Hey there! If you’re wondering how to make a tent out of tarps, you’re in for a treat. I’ve spent countless weekends camping and tinkering with tarps to create cozy, weatherproof shelters. It’s a fun, budget-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. Let’s dive in and build your tarp tent!
Why Choose a Tarp Tent?
I love tarp tents because they’re lightweight, affordable, and versatile. Unlike traditional tents, tarps let you customize your shelter to fit any environment. Whether you’re camping in the woods or setting up in your backyard, a tarp tent can keep you dry and comfortable. Plus, tarps are easy to pack and don’t break the bank.
Tarps come in different materials like polyethylene, canvas, and silnylon. Polyethylene tarps are cheap and waterproof but heavier. Canvas is durable but needs waterproofing. Silnylon is lightweight and great for backpacking. I’ve used all three, and each has its charm depending on the trip.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you start, you’ll need the right gear. I always make a checklist to avoid forgetting anything. Here’s what you’ll need to build a tarp tent:
| Item | Purpose | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Tarp (8×10 ft or larger) | Main shelter material | Hardware stores, online retailers |
| Paracord or rope | Securing tarp and creating tension | Camping stores, hardware stores |
| Tent stakes | Anchoring the tarp to the ground | Outdoor gear shops |
| Poles or trekking poles | Supporting the tarp structure | Camping gear retailers |
| Groundsheet (optional) | Protecting the floor | Old tarps or camping stores |
| Bungee cords (optional) | Adding flexibility to tie-downs | Hardware stores |
I usually pick a tarp that’s at least 8×10 feet for solo camping. For groups, go bigger—10×12 or 12×16 feet works well. Make sure your tarp has grommets (those metal holes) for easy tying. If it doesn’t, you can use tarp clips, which I’ve found super handy.
Choosing the Perfect Campsite
Where you set up your tarp tent matters a lot. I learned this the hard way when I pitched my first tarp on uneven ground and woke up sliding downhill! Look for a flat, clear area free of rocks and roots. Avoid low spots where water might pool if it rains.
Check for natural supports like trees or boulders. They can make setup easier by giving you anchor points. Also, face your tent’s opening away from the wind to stay cozy. I always take a moment to imagine how rain or wind might hit the site—it saves headaches later.
Basic Tarp Tent Designs
There are tons of ways to shape a tarp tent, but I’ll share my three favorite setups. Each one suits different needs, and they’re all easy once you get the hang of it.
A-Frame Tarp Tent
This is my go-to for quick setups. It’s simple and sheds rain like a champ. Here’s how I do it:
- Find two trees about 10 feet apart.
- Tie a ridgeline (a tight rope) between them, about 4-5 feet high.
- Drape your tarp over the ridgeline, centering it.
- Pull the corners tight and stake them to the ground.
- Adjust the tension so the tarp doesn’t sag.
I love this design because it’s stable and gives you plenty of headroom. If you don’t have trees, use trekking poles or sticks as supports.
Lean-To Tarp Tent
The lean-to is perfect for sunny days when I want shade and a breeze. It’s open on one side, so it’s not great for storms, but it’s super easy to set up:
- Tie a rope between two trees or poles, about 6 feet high.
- Drape one edge of the tarp over the rope.
- Stake the opposite edge to the ground at an angle.
- Secure the sides with stakes or rocks.
I use this setup for daytime hangouts or when I want to stargaze. It’s airy but can feel chilly at night, so bring a blanket.
Diamond Tarp Tent
This one’s great for solo campers like me who want a compact shelter. It’s cozy and wind-resistant:
- Tie one corner of the tarp to a tree or pole about 3-4 feet high.
- Stake the opposite corner to the ground, pulling it tight.
- Stake the other two corners to form a diamond shape.
- Adjust to keep the tarp taut.
I’ve used this setup in windy conditions, and it holds up well. It’s a bit snug, so it’s best for one person and minimal gear.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Now, let’s get hands-on. I’ll walk you through building an A-frame tarp tent since it’s the most reliable for beginners. Grab your supplies and follow along.
- Pick Your Spot
Find a flat area with two trees or poles 10-12 feet apart. Clear any debris. I always stomp around to test the ground’s firmness. - Set Up the String
Tie your paracord between the trees or poles at about 4-5 feet high. Make it tight—give it a pluck like a guitar string. A loose ridgeline means a floppy tent. - Drape the Tarp
Throw your tarp over the ridgeline so it’s even on both sides. Center it carefully. I sometimes mark the tarp’s middle with tape for quicker setups. - Stake It Down
Pull each corner of the tarp tight and hammer in stakes at a 45-degree angle. If the ground’s hard, I use a rock as a hammer. - Tighten Everything
Walk around and tug gently on the tarp to adjust tension. You want it smooth, with no wrinkles. If it’s sagging, tighten the stakes or ridgeline. - Add a Groundsheet
Lay a smaller tarp or groundsheet inside to keep your sleeping area clean. I tuck the edges under to avoid tripping.
This setup takes me about 10 minutes now, but my first try took an hour! Practice makes it faster.
Weatherproofing Your Tarp Tent
A tarp tent is only as good as its ability to keep you dry. I’ve been caught in surprise rainstorms, so here’s how I make my shelter weatherproof:
- Seal the Seams: If your tarp isn’t fully waterproof, apply seam sealer to the edges. I use silicone-based sealers for polyethylene tarps.
- Angle for Runoff: Set up your tarp at an angle so rain slides off. Flat tarps pool water, and trust me, a sagging tarp at 2 a.m. is no fun.
- Use a Drip Line: Tie small loops of cord on the ridgeline to divert dripping water away from the tarp. I learned this trick from a fellow camper.
- Check for Tears: Before every trip, I inspect my tarp for holes and patch them with duct tape or tarp repair kits.
If you’re expecting heavy wind, lower your ridgeline and use extra stakes. I once lost a tarp to a gust because I skipped this step!
Customizing Your Tarp Tent
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. I love tweaking my tarp tent to make it feel like home:
- Add a Door: Drape a smaller tarp over the entrance and secure it with clips. It’s great for privacy or blocking wind.
- Create Ventilation: Prop up one corner slightly to let air flow. I use a stick or extra cord to keep it open.
- Hang a Light: Clip a lightweight LED lantern inside for nighttime coziness. I always pack one for late-night reading.
- Organize Gear: Use bungee cords to create a “shelf” by tying them across the ridgeline. It keeps my stuff off the ground.
These little touches make camping so much more enjoyable. Experiment and find what works for you!
Packing and Maintaining Your Tarp Tent
Taking care of your tarp tent ensures it lasts for years. I’ve had my favorite tarp for five seasons, and it’s still going strong. Here’s how I keep it in top shape:
- Dry Before Packing: Wet tarps get moldy fast. I always air-dry mine before storing it.
- Fold Neatly: Roll or fold your tarp to avoid creases that weaken the material. I stuff mine loosely in a sack for backpacking.Store Properly: Keep your tarp in a cool, dry place. My garage shelf works perfectly.
- Clean Gently: If it’s dirty, rinse it with water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage waterproof coatings.
Check your ropes and stakes too. I replace frayed cords before they snap during a trip.
Why I Love Tarp Camping
Tarp camping has changed how I enjoy the outdoors. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about freedom. I feel closer to nature without a bulky tent blocking my view. Every time I set up a tarp tent, I learn something new about the land and myself.
I’ve camped in deserts, forests, and mountains with my tarp setups. Each trip brings surprises, like the time I woke up to a deer sniffing my lean-to! These moments make the effort worthwhile.
Conclusion
Building a tarp tent is more than just pitching a shelter—it’s an adventure in creativity and resourcefulness. With a few simple supplies and some practice, you can craft a cozy, weatherproof home anywhere. I’ve shared my favorite setups, tips, and tricks, but the real magic happens when you try it yourself. So grab a tarp, hit the trail, and make your own outdoor memories. You’ve got this!
FAQs
What’s the best tarp size for a tent?
I recommend an 8×10-foot tarp for solo camping. It’s big enough for one person and gear but easy to carry. For two or more people, go for a 10×12 or 12×16-foot tarp.
Can I make a tarp tent without trees?
Absolutely! I often use trekking poles or sturdy sticks as supports when trees aren’t around. Just make sure they’re secure and can handle the tarp’s weight.
How do I keep my tarp tent warm?
I layer a groundsheet and sleeping pad for insulation. You can also hang a blanket inside or choose a smaller setup like the diamond tarp to trap heat.
Is a tarp tent waterproof?
Most tarps are water-resistant, but I always check for waterproof ratings. Apply seam sealer and set up at an angle to keep rain out. My silnylon tarp has never let me down!
How long does it take to set up a tarp tent?
It depends on your experience. My first tarp tent took an hour, but now I can set up an A-frame in 10 minutes. Practice makes it quick and easy.