Camping Tarps

What’s just as important as a tent and food when you go camping? Most might not guess it, but a tarp is just as necessary as these two standard items. Camping tarps can be of the medium or heavy-duty variety, but what’s important is that you have at least two on your trip – especially if you’re going away for a few days. Rain can hit at any time. What will you do about your gear when the rain hits? Without a tarp, your tent – merely water repellant, in most cases – will be soaked through at all angles, you won’t be able to keep a fire lit, and the rest of your gear, from packs to food, will also get soaked, if not ruined.

Camping tarps serve as your shelter in case rain hits. More waterproof than a tent, tarps can be tied to trees around your campsite and put on the ground to keep the water out. The method used more often in this case is bringing a longer tarp – about 25 feet – with you and tying it to trees in the area. The tarp should be over the tent and fire area and should be angled toward the ground, so that water won’t build up on top. In this case, the tent and fire area, plus the ground around, will be protected from the rain.

Additionally, a smaller tarp should be placed under the tent to prevent water from seeping up from the soil into the material. This tarp should be large enough to cover the bottom of the tent – no larger or smaller. Any other gear not covered in this area should have a tarp thrown on top to prevent water damage.

Aside from covering a campsite, camping tarps themselves can be used as tents. At the appropriate size, a tarp can be strung through the middle by a rope between two trees and held down at the ends. Although traditional tents often have a more solid design, a medium-sized camping tarp also makes a protective temporary shelter.

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