Have you ever tried to hammer your tent stakes into the ground, only to hit a rock or hard barrier at every angle you try? The best tent stakes for rocky ground probably aren’t the ones that came with your tent, and you’ll end up with crooked stakes when you try to force them into the ground. Even if the terrain you’re physically camping on doesn’t seem super rocky, it’s always possible that the ground underneath is full of large rocks. Or perhaps you chose the worst spot for the corner of your tent but don’t have any other options. It happens, and when it does, it’s quite frustrating. We’ve ended up with plenty of bent tent stakes from trying to force them into the ground or using a tent stake hammer. But we’ve learned to always replace your stock tent stakes with higher quality ones, which is why we’ve come up with our list for the best tent stakes for rocky ground. Having these guys on hand can dramatically help when the terrain doesn’t necessarily agree with you.
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At A Glance: Our Top 4 Picks for Tent Stakes for Rocky Ground
4 Best Tent Stakes for Rocky Ground
The best tent stakes for rocky ground in 2023 are the MSR Groundhog, MSR Carbon Core, REI Steel Stakes, and the Snow Peak Solid Stake 30.
The MSR Carbon Core are the the perfect compromise between weight and durability. The REI Steel Stakes are a great choice for the budget minded camper. MSR Groundhog Stakes are featured on our Best Tent Stakes for Sand post as well, and are a wonderful all around tent stake. And the Snow Peak Solid Stake 30 work great in all terrains and are the most heavy-duty stakes on this list.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice  | MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes
| VIEW BEST PRICE → |
 | MSR Carbon Core Tent Stakes
| VIEW BEST PRICE → |
 | REI Steel Stake Tent Stakes
| VIEW BEST PRICE → |
 | Snow Peak Solid Stake 30 Tent Stakes
| VIEW BEST PRICE → |
Related Post: Best Tent Stakes for High Winds
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes
MSR Groundhog tent stakes are made of 7000 series aluminum for strength and durability. The y-beam design is perfect for hard or rock soil, providing a sturdy and reliable anchor for your tent. The MSR Groundhog is also equipped with a reflective cord loop for easy visibility in low-light conditions. Whether you’re camping in the backcountry or on a rock-strewn beach, MSR Groundhog tent stakes will help you stay put. They are sold in a pack of 6, which accommodates most tents when it comes to how many stakes they require.
Pros
- Pull cord for easy removal
- Weigh only 0.46 oz each
- Affordable price at $4.48 each
Cons
- Cannot be ordered separately or in smaller groups
- Only 7.5 inches long
MSR Carbon Core Tent Stakes
MSR Carbon Core tent stakes are some of the lightest and strongest stakes you can buy. They have a carbon fiber core with an aluminum coating, which makes them durable enough to penetrate hard soils and work past subsurface rocks. MSR’s unique stake design is perfect for rocky ground and provides superior holding power in all types of soil. At only 0.2 ounces per stake, these MSR stakes are among the lightest on the market. If you’re looking for a durable, light weight stake that can handle any type of terrain, MSR carbon core tent stakes are the perfect choice.
Pros
- Extremely light at only 0.2 oz
- Perfect For backpacking
- Carbon fiber core is very durable
Cons
- Most expensive stakes on the list ($9.99 each)
- Shortest on the list at 6 inches
- Cannot order in singles
REI Steel Stake Tent Stakes
REI Steel Stake Tent Stakes are the most affordable and simple tent stakes on our list. Their steel design that is both durable and light, and their shape resembles a traditional tent stake. The REI Steel Stake Tent Stakes are also great for rocky ground. If you are looking for a cheap and easy way to stake your tent, then these REI Steel Stake Tent Stakes are the way to go.
Pros
- Most affordable option at $2 each
- Simple and easy to use design
Cons
- Not as durable compared to others on this list
- Weighs 2.7 oz each, making them the heavies on this list
Snow Peak Solid Stake 30 Tent Stakes
Snow Peak Solid Stake 30 Tent Stakes are the most durable stakes on our list, designed to hold down even the largest tents in the harshest conditions. The steel is forged for extra strength and the pointed design make them ideal for staking into rocky ground. Snow Peak is a Japanese company that’s been making outdoor gear for over 60 years, so you can trust their products to be of the highest quality. When it comes to choosing tent stakes, Snow Peak Solid Stake 30 Tent Stakes are the clear choice for anyone wanting the best possible performance. This is also one of the best tent stakes for sand too!
Pros
- Extremely Durable
- Sold individually at $6.95 each
- Longest stake on our list (12 inches)
Cons
- Heavy, not for backpacking (6 oz each)
- On the more expensive side
Related Post: How to Use Tent Stakes
FAQ
Are Plastic Tent Stakes Good on Rocky Ground?
NO! Even though plastic tent stakes work alright in softer soils, they do not have the strength or durability to penetrate hard ground or rock. If you’re camping on rocky ground, it’s best to use metal tent stakes that are designed for difficult terrain.
What Are the Best Tent Pegs for Hard Ground?
The best tent pegs for hard ground are made of durable materials like aluminum or steel. You’ll need these heavier duty materials to withstand the bending force of the rocky terrain. They should also have a sharp point that can penetrate the soil easily.
How Do You Stake a Tent on Rocky Ground?
If you’re able to get stakes into the ground, you can use a heavy duty steel or aluminum tent stake that’s meant for more difficult terrain. If you’re unable to use stakes, you can use the ‘little rock big rock’ method by using different size rocks to secure your guy lines. Read more about how to secure a tent without stakes here.
What Are the Best Tent Pegs for Hard Ground?
The best tent stakes for rocky ground in 2022 are the MSR Groundhog, MSR Carbon Core, REI Steel Stakes, and the Snow Peak Solid Stake 30. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each, and compared the tech specs so you can pick the right one for you.
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