Camping Tarps

For year‑round use in our tough Australian conditions, choose a waterproof, UV‑resistant, and tear‑resistant tarp with reinforced edges and strong anchor points. Many of our premium tarps feature dual‑sided protection — silver on one side to reflect heat in summer, and black on the other to absorb warmth in winter. This makes them ideal whether you’re in the tropics or tackling cooler overnight temps down south.

It depends on how you plan to use it:

• Over your tent: aim for a tarp around 0.5 m longer and wider than your tent footprint so you get coverage without excessive overhang.
• Overhead shelter/camp kitchen: for one person relaxing or cooking in shade, a 2 x 3 m tarp is usually plenty. For 2–3 people, a 3 x 4 m tarp offers more space to move around or store gear.
• Group shelter: consider larger tarps like 4 x 5 m or more, especially for long stays.

Pick a flat, safe spot — ideally with some natural protection from wind. Use trees, poles, your 4WD, or included support poles to rig a ridge line. Attach your tarp above this line, securing with guy ropes or pegs at each corner. Adjust the angle so rainwater runs off and airflow is good. Common setups include A‑frame, lean‑to, or flat fly, and you can adapt your pitch based on weather conditions.

Yes, using a groundsheet or footprint tarp under your tent or swag adds protection against sharp rocks, sticks, and ground moisture, while extending the life of your gear. Choose a tarp slightly smaller than your tent base so water doesn’t collect between the tarp and floor.

You can camp without one, but having a tarp in your kit is a game‑changer. It offers quick, lightweight protection from rain, sun, and wind, works as a cooking shelter, and can act as an emergency cover. They’re easy to pack, set up in minutes, and give you flexibility at camp.

Yes. When placed over your tent, a tarp can help block cold wind and trap a bit more warmth. Underneath, it acts as a barrier between you and cold or damp ground, improving comfort. While a tarp isn’t a heater, it can make a noticeable difference to warmth, especially in winter or windy conditions.

Yes, you can. It’s a common practice if you need extra rain protection, just make sure the tarp is not too heavy so it collapses your tent. Also the contact between tarp and tent fabric can cause wear over time, so it’s better to set up tarp properly with pegs and lines. Check out our and with its waterproof and UV-resistant design. For easy set-up, these come with poles and ropes already. 

Absolutely. Setting up your tarp with poles and ropes provides a stable shelter, prevents water pooling, and keeps both your tent and tarp in good condition. Proper pitching gives you flexibility in placement and angle so you can maximise weather protection and comfort.

Yes, our recommended options, including the Large Square Camping Tarp Shelter and the Naturehike Cloud Up 2-3 Person Ultralight Camping Tarp, are both waterproof and UV-resistant. This means dependable protection from harsh weather, strong sun, and unexpected downpours.

Yes. Both featured tarps include poles, ropes, and pegs for easy pitching—no additional gear needed. They’re designed for camping, hiking, and picnics, ensuring quick setup and reliable shelter wherever you go.

If you pitch the tarp so it rests directly on your tent (especially long-term), it may accelerate fabric wear or trap moisture. To avoid this, always set up your tarp with an air gap above your tent and use the included poles and guy lines.

Pitch your tarp slightly higher and angled so rain runs off easily. Use all provided ropes and poles for stability. In windy conditions, stake down corners well to prevent flapping or collapse.