Why Tarps?

Tents are fine. But sometimes, a Tarp works better.

Tarps give you options. You can hang them high for shade or pitch them low for storms. You can sleep under one, cook under one, or create a dry path between shelters.

They pack light, set up fast, and adapt to the weather.

If you are using a high-performance tarp from Tarps Now, you are already ahead of the game. Strong grommets and reinforced edges mean you get a tight pitch that lasts all night. Or all week.

What to Look for in a Tarp

Here are some key features to pay attention to when looking for a Tarp:

Size

Start small: 8’ x 10’ usually works for one person.

Go bigger for more coverage: 12’ x 16’ or 16’ x 20’ helps cover a full campsite.

Do you want to cook under the Tarp or share space? Pick wider dimensions.

Material

Grommet Spacing

The more grommets you utilize the more secure your Tarp will be. Look for evenly spaced grommets. Closer spacing means more setup options.

Tarps Now offers Tarps typically with grommets every 18 inches to 24 inches. This is a big help when you want to adjust tension or change your position.

Make sure the grommets are sturdy and reinforced. Tarps Now uses double-stitched edges and rust-resistant grommets.

Classic Tarp Setups

Each setup below includes when to use it, how to pitch it, and what kind of Tarp works best.

A-Frame

When to Use: Rainy weather, medium wind, basic camping

What You Need:

  • 2 trees or trekking poles
  • Ridgeline cord
  • Ground stakes

How to Pitch It:

  • Run cord between trees at head height
  • Drape tarp over the line
  • Stake out sides

Why It Works: Rain rolls off both sides. Air flows underneath. Great for overnight rain.

Best Tarps: 8’ x 10’ or 10’ x 12’ Vinyl or Canvas Tarp from Tarps Now with grommets every 18 to 24-inches

Lean-To

When to Use: Windy conditions, fire-facing setup, day shelter

What You Need:

  • Flat side against wind
  • 2 poles or trees
  • Guy lines and stakes

How to Pitch It:

  • Stake back edge to ground
  • Prop up front edge with poles or tree tie-outs

Why It Works: Blocks wind on one side. Reflects heat if you build a fire in front.

Best Tarps: 10’ x 12’ or 12’ x 16’ Canvas Tarp with reinforced corners

Plow Point

When to Use: Strong wind, minimal gear, fast pitch

What You Need:

  • One strong anchor point (tree or long stake)
  • Four ground stakes
  • One trekking pole (optional)

How to Pitch It:

  • Stake three corners in a triangle
  • Tie the fourth corner high to a tree or pole

Why It Works: Aerodynamic. Rain and wind roll off the sides.

Best Tarps: Square vinyl or Canvas Tarp (10’ x 10’ or 12’ x 12’)

C-Fly (Flying Diamond)

When to Use: Variable wind, 2-person camping

What You Need:

  • 4 stakes
  • Ridgeline or center pole
  • Guy lines

How to Pitch It:

  • Fold tarp in half diagonally
  • Stake two corners on the ground
  • Raise third corner with pole or tree

Why It Works: Deflects wind from the side. Gives partial overhead cover.

Best Tarps: 12’ x 12’ or 14’ x 14’ lightweight Vinyl or Mesh Tarp

Tarp Tent

When to Use: Full coverage needed, insect protection

What You Need:

  • Inner mesh tent or bug net
  • Ridgeline and stakes

How to Pitch It:

  • Set up bug tent first
  • Drape tarp overhead like A-frame
  • Stake sides wide for air gap

Why It Works: Protects from bugs, wind, and rain. Great for backpacking with variable weather.

Best Tarps: 10’ x 12’ or 12’ x 14’ Poly Tarp with reinforced edges

Modified A-Frame with Beaks

When to Use: Rain with wind, overnight shelter

What You Need:

  • Regular A-frame setup
  • Short guy lines for corner flaps

How to Pitch It:

  • Build A-frame
  • Fold front corners inward and stake

Why It Works: Adds doors to block wind and rain without sealing the airflow.

Best Tarps: Vinyl and Canvas Tarps

Flat Roof (Dining Shelter)

When to Use: Group camping, cooking area

What You Need:

  • Four tall poles or trees
  • 6-8 guy lines

How to Pitch It:

  • Stretch tarp overhead like a roof
  • Anchor each corner with guy lines

Why It Works: Big dry space underneath. Easy to move around. Keeps gear dry in rain.

Best Tarps: 16’ x 20’ Vinyl Tarp with grommets every 18 to 24- inches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overtightening grommets: This stretches and may tear grommets.
  • Flat pitch in rain: Always angle your tarp so water drains.
  • Thin cordage: Use at least 3mm paracord or thicker. Really thin rope can cut fabric.
  • Not using stakes or toggles: Wrap guy lines around sticks or use tensioners to protect the tarp.
  • Forgetting drip lines: Water can travel down guy lines. Tie small pieces of cord near grommets to stop flow.

Tarp Tips for Any Site

  • Use trees when you can. They make strong anchor points.
  • Always carry extra guy lines and at least 6 stakes.
  • Practice your pitch at home. This way you know what to expect and adjust accordingly.
  • Store Tarps dry. Wet fabric can develop mold and mildew issues.
  • Use rocks, sticks, or sandbags if stakes do not hold.

Recommended Tarps from Tarps Now

For Solo Trips

  • 8’ x 10’ Canvas Tarp with rustproof grommets
  • Lightweight Poly or Vinyl Tarp

For Group Camps

  • 12’ x 16’ or 16’ x 20’ heavy duty Vinyl Tarps
  • Mesh Tarps for shade on summer trips

For Cold Weather

  • Canvas or Vinyl Tarps
  • Pair with lean-to setup near a fire

Why Tarps Now Tarps Work:

  • Grommets hold up
  • Strong stitching performs in high wind
  • Good variety of sizes and materials

Try a New Setup

Pick one new shape and try it on your next trip. Use a good Tarp. Bring extra cord. See how it holds in the wind and rain.

Every setup teaches you something.

You will find yourself pitching for Tent faster. Sleeping better. Staying drier.

Tarps work very well when you know how to use them. Now you do!

If You Have Questions

If you have questions or need help with Tarps for camping and hiking, please contact us at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com where an experienced and pleasant team member located at our Michigan headquarters looks forward to speaking with you.

This guide covers tarp setups for every kind of campsite. Learn how to pitch A-frames, lean-tos, plow points, and more. See why grommet placement, tarp size, and material matter. Use Tarps Now ® gear to build strong, weather-ready shelters.

Happy 4th of July!

Written by Bill Paige