Buying Guide
5 Best Camping Tarps Under 20 in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide
Best camping tarps under $20, compared on thickness, grommets, finished size and weave, so a few dollars covers a campsite, firewood or a tent floor.
Under $20 you can cover a camp kitchen, a woodpile or a tent floor, and the real choice is between thin and large or thick and small. Poly tarps are rated in mils, and the difference between 5 and 20 mil changes how long a tarp survives wind and abrasion.
Five tarps make the list, from a 5 mil 8 by 20 sheet to a 20 mil 5 by 7. They are ranked by how much usable coverage and durability each gives near the cap, with the best balance first.
Danny’s Camping field notes
The Campsite Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- Vandham Tarp Waterproof 10x12FT Multi-Purpose Green Poly Tarps Cover 8Mil leads this shortlist for All-round camp cover. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are 10x12 ft, 8 mil HDPE, 8x10 ft, 8 mil polyethylene, About 9.5x11.3 ft rip-stop. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Faint odor when new
The Practical Shortlist
A practical look at 5 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Value Under $20
Vandham Tarp Waterproof 10x12FT Multi-Purpose Green Poly Tarps Cover 8Mil
All-round camp cover
Our take Check price for Vandham Tarp Waterproof 10x12FT Multi-Purpose Green Poly Tarps Cover 8Mil (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Tarp
CARTMAN 8x10Ft Multipurpose Waterproof Poly Tarp Cover 8 Mil
Tent floors and wood piles
Our take Check price for CARTMAN 8x10Ft Multipurpose Waterproof Poly Tarp Cover 8 Mil (opens in a new tab)
Best Rip-Stop Pick
Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Camping Tarp with Reinforced Corners and Edges
Tear-resistant general cover
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Camping Tarp with Reinforced Corners and Edges (opens in a new tab)
Best Long Cover
Kotap 8 x 20 ft All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp
Long, narrow cover jobs
Our take Check price for Kotap 8 x 20 ft All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp (opens in a new tab)
Best Heavy Duty
Xpose Safety 5' x 7' Ultra Heavy Duty Tarp
Durability over size
Our take Check price for Xpose Safety 5' x 7' Ultra Heavy Duty Tarp (opens in a new tab)
Why You Can Trust Danny’s Camping
At Danny’s Camping, we compare products based on campsite fit, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.
We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Value Under $20· 1 of 5
Vandham Tarp Waterproof 10x12FT Multi-Purpose Green Poly Tarps Cover 8Mil
Danny’s Take
The best balance of size, thickness and price, so it is the one to buy if you only want one.
Best for
- All-round camp cover
Why it made the shortlist
The Vandham is a 10 by 12 foot, 8 mil tarp made from high-density polyethylene.
It is the largest 8 mil sheet in the group, with more cover than the 8 by 10 Cartman and a thicker feel than the 5 mil Kotap.
It suits tent floors, picnic shelters and wood stacks for a camper who wants one general-purpose tarp. Unfold it outside first, since a new poly tarp can carry a faint smell.
Key dimensions & specs
- 10x12 ft, 8 mil HDPE
- Rubber corner reinforcements
- Grommets roughly every meter
Pros
- Big 120 square foot coverage
- Rubber corners resist tearing
- Double-layer edges around the grommets
- Flexible and light for the size
Cons
- Faint odor when new
- Thinner than a 20 mil tarp
The Catch
A new tarp can smell like plastic for a day or two.
Best Budget Tarp· 2 of 5
CARTMAN 8x10Ft Multipurpose Waterproof Poly Tarp Cover 8 Mil
Danny’s Take
The cheapest 8 mil tarp that still has real reinforcement, and a fine pick for a spare.
Best for
- Tent floors and wood piles
Why it made the shortlist
The Cartman is an 8 by 10 foot, 8 mil poly tarp with heat-sealed hems, nylon rope sewn into the edges and a grommet about every 36 inches. Plastic reinforcements sit at all four corners.
The rope-reinforced hem gives it good tear resistance for the money.
It suits campers who need a low-cost ground cloth or a rain cover for a pile of wood. Buy two if you want one for the floor and one for overhead cover.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8x10 ft, 8 mil polyethylene
- Heat-sealed hems, nylon rope
- Grommets every 36 inches
Pros
- Rope-reinforced edges resist fraying
- Heat-sealed hems have no needle holes
- 8 mil body feels sturdy
Cons
- Smaller than the others
- Not meant for long wind exposure
The Catch
Eighty square feet runs out quickly if you want shelter for four.
Best Rip-Stop Pick· 3 of 5
Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Camping Tarp with Reinforced Corners and Edges
Danny’s Take
A sound choice when you worry about a small hole turning into a split.
Best for
- Tear-resistant general cover
Why it made the shortlist
About 9.5 by 11.3 feet, this AmazonBasics sheet is a rip-stop weave with polyethylene coating on each face. Reinforced corners and edges carry grommets for tie-downs, and it is built for tents, vehicles and firewood.
It suits campers who want a tear-resistant tarp for a vehicle cover or an overhead shelter. It is also a good second tarp for a tent floor.
Key dimensions & specs
- About 9.5x11.3 ft rip-stop
- Polyethylene laminate on both sides
- Reinforced corners and grommets
Pros
- Rip-stop weave limits tear spread
- Both-side lamination sheds water
- Reinforced corners hold tie-downs
- Fits tents, vehicles and wood piles
Cons
- Thin for heavy wind use
The Catch
It is not as thick as the 20 mil Xpose.
Best Long Cover· 4 of 5
Kotap 8 x 20 ft All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp
Danny’s Take
Pick this one when the job is long and low, and wind is not a concern.
Best for
- Long, narrow cover jobs
Why it made the shortlist
The Kotap is a 5 mil poly tarp with a finished size of 7 feet 4 inches by 19 feet 6 inches, sold as 8 by 20. It has tightly woven coated polyethylene, rustproof aluminum grommets every 3 feet and at each corner.
It is the longest sheet here, so it can cover a row of firewood, a boat or a long gear line that nothing else reaches.
It suits campers who cover long, narrow loads like a stack of logs or a canoe. Hang it with cord through each grommet to keep it taut.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5 mil poly, 7'4" x 19'6" finished
- Aluminum grommets every 3 feet
- Coated polyethylene weave
Pros
- Long reach for woodpiles and boats
- Rustproof aluminum grommets
- Light and easy to fold
Cons
- Thin 5 mil material
- Finished size is smaller than the label
The Catch
The sheet is thin, so use it for covering and not for tent shelter in storms.
Best Heavy Duty· 5 of 5
Xpose Safety 5' x 7' Ultra Heavy Duty Tarp
Danny’s Take
Choose it for the tough small jobs and the long service life.
Best for
- Durability over size
Why it made the shortlist
The Xpose is a 5 by 7 foot, 20 mil tarp with a 370 GSM 16 by 16 weave, reinforced corners and brass grommets. It is UV protected and described as fully waterproof for all seasons.
It is the thickest sheet by a wide margin and covers 35 square feet, so it protects a seat, a gear bag or an engine instead of a campsite. Next to the 8 mil tarps, it lasts longer in abrasion and sun.
It suits campers who want a long-lived ground cloth under a small tent or a tough cover for a cooler. Use it where durability beats area.
Key dimensions & specs
- 20 mil, 370 GSM weave
- Brass grommets, reinforced corners
- UV protected, waterproof
Pros
- Thickest sheet in the group
- Heavy weave resists rips and abrasion
- Brass grommets last
- Good under tents and gear
Cons
- Only 35 square feet of coverage
- Heavier to carry than thin tarps
The Catch
The 5x7 size is too small to shelter a camp table.
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Thickness in mils
- Compared mil ratings and weave notes, since thickness is the clearest signal of how long a poly tarp lasts in sun and wind.
- Finished size
- Compared stated sizes against finished dimensions, because label sizes run larger than the real tarp.
- Grommets and corners
- Looked at grommet spacing, metal type and corner reinforcement, which decide how well a tarp can be tied down.
- Coverage per dollar
- Weighed square feet of cover against price to find the best use of a $20 budget.
What Matters Before You Choose a Camping Tarp Under 20
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Thickness in mils
A mil is one thousandth of an inch, and poly tarps typically run from 5 mil for light cover to 20 mil for heavy duty. Thin sheets cost less and fold small, while thick ones resist wind flapping and abrasion much longer. Look for the mil figure in the title, and treat unlabelled weights as the thinnest option.
Finished versus labelled size
Tarps are sold by nominal size, but the finished sheet is usually an inch or two smaller per side because of the hems. A tarp labelled 8 by 20 can measure 7 feet 4 inches by 19 feet 6 inches, which is enough to leave a tent corner exposed. Look for a finished size line, and add a foot to your measurement.
Grommet spacing
Grommets are the metal eyelets where you tie cord, and tighter spacing gives you more anchor points. Spacing of about 3 feet is standard, and every corner should also have a reinforced hole. Look for rustproof aluminum or brass, and avoid plastic eyelets for any shelter use.
Rip-stop or plain poly
A rip-stop weave has thicker threads woven in a grid so a small cut does not spread. Plain poly tarps tear easily once a hole starts, especially at the edge near a grommet. Look for rip-stop or reinforced hem language if you plan to hang the tarp in wind.
Cover or shelter use
A tarp used as a roof flaps and strains, while a tarp used over a woodpile mainly needs to shed water. Thin 5 mil sheets suit coverage, and anything over 8 mil handles a shelter better. Decide the job first, then buy the matching thickness.
Match a Camping Tarp Under 20 to Your Camp Setup
By job
| Your situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tent floor protection | Cartman 8x10 Green | Low price and 8 mil body. |
| Overhead cover for a table | Vandham 10x12 Green | 120 square feet of 8 mil sheet. |
| Long woodpile or canoe | Kotap 8x20 Blue | Nearly 20 feet of reach. |
| Heavy abrasion under a small tent | Xpose 5x7 20 Mil | 20 mil, 370 GSM weave. |
| Tear resistance matters most | AmazonBasics 9.5x11.3 | Rip-stop with reinforced corners. |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $10 to $20 | Cartman 8x10 Green or Kotap 8x20 Blue |
| $10 to $20 | Vandham 10x12 Green or AmazonBasics 9.5x11.3 |
| $10 to $20 | Xpose 5x7 20 Mil |
Thick and small vs thin and large
- Thick and small
- A thick tarp like the Xpose 5x7 20 Mil lasts through sun and abrasion but covers little area. It is best for protecting one item.
- Thin and large
- A thin tarp like the Kotap 8x20 Blue gives long reach for the price and folds small. It suits covering loads in fair weather.
Most campers should buy the Vandham 10x12 Green as a middle path, then add the Xpose 5x7 20 Mil only for tough jobs.
By budget
| Pick | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Around $13 | Cartman 8x10 Green |
| Around $14 | Kotap 8x20 Blue |
| Around $17 | Vandham 10x12 Green |
| Around $19 | AmazonBasics 9.5x11.3 |
| Up to $20 | Xpose 5x7 20 Mil |
For under-tent use specifically
- Look for
- Look for a finished size a few inches smaller than your tent floor so water cannot pool.
- In this comparison
- The Cartman 8x10 Green and AmazonBasics 9.5x11.3 are large enough for most two to four person tents, and the Xpose 5x7 20 Mil suits a one-person tent.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- Spend more if you want one tarp that survives repeated use, which means the Xpose 5x7 20 Mil for small jobs or the Vandham 10x12 Green for general cover. A $30 tarp with poles, such as a camp awning kit, is a bigger upgrade.
- Save if
- Save if you only need a one-off cover, because the Cartman 8x10 Green and Kotap 8x20 Blue cost the least.
Before You Bring One Home
How big a tarp do I need under a tent?
Choose a tarp about 2 to 4 inches smaller than the tent floor on every side so rain does not run under it and pool. The Cartman 8x10 Green and AmazonBasics 9.5x11.3 cover most four-person floors, and you can fold the edges under for a snug fit.
Is a thicker tarp always better?
Not always. A 20 mil tarp is tougher but heavy and stiff, so it is a poor choice if you pack by hand. The Xpose 5x7 20 Mil suits a car camper, while thinner options like the Kotap 8x20 Blue are easier to carry.
Can I use a poly tarp as a rain shelter?
Yes, if you pitch it at an angle so water runs off and use every grommet you can. Hang the ridge line tight and keep the pitch steep, because a flat tarp pools water and sags. The Vandham 10x12 Green has enough area for a small kitchen shelter.
Why does my new tarp smell?
Polyethylene sheets are packed soon after production and travel long distances, so they can have a plastic smell on arrival. Unfold the tarp outside for a day and the odor fades. The Vandham 10x12 Green mentions this in its own notes.
How do I fold a tarp so it lasts?
Fold it in a long strip, then roll it, rather than creasing it into a block. Creases weaken poly over time and crack at the fold lines. Store the tarp dry and keep it out of direct sun when you are not using it.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Vandham Tarp Waterproof 10x12FT Multi-Purpose Green Poly Tarps Cover 8Mil — best value under $20 pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all camping tarps under 20 on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.
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About the author
Danny Walker
Founder & Lead Editor at Danny’s Camping
Danny covers camping gear, campsite setup, outdoor power, sleep systems, and practical camping advice, with a focus on helping campers make better gear decisions.