We’re excited for you! Thanks for this question. Whether your car camping or backpacking, choosing between a tarp and a tent comes down to how much comfort, protection, and flexibility you want. For beginning campers, we highly recommend going with a budget shelter. There are some outstanding options that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. But first, here are some things to consider… Pros of a tarp are: VERSATILITY – With a bit of practice, you can pitch it a tarp many different ways for shade, rain cover, or relaxing. SPACE – Tarps can be set up to give a ton of room for hanging out, where tents can sometimes feel cramped. PRICE – Tarps are generally far cheaper than tents. Cons of a tarp are: PROTECTION – No walls means mosquitoes, spiders, flies and critters can (and will) crash the party. WEATHER – Heavy rain or wind can sneak in unless you pitch it perfectly. PRIVACY – You’re more exposed to the world with no walls, which isn’t ideal for crowded places and campgrounds. Our team loves tarps, but we generally recommend them for experienced campers and backpackers with lots of practice setting up shelters. Instead, we’d recommend a tent for the ease of use and convenience. Since weight isn’t a concern, there are some stellar options out there – for budget-friendly freestanding options, check out the Kelty Sundome 2p / 4p, Kelty Late Start 2, and REI Trail Hut 2 (all around $200 or less). Check out our best camping tents guide (geared towards car camping) as well as our best budget tents guide (geared towards backpacking) for all the details. Pro tip: use the Table Of Contents on the left side of the guides to navigate down to the Product Comparison Table and look at our top picks by price, durability, and more. From there, you can narrow down your options. Happy camping!- Ian

Haha, very true. Thanks for the comment and the feedback Bob. Happy hiking!

Thanks Justin!