Built from Necessity, Perfected by Adventure
It all started with a problem—Matt’s dad had a river tarp that just wasn’t cutting it. Too small, too flimsy, too…meh. When a repair shop made it worse, Matt decided to take things into his own hands. With access to a university craft shop and a knack for problem-solving, he built a tarp that was stronger, more secure, and sleek. On its first trip, it turned heads—people wanted to know where they could get one. That’s when we knew we had something special. What started as a quick fix for a family trip quickly gained traction. Before long, Dragon Fly Tarps was born, built on a simple mission: create rugged, no-fuss tarps that adventurers could rely on.
From River Runs to Van Life
As demand for our tarps grew, so did our family—and our outdoor adventures. Our pop-up camper was getting cramped, and van camping was calling our name. The problem? Traditional awnings weren’t made for backroad explorers like us. We needed something lightweight, easy to store, and durable enough to handle the elements. So, we went back to the drawing board and adapted our trusted river tarp into the perfect van awning. We ditched unnecessary mechanical parts and created a versatile, compact shade system that installs quickly and holds up in unpredictable weather. Whether for river trips, road adventures, or weekend escapes, our tarps became an essential piece of gear.
Shade Wherever You Roam
At Dragon Fly Tarps, we believe great gear should work hard, last long, and never get in your way. Our tarps are made from urethane-coated ripstop fabric, seam-sealed for waterproofing, and designed with bungee flexibility to handle sudden wind gusts. The only permanent attachment is a sleek awning track that doubles as a rain gutter—the rest packs away neatly until you need it. Secured with cam buckle straps and sturdy aluminum stakes, our tarps provide instant shade wherever adventure takes you. Whether you’re on the river, the road, or deep in the mountains, we’ve got you covered—literally.
"We don’t just make awnings for vans—we’ve figured out how to attach them to all kinds of rigs. Whether you’re in a truck, SUV, camper, or something totally custom, we’ve got a way to make shade work for you."