How to Make an Easy Tent

The tent is a simple shelter that is often complicated by the camper and camping industry. Constructing a simple tent style shelter is easily accomplished with lightweight materials. The main purpose of the tent is to provide a protective barrier from the elements. Several simple designs are used to build the tent in tepee and peak roof styles. The result is a shelter that sheds rain and wind. The easy tent does not insulate well and a sleeping bag should be used in cool weather.

Things You'll Need

  • Tarp with grommets
  • Rope
  • Tent stakes
  • Rock
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Instructions

  1. A-Frame

    • 1

      Tie a rope between two trees or stable objects at waist level. Tie the rope tight with a double overhand knot around each tree.

    • 2

      Drape a tarp over the rope. Adjust the tarp with the center along the rope. Use a rock to pound stakes through the corner grommets on one edge of the tarp.

    • 3

      Pull the opposite edge of the tarp to tighten the fabric. Pull the corners tight to the ground and use a rock to pound stakes through the corner grommets. The easy A-frame shelter is complete.

    Tepee Tent

    • 4

      Locate the center point on the tarp. Bunch the material at the center point and use a double overhand knot to tie a rope to the tarp. Throw the rope over a tree branch and pull to raise the center of the tarp.

    • 5

      Use a hammer to pound stakes through the grommets on the edge of the tarp. Pull the material taut with each stake to create a round floor outline.

    • 6

      Pull the rope to tighten the tepee style shelter and tie the rope to a stable object with a double overhand knot. A low branch on the tree is a common anchor point for the rope.