You may find that the campsite you are going to has a tent pad and raise the question: What is a tent pad or platform pad pertaining to campsite? When you do a Google search for tent pads, the various search results that come up can be confusing. Is a tent pad a tent flooring pad, or does it refer to a tent sleeping pad?
However, it is none of the above. A tent pad refers to a designated area in certain campgrounds as a foundation for your tent to be set up on. Let’s find out more about tent pads below and learn about their benefits and limitations. We also propose an innovative alternative to the traditional tent pad that helps to improve some of its issues, giving you a more enjoyable outdoor camping experience.
What Is a Tent Pad?
A tent pad or platform pad usually refers to a sturdy, flat structure, usually made of filler such as wood, gravel, dirt, etc., which may be surrounded by elevated borders. It is intended to provide you with a flat, stable and dry foundation to set up on. This will make it easier for tent installation as there will be no uneven surfaces inside the tent pad, as well as large rocks and other obstacles to erection.
Another purpose of tent pads is that campgrounds want to protect plants from being trampled. They set up tent pads in a centralized area and want you to utilize them.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tent Pad
Read on to learn more about the benefits of tent pads, as well as some possible limitations and considerations.
Benefits of Tent Pad
As mentioned earlier, campsites with tent pads are better for you to reduce the time and effort of setting up your tent. On top of that, such a tent pad isolates the bottom of the tent from direct access to the ground. This prevents the bottom of the tent from getting punctures and erosion.
A tent set up on the ground directly is prone to rain or moisture penetration. Platform pads are an effective solution to this challenge. It helps prevent moisture from seeping into the tent from the ground, keeping the inside of the tent dry and comfortable, especially on wet or rainy days.
Such flat ground is more capable of creating a comfortable sleeping environment, allowing you to relax more while camping. In addition, a tent pad prevents water from accumulating because of its elevated foundation. This design helps with drainage, especially on heavy rainy days.
Limitations of Tent Pad & Something to Note
Doesn’t seem like there’s anything bad about a tent pad? But there are still some limitations that should not be ignored when using a tent pad. For example, some campgrounds will limit the size of the tent pad. Typical tent pad sizes include 10×10 feet, 12×12 feet, and 15×15 feet, and if unfortunately your camping tent is larger than the platform, setting up the tent can become a tricky issue.
Some suggestions might be to offset the tent so that the interior gear doesn’t weigh down on the tent pad. But some campgrounds rule that the tent can’t extend beyond the platform pad, so please call ahead to confirm the size. Otherwise, you may have to replace your tent with a smaller one.
This is also not well received by some enthusiasts who want to go on a glamping trip. Crowded interior spaces reduce comfort and decrease the luxury camping experience.
In addition, some tent pads are filled with hard gravel. Trying to insert them with tent stakes can be difficult. That’s why you also need to know about the platform material before going to the campsite. Then, you need to use the right tent anchoring method to keep your tent secure on the tent platform.
After setting up the tent on the platform pad, don’t forget to put a tarp or footprint underneath the tent as tent flooring padding. Some gravel can still damage the tent. Also, a tarp will provide some insulation to prevent cold air from the ground from transferring to your body. In addition, most campers also purchase an inflatable or foam mattress as a tent sleeping pad for comfort.
| Pros of Tent Pad | • Reduces installation time and effort • Protects the surrounding plants • Avoid erosion at the bottom of the tent • Prevents flooding during rainy days • Create a more flat and comfortable sleeping environment |
Cons of Tent Pad
| • Tent pad size may not match camping tent size • Setting up a tent can be a bit difficult if you don’t use the right anchoring on the tent pad. • Tent pads may erode if they are not well-maintained. |
How Can an Innovative Tent Pad & Modular Platform Elevate Your Campsite?
While the traditional tent pad provides a flat, sturdy elevated foundation for comfort, its size limitations and setup anchoring issues pose many trials for you. Some camping hosts may even require you to dismantle your tent if it doesn’t fit the platform pad. Your outdoor camping could turn out to be awful and irritating.
To avoid these problems and enhance your camping experience, you may be tempted to change your destination from camping to glamping. These glamping tents and platforms are designed for your comfort and luxury camping life.
At Glitzcamp, we propose an innovative alternative to the traditional tent pad—the modular portable tent platform. This means that the tent platform consists of several prefabricated units, which are easy to assemble for a campsite. What’s more, avoiding the difficulty of inserting tent stakes into a traditional tent pad built out of hard rock or gravel, the modular platform provides the foundation and support for the tent.
Luxury camping tents can be installed directly on top of them. This allows you to assemble the modular deck easily, so installation and erection are no longer a problem.
In addition, they are more spacious and accommodate larger and more luxurious tents than traditional tent pads. As a result, the interior can be equipped with sophisticated furniture, appliances, bathrooms, etc., making your tent feel like home.
Comparison of Traditional Tent Pad and Innovative Modular Tent Platform
| Feature | Traditional Tent Pad | Innovative Modular Tent Platform |
| Structure | Flat, fixed structural platform of rock, gravel, and wood with elevated borders. | Modular structure consisting of several prefabricated units |
| Tent Setup | • Requires ground anchoring • Limited by terrain | • No ground anchors are required; the platform itself provides support and foundation • Adaptable to various terrains |
| Size | • Fixed size • Maybe smaller than tent size and don’t fit the tent | • Size Flexibility • Suitable for large luxury camping tents |
| Comfort Level | Basic flat and drainage support | Apart from basic needs, it accommodates furniture, bathrooms, etc, for a homelike experience |
| Ideal for | Traditional outdoor campsites | High-end and glamping sites |
Here are more benefits of modular decks. This flexible and easy-to-build decking not only provides a stable platform but also adapts to different terrains and usage.
Flexibility and Customizability
The design of the modular deck allows you to freely combine and configure the shape and size of the deck according to your needs and the requirements of the glamping site. This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of glamping occasions, whether it is family camping or outdoor gatherings.
Durability
The tent pad deck is made of high-strength polypropylene, which is waterproof, mildew-proof, and UV-resistant. This ensures that the deck can withstand harsh outdoor environments, and heavy objects, and ensures long-term use without being easily damaged.
Applicability
When constructing modular decks, depending on the environment and needs, you can choose a variety of surface materials. By choosing different foundations, it can adapt to various terrains such as concrete, grass, sand, mountains, wetlands, etc.
Improved Comfort
The modular tent platform doesn’t just allow you to no longer sleep on hard ground. Its spacious space accommodates more luxurious tents and lets you set up a lot of furniture, kitchens, etc., inside the tent to enhance the overall glamping experience.
Versatility
In addition to being the basis of a tent, modular decks can also be used as outdoor leisure areas, dining areas, or other activity areas, increasing the diversity and fun of glamping.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, you’ve laid out what a tent pad is and know what to do when using a tent pad. Ask ahead of time the tent pad’s size and material, and be prepared with proper anchoring, tarps as tent floor padding, sleeping bags, etc. Such adequate preparation will make your camping more comfortable.
However, if you want to experience a more luxurious and high-end camping experience, you can try setting up a glamping tent. It is a memorable and impressive stay. At Glitzcamp, with 10 years of industry experience, we are committed to providing modular glamping tents and tent platforms. With easy setup, durability and flexibility, these tent platforms are highly preferred by luxury campers and campsites. If you would like to enquire about any quotes, please contact us.
FAQs About Tent Pad & Platfomr Pad Pertaining to Campsites
What Do You Put on the Bottom of a Tent?
You can use ground or footprint, which are tarps that are effective in preventing moisture from penetrating the inside of the tent, especially when it’s raining or the dew is heavy. It can also act as a barrier to the cold air coming from the ground.
But it is important to note that the tarpaulin should be smaller than the tent, otherwise, rainwater may flow along the tarpaulin into the interior of the tent.
What Size Are Tent Pads at Campsite?
Tent pads are usually small, and a few campgrounds will set up large tent pads. Some campsites state the exact size of the tent pad on their website or booking page, so it is recommended to check before booking.
Some campground tent pad sizes and the number of tents they fit are listed below:
Tent Pad Size (feet) | Suitable Tent Type |
8×8 or 10×10 | 1-2 person small tent |
12×12 or 12×14 | 3-4 person family tent |
15×15 or Larger | Large tents for more than 6 people |
