How to Hammer Tent Stakes When Camping

Staking your tent creates its final shape and holds the tent fast to your campsite so it doesn't blow over during wind or weather and so you can't accidentally knock it over. Though each tent design is slightly different, you use the same basic process to stake any tent.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Assembled tent
• Tent stakes
• Soft rubber mallet

1. Assemble your tent fully before you stake it. Also make sure it's exactly where you want it on your campsite.

2. Find the loops or eyeholes designed to hold the tent stakes. Most tents have one eyehole on each corner or where the poles are located.

3. Pull the loop slightly away from the tent if the tent design allows it and insert the stake into the loop. Push the stake down into the soil.

4. Drive the stake fully into the ground by tapping it with a soft rubber mallet. Make sure it's as close to the ground as possible. The closer it is, the more secure your tent is.

5. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 at each corner of the tent. If your tent design has additional stakes, drive them in after you drive the corners or else your tent may be somewhat misshapen and unstable.

Tips & Warnings

• It's difficult to drive stakes into rocky soil. As long as it's not pure rock, though, tapping persistently with your mallet can get the stakes fully into the ground.
• You can set up a free-standing style tent without stakes.
• When you're camping in special conditions, such as on hard snow or sand, use tent stakes designed specifically for those conditions for the greatest security.
• If you can't drive the stakes fully into the soil, they pose a tripping hazard. Make sure you're aware of where they are.

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