Camping trips are great bonding moments for your family and friends. Barbecuing and sharing food, drinks, and stories while gazing up at the moon and stars is unbeatable.

However, the weather sometimes dampens the mood by sending torrential rains that muddy up your camp, or an unbelievably hot sun that makes even the ground scorching hot.

It is, therefore, essential to add a camping tarp or shade to your camping ensemble. Tarps are an all-around piece of equipment that can shade you from the sun, protect you from rain, and provide a place for you to sit on when the ground isn’t in the best conditions.

They are lightweight, compact, and easy to bring along in your backpack. They can also be useful in your garden, and on the beach.

Camping Shade and Tarps

 

There are different sizes and shapes of camping tarps available, and we present you with 5 of the best camping tarps so you can choose what suits you best.

Top 5 Best Camping Shade and Tarps

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REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint

The REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint is a multi-purpose tarp made from 210T ripstop polyester fabric and features double-sewn edges and metal grommets for extreme durability.

You can place this camping tarp under your tent for an extra layer of moisture protection. It is also ideal for picnics, the beach, or sporting events. It is a must-have for all outdoor activities as a rain or sun canopy.

This tarp weighs only 0.56 lbs. making it super lightweight, and when folded down is extremely compact for easy transport, as well. It comes in a drawstring carrying bag, as well.

It comes in 6 sizes:

· for 1-2 persons – 87” x 55”

· for 2-3 persons – 71” x 87”

· for 3-4 persons – 83” x 87″

· for 3-4 persons – 106”x 83”

· for 4-5 persons – 95” x 87″

· for 5-8 persons – 118”x116”

REDCAMP offers a 365-day full manufacturer warranty. If any part of the product is damaged or broken, they offer 100% money-back refund or a full replacement.

It is waterproof, mildew-resistant, and machine-washable.

This tarp has received great reviews for durability, moisture protection, and transportability, but some users found it a bit thin to protect them from the twigs and rocks underneath.

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Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock

The Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock is a rain cover, fly tent, hammock, and tarp all rolled into one amazing package.

It is made from high-quality ripstop fabric that is tear and puncture-resistant for added durability. It has a 5,000mm waterproof rating.

It has a long diagonal centerline to keep you dry, and adequately covers double-nest or single-nest hammocks. Its square design gives you more coverage and set-up options than the diamond-shaped ones.

It is equipped with 33 tie-down loops for multiple attachment points for effective protection against sun and rain. It can also be used as a hammock shelter, tent tarp, tent footprint, groundsheet, and blanket. It is a great companion for hiking, backpacking, boating, and picnics. It assembles in minutes and comes with ropes, stakes, tensioners, and a waterproof gear sack.

It comes in sizes of 14’ x 12’, 12’ x 10’, 10’ x 10’, and 10’ x 8’. It is lightweight and compact so you can keep it in your car, truck, boat, or ATV, and you are always prepared no matter what.

Gold Armour, a proud US-based company, gives this rain fly tent hammock tarp a 5-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

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REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tarp

The REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tart is a versatile camping tent tarp that can also function as a rain tarp shelter, backpack tent tarp, hammock rain fly, shade tarp for the beach or park, picnic mat, simple tent, or beach grassland blanket.

It is made from 210t Pu2000mm. polyester ripstop with polyester lining. It measures 118” x 118” when open, and weighs a mere 1.8 lbs.

It comes with 6 aluminum stakes and 6 wind ropes, and just like the REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint, it has taped seams and fixed metal grommets.

This camping tent tarp comes in a storage bag so you can put it in your car or backpack with the smallest of space.

It also comes in sizes of 36″ x 83″, 55″ x 83″, 71″ x 83″, 82″x82″, and 95″ x 83″ so there is a right size for your every need.

REDCAMP likewise covers this tarp with a 365-day full manufacturer warranty. If any part is broken or damaged, they will give you a replacement or a full refund.

Many users love the waterproof performance of this tent tarp, but just like the previous REDCAMP product we reviewed, it is a tad too thin to protect you against the rocks and twigs underneath.

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Rottay Waterproof Camping Tarp

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The Rottay Waterproof Camping Tarp is a multi-purpose piece of equipment that can be used as a tent footprint, beach or picnic mat, and rain, sun, and snow shield. You can bring it for camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, climbing, beach activities, sporting events, picnics, and backyard parties.

It is made from high-density 210D Oxford fabric designed to be waterproof, abrasion, and puncture-resistant.

It is equipped with evenly-spaced fixing metal grommets so you can easily and safely secure the tarp. along the outer edge make it easy to secure the tarp. Its meticulously seamed edges ensure that the tarp is sturdy, durable, and capable of withstanding rain or shine from one camping expedition to the next.

It is quite easy and simple to set up. You can open it directly then secure the nylon ropes to the ground to give you 360-degree coverage. It also folds down in a compact little package for easy transport.

The Rottay Camping Tarp package includes the 10’ x 10’ tarp, 6 aluminum tent stakes, 6 guy lines, 9 tie-downs, and a storage bag.

Rottay is known as a maker of high-quality outdoor gear that has been proven to give 100% customer satisfaction with their money-back guarantee and excellent customer service.

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Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp

The Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp is a versatile outdoor tarp perfect for protecting you and your gear from sun, rain, and snow, and forming a solid foundation for your tent.

It measures 10’ x 12’ and weighs 2.4 lbs. It is made from high-quality rip-stop fabric laminated on both sides with polyethylene backing. The rust-resistant metal grommets on the tarp’s outer edge are evenly spaced so you can easily secure it, whether you are trying it or staking it down.

Its reinforced corners and edges assure long-lasting durability that can hold up to repeated use in whatever weather condition you are in.

Many users love the functionality of this tarp, but what is even more appealing is its price. It is one of the most affordable tarps within its size range but can deliver exceptional performance side by side with its higher-priced competitors.

It is covered by Amazon Basics’ 1-year limited warranty.

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Things to Consider When Buying a Camping Tarp or Shade

 

When shopping for a camping tarp, key considerations include quality, price, size, versatility, and ease of use. Keeping these things in mind will point you in the right direction.

Expensive does not always mean high-quality, the bigger is not always the better, and sometimes, one product that can provide multiple functions beats 5 different products for 5 different uses.