Ground Tarps

How to Choose a Ground Tarp or Tent Floor Liner

A ground tarp, sometimes called a tent footprint or groundsheet, creates a replaceable layer between a tent floor and the campsite. It can help keep mud, grit, pine needles, and rough ground away from the tent floor, making cleanup easier after a trip. An interior floor liner serves a different purpose: it covers the floor inside the tent to create a cleaner, more comfortable surface for sleeping gear and camp furniture.

This collection includes fitted ground tarps and floor liners for several Kodiak Canvas tent sizes, along with heavy-duty tarps and canvas liners from White Duck. Start with the size and model of your tent, then check each product listing for its intended placement and fit. If you are still choosing a tent, compare the available Kodiak Canvas tents before selecting a matching tarp or liner.

Ground Tarp vs. Floor Liner

A ground tarp is placed under the tent. Its main job is to separate the tent floor from dirt and abrasive ground surfaces. A floor liner is placed inside the tent, where it can make the living area easier to sweep and more comfortable underfoot. Campers who want protection on both sides of the tent floor may choose one of each, provided both accessories are compatible with their exact tent.

Fit matters more than simply choosing the largest tarp. An exterior ground tarp should stay within the tent footprint so exposed edges do not collect rainwater and direct it underneath the tent. Match the listed dimensions to your tent floor and confirm the compatible tent model when a product is model-specific. For irregularly shaped tents, use the manufacturer's fit information rather than relying on nominal dimensions alone.

Tips for Setup and Care

• Clear sticks, sharp stones, and debris from the campsite before laying down the ground tarp.
• Center the tarp beneath the tent and fold any exposed edge underneath the tent floor.
• Check the product instructions before using stakes, especially with fitted or model-specific tarps.
• Shake off loose dirt after use, then clean according to the material and care directions on the product listing.
• Allow the tarp or liner to dry completely before folding and storing it.

Use the products above to compare material, dimensions, compatible tent sizes, and current availability. Choosing an accessory made for your tent can reduce setup guesswork and help you protect the tent floor without adding unnecessary bulk.

Ground Tarp and Floor Liner FAQs

What size ground tarp should I use under my tent?

Choose a tarp that matches the tent floor or the specific tent model listed by the manufacturer. When set up, the tarp should not extend beyond the tent walls; fold excess material underneath so it cannot collect rainwater.

Does a ground tarp go under or inside a tent?

A ground tarp or footprint normally goes underneath the tent. A floor liner goes inside. They perform different jobs, and campers may use both when compatible products are available for their tent.

What is the difference between a tent footprint and a floor liner?

A tent footprint protects the outside bottom of the tent from direct contact with the campsite. A floor liner covers the interior floor to provide a cleaner surface for gear, cots, and foot traffic.

Can I use a general-purpose tarp under my tent?

Yes, if its material and dimensions suit the campsite and it can be kept within the tent footprint. A fitted or model-specific ground tarp can be simpler to position because its size is designed around a particular tent.

How should I clean and store a ground tarp?

Remove loose dirt, follow the product's material-specific care directions, and let the tarp dry completely before storage. Storing it damp can create odors and shorten the useful life of the material.