tears easily
• Stitching loosens easily over time
• Not as sturdy or weatherproof as costlier models

Overall, buyers agree this huge tent is a steal given the expansive space and cheap price. Just don’t expect hardcore performance in severe weather. It’s best for occasional fair weather trips.

Fast and Relatively Simple Setup Process

Despite its massive size, the Ozark Trail 12 person tent doesn’t take too long to pitch. With 2+ adults working together, expect setup to take 15-20 minutes.

The color coded fiberglass poles and pole sleeves make the roof framework intuitive to assemble. Staking down the tent is also quick with several helpers.

First time setup may take 30+ minutes reading the directions closely. But after 1-2 practices, setup becomes much easier.

Time-saving tips for fastest setup include:

• Unroll and stake down the tent before inserting poles
• Separate and arrange poles, stakes before starting
• Start pole assembly in the middle, not the ends
• Roll out sleeping pads & bags in advance
• Bring cordless power drill to drive stakes faster

While not the quickest tent to pitch, given its huge size the Ozark Trail model sets up faster than expected. Take advantage of the multiple entrances by leaving doors open while getting set up inside.

Yes, It Comes with a Handy Rainfly

To provide extra wet weather protection, Ozark Trail equipped this tent with a large rain fly. The polyethylene fly covers the entire roof and doors when added.

Features of the rain fly include:

• Waterproof PE fabric to shield from rain & wind
• Wraps over roof vents keeping mesh open while dry
• Extends several feet out for better weather buffering
• Loops & grommets to stake fly off tent walls
• Vents along roofline improve airflow from underneath
• Reflective guy lines for night visibility

The rainfly is essential to use in case of rainstorms. Without it, water will pool on the roof and seep through. Take time staking out the fly away from the walls for best circulation.

While helpful, the thin fly fabric is prone to tearing over time. Bring repair tape as the fly lacks tape-sealed seams found on costlier tents.

Tips for Packing the Tent Away

After a camping trip, avoid haphazardly stuffing the tent back into its small carry bag. Try these tips for smoothly packing it away:

• Let the tent fully air dry before packing to avoid mildew.
• Shake off debris and sweep out dirt from inside.
• Carefully disassemble poles & stakes, keeping all parts together.
• Neatly fold tent walls along existing creases to minimize wrinkles.
• Roll up from front to back to flatten further. The more compact, the better.
• Loosen the top of storage bag so there is room to insert the tent.
• Slide tent in vertically rather than forcefully jamming the bundle.
• Compress down by adding weight like coolers or sitting on the bag as you tighten it.
• Return poles to side pouches and use compression straps to secure.

Proper packing technique ensures the tent fits in the carry bag and reduces wear. With some finesse, the tent can be broken down small enough to easily transport and store.

Backed by a Satisfaction Guarantee

All Ozark Trail tents are backed by Walmart’s 100% satisfaction guarantee. If any issues arise due to defects in materials or workmanship, you can return the unused tent for a full refund.

Contact Walmart’s customer service department about problems requiring replacement parts or repair. In some cases, they may offer reimbursement or a new tent exchange.

This basic manufacturer’s warranty lasts for 1 year from the date of purchase. Keep the original receipt or order invoice as proof.

For problems arising from accidents, weather, or general wear and tear, you’re on your own for repairs. The warranty only covers factory flaws causing damage.

Overall the warranty protection provides helpful peace of mind for major defects. But carefully inspect the tent when purchasing and prior to use.

Two Large Doors Allow Easy Access

Entering and exiting this spacious tent is a breeze thanks to two extra-large D-shaped doors. Each door measures 86 x 52 inches in size.

The dual door design allows for:

• Separate entrances – Keep one as the front, one as the back door.
• Increased ventilation – Roll both up to create cross breezes.
• Quick access – No more crawling over others to get in or out.
• Versatile setups – Pitch doors facing views or away from wind/rain.
• Lots of natural light – Two doors means more sunlight inside.
• Added privacy – Room dividers between doors can separate spaces.

While zipper and mesh panels take some time to open and close, the oversized doors are a helpful feature. Enjoy easy entry along with flexible setup options.

Fits Multiple Air Mattresses with Room to Spare

Thanks to its cavernous interior dimensions, the Ozark Trail 12 person tent can comfortably fit 3-4 queen size air mattresses:

• Place mattresses side by side or feet facing center.
• Inflate mattresses to around 80% full for more space.
• Use fitted sheets to prevent mattresses from sliding apart.
• Let some air out during the day for lounging space.
• Deflate completely for tight packing when tearing down.
• Add foam or self-inflating pads for more cushioning.
• Use cots instead of air beds for greater comfort.

The 200 square feet of floor space leaves room for gear storage, pets, or activities. Just avoid filling the tent to max capacity for livability. 8-10 people is recommended.

Comes with a Spare Pole and Needed Stakes

Inside the carry bag, you’ll find several accessories included with the Ozark Trail 12 person tent:

• Spare fiberglass pole – Allows for replacement of broken poles
• 25 steel stakes – Provides plenty for staking down the tent
• 6 guy lines – Adds support in windy conditions
• Carry bag – Fits packed tent and poles for transport
• Pole repair splint – Mends breaks in fiberglass poles
• Seam sealer – Waterproofs stitching and floor material
• Pole clips – Secures poles together and to tent fabric

Having backup parts and plenty of stakes ensures you can pitch the tent properly on diverse terrain. These extras add value over buying them separately.

Carefully inventory all contents against the list printed on the carry bag. Parts can be easily misplaced after your first setup.

Better Suited to Mild Weather Camping

This budget-friendly 12 person tent is best suited to camping in mild, dry weather conditions. Both hot and cold extremes present some challenges:

Hot weather:

• Large mesh vents still may not prevent interior heat
• Thin fabric lets in intense sunlight
• Condensation collects from high humidity

Cold weather:

• Lack of taped seams allows cold air inside
• Weak poles risk snapping under heavy snow load
• Condensation soaks sleeping bags with frost

While adaptable to shoulder seasons, summer heat waves or winter snow will tax this tent. Focus use to moderate temperatures between 40-80°F for best experiences.

How to Patch Tears in the Fabric

Like any lightweight tent, tears in the fabric are inevitable after prolonged use. Catching them early and patching properly ensures the tent stays functional.

Here’s how to fix small tears:

Supplies needed

• Tent seam sealer or silicone sealant
• Tent patch tape or Tenacious Tape
• Tent fly repair tape for rain fly holes
• Isopropyl alcohol wipes
• Paint brush or gloved hands

Steps

1. Clean around tear with alcohol to remove dirt. Allow to fully dry.
2. Apply seam sealer liberally on underside of fabric around the tear.
3. Place patch tape sticky-side down over tear. Smooth to adhere.
4. Apply sealer around edges of tape for extra sealing. Let cure 24 hours.
5. On rain fly holes, use special repair tape made for coated fabrics.

Catch tears when small and patch properly to get more seasons of use from the tent. Avoid applying seam sealer in temperatures under 50°F.

Conclusion

The Ozark Trail 12 Person Tent delivers impressive capaciousness and versatility at a very wallet-friendly price point. For large groups who want convenience and comfort without breaking the bank, it’s a great choice.

Thisbuying guide provided key details on sizing, setup, waterproofing, durability, ventilation, wind resistance, where to buy, care and cleaning, weight, comparison to other models, reviews, ease of setup, included accessories, warranty, and more.

While it requires some compromise versus premium tents, the Ozark Trail model still performs admirably given the bargain price. Focus camping adventures to mild weather and capacities of 8-10 people and you’ll enjoy this spacious tent for years to come.