6 Best Tie-Out Stakes For Windy RV Parks That Nomads Swear By
In windy RV parks, standard stakes often fail. We review 6 nomad-tested tie-out stakes, from auger to spiral designs, for superior grip and security.
You’ve just found the perfect spot, leveled the rig, and rolled out the awning for some much-needed shade. Then, out of nowhere, a rogue gust of wind rips through the park. I’ve seen it happen a dozen times: awnings get flipped over roofs, arms get bent, and a relaxing afternoon turns into a thousand-dollar repair bill. Securing your RV awning isn’t just a suggestion; it’s one of the most critical and overlooked aspects of setting up camp, especially for nomads who face unpredictable weather.
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Why Your RV Awning Needs Heavy-Duty Stakes
Let’s be direct: your RV awning is a giant sail. The standard, flimsy metal stakes that come with most tie-down kits are barely adequate for a small tent, let alone a 15-foot fabric wing designed to catch the wind. When a strong gust hits, it generates an incredible amount of upward lift, and those little metal hooks will pull out of the ground in seconds.
The math is simple. A new awning assembly can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000, not including the hassle of finding a mobile tech or spending days at a service center. A set of high-quality, heavy-duty stakes costs less than a single tank of diesel. This isn’t just about preventing damage; it’s about peace of mind. It’s the freedom to leave your awning out while you go for a hike, knowing it will still be there when you get back.
Think of it as insurance. You wouldn’t drive your rig without vehicle insurance, so why leave your most expensive accessory vulnerable to the number one cause of its destruction? Investing in the right ground anchors is a small, one-time cost that protects you from a massive, trip-ruining expense. It’s one of the smartest upgrades any RVer, from the weekend warrior to the seasoned full-timer, can make.
The Orange Screw for Unbeatable Ground Grip
Secure your gear in high winds with these durable, screw-in ground anchors. Made from recycled polycarbonate in the USA, they easily install with the included T-Grip tool for reliable anchoring of tents, tarps, and more.
When you encounter that common, hard-packed dirt found in so many campgrounds, the Orange Screw is your best friend. Unlike a traditional stake that you pound in, this is a large, rugged auger that you screw into the ground. As it turns, it compacts the soil around it, creating a ridiculously strong anchor point that resists pulling out.
The beauty of this design is its versatility and holding power. I’ve used these in everything from grassy fields to tough, clay-like soil where hammering a stake is a nightmare. You can use a simple T-handle that comes with the kit or, my preferred method, a cordless drill with a socket adapter to drive them in effortlessly. The large screws have been tested to hold hundreds of pounds, which is more than enough for even the most violent wind gusts.
They’re also incredibly easy to remove—just reverse the drill. This avoids the struggle of wiggling and prying out a deeply pounded stake. For a reliable, powerful, and easy-to-use solution in most common ground conditions, the Orange Screw is a top-tier choice that lives permanently in my tool bay.
The Claw C101: Premier RV Awning Anchor
Securely anchor anything with the C-101 Earth Anchoring System, offering superior 1,200-pound holding strength per claw. Its smart design tightens with wind, and easy hammer-in installation makes it ideal for tents, boats, and hurricane prep.
If you see a seasoned RVer with their awning out in a 20-mph breeze, chances are they’re using The Claw. This isn’t just a stake; it’s an anchoring system specifically engineered for securing RV awnings. The design is brilliant: a low-profile central plate with three angled legs that you hammer into the ground. This tripod-like structure distributes the force, making it nearly impossible to pull out.
The Claw’s primary advantage is its resistance to multi-directional forces. Wind doesn’t just pull straight up; it buffets and yanks the awning from all angles. The three-legged anchor holds firm against vertical and lateral loads, providing a level of security that a single stake just can’t match. It’s a complete kit, coming with the anchors, straps, and springs needed to create a secure but flexible tie-down.
Is it overkill for a calm day? Maybe. Is it more expensive and bulkier than a handful of stakes? Absolutely. But for full-timers who live in their rigs and can’t always retract the awning at the first sign of a breeze, The Claw is the gold standard. It’s the system you buy when you want to stop worrying about the wind altogether.
MSR Groundhog Stakes: Lightweight Yet Tough
Secure your tent with the MSR Groundhog stake kit. The Y-beam design provides exceptional holding power, while the reflective pull loop ensures easy removal.
Coming from the world of high-performance backpacking, MSR Groundhog stakes offer a fantastic balance of weight and strength. Don’t let their small size fool you. Their Y-beam design provides significantly more surface area and holding power than a simple round peg, allowing them to bite into the ground and resist rotation.
These are my go-to for smaller applications or when I’m in moderately firm soil. They are perfect for securing sun shades, outdoor mats, or even smaller awnings on van conversions where every ounce of weight and inch of space matters. Made from 7000-series aluminum, they are incredibly tough and won’t bend when you hit a small rock, unlike cheap steel stakes.
The tradeoff here is raw power. A Groundhog is a massive upgrade from a standard tent stake, but it doesn’t have the brute holding force of a larger screw-in anchor or The Claw. However, for their size and weight, their performance is unmatched. They are an excellent, versatile addition to any RVer’s toolkit.
Liberty Outdoor Forged Steel: Heavy-Duty Pick
Sometimes, you just need brute force. When you pull into a site with ground that’s more like concrete—think caliche in the Southwest or rocky terrain in the mountains—finesse goes out the window. This is where heavy, forged steel stakes shine. These are essentially giant nails, designed to be hammered with force through the toughest ground.
The Liberty Outdoor stakes are a prime example. They are thick, long, and made of forged steel, meaning they can take a beating from a small sledgehammer without bending or breaking. The large T-top gives you a solid surface to strike and a convenient hook for your tie-down ropes. It also provides leverage for pulling them out later.
This is not a lightweight or elegant solution. These stakes are heavy and take up space. But when you’re faced with impenetrable ground that laughs at aluminum stakes and stops a screw-in anchor dead, having a few of these behemoths on hand can be the difference between getting your awning secured or leaving it rolled up.
Eurmax Galvanized Stakes for All-Weather Use
For a no-nonsense, reliable, and corrosion-resistant option, you can’t go wrong with a set of long, galvanized steel stakes. The Eurmax brand is popular, but the design is a classic: a long steel rod with a pointed end and a hooked or looped top. The key feature here is the galvanization, a zinc coating that protects the steel from rust.
This is more important than you might think. Stakes are constantly exposed to morning dew, rain, and damp ground. Uncoated steel stakes will rust quickly, becoming weaker and harder to handle. A good galvanized stake will last for years, providing consistent performance. They offer great holding power in a wide variety of soils due to their length—often 10 to 12 inches or more.
These are the workhorses of the stake world. They aren’t as sophisticated as The Claw or as lightweight as an MSR Groundhog, but they are affordable, durable, and effective. For the RVer who wants a simple, "buy it once" solution that works well in most grassy or dirt-based campgrounds, a set of heavy-duty galvanized stakes is an excellent choice.
Coghlan’s ABS Stakes for Sand and Soft Soil
Pulling into a beautiful beachfront campsite is a dream until you try to stake down your awning. In sand or extremely soft, loamy soil, a normal stake is useless. It has nothing to grip and will pull out with the slightest tug. For these specific environments, you need a specialized tool.
Enter the ABS plastic stake. These stakes, like the bright yellow ones from Coghlan’s, are wide and concave. Instead of relying on a sharp point, they use their broad surface area to create friction and holding power. By burying the stake sideways in the sand, you create an anchor that the loose ground can’t easily dislodge.
These are absolutely essential if you plan on camping in coastal areas, deserts, or anywhere with very loose soil. They are lightweight and cheap, so there’s no excuse not to have a few in your kit. Trying to use a steel spike in the sand is a lesson in frustration, but having the right tool for the job makes it simple and secure.
How to Choose the Right RV Tie-Out Stakes
There is no single "best" stake for every situation. The right choice depends entirely on where you camp, the size of your awning, and your tolerance for weight and bulk. The smartest approach is to build a small, versatile kit that prepares you for anything.
Start by assessing your travel style.
- For the All-Terrain Nomad: If you travel widely from the deserts of Arizona to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, you need a mixed bag. I’d recommend carrying a primary set of Orange Screws for general use, a pair of Claw anchors for serious wind, and a few forged steel stakes for rocky ground.
- For the Weekend Warrior: If you mostly stick to established campgrounds with grass or packed dirt, a set of Orange Screws or heavy-duty galvanized stakes will likely cover 95% of your needs.
- For the Ultralight Traveler: If you’re in a van or small trailer where space is at a premium, a set of MSR Groundhogs offers the best performance-to-weight ratio. Supplement them with a few ABS sand stakes if you frequent the coast.
The key is to stop thinking about finding one perfect stake and start thinking about building a toolkit. Having two or three different types on board means you’ll never be caught off guard by the ground conditions. You can pull into any site with the confidence that you can secure your space, roll out the awning, and relax, no matter what the soil or the forecast looks like.
Ultimately, securing your awning is a non-negotiable part of the RV lifestyle. It’s a simple task that protects a major investment and ensures your comfort on the road. By ditching the factory-standard pegs and investing in a quality set of anchors suited to your travel style, you’re not just buying hardware—you’re buying the freedom to enjoy the outdoors without one eye on the sky.
