I often use a tarp when go on a woodland camping,I like tarps because you can watch the nocturnal wild life and still be warm and comfy in your sleeping bag ,sheltered from the rain but still outdoors unlike a tent .

Anybody here use a tarp for a makeshift shelter rather than using a tent while out hiking and camping.

We have done this before. However, it really depends where we are going and whether or not the kids come along or not. Typically if the kids are with us we always bring a tent for them but have been known to just set up a tarp for ourselves. We too like to be able to see our surroundings. It is one of the main reasons we enjoy camping so much.

Using a tarp instead of a tent really makes it camping. You are able to enjoy the outdoors and the elements with protection and warmth.

I am sorry to ask but what exactly is a tarp shelter? Does anyone have a picture?

this is a tarp shelter..some would call it a tent too,i like it ..i use it even in the beach..

I am used to call this a trip tent maybe i am not so much used to trips terminologies.

Some rain ponchos can be used as tarps or makeshift shelters. I'm a big fan of having mult-use items in my survival kit.

I enjoy tarp shelters too. However, I usually tent camp, since I'm usually camping during mosquito/black fly season and/or with groups of people (some folks find it objectionable when the see you changing clothes...even if you're doing it in a sleeping bag). But mainly, the issue is the bugs. When it's not bug season, I go for the tarp.