9 Best Camping Tarps Reviews-Buyer Guide(Updated 2022)

A Beginner’s Guide To Camping Tarps

It can be difficult to know where to begin when you are preparing for a camping trip.

Camping equipment comes in many varieties, all designed to make your life easier in some way…

….. But when it comes to camping equipment, the most useful item might just be the simplest.

If there’s any item of camping gear that is guaranteed to be useful, it’s a camping tarp.

With dozens of uses around the campsite, it’s one thing you can’t leave home without.

What are camping tarps?

Camping tarps are large sheets made of flexible, durable, and often waterproof materials used as alternatives to tents when camping or hiking.

They can be made of fabric, nylon, or polyethylene that provides enough protection against environmental hazards and various weather conditions.

Camping tarps usually have reinforced grommets along the sides and corners as attachment points for sticks, posts, or ropes so that they can be suspended or tied down.

Tarpaulin is completely waterproof, sun proof and wind resistant. All super handy features to have on hand when camping! You just never know when Mother Nature is going to throw some curveballs into your camping trip, but it’s best to be prepared.

Camping Tarps are made from canvas, durable cloth, nylon and plastic blends. The most common type of tarp is the basic blue poly tarp that is waterproof, durable and strong.

There are plenty of more advanced types of tarp available, but generally, these cost a whole lot more and offer only minimal advantages over the standard type of tarp for sale at most camping supply stores.

The Benefit

• Place tarp over your tent for supreme shelter from a rainstorm!
• In extreme space saving efforts, use your tarp as a tent!
• Use your tarp as groundcover
• Attach your tarp vertically and use it as a shelter from wind
• Drape your tarp over your food and protect it from insects

The many uses of your camping tarp are restricted only by your imagination.

A tarp can be used in a hundred different ways, and on a hundred different trips. You can be sure your tarp will come in handy every time you decide to go camping.

Types of Camping Tarps

Kinds of Camping Tarps include the following:

Polyethylene camping tarps

Polyethylene camping tarps have high-density polyethylene center layers and coating. Most models are water- and weather-resistant. Most models have a UV-resistant coating on both sides.

Parachute nylon camping tarps

Parachute nylon camping tarps are made of soft, light, and silky nylon fabric. They are compact enough to fit inside a bag or a daypack. They are not waterproof, but the nylon fabric makes water roll off. Most models have reinforced center suspension loops that allow them to be formed into different shapes.

Silicone fabric camping tarps

Silicone fabric camping tarps are versatile tarps made of reinforced nylon fabric with a silicone coating on both sides. They are light, compact, and tear-resistant. Their fabric strands are locked, making them waterproof.

Choosing Camping Tarps (Buying tips)

Size: Choose a camping tarp large enough to cover your camping or sleeping area. If you intend to cover an ordinary camping hammock, get one that measures nine feet long and five feet wide.

Weight: Choose a lightweight camping tarp to make it easy to carry and transport when traveling. However, make sure that its weight does not compromise its durability.

Here Are Top 10 Best Camping Tarps

FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp

Just as the name suggests, this hammock tarp is definitely going to give you a bang for your buck. Let’s find out whether it’s good enough.

Compact and portable design

Starting with the design, it’s really compact and portable. It does come with a rain proofing stuff sac that is lightweight. You can fold it away simply and conveniently fit it in your backpack or carry it on your trips.

Despite the fact that it measures 126 x 118 inches, it weighs only 2.6 pounds which is fairly light for its size

Adequate and reliable protection

As for the protection, it’s large enough to accommodate two people at a time. It also keeps you away from the wind, rain, sunshine, leaves or the sunshine as it is made out of 100% nylon that’s super strong and has PU waterproof coating and a wear resistant fabric for all weather protection.

Easy to set up

Setting it up is also quite easy as it has a simple construction which allows the tent to be pitched in many different configurations

Pros

• Adequate protection and large in size
• Easy to set up in place and large enough to accommodate two people
• Compact, portable and lightweight

Cons

• The seal tapes at the center points on both ends is a little weak

Bear Butt Double Hammock Tent Rain Fly – Cover for Camping

This bear butt rain fly is very easy to set up, ultralight, available in multiple colors and it’s just as functional as it is well-designed. Let’s have a closer look at it.

It’s ultralight

With the tarp being lightweight and weighing slightly over one pound, you can easily have it in your backpack, car or your carry-on bags in a plane for long journeys.
It’s definitely one of the best ultralight hammock tarps

Completely reliable for weatherproofing

For the actual performance, it’s just as good for use in rainy weather as it is when the sun is high up. Being made of waterproof polyester fabric, it functions to keep you dry when the rain is pouring and give you the best shade when the sun is high up

Doesn’t need a hammock stand to set up

Being perfect for a quick, spur-of-the-moment setup, you won’t be needing any hammock stand to set it up. Regardless of where you are, it’s not going to let you down

Easy to set up

All you’ve got to do to have it up is simply swing the fly up over the hammock and secure it to trees or posts. You no longer have to be worried about having to deal with messy straps.
Also…
They’ve got reflective tracers for easy visibility in any condition

Pros

• Durable polyester construction
• Easy to set up and compact sized for portability
• It only weighs over a pound hence convenient for the outdoors.

Cons

• The storage sack is tiny and takes a while to put it back in it.

Bug Net Hammock Mosquito Net

Looking for something that’ll protect you against any bugs? This 12’ hammock tarp is definitely what you need and here’s why:

Complete security from bugs

By being able to keep out all the bugs and mosquitos, you’ll have a long and sound sleep. This bug is made out of 100% superfine mesh. It’s going to give you a 360-degree protection and coverage and since it’s breathable, you’ll be perfectly ventilated.

Lightweight, portable and backpacker approved

Weighing only 21.5 ounces, this bug net will easily fit into the stuff sack that comes along with it. you’ll be able to carry it along with everything else you need for your camping

Two hanging way for easy setup

Despite the fact that its one of the largest in the market, it’s amazingly easy to set up. There’s only one ridge line with which you can use to hang the tarp on tree straps with hooks or tie it to a tree with ridgelines.

Pros

• Uses SUPERFINE 100% mesh for utmost protection from bugs
• Lightweight and easily portable
• Comes with 1 ridge line and is a two hang-way tarp.

Cons

• You have to cinch the ends tight enough to close it up completely

Foxelli Rain Fly – Portable Waterproof Lightweight Rain Tarp

The Foxelli hammock tarps are best known for their quality. We chose this Foxelli hammock tarp review almost at the end of our review list to provide you with something valuable for staying with us till here.     

Utmost versatility

Not only this is one of the best hammock camping tarp, but it is also ideal to use for a number of activities from covering your outdoor kitchen to using it for beach activities, picnics, and family gatherings.

Setting it up is also amazingly simple since it comes along with a full kit that gives you everything you need to have it up- long metal corner loops, aluminum alloy stakes and a convenient carry bag.

Portable and light for utmost convenience

For the weight, the whole kit weighs only 18.2 ounces inclusive of all the ropes and stakes in the kit. It’s fairly lightweight nature makes it much less trouble to carry as it will fit in a small bag quite well which makes it one of the best ultralight hammock tarps you could get

Weather protection

It’s totally reliable for snow, rain and sun protection. This tarp is made from solid and lightweight premium quality ripstop nylon water-resistant polyester material.

PROS

• Durable rip-stop polyester construction
• Ultralight and portable- weighs only 18.2 ounces
• Easy to set up and includes all the set-up accessories.

CONS

• It doesn’t come with set up instructions.

OUTAD Waterproof Camping Tarp

OUTAD Waterproof Camping Tarp is best for a picnic, Tent Footprint, and Sunshade. It is made of 210D Oxford which makes it waterproof.

This Camping Tarp comes in 4 different colors and 3 size options.

Its unfold size different size like Small (59 x 87 inches), Medium (71 x 87 inches), Large (94 x 87 inches).

OUTAD Waterproof Tarp is great for outdoor activities like picnics, camping, hiking, and going to the beach.

Kelty Noah’s Tarp Shelter

Kelty Noah’s Tarp is made of sturdy yet lightweight, water-resistant polyester.

It is best and lightweight shelter trap which provides instant shade with weather protection. It is designed in such way that everyone easily uses.

It is available in three different sizes 9,12,16 feet.

You can use it for boating, camping, backpacking, sporting events, and other festivals.

Stansport Reinforced Multi-Purpose Tarp

Stansport Reinforced Tarp is made of durable rip-stop and polyethylene laminated on both sides. It is available in different sizes from 5 X 7 Feet to 100 X 100 Feet.

It is Waterproof, washable and shrinks proof. Best for outdoor activities like picnics, camping, hiking, and going to the beach.

Hanjet Thick Camping Tarp

Hanjet Tarp is made of tight polyethylene weave which make it super durability, flexible and Waterproof. It is available in 3 different colors and 12 different sizes. You can use it for different propose like cover your boats, cars or motor vehicles or shelter in Camping moreover you can use emergency roof patch material for homeowners. It is Shrink-proof, Waterproof, Rot, Rust and Mildew resistant.

CHILL GORILLA TENT TARP

From the design to its performance, this tarp will definitely be worth every penny. It’s definitely going to give you enough coverage and protection.

Here’s why it’s the best hammock tarp for you:

Extreme weather protection

Starting with the most important of all, this tarp is made of polyurethane-treated ripstop nylon which in turn gives you long-lasting protection.

Also, the square shape with multiple connection points will be giving you the ultimate rain fly. It also features a design that decreases condensation and virtually keeps it from flapping when the wind blows

Lightweight and portable

It has got multiple tie-down loops as well as grommets for anchor points. It also does come with a rainproof gear sack which makes it convenient to have in your trips- definitely the best hammock tarp for backpacking.

A swallowtail design

This design features catenary curved edges that function to increase airflow hence reduce condensation, decrease the weight slightly and eliminates flapping in the wind.

Buying guide:

Tarps are simple and inexpensive items of camping equipment. A relief if you’ve already spent a fortune on camping gear like tents and portable fridges! You can buy a simple tarp for as little as a few dollars; a fantastic investment if you consider the many possible uses it has!

There are some fantastically advanced tarps on the market today, and they don’t even cost that much. You can browse around online to see just how extensive the range of features is that a tarp can have; you might be surprised at just how many uses your $100 tarp can serve while camping!

Look for tarps that are durable, completely waterproof and sizeable. When it comes to tarps, size does matter, and it’s worthwhile investing in a large one! The more tarp you have, the more shelter, protection, and waterproofing you can create.

With a bit of research, you can find the perfect tarp to take along whenever the urge to go camping strikes. It will become your most often used item of equipment in your arsenal of camping gear. Once you’ve camped with a tarp, you will never be able to leave home without it!.

Things You Can Do With A Camping Tarp

Never Leave Home Without A Camping Tarp or Two.
Camping is fun, but no camping trip is complete without a camping tarp. So you might think that a tarp is useless, but I’ll bet we can find at least four ways a tarp can improve your camping trip. Are you ready? Let’s go!

1- A Tent

You might not really think about this, but how much does a tent cost? You could pay up to one hundred dollars for a nice waterproof tent, but there is something you need to think about. Isn’t a tarp waterproof? When was the last time you saw something underneath a tarp get wet? With a few stakes, a pole, and some imagination, you could set yourself up a tent in no time.

2- A Place to Sit

The ground isn’t always going to be dry. If you want to sit down in a circle with your friends or family, the last thing you want is moisture from the ground leaking into your pants. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be embarrassing. Bring along a camping tarp and use it as a surface to sit on! You really can’t go wrong with a tarp.

3-A Pillow

Okay so when you’re going out on a ‘manly’ camping trip with your pals, do you really want to bring your pillow with you? Probably not, but luckily you can actually roll up a camping tarp and use it as a pillow. No, it might not be quite as comfortable as an actual pillow would be, but it does have a few advantages. One advantage is the obvious aesthetic, and the other is the fact that a tarp will not absorb water. Can you imagine if you went home with a pillow full of water?

4-Covering those Supplies

In the event that it rains, you will most definitely want to make sure that you can cover your supplies. Chances are you can’t fit them all inside your tent, so bring a tarp just to be safe. You’ll be glad you did in the morning when you want to get into the food or change into a fresh pair of clothes.

So there you have it, the four uses for a camping tarp. There’s really no reason not to get one. They’re very cheap, and you can get one in the camping section at your local retail store. If you really want to, you could probably pick one up at an auto parts store as well, since they are often thought of as covers for automobiles. Wherever you go, make sure you have a camping tarp, and make sure you take it with you on your next adventure-it might just be the difference between a good trip and a bad one.