While most 4-person tents feel cramped when you actually get four people inside, the North Face Wawona 4 takes a different approach. It’s built for comfort first, with nearly vertical walls and enough space to stand up straight – features that make it perfect for extended campground stays, even if it means sacrificing some portability.
I’m James Ian and I’m a national park and camping expert. I didn’t just test this tent in my backyard. After running tests on several tents (see my comparison of the best 4 person tents here), this is the one I chose to keep and take with me on all my car camping trips.
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Table of Contents
Overview of The North Face Wawona 4 Person Tent
The North Face Wawona 4 stands out as a top pick for car camping and family trips. It’s built with quality materials – a 150D polyester floor and 75D polyester canopy that’ll handle rough weather like a champ. The tent’s 68-inch peak height lets most people stand up inside, and the massive front vestibule gives you extra space for gear or hanging out.
Setup is pretty straightforward thanks to color-coded poles and trims. The vert first time I did took a bit longer, but now it’s very quick and easy.
The floor space (96 x 90 inches) fits a queen air mattress with room to spare, making it perfect for two people and their stuff, though it’s a bit snug for four adults. The double-wall construction and large mesh door keep things dry and well-ventilated, while multiple storage pockets help keep your gear organized.
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| Item Weight | 13 pounds |
| Size (packed up) | 27 x 13.6 x 8.5 inches |
| Size (set up) | 96″W at back | 73″ W at front | 90″L + 42″ vestibule |
| Height | 75” |
| Floor Area | 58.13 Square Feet |
| Style | Dome with vestibule |
| Seasons | 4 Season |
| Number of rooms | 1 + vestibule |
| Occupant Capacity | 4 |
| Price | Check current price on Amazon |
Ease of Setup and Takedown
The Wawona 4’s setup system is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. The color-coded poles and trims make it easy to figure out what goes where. The first time took a bit longer, but now it takes me about 10 minutes.
If you’re a first time camper, you might want to have someone help you put it up the first time, especially with the rainfly. The tent poles can feel tight at first, but they loosen up with use.
One heads up – the instructions aren’t super clear, so you might want to check out some online videos before your first setup. Once you’ve done it a couple times, it’s really not bad at all.
How to Erect the The Northface Wawona 4 Tent
Follow this video I made of me putting up the Wawona 4:
Tent Size and Interior Space
The Wawona 4’s floor space measures 96 x 90 inches, offering 58.13 square feet of living area. At 68 inches tall, it’s comfortable for most people – campers up to 6’2″ can stand upright in the center. I’m 6 feet and you can see in this photo how tall it is.
However, while it’s marketed as a 4-person tent, it’s most comfortable for two people plus gear.
A queen-size air mattress fits nicely with room left over for backpacks and camping equipment. I used to just camp with a thin sleeping pad, but as I’ve gotten older, I always use an inflatable mattress (find one here if you’re looking), so I prefer to go with a bit bigger tent to comfortably accommodate it. If you’re planning to sleep four adults, it’ll work but feels tight.
The vertical walls make the space feel bigger than typical dome tents, and the multiple mesh pockets help keep small items off the floor. The massive front vestibule adds an extra 27.6 square feet of protected space for storing wet gear or setting up camp chairs.
Vestibule Size and Functionality
The Wawona 4’s standout feature is its huge front vestibule, adding nearly 28 square feet of covered space to the tent. It’s like having an extra room – perfect for storing wet boots and backpacks or setting up a couple of camp chairs when it’s raining.
The vestibule’s has kept my gear bone-dry through heavy storms, and it works great as a sheltered hangout spot during bad weather.
The setup is fairly simple with the pole-supported design, though getting the vestibule taught takes a bit more time than the main tent body.
One thing to note – there’s no rear vestibule, so all your covered storage is up front. I don’t mind this since the front vestibule is so roomy, but it’s worth keeping in mind when planning your camp layout.
Durability of Materials and Construction
The Wawona 4 comes with heavy-duty 150D polyester flooring and 75D polyester for the canopy and rainfly, each treated with a 1,200mm polyurethane coating.
The tent holds up great in rough weather – I’ve stayed dry through downpours and steady in winds up to about 35 mph. The DAC MX poles are strong without adding extra weight.
The stitching and seams are solid, and the zippers work smoothly. I did hear from someone that the mesh storage pockets can tear if you stuff them too full, though I haven’t experienced this myself.
The tent’s overall build quality gets high marks. It’s tougher than cheaper options I’ve used and tested.
One thing to note: this version doesn’t have flame-retardant coatings.
Weather Resistance
The North Face Wawona 4 holds up really well in bad weather. Its double-wall design with polyurethane-coated fabrics keeps rain out even during heavy storms. As I mentioned, I’ve stayed totally dry through downpours, and the tent stays stable in winds up to 35 mph thanks to its sturdy pole structure and guylines.
One criticism I have is that condensation can build up inside during cold, wet nights. The large mesh front door helps with airflow, but you’ll want to keep the rainfly vents open to reduce moisture buildup. And make sure that your mattress or gear doesn’t touch the sides of the tent.
The rainfly provides good coverage, though it could reach closer to the ground for better protection in driving rain.
Most weather-related issues come down to proper setup – getting the rainfly nice and tight makes a big difference in how the tent handles storms.
Ventilation and Airflow
The Wawona’s large mesh front door is its main ventilation feature, letting in plenty of fresh air on warm days. The hybrid double-wall design creates good airflow between the tent body and rainfly, which helps cut down on stuffiness. When it’s hot out, you can roll up the vestibule for extra breeze, though you’ll lose some privacy.
The tent has built-in vents in the rainfly that you can prop open or close depending on the weather (see the photo above). This helps move air even when the rainfly’s on during rain.
The tent can get a bit warm during summer afternoons, but opening both doors and positioning the tent to catch cross-breezes helps. The mesh ceiling panels let hot air escape while keeping bugs out, and they’re great for stargazing on clear nights.
Storage Options
The Wawona’s mesh design comes loaded with smart storage features. The interior walls have plenty of mesh pockets that keep small items like headlamps and phones within easy reach. There’s also ceiling storage where you can stash tablets or lights – just don’t overload these pockets since a few users mentioned they can tear if stuffed too full.
I’ve found that the tent’s organizational setup works well for weekend trips, with enough spots to keep everything tidy and off the floor.
Inside, you’ll find pockets at different heights, making it easy for everyone to have their own spot for personal items. The ceiling pockets are especially handy at night when you need quick access to a light or other essentials.
Door Design and Accessibility
The Wawona 4 camping tent has two doors – one up front and one at the back.
The front door’s extra wide opening makes loading gear super easy, and the mesh panels let you see what’s coming before unzipping. The back door’s handy for quick exits without disturbing your tentmates or tracking mud through the vestibule.
I have noticed that the rainfly zipper sometimes catches on the fabric, especially when you’re zipping in a hurry. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you’ll want to go slow with the zippers to avoid snags.
The doors roll up and tie back neatly when you want them open, though you’ll need to close up for privacy since the mesh is pretty see-through.
Both doorways have a small lip at the bottom that helps keep water from running in during rain, but it’s low enough that you won’t trip over it at night.
Portability and Packed Size
The North Face Wawona tent packs down to 27 x 10 x 10 inches, which fits nicely in most car trunks.
At 13 pounds packed weight (11 pounds 11 ounces trail weight), it’s not something you’ll want to carry far from your car, but that’s pretty standard for a family camping tent this size. The tent comes with a drawstring carry bag, though some users aren’t fans of this style – it can be tricky to get everything back in without a compression system.
For car camping trips, the weight isn’t much of an issue since you’re parking close to your site. The packed size is manageable for one person to carry short distances, but it’s more comfortable with two people moving it from car to campsite. If you’re looking for backpacking instead, you’ll want something lighter – this tent’s really built for drive-up camping.
Weight Considerations
At 13 pounds packed weight (11 pounds 11 ounces trail weight), the Wawona camping tent sits squarely in car camping territory. You won’t want to haul this tent far from your parking spot – it’s just too heavy for backpacking trips.
The weight comes from those beefy materials like the 150D polyester floor and 75D canopy, plus the sturdy DAC MX poles that give it stability in rough weather.
While the weight might seem like a lot compared to backpacking tents, it’s pretty standard for a family-sized car camping tent. I don’t mind the weight since I’m just moving it from my car to the campsite.
Comfort Features
The Wawona 4’s tall ceiling height really makes a difference in livability. At 68 inches high, you won’t spend your camping trip hunched over. I’m 6 feet tall and I can stand up straight inside. The nearly vertical walls help the space feel bigger than typical dome tents, giving you more usable room to move around.
The floor space fits a queen air mattress with room left over for bags and gear. I’ve set up my mattress comfortably, with enough space to change clothes without bumping into tent walls.
The multiple ceiling pockets keep essentials off the floor, making the living space feel less cluttered.
When the weather’s nice, the large mesh panels offer great views and cooling breezes. At night, the interior stays cozy thanks to the double-wall design that blocks drafts while letting moisture escape.
Seasonal Versatility
The North Face Wawona tent shines through spring, summer, and fall camping trips. Its double-wall design handles chilly spring mornings and hot summer afternoons equally well. The tent stays comfortable in warm weather thanks to its large mesh panels and good airflow, while the rainfly and sturdy construction keep you dry during those unexpected spring storms.
Long-term Durability and Performance
While it’s not built for winter camping, I’ve found it comfortable in temperatures from the 40s up to the 90s.
The vestibule comes in handy during shoulder season camping – it’s a great spot to shake off wet gear or muddy boots before heading inside. The tent runs a bit warm during peak summer days, but opening both doors creates a nice cross-breeze. For fall camping, the tight construction blocks those chilly winds while maintaining good ventilation.
After months of use, my The North Face Wawona is holding up really well. The 150D polyester floor keeps standing up to rough campsite surfaces, and the seams are still solid even after repeated setup and takedown. The zippers still run smooth and the rainfly’s waterproofing keeps working – no signs of leaking even after lots of rainy nights.
The poles have maintained their shape and strength, though the color coding on them has started to fade after lots of sun exposure.
The mesh pockets are showing a little wear, but the main tent body is staying strong. The vestibule fabric hasn’t sagged or stretched out over time, which can be an issue with cheaper tents.
The tent bag’s drawstring system is not holding up the best, though. I’m thinking of buying another bag to keep it in. Not a big deal, but something to know.
Price and Value for Money
The North Face Wawona tent sits in the mid-range price bracket for family camping tents. While it costs more than basic models, I really think that the quality matches the price tag. The tent’s sturdy materials, like the thick polyester floor and reliable DAC poles, mean you won’t need to replace it after a couple of seasons. The large vestibule adds tons of usable space without bumping up the cost compared to similar tents.
What really sells the value for me is how well it handles bad weather. Cheaper tents often leak or bend in storms, but the Wawona keeps gear dry and stays standing.
The height, storage options, and easy setup make it worth the investment for regular car campers. While backpackers might want something lighter and cheaper, weekend warriors will get their money’s worth from this tent’s comfort and durability.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- roomy interior
- tough build quality
- the 68-inch peak height lets most folks stand up inside
- the front vestibule adds tons of useful space
- setup is quick once you’ve done it a few times, thanks to the color-coded poles
- it stays dry in downpours
- the structure holds steady in high winds
Cons
- first-time setup can be tricky since the instructions aren’t great
- the poles can feel pretty tight at first
- it’s really more comfortable for two adults plus gear
- condensation can build up during cold, wet nights, even with the vents open
- the vestibule doesn’t have a floor. There’s a footprint (which also helps make it more durable), but (like most tents) this is sold separately.
4-Season footprint (sold separately)
The footprint measures 96 x 90 inches, which fits under the body of the tent but not under the vestibule, which doesn’t have a ‘floor’. It does come with an additional front door mat. If you want a floor surface for the vestibule, you can turn the footprint sideways so it extends about a foot into the vestibule.
Recommendations for Potential Buyers
The North Face Wawona tent works best for car campers who want comfort and weather protection without breaking the bank. The North Face Wawona camping tent really hits its stride during car camping trips. The tent’s weight and size make it perfect when you’re parking close to your campsite.
If you’re heading out with a partner or small family and like having extra space to spread out, this tent’s huge vestibule and standing height make it a solid pick. The roomy vestibule works great as a play area for kids during light rain.
It’s particularly good for campers who deal with wet weather often – the build quality keeps you dry when cheaper tents might leak.
For music festivals and campground camping, the quick setup saves time, though you’ll want two people to pitch it efficiently.
It’s overkill for solo campers unless you’re bringing lots of gear or want extra space to spread out.
While you might use it for base camping during day hikes, it’s too heavy for backpacking trips. The tent works best at developed campgrounds where you can drive right up to your spot.
My Final Verdict
The North Face Wawona 4 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone – and that’s exactly what makes it great at what it does. For car campers who want a reliable, weather-resistant home base with plenty of living space, this tent delivers. The huge vestibule and standing height transform it from just a place to sleep into a genuine camping headquarters.
Sure, it’s heavier than backpacking tents and takes some practice to set up, but these trade-offs feel worth it when you’re staying dry during a storm or enjoying morning coffee in the vestibule. If car camping is your style and comfort matters more than ultralight weight, the Wawona 4 deserves a spot on your gear list.
➡️ GET THE NORTH FACE WAWONA 4 PERSON TENT ON AMAZON
➡️ GET THE NORTH FACE WAWONA 4 PERSON TENT ON REI
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.