Best Camping Tent Tarps in 2022

Last update: December 17, 2022

Can you sleep in a tent when it's raining?

Yes, you can sleep in a tent when it's raining. However, you will need to make sure that the tent is properly waterproofed and that you have a good rain fly to protect you from the elements. You may also want to consider investing in a ground tarp to keep the bottom of your tent dry.

Do all tents leak in heavy rain?

Tents are made to protect you from the elements, but even the best tents can leak in heavy rain. Water can seep through the fabric, seams, and zippers of your tent, leaving you wet and cold. While you can't prevent all leaks, you can take some steps to minimize the risk. Choose a tent with a waterproof canopy and floor, and make sure the seams are sealed. Use a tarp or ground cloth under your tent to keep water from seeping in from below. And, when the weather is particularly bad, consider bringing an extra tarp to set

Do tents need a groundsheet?

Most tents come with a groundsheet these days, but you might be wondering if you really need one. The short answer is yes, you do need a groundsheet. A groundsheet protects the bottom of your tent from abrasion and wear, and it also helps to keep the inside of your tent clean. If you are camping in an area with lots of insects, a groundsheet will also help to keep them out of your tent.

How big of a tarp do I need for camping?

A tarp is an essential item for any camping trip. It can be used as a groundsheet, to protect your gear from the elements, or as an emergency shelter. But how do you know what size tarp to take? The size of tarp you need will depend on how you plan to use it. If you just need a groundsheet, then a small tarp will suffice. But if you want to use it as an emergency shelter, then you'll need a larger tarp that can accommodate your whole family. The best way to determine the size


ROTTAY Waterproof Camping Tarp, Picnic and Beach Mat,Tent Footprint, and Sunshade,Hiking Review:


I intended to put this in my van for emergency use—like as a tent or a picnic table—but ended up having fun with the grandkids instead. We set up the tarp and used it as a makeshift tent on our little deck, holding the ends with bungee cords. While I had them, it kept them out of the sun and they got a tremendous kick out of it. It was fortunate that they were able to stay outside once it started to rain and that Grandma was able to join them inside to read books until Mom arrived to bring them up. In the same way that my own children always recalled when I read to them, I believe that my grandchildren will remember this day for a very long time as well. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that we did not get wet at all! After the tarp had dried, I put it back into the bag it came in, which was awesome! I adore that tiny bag! We are buying some metal ground stakes so we can use it as a tent, lean-to, or another emergency shelter after I threw it back into my car. Just need to figure out how to hook that up! I'm pretty sure this would work wonderfully to lengthen the hatchback of my car as well! In conclusion, I'm really happy that I purchased this because tarps, especially ones of this size, are not inexpensive no matter where you buy them. I'm also quite pleased with how well it has performed.



REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tarp - 36"x83"/55"x83"/71"x83"/82"x82"/95"x83", 4 in1 Multifunctional Tent Footprint for Camping, Hiking and Survival Gear, Lightweight and Compact Review:


So I keep repairing my Colman two-room tent from the 1980s to keep it functional.The bottom of the poor thing has tiny holes after years of use. I used to put up my tent by folding a large tarp to fit inside, but it takes an additional 15 minutes.A modest two-person tent with the ideal footprint size was given to my son. I was so in love with that concept that I measured my tent and started looking about.There weren't any that were long enough for my tent. In contrast to contemporary tents, it is quite long and narrow. But I discovered that my tent would fit perfectly between two of these imprints that overlapped each other by an inch and a half in the centre.So I eagerly purchased them and then patiently awaited the end of the school day. I finally had the opportunity to use it while camping.While we were there, it rained twice, yet my tent's bottom and top remained dry both times. Only the lowest portions of the exposed side where the rainfly terminates were wet, which wouldn't have happened if I had been able to set up the rainfly guylines to slightly lift the rainfly off the tent.My new footprint makes me so thrilled! I've taken it camping with me numerous times, and I've found that being able to roll it up and unroll it with the tent has really shortened the time it takes to set up and take down. With these, I truly couldn't be happier.



Gold Armour 12ft Extra Large Tarp Hammock Waterproof Rain Fly Tarp 185in Centerline - Lightweight Ripstop Fabric - Stakes Included - Survival Gear Backpacking Camping Accessories - Multiple Colors Review:


I doubt there is anything more challenging for the money, though you could probably spend more. Two of these were purchased by me to hammock camp when backpacking. I never take untested equipment on the trail, so I set this up for almost a week in the woods atop a hill on my property. We had severe wind gusts of over 30 mph and 5 inches of rain throughout that period. One stake was totally torn out of the ground by the wind, which was so intense. The stake, like the other 4 tent stakes, was driven into the earth to the level of the first string notch, or at least 75% in. The tarp was virtually brand-new. No damage at all, and the hammock remained completely dry. Very happy with the weight, size, and quality of this tarp rain fly. Highly suggested.



Wise Owl Outfitters Rain Fly Tarp – The WiseFly Premium 11 x 9 ft Waterproof Camping Shelter Canopy – Lightweight Easy Setup for Hammock or Tent Camp Gear - 5 Colors Review:


A tarp is important in the rainy Pacific Northwest, so I purchased this one with the aim of moving to hammock camping. But the first time I used it was on a hiking trip, even though I knew we would have a tent. I just felt compelled to bring it along. A downpour caught us off guard! We were able to put all three of us beneath and construct a campfire with adequate clearance, which allowed us to cook, eat, keep our packs dry, and play a game of UNO. Thankfully, this was simple to set up (for the first time!). A much less unpleasant journey! It once again saved me when I brought it on a single hammock excursion. I had space to cook my meal on the bone-dry stovetop and adequate protection for my hammock arrangement. I awoke in the morning fully dry, with a lovely view of the river below and a tarp that properly covered the length of my hammock.The guylines are a fair length, they performed great with trekking poles where the trees were too spread out, and with some advance planning, packing up in the morning is actually quite easy. Although I use a ridgeline for added support, the tension is sufficient enough that it doesn't even require it. In addition to being impressed, I have no worries about tearing out the stitches when I tighten it up because the stitching appears to be robust. I anticipated giving up weight because it costs less than other, more well-known brands, but I'm pleasantly surprised by how light it is. As a backpacker who is worried about weight, the stakes are also incredibly light while being quite solid; I wouldn't even consider changing them. In outdoor equipment, a trifecta of price, lightness, and durability is undoubtedly difficult to find.Several friends and passing hikers have asked about my tarp and I have no hesitation in recommending Wise Owl Outfitters to others. The staff at Wise Owl even followed up with me shortly after I made my purchase to see if I was happy with it or had any issues. This company appears to be sincerely committed to offering reasonably priced, high-quality goods. It's obvious that the people running this company also enjoy being outside. In addition, I adore the colors and logo they chose:)



Terra Hiker Camping Tarp, Waterproof Picnic Mat, Mutifunctional Tent Footprint with Drawstring Carrying Bag for Picnic, Hiking Review:


This used as a tent footprint for a two-person tent, and it immediately demonstrated its waterproofness! When I took down my tent after a downpour, the water had collected a little on the tarp but showed no signs of penetrating the fabric. Since that appeared to be the thing to do at our campground that weekend, I could envision utilizing this as a cover over the picnic table as well. I might purchase another one for that as well. We all know how uncommon it is for something to fold down so neatly and fit back into the storage bag. A fantastic price for a sturdy yet lightweight tarp.



Tarp Clips Heavy Duty Lock Grip Clamps Thumb Screw Tent Clip Awning Clamp Set Trap Clips Jaw Tent Snaps Tarps Canopies and Covers Locking Clamp Design for Outdoors Camping Farming Garden Tarps Review:


To shut and open the jaws of the clips, turn a straightforward screw by hand. This enables you to take the clips off when you're not using them for storage or winter camping, and the knots on the paracord's end stop it from slipping out of the clip when it's not. My rainfly shows no signs of wear and tear from where I'm clamping these clips despite the fact that I've used them around ten times so far, including through a few thunderstorms. I'm quite happy with these clips, and I wouldn't hesitate to suggest them to anyone I know. includes 12 clips.



AmazonBasics Camping Tarp Review:


It's an 8x10 piece of thin, crinkly dark green tarp. They are used by me to cover patio furniture throughout the winter. I also have other tarps that drape like fabric and are made of a softer, more flexible tent-like material. The more expensive, more attractive, but more fragile ones are the softer ones. I also have the incredibly costly ones that are made to suit chairs and other furniture, but they are almost as expensive as the furniture and also rip. This inexpensive tarp from Amazon Basics keeps things dry. I currently own 4 of these, and none have torn. I tuck the ends under the legs of the furniture when covering outdoor furniture to keep them in place. In order to keep items that are exposed to strong gusty winds that are placed outside in the open from blowing away, I simply run bungee cords underneath them and connect them into the grommets. They are not as attractive as the specially molded furniture covers, but once the snow has fallen, you won't be able to see them.



Rain Fly EVOLUTION 12x10/10x10 Hammock Waterproof Tent TARP & Survival Bracelet - 22 pcs - Lightweight - Backpacking Approved - Perfect Hammock Shelter - Multiple Colors Review:


I bought my hubby and I each a 12 x 10 rainfly. Our 14-year-old son has been hammocking for more than three years, but we recently started. He particularly loved our new tarps and has a 12 x 12 Kelty Noah Tarp. They are more convenient to put up, lighter, and smaller (when packed). He is a Boy Scout, therefore a significant portion of his summer weight is crucial for trekking.The rain fly was simple to erect and provided excellent coverage for my hammock. My husband was uncertain if it would fully cover his. He is 6'4", and his hammock, which is 10'10 long, was the ideal size.We were kept dry at night when the dew was really thick thanks to the excellent tarp. kept us dry as the rain started again. I adore the "S" hooks because they make it so simple to break everything down.The guy lines and the bags are the only drawbacks we have. The guy lines are too thin, weak, and easily knotted. I'll switch them out with paracord. Since the bags and the tarp are made of the same material, it is challenging to insert the tarp, guy lines, and close the bag without their adhering.Overall, excellent purchase, and we endorse this rainfly to all potential buyers.



pys Hammock Rain Fly - Waterproof Tent Trap Camping Backpacking Survival Shelter by Premium Lightweight Ripstop Fabric, Fast Set Up, Stakes and Ropes Included for Hiking, Travel (10' x 10') Review:


The second night a storm came through halfway through the night, so I ended up carrying my sleeping son and both of our packs out of the woods in the storm to a lodge where other campers were sleeping. These things are great; I bought 2 for me and my son on a scouting trip, set them up easily enough, and the first night was great; we stayed dry in some light rain. Our hammocks were still dry when we woke up the next morning after leaving the tarps and hammocks up. Wish I had ordered sooner rather than attempting to get by with subpar Walmart tarps; great quality. On a winter trip at the beginning of February, I'll utilize them once more.***UPDATE***I've used this rainfly a few times since buying it and am beyond happy with it; it has withstood a few rains and a few snowfalls without falling short. Stay safe and dry at all times. Change the configurations and direction by adding some tarp clips. It may be taunted sufficiently by using some paracord as a ridgeline and two prusix knots with sticks as toggles. I'd buy it right away if they made a slightly larger version.



Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp Provides Effective Protection Against Rain, Snow. 32ft Long Ridgeline. Big 9.8x9.5ft Durable, Waterproof 210D Oxford. 6 Reflective Guy Lines, 2 Stuff Sacks. Easy Assembly Review:


I thoroughly investigated all of the options on Amazon. It serves more as a rain cover and cover for shade for me. Setting this up was a breeze. So far, even in strong winds, it seems to be very solid. What I needed was exactly this. I might soon purchase another.


How do I protect my tent from rain?

To protect your tent from rain, you'll want to make sure that you have a waterproof and breathable tent. A good way to do this is to look for a tent that has a waterproof rating of at least 1200mm. You'll also want to make sure that your tent has a good rain fly. A rain fly is a piece of fabric that goes over your tent and helps to keep the rain out.

How do you keep the bottom of a tent dry?

You can keep the bottom of your tent dry by using a groundsheet. A groundsheet is a piece of waterproof fabric that you place under your tent to keep the ground from getting wet. You can also use a tarp to keep the bottom of your tent dry.

How do you tarp a tent without trees?

There are a few ways to tarp a tent without trees. One is to use trekking poles, or even just sticks, to prop up the tarp. Another is to use rocks or other heavy objects to weigh down the corners of the tarp.

How do you waterproof a tent with a tarp?

The best way to waterproof your tent is to use a tarp. A tarp will not only protect your tent from the elements, but it will also keep it from getting dirty or wet. When you set up your tent, be sure to put the tarp over the top of it. You can also use the tarp to keep the bottom of your tent dry.

How thick should a tarp be under a tent?

How thick should my tarp be?

A tarp's thickness is measured in ounces per square yard, and tarps generally range from 6 to 16 ounces per square yard. The thicker the tarp, the more durable it will be. If you're using your tarp for light duty, such as covering a picnic table, 6 to 8 ounces per square yard will suffice. For moderate duty, such as providing shade at a campsite, 8 to 10 ounces per square yard is a good choice. If you're using your tarp for heavy duty, such as covering a construction site, 12 to 16 ounces per square yard