What Are Tarps Used For? Versatile Protection

← Camping Essentials & Setup | Shelter & Sleeping Gear

Quick answer

• Tarps are your go-to for shelter and protection from the elements.
• Use them as a ground cloth to keep your tent clean and dry.
• Rig them up as a rain fly or sunshade for instant cover.
• They’re great for protecting gear from rain and sun.
• Need a quick windbreak? A tarp’s got your back.
• They can even be used to haul firewood or debris.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about heading out, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s the rundown:

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge here? Is it National Forest, BLM land, a State Park, or private? Each has its own rules. A quick look at their website or a call can save you a headache. I once pulled into a spot I thought was open, only to find out it was closed for elk calving. Oops.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig actually get there? Is it a paved road, or are we talking washboard dirt and potential mud? Low-clearance vehicles might struggle on rougher terrain. Check recent reports if you can, or know your vehicle’s limits.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is non-negotiable. Check the current fire ban status. Seriously. One spark can ruin more than just your trip. Also, look at the forecast. High winds can make setting up a tarp tricky, and heavy rain means you need to rig it right.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where will you get water, and how will you treat it? Pack it in, pack it out. That includes all trash, food scraps, and even biodegradable soap. Plan your greywater disposal too. LNT principles are key to keeping these places wild.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Be aware of local wildlife. Know what to do if you encounter bears or other critters. How far is the nearest ranger station or town? Do you have cell service? Consider a satellite communicator for remote areas.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Let’s get that tarp up and working for you.

1. Choose your site: Find a relatively flat spot, away from dead trees or branches that could fall. Consider wind direction and potential water runoff.

• Good looks like: A clear area with good drainage and a natural windbreak if possible.
• Common mistake: Setting up directly under a dead tree limb. Avoid this – falling branches are no joke.

2. Unpack and inspect your tarp: Lay it out. Check for any rips or holes. Make sure you have all your grommets and tie-out points intact.

• Good looks like: A clean, undamaged tarp ready for action.
• Common mistake: Not checking the tarp beforehand and finding a tear when you really need it.

3. Gather your tie-out materials: You’ll need cordage (paracord is your friend) and some way to anchor it. Stakes are good for soft ground, rocks or trees work for tying off.

• Good looks like: Plenty of strong cordage and suitable anchors.
• Common mistake: Bringing too little cordage or only having stakes when you’re on solid rock.

4. Decide on your configuration: Will it be a lean-to, A-frame, or a simple flat cover? This depends on your needs – rain, sun, wind.

• Good looks like: A clear plan for how the tarp will be shaped.
• Common mistake: Winging it and ending up with a saggy, ineffective shelter.

5. Set up your anchor points: If using trees, tie off your cordage securely. If using stakes, drive them in at an angle away from the tarp. For rocks, find a solid way to secure the line.

• Good looks like: Strong, stable anchor points that won’t pull out.
• Common mistake: Not tying knots that hold, or using flimsy anchor points.

6. Attach the cordage to the tarp: Use the grommets or tie-out loops. A taut-line hitch or a bowline knot works well for adjustable tension.

• Good looks like: Secure connections that distribute the load.
• Common mistake: Tying directly to a grommet, which can rip it out. Always loop through the grommet and around the cord.

7. Tension the tarp: Pull the lines taut to create a drum-like surface. This sheds rain and prevents pooling. Adjust as needed.

• Good looks like: A taut, smooth surface with no major sags.
• Common mistake: Leaving the tarp too loose, allowing water to collect and potentially break the tarp or supports.

8. Reinforce critical points: If it’s windy or rainy, add extra tie-downs or use guy lines to stabilize the structure.

• Good looks like: A robust setup that can handle the conditions.
• Common mistake: Underestimating wind and not using enough guy lines.

9. Check for drips: Get under your tarp and look for any spots where water might come through. Adjust tension or reposition lines if needed.

• Good looks like: A dry space underneath.
• Common mistake: Assuming it’s waterproof and not doing a final check.

10. Pack out: When you leave, take down your tarp, clean it, and pack it away. Make sure you leave no trace – no cordage left behind, no damaged trees.

• Good looks like: A clean campsite and a packed-up tarp.
• Common mistake: Leaving behind bits of cordage or damaging vegetation during setup/takedown.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not checking fire restrictions	Wildfire, fines, jail time, ecological devastation	Always check official sources before you go.
Setting up under dead trees	Falling branches, injury, damaged gear	Scout your location carefully for hazards.
Insufficient cordage	Inability to properly tension or secure the tarp	Bring more cordage than you think you need; paracord is versatile.
Improper knot tying	Lines slipping, tarp collapsing, gear getting wet	Learn a few basic, reliable knots (bowline, taut-line hitch).
Leaving the tarp too loose	Water pooling, potential collapse, gear getting soaked	Tension it like a drum; water needs to run off.
Using grommets as direct tie-off points	Ripping out grommets, compromising tarp integrity	Loop cordage through grommets and then secure it.
Not considering wind direction	Tarp acting like a sail, ripping anchors out	Position the tarp to deflect wind, not catch it.
Forgetting a ground cloth	Damp tent floor, dirt inside tent, premature wear on tent	Use a tarp or footprint under your tent.
Not planning for water/waste	Unpleasant conditions, environmental damage, fines	Plan for water sources and LNT waste disposal.
Ignoring weather forecasts	Getting soaked, hypothermia, wind damage to shelter	Check the forecast and pack accordingly.
Not inspecting the tarp before use	Discovering damage at the worst possible time	Lay it out and check for rips/holes before you leave home.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you’re camping in bear country, then bring bear spray and know how to use it, because safety first.
• If rain is expected, then set up your tarp with a steep pitch, because water needs to run off quickly.
• If it’s very windy, then use extra guy lines and lower your tarp profile, because wind can be brutal.
• If you’re using a hammock, then a tarp is essential for rain and sun protection, because you don’t have tent walls.
• If you’re car camping, then a larger, heavier tarp can be a great communal shelter, because weight isn’t as critical.
• If you’re backpacking, then choose a lightweight, compact tarp, because every ounce counts.
• If the ground is soft, then use longer stakes and drive them at an angle, because they’ll hold better.
• If you’re on solid rock, then look for sturdy trees or large rocks to tie off to, because stakes won’t work.
• If you need shade, then position the tarp to block the sun’s direct rays, because that’s its primary job.
• If you’re concerned about bugs, then consider a tarp with integrated netting or a bug net to hang under it, because mosquitoes can ruin a good time.
• If you’re unsure about the land manager, then check their website or call ahead, because rules can change.

FAQ

What’s the main difference between a tarp and a tent?

A tent is a self-contained shelter with poles and walls. A tarp is a sheet of material you rig up using cordage and anchor points, offering more flexibility but requiring more setup skill.

Can I use a tarp as a primary shelter?

Yes, absolutely. With practice, you can create very effective shelters from rain, sun, and wind using just a tarp, cordage, and natural anchors.

What kind of cordage is best for tarps?

Paracord is a popular choice because it’s strong, lightweight, and versatile. Bring plenty of it.

How do I keep bugs out from under my tarp shelter?

You can’t completely, unless you have a screened tarp or hang a separate bug net inside your tarp setup. Otherwise, focus on keeping food sealed and cooking away from your sleeping area.

Are tarps waterproof?

Most good quality tarps are water-resistant or waterproof, but it depends on the material and seam construction. Always check the specs.

What are those little plastic things on the corners of tarps called?

Those are usually grommets, which are metal rings that reinforce the holes where you attach your cordage.

How big of a tarp do I need?

It depends on how many people you need to shelter and what you want to cover. A 10×10 foot tarp is a good all-around size for 1-2 people. Larger is better for groups or more coverage.

Can I cook under a tarp?

Only if it’s a very large tarp and you have excellent ventilation. Never use a stove inside a fully enclosed tarp due to carbon monoxide risk. Always maintain airflow.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific knot-tying tutorials (look for guides on basic camping knots).
• Detailed weather forecasting techniques (check reliable weather apps and NOAA).
• In-depth Leave No Trace principles (search for official LNT resources).
• Specific wildlife encounter protocols (consult park or agency wildlife guidelines).
• Advanced tarp shelter designs (explore resources on ultralight backpacking or bushcraft).