Camping Tent Flooring: What To Put Under a Tent?

If you're new to camping, you may be wondering what to put down on the ground under your tent.

Tent flooring is important for a few reasons: it keeps you dry, it keeps the bugs away, and it can add comfort and insulation.

There are a few different options to choose from, depending on your needs. For example, if you're looking for something lightweight and easy to pack, a foam sleeping pad may be a good choice.

If you're planning on spending a lot of time in your tent, or if you need extra insulation from the cold ground, you might want to consider a cot or inflatable bed.

When you are out camping, one thing that you need to consider is what type of flooring to put under your tent.

In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the best types of flooring to use for this purpose, as well as some tips on how to decide which one is best for you.

Why Use A Camping Tent Floor?

When you are planning a camping trip, one of the most important decisions you will make is what kind of shelter to use.

While some campers opt to sleep under the stars, others prefer the protection that a tent can provide. 

If you are planning to use a tent on your next camping trip, you may be wondering whether or not to use a floor.

There are a few reasons why you might want to consider using a tent floor. 

1. Protection From The Elements

The first and most obvious reason to use a camping tent floor is to protect from the elements. If you’re using a tent that doesn’t have a floor, you’ll need to find some other way to protect yourself from the ground.

The ground can be hard and uneven which can cause back pain in the morning, as well as expose you to rocks, sticks, bugs, and other potentially harmful things on the ground. 

2. Keeps Things Dry

A camping tent floor will keep moisture away from your sleeping bag or mattress so that they stay dry too!

The last thing you want is for your sleeping bag or mattress to get damp during your trip – this will make it harder for you to sleep comfortably and could even lead to mold growth over time if left untreated (and who wants mold growing in their car?). 

3. Provides A Comfy Place To Sleep

A camping tent floor not only provides you with protection against the outside elements but can also provide you with a comfy place to sit inside your tent!

The ground inside a typical backpacking tent tends to be very hard and uncomfortable – this means that a comfortable and sound sleep is essential to stay fresh and active.

That is where flooring comes in as sleeping directly on the ground also means that you won’t have any insulation between your body heat and the cold air outside – this could mean waking up with a very cold backside!

Different Types Of Tent Floors

Now that we have discussed the benefits of using tent flooring, let's discuss what are some things you can use to put under your tent.

There are plenty of options, so let’s weigh the pros and cons of each one to help you make an informed decision.

Tarp

When setting up your tent, it is important to consider what you will use for flooring. This is especially true if you are camping in an area where there is a lot of vegetation, as you don't want your sleeping area to be full of bugs.

One option is to use a tarp. Tarps are great because they are lightweight and easy to set up.

They also provide a barrier between you and the ground, which can help to keep you dry and comfortable.

"However, tarps can also be slippery, so it is important to use them with caution."

Pros

• It is cheap
• You can use it as a ground cover
• It protects you from moisture
• You don’t have to carry extra weight in your backpack

Cons

• It is not comfortable to sleep on because they keep slipping
• It can be a bit difficult to clean

When choosing the flooring for your tent, it is important to consider your needs and the conditions of the campsite. By doing so, you can ensure that you have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. 

Camping Mats

When deciding whether or not to use a camping mat as a tent floor, there are a few things to consider.

On the plus side, camping mats are often inexpensive and lightweight, making them easy to pack and transport.

They also provide some insulation from the cold ground, which can be especially important in colder climates.

Additionally, many camping mats have a waterproof or water-resistant coating, which can help to keep the inside of your tent dry in wet weather.

However, there are also a few potential downsides to using a camping mat as a tent floor.

For one thing, they can be slippery, making it more difficult to move around inside your tent. Additionally, if the mat is not properly secured, it can shift during the night and create gaps that let in cold air or insects. 

Ultimately, whether or not to use a camping mat as a tent floor is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Plastic Sheets

Many people enjoy camping as it is a great way to spend time outdoors and experience nature.

However, one of the challenges of camping is finding a comfortable and safe place to sleep. One option that many campers use is plastic sheets.

Plastic sheets are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a convenient option for campers.

In addition, they can help to keep sleeping bags clean and dry. However, there are also some drawbacks to using plastic sheets.

For instance, they can be slippery and uncomfortable to sleep on. In addition, they may not provide enough insulation in cold weather.

Overall, plastic sheets can be a useful option for campers, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Additionally, plastic is not a very sustainable material and these sheets are often not very durable.

they are prone to tearing after getting in contact with stones or rocks. Plus they don’t provide enough cushioning for a comfortable sleep.

For these reasons I don’t really recommend these but only suggest using them in case of emergency or while camping in areas with a high temperature. 

Carpet Tiles

Carpet Tiles are a versatile and affordable flooring option that can be used in a variety of settings, including campsites.

Carpet tiles are easy to install and can be laid directly over existing flooring, making them ideal for temporary installations.

In addition, carpet tiles are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing campers to personalize and decorate the camping tent.

Carpet tiles are also easy to clean and maintain, and they can withstand heavy foot traffic. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most home improvement stores.

If you are looking for an easy-to-install, durable, and stylish flooring option for your camper or RV, carpet tiles may be the perfect solution.

For these reasons, carpet tiles are an excellent option for campers who want to add a touch of style to their campsite.

Plus they can be rolled up or folded to fit in your pack making them portable and suitable options for backpackers. 

Additionally, you can also use these carpets for yoga, as a dining mat while camping, or as a playing mat for your kids.

Thick Yoga Mat

A yoga mat can provide a comfortable surface for sleeping on while camping. They are thick and foamy, which makes them ideal for insulation and cushioning.

Yoga mats are also easy to clean and store.
To use a yoga mat as a camp floor, simply unfold it and place it on the ground.

You may want to put a blanket or sleeping bag on top of the mat for additional comfort.

When you're ready to pack up, simply roll up the mat and stow it in your backpack. With a yoga mat, you can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep anywhere you go.

The biggest upside of using a yoga mat is that you will have to carry one less thing in your backpack.

Roll it down to do yoga among the breathtaking mountains or put it under a sleeping bag to provide extra cushioning.

My all-time favorite is Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat as they have a thickness of 2.5 inches and come with carrier straps as well.

Heavy Foam Rubber

When it comes to setting up a comfortable campsite, few things are more important than having a soft, level surface to sleep on.

Camping floors are essential for providing insulation from the cold ground and cushioning from any rocks or roots that might be poking through.

Heavy foam rubber is one of the best materials you can use for camp flooring, as it is both durable and comfortable.

Unlike lighter-weight options, heavy foam rubber mats will not shift or bunch up during the night, and they will protect you from even the hardest surfaces. 

In addition, they are an excellent insulator, keeping you warm even on chilly nights.

If you are looking for a comfortable night's sleep in the great outdoors, make sure to bring some heavy foam rubber camp flooring with you on your next trip.

Pros

• Extra Comfortable
• Cushioning from stone and gravel
• Keeps The Cold Away
• Feels Soft under Feet
• Doesn’t slip… stays in place
• It's water-resistant 
• Durable

Cons

• Relatively expensive than other options
• Slippery when wet, so not suitable for walking on during rain

I highly recommend foam rubber if you are going camping in a car and if comfort is your top priority.

Interlocking Foam Tiles

When you go camping, you want to be able to relax and enjoy the outdoors, without having to worry about being uncomfortable.

That's why using interlocking foam tiles for your tent flooring is such a great idea. 

Not only are they comfortable and durable, but they're also easy to set up. Just pitch your tent first, then lay down the tiles and connect them like puzzle pieces.

In no time at all, you'll have a soft, comfortable surface to sleep on. And when you're ready to pack up and head home, the tiles are easy to disassemble and transport. 

These are easily available and you can find them in any local Home Depot or order them online.

My favorite is these Interlocking EVA Foam Padding by Stalwart for the following reasons:

• Easy to clean
• Non-Toxic
• Short Absorbing
• Water-resistant
• Non-Slip

If you are going on a long-term camping trip, then the comfort of your tent is of utmost importance, and given their benefits, foam tiles make the best gear for such trips.

So next time you go camping, be sure to bring along some interlocking foam tiles – your back will thank you for it!

Soft Blankets

When you're out camping, you want to be able to get a good night's sleep. But if you're trying to sleep on the ground, it can be hard to get comfortable. This is where soft blankets come in handy.

By using a soft blanket as a camp floor, you'll be much more comfortable and able to get a good night's sleep.

The blanket will help to insulate you from the cold ground and will also cushion your body from any rocks or roots that you might come into contact with. 

In addition, a blanket will absorb your body heat and help you stay warm during the night.

A soft blanket is also easy to move around, so you can adjust your position as needed. And if it gets wet, it will dry quickly in the sun or wind.

All of these factors make a soft blanket an ideal choice for a camp floor.

As a bonus, soft blankets are also much easier to pack than inflatable mattresses or cots.

So if you're looking for a way to get more comfortable when camping, consider using a soft blanket as your camp floor.

Tent Flooring: Things To Consider

Before you start shopping for camp flooring, there are a few things you need to take into account. 

• First, consider how durable the flooring needs to be. If you're setting up camp in an area that sees a lot of foot traffic, you'll need something that can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear. 
• Second, think about how the flooring will be exposed to the elements. If your camp is in a sunny spot, make sure to choose the flooring that has been treated to resist UV damage. 
• Third, consider whether you need waterproof flooring. If your camp is in a wetter climate or if you anticipate bad weather, it's a good idea to choose flooring that won't be damaged by water. 
• Fourth, think about cushioning. If your camp will be used for sleeping or sitting for long periods, it's important to choose flooring that is soft and comfortable. 
• Finally, keep weight in mind. If you're planning on carrying your camp gear long distances, it's important to choose lightweight flooring that won't add too much weight to your load. However, if you will be driving to your camping spot, then maybe weight should not be your top-most priority as you wouldn’t be carrying it on your shoulders.

With these factors in mind, you'll be able to choose the perfect flooring for your camp.

Final Thoughts

Camping is a great way to get back to nature, but it's important to make sure you're prepared before you head out into the wilderness.

And choosing the right type of flooring for your tent is one of the very important aspects of planning.

Ultimately, the best choice for your tent flooring will depend on several factors, including the size and type of your tent, the climate you'll be camping in, and your budget.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

However, by taking the time to do some research and planning ahead, you can be sure to choose the best possible option for your next camping trip.

What type of flooring do you prefer for your tent? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading! 

For more guides read my other posts:

• Does The Color Of A Tent Matter?
• Best Tents For High Winds
• Tent Security: 12 Tips to Stay Safe While Camping
• How To Go on a Romantic Backyard Camping