Instructions for Building a Teepee

Build a Native American teepee and experience camping from a different perspective.

Native Americans often lived in tipis, more commonly spelled as "teepees". These were durable tents where they could cook and eat. You can build a teepee yourself to experience the way some Native American tribes lived with a teepee kit and a few tent-building supplies.

Things You'll Need

• 18 to 24 poles, 2 to 4 feet longer than the diameter of the tipi
• Tipi cover
• 50 to 100 feet of rope
• 18 to 24 ground stakes
• Wooden lacing pins

Instructions

1. Lay the teepee cover flat on the ground, right side up. Lay one of the tripod poles on the cover, close to the door, so that the pole is even with the cover's bottom hem. Lay the other two poles across the cover in the other direction, parallel to each other but crossing the first pole.

2. Tie the tripod poles with rope 15 inches beyond the edge of the cover. Use 9 to 10 feet of rope so that you can bundle the tripod poles with the extra rope during bad weather.

3. Stand the tripod up. Spread the tripod poles apart so that they make a circle with the teepee's diameter. Stack the rest of the poles on top of the tripod.

4. Walk the extra rope around the teepee poles four times. Bring the rope back inside the teepee frame and stake it to the ground at the center of the teepee.

5. Mount the cover. Slide the lift pole underneath the cover and tie the cover and lift pole together.

6. Pin the cover to the teepee poles using the wooden lacing pins.

7. Dig a 10 inch by 15 inch hole inside the teepee and line it with stones to create a fireplace. Tie a bucket to the teepee poles to catch rainwater to use for cooking or drinking.

References

• Mantanka American Indian Council: Tipi Instructions