Learn How to Make a Tarp Shelter Quickly (A Quick Read)
A tarp shelter is lightweight, easy to set up, and will keep you dry even in the heaviest of rains. Check out this simple guide on how to make a rain shelter with a tarp. So next time you're out camping or survival training, be sure to give this method a try.
Are you planning an outdoor adventure and looking for more protection than just a tarp canopy? A tarp shelter is a versatile and easy-to-build shelter that can be used in a variety of situations, from camping to survival. Best of all, all you need is a tarp, some rope, and a few basic supplies.
In this article, we will show you how to make a tarp shelter using simple materials and minimal tools. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or new to camping, our instructions and tips will help you create a comfortable and durable shelter that will protect you from the elements. So, grab your tarp, and let's get started!
Steps to Make a Basic A-Frame Shelter
What You'll Need
For this project, you'll need a tarp of the right size, some rope, and some poles. You can use tree branches for the poles if you're in a pinch, but metal or plastic poles will work best. If you have them, some tent pegs will also be helpful in keeping your shelter secure. You will also need a camp knife (or a multitool) to cut the ropes as required.
Step One: Choose Your Location
The first step is to find a good spot to set up your shelter. You'll want to find a spot that's relatively flat and has few trees or other obstacles. This will make it easier to set up your shelter and will also help to keep it more stable in strong winds.
Step Two: Set Up Your Poles
Once you've found a good spot, it's time to set up your poles. If you're using tree branches, look for two branches that are roughly the same length and width. Place these branches parallel to each other, about four feet apart. If you're using metal or plastic poles, drive them into the ground so that they're about four feet apart.
Step Three: Attach Your Tarp
Now it's time to attach your tarp to the poles. Start by draping the tarp over the top of the poles so that it hangs down evenly on all sides. Once the tarp is in place, use rope or zip ties to secure it to the poles at all four corners. Make sure that the tarp is tight so that there are no gaps where water can get in.
Step Four: Secure Your Shelter
The last step is to secure your shelter from the elements. If you have them, drive tent pegs into the ground at the corners of your shelter.
If you don't have tent pegs, use rocks or logs to weigh down the corners of the tarp. You can also tie ropes from the corners of the tarp to nearby trees or other objects to help keep it in place.
That's it! You now have a basic A-frame shelter that will provide you with protection from the elements.
Here's a simple video for a better understanding:
How to Make an A-Frame Shelter with a Door
If you want to take your A-frame shelter up a notch, you can add a door. To do this, simply leave the last loops of the tarp open on all sides and use the secondary loops to stake all the sides of the shelter as described above.
Then, fold this unused part, use a rope or bungee cord to secure it, and create a door by running it from one side of the opening to the other. Now you have an A-frame shelter with a door that can be used for camping or survival situations. This can be really helpful in very windy or snowy situations.
Here is a video for that:
You can enhance your A-frame shelter by adding windows. To do this, simply cut two small openings in the tarp on either side of the shelter. Then, use clear plastic sheeting or garbage bags to cover these openings. This will allow sunlight into your shelter while still providing protection from the elements.
You can get creative and build anything you want with a camping tarp. For building a larger shelter, you can also attach two or more tarps and build a big rainfly or shelter.
Here's how to make a shelter with two tarps:
Final Words
And there you have it! A tarp shelter is a versatile and easy-to-build structure that can be used in many different situations. So next time you're looking for an easy and effective way to create shelter, don't forget about tarps!
But to build a proper shelter, you need to have a reliable camping tarp, and we have got your back. We have compiled a list of the best camping tarps for you to choose from. Just tap the button below to check out our top choices and pick any one of them.

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