How to Build a Pyramid Tent

Pyramid tents have been used for hundreds of years. The tents were popular with gold miners in the 1800s and are still used by campers today. Historically, pyramid tents didn't have a floor, just three solid walls and one wall with a flap door. The tents are supported with one pole in the middle of the inside of the tent or with two poles crisscrossing over the outside of the tent. Pyramid tents are easy to build for quick shelter using minimal supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Large tarp
  • Tent stakes
  • Hammer
  • Center pole
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread the tarp out so it is completely flat. Hammer stakes into the ground along the back edge of the tarp. Hammer one stake 1/4 of the way from the beginning of the tarp and another 1/4 of the way from the end of the tarp.

    • 2

      Line up the front corners of the tarp with the stakes set in the back. Stake the corners down so the length of the tarp is taut.

    • 3

      Insert the center pole into the front center of the tarp. It should be very tight.

    • 4

      Stake the sides of the tarp down so that everything is secure.