Comparison: Best Large Lightweight Camping Tarp (Updated | Oct 28th)
When planning outdoor adventures, a high-quality, large lightweight camping tarp is essential for reliable shelter without sacrificing portability. This guide compares top options, evaluating factors like size, weight, durability, and ease of setup to help you find a versatile option for group camping, rain protection, or sunshade. Whether you prioritize compactness for backpacking or sturdiness for basecamp use, our balanced analysis highlights key features and trade-offs to inform your decision. Explore which tarp best suits your next wilderness excursion.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
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Best for best overall:
Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp -
Best for multi-functional:
FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Tarp Shelter Rain (Brown 10×10.5ft) -
Best for heavy duty:
FREE SOLDIER Camping Tarp Waterproof Portable Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Shelter Rain Tarp (Brown 13×13ft) -
Best for compact design:
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp -
Best for best budget:
Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp -
Best for premium build:
GEERTOP 17 × 10 ft Large Camping Tent Tarp Outdoor Waterproof Flame Retardant Hammock Rain Fly Backpacking Tent Tarp Shelter for Hiking Travel Picnic(Not Includes Poles) -
Best for industrial strength:
Patiobay Tarp 20x20FT -
Best for value tarpaulin:
CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick -
Best for lightweight pick:
KALINCO Waterproof Camping Tarp Tent Hammock Rain Fly -
Best for uv protection:
Unigear Hammock Rain Fly
Product Comparison: Best Large Lightweight Camping Tarp
Best overall
Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, 9.5 Feet x 11.3 Feet, Dark Green
Amazon Basics
- Multi-purpose outdoor tarp is great for covering items or placement under a camping tent
- Waterproof design made of durable rip-stop fabric with polyethylene lamination on both sides
- Rugged rust-resistant grommets along the outer edge for securely tying down the tarp
- Reinforced corners and edges for long-lasting strength
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 11.3 feet
Multi-functional
FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Tarp Shelter Rain (Brown 10×10.5ft)
FREE SOLDIER
- WATERPROOF & UV PROTECTION – Hammock Camping Tarp made of 210T ripstop polyester fabric with 2500 PU waterproof rating, enhanced the shelter's waterproof function and offers long-lasting protection, strengthen tear resistant & puncture resistant material without any worries. FREE SOLDIER Backpacking Tarp also can be put up as awning is effectively for blocking ultraviolet ray and protect your skin from the sun
- STRONG & STABLE – This Camping Awnings using heat sealing and melting process, well combined with the puncture-resistant fabric, water penetration would never happened. Reinforced ridgeline seam, well prevent the connector from falling off, showing excellent protection performance for continuous stormy weather, reliable, durable and safe
- HEAVY DUTY & PORTABLE – Large size in 118" × 126" when expended, enough for 2 persons. It's convenient to folded and put into a lightweight stuff sack when not in use, essential tarp gear for your outdoor travel. Net weight: 1.2kg(42oz), not super light but heavy duty, you can consider of the thickness of the fabric, excellent quality, value for money price
- ACCESSORIES & SIMPLE TO OPERATE – Comes with everything of survival backpacking items: 1 hammock rain fly, 4 nylon guy lines with tensioners and 1 stuff sack. Rectangle shelter with 19 guy points and 5 strengthen grommet points which gives you the most coverage. Easy to set up into ground sheet and hammock shelter to avoid wind and rain
- OUTSTANDING QUALITY – FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp apply to heavy duty operating, tactical, military, shelter, hunting, fishing, backpacking, traveling, hiking, working, camping and other outdoor adventure etc. Your satisfaction and happy is our pursuit
Heavy duty
FREE SOLDIER Camping Tarp Waterproof Portable Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Shelter Rain Tarp (Brown 13×13ft)
FREE SOLDIER
- WATERPROOF&UV PROTECTION:Hammock Camping Tarp made of 150D ripstop polyester fabric with 3000 PU waterproof rating,enhanced the shelter's waterproof function and offers long-lasting protection,strengthen tear resistant&puncture resistant material without any worries.FREE SOLDIER Backpacking Tarp also can be put up as awning is effectively for blocking ultraviolet ray and protect your skin from the sun
- STRONG&STABLE:This Camping Awnings using heat sealing and melting process,well combined with the puncture-resistant fabric,water penetration would never happened.Reinforced ridgeline seam,well prevent the connector from falling off,showing a better protection performance for continuous stormy weather, reliable, durable and safe
- HEAVY DUTY&PORTABLE:Large size in 13 × 13 ft when expended,enough for 2 persons.It's convenient to folded and put into a lightweight stuff sack when not in use,essential tarp gear for your outdoor travel.Net weight:1.2kg(42oz),not super light but heavy duty
- ACCESSORIES&SIMPLE TO OPERATE:Comes with everything of survival backpacking items:1 hammock rain fly,4 nylon guy lines with tensioners and 1 stuff sack.Rectangle shelter with 19 guy points and 5 strengthen grommet points which gives you the most coverage.Easy to set up into ground sheet and hammock shelter to avoid wind and rain
- MULTI-OCCASIONS:FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp apply to heavy duty operating, tactical, military, shelter, hunting, fishing, backpacking, traveling, hiking, working, camping and other outdoor adventure etc.Your satisfaction and happy is our pursuit
Compact design
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp, Heavy Duty Tent Floor Saver, Ultralight Ground Sheet Mat for Hiking, Backpacking, Hammock, Beach – Storage Bag Included
Clostnature
- A MUST FOR TENT: An extra tent tarp doesn't just give you extra waterproofing, it is used as ground cloths under tents to prevent wear and tear. There’s no question that an insulated tent footprint is a great idea to help protect your investment, definitely, the choice to extend your tent's life
- HEAVY DUTY: A tough groudsheet that can be easily overlooked but it makes all the difference when setting up the campsite. It is made out of ripstop 190T Poly with superior waterproof coating and designed to not only be lightweight but also be waterproof and powerful
- LIGHT&COMPACT: Size 87" x 59", weighing a mere 9.8 oz, it isn’t going to add a lot of weight to your pack. Impressed compact and able to fold into the drawstring storage bag, just the size of a cellphone
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: This multi-purpose tarp could work for your specific needs. While the main focus most of the time will be working as a tent footprint you can also use this for a sunshade, beach picnic setup, hammock rain fly, or even as a general tarp shelter
- This footprint fits to Clostnature 2 person tent. Clostnature is an innovative brand that continuously works to improve your outdoor and sports experience. Every product you purchase has one-year guarantee for material and workmanship defects. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team
Best budget
Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, 8 Feet x 10 Feet, Dark Green
Amazon Basics
- Multi-purpose outdoor tarp is great for covering items or placement under a camping tent
- Waterproof design made of durable rip-stop fabric with polyethylene lamination on both sides
- Waterproof design made of durable rip-stop fabric with polyethylene lamination on both sides
- Reinforced corners and edges for long-lasting strength
- Dimensions: 8 ft X 10 ft
Premium build
GEERTOP 17 × 10 ft Large Camping Tent Tarp Outdoor Waterproof Flame Retardant Hammock Rain Fly Backpacking Tent Tarp Shelter for Hiking Travel Picnic(Not Includes Poles)
GEERTOP
- Large Camp Tarp Size: The GEERTOP camping tarp measures approximately 17.2 x 10 ft and weighs only about 3.3 lbs. It’s lightweight yet large enough to fully cover a 4-person tent, double hammock, or standard car easily. Note that tarp poles are NOT INCLUDED
- Waterproof/UV Resistant: Made from thickened 210 T polyester fabric, this tarp features PU3000 mm water resistance and UV50+ protection, keeping out wind and rain to keep your tent and camping gear dry
- Portable & Durable: Constructed from tear-resistant plaid fabric, this tarp is durable enough to withstand abrasions and punctures. It offers ample space for cooking or enjoying tea and is easy to carry wherever you go
- Easy to Set Up & Steady: This backpacking tarp comes with 8 reflective ropes and 8 aluminum stakes for quick setup in just minutes. Use it with your camping tents and hammocks for a cool resting environment. Note that tarp poles are NOT INCLUDED
- Wide Application: The tarp adapts to various group sizes and locations, making it suitable for outdoor scenes like campsites, beaches, forests, mountains, and parks. It provides ample openness and excellent ventilation
- NOTE: Please note that this large tarp does NOT INCLUDE POLES; it comes with stakes and guylines for basic setups
Industrial strength
Patiobay Tarp 20x20FT, 14 Mil Large Tarp, Waterproof Tarps Heavy Duty with Grommets Every 23.6", Thick Plastic Tarp, UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Reinforced Edges for Outdoor Pool Camp Tent
Patiobay
- 14 MIL THICK: Thickness of 14 mil, weighing 6.35oz per square yard, and finish size 20×20 feet. This tarp provides the utmost strength and durability required for your needs
- HEAVY DUTY POLY TARP: Made of high quality polyethylene, our heavy duty tarp is durable and won’t tear, rip or rot. It is UV resistant, waterproof and weatherproof, and can endure outdoor storms and harsh environmental conditions
- STRONG GROMMETS: This tarp cover features reinforced edges and metal grommets every 23.6 inches. The metal grommets are strong enough to fasten of the tarp cover with bungee cords or a sturdy rope
- ENHANCED REINFORCEMENT: To provide additional support, the hem is reinforced with poly rope that is stitched from one end to the other on all sides, ensuring resistance against tearing and deformation
- MULTIPURPOSE USE: This poly tarp sheet serves a multitude of purposes, it suits for covering various objects such as roofs, boats, pools, and outdoor furniture. Additionally, it can be utilized to create canopy tents, facilitate camping adventures, provide floor protection during painting projects, and so much more
Value tarpaulin
CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin
CARTMAN
- FINISHED SIZE – The marked size is the exact finished size. When you choose your size, you will get the exact size tarps.
- DUSTPROOF & WATERPROOF – This tarp is designed to be dustproof and waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use in harsh weather conditions.
- HEAT-SEALED & REINFORCED – The four sides of the tarp are heat-sealed and folded, with nylon ropes inside for reinforcement. There is no needle hole, and it will not crack easily.
- CONVENIENT TO USE – Our tarp has metal grommets every 36 inches, making it easy to use and secure. Additionally, the plastic corner reinforcements at the four corners of the tarp make it more sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.
- ECONOMICAL & VERSATILE – This tarp is a bit heavier than the 5 mil option and is recommended for temporary outdoor protection from the elements. It is great for covering construction materials and equipment, as well as for use as a ground cover or to cover livestock.
Lightweight pick
KALINCO Waterproof Camping Tarp Tent Hammock Rain Fly, 10X10FT/10X15FT, Mutifunctional Tent Footprint Lightweight Tarp for Camping, Hiking and Survival Shelter
KALINCO
- WATERPROOF: The waterproof camping tarp tent is made from 210T polyester with PU 3000mm waterproof coating, and has a taped central seam, quick-drying fabric ideal for rain flies because it will not fail under stress
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: The camping tarp rain fly can be widely used as survival tarp, hammock rain fly, outdoor kitchen cover, simple tent, tent footprint, picnic blanket, ground sheet , instant shade, etc
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Large camping tarp tent of 118inx118in/300cmx300cm but only weighs 1.8lbs/0.83kg. Includes 6 guy lines, 6 stakes and 1 carrying bag. Easy to keep in your backpack
- DURABLE & NO MORE RIPPING: 19 reinforced attachment tie loops including 3 in the ridge line for overhead hanging, can got all angles covered. Besides, all fix points are used double reinforced stitches, which can prevent ripping and leaking in extreme conditions
- EASY TO CARRY & USE: This camping tarp has a carrying bag, making it convenient to travel. Unfold the camping tarp and lay it on ground use as tent footprint; with the stakes and ropes when take it as sun canopy or rain fly
UV protection
Unigear Hammock Rain Fly, 16.4/14.4/13/10ft Camping Tarp, UV Protection & Waterproof & Lightweight for Camping, Backpacking and Outdoor Adventure (Brown,10 * 10ft)
Unigear
- STAY DRY IN THE RAIN: Unigear tent tarp is made of super strong 210D rip-stop Oxford fabric, PU 3000mm waterproof. It offers an excellent protection against rain, sudden downpours, snow and high winds. Open size is 300x300cm/10x10ft
- NO MORE RIPPING & LEAKING: To offer a safer and tougher shelter, all the 8 fix points on the rain fly are reinforced a triangle dual layer. Besides, all fix points are used double reinforced stitches, which can prevent ripping and leaking even in extreme conditions
- BLOCK THE SUN: Coated with PU Inner layer, Unigear lightweight camping tarp can provide a UV protection in the sun. Perfects for hammock camping, backpacking, hiking, or other adventure
- MULTIPLE USES: The rain fly can be widely used as survival tarp, hammock shelter, outdoor kitchen cover, simple tent, tent footprint, ground sheet and instant shade. Come with 6 stakes and 6 ropes, you can set up different shapes easily
- CAMPING COMPANION: No matter the occasion, our lightweight tarp tents are must-have camping gear and tent accessories for the adventurer in your life
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size tarp is ideal for large groups?
For large groups, opt for tarps measuring at least 10×12 feet. This provides ample coverage for multiple people and gear. Ensure it's rectangular or hexagonal for optimal space utilization.
What materials are best for lightweight durability?
Look for ripstop nylon or silicone-coated polyester. These materials balance weight and durability, resisting tears and weather while remaining easy to pack.
How do I ensure proper setup and stability?
Choose tarps with reinforced grommets, guy lines, and stakes. Practice tensioning techniques to prevent sagging, and use ground sheets for added stability on uneven terrain.
Can a lightweight tarp withstand strong winds?
Yes, if designed with wind-resistant features like tapered edges, multiple tie-out points, and UV-treated fabrics. Always secure it tightly and angle it into the wind.
What features improve rain protection?
Prioritize tarps with high waterproof ratings (2000mm+), bathtub seams, and adjustable guy lines. A sloped design and centered pole setup enhance water runoff.
How do I balance weight vs. durability?
For lightweight tarps, aim for 50D-70D fabric density. Heavier models (above 200g/sqm) offer more durability but sacrifice portability. Assess your trip length and conditions.
What accessories are essential for setup?
Pack lightweight aluminum stakes, silicone-coated guy lines, and a compression stuff sack. Carabiners or cord organizers help manage lines efficiently.