How to Build Your Own Tent Out of Canvas Tarps

One of the easiest ways to create temporary shelter on a camping trip is by building a canvas tarp tent. This is an alternative to store-bought tents, which have metal poles and stakes that are heavy when backpacking. In addition, some store-bought tents can be complex to put up and take down. Building a canvas tarp tent allows you to utilize your natural surroundings, while making a basic tent structure with materials that are easy to carry and transport.

Things You'll Need

• 12 foot by 7 foot or larger canvas tarp
• 15 to 20 feet of rope or cord

Instructions

1. Locate an area where there are two trees about 6 to 7 feet apart. Ideally, there should be a slight dip in the forest floor between the trees, which can provide extra room for any bedding or blankets.

2. Tie one end of the rope around the trunk of one of the trees about 4 feet up from the ground. If the branches are low enough, loop the rope around a few of them to keep the rope from slipping down the trunk.

3. Pull the rope towards the other tree and loop it a few times around the trunk, pulling with your body weight the entire time to ensure the rope is taut. Tie a knot in the rope to secure it in place.

4. Drape the canvas tarp over the taut rope, bisecting the 12 foot length into two 6 foot drapes.

5. Pull each side of the hanging tarp out and use surrounding heavy rocks to weigh down the ends to the ground. The canvas tarp tent should look like a triangular roof.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use stakes to pierce the canvas tarp. This causes tears that will ruin your tarp.

References

• Tarp Shelters