How to set up a big tarp by yourself (without trees)

In this video we look at a how to set up a big tarp shelter by yourself without trees.

Tarps, or tarpaulins, are great for wind, rain and sun protection and come in all different shapes and sizes.

The tarp I'm using in this video is 6 metres by 5.5 metres (20ft x 18ft) and puts out a shade area of around 30 square metres (323 square feet). This size is great for families and large groups, however, there are some challenges when it comes to putting it up by yourself.

The biggest challenge when putting up a big trap shelter by yourself is the wind, so it's always best to move slowly and methodically and keep the tarp pegged down as you go to avoid the wind getting under it and blowing it away.

Step 1: Check the direction of the wind and aim to set up your tarp at 90 degrees to the wind.

Step 2: Keep you peg bag in your pocket or on your belt and unravel the tarp little by little. Peg down the corners after each section is unfolded so that the tarp is completely pegged down by the time it's fully spread out.

Step 3: Use a simple loop knot to attach the guy ropes to the corners of the tarp.

Step 4: Walk the other end of guy ropes out as far as they go and secure them down to the ground with tent pegs.

Step 5: Remove the pegs holding down the tarp and assemble the tarp poles.

Step 6: Loosen the guy ropes closest to the first pole eyelet (grommet) and insert the pole. Walk it up into place and tighten the guy ropes again to hold it in place.

Step 7: Repeat the process on the opposite end.

Step 8: Walk around the tarp making adjustments to the guy ropes one at a time to ensure the tarp is well-tensioned and holding in place.

One thing to avoid is placing anything on the tarp to weigh it down. if the wind gusts, this will cause the tarp to pull against its anchors and cause damage.

Here are a few big traps I found with good reviews on Amazon:

Aqua Quest Guide Tarp - 6m x 4m (20ft x 13ft)

Equinox Egret Tarps - 4.8m x 3.5m (16ft x 12ft)

Sanctuary SilTarp - 3.5m x 3m (12ft x 10ft)

Stansport Reinforced Multi-Purpose Tarp - multiple sizes up to 18m x 9m (60ft x 30ft)

And don't forget poles!

Green Elephant Telescoping Tarp Poles (Aluminium)

SANLIKE Adjustable Tent Poles (Stainless Steel)

[undefinednull]

I really like that you mention taking advantage of the adverse situation. Like when you say to fill bags with the loose terrain itself (sand/gravel) and use them as anchors. Great idea! Also I would add to that to mark the hole/s and/or have them a bit away to avoid falling in them AND/OR use them as firepit/s!

[Thelastoftheprimes]

Excellent video Sir! Very thorough, and informative, yet short and sweet. TYVM!

[jerrymcdonald]

After two successive camp trips sitting out the rain in my tent, I purchased a tarp and poles to have some shelter over a table and some of my gear outside. The tarp and poles came. Then I thought, "Holy smokes... how am I gonna set this up myself. Certainly there cannot be a YouTube on this topic?" Well call me naïve. Others do. Your video came right up. It was perfect. Good job. Come on rain, get me now! Thanks

[Farang_Lifestyles]

Awesome video and very precise and clear of the process to follow when alone pitching a large tarp in wind conditions... thanks so much for sharing.

[davelakin]

Brilliant video explained well! I tried my first tarp setup last weekend and it was a learning experience. You have inspired me to get a bigger one now!

[lamarhughston]

Great video! I have a shade tarp I bought for camping. But it has been such a pain to put it up by myself, that I just stopped taking it with me. I just came in from putting it up (with a light wind blowing) following your steps and it was providing me shade on a hot Georgia (USA) day in about 5 minutes. Now it is back in my camping bin that goes with me when I head out. Thank You!!

[cocacolatgv]

Thanks for the tutorial! I always set up in between trees but recently bought poles, this was very helpful!!!

[urivalkrinkonov]

Was wondering what to do on my first solo travel! Noice. 👏👍

[juanitareinhold]

Great video. I am looking for a large tarp. I would want larger pegs. Mine are 12 and 16s for Florida high winds

[arlensmith]

A tarp pitch can be the best 4 season shelter.
It has to go tight to the ground on all sides and have a wood stove inside if it is going to be any good in a winter blizzard. The whole outfit cannot weigh more than 4 lbs. if backpackers are going to use it. A 10’x10’ tarp only needs to be pegged on the 4 corners with as many pegs as it takes to be secure in any wind. No grommets are needed. It has space for 2 cooking or 4 sleeping.
The chimney can serve as 1 of the 40” long corner poles. Sticks that have a small nail driven in both ends (head pinched off). One end stays put on the ground, the other end through a reinforced point exactly in the corner 40” from the edge of the tarp.
All sides can be raised forming an umbrella to cool off, heat from the stove or summer sun.

[AlergicToSnow]

I can’t believe those little pegs actually hold it down over time in that wind

[FBNL]

Great video! Really clear and simple breakdown :)
I was wondering if you knew the name of the music you used in the video?

[smithgov]

Love when vides are informative and to the point. Nice work. Quick question. I used my tarp over the back of my SUV and used the poles on the opposite end. The poles did not want to stand secure even when I made the guy lines tight. Any suggestions to keep the poles upright and secure? Thank you.

[fermentedworld]

Need to try this 😂 I bought one and took it the my
Allotment for some shade and I couldn’t put it up so threw it all in the green house haha bloody thing

[theexperimentalcqdx]

Very nice....I don't think they have them.in south Africa though. Miss your videos...when are you coming back to RSA.

[franny]

Would it be best to put that up first and then put a tent up under it? I have an msr elixir 3 man tent and I really want to put a tarp up over it. It'll be hot I'll be camping with my son. Extra insurance against an unexpected heavy rain as well. What do you think?

[Leegonchime]

Your video is great! How do you recommend setting up a tarp in relation to sun in order to maximize the amount of shade?

[Bo-tryx]

Hi what is the knotting method you used? Trying to google how to do that

[gordondavenport]

Was wondering if your tarp was rectangle, 4 tie out points.?Looked like it had more.

[nancyhenderson]

Wondering how long your guy ropes should be, if you want to set it up over a small Boler trailer...