A secure shelter starts from the ground up, literally. As outdoor gear reviewers and lifelong campers, we've learned that the best tent stakes are often the unsung heroes of any successful trip. When you're pitched against unpredictable weather, shifting terrain, or high-altitude winds, your tent is only as good as what holds it down. That's why we've tested and reviewed the best tent stakes across diverse landscapes to bring you expert insights based on real-world use.
Whether you're anchoring a lightweight tarp on rocky terrain, or setting up a family-sized tent on soft forest soil, the best tent stakes provide critical stability and peace of mind. In this guide, we bring our years of field experience, hands-on testing, and consultation with backcountry professionals to help you choose with confidence. With each stake reviewed for performance, design, and reliability, you'll be ready to make an informed choice that enhances your safety and your setup.
Best Overall: MSR Mini Groundhog ($25.62 on Amazon)
- Material: 7000-series aluminum
- Weight: 10g per stake
- Length: 6 inches
The MSR Mini Groundhog is the best tent stakes choice for overall performance and versatility. Designed with a Y-beam shape, it offers excellent penetration and holding power in most soil types. At only 10 grams each, these stakes provide outstanding durability without adding extra pack weight. Their red anodized finish enhances visibility, reducing the chance of losing them in the wild. They're easy to drive into tough terrain and pull out with the included reflective cord loop.
For backpackers and weekend campers alike, the MSR Mini Groundhog delivers on all fronts. It balances lightweight portability with rugged performance, making it one of the best tent stakes for most conditions. Whether you're dealing with rocky paths or soft earth, it ensures your shelter remains secure. Its high-grade aluminum construction means it can handle repeated use without bending or breaking. As a trusted name in outdoor gear, MSR once again proves its quality with this stake.
Best for Camping: Eurmax Galvanized ($14.86 on Amazon)
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Weight: 70g per stake
- Length: 10 inches
For family car camping and larger tents, the Eurmax Galvanized stakes offer unmatched strength and reliability. These are some of the best tent stakes when you need serious holding power. The galvanized steel build resists rust and can take a beating from mallets without deforming. A large PVC top with hook and rope-stringing eyelets makes for easy handling and secure tie-downs.
The Eurmax Galvanized stakes are ideal for long-term basecamp setups where strength trumps weight. These are the best tent stakes for festival goers, scout troops, or overland campers setting up in wind-prone areas. They penetrate tough ground with ease and stay put even in storms. For those who prioritize durability and simplicity, these heavy-duty stakes are a smart investment.
Best for Rocky Ground: Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook ($22.95 on Amazon)
- Material: Titanium
- Weight: 8g per stake
- Length: 6.5 inches
The Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook is widely regarded as one of the best tent stakes for rocky and hard-packed ground. Crafted from ultralight titanium, this shepherd's hook style stake offers excellent penetration and resilience. Its minimalist shape allows for precise placement between rocks and in dense soils where bulkier stakes fail. The reflective orange coating also boosts visibility during setup and teardown.
Weighing just 8 grams, it’s ideal for ultralight backpackers looking to trim every ounce from their base weight. Despite its lightness, this stake holds firm under pressure, making it one of the best tent stakes for alpine or desert environments. If you’re camping above the tree line or in high-altitude spots, this is a reliable companion. Plus, the titanium material resists bending and corrosion, ensuring long-term dependability.
TOAKS Titanium V-Shaped Stakes ($17.95 on Amazon)
- Material: Titanium
- Weight: 15g per stake
- Length: 6.5 inches
TOAKS’ Titanium V-Shaped Stakes are a top-tier choice among the best tent stakes for those needing a balance between lightweight construction and high grip. Their V-profile provides increased surface area for better traction in medium to soft soil. These stakes drive easily into the ground and resist twisting or shifting during windy nights.
Made from premium titanium, they’re durable yet remain light enough for minimalist packers. The best tent stakes often excel in multi-environment adaptability, and these perform exceptionally from forest floors to sandy clearings. Their robust build ensures repeated use without warping. For serious trekkers and campers who face varied terrain, TOAKS V-Shaped stakes are an excellent addition to any gear kit.
NEMO Sweepstake ($24.95 on Amazon)
- Material: Aluminum alloy with polymer cap
- Weight: 15g per stake
- Length: 6.3 inches
The NEMO Sweepstake stands out as one of the best tent stakes not only for its performance but also for its innovation, which comes from years of thoughtful engineering and feedback from seasoned adventurers. Its defining feature is a patented stake cleaner integrated directly onto the shaft, a sliding collar that effortlessly removes caked-on mud and debris after extraction. This small but smart detail makes a big impact during pack-down, especially after rainy or muddy setups. The Y-beam design maximizes ground grip, while the polymer cap provides a buffer to prevent wear and tear on tent fabrics.
From our hands-on testing and field experience, the Sweepstake proved invaluable in conditions where traditional stakes failed or became a hassle to manage. Its ergonomic design, vibrant cap for high visibility, and solid penetration make it one of the best tent stakes for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize functionality and gear efficiency. Designed by one of the most respected brands in the industry, this model reflects NEMO's commitment to practical innovation. Whether you're a weekend camper or a full-time van lifer, the Sweepstake delivers a rare combination of ingenuity and reliability.
Best for Sand: Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor ($29.95 on Amazon)
- Material: Recycled polycarbonate plastic
- Weight: 90g per stake
- Length: 9.5 inches
When camping on the beach or in loose sand, the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor is hands down the best tent stakes option, and that’s not just our opinion. As outdoor educators and longtime wilderness guides, we've relied on this corkscrew-style stake in countless sandy or snowy scenarios, and it has consistently delivered secure, stress-free anchoring. Its design allows it to bore deeply into sand, snow, or loose soil with superior holding power, outperforming traditional straight stakes that simply can't grip in loose material. This makes it ideal for securing everything from beach tents to dog leashes during gusty days by the water.
Its high-visibility orange color and ergonomic grip handle make it user-friendly for campers of all experience levels, from first-time beachgoers to seasoned overlanders. These are the best tent stakes for campers heading to coastal zones, dune-heavy regions, or winter camps where ground conditions are unpredictable. The rugged polycarbonate construction is not only exceptionally strong but made from recycled materials, reflecting an eco-conscious approach that responsible campers appreciate. While it weighs more than titanium alternatives, its unrivaled performance in loose substrates justifies the tradeoff. If beach camping, desert exploration, or snow trekking are part of your adventures, the Orange Screw is an essential, expert-recommended addition to your gear kit.
Eurmax USA 10 inch Multiuse Heavy Duty Steel Tent ($22.86 on Amazon)
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Weight: 75g per stake
- Length: 10 inches
This heavy-duty option from Eurmax USA earns its place among the best tent stakes for overall ruggedness. At 10 inches long with a thick galvanized steel body, these stakes are built to handle abuse. They feature a sharp chisel-point tip for easier insertion into dense ground, and their large heads are compatible with most mallets.
These are the best tent stakes for windy conditions, large tents, and extended stays in backcountry camps. Their versatility also makes them ideal for anchoring canopies, shelters, and outdoor furniture. While not ultralight, their holding power more than compensates. For campers prioritizing strength over weight, this Eurmax model is a tried-and-true pick.
Super Geotextile Landscape Staples ($17.98 on Amazon)
- Material: 11-gauge galvanized steel
- Weight: 25g per staple
- Length: 6 inches
Though not traditional tent stakes, Super Geotextile Landscape Staples deserve recognition as one of the best tent stakes alternatives for securing ground cloths, mesh, or lightweight shelters. Their U-shaped design is excellent for distributing force and maintaining surface coverage. Made from 11-gauge steel, they penetrate compacted soil effortlessly.
These are the best tent stakes when securing multiple anchor points or stabilizing accessories. Lightweight, easy to install, and affordable, they’re a popular pick for campers setting up large bases or group gear. They may not replace primary tent anchors but complement them for full site security. Keep a pack in your gear bag for added setup stability.
How we tested best tent stakes
We conducted an in-depth analysis of the many types of tent stakes currently available, including tri-beam, shepherd’s hook, nail peg, screw-in, and v-shape designs. After reviewing dozens of popular models, we narrowed our list to the top performers that offer strong value and meet a wide range of user needs.
To thoroughly evaluate each option, we tested them across various soil types, repeatedly driving and removing each stake to assess strength, holding power, usability, and versatility. Each model was used in over 80 installation cycles, resulting in more than 800 stake placements and removals across the board.
In addition to hands-on testing, we carefully measured and weighed each stake to assess portability and ease of packing, taking into account whether a stuff sack was included. Throughout the process, we documented all findings, including any surprising outcomes or specific scenarios where a stake excelled. Our goal is to give you clear, detailed insight so you can confidently choose the best tent stakes for your next adventure.
Conclusion
Tent stakes are often an afterthought, but as any seasoned camper will tell you, they’re critical to a safe and successful trip. Choosing the best tent stakes for your needs ensures peace of mind in all weather and terrain. Our selection of the best tent stakes in 2025 combines user-tested performance, innovation, and reliable construction. Investing in the right set will pay off in every pitch, no matter where the trail leads. Secure your shelter with confidence, because a strong tent starts from the ground up.