6 Best Waterproof Outdoor Mats for RV Entryways Nomads Swear By
Keep your RV clean with the right entryway mat. This guide covers the 6 best waterproof options that nomads swear by for durability and dirt-trapping power.
You just finished a fantastic hike, but your boots are caked in that thick, red mud you can only find after a good rain. That mud is about to become your new floor decoration unless you have the right mat waiting at your RV door. A quality outdoor mat isn’t just an accessory; it’s your first and most important line of defense in the constant battle to keep a small space clean.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why a Quality RV Mat is Your First Defense
An RV mat does more than just look nice sitting outside your door. It’s a functional tool that defines your outdoor living space and, more importantly, protects your indoor one. Think of it as the hardworking buffer between the wilderness you love to explore and the sanctuary you call home.
The core job of a good mat is to trap dirt, sand, pine needles, and water before they get tracked inside. In a house, a little dirt might go unnoticed for a day. In a 200-square-foot RV, a single muddy footprint can make the entire space feel grimy in seconds. A proper mat grabs that mess at the source, saving you from constantly sweeping and mopping.
Beyond cleanliness, a great mat extends your living area. It creates a designated "patio," a clean, comfortable spot to set up a couple of chairs, kick off your shoes, or let the dog relax without getting covered in dust. This isn’t just about utility; it’s about transforming a patch of dirt or gravel into a genuine part of your home.
CGEAR Sand-Free Mat: The Ultimate Dirt Trapper
Enjoy a mess-free outdoor experience with the original sand-free mat. Its unique weave lets sand and dirt fall through, while the water-resistant, UV-stabilized material ensures lasting color and durability. Perfect for the beach, camping, or picnics.
If you spend any time in the desert or at the beach, the CGEAR mat feels like pure magic. Originally designed for military use to keep sand out of helicopter engines, its patented dual-layer weave is a game-changer for nomads. Sand, dirt, and dust fall straight through the top layer and get trapped underneath, unable to come back up.
The practical benefit is astounding. You can literally sweep sand off the mat, and it just disappears through the weave. It’s also incredibly lightweight and dries almost instantly, which are huge advantages when you’re packing up on a dewy morning. It effectively creates a sand-free zone around your rig, which feels like an impossible luxury in sandy environments.
But there are tradeoffs. This mat’s superpower is also its weakness: it’s not ideal for mud. Thick, wet grime can get caught in the weave and be difficult to clean out. For this reason, many CGEAR users pair it with a small, aggressive scraper mat right at the steps to handle the heavy stuff. Think of it as the ultimate ground cover, not a heavy-duty doormat.
Reversible Mats: Style and Versatility Combined
The most common sight in any campground is the classic reversible patio mat. These large, woven mats are typically made from polypropylene, a plastic that feels soft underfoot but is surprisingly durable. This material is the key to their success: it’s lightweight, breathable, and incredibly easy to clean.
Their main selling point is versatility. Being reversible gives you two different patterns or color schemes, which is a simple way to freshen up your campsite’s look. Most come with built-in corner loops for staking them down on windy days and a convenient carrying bag that makes storage a breeze. They fold up flat, taking up minimal space in a storage bay.
These mats are workhorses for defining your outdoor space and keeping general campsite debris like leaves, twigs, and dust at bay. You just sweep them off or, for a deeper clean, hose them down and let them air dry—a process that usually takes less than an hour in the sun. They won’t trap fine sand like a CGEAR, but for all-around use, they offer an unbeatable combination of function, style, and convenience.
Camco Outdoor Mat: A Trusted RV Nomad Staple
Enjoy outdoor adventures with the Camco Handy Mat. This durable, waterproof 60"x78" mat easily folds for transport and features convenient storage pockets for your essentials.
When you talk about reversible mats, Camco is the brand that immediately comes to mind. They are a fixture in the RV world for a reason: they produce a reliable, no-fuss product that simply gets the job done. For many new and seasoned RVers alike, a Camco mat is one of their first and most trusted gear purchases.
What makes them a staple is their focus on the essentials. They use a durable, UV-stabilized polypropylene weave that resists fading and won’t kill the grass underneath it, which is a requirement in many RV parks. They hit the sweet spot of being large enough to create a patio, light enough to handle easily, and durable enough to last for several seasons of hard use, all at an accessible price point.
There are fancier and more specialized mats on the market, but the predictability of a Camco mat is its greatest strength. You know it will perform as expected, hold up to the elements, and be easy to care for. It’s the dependable minivan of RV mats—not flashy, but you’d be lost without it.
Gorilla Grip Doormat: For Heavy-Duty Scraping
Keep your home clean with this durable, 100% waterproof doormat. Its deep grooves capture dirt and moisture, while the stain and fade-resistant design ensures long-lasting use indoors or out. The low-profile, natural rubber construction allows doors to open easily.
Sometimes, a large patio mat isn’t enough. When you’re dealing with serious mud, snow, or wet, grassy terrain, you need a specialist. The Gorilla Grip Doormat is a perfect example of a mat designed for one purpose: aggressively scraping the gunk off your shoes before you even think about touching your RV steps.
Its design is all business. The top is made of a tough, textured polypropylene fabric with deep grooves designed to trap dirt and absorb moisture. But the real hero is the backing—a thick, heavy-duty rubber that keeps the mat locked in place. It won’t slide around on wet concrete or bunch up when you’re vigorously wiping your feet.
This isn’t your main outdoor living mat. This is the compact, 35×23-inch enforcer you place directly at the bottom of your steps. Many full-timers use a "two-mat system," with a large reversible mat for the patio area and a Gorilla Grip or similar scraper mat for the high-traffic entry point. It’s a specialized tool for the dirtiest jobs.
Prest-O-Fit Ruggids: Built for High-Traffic
If you find a standard patio mat too flimsy and a small doormat too restrictive, the Prest-O-Fit Ruggids series is your answer. These mats are a fantastic hybrid, offering more coverage than a doormat but with a much tougher, more dirt-busting texture than a simple polypropylene weave. It’s essentially an oversized, incredibly durable doormat.
The Ruggids feature a coarse, carpet-like surface that excels at scraping dried mud and trapping fine dirt. Unlike woven mats, they have a solid vinyl backing, which means water and dirt don’t pass through. This is great for protecting whatever is underneath, whether it’s nice grass, a wooden deck, or even a larger, decorative mat. The edges are also nicely finished to prevent the fraying that plagues cheaper outdoor rugs.
This mat is the perfect choice for RVers who frequently camp in wet, muddy conditions or have high foot traffic from kids and pets. Its heavier build means it’s less likely to get kicked around or blow away in the wind. The tradeoff is packability; it’s bulkier and heavier than a reversible mat, but for those who prioritize aggressive cleaning power, it’s a price worth paying.
Ming’s Mark GC1: Durability Meets Great Design
For those who see their outdoor mat as a key part of their campsite’s aesthetic, Ming’s Mark is a standout. While technically a reversible mat made from woven polypropylene like many others, it represents a step up in quality and design. Think of it as the premium option in the world of classic patio mats.
The difference is in the details. The weave on a Ming’s Mark mat is noticeably tighter and thicker, giving it a more substantial, cushioned feel underfoot. This denser construction also makes it slightly better at trapping surface-level dirt. They are particularly known for their vibrant, unique, and often modern designs that resist fading better than many budget alternatives.
You’ll pay a bit more for a Ming’s Mark, but you’re investing in superior durability and elevated style. For full-time nomads whose campsite is their front yard every single day, having a mat that feels good, looks great, and stands up to constant use can make a huge difference. It’s about choosing gear that brings you a little bit of joy every time you step outside.
Choosing Your Mat: Size, Material, and Packability
Ultimately, the "best" mat is the one that best fits your specific travel style. Instead of searching for one perfect solution, think about how and where you travel. The right choice comes down to balancing three key factors.
First, consider the primary job you need your mat to do. Are you battling fine desert sand, thick forest mud, or just general campground dust? Your environment dictates the material. Then, think about how you use your outdoor space. Do you need a massive 9×18-foot mat to create a full outdoor living room, or is a simple 3×5-foot landing pad at the steps enough?
Here’s a simple framework to guide your decision:
- Size: A large mat (like 9×12) defines an outdoor room, perfect for chairs and tables. A small mat (like 4×6) is purely for entry, focusing on cleaning shoes right at the steps.
- Material: For sand and dust, a sand-free weave (CGEAR) is unbeatable. For mud and rain, a solid-backed scraper (Gorilla Grip, Prest-O-Fit) is essential. For all-around use and creating a patio feel, woven polypropylene (Camco, Ming’s Mark) is the versatile choice.
- Packability: How much storage space can you spare? Woven reversible mats fold into a slim, lightweight bag. Heavy-duty scraper mats are bulky, heavy, and often only roll up. This is a non-negotiable reality of small-space living.
Don’t forget that you can combine them. Many of the most seasoned nomads I know use a two-mat system: a large, lightweight reversible mat to define the space and keep dust down, paired with a small, heavy-duty scraper mat right at the base of the stairs to handle the really messy stuff. This layered approach offers the best of both worlds.
Your outdoor mat is more than just a place to wipe your feet; it’s the gatekeeper to your home on wheels. Choosing the right one reduces your daily cleaning chores, effectively doubles your living space, and makes every arrival back at the rig just a little more pleasant. It’s a small, simple piece of gear that pays huge dividends in comfort and cleanliness on the road.
