Coleman Aspen 6L Family Tent Review: Is It Still Worth Buying?

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Camping is a great way to spend time with family, friends or loved ones. It is an activity that brings people closer together. But there are some things you should take into consideration before setting off for your camping adventure.

2026 update: The Coleman Aspen 6L is now becoming harder to find, although limited new stock may still be available from selected UK camping retailers. Because prices and availability change quickly, check the retailer carefully before ordering. It may also be available second-hand.

Specification	Coleman Aspen 6L
Capacity	Six people
Tent style	Family tunnel tent
Bedrooms	Three, with removable dividers
Sleeping area	8.2m²
Living area	11.1m²
Pitched dimensions	6.3 × 4.1 × 2.1m
Pack size	63 × 42 × 36cm
Weight	25.2kg
Waterproof rating	4,000mm
Pole type	Fibreglass
BlackOut Bedrooms	No
Sewn-in groundsheet	Yes

What We Liked About the Coleman Aspen 6L

Plenty of Space for Family Camping

The generous living area was one of the biggest advantages for us. Although we only stayed for one night on this particular trip and didn’t take our full camping set-up, the tent is only slightly smaller than our Coleman Oak Canyon. We could comfortably see ourselves using it with our chairs, two camping cupboards, food storage and cooking equipment on a longer family holiday.

The open front porch was another lovely feature. It gave us a sheltered place to sit as the sun went down while we watched the children playing football with the friends they had made on the campsite.

A Flexible Sleeping Area

The bedroom can be left as one large sleeping space or divided into three separate areas using the removable dividers. This makes it flexible for families with children of different ages or anyone who would prefer a little more privacy.

There is enough room for six standard camping beds or roll mats. However, our Coleman airbeds are wider, so we found that five airbeds were a more realistic fit. This is an important consideration if you are buying the tent for six people: always compare the bedroom measurements with the width of your beds before ordering.

Bright, Airy Living Space

The large, clear windows allow plenty of natural light into the tent and make the living area feel open rather than enclosed. We also liked being able to see what the children were doing outside without constantly leaving the tent.

Each window has a curtain that can be secured halfway or fully rolled up, allowing us to balance privacy with natural light.

Easy Access for Families

Coleman’s barrier-free entrance is a simple feature that makes a noticeable difference. We have lost count of how many times someone has tripped over the raised doorway of a tent, but the flat entrance made it much easier for everyone to move in and out.

It would also be helpful for families using pushchairs or wheelchairs. At night, the groundsheet can be zipped up against the door to create a more secure fastening and help prevent draughts.

Good Weather Protection

With a 4,000mm hydrostatic-head rating, taped seams and a fully sewn-in groundsheet, the Aspen 6L offers reassuring protection for typical UK family camping trips. The groundsheet also helps prevent insects and other campsite visitors from finding their way inside.

The vents, mesh doors and large openings provide useful airflow during warmer weather while still allowing us to keep bugs out.

What We Didn’t Like About the Coleman Aspen 6L

It Doesn’t Have BlackOut Bedrooms

The biggest drawback for us was the lack of Coleman’s BlackOut Bedroom technology. We had used BlackOut tents for several years before trying the Aspen 6L, so we immediately noticed how much lighter the bedroom became early in the morning.

The bedroom fabric is slightly darker than the main tent, but it does not block the morning light. This may not bother campers who like waking naturally with the sunrise—my mum actually prefers it—but it is worth considering if your children wake as soon as the tent becomes light.

Six Airbeds May Be a Squeeze

Although the Aspen 6L is sold as a six-person tent, that capacity assumes the use of standard-width camping beds or mats. Our Coleman airbeds are wider, and we could realistically fit only five of them in the sleeping area.

This isn’t unusual for family tents, but buyers should check the individual bedroom widths before choosing their beds. A six-person capacity does not necessarily mean six wide airbeds will fit comfortably.

It Is Designed for Car Camping

At 25.2kg, this isn’t a tent you would want to carry very far. Its size and weight are reasonable for the amount of space provided, but it is best suited to family camping trips where you can park reasonably close to your pitch.

The packed tent also takes up a noticeable amount of boot space, particularly once beds, furniture and the rest of the family camping equipment have been added.

How Easy Is the Coleman Aspen 6L to Pitch?

The Aspen 6L is a large tunnel tent, but we found the pitching process straightforward with two adults. Our children also like to help assemble the poles and guide them through the sleeves, which makes setting up camp a family effort.

We began by unrolling the tent and positioning it on our chosen pitch. Once the fibreglass poles had been assembled, we fed them through the corresponding pole sleeves and secured each one into place, working from one end of the tent to the other.

After raising the final pole, we pulled the central front guyline forwards and pegged it down temporarily. This held the tent upright while we straightened the structure, adjusted its position and worked our way around the remaining pegging points and guylines.

We didn’t time ourselves precisely, so I wouldn’t want to give a misleading pitching time. However, it was quick enough for other campers to comment that choosing our pitch had taken us longer than putting up the tent!

I would recommend practising at home before your first holiday, particularly if you are new to tunnel tents. It also helps to check that all the poles, pegs and guylines are present before travelling.

Can the Coleman Aspen 6L Really Sleep Six People?

Yes, the Aspen 6L can sleep six people, but the comfort level depends on the type and width of the beds you use.

The sleeping area measures 8.2m² and can be used as one large bedroom or separated using the supplied dividers. These create two 200cm-wide sleeping compartments and one smaller 130cm-wide compartment.

Six standard camping mats or narrow camp beds should fit within the sleeping area. Wider airbeds require more careful planning. We use Coleman airbeds because we prefer the extra comfort, but their width meant that five beds were a more realistic fit for our family.

For six people using wide beds, the sleeping area could feel cramped and leave very little space for bags or moving around. A family of four or five would have considerably more room and could use part of the bedroom for clothes and overnight storage.

Before buying any six-person tent, check the measurements of every bed you intend to use rather than relying solely on the advertised capacity.

What Was the Aspen 6L Like to Camp In?

For our first trip, we used the Aspen 6L for a one-night stay at the beginning of the summer camping season. The large windows and generous living area made it feel bright and spacious during the day, while the open porch gave us a sheltered place to sit and watch the children playing outside.

The full standing height was particularly useful. At up to 210cm high, adults can move around the main living space without constantly stooping. This makes a noticeable difference when getting dressed, organising equipment or spending time inside during less favourable weather.

Ventilation is provided by the mesh doors, low-level vents beneath the side windows and a vent at the back of the tent. Being able to close the main doors while leaving the mesh panels in place allowed air to circulate without inviting insects inside.

We didn’t experience severe weather during this particular stay, so I can’t give a first-hand assessment of how the tent performs in prolonged heavy rain or strong winds. However, its 4,000mm hydrostatic-head rating, taped seams and fully integrated groundsheet are reassuring specifications for changeable British camping conditions.

The main difference we noticed overnight was the amount of light entering the bedroom in the morning. Having become accustomed to Coleman’s BlackOut Bedrooms, we missed the darker sleeping environment and would recommend taking eye masks if early morning light tends to wake you.

Who Is the Coleman Aspen 6L Best For?

The Coleman Aspen 6L would be a good choice for:

• Families of four or five who want generous sleeping and living space
• Families of six using standard camping mats or narrower beds
• First-time family campers looking for a traditional poled tunnel tent
• Campers who want a large, sheltered porch
• Families needing a barrier-free main entrance
• Weekend and longer-stay campers travelling by car
• Anyone who prefers a light bedroom rather than a BlackOut sleeping area

It may be less suitable for:

• Families wanting to use six wide airbeds
• Campers who need BlackOut Bedrooms
• Anyone looking for an especially lightweight or compact tent
• Campers who regularly need to pitch alone
• Families wanting the speed and convenience of an inflatable air tent

Is the Coleman Aspen 6L Suitable for a Week-Long Family Holiday?

Yes, the Aspen 6L has enough space and practical features for a longer family camping holiday, particularly for a family of four or five.

The 11.1m² living area provides room for chairs, camping cupboards and food preparation equipment. We know from using a similar-sized family tent that we could comfortably fit our usual two double camping cupboards inside. These provide storage for clothes and food while also creating useful worktops for our camping stove and kettle.

The extended porch provides additional sheltered space for muddy shoes, outdoor equipment or relaxing outside the main living area. This helps prevent the inside of the tent from becoming cluttered, especially when everyone is bringing clothing and equipment for a full week.

For longer stays, I would recommend using the bedroom dividers to give family members their own areas and keeping most bags and clothing in the living space. A tent carpet would make the living area feel warmer and more comfortable, while a footprint could help protect the sewn-in groundsheet.

The main consideration is the weather. Although there is plenty of indoor room, the open porch does not provide the same protection as a fully enclosed extension. Families camping for a week should still plan how they would cook, dry wet clothing and occupy everyone during several rainy days.

Is the Coleman Aspen 6L Still Worth Buying in 2026?

The Coleman Aspen 6L can still be a worthwhile buy for families who prioritise living space, standing height and a large open porch. Its 4,000mm waterproof rating, sewn-in groundsheet and flexible three-part bedroom remain useful features for UK family camping.

However, it is now an older model and appears to have limited availability. That means the price is particularly important. At around £500, I would compare it carefully with newer six-person tents, including models with BlackOut Bedrooms, inflatable beams or improved pitching systems.

The Aspen 6L becomes more attractive if you find it reduced, in an end-of-line sale or in excellent used condition. Anyone buying second-hand should check the tent has been stored completely dry and inspect the fabric, seams, pole sections, zips and groundsheet before paying.

Replacement parts should also be considered when buying an older tent. Coleman provides information about approved tent-repair and spare-parts suppliers, but availability for a specific model or component cannot be guaranteed.

For our family, the space, windows, porch and accessible entrance were the strongest features. The lack of a BlackOut Bedroom was the main compromise. If early morning light doesn’t bother you and you find the Aspen 6L at a competitive price, it remains a practical family camping tent.

Alternatives to the Coleman Aspen 6L

If the Aspen 6L is unavailable or the remaining stock is too expensive, there are several Coleman family tents worth comparing.

Coleman Oak Canyon 6 BlackOut

The Coleman Oak Canyon 6 would be my first alternative for families who find early morning light difficult. It has Coleman’s BlackOut Bedroom technology, a fully sewn-in groundsheet and a slightly higher 4,500mm waterproof rating.

We have used an Oak Canyon ourselves and appreciate the darker sleeping area. The Aspen 6L has a larger open porch, however, so the best choice depends on whether outdoor shelter or a darker bedroom matters most to your family.

Coleman Valdes Deluxe 6XL BlackOut Air

The Valdes Deluxe 6XL is worth considering if you want a larger premium tent that can be pitched without feeding traditional poles through sleeves. It uses inflatable beams and has BlackOut Bedrooms, generous living space and room for larger double airbeds.

It is a much heavier and more expensive option than the Aspen 6L, but it may suit families taking longer camping holidays and anyone who values easier pitching.

Coleman Spruce Falls 6

The Spruce Falls 6 has a different vis-à-vis layout, with bedrooms positioned at opposite ends of the living area. This can provide greater privacy for families with older children or two couples camping together.

It has a fully integrated groundsheet and a spacious central living area, but its layout feels quite different from the Aspen’s traditional tunnel design and front porch.

Availability and prices for all these tents can change, so compare the current specifications, bedroom measurements and retailer guarantees before ordering.

Our Final Verdict

The Coleman Aspen 6L gave us an enjoyable and comfortable start to the summer camping season. We found it straightforward to pitch with two adults, and there was enough living space for a family to relax, store equipment and spend time together.

Its strongest features are the generous living area, large windows, flexible bedroom layout, barrier-free entrance and sheltered open porch. The 4,000mm waterproof rating and fully integrated groundsheet also make it reassuringly well equipped for typical British camping holidays.

The lack of BlackOut Bedrooms was the biggest disadvantage for us. Families using wide airbeds should also treat it as a comfortable four- or five-person tent rather than assuming six large beds will fit.

Although the Aspen 6L is becoming harder to find, it remains a practical family tent if you can buy it at a competitive price. I would particularly recommend it to car-camping families who want plenty of usable space and don’t mind waking with the morning light.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Coleman Aspen 6L