How to rig a rain tarp without trees -- poles, maybe??

[profdant139]

Whenever we go camping in the Pacific Northwest, I am always impressed by the huge rain tarps that the experts rig up over their campsites. And after watching a few YouTube videos, I think I know how.

But in the off-season (in cooler weather), we often boondock in areas with few or no trees, and we have had a few "mud festivals" in rainy weather.

So my question is obvious (and there may be no solution): is there a way to rig up a rain tarp without trees, maybe using some sort of arrangement with poles? I have done a search and have come up empty, which is not a good sign.

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

[profdant139]

This is an example of the diagonal setup I am talking about, with a very big tarp:


Click For Full-Size Image.

[profdant139]

firemedic, I am talking about a really big rain tarp -- I've seen them set up at about 20 feet by 40 feet, with the central rope at a diagonal across the tarp. It forms a roof that sheds water and keeps the whole campsite dry. Those small gazebos don't have a big enough "footprint."

Keep those ideas coming! Maybe helium balloons??

[firemedic1992]

Why not buy a portable shelter or gazebo?

[Lwiddis]

Two 10x10 or 12x12 pop ups will be easier and sloped for rain.

[DutchmenSport]

We did this with our pop-up many, many times. Lots of poles and lots of rope. Lay the tarp out, catch one corner with a pole and anchor the rope to the ground. Go to the opposite corner and do the same. Then the other 2 corners. Then the middle. Once standing, raise each pole one at a time until you get to the height you want. Yes ... it's a lot of work. I'd never do it again!

[donn0128]

Ised to carry about 10 colapsable aluminum poles. One weekend we had probably 250 sq ft under tarps. Still have the poles, but we now use self supporting folding canpopies.

[newman_fulltime]

I use blue sky hooks they work great. I tried the red ones but they break easy

[Bob_Olallawa]

Poles and ropes might work, just need to prepare for the wind and weight, they will happen.