You should always protect the bottom of your tent. This will keep you dry from the moisture of the ground as well as provide a barrier between you and any insects or debris. Be sure to clear the area of any sharp rocks or sticks prior to laying down the tarp.

You can create a makeshift shelter with any tarp. Depending on the type of tarp you've brought with you, you can easily create a covered space for yourself and your gear. The key is to plan ahead and bring the necessary tarps.

Protection from the rain and elements is very important for your health and ability to stay warm and comfortable outdoors. If you are in a wooded area and only have a basic tarp, you can set your campsite up between two trees, and look for branches above to attach the tarp to give shelter.

It's equally important to keep your gear protected. Whether it be food, cooking supplies, backpacks or cameras, you don't want these things to get wet. Having a good tarp handy to cover these items is essential.

Making sure that you get adequate, sound sleep while camping is necessary. Chances are, you'll need good rest to hike, fish, hunt or do other activities. A good overhead tarp is vital to allowing you good sleep. Whether it be a tarp to cover your hammock or a larger sized camping tarp to cover your tent or eating area, you'll find that it's a big benefit to your ability to sleep soundly.

Since tarps are so light, be sure to take at least one with you during your hikes or adventures away from camp. They can be an invaluabe tool for keeping you dry in the chance of a sudden storm, or to protect you from damaging UV rays from the sun.

Besides rain and sun, the wind can also be one of your worst enemies while camping. A good, strong tarp can be set up to block any oncoming winds so that you don't have to deal with direct wind interfering with your camping.

You may not have thought of this, but a general tarp can be used to create a slip n slide for any children camping with you. Just secure your tarp to the ground, making sure all stakes are below the surface. Have the tarp on a slight downhill plane and add a little water to the surface of the tarp. There you go, an instant slip n slide for those hot days!

It's a no-brainer, but keeping your wood supply dry while camping is necessary in order to have that campfire burning. A good extra tarp is perfect for that task.

If you're camping with any pets, they need coverage too. Don't forget about them. You probably won't want them in a tent or hammock with you, so a makeshift tarp shelter is an ideal choice.

Having a designated bathroom area is important for campers. But if you're not alone, having a little privacy is nice. Setting up a tarp to provide visual cover from others in your party is a great way to make the experience of relieving yourself in the woods a better experience.

Camping tarps are fantastic, under-appreciated essentials for every camper or hiker. Every camper should know how to use a tarp and tie it off or secure it properly, depending on the use. With so many invaluable uses that camping tarps offer, your camping trip will benefit greatly from having a variety of these lightweight items in your backpack or gear. Keep at least one in your camping gear so you don't forget to take one on your next adventure.