Easy Way to Use a Tarp to Keep Your Tent Completely Dry

Start at 1:15 if you want to see the process.
Every camping trip I've had the last couple of years has included heavy rain for at least one day. Out of necessity I had to use a tarp to save the trip. It's not difficult. All you need is:
1) a large tarp: get one twice the size of your tent
2) paracord: several hundred feet
3) grommet savers/bungee balls
You can get all this stuff cheap at Wal-Mart or other discount farm/hardware stores.
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[@Relytization]

A stick... This is why I watch other peoples' techniques. I was in a situation yesterday that could've benefitted from a higher tarp tie-off point. Thanks for sharing!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Glad to help Tyler! In New England we say Necessity is the Mother of Invention. A handy stick or a fishing pole will do.

[@redblaze2613]

I know right? I was impressed with that. These lil things make a massive difference

[@benzw2505]

And here I am, dragging the tool box off my truck and around, to lean against the tree's..🤔

[@amandasharpe8653]

For the love of....a stick!! I've been climbing trees in flip flops and gashing legs/arms. I wish that I had seen this sooner. Thank you!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Glad to help Amanda! Over Memorial Day 2019 I was at the same camp site and did the same thing. Came out great and protected us from rain.

[@curtriceennis2924]

This video is exactly what I've been searching for. I've wondered how big a tarp I should get to go over my tent. With seeing your set - up, I can see "The bigger, the better" it will be for me. It's really a no - brainer to figure that out, but, sometimes we need a little nudge. TYSM for sharing this video with us. 👍

[@bwillis280]

Never mind all the trolls and their negative comments. I have camped since I was a Boyscout and have had many tents in various states being water tight. I actually have one like the one in the video which is tight as a drum still. We need more helpful videos like yours as not all are “experts”. Good video...

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you my friend! I appreciate the validation on the technique from an expert.

[@absolutelymassiverat]

Thank you so much for making this video! I live in Oregon, and am going tent camping for the first time this month. It rains all the time here, and this video is so informative and easy to understand, I'm confident that I'll be able to put up my own tent fly!! Thank you :)

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

oh great! I hope it worked out well. I have used this method many times and it works great. It can just take some time to get all the ropes adjusted so the tarp is high enough. Much easier with someone to help you.

[@johnalloytoy]

We hav e done this many time and it works well. We camp at the shore in a big open area. I always pick up old tent poles from tag sales or flea markets. They fill in nicely when there are no trees. Well done!

[@Debiano_Banano]

Such a simple idea, never thought of it. I used this trick last weekend knowing Id go camp in stormy weather, kept me, my tent & my gear dry despite the rain pouring for a full day and night. Thank you.

[@lincolndave1966able]

Such a simple idea, I could kick myself for not thinking of it. Saves the hassle of having to pack away a wet tent and then drying it out back home, awesome.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks Dave. It's worked for me a couple of times. The setup can be time consuming.

[@customfitment9396]

Heading out this weekend. First big trip of the year 😬 thanks for the tips 👍👍 supposed to rain. Not stopping us now. Great video. And the best part straight to ever point and no music lol ✌️

[@itsmejerkface]

I also enjoy the lack of background music and unncessary distraction. Thanks, sincerly.

[@groundgrabbatm6379]

Nice video Kieth! I love your explanations. I learned a lot. Thanks for posting it.

[@rebelwithoutapplause5629]

I'm heading out tonight for 4 nights and will be attempting my first Tarp set up. Many thanks for the tips. 👍

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Great, I hope it worked out for you. Thanks for watching!

[@marybatt5194]

This gives me hope for my huge truck tent from Cabella's....that leaks! My daughters told me to toss it, but it was quite expensive, and hopefully this will work. Thanks!!!

[@TS-yu2mp]

Good job thank you I was a Boy Scout and still have trouble with knots and are Rey important to know.

[@jeffdege4786]

The most critical thing isn't the reason, it's the groundwater. Doesn't matter what kind of tarp you use if runoff creates a stream through your tent. Proper trenching is what matters.

[@redblaze2613]

Great. Going to loch lomond next week. I think its gona be wet n wanted some extra cover over the tent. Now i know how. Thanks bud 👍

[@paultruslow7959]

Good idea's , everyone can learn from others experiences! I have a thirty year old large mountaineering tent that is also not as waterproof as it was and add a tarp to the setup but much closer to the original A frame shape adding a vestibule like extension off the front. With proper guide lines and knots it withstands 30 plus mph driving rain and bigger gusts! Pick your campsite wisely you need a slope and a wind break to sleep soundly thru a heavy storm and I do advise four season tents to stay dry!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks Paul...great advice! A little bit of prep work will really help in keeping you dry.

[@camxander]

Thanks bud. Appreciate the info! Going camping this weekend and supposed to be nothing but rain most of the time. Can't get my reservation fee refunded and would penalize me a day so this is going to help!

[@OutnBacker]

Been doing this forever. Good advice. It doesn't matter if you have nice waterproof tent. You still need to roll it up and put it away. A dry tent is a lot easier and there's no need to hang it at home til it dries. Trapped water in a camp kit sucks. My ONLY criticism is this: A brown tarp is a lot easier on the eyes. In fact, humans don't even really notice brown unless they are looking directly at it. Blue Tarps are aesthetically non - compliant. ; )

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Great tip and thanks for watching the video. I like the brown tarp idea!

[@kimberlyharper3715]

Thanks so much for sharing this helpful post!

[@reneecopeland1095]

Thanks for the tips! Much appreciated.

[@ashley1526]

Thank you! This was super helpful myself and my 6 year old are going camping for a few days and a ton if rain is to be expected. Unfortunately it will be raining during setup.

[@samdrake51]

Good idea for additional weather control without wrapping your tent w tarp and getting plenty of airflow... I see others have already offered options, so, have a good day!!! And happy camping!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks Sam. Last time we went camping we saw a young couple put a large tarp completely over their tent. That really limits the airflow and we thought it might be dangerous because of the lack of oxygen.

[@hulk01921]

Nice setup, great job!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks!

[@yairmottes6622]

thanks for sharing the turp setup with us.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

thanks for the comment! I really appreciate it. It makes it worthwhile to hear people say they found the video helpful.

[@MrDon524]

Excellent information, help me last weekend in the rain, thanks

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks!

[@cbizzell13]

Great tutorial. I'm going camping soon and my rain fly is missing, instead of purchasing a new tent we have decided to get a tarp, rope and poles and do this. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@cbizzell13]

We used his dads canopy this time but in october well be using the tarp system. The canopy was such a hassle.

[@Code_breaker_]

Heaps of thanks for this video for camping in the rain ....... Fantastic advice ( 1:15 ) ....... TARP , GROMMET SAVERS , PARACORD ! ! ! This video helped me become a more PROFESSIONAL CAMPER ! ! THIS GUY ( KEITH ) IS A LEGEND ! !

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks David!

[@sayitloudtheultimatetrivia5656]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@zinkoba821]

Really helpful. Planning a trip and there's heavy rain forecast whole we there. Hopefully don't get washed away.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

thank you! I appreciate the feedback. I was hoping someone else could benefit from my experience!

[@mariem1715]

I really love this idea to keep the tent dry and provide extra shade. My daughter and I attempted to set this up for the first time this past weekend, since rain was expected one night. Our tent and medium duty tarp is similar size to the video. I used a long pole to get the rope up about 14’ onto the trees on one side and a couple feet lower on the other side where rain water would run off and away from the tent. I also used the same technique with the rope staked to the ground. The Walmart grommet saver cord kept pulling through the hole in the orange ball, so big fail there. I skipped the orange ball and threaded the elastic cord through the grommet, instead, hoping for a little flexibility. It wasn’t very windy, but a little gust came up and tore out one of the corner grommets. We reset the rope on the next grommet over and everything was fine the rest of the day. That night a little storm blew through that was preceded by a large gust of wind. We heard the tarp as it scraped over the top of the tent. The grommets holding the side on the lower corners and the rope staked to the ground all pulled away, sending the tarp over the tent and against the trees, which is where it stayed all night. Fortunately, there was no damage to the tent. We haven’t given up. We are repairing the tarp and will probably try an 8’ center pole in the middle on each end with lower poles on the corners.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I'm sorry that didn't work out as well as expected Marie. I've read in the comments that people put a ball under the tarp and then wrap the rope around it tightly. But I've never had issues with the Wal-Mart grommets either. Keep at it!

[@Stormsteed]

What thickness tarp did you use? If it ripped that easily, perhaps you need something more heavy duty.

[@Sarina23able]

Thank you for sharing your techniques ❤️

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

thanks for your comment. Glad it helped!

[@stevenminnerly5336]

Absolutely love videos on the subject of STAYING DRY while camping. Good job man. This is what I consider an essential part of " bushcraft ". If you can't keep yourself dry you can't keep yourself safe.

[@kevingood348]

Awesome trick with the tree and the stick. Thanks

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks for watching!

[@lizakroberts]

Cool. I like the stick idea. Thanks!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks, I hope it helps!

[@TowMan127]

Good, informative video. We’re heading out today for the weekend and it’s supposed to rain 🌧 over night. Hope i can get it right

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Good luck! I hope it works out. It's much easier to set up if you have help.

[@kayking641]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I hope it helped!

[@Kizortv]

Simple but genius idea. Thank you.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks...glad it was helpful!

[@maciomacio8745]

Thank you brother!!!

[@jasenc7479]

What a cool dad! great video thank you from Australia.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks for the comment!

[@froggygurl8775]

Great tip. We just had to leave our campsite, on the first night, due to leaking at the seams during a severe thunderstorm. This was AFTER I waterproofed with spray. Thanks!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I'm sorry to hear that Laura! It's so sad to see after a rainstorm the folks who are completely soaked. I came up with this method after having some minor leaks in my tent during some rain. I hope this helps in the future. There's some trial and error to getting the tarp up high enough with enough coverage of the tents. But once it's up it works pretty well. I just had to do it again last weekend.

[@froggygurl8775]

AdventureswithMe I'm determined to get it right. Thanks so much!

[@AdamSmith-rp9ej]

Great video. Practical and easy to follow

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you!

[@rudyo8409]

Nice stay dry set up" Thanx for sharing

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

sure thing, glad to help. We brought along this same set up on Memorial Day Weekend, just in case. Thankfully we didn't need it.

[@MountainGardenGirl]

Good tips, thanks a bunch for the idea.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment Suzanne!

[@MountainGardenGirl]

@@AdventuresWithMe00 Update...we went on a miserable weather camping trip...tent was okay after discouraged waterproofing as per instructions was applied anyway. Woke up to a freezing Lakeside view but we were dry inside. The top of this cabin tent was so large that we just couldn't figure how to set up the tarp on this trip...too loaded out for such a big coverage but silicone seemed to work out at least on this awful trip, LOL.

[@roflmatt36]

Very helpful video, thanks!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Glad to help!

[@wanderingigok2073]

Thanks for sharing 👌

[@Code_breaker_]

( 3:35 ) Angle of your tarp, so the rain ( water ) does not pool. Excellent advice. Thanks very much ! I think a huge tarp is the right way to do it !

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks a lot...yes, you just need a slight angle. The bigger tarp is easier to string up with two people, but you can actually sit under it.

[@TheMommabear82]

Love this. Thank you so much

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You're welcome. Glad to help!

[@UnschoolingtheSpitz]

This is great! Thanks.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks Heather!

[@amytrumbull156]

Very cool tips, thanks!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heatherjones1807]

Thank you for info..i always wondered how people got their rope up so high on the trees lol...i have never set up a rain tarp before and your instructions were not complicated...going to practice some set ups before my next camping trip.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Good Heather, I hope it helps. Coincidently, I had this same campsite over July 4, 2019 and set up the tarp the same way. Worked perfectly all week.

[@heatherjones1807]

@@AdventuresWithMe00 Thanks for the info...it always rains when I camp lol.

[@AhJodie]

Great idea, sharing!!!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

thank you!

[@noreenpurple8617]

Great idea to use a stick. Creativity at its best!❤️🙌🏻🙏

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks Noreen! Happy camping.

[@beew290]

Good suggestions

[@msafirimhehe]

Great stuff! Thank you...

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you sir!

[@IIIBODYIT]

Your the man cheers brother

[@texasoutlook60]

Great video, thanks!!!!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

thanks, glad to help!

[@jlgmccall]

thank you - very helpful!!!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nike4685]

Great presentation

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you!

[@spotifyde5979]

car camping, I was a little arrogant when I started watching, but the stick thing. Duh-uh. How did I never learn that before? Seems so obvious. Demeanor was so generous and warm and helpful seeming I watched to the end. The stick trick, good gosh I can't believe how simple that is and yet somehow I never learned it... Thanks.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks, glad you watched and got something from it!

[@bags4930]

Hey Man! Long time no see. I remember your KLR vids and WR250 stuff. Drive On!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks! I'm still riding. Just haven't had the motivation to make more motorcycle content lately.

[@tamaraweber3296]

Great information

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thank you Tamara! Glad to help!

[@leigh-annh2544]

Thank you.

[@christophernelson8253]

Pretty neat I'm new to camping and I Lovett

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

thank you Christopher. I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@christophernelson8253]

AdventureswithMe your very welcome it's a passion of mines.harbor freight tools has a 53" tarp that would work perfectly for my 10person cabin tent.a few beers, your dog,and have a merry ole time.only problem is I like going into the wilderness state forest and etc.i don't believe it's legal to do that because park rangers made us come to their "designated"campsite,and told me how much trouble I could have gotten in.

[@adamholloway2382]

Great video thanks

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks for the comment Adam. The camping season is winding up her in the Northeast and the way things are going it looks like I'll be using the tarp again this year.

[@psyamok3735]

good solution, thx for sharing

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You're welcome! I hope it helps!

[@swirvinirvan3789]

Also, make sure the angle of your tarp is low end facing down hill so water runs off away from your camp.

[@Connie382]

What do you doing your tarp is set up and it is flat - now it is raining hard and I need the weather to slope

[@brianbruneau7878]

This is amazing

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

ha ha, thanks!

[@harveychapman3843]

Great idea. BTW Use a Two Half Hitches knot (instead of square) like the white one you're standing in front of later in the video. Also, a nitpick, that wasn't a square knot, the second overhand was in the wrong direction.

[@daveallison3507]

Great video

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks Dave!

[@mohsinabbaseh]

Thank you for sharing this. Say hi to little one who showed up at the end 😁

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks! I hope the video helped!

[@miketufts6506]

a great mod to this is to use a rope between 2 trees above the middle of your tent as the peak for the tarp and then have the edges of the tarp tied off low to the ground. the slope to your rain coat can be much steeper shedding water or snow much faster with much less chance of water pooling in low areas of the tarp.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

That's a great idea Mike. I will have to try that one. If you don't have a tree in the middle, you could tie a rope between the two corner trees and tie your peak roof rope off of that.

[@miketufts6506]

certainly; yes i have used a line between 2 trees and a third from the first line to a third tree for really effective protection in rain and snow.

[@Hwyman22]

That's what I do. Works great

[@robertallen6710]

..I did that in the worst Arizona monsoon weather and it worked great...

[@yawningdog9894]

So like a A Frame

[@monkoko6441]

Good video

[@cassidybennett6829]

Thank you!!!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You're welcome. Glad it could help. Coincidently my son and I are going back to that exact same campsite in 5 days. I will be sure to string up the tarp again!

[@marcusesteves3120]

Thanks for this great video .. ps. Just realized I watched your scion XB review before ha

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

oh wow, that's funny!

[@wilavi2251]

Thank you

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment!

[@earthtears4850]

2020 First time doing tarp. I agree, take the time to set the tarp up. Plus, you saved me many states & laughs with standing on my hood..😂🇺🇸

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Good...I'm glad it helped! Coincidently, tomorrow I'm traveling to the same campground and staying at the next site over from where we shot this video. It looks like rain is in the forecast so I may be setting the tarp up once again.

[@MeyersCTR]

You're a dad hero! Nice save.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Paul Meyers thank you Paul!

[@woodswalker88]

THANK YOU. I have always wondered why tents have such flimsy "rain flys". Make them extend to the ground & they might actually protect you, but no. I'm going to make my own now.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Great, glad it could help. I still use this method and it works really well.

[@danburch9989]

Most test sites are relatively flat. But if yours is not, identify the lowest point and arrange your tarp so that water drains to that lowest point or collect that rain water for campsite use (washing, dishes, maybe drinking, etc).

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

More great advice! Thank you for that Dan!

[@iamre5898]

Brilliant video. What's your advice in case of strong wind at such tarp setup?

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

Another thing but a large blue tarp I have discovered, they can be loud with rain and wind!!!! But better loud than wet.

[@azmgbbb]

Did you just place the cord on the tree and then pull for tension? Or, did you hook the cord over a limb behind the tree? I couldn’t tell how you got the rope high in the tree.

[@rowdysgirlalways]

I remember a camping trip when I was 5 and we had a canvas tent. It was a spring Saturday outside of Eugene, Oregon, and it was pouring rain. The tent leaked.

[@before3340]

Nice video

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks

[@joshuadarden1362]

I camped in a tropical storm.. I had a tarp city going. Melted one. Lol. A little whiskey fueled camping might I add. I love camping in the rain. I always make a porch and cooking area in case of rain

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

That sounds like fun. We used this setup to camp in the rain last weekend. The tarp worked really well to keep everything dry.

[@randyowens2717]

Nice!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks Randy!

[@treezareese2058]

"Hi Dad... good" - sweet boy!

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks...he's a sweetheart.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

Great video and a blue tarp works just as great on a very cheap tent also to keep you dry. Is it ugly? Yap, and some campsites won't allow them because of that. And they can LOUD when it rains, but again, better loud than wet.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I can say I've had a couple of occasions to break out the blue tarp this camping season and it makes the difference between tolerance and misery.

[@PadmaDorjee]

What a great set up mate, I might just do the same thing. Where did you get the Grommet saver from? I am in Australia so we don't have as many shops like the USA.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

You can order them on Amazon or Wal-Mart website. I did a second (follow up) video that has some links.

[@richardjohnson4052]

s now you have a line tied 10 feet up the tree. How do you untie it when you breeak camp?

[@smiley2194]

How much thick the tarp should be? 4mil ? 10 mil?

[@SnackZatPC]

Gives a nice extension ish on the tent as well.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

yes, you can walk around a little bit under it and keep the rest of your stuff dry too.

[@Dutcharmytent]

I tried this method this season in the UK and in the morning, although it did not rain, the Coleman 3 person tent fly was wet through with condensation on the outside. Also the tarp was wet through on its underside.

[@tlsnana9539]

We had old table cloth weights and clipped a few to one side, in the center. It pulled down just enough to invite the water to drain at that spot. Funny thing, we’ve had the wights for years and that’s the first time we’ve used them.

[@Manny_____]

Thank you Michael J Fox, i never knew you loved camping.

[@juggerable1955]

I had a approx 26 foot long pop up camper. I used a tarp big enough to cover the camper up even before opening in a torrential down pour and nothing got wet. tarp was big enough to pull my motorcycle and car under it.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

That's a good idea...I see similar set ups sometimes at the campground. This summer I had to put up this large tarp again and was glad I did. It was a lot of work for 1 person to set up and it required quite a few re-positions to get it right. But once the downpour happened in the middle of the night we stayed completely dry.

[@troyporter3825]

Thanks for the video...what diameter rope do you typically use? i see 4mm seems to be common on Amazom...is that enough?

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Yes, I think 4mm would be enough. I use paracord that I got at Wal-Mart. It's not very thick. You don't need anything too big.

[@NobodyOwesYouAnythin]

Great video. I’d still use a folded over tarp under your tent, as the ground has a way of sneaking rocks and sticks under it, that you didn’t see or feel before you pitched your tent over it. Just in case.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

yes, thanks, great tip. I always use a tarp under the tent too. Extra insulation and protection from rain and those rocks and sticks.

[@ThaBaykedOne]

What the... there's things such as grommet savers.... learn every day...

[@ACPond]

Went looking for grommet savers at walmart but no go. Any other suggestions for them? Great Video! So helpful :)

[@CFav7]

I've seen them sold online and often referred to as bungees. I did a search on walmart's website for "tent bungees" and it looks like they sell quite a few different ones: www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&query=tent+bungee

[@Oldsparkey]

I've hammock camped for more the 60 years and the 1st thing I do is to hang my rain fly ( Tarp ). In the summer it's a sun shade , rainy weather i can hang my hammock while staying dry. Packing to leave camp the last item taken down and packed is the rain fly especially in wet conditions. It also gives me a place protected from the weather to relax in. The times I have tent camped I still hang a rain fly ( Tarp ) over the tent ( single walled backpacking tent ) so it can remain open and ventilated no matter what the weather is.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks for sharing that Chuck!

[@troywilliams7723]

A well ventilated tent under a tarp is the best way to tent camp! No condensation in the morning like with a rain fly. If you're winter camping lower the tarp to six inches above the tent and stake in the sides. Changed the way i camp forever!

[@Blessd-savingrace]

I was about 2 click off then heard the how 2 tie up high in try GREAT idea

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Thanks. I cringe now at the beginning of the video. It didn't need to be that long.