9 Best Tent Stakes For High Winds That Pro Campers Trust
One of the most important and admittedly overlooked pieces of camping equipment are tent stakes, also known as tent pegs.
We figure we can get away with not staking out our tents, because we are going to put our gear inside and that should keep our tent from blowing away, right?
Well, let me tell you a secret.
The wind doesn’t care about how much weight you have inside of that tent. If a strong enough wind blows, your tent is taking a one-way trip into the next county if it’s not staked down properly!
Stakes are made from a wide variety of material and are built differently to accommodate a wide range of environments.
To help you decide which stakes you should buy for your next camping adventure, we have put in the work to narrow down the best tent stakes for high winds, so you don’t end up on the internet as the next camping fails star!
AT A GLANCE: The 9 most durable pegs for high winds are:
When doing intensive research and testing, our expert team used the following criteria to sift out the worthy tent pegs from the not so worthy ones:
- Brand reputation
- Materials (directly related to durability and weight)
- Length
- Weight
- Shape
- Price
So, if you want to know what are the tent stakes you can really count on to keep your tent firmly on the ground, no matter what, as well as learn some insider tips on the topic, continue reading.
Let’s begin.
Our Top 3 Picks Based On Expert Opinion
- Three-sided design allows for a steadier gripping
- Suitable for many ground types
- Made of indestructible Aluminum Easton
- Attached nylon pull-cord for easy removal
- 12" long for more stability in windy weather
- Large head and sharp end make them easy to penetrate rocky ground
- Solid hook prevents them from going to deep
- Come with a stuff sack for easy storage
- 10 inches long, perfect for stability
- Large head for mallet driving
- Made of galvanized steel
- The set includes a bonus of four 10ft. ropes and a green stopper
Best Tent Stakes For High Winds Compared
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best overall value  | MSR Ground Hog |
| Check Latest Price → |
Runner up  | BareFour 8-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
Best budget choice  | Eurmax 10-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
Popular choice  | Primal Force 10-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
Most lightweight  | Sahara Sailor 8-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
 | DarkEagle 8-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
 | RIY 8-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
Most durable  | Yard Tuff 12-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
 | SE Heavy Duty 10-pack |
| Check Price At Amazon → |
#1 MSR Ground Hog
The MSR Ground Hog tent stakes are the best tent stakes to take with you both into the backcountry and for car camping alike. Their innovative tri-sided design allows them to be shorter and lighter compared to other camping stakes, while not sacrificing on their ability to hold down a tent in high winds.
MSR has been around since the late 1970s, so you know that you’re getting a quality product when you go with them.
They strive to create products that keep you safe while adventuring in high alpine environments, which can be one of the most unforgiving places on Earth.
That’s why the MSR GroundHog tent stakes are a must have for anyone who needs their tent stakes to hold their tent down in the most extreme weather events.
The tent stakes are made out a very strong aluminum blend that will ensure that they stay straight and true for years to come. So you have tough aluminum tent stakes that you can count on.
I have used the v stakes for my MSR Hubba NX tent for 3 years, and I can vouch for their quality of the MSR groundhog. During those years, I have pitched my tent in some truly windy places.
I have also survived several furious storms. No issues whatsoever with this general-purpose tent stake in heavy wind. They passed the durability testing with ease.
The three-sided design of the tent stakes allows for extra gripping power in almost any environment, while also reducing the amount of length and weight needed to achieve what longer stakes do. This cuts down on weight and overall size of the stake, which is ideal for backpackers who carry all the weight on their backs.
You can order the tent stakes à la carte, which can add up if you’re ordering several tent stakes to hold down your tent. You can get as many as you need. Even just one tent stake if you need it.
The cost of the tent stake can be justified though in how durable, light, and bomber it is at keeping a tent firmly attached to the ground in the strongest of windstorms and high winds.
Their length of the tent stake is 7.5 inches, and the weight is only 0.5 oz. Definitely a premium option, those are considered as the best tent stakes on the market.
#2 BareFour Heavy Duty Stakes 8-pack
The BareFour tent stakes are forged out of S45C steel, which makes them the most durable standard tent stakes on the market. One of the biggest problems that campers deal with is that they accidentally bend or snap stakes, rendering them useless when they are needed the most. These tent stakes for camping deliver peace of mind by solving that problem completely!
The label of “heavy-duty” is no understatement with this bombproof set of 8 tent pegs. Metal is everything when constructing tougher than nails steel stakes, and the BareFour Camping tent stakes did not have any shortcut taken when they were made.
At 12” long, these tent stakes for camping are also a top choice for holding a tent or any other structure firmly to the ground in a variety of soil conditions (even on harder ground), no matter how severe are the windy conditions. That makes them good sand stakes too. And you need specifically sand stakes when beach camping.
I've also noticed that often how deep you burry the stake affects its holding power even more than the strength of the actual stake.
Each tent stake has a convenient hook.
Why is this convenient?
First, it allows you to pull out the tent stake with a hammer. That’s thanks to the hole on the hook that each tent stake has. Second, it prevents the tent stakes from going to deep in the ground, making it difficult to remove after use.
While these tent stakes are amazing for keeping a tent securely fastened to the ground no matter the conditions, the main difference between the BareFour camping stakes, the Darkeagle tent stakes, and the Sahara Sailors tent stake, is that they don’t come with a green glow in the dark ring on top of the stake.
This means you won’t be able to see them as easily when walking around camp, so be sure to take caution when walking near your tent so you don’t accidentally trip on one!
The weight of each of the tent stakes is 0.37 lbs. Not exactly lightweight (you can call them pretty hefty), but it’s a tradeoff for the exceptional durability of these steel stakes. Those are stronger than just aluminum tent stakes which is much needed on many camping trips.
#3 Eurmax Galvanized Stakes 10-pack
Car campers and glampers can rejoice about the Eurmax Galvanized Non-Rust tent stakes. These tougher than nails stakes are ultra robust and won’t bend or break when driving each tent stake into the ground with a hammer or rubber mallet. At 10 inches long, you can use these stakes to securely fasten tents, easy ups, and just about anything else you don’t want to get blown away by the wind. Tested and approved by our in-house team.
If you need a dependable set of tent stakes for car camping, glamping, or even backpacking that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Eurmax Galvanized Non-Rust tent stakes.
Eurmax specializes in creating a wide variety of outdoor shelter products and knows what it takes to keep each of their products from tents to large canopies securely fastened to the ground.
Each tent stake in the 10-pack set is 10 inches long and has a 2-inch-wide top that allows you to easy fasten your guy lines, ropes, and tent loops to the stakes. And they ensure lifelong rust resistance.
If you’re concerned at all about your tent loops coming off of the stake, especially compared to the MSR Ground Hog tent stakes, these will give you the peace of mind that you’ve been seeking.
The sharp end at the bottom is great for penetrating through a variety of soil conditions. Rocks will tremble at the thought of being busted apart by these burly stakes!
The only environment that you may see some trouble in is in sandy environments and snow. This is not a snow stake. High winds will pull these stakes clean out of the ground in loose soil, so be sure to check the soil consistency before placing these stakes into the ground. And you will be better off by taking proper tent stakes for sand or snow stakes if you're into winter camping.
At 2lbs 5oz, (the total weight of all 10 stakes) these stakes are a bit on the heavy side. While this is somehow expected given the thick steel they are made of (not your regular aluminum tent stakes), this doesn’t make them the ideal choice for backpackers and ultralight hikers.
Still, each tent stake weighs 3.2 oz, which is fine in cases when you don’t need to carry the entire set in your backpack. Probably on your first camping trip. However, car campers and glampers will enjoy all benefits of these excellent tent stakes without having to worry about the weight.
One of our friends uses these steel stakes on his 8-person tent and recently survived a heavy storm with some strong gusts and furiously high winds.
Just be sure to have a way to keep them all together, as these tent stakes don’t come with a bag to keep them all in one place. Still, those are a fantastic budget option for your camping gear and camping trips.
#4 Primal Force Heavy Duty 20-pack
One of the coolest things about these tent stakes is the screw like design at the bottom. This is incredibly innovative and is very helpful for getting the last few inches driven into the ground. These are great for environments where the ground is especially tough! Besides the innovative design, these stakes come with a stake puller, which makes taking each tent stake out of the ground a cinch!
When you need to bust through tough dirt that just seems to bend other stakes, the Primal Force tent stakes should be your go to solution for keeping your tent on harder ground.
The screw design on each tent stake is great for gripping the dirt, and you can also use it to twist the tent stake into place when using a mallet just isn’t getting the job done.
These stakes are a couple of inches shorter than the Eurmax tent stakes at 8.1 inches, but the screw like bottom gives added surface area for the stake to grab onto, similarly to the MSR Ground Hogs. Good for high winds.
The tops of these bestselling pegs are covered in a high visibility red plastic, making them easy to see, so that you don’t end up tripping over them while walking around camp. Keep in mind that tent pegs that have plastic tops are not ideal for cold weather and winter camping. Those are not an addition to your winter camping gear.
We really liked the spiral base of each tent stake. It grips the ground firmly and once you drive them into the ground, they stay there.
The Primal Force tent stakes come in a package of 20 steel stakes, that also include the stake puller and a plastic stake carrying case. This is a beneficial feature for car campers, as it will keep your stakes in one place instead of scattered all over the place.
While these are great for car camping, the weight of the tent stakes isn’t friendly for backpackers and their often lightweight camping gear. Coming in at over 2lbs (each stake weighs less), the Primal Force tent stakes are better for those who don’t have to carry their camping gear on their backs. If you're car camping, however, they are just fine. By the way, the same goes for the popular Orange screw stakes.
#5 Sahara Sailor Stakes 8-pack
At 11.8 inches, the Sahara Sailor tent stakes are great for just about any environment. Each tent stake pierce through hard ground with ease, and can hold down a tent on a sandy surface, holding firm against the high winds, which makes them an all-around great stake! Check those out!
The Sahara Sailor tent stakes impressed us.
Do you know why?
They are all the good things about the MSR Ground Hogs, Eurmax, and Primal force tent stakes combined into one all-around great stake.
Coming in at 0.35 oz per tent stake, the Sahara Sailor tent stakes are a viable option for hikers and car campers alike. No matter if you're car camping or simply tent camping, it'd be easy for you to transport them. These are not ultralight tent stakes, but still pretty light as compared to others.
At almost 12” in length, the Sahara Sailors dig deep into the soil and keep whatever you want attached to the ground glued to the earth, no matter how hard the wind blows.
And just like the Primal Force Stakes, the Sahara Sailors also have a safety feature at the top to show where they are, so you don’t accidentally trip over them.
The biggest and most impressive difference between the two is that the Sahara Sailor tent stakes don’t have their safety feature as part of the piece that holds the lines onto the stakes.
A green glow in the dark ring sits snuggly just below the top of the stake, which makes for easy sighting whenever you’re walking around camp, especially in snow. So these are pretty decent snow stakes not only because of that but because grip well in loose soil.
When you get a set of these stakes, you’ll receive 8 stakes and 1 flathead hammer with a hook on the opposite side. This will immensely help you drive the stakes into the ground, while also giving you a tool to pull them out.
The best part?
If you are a backpacker and don’t want to bring the added weight of the hammer with you, you can simply attach some paracord or spare guy line to the hole at the top of the tent stake.
It was intentionally designed to facilitate the removal of the tent stakes in the event you don’t have a hook to remove them from the ground!
#6 Darkeagle Forged Steel Pegs 8-pack
The number one competitor of the Sahara Sailor are the Darkeagle Tent Stakes. They have many of the same features of the Sahara Sailors such as their glow in the dark green ring at the top of the stake for high visibility. The same goes for the added hole at the top to make removal easy for those who don’t have a stake removing hook with them. Wanna learn the differences and their advantages?
At first glance, it seems as if the Darkeagle tent stakes are a rebranded version of the Sahara Sailors. You wouldn’t be wrong, because they have a lot of the same features!
The sharp bottom of each tent stake is designed to drive through just about anything you encounter. The added hole on top, which makes for easy and pain-free removal at the end of a trip. Even the green glow in the dark ring at the top of the stake is similar!
The main difference with these stakes is the metal that is used to make each tent stake. It’s a bit heavier, making it so that each tent peg weighs about 4.4oz.
You can't call them ultralight tent stakes but they might just be the only stakes more durable than the MSR Groundhog pegs. So these are not your traditional stakes.
For this reason, they are a bit heavy for backpackers to take along with them. For short hikes, however, their weight is totally acceptable.
I have carried them in my Osprey Stratos 50 backpack for a weekend-long backpacking trip into the backcountry. You can read a review of my pack, if you like.
If you’re driving to your campsite, you will definitely enjoy the durability and the option of length though!
You have the option to order the 8” or 12” tent stakes depending on your preferences. If you plan on going camping or putting up an easy up on a sandy surface, you’ll want to go with the 12” version of these stakes, as that will help keep your structure firmly on the ground! The 12" version makes them also good snow stakes.
The Darkeagle Tent Stakes also come with a set of 8 tensioners, one for every tent stake that comes in a package. These tensioners are made out aluminum, making them much sturdier than the plastic tensioners that usually come standard with tent guy lines. Pretty reliable for high winds.
And the best tent stakes must have that feature. Plus, the head of the tent pegs are quite strong, which allows them to be driven into hard ground.
What a relief!
#7 RIY Heavy Duty Tent Pegs 8-pack
The RIY tent stakes are some of the most durable and long-lasting stakes on the market. Not only are they made of forged steel, but they are also coated in a great paint that will keep them from rusting for years and years of use. We found that their exceptional rating is well-deserved. Check those out!
The RIY tent stakes have some of the best durability for the money on this list. Like the Primal Force and BareFour stakes, the RIY stakes are made of steel, making them nearly indestructible.
Try all you want. You’ll never bend these tent stakes! When testing, we tried to bend them with pliers in vain! The best tent stakes are durable as they can be! And those turned out to work quite well in high winds and on tough ground.
You’ll be able to adventure far and wide and know that your tent is securely fastened to the ground, since each of the 8 stakes that comes in a package is 12” of holding power that will secure your tent to the hard ground in any soil condition. Better than most other tent stakes out there.
They are a bit pricy for what you get, though. They lack the benefits of the Sahara Sailors and the Darkeagle stakes of having a green ring at the top for easy visibility.
As of this writing, the RIY tent stakes are a bit more expensive than the other steel constructed stakes on this review.
Each tent peg weighs just 5.7 oz, which makes them suitable for glamping and hiking alike when you need protection against the high winds.
#8 Yard Tuff Rebar Stakes 12-pack
The Yard Tuff Rebar tent stakes are for those who are going camping and want to be 100% sure their tent will never in a million years fly away, no matter how strong the wind gets. That’s because these trusted by thousands of campers stakes are 18” in length and are constructed with ribs all the way down the stake. This allows for them to grip the ground incredibly well and hold fast in the high winds.
Rebar is used to strengthen and reinforce concrete, so you know that when your tent stake is made of the same things that is used to make buildings, you’re getting a darn tough product.
The Yard Tuff tent stakes are ideal for campers that visit sandy locations often as the ribs on the sides of the stakes help them create abundant surface area for them to grip. That's why we consider them as good snow stakes too.
So you can use them if you're stargazing in your tent on the beach.
These are nothing too fancy, as they literally are just 18” sections of rebar with a metal loop welded onto the top for fastening lines around and for easy removal from the ground.
Each pack of Yard Tuff tent stakes comes with 12 stakes that will surely secure your tent in any soil condition against any wind out there.
What makes those pegs stand out from the rest are three features:
- The angled ends of each stake allow you to drive them in the ground super easy. Plus, there’s a 1-inch loop on the end, that’s very useful for attaching straps and ropes.
- The manufacturer provides one year warranty that backs up your purchase. The best tent pegs always have a warranty included.
- The exterior of the stakes is ribbed, making them easier to stay firmly in ground for longer.
Keep in mind that the weight of each tent peg is 0.45 lbs. I found them a bit heavy to put them in a backpack and walk extensively. It’s OK if you’re reaching camp by car, though. Many campers and verified buyers call these "the best tent stakes" available. Tested and approved for high winds.
#9 Se Metal Stakes 10-pack
These top-rated pegs are made of galvanized steel for rust resistance. Based on in-house research and extensive testing, we found them being incredibly tough. The point of each stake is made specifically for you to drive it easily into the toughest of soils. At the top, you’ll find it easy to hammer them into the ground, because of the large nail surface that is nearly impossible to miss with your hammer or rubber mallet!
These tent stakes with large nails are almost a carbon copy of the Eurmax model reviewed above. But are these the best tent stakes out there? Each of these stakes comes with a plastic green topper that helps prevent lines and tent loops from slipping over top.
Make no mistake, though.
These are not plastic tent stakes. However, note that the plastic top is not a good idea for cold weather and winter camping as it may break easily.
A tent stake of this pack is just as long as the Eurmax stakes at 10.5 inches, and is made of galvanized steel, which makes it sturdier tan most other tent stakes. And this is what you want them to be to withstand high winds.
The best environment for these stakes to be used in is where you have access to solid ground. Due to its short length and lack of surface area on the tent stake, the SE tent stake can easily be pulled out of sandy soil and soft ground in the event of a high wind. They are not good snow stakes either for the same reasons.
Their major difference from the Eurmax is that they don’t come with extra lines and they are about $5 more expensive than the Eurmax at the time of writing this review.
That, although you get the same number of stakes in the SE Heavy Duty stakes as you do with the Eurmax stakes. They are quite lightweight (only 3.84 oz.), which makes them ideal for hikers and backpackers. They are not the lightest tent stakes, though.
We used them to strengthen a canopy in a storm with high winds several months ago and they hold up darn well. That's why we include them on this list. Because they are tested on the field. Plus, many buyers call them the best tent stakes out there.
What makes a set of tent stakes good for high winds?
Needless to say, high winds can be a giant pain when you’re camping.
Hey, the good part is the wind blows away annoying insects out of your tent. Plus, it helps in drying your tent quickly from the rain. But still, it can be dangerous most of the times. And it can spoil your experience.
That is why a tent peg is one of the most important tent components for ensuring that your shelter will resist not only high winds but gusts and storms. It's also true that most tents come with flimsy stakes.
By the way, not every tent is waterproof, so consider this if you’re planning camping in bad weather.
The best tent stakes for high winds have at least some of the following features. Ideally, they have all of them:
- The best tent stakes have large surface area to grip tightly into the ground and resist tension in guy lines. They also don't break easily. For sand, the spiral shape is best.
- Appropriate length – the minimum is 8 inches. The longer, the better for high winds. In that way, it's more difficult for the stake to bend or break. Such pegs just don't break easily.
- The best tent stakes have steel materials – for higher durability and light weight look for titanium stakes, alloy or forged S45C steel. Titanium material offers perfect blend of durability and weight. Carbon steel is also great, since in such cases, the strength to weight ratio is unbeatable.
- Presence of an arm at the top of the tent stake to direct the tension to a point deep under the ground. This enhances the overall balance of the peg with almost zero leverage. The best tent stakes have that feature.
- “V” shape for easier and steadier driving into the ground or Delta shape. The latter points directly toward the tent and can’t turn, which adds stability for high winds. Delta pegs are entirely buried in the ground and are often springy to absorb wind shock. A good example of V-shaped pegs are AceCamp Steel V Peg Tent Stakes. A "V" shape peg (v stakes) is easier to be driven into hard ground and provides more stability in softer ground. Depending on the material, it's almost impossible to bend or brake a v shaped stake. As mentioned, for sand, the spiral shape is best for driving the peg into the soil.
- The best tent stakes have a hook extension that could also be pushed into the ground for further stability and tension resistance. A hook is also good for tightening up the rope in high winds. Pull cords also help a lot for the removal and for the easy installation. So look for a pull cord for an easy overall tent peg management.
- The best tent stakes are easy to be driven deeply into the ground to resist high winds. And, needless to say, they don't break easily.
- A good tent peg supports multiple ground types.
Of course, it's highly advisable that you know what you're doing with your pegs. We have an extensive guide on how to use tent stakes.
Final Verdict
Finding the most appropriate set of tent stakes for high winds for you depends on the type of camping you’re planning to do.
Are you hiking to the campsite or rather driving? On what ground you will pitch your tent? What is the weather forecast for the days? What type of tent do you have?
The best all round tent stake for high winds is the MSR Ground Hog Stake. It is super sturdy, well-priced, and we tested and approved it for performing great in high winds.
Now go and enjoy a fantastic camping trip!
Asen Stoyanchev
Founder of this website, Asen is a passionate hiker and writer who is also a gear nerd. He’s been featured on many established hiking websites where he gives hiking advice & tips. When he is not trekking with his family or friends, he is writing articles and product reviews. Asen spends most of his time in Bulgaria but he constantly travels the world in seek of more unforgettable experiences. Read more about Asen here.
