Are you going camping on the beach but having trouble staking down your tent?
Do you wonder how well your standard tent stakes will work on the loose, sandy beaches?
If you’ve tried to use your normal stakes, you’ve probably noticed the tent doesn’t always hold up well when in sand and in winds.
This is because sand is tougher to get a good grip on and more moveable by its nature.
What you need are specified tent stakes and knowledge on how to stake a tent in sand.
Staking a tent in sand is just like staking a tent in regular ground as long as you’re using dedicated or specialized tent stakes. The softer ground means you need to spread out the gripping area of the stake by using a unique wider shape such as a spiral, V, or other swirl.
Read the rest of the post for specific instructions on how to secure a tent in sand.
What You’ll Need
The items you’ll need are pretty simple. These are the ones we happen to recommend, but as long as you stick with the heart of the idea, you’ll be able to pick your own versions easily.
Click on each link for a sample product we recommend on Amazon.
Tent Or Shelter – Any tent or shade shelter will do a good job on the sand. It’s more about the tent stakes.
We do like this one for the beach. It’s a shaded shelter easy to pop up for anyone (even parents with their hands full of beach stuff).
Mallet – You may not need a mallet for sand because it’s usually softer.
But there’s a chance there will be hard soil and rocks underneath. This is when a mallet may come in handy.
Tent Stakes – This is where the magic happens. To have a secure tent in sand you need a special kind of tent stake.
Sure, most tent stakes will do OK, but if the wind picks up at all a small and straight tent peg will pull right out.
We like the ground anchor linked above. It’s tough, heavy, and screws into the ground for a secure tent even in loose sand.
Step By Step Directions: How To Stake A Tent In Sand
Follow these steps closely to secure your tent in sand. Even in mild wind you won’t have problems with this method.
Strong winds are tough in most situations with tents, but if you use our recommended tent pegs above, you should be just fine.
#1 Pick A Spot
Find a spot for you to set up your tent.
There are a few things you may want to keep in mind when searching for a spot on the beach or sand.
First, if you’re near water, don’t get too close. The water line changes a lot based on the tides, wind, and other weather patterns.
Another element to watch for is to pick a spot you’re allowed to pitch a tent at.
Some beaches allow for tents, and some don’t.
It’s largely up to the specific area, so make sure you check local laws and regulations regarding camping on sand.
Being near trees may not be such a bad idea. They’ll provide a windbreak and shelter from some rain and sun.
Then again, there’s always a chance the trees could break some branches off which may damage your tent fabric.
If you do rip a seam a little, consider one of the best seam sealers for tents.
#2 Set Up Your Tent
After your spot is picked, it’s time to set up your tent.
Check out the directions based on your specific tent.
In general, you want to spread out the material first. Then, insert the tent poles.
After this is done, you tie the poles together and reinforce the fabric.
For more details, check out how to put up a tent by yourself.
#3 Insert The Stakes
Once the body of the tent is up, it’s time to secure it.
Start with one spot and insert your tent stake into the sand.
If you use our recommended stake, put the sharp end into the sand and twist as you press down.
If you’re using a straight stake, hammer the stake down.
After one is in, tie the tent loop around it or use your guy lines.
Make sure the tent takes down the firm into the sand.
This may be harder to do if you use a straight stake, but a rock will help hold it down.
Repeat with the tent stake directly across from the first. Be sure to pull the tent firmly but not hard as you drive the stake down.
Now, move one tent peg loop to the side. Drive the stake in.
Go directly across from this one and pull firm. Drive the stake in.
Repeat until all your needed stakes are in.
This opposite and around movement for the stakes works best for keeping the tent pulled fully out.
Congrats! Your tent is now secured in the sand.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can you put a tent on the beach? – Yes, it’s possible, but not every beach allows for tents.
Most public beaches will let you put up shade tents, but these won’t usually let you sleep there overnight.
What beaches allow overnight camping? – Look for campgrounds (either state, local, or private) along the beaches. For an affordable fee, these will let you sleep overnight.
How do you secure a tent without stakes? – Use rocks or heavy logs along the sides and/or tie the tent peg loops to a secure item such as a large rock or tree.
Learn how to secure a tent without stakes.
Conclusion
We hope you find this guide for how to stake a tent in sand helpful.
Learning how to secure a tent in sand is as simple as using the right stakes.
But camping on the sand, such as on a beach is a blast. Give it a shot!
You may also enjoy learning about campfires on the beach.