11 Best Tarps For Camping In 2021
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Whether it’s a call for adventure from the lush green valley or the lofty mountains, your experience can be enriched with the right camping accessories, such as a camping tarp.
The best tarps for camping are waterproof, strong, flexible, and versatile enough to protect you from extreme weather conditions. They have multiple functionalities and can be used as a tarp tent, ground cover, footprint, a shelter for the hammock, a canopy, hammock tarp, beach blanket, and a picnic mat.
Read on as we list some of the best tarps for camping that can be purchased online.
Top Picks
11 Best Tarps For Camping
1. Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp
A great option for a solo hang or a double nest, this 12x10ft camping hammock tarp comes with 33 tie-down points. This square tarp is made up of superior ripstop material. It comes with six guy lines, six guy line tensioners, four aluminum tent stakes, one small accessory stuff-sack, and rain fly tent tarp stuff-sack.
The hammock tarp can also be used as a tent footprint, hammock shelter, picnic mat, or a beach blanket. It is ideal for backpacking, hiking, camping, trekking, bike packing, boating, or traveling in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Large camping tarp with two long diagonal centerlines
- Lightweight, durable, tear-resistant, and waterproof material
- Does not stretch and sag
- Withstands heavy rain and extreme winds
- A reinforcing stitch to the tie-outs
- Durable stakes
Cons
- Heavy
- May not pitch tight
2. Hanjet Camping Tarp
This 8×10 ft thick waterproof rain tarp for camping is made up from a strong polyethylene woven material. The edges of this tarp are strengthened with polyethylene rope. The tent is flexible, durable, and is resistant to damage from ultraviolet rays, rot, and rust. It protects the users from elements like the sun, the wind, and the rain.
This camping tarp can also be used as a roof patch material or as a cover for your vehicles. It also works as a drop sheet during any construction work.
Pros
- Sturdy material
- Sustains extreme sunlight and rainstorms
- Dries faster after cleaning
- The large size helps cover more surface area
- Easy to clean
- Easy to fold
- Lightweight tarp
Cons
- May not sustain heavy snow
- Flammable
3. Rain Fly Evolution Hammock Waterproof Tent Tarp
This heavy-duty rain fly camping tarp comes in two sizes of 12x10ft and 10x10ft. It is made of diamond ripstop real nylon fabric material with the water-resistance of 2000PU. The package also includes six lightweight aluminum stakes, six carabiners, seven adjustable guy lines, one stake bag for ropes and aluminum poles, one survival bracelet, and one all gear carrying pouch.
This kit’s unique feature is the survival bracelet kit that includes a compass for navigation, a whistle, a flint as a fire starter, and a small scraper knife. Useful in multiple ways, from a hammock rainfly to the moisture-proof mat, it works as a barrier against the rain, thunderstorm, sun, and the snow. It is ideal for camping, hiking, and traveling.
Pros
- Lightweight, ideal for backpacking
- Covers a tall person when used as a tent
- Heavy-duty secured stitching
- Blocks most of the UV rays and keeps it cool
- Quiet in strong winds
- Provides good coverage
- Reinforced corners and tie-outs
- Good quality of stakes
- Long cordages
Cons
- Thin guy lines may get tangled easily
- Improper grommet placement
4. Redcamp Waterproof Camping Tarp
This tarp is made of 210D Oxford ripstop polyester and has water protection of PU1000MM. The camping tarp measures 17.5x7ft and can be used as a ground cloth for two to three people. The tarp can also be used as a beach mat, picnic mat, baby mat, and sun or rain canopy. The tent comes with a drawstring pouch that adds convenience in its compact packing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Leakproof taped seams
- Works as a groundsheet or a damp-proof footprint
- Properly lined up grommets make it a perfect fit and prevent hanging
- Thick, strong, well-built, and durable material
- Compact packing saves space and time
- Loops extended in corners allow convenient tie out
- Provides good weather protection when used as a tarp shelter especially against the heavy torrential rain and snowfall
Cons
- No grommets between the corners along the edges
- Loose stitching
- May not be able to bear wind tension when used as hammock or tent tarp
5. Geertop Ultralight Waterproof Tent Tarp
This 2.11×6.11ft tarp is made of 20D double-sized siliconized ripstop nylon fabric that makes it durable and tear-proof. The anti-moisture capability of the mat is due to its PU8000MM water-resistance level. You can pack this rupture-resistant ultralight camping tarp into a compact size drawstring pouch easily.
You can also use this rectangular tarp as a footprint, picnic mat, sun canopy, beach mat, hammock tarp, shade roof for a hammock, or a camping ground tarp.
Pros
- Ultralightweight (160g) and compact packing for hiking, cycling, and backpacking
- Thin yet sturdy, strong, supple, tough, and durable
- Easy to clean and dries faster
- Reinforced corners, edges, and grommets withhold tie-outs firmly
Cons
- Size is smaller for a taller person when used as a tent tarp
- Doesn’t have an attachment in the middle
6. Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Tarp
The Tarp package includes one hammock rain fly (9.8×10.5ft, 1200g), four nylon guy lines with tensioners, and one stuff-sack. It is made of 210T ripstop polyester material that has a 2500PU waterproof rating. This camping tarp shelter can be used as an awning as it is efficient in protecting from UV rays, rain, and the wind.
Its 19 guy points and five strengthening grommet points ensure proper coverage, making it useful for military, hunting, fishing, backpacking, hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Easy to fold
- Durable, thick material
- Wide cover area
- PU-coated waterproof material and taped seams keep you warm and dry in the heavy rain and the high wind
- Multiple tie-down straps allow versatility in the configuration of the tarp, and easy rigging all type of shelters
- Quick to set up due to reinforced ridgeline seams
- The edge loops are attached to reinforcing patches
- Decent lines for suspension
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Weak stitching
7. Outry Waterproof Multi-Purpose Tarp
Composed of 210D Oxford ripstop fabric, this tarp comes in small (4.9×7.2ft, 360g), medium (5.9×7.2ft, 470g), and large (7.9×7.2ft, 566g) sizes. The package includes one tarp, four small stakes, and six medium and large stakes, and one stuff-sack. It is perfect for camping, hiking, backpacking, picnic on the beach, or other outdoor activities.
The multipurpose tarp can be used as a groundsheet, tent cover, hammock rain fly, outdoor kitchen cover, beach mat, instant shade or rain cover, and sun canopy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Protects from snow
- Easy to fold, pack, and carry
- Thin yet durable
- Double-seamed edges
- Convenient placement of grommets (eight mm diameter) on each corner and a center grommet on two sides.
- Easy to clean the snow or the dirt off the vertical or angled areas of the tarp
- Dries faster
- Metal rimmed eyelet holes around the edges make pinning down easy
- Grommets are reinforced and tight
Cons
- May not be suitable for use in rough or rocky terrain
8. Terra Hiker Camping Tarp
This camping tarp is made of 210D Oxford cloth material and comes in blue, green, and dark green colors, in three sizes of 5×7.1ft, 5.8×7.1ft, and 7.8×7.1ft. This camping ground tarp can be used as a tent footprint, sun canopy, picnic mat, beach blanket, cover for a vehicle, boat, or furniture.
Pros
- Seamed edges
- Cleans up easily
- Easy to fold, pack, and carry
- Lightweight and properly constructed
- Good barrier against light rain, wind, and sunlight
- Durable stitching
- Works as a shelter over the tent, hammock, or campsite, and as a damp-proof ground mat
- Quiet while folding and in the wind
Cons
- Eyelets could tear from the fabric easily
- Thin material doesn’t cushion from rocks or sharp objects on the ground
- May not withstand high wind, thunderstorms, and extreme heat
- Easily flammable
- Doesn’t dry quickly
9. Unigear Hammock Rain Fly Waterproof Tent Tarp
The Unigear waterproof tarp comes in three different sizes of 9.8×9.8ft, 9.8×13.12ft, and 9.8×16.4 ft. Made of strong 210D ripstop Oxford material, the tarp can protect your skin and eyes from the sunburn, keep you dry in the rain, sudden downpours, or snow. It works well for hammock camping, backpacking, hiking, or other adventurous outdoor activities.
The rain fly comes with six stakes, six ropes, eight tie-down fix points, and grommets, one on each corner and one in the middle of each side. It can be used as survival tarp, hammock shelter, outdoor kitchen cover, the desert beach, tent footprint, groundsheet, and instant shade.
Pros
- Versatile and easy to set up
- Inner reflective material protects against the harsh sun and can be used as a signal by rescue workers, owing to its high visibility
- Long-lasting, anti-tear material prevents leaking and ripping
- Double-stitched reinforced fixed points in the triangular dual layer
- Double-stitched seams and corners with double-layer material
- Water-resistant and dries fast
- Quiet and easy to pack
- Lightweight
- Good lengths of paracord
- Well-attached strong tabs and grommets
Cons
- Stakes and ties may bend easily in gravelly or rocky areas
10. Kalinco Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp
Whether you need a shade cover for your camp dining area or an awning shelter for an outdoor family party, this square tarp could come in handy. This 10x10ft square tent weighs around 1048gm. It is made of high-quality 190T Polyester with a hydrostatic column rating of PU3000mm. The tarp shelter comes with six metallic tent pegs, six tent ropes, and one waterproof stuff-sack.
Pros
- Easy to set up with multiple versatile configurations
- Taped central seam
- High-quality, quick-drying fabric
- Withstands high wind and heavy rain
- Compact and foldable tarp design fits into a stuff-sack
- Covers more area
- Ultra-light and durable
- Scratch-resistant, flexible, mild weather-resistant material
- Reinforced corners and tie-out attachment points
- Thin and silky, yet sturdy and durable
- Blocks the sun completely to keep it cool
- Ropes are long enough to string
- Decent stitching
Cons
- Thin pegs cannot be used in hard rocky ground
- Tabs soak up water
- Takes a long time to dry
11. Rottay Waterproof Camping Tarp
Whether you want to have a hammock rain fly or a cover for the back of the truck, this damp-proof tarp comes handy. High-density 210D Oxford fabric material is used in making this tarp available in medium (6×7.25ft) and large (7.8×7.25ft) sizes. A drawstring pouch is included in the package along with the tarp. The metal grommets along the sides and the tie-down loops will allow you to insert lightweight tent pegs.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Ideal as a ground tarp to prevent abrasions and punctures in the tent base
- Protection against dampness when used as a ground cover
- Flexible and quiet
- Protection against heavy rain and wind
- Easy to clean and consumes less space in your backpack
- Dries quickly
- Offers cool shade
Cons
- Thin material doesn’t withstand the stress of hanging
- Inadequate numbers of loops and grommets
- Doesn’t withstand extreme weather conditions
How To Choose The Right Tarp For Camping?
Choosing the best tarp for camping depends upon the criteria listed below.
- Quality: A tarp is designed for use as a protective covering layer while outdoors. Thus, knowing the thickness of the tarp will give you an idea about its quality and if it can withstand the extreme weather conditions.
- Fabric: Tarp fabric can be heavy-duty or lightweight. Heavy-duty tarps are more durable and heavier and can withstand varying weather conditions. Lightweight tarps can be used as shelter, covers, and mats in mild weather conditions.
- Size: Tarps that provide large coverage area are ideal for more people and can be packed into small stuff-sacks easily. Smaller tarps are much more compact and ideal for light or solo travelers.
- Variety and ease of set up: If the tarps come with multiple reinforced attachment points and more places to latch, they are easier to set up and ensure a secure taut fit.
- Color: Colors of the tarps impact your outdoor experiences. Where heavy-duty silver tarps are very efficient in blocking sunlight, white tarp allows natural light to come through.
Investing in a good tarp can keep you comfortable outdoors, whether on a camping trip or a backyard family picnic. Ensure that you pick one based on where and how you want to use it, and how often you are likely to use it. Do keep a budget in mind, so you can invest in a quality camping tarp that is also inexpensive yet durable.
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