When the forecast calls for heavy rain, many campers reach for a traditional tent. However, with the right configuration, a simple square tarp can provide a fully enclosed, cozy, and incredibly spacious shelter. This setup—often referred to as a “tarp tent”—even includes its own built-in groundsheet.
The Gear List
To achieve this setup, you’ll need:
- A Square Tarp: The video uses a 3.5m x 3.5m multicam tarp [00:21].
- Anchors: At least 4–6 pegs.
- Suspension: Cordage or a bungee cord (for extra stretch).
- The “Support”: A sturdy tree (though a ridgeline or pole can also be used) [00:26].
Step-by-Step Configuration
1. Prep the Ground and Layout
Clear a flat area and lay your tarp out face down in a square [00:59]. Position one front corner near your anchor tree.
2. The Anchor Points
- Front Corners: Peg down the two front corners and place one peg in the center point between them [01:15].
- The Lift: Attach your cordage (or bungee) to the middle-back tie-out point. Pull this point up and tie it off to your tree [01:40]. This action instantly transforms the flat tarp into a 3D structure.
3. Creating the Enclosure
- Side Flaps: Once the back is lifted, the side flaps will naturally fall. Take the side attachment point and hook it into your front peg [01:54].
- The Door: The remaining flap comes over the front to act as a door, attaching to that same central front peg [02:00].
- Pro Tip: Use an extra peg for the door flap to make it easier to unhook and enter/exit [02:33].
4. Maximizing Internal Space
To prevent the tarp from feeling “flappy” and to increase headroom, guy out the remaining attachment points at the back [02:17]. This pulls the walls outward and creates a massive interior.
Why This Setup Wins
Built-in Groundsheet One of the best features of this pitch is that the tarp itself forms the floor [03:05]. To stay dry, ensure the edges of the “floor” are tucked slightly inside the “walls” so rain runs off onto the ground rather than pooling inside [03:10].
The “Porch” Mode If you want to cook or enjoy a small fire, you can unhook one side flap and pull it out to create a sheltered awning [04:11]. This keeps you and your gear dry while providing ventilation and space for a small fire pit [04:47].
Incredible Headroom Unlike many low-profile tarp pitches, this configuration offers “disgracefully good” headroom [03:36]. You can sit up straight comfortably, making it much more livable for long rainy periods.
Final Thoughts
While it is an enclosed system, remember that bugs can still crawl in under the edges. WildBeare recommends using a small internal bug net for peace of mind [07:29]. Even after hours of heavy rain, this setup remains bone-dry and offers a unique, modular way to experience the woods.
Watch the full setup here: WildBeare’s Tarp Configuration
Fully Enclosed Tarp Configuration • Camping Solo in Rain + Cook Steak on Fire
