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10 Best Camping Tarps 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Tarp, Hammock Tent - Rain Tarp for Camping Hammock - Camping Gear Must Haves w/Easy Set Up Including Tent Stakes and Carry Bag - Standard Grey

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,255
Material
Size
Weight

Most important from
3685 reviews

Material
Exceptional quality with durable ripstop nylon that reliably protects against rain, wind, and harsh sunlight.
Size
Perfect coverage for hammock setups, providing extra space for cooking and staying bone-dry through the night.
Weight
Lightweight yet sturdy stakes and solid stitching, ensuring no concerns about ripping out stitches during setup.
Waterproof Rating
Quick setup allowed for a campfire and space to cook, eat, and keep packs dry during a downpour, making the trip much more enjoyable.
Grommets and Tie-Out Points
Versatile use as a hammock shelter, ground tarp, picnic blanket, or makeshift shelter in emergencies, with multiple attachment points and adjustable design.
Packability
Easy to set up with included guy lines and stakes, even for less experienced campers, and packs down compactly for convenient carrying.

The Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Tarp is designed to provide reliable protection against foul weather during camping trips. Made with ripstop waterproof nylon, this tarp is durable and built to withstand various conditions. It has a strong waterproof rating with a PU rating of 3000 mm, ensuring that it can handle heavy rain effectively. Additionally, it offers UV protection, making it suitable for sunny days as well.

The tarp measures 11 ft by 9 ft, providing ample coverage for a camping hammock, and weighs 26 oz, which is relatively lightweight for easy portability. For those seeking even lighter options, the Lite version weighs only 18.9 oz. The tarp includes aluminum tent stakes and six 10

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,255
Material
Size
Weight

Most important from
3685 reviews

Material
Exceptional quality with durable ripstop nylon that reliably protects against rain, wind, and harsh sunlight.
Size
Perfect coverage for hammock setups, providing extra space for cooking and staying bone-dry through the night.
Weight
Lightweight yet sturdy stakes and solid stitching, ensuring no concerns about ripping out stitches during setup.
Waterproof Rating
Quick setup allowed for a campfire and space to cook, eat, and keep packs dry during a downpour, making the trip much more enjoyable.
Grommets and Tie-Out Points
Versatile use as a hammock shelter, ground tarp, picnic blanket, or makeshift shelter in emergencies, with multiple attachment points and adjustable design.
Packability
Easy to set up with included guy lines and stakes, even for less experienced campers, and packs down compactly for convenient carrying.
#2

CARTMAN Finished Size 8x10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin

Rating
9.8
Material
Waterproof Rating

Most important from
4712 reviews

Material
The tarp stands out with thicker material and stronger eyelets, offering better waterproof protection than thinner alternatives.
Waterproof Rating
The tarp stands out with thicker material and stronger eyelets, offering better waterproof protection than thinner alternatives.

The CARTMAN 8x10 feet tarp is made from durable polyethylene with an 8 mil thickness, making it sturdy and reliable for outdoor use. Its waterproof and dustproof design helps keep you dry and protected during rain or dusty conditions, which is essential for camping or emergency shelters. The tarp weighs just over 2 pounds, so it’s lightweight enough to carry but a bit heavier compared to thinner options.

With metal grommets spaced every 36 inches and reinforced corners, it’s easy to secure tightly, preventing tears and improving durability. It also offers UV protection, which helps prevent sun damage over time. The size is accurate to what’s promised, covering a decent area for shelter or ground cover. This tarp is better suited for short-term or occasional use rather than long-term heavy-duty camping because the material, while strong, may not be as tough as heavier military-grade tarps.

Packability is decent but not ultra-compact, so it requires moderate space in your backpack. This makes it a versatile and economical choice for campers or anyone needing a reliable protective cover in various outdoor situations, especially if you want waterproof and UV-resistant qualities without spending too much.

Rating
9.8
Material
Waterproof Rating

Most important from
4712 reviews

Material
The tarp stands out with thicker material and stronger eyelets, offering better waterproof protection than thinner alternatives.
Waterproof Rating
The tarp stands out with thicker material and stronger eyelets, offering better waterproof protection than thinner alternatives.
#3

FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Tarp Shelter for Rain (Brown)

Rating
9.6
Material
Waterproof Rating
UV Protection

Most important from
3649 reviews

Material
Exceeded expectations with high-quality 210T ripstop polyester fabric and excellent waterproof and UV protection.
Waterproof Rating
This tarp saved our tent during constant rain in Colorado, keeping us dry for 3 days and nights.
UV Protection
Exceeded expectations with high-quality 210T ripstop polyester fabric and excellent waterproof and UV protection.
Grommets and Tie-Out Points
Solid reinforcement on seams and attachment points, proving reliable in several water tests.
Packability
Perfect for various uses such as a shelter, awning, or ground cover, and comes with all necessary accessories for easy setup.

The FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp is designed for a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, backpacking, and hiking. It features a durable 150D ripstop polyester fabric with a high waterproof rating of 3000 PU, ensuring reliable protection against rain and storms. Additionally, it provides UV protection to shield you from harmful sun rays, which is beneficial for long outdoor stays. The tarp's material is strong and resistant to tears and punctures, contributing to its reliability in harsh conditions.

With dimensions of 10×10.5ft, it is spacious enough for two people and includes 19 guy points and 5 reinforced grommets, making it versatile and easy to set up in different configurations. The tarp weighs about 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram), which, while not the lightest option available, offers a good balance between durability and portability. It packs down conveniently into the included stuff sack for ease of transportation.

The weight might be a consideration for ultralight backpackers. However, for those prioritizing durability and all-weather protection, it is a dependable choice. The inclusion of essential accessories like nylon guy lines with tensioners also adds to its value and ease of use, making it suitable for both experienced and novice outdoor enthusiasts.

Rating
9.6
Material
Waterproof Rating
UV Protection

Most important from
3649 reviews

Material
Exceeded expectations with high-quality 210T ripstop polyester fabric and excellent waterproof and UV protection.
Waterproof Rating
This tarp saved our tent during constant rain in Colorado, keeping us dry for 3 days and nights.
UV Protection
Exceeded expectations with high-quality 210T ripstop polyester fabric and excellent waterproof and UV protection.
Grommets and Tie-Out Points
Solid reinforcement on seams and attachment points, proving reliable in several water tests.
Packability
Perfect for various uses such as a shelter, awning, or ground cover, and comes with all necessary accessories for easy setup.

Buying Guide for the Best Camping Tarps

Choosing the right camping tarp can significantly enhance your outdoor experience by providing shelter, protection, and comfort. When selecting a camping tarp, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your camping adventures.
MaterialThe material of a camping tarp determines its durability, weight, and weather resistance. Common materials include polyester, nylon, and polyethylene. Polyester and nylon are lightweight and offer good water resistance, making them ideal for backpacking. Polyethylene is heavier but more durable and waterproof, suitable for car camping or longer stays. Choose a material based on your need for portability versus durability.
SizeThe size of the tarp affects the area it can cover and protect. Tarps come in various sizes, typically measured in feet. Smaller tarps (6x8 feet) are suitable for solo campers or minimal coverage, while larger tarps (10x12 feet or bigger) are better for group camping or creating larger shelters. Consider the number of people and the amount of gear you need to cover when selecting the size.
WeightThe weight of the tarp is crucial, especially for backpackers who need to carry their gear over long distances. Lightweight tarps (under 2 pounds) are easier to carry but may be less durable. Heavier tarps (over 2 pounds) offer more durability and weather protection but can be cumbersome to transport. Balance the need for portability with the level of protection required for your camping conditions.
Waterproof RatingThe waterproof rating indicates how well the tarp can withstand water. This is usually measured in millimeters (mm) and refers to the hydrostatic head, or the amount of water pressure the material can handle before leaking. Ratings of 1000-1500mm are suitable for light rain, while ratings of 2000mm or higher are better for heavy rain and wet conditions. Choose a higher rating if you expect to encounter significant rainfall.
UV ProtectionUV protection is important for shielding against harmful sun rays and prolonging the life of the tarp. Some tarps are treated with UV-resistant coatings to prevent degradation from sun exposure. If you plan to use the tarp in sunny conditions or for extended periods, look for one with good UV protection to ensure it remains effective and durable.
Grommets and Tie-Out PointsGrommets and tie-out points are reinforced holes or loops that allow you to secure the tarp with ropes or stakes. The number and placement of these points affect how versatile and easy it is to set up the tarp. More grommets and tie-out points provide greater flexibility in creating different shelter configurations. Consider how you plan to use the tarp and choose one with sufficient attachment points for your needs.
PackabilityPackability refers to how easily the tarp can be folded and stored in your backpack or gear bag. A tarp that packs down small and comes with a stuff sack or carrying case is more convenient for transport. If space is a concern, look for a tarp that offers good packability without compromising on the necessary features and protection.

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