Is Sam's Club's Big, Budget Tent Worth Buying? Campers Make It Clear, According To Reviews

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It's not unusual for Costco budget camping essentials to drive up social media hype. But Sam's Club has gotten some of its own attention with its Member's Mark 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent. However, when a tent claims it can fit a dozen people, most of us immediately picture a circus-sized setup that takes all afternoon to wrangle. Add "instant" to that title, and it's no wonder that campers are questioning whether this tent is worth it — it was listed at about $250 on the Sam's Club website at the time of writing.

Some campers would agree that tent camping can be intimidating, especially if you're not so great at pitching a tent with a bunch of loose poles. But Sam's Club claims this tent "can be set up and taken down in just 2 minutes." A Sam's reviewer going by the name Vegas SMP explains how, saying: "This tent has such an innovative design with all the sticks already in place, all you have to do is pop it up and then you lock in the sticks by stretching it out until it clicks in place." It has built-in LED lights, a horizontal ceiling, and says it can fit two queen-size air mattresses. Plus, it comes with a room divider, which might be a good idea for campers — especially fussy kids — sharing such close quarters. 

Based on TikTok user @livinwithkarla's 2024 video review, it does look super spacious inside — she says they were able to fit three queen-size mattresses inside as well as four storage totes. "It's a yes for me!" she said. When asked about the cost, she says she got it on sale for $150, adding, "If you wait for after season it's [a] fraction of the price."

While most say the Member's Mark 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent is a breeze to set up, it's not exactly "instant." Sam's Club reviewer JH said, "It was easy to put up with two people, but not [in] 2 minutes. Budget at least 30 minutes, especially if it's your first time." That said, that wasn't a deal breaker for their family of four, who enjoyed the extra room.

A few trade-offs seem to show up in durability and weatherproofing. Some say it handles light rain and wind just fine, while others note leaks during heavy storms and a structure that feels less secure for rough conditions. Sam's reviewer Alan said, "Had rain and heavy winds during the trip and this tent stood strong throughout the night without any real issues." But reviewer Sams disagreed. "I bought two of these tents and both tents developed holes in the bottom," they said, noting the tent's floor was thin. "The floor needs [to be] reinforced in certain areas. One tent also leaked after the first rain." 

There's also the reality of scale. A 12-person tent sounds impressive, but the packed weight and bulk are considerable. At nearly 40 pounds, it's not something you'd lug into the backcountry, but it's suitable for drive-up sites. For families, the space might be liberating: Kids get their own corners, gear has room to spread, and the LEDs offer easy lighting without separate lanterns and headlamps. So, for car campers chasing convenience and space, this just might be the right tent for your next camping adventure. But based on the prices we've seen across reviews, campers may want to wait for the next sale for the best value.