I use a light sil-nylon tarp as a ground cloth for our tents. I use it more to keep the tent clean as well as floor protection. In many places the moisture will condense on the surface that is in direct contact with the ground. The light barrier between the tent and the soil keeps it dry and clean. Even in dry weather, condensation will collect on the ground cloth and the inside of the tent's rainfly. Both dry quickly on dry, breezy mornings. I also keep it close to the top of my gear to use as a shelter during heavy rain showers experienced during thunderstorms. My wife and I have burritoed into it on more than one occasion.



In the morning it is just shaking out the tent, no wet dirty bottom, and worries about drying it out later in the day, especially if not camping for a couple of days.


But if a clean tent does get wet, it increases the drying options. That tent has been used hard for 7 years, and only need one thorough cleaning.