Renting a tarp is a great addition to any camping kit as one has multiple potential uses:
As a ground cloth under your
rental tent to help protect the floor and increase water resistance (just be sure none of the tarp extends beyond the tent walls)
Create a shaded area for dining or just hanging out
Hang above your tent for more rain protection or shade during the day
Make a wind break against wind coming into the camp site
Create a standalone shelter for camping at night when a tent isn't available
Make a door mat of sorts in front of your tent to keep from bringing mud inside
We have 2 styles - the lighter duty ones are from 8'x10' to 10' x 10', and are perfectly fine as ground covers under tent, mats and plenty of other uses. If wanting maximum protection, as from weather above, select the heavier duty version via the dropdown box above. It is a bit bigger, plus thicker and heavier and will better withstand harsher weather, for a slightly higher price. All have sewn-in grommets for flexible configuration in setup. Take some
paracord or rope with you.
If you want something lighter, consider
buying some Tyvek instead; anything you can do with a tarp you can just about do with Tyvek, but at a fraction of the weight.