How to Set up a Dome Tent

Camping tents allow you to enjoy the great outdoors while enjoying some of the comforts of home. One of the most popular and convenient camping tents is the dome tent. You can set up a dome tent fairly easily in about a half an hour.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Ground cloth or tarp
• Dome tent

Preparation

1. Locate the spot where you want to set up your tent. Pick a flat, level space, although you can pitch camping tents on a slight incline. Get rid of anything that can make your tent lumpy, such as rocks and branches.
2. Lay out your ground cloth on the area where you want to place your camping tent. A ground cloth is a waterproof, flat covering you put under your tent to help keep you dry.
3. Unpack your dome tent, unfolding it on top of your ground cloth. Put the poles and the rain fly to the side. Arrange your tent so that the door faces the direction you want. If you're sleeping on a slight hill, you'll want to place your tent so that your head is uphill from your feet.

Assemblage

4. Take the poles out of their bag and put them together according to the instructions. Many modern camping tents have their poles already attached to each other by strings, making them easier to put together.
5. Slide the first set of poles through the sleeves, pushing gently and making sure the poles keep together. Do not attach the poles to the corner pockets yet. Do the same thing with the second set of poles, forming an "X" as they cross the middle of the tent.
6. Place one end of the first set of poles into a corner pocket. Then place the opposite end into the opposite corner. The tent poles will bow as you place the poles in the corners, forming the dome of your tent.
7. Check the weather report so you know if there is rain in the forecast. If so, install the rain fly next. Slide the rain fly pole into its sleeve on the rain fly and stick the ends into the pockets. Attach the rain fly to the tent, centering the pole over the tent entrance.
8. Roll up the edges of your ground cloth so they don't stick out around your tent. If your ground cloth hangs out, water can pool under your tent and soak the bottom of your tent.
9. Stake your tent so that it doesn't move around or get blown over.

Tips & Warnings

• Push the poles through the sleeves rather than pulling on them. If you pull, you'll have more problems with the poles separating and you'll have to pull them all out, reattach them, and start all over.
• If you camp with a buddy, have your friend help you place your poles in their corner pockets by inserting the poles into the opposite corners from you.
• Check the Internet to get the latest camping information and reviews. Websites such TripleBlaze Camping (see Resources below) have information on enjoying outdoor activities like camping, biking and hiking.