How to Build an Emergency Shelter

by Alex Wittle January 20, 2025

We love camping and hiking outdoors. But whenever the outdoors is involved, the weather can change unexpectedly. What if you’re deep in the forest when this happens? Where are you supposed to wait until things calm down and it’s safe to move on? Emergency shelters can help protect you during this time. Here’s how to build one.

Gentle Weather Shelters (Light Rain, Wind)

Credit: Envato Elements/ leungchopan

Lean-To Shelter

This is one of the simplest shelters you can build. It provides a roof over your head and works best when you have trees nearby. It works great for light rain or wind.

What You Need:

A large branch or pole (to act as the ridgepole)
Several smaller branches
Leaves, grass, or ferns for insulation

How to Build:

Find two sturdy trees about 6-8 feet apart.
Secure the large branch horizontally between the two trees, about waist-high. This will act as your ridgepole.
Lean smaller branches at an angle against one side of the ridgepole to form a sloping wall. Make sure they’re close together.
Cover the sloping wall with layers of leaves, grass, or ferns to insulate. You can also use tarp if you have one.
Clear the ground beneath the shelter and lay down leaves or grass.

A-Frame Shelter

An A-frame is a good option for keeping rain off and staying protected while you rest.

What You Need:

Two Y-shaped sticks
A long, sturdy branch for the ridgepole
Smaller branches and leafy materials

How to Build:

Plant the Y-shaped sticks firmly into the ground about 6 feet apart.
Lay the ridgepole horizontally across the Y-shaped sticks.
Lean smaller branches along both sides of the ridgepole to create a symmetrical A-frame structure.
Cover the frame with layers of leaves, grass, or even a tarp if you have one.
Clear the ground inside and add natural bedding to make it more comfortable.

Debris Hut

This is a great option if you have access to lots of natural materials.

What You Need:

A sturdy pole (about your height)
A pile of sticks, leaves, and debris

How to Build:

Prop one end of the pole on a tree stump or a large rock, so it’s angled downward.
Arrange smaller sticks along both sides of the main pole to create a frame, forming a triangular shape.
Pile leaves, grass, and other debris over the frame to create thick walls. Aim for at least a foot of insulation for better coverage.
Leave a small opening at one end as your entrance.
Add a thick layer of leaves or soft grass inside to make it comfortable.

Moderate Weather Shelters (Moderate Rain, Wind)

Credit: Envato Elements/ olegbreslavtsev

Tarp Shelter with a Ridgeline

If you have a tarp, this is the easiest shelter to make.

What You Need:

A durable tarp or large sheet of waterproof material
Rope or paracord
Trees or poles
Stakes or rocks

How to Build:

Find two trees roughly 8-10 feet apart.
Tie a ridgeline between the trees at chest height using rope or paracord.
Drape the tarp over the ridgeline so it forms an even slope on both sides.
Secure the tarp’s corners to the ground with stakes or weigh them down with rocks. Make sure the tarp is taut to prevent sagging.
Angle one side of the tarp lower to create a steeper slope.
Place leaves or grass inside.

Frame and Tarp Shelter

This offers a more stable structure for moderate rain or wind.

What You Need:

Sturdy branches for the frame
A tarp or waterproof material
Rope, vines, or paracord

How to Build:

Create a simple A-frame by tying two long branches together at the top to form a triangle. Repeat this with another pair of branches to make the rear triangle.
Connect the two triangles by tying a long horizontal branch between them to act as the ridgepole.
Drape the tarp over the ridgepole and secure it at the edges with stakes or rocks.
Use additional branches or a second tarp to block off one side if wind or rain is heavy.

Wickiup Shelter

A wickiup is sturdy and ideal for moderate weather because of its natural insulation.

What You Need:

A large pole (about 8-10 feet)
Several smaller, flexible branches
Leaves, grass, or moss for insulation

How to Build:

Drive the large pole vertically into the ground.
Arrange smaller branches around the central pole. Lean them at an angle to create a cone shape.
Cover the frame with a thick layer of leaves, grass, or moss.
Leave a small opening as the entrance.

Harsh or Extreme Weather Shelters (Snow, Heavy Rain, Harsh Winds)

Credit: Envato Elements/ ivankmit

Snow Cave

Snow caves are ideal for snowy, freezing conditions.

What You Need:

A large snowdrift or packed snow
A shovel or digging tool

How to Build:

Find a snowdrift that’s at least 5 feet deep and stable.
Dig an entrance tunnel that slopes slightly upward into the drift.
Hollow out a sleeping chamber inside the snow. Make sure the walls are at least 12 inches thick to prevent collapse.
Smooth the ceiling to prevent dripping as the interior warms.
Poke a small ventilation hole at the top to ensure airflow.
Line the floor with pine branches, leaves, or clothing for insulation.

Dugout Shelter

A dugout shelter is great for harsh winds or heavy rain and can also keep you warm in extreme cold.

What You Need:

A slope or flat area of dry, firm soil
A shovel or digging tool
Logs, branches, leaves, and a tarp (optional)

How to Build:

Dig a trench about 3 feet deep and large enough to fit your body comfortably.
Use logs or sturdy branches to create a roof frame over the trench.
Cover the frame with a tarp, branches, or large pieces of bark. Leave one end open as an entrance.
Pile dirt, leaves, or grass over the roof for insulation and camouflage.
Line the floor with dry leaves or clothing to keep warm and dry.

Rock Overhang Shelter

If natural rock formations are available, this can be a quick solution to protect against extreme wind and rain.

What You Need:

A stable rock overhang
Additional branches, rocks, or a tarp for reinforcement

How to Build:

Clear the ground beneath the overhang to create a flat sleeping area.
Block any exposed sides with rocks, logs, or branches to create a windbreak.
Use a tarp or additional branches to cover gaps or extend the shelter.
Insulate the ground with leaves, pine needles, or clothing.

Quinzhee Shelter

Similar to a snow cave but easier to build, this is an excellent option for snowy terrain.

What You Need:

A large pile of loose snow
A digging tool or stick

How to Build:

Pile loose snow into a large mound at least 6 feet high. Pack it down as tightly as possible.
Allow the mound to settle for about an hour to harden.
Dig a tunnel into the mound and hollow out the inside. The walls should stay thick at around 12-16 inches.
Add a small ventilation hole at the top.
Insulate the floor with pine branches, leaves, or spare clothing.

Double-Layer Tarp Shelter

This is ideal for strong wind and rain.

What You Need:

Two durable tarps
Rope or paracord
Stakes or rocks
Poles or sturdy branches

How to Build:

Set up a standard tarp shelter with a ridgeline between two trees or poles.
Attach the second tarp as a windbreak on the side facing the wind. Secure it to the ground with stakes or rocks.
Weigh down the edges of both tarps to prevent them from flapping in the wind.
Insulate the interior with leaves, grass, or clothing.

Key Tips

Choose a flat, dry area to avoid flooding.
Look for natural windbreaks like rocks or trees.
Avoid setting up camp in areas where there might be potential dangers like trees where the branches might fall.

Make sure the structure is stable and won’t collapse.

Summary

Building a shelter is super easy. Just follow the steps above.

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