Wondering whether a camping tarp is necesary for your tent? Many beginner campers wonder whether they will need to a ground cover for their tent. In short, it depends on the kind of camping you'll be doing. In some cases a tarp may not be necessary. In dry weather you won't need a tarp for weatherproofing but if you’ve been getting flooded during wet weather here are some solutions for your camping endeavors.
When it comes to tarps and tents there is no one correct answer for everybody. Depending on the kind of terrain you are camping in you can use different solutions. If you’re erecting your tent in a field or woodland area you should use a camping tarp underneath your tent. However you should fold the tarp underneath so that it won’t extend further than the outer edges of the tent.
If the tarp extends further than that, water and dew will run down the walls of the tent and collect beneath it. If your tent is not waterproofed the water will run into the tent. So make sure that your camping tarp is folded to the size of your tent and you should stay dry.
Camping on the beach is an entirely different story. If you’re on the beach don’t put your tarp under the tent. Instead, use the camping tarp inside the tent. The issue here is the sand. During heavy rains the water will seep into the tent if you’re camped in a low lying area. If you’re on high ground on a sandy area you won’t need a tarp. This is because the water will quickly be absorbed into the sand.
You could also place the tarp over the tent or combine this with one underneath or inside the tent. Wind is another important factor to consider when choosing a camping tarp. When it’s very windy you may have difficulty keeping the tarp over your tent. Your tent wall is not waterproof because it is designed to be able to breathe. Make sure your rainfly IS waterproof.
Also ensure that all the tent seams are sealed with seam sealer when you buy it and repeat this at least once a year. Do this before using a camping tarp for added water protection. Where you place your tent will also help your camping tarp to do its job. Make sensible choices when it comes to erecting your tent. Place the tent on high ground where possible to avoid water running down into the tent.
If it does rain during the night your tent might stay dry. However you might get a wet surprise come morning when you put your toes into a big puddle! And all this before breakfast! So keep things sensible when choosing and using a camping tarp. In dry weather your tarp may not be necessary but make sure you don’t get caught in a sudden storm. The rule of thumb is to always take it along. Just in case!
