How do I Set Up a Dining Tarp?

A dining tarp can be set up to provide shade from the sun and protection from rain while you're eating outdoors. The dining tarp can be used in areas where pavilions aren't readily available and temporary cover is needed. Trees and ropes can be used to support the tarp above the dining area.

Instructions

1

Find a place to set up a dining area. Select an area higher in elevation than the rest of the camp to provide proper drainage during rainy weather. Look for two trees directly across from each other. Fold the tarp in half so it forms a triangle. Stretch the tarp between the two trees to ensure it fits.

2

Lean a ladder up against the trunk of one of the trees. Climb the ladder to a height that allows the tarp to be high enough above the dining area to allow proper head clearance. Tie one end of the rope around the trunk of the tree. Lean the ladder up on the adjacent tree and pull the rope tight and tie it around the tree at the same level as the other tree.

3

Throw the tarp up over the rope so that two of its corners are pointing toward the trees around which the rope is tied. The tarp will look like an upside-down triangle at this point. Take short pieces of rope and thread them through the eyelets on each end of the tarp and tie a knot in each one. Tie these ropes to the loops around the two trees to keep the tarp in place.

4

Take the two corners of the tarp hanging down in the middle and fasten a length of rope to each eyelet. Stretch the tarp out on each side and and tie these corners to trees a foot or two lower than the main rope line holding the tarp up in the middle.