trust me, the turd floater rains(big fast rains that cause little soak and lots of runoff) you want the up hill side with a bit of extra tarp flapped up all the way around. Also, it is intuitive to me now but the front porch part should be on the downhill side as well.
You want a flat spot to pitch your tent but still you want to take a look from a ways back from that spot you pick to see if there is any place rain water, from aforementioned turd floater, might come a calling in the middle of the night. Then situate your tent, and tarp, accordingly.
We also try to keep our heads on the uphill side if possible.
In the summer, another tarp with a bunch of bungee cords, to nearby trees, can be used as a sun break in the morning or afternoon, we generally pick the afternoon to shield. This can get a bit weird if the wind picks up but if it is a still hot day the shade is awesome. Of course if you are your own pack mules bringing in all the extra gear on foot with you and your spouse you can't have all the extra gear or at least pick wisely.
We used to go with the in-laws about once a quarter. Finally we bought a used pop-up once it was going to be a July camp-out in Texas.(the AC is nice!) Typically we buy a Texas State park pass as well even if we don't always get our fill of it due to family busy-ness, etc. Good times.