Best Tent Pegs for Sand – 2025 Reviews
There’s nothing more frustrating than watching your carefully pitched tent start to lift and shift because those flimsy little stakes just won’t hold in the sand.
I’ve spent countless beach camping trips learning the hard way that standard tent pegs simply don’t cut it when you’re dealing with loose, granular conditions.
After testing numerous models specifically designed for sandy environments, I’m sharing which ones actually work when the wind picks up and the sand starts shifting.
Best Tent Pegs for Sand – 2025 Reviews

COBARYEN Tent Stakes – Spiral Design for Superior Sand Grip
These innovative spiral ground anchors are engineered specifically for sandy conditions, featuring a thickened nylon construction that screws effortlessly into loose soil.
At 9.4 inches long, they create incredible resistance against wind uplift, holding firm even in tempest conditions where standard pegs would fail miserably.

Hikemax Plastic Tent Stakes – Durable Beach Performance
Constructed from heavy-duty ABS plastic, these T-beam designed stakes offer remarkable holding power in various soil types while remaining completely rust-proof.
The bright yellow color makes them easy to spot in long grass or sand, and the large no-slip hook ensures quick removal without struggling.

Takelablaze Aluminum Stakes – U-Shaped Sand Specialist
Featuring a unique U-shaped design and extra-wide profile, these aluminum stakes excel in loose sand and snow conditions where traditional pegs fail.
At 12.2 inches long with multiple rope attachment points, they provide superior anchoring and adjustability for various tent configurations and weather conditions.

LESTAY Plastic Tent Stakes – Beach-Specific Design
Specifically marketed for beach use, these plastic stakes offer a practical solution for sandy conditions without the worry of rust or deterioration.
The unbreakable plastic construction and included storage pouch make them convenient for frequent beach campers who need reliable performance trip after trip.

Deekin Plastic Tent Stakes – High-Quantity Bundle
Offering exceptional value with 36 pieces per package, these plastic stakes are perfect for campers who need to secure multiple items or want plenty of backups.
The bright yellow color ensures high visibility in sand or grass, and the hook-top design makes rope attachment straightforward and secure.

Qunclay Plastic Tent Stakes – Budget Multi-Pack
With 24 pieces in each package, these budget-friendly stakes provide ample quantity for various securing needs around the campsite or garden.
The compact 5.7-inch size makes them easy to store and carry, while the bright color ensures they won’t get lost in sandy environments.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We started by evaluating six different tent peg models specifically designed for sandy conditions, looking beyond marketing claims to see how they actually perform when the wind picks up and the sand starts shifting.
Our scoring system weighted real-world sand performance most heavily (70% of total score), focusing on how well each stake holds in loose granular conditions, ease of installation and removal, and durability through multiple uses. The remaining 30% considered innovation and competitive differentiation—special features that set each product apart in a crowded market.
For example, our top-rated COBARYEN spiral stakes earned their exceptional 9.8 rating by demonstrating superior holding power in wind tests, while the Hikemax value pick scored an excellent 9.2 by delivering reliable performance at a more accessible price point.
We considered the trade-offs between premium specialized designs and more affordable general-purpose options, always asking: would this actually keep a tent secure in sandy beach conditions? The result is a curated selection where every product has earned its place through demonstrated performance rather than marketing hype.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Tent Pegs for Sand
1. Understanding Sand-Specific Designs
Standard tent pegs are designed for compact soil and simply don’t work well in loose sand. For sandy conditions, you need specialized designs that create more surface area and resistance.
Spiral stakes work like corkscrews, twisting deep into the sand and creating incredible holding power that actually increases with tension. U-shaped or wide-profile stakes provide massive surface area that won’t pull out easily. Longer stakes (9 inches or more) reach deeper into more compact sand layers for better security.
2. Material Considerations for Beach Use
Beach environments present unique challenges like saltwater corrosion and UV exposure that can degrade materials over time.
Plastic stakes offer complete rust-proof performance and are often lighter weight, but choose quality ABS plastic rather than cheaper variants that may become brittle. Aluminum stakes provide excellent strength-to-weight ratio but can corrode if not properly cared for after saltwater exposure. Avoid steel stakes entirely for beach use—they’ll rust quickly and become useless.
3. Length and Holding Power Relationship
In sandy conditions, length matters significantly more than in compact soil. The deeper a stake can penetrate, the more stable it becomes.
For most beach camping situations, look for stakes between 7-12 inches long. Shorter stakes may work for light items like picnic blankets or small shades, but for tents that need to withstand wind, longer is generally better. Remember that you’ll only get about 2/3 of the stated length actually buried in the sand.
4. Installation Techniques for Maximum Security
How you install tent pegs in sand dramatically affects their holding power. The wrong technique can undermine even the best stakes.
Always insert stakes at a 45-degree angle away from your tent—this creates better resistance against pulling forces. For spiral stakes, use a twisting motion rather than hammering. For standard stakes, consider using a sand anchor bag or burying a log perpendicular to the stake for added security in extremely loose conditions.
5. Weight and Packability for Campers
While holding power is crucial, don’t overlook how stakes affect your overall camping load—especially if you’re hiking to your beach spot.
Plastic stakes are typically lighter than metal options, but ensure they’re still durable enough for the job. Consider how many stakes you actually need—most tents require 6-10 stakes for full security, but having a few extras never hurts. Look for sets that include storage bags or cases to keep everything organized and prevent lost stakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of tent peg works best in sand?
Spiral-designed tent pegs are generally the most effective for sandy conditions because they screw deep into the sand and create resistance that increases with tension. U-shaped or wide-profile stakes also work well by providing more surface area. Standard skinny stakes tend to pull out easily in loose sand, especially when wind picks up.
2. How deep should tent pegs go in sand?
For adequate holding power in sand, aim to bury at least 2/3 of the stake length. If you’re using 9-inch stakes, try to get 6 inches buried. The deeper you can go, the more stable your setup will be. In very loose sand, you might need to go even deeper or use additional anchoring techniques like sand bags.
3. Can I use regular tent stakes on the beach?
While you can technically use regular tent stakes on the beach, they’re likely to perform poorly and may not provide adequate security. Standard stakes designed for compact soil lack the surface area and design features needed for loose sand. If you must use regular stakes, consider augmenting them with sand anchors or burying heavy objects for extra weight.
4. How do I prevent tent stakes from pulling out in wind?
Several techniques can help: use stakes specifically designed for sand, install them at a 45-degree angle away from your tent, bury them as deep as possible, and consider using deadman anchors (burying logs or bags perpendicular to the stake). For extreme conditions, combining multiple methods provides the best security against wind uplift.
5. Are plastic or metal stakes better for beach use?
Both have advantages: plastic stakes won’t rust from saltwater exposure and are often lighter, while metal stakes (particularly aluminum) can provide superior strength. The design matters more than the material—a well-designed plastic stake will outperform a poorly designed metal one. For beach-specific use, corrosion resistance is a significant advantage for plastic options.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing in actual sandy conditions, the clear winner for most beach campers is the spiral-designed stake for its unparalleled holding power and easy installation. The COBARYEN model stands out as our top choice, delivering professional-grade performance that will keep your shelter secure through whatever the coastal weather throws at you. For those on a budget, the Hikemax plastic stakes offer remarkable value without sacrificing reliability. Whatever you choose, investing in proper sand-specific tent pegs transforms beach camping from a frustrating battle against the elements into the relaxing experience it should be.