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It’s no fun getting rained on in the great outdoors or trying to sleep on a damp tent floor. Whether you’re going car camping or backpacking, a reliable tarp is a camping staple. We’ve researched the top options on the market and selected the 10 best camping tarps designed to be lightweight and easy to pack, waterproof, and durable enough to hold up well to camping use.
These tarps can be just as useful set over a tent to block rain and sun as they are put underneath a tent to protect from rocks and dampness. To find the best camping tarp, below are the best options to choose from. We’ve also created a guide on how to choose a tarp for camping, be sure to check it out below the reviews.
B-Air Multi Purpose Grizzly Waterproof Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- Waterproof laminated construction and heat sealed seams
- Resistant to UV rays and mildew growth
- Heavy-duty tarp made of tightly woven polyethylene fibers
- Built-in grommets every 36 inches for secure tie-downs
- Ends reinforced with border piping to resist ripping
Best Use: Camping, Tent Ground Sheet, Campsite Tarp Shelter
Size Options: 6 x 8 feet to 20 x 30 feet
Material: Laminated Polyethylene
REDCAMP Waterproof Tent Footprint Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- PU 1000mm waterproof rating
- Lightweight and easy to fold into the included carry sack
- Great as a tent footprint as well as a tarp shelter
- Double sewn straps with grommets
Best Use: Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, Motorcycle Camping, Beach Trip Tarp, Bike Packing
Size Options: 36″x 83″, 55″x 83″, 71″x83″, 82″x82″ and 95″x 83″
Material: 210D Ripstop Polyester
Standsport Reinforced Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- Affordable quality and excellent value for money
- Waterproof and shrink proof dual laminated tarp fabric
- Reinforced edges and rust resistant grommets
- Designed for use under and over tents
Best Use: Camping, Multi-Purpose
Size Options: 8 x 10 to 24 x 36 feet
Material: Ripstop and Laminated
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- Heavy duty hard-wearing tarpaulin
- Waterproof laminated fabric and heat sealed seams
- Resists growth of mold and mildew
- Strong grommets and reinforced corners
- Available in assorted sizes and colors
Best Use: Camping, Canopy Tent, Boat, RV or Pool Cover
Size: 6 x 8 feet
Package Size: 14.5 x 10.5 x 0.25 inches
Weight: 1.48 pounds
Terra Hiker Waterproof Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- Excellent waterproofing and rain protection
- Rip and puncture resistant oxford fabric
- Sturdy metal grommet eyelets
- Multiple sizes and color options
Best Use: Camping, Picnic Mat, Tent Footprint, Hiking
Material: 210D Oxford
Size Options: 59 x 86, 70 x 86, 94 x 86 inches
Chill Gorilla Waterproof Hammock Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- 2000mm waterproof PU coated rainfly material
- Reinforced corners and strong grommets
- Square shape and multiple tie-down configurations
- Comes with everything you need to get set up
Best Use: Hammock Camping, Tent Shelter
Tarp Size: 10 x 10 inches
Material: Ripstop Nylon
Packed Size: 12 x 4 x 3 inches
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- 2500 PU waterproof tarp for protection in stormy weather
- Anti-UV ultraviolet rays blocking technology
- Lightweight and portable design
- Versatile shape and plentiful tie-downs
Best Use: Camping, Traveling, Awning
Material: 210T Ripstop Polyester
Large Size: 118 × 126 inches, 2-person
Weight: 2.6 pounds
ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- Waterproof tarp fabric and sealed tapes
- Excellent rain shelter and tent ground cover
- Lightweight and folds down compact into its stuff sack
- Durable construction using ripstop nylon fabric
Best Use: Backpacking, Hammock Camping
Material: 210D Ripstop Nylon
Dimensions: 10.2 x 3.6 x 4.4 inches
Weight: 1.1 pound
Kelty Noah’s Rain Tarp Sun Shelter Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- Excellent daytime and 3-season sun shelter and rain tarp
- 800 mm waterproof fabric and fully taped seams
- Spacious shelter for 4-6 people, larger sizes available
- Multiple guy out points for versatile configuration
Best Use: Camping, Backpacking, Beach, Events
Size: 9 Feet (12, 16 and 20 feet options available)
Fly Fabric: 68D Polyester
Dimensions: 108 x 108 inches
Packed Size: 10 x 9 x 3 inches
Weight: 1 lbs 11 oz
Ultimate Survival Technologies UST Tube Camping Tarp
- What Makes This Camping Tarp Stand Out
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for backpackers
- Versatile – a sleeping tent, tarp shelter or ground sheet
- Emergency blanket and signaling survival tarp
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Best Use: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Emergency Survival
Erected Dimensions: 39 x 84 x 35 inches
Packed Dimensions: 15 x 4 x 4 inches
Weight: 1lb 12oz
How To Choose A Tarp For Camping – Buying Guide
Material
Before buying a new tarp, paying attention to the quality of the material used will allow you to get a camping tarp that’ll serve you well and last. The best camping tarp companies use ripstop polyester and nylon fabric coated or laminated with polyurethane to make it waterproof. Â
Size
Tarp companies offer many sizes so you can choose the perfect sized tarp for your needs. If you’re looking for a ground tarp, choose a tarp slightly larger than your tent footprint so you can create a waterproof rub for your tent. If you’re looking for a tent to keep a large campsite dry or shaded, you can get lightweight tarps up to 100 x 100 feet in size.
Shape
If you’re using a hammock and tarp as a tent, you’ll want the ideal shape for sleeping in your hammock whether it’s a one or two-person hammock. Square and rectangular shaped tarps allow you to configure your tarp shelter into a shape that will provide the most coverage and keep you dry.
Thickness
If finding a compact travel sized camp tarp is important, it is wise to consider tarp thickness. The thickness of your tarp will also depend on your use. If you plan to use your tarp as a light shade cover for the day, a thinner tarp will do. If you intend to use your tarp as a bottom sheet, you may want to go with a thicker option.
Construction
Everything from the material used to the stitching will not only dictate how durable the tarp will be but also how you’ll use it. Since the tie downs and grommets are how you will secure your tarp, you’ll want to ensure they’re strong and not likely to pull out of the tarp material. The corners should also be reinforced for extra strength.
Set-up
For camping, backpacking or hiking use, you’ll want a tarp that’s easy to set up and take down. We strongly recommend finding a tarp that not only has everything required for setting it up but also instructions on how to do this quickly and efficiently. Â
Weight
The weight of your tarp should be a key consideration, especially if you intend to trek or hike to your campsite. Thanks to technological advancements, you can find a camp tarp lightweight while still being waterproof and tear-resistant.
Color
Tarps come in a variety of colors from the traditional blue and green to camo blends. If you’re camping in the wild, you may want to choose a green shade that’ll blend with the surrounding. If you want maximum visibility, high-visibility orange or neon is the best color option.
FAQs
Q: What Is A Camp Tarp?
A camp tarp is a tent-like sheet of material that provides an added layer of protection when in the outdoors. These are not the traditional thick blue tarps but rather lightweight in design. They have many uses from camping shelters to tent ground covers and some even act as tents.
Q: Why Do I Need Camping Tent Tarps?
Tarp tents come handy whether you want to create a rain fly in the rain, need shade from the hot sun, or a base for your tent or hammock. The beauty of tarps is that they’re lightweight and packable thus easy to bring along and they will make your outdoor experiences much more enjoyable.
Q: What Is The Difference Between A Tarp And A Tent?
Q: What Are The Benefits Of Tarp Camping?
The main benefit of tarp camping is that you will have less gear to carry and setting up shelter will be quick and easy. Tarps are simple to erect and take down and they have a compact and lightweight design ideal for traveling. They are also compatible with the new trend of hammock camping.
Q: Should You Put A Tarp Under Your Tent?
Yes, it’s a good idea to put a tarp as a ground cover for your tent. Having one underneath will prevent ground dampness from seeping into your tent floor and act as a protective barrier to prevent sticks and rocks from puncturing your tent.
Q: How Do You Keep A Tarp Camping Dry?
The best way to ensure your camp tarp will stay dry is to choose waterproof camping tarps with heat-sealed seams. Rain droplets and moisture will just roll off and your tarp will stay dry. If you’re using the tarp as a tent footprint, make sure you get the right size to create a waterproof base for your tent to stand on. Â
Q: What Size Tarp Do I Need For My Tent?
To offer the protection you need, your tarp size should be at least as long as the widest part of your tent and about 6 feet wider than the tent. To determine what size tarp to get, measure the footprint of your tent and have the intended use in mind as the ideal size to choose will depend on whether you intend to use it as a rainfly or ground sheet.
Globo Surf Overview
There are many features and aspects you should look for when searching for the best camping tarps. By using this guide and reviews, you’ll be able to understand which features you need to look for while choosing the best tarp for camping.
More Camping Reviews:
- EDC Flashlight
- Mosquito Repellent
- Axe
- Ultralight Tent
- Keychain Knife
- Camping Lantern
- First Aid Kit
- Rechargeable Flashlight
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- 6 Person Tent
Have you ever tried camping using one of the tarps from our list? Tell us about how it helped keep you dry in the comment section below.