You probably already know how important it is to keep the bottom of your tent dry when camping outdoors.
There are many ways to achieve this, the simplest way is to carry a tarp under the tent.
An advanced approach is to raise your tent off the ground.
This method allows you to stay away from ground moisture and insects while camping overnight.
At the same time, it prevents sharp objects on the ground from damaging the tent.
It is also a great way to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Next, this article will teach you a variety of advanced ways to raise your tent.
Let’s Dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You Should Keep Your Tent off the Ground While Camping？
By lifting the tent, you can avoid touching the wet ground directly, which reduces the chance of moisture getting into your tent. Sleeping on a raised platform can provide better insulation, making your sleep more comfortable. Lifting your tent can also help keep insects, bugs, and small critters from easily getting into your sleeping area.
Choosing the Right Campsite
If you plan to leave the tent off the ground while setting it up, you should consider extra two important points compared to choosing a regular campsite. First, find a campsite with flat ground to ensure stability and a comfortable sleeping surface. Second, choose a campsite with a solid surface like packed soil or grass, as it will provide a stable foundation.
7 Ways to Keep Your Tent Off the Ground
1. Portable Raised Tent Platform or Elevated Cot
A portable raised tent platform is a great option for people who plan to camp on uneven or wet ground.
A raised platform will keep your tent dry, it can also provide a stable surface.
There are many types of portable raised tent platforms available in the market.
You can purchase them from various outdoor supply stores, such as REI. They can also be found online on websites like Amazon and eBay.
If you don’t find the right one, camping cot is also a good choice. If one is not enough, consider using two together.
Most of them are made of metal and plastic. They are designed to be lightweight and durable. Some platforms are also designed to be foldable, making them easy to transport and store.
2. DIY Wooden Platforms
Building a DIY wooden platform is a practical approach to keep your tent elevated. Here are some guidance for constructing your DIY wooden platform:
Materials
Some common materials include:
• Plywood sheets
• 2×4 or 2×6 lumber
• Deck screws or nails
Waterproofing
To guarantee the platform’s resilience to water, you can apply a waterproofing sealant to the plywood sheets. You might also want to place a waterproof tarp underneath your tent for an extra layer of protection.
Building the Frame
For constructing your platform’s frame, 2×4 or 2×6 lumber would be suitable. Measure and cut the lumber to match your platform’s intended length and width, then fasten the pieces using deck screws or nails.
With the appropriate materials and practical knowledge, a durable platform can be easily made. It will serve you well for many camping adventures.
3. Inflatable Platforms
More portable than the above two methods is the inflatable platforms.
One of the main benefits of inflatable platforms is their portability. They are lightweight and easily packed up and transported to your campsite.
To do this, you’ll need to bring at least one extra tarp to protect the bottom of your air mattress.
Inflatable platforms provide a layer of insulation between you and the ground. You will feel warm on chilly nights.
If you don’t want it to leak in the middle of the night, then use a tarp to lay on the bottom of the inflatable platform. It will provide extra protection from sharp objects puncturing the inflatable platform.
4. Hammock Camping
Hammock camping is a common way of camping without touching the ground.
Also, hammock camping is super lightweight and easy to pack.
Most hammocks are less than two pounds and fit into a small sack. To start hammock camping, you need a hammock and strong ropes or straps to hang it from trees.
Choose trees at least 12 inches wide. Avoid trees with loose bark or dead branches.
When you set up your hammock, make sure it’s level and not too tight or too loose. A sag of about 30 degrees is best for comfort.
5. Tree Tents
When you find it difficult to find a level ground or where the ground is too wet or muddy, a tree tent is a great option.
Unlike hammock camping, a tree tent requires at least three trees for support.
Choosing trees that are strong and healthy is very important. Looking for trees that are at least 6 inches in diameter.
Don’t forget to use a sturdy way to attach your tent. Most tree tents come with straps to tie around the tree and a clip to connect to the tent.
Here are the easy steps to install a tree tent.
1. Find Suitable Trees: Look for three trees that are about 10-15 feet apart, depending on the size of your tent.
2. Attach Straps: Wrap a strong, heavy-duty strap around each tree at about chest height.
3. Attach the Tent: Connect the corners of the tent to the straps using the carabiners provided.
4. Adjust the Height: If desired, adjust the height of the tent by raising or lowering the straps on the trees.
5. Set Up the Interior: Once the tent is suspended, you can set up the interior. This may include installing a ladder for access, inflating an air mattress, and setting up your sleeping area.
6. Rooftop Tents
If your way to get to the campsite is by car, consider rooftop tents to keep your tent from touching the muddy ground on rainy days.
These tents are designed to sit on a rigid platform secured to the top of a vehicle roof rack.
They are easy to set up and dismantle, saving time and effort at the campsite.
Rooftop tents are more comfortable than traditional camping.
Being elevated also provides a great view of your surroundings.
7. Creating a Raised Bed Using Logs or Branches
Sometimes, accidents happen unexpectedly.
When you arrived at the campsite, you encountered a sudden heavy rain and found that the ground was muddy. And you are empty-handed and don’t bring any equipment.
You might consider creating a raised bed using logs or branches.
This method helps your tent stay neat and dry, and it also keeps you warm from the cold ground. Here are some tips to make a raised bed using logs:
- Pick the right spot: Find a flat, clean area to set up your raised bed. Avoid rocks and sharp objects that might damage your tent.
- Gather your materials: Collect strong logs that can hold your weight and your tent’s weight. You can use fallen logs or cut new ones. Use a saw or axe to get them to the right length.
- Set up the logs: Place the logs side by side, about 2-3 feet apart, depending on your tent size. Stack them in layers, changing the direction each time, until it’s as high as you want.
4. Fill in the spaces: After the logs are set up, fill the spaces between them with smaller branches or leaves.
5. Put down a ground cloth: Add a ground cloth or tarp on top of the raised bed to protect your tent floor. It should be a bit bigger than the bed to keep water out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing a campsite for an elevated tent?
Consider factors like level ground, drainage, solid surface, natural windbreaks, and accessibility when choosing a campsite for an elevated tent.
What materials are best to put under your tent to protect it from moisture?
A good way to do this is to put a waterproof sheet or tarp under your tent. Choose long-lasting, waterproof, and light stuff like nylon or polyethylene. Don’t use things that might keep water in, like carpets or rugs.
How can you securely anchor your tent on hard ground?
If you’re camping on hard surfaces like rock or concrete, you might need special tent stakes or anchors. Pick stakes made for hard surfaces, like aluminum or titanium ones. Or, you can use heavy things like rocks to keep your tent in place.
Can I elevate my tent on any type of terrain?
Yes, you can elevate your tent on most types of terrain. However, it’s essential to ensure the ground is stable and level. For uneven or rocky terrains, you may need to use specialized equipment or methods to secure the tent.
What if I can’t find three suitable trees for a tree tent?
If you can’t find three suitable trees, some tree tents are designed to work with just two trees. Alternatively, some models come with supporting poles that can be used in place of a third tree.
Final Thoughts
Having your tent off the ground can make camping better. It’s more comfortable, safe, and easy. You can use a movable raised tent platform, make a wooden one yourself, or use a hammock. Each way has its own good points.
But remember, no matter which way you choose, it’s important to set it up right and check it’s safe.
Enjoy your camping!
