14 Ways to Use a Tarp For Camping

There are many uses for a tarp in the great outdoors, but what I’ll be covering in this article are the many uses for a camping trip.

More times than not you’re going to need more than one, and if you’re a newbie to the outdoor game you’re probably wondering why the heck you need so many.

Well, keep reading and discover all the good ones below 😀

For Your Tent

1. Footprint

A footprint is a piece of material that sits underneath your tent to protect the flooring.

However, there are a lot of tents that don’t have a footprint, and more times than not they are sold separately. They aren’t cheap either.

This is where a tarp comes in handy.

Just lay out a tarp and pitch your tent over top, keeping in mind that you need to fold the excess to stop water from “pooling” under the floor when it rains.

2. Extra Rain Protection

Pitching your tent between two trees and tying your tarp securely above is a great technique not many people use.

It acts as an extra line of defense against the rain so you can sleep with a peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything in your power to keep you and your family safe.

Keep the rain fly on also, as two waterproof strategies are always better than one 🙂

3. Blocking Wind

This can literally become a lifesaver when you suddenly realize your $50 tent from Walmart isn’t going to cut the mustard for the unexpected rise in wind conditions.

They are really THAT good since they are windproof and waterproof, and being so lightweight makes them a no-brainer in my eyes.

Secure it wherever the wind is smashing against your tent, as it can help stop your tent blowing over in the middle of the night!

Around the Campsite

4. Makeshift Shelter

Tarp shelters create the best kitchens, eating areas and even sitting areas. Sometimes when it’s raining it makes being outside a dreadful experience.

With the help of a tarp you won’t have to be cooped up inside your tent on a rainy day.

Because they are compact and extremely lightweight, take AT LEAST a few with you, and that’s minimum.

You’ll soon realize the vast amount of shelters you can create and you’ll get better at creating them after some practice.

5. Sleeping Shelter

Rather than the traditional “tent camping”, you may want to take your outdoor experience to the next level.

It is called tarp camping and it makes you feel like you’re actually sleeping in mother nature since there are no walls.  Just use one of your trekking poles to prop the tarp up and you are set.

You are truly sleeping in the forest with a thin piece of fabric keeping you sheltered, that is it.

Note: This also means you’re in the firing line for bugs – nothing a bit of insect repellent can’t fix though.

6. Covering Equipment

If your tent doesn’t have a vestibule but you’re out backpacking and have no place to store your equipment, a tarp comes handy in this situation.

Usually you can store your gear in a car, a vestibule or even inside the tent, but in some case this is just not possible.

A tarp is the next best option.

Secure a tarp over your equipment or just wrap everything up inside one. You’ve now weatherproofed your gear and don’t have to worry about your valuables getting wet.

7. Covering Wood Pile

You can keep your wood pile dry with the help of a tarp.

Throw a tarp over your wood pile and make sure it’s secured with some paracord, as tarps can fly away if not secured properly.

Another great use of a tarp and firewood is when you need to move large piles from one place to another.

Tarps are strong and allows you to carry heavy things like a sack.

8. Creating a Bathroom

Need I say more?

Of course in the wilderness there is really nothing to worry about, however, some people just like to be sure they aren’t going to be seen doing their business.

Creating a bathroom via a tarp will give you a private bathroom and peace of mind.

It’s easy to create and can be left up for the duration of the drop if need be.

9. Keeping Food Out of Reach of Bears

Wrap food up in a tarp, tie it with paracord, throw it over a branch and tie it securely so it’s suspended in the air.

If you’re in bear country you need to know how to store your food correctly, and doing this is just another simple technique that works like a charm.

Bonus Uses

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10. Emergency Shelter

Tarps are SO lightweight…they should be with you everywhere you go, especially when you’re out hiking and exploring the surrounding areas of your campsite.

In the event you get lost and can’t find your way back to camp, a tarp will allow you to stay sheltered and out of the rain.

Have one in your day pack no matter where you are!

11. Slip ‘N Slide

Fun for the whole family, and probably more so for the adults if I say so myself.

I’m usually one of the last to get off of these things because they are just THAT much fun.

The beauty of a slip ‘n slide with a tarp is that you can set them up differently with every campsite.

I usually have mine setup to slide straight into a lake or body of water.

Of course you need to ensure it is safe before using first.

12. Guaranteed Dry Surface

The great outdoors is extremely unpredictable.

You aren’t guaranteed anything so you need to be prepared for the unexpected.

Usually the earths ground is wet or damp at best, and sometimes keeping your gear on a table or in your tent is out of the question.

Lay a tarp out and stake it down. All your equipment is now dry and safe from the damp ground.

Keep in mind that this method can be used with anything, even kitchen utensils, clothing, etc. You are only limited to your imagination.

13. Storing Gear in the Car

After the camping trip is over, there’s going to be muddy boots, gear and wet clothing.

You can stop the interior of your car from getting dirty just by laying a tarp down flat and everything dirty and wet on top of it.

It’s as easy as that 🙂

14. Clear Tarps

In some cases it might be best to use clear tarps rather than colored, which in my personal experience, work great for shelters.

They are good for kitchens, sitting areas and emergency shelters.

Sometimes it’s good to see the surrounding areas, especially when you’re out hiking but get stuck in a sudden storm.

Conclusion

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Tarps are a wondrous creation made for literally anything, and I’ve seen people struggle just because they don’t know how to use tarps to their advantage.

There are probably hundreds of uses for a tarp – here I have stated what I use them for only.

I’m intrigued to know what YOU use your tarp for in the great outdoors.

What do you use your tarp for? Pop your answer below!