Want to find the best tarp for under tents?
It’s frustrating to settle in, set up the tent, and then realize moisture is seeping in from the ground. This is a common camping concern and that’s why finding the best tarp for under tents becomes imperative.
This is the only way to make sure you are dry, safe, and don’t have to worry about the experience getting ruined!
When buying the best tarp for under tents, you have to focus on choosing the right type.
There are certain things to look for including:
- Size
- Build Quality
- Traction
- Portability
If any of these details are off, you are not going to enjoy using the new tarp for your tent. It’s going to be difficult to set up and it won’t be as lightweight as needed for camping.
As a result, you should only go with a safe tarp for under tents that is well-reviewed.
This guide is going to highlight the best tarp for under tents according to Refresh Outdoors, what to look for, and how to ensure the tarp offers value to your camping experience.
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Best Tarp for Under Tent (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Tips on How to Buy the Best Tarp for Under Tent
Tip #1: Choose the Right Size
Determine what size is right for your tent.
For the average tent, it’s recommended to go with a tarp that’s sized 82″ X 82″.
This provides ample space to settle in, keep the moisture out, and feel good about the security of your camping tent.
Anything smaller than this may feel like it’s still letting water in through the gaps. As a result, it’s recommended to look at how the tarp will be set up under the tent and how well it’s going to protect your camping setup.
What if you have a larger tent and 82″ X 82″ isn’t enough?
This is a valid question and it comes down to how many tarps you’re buying for under the tent. In general, you will want to upgrade to two tarps if you are setting up a larger tent. This will offer complete coverage and keep the moisture out.
It’s all about adapting as long as you are buying the best tarp for under tents.

Tip #2: Traction is Important
This is an underrated requirement when buying the best tarp for under tents.
In essence, you are going to want to think about the amount of traction the tarp offers. It’s often going to be the first thing you touch as soon as you stand up and exit the tent.
This means it needs to offer enough traction even when moisture is around.
What’s the point of setting up a great tarp for under the tent when it causes you to slip and fall? Safety is important when camping, especially with moisture around.
As a result, go with a tarp that has thought about traction.
This is often the case with waterproof tarps for under the tent. The upper layer is rugged and has a bit of a grip to it.
This allows you to feel confident walking on it without falling.
Tip #3: Consider the Tarp’s Durability
How durable is the tarp?
The first point of concern is going to be whether or not the tarp is waterproof. The bare minimum when buying a new tarp is to look for its durability rating.
You want to go with something that is battle-tested and has a lot of positive reviews.
This is often a good sign that you are going with the real deal and it won’t breakdown on you. A good example of this would be 210D oxford ripstop polyester fabric.
This type of material doesn’t breakdown easily.
The reason to go with 210D oxford ripstop polyester fabric is knowing it will hold up well in all conditions.
Camping environments throw a lot in your direction and that’s to be expected. Mother nature can be like that at times.
However, you have to take the time to find the best material for your tarp. This is the only way to make the most of your investment.

Tip #4: Should Be Portable
Is it easy to carry the tarp for your tent?
The best tarp for under tents will be the one you can easily carry around from point A to point B. The last thing you are going to want is a solution that is heavy, cumbersome, and seems to take up too much space!
There are so many things to carry when you are heading out for camping. You can’t have the tarp taking up a lot of your available space. It’s just not worth it.
This is why it’s best to go with a solution that is designed to be as portable as possible.
Final Thoughts
The best tarp for under tents needs to be durable, waterproof, and well-sized.
Anything short of this is going to leave you wanting more!
This is an investment that is going to matter when it comes to your camping experience. If you settle for less, you are going to end up wet and it’s not going to work in your favor.
Be smart and go with a good tarp for under your tent.
Here are more articles for camping enthusiasts to read through – tips for keeping water out of a camping tent, tips for staying warm while sleeping in a camping tent, and how to go camping in the heat.