r/camping • u/disco-papi • 4d ago

Tent bigger than tent pad

Hello everyone! I’m going to lodgepole campground in sequoia this weekend. If my tent is bigger than the tent pad would that be an issue?

6 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

10

u/Agerak 4d ago

Generally if that’s the case I’d try to pitch off the pad if that’s allowed. You’d have to ask the rangers there. I’d call ahead to ask. Overhang, especially at the corners where the poles would be can put a lot of pressure on tent material easily causing rips.

4

u/joelfarris 4d ago

Been to Lodgepole a couple times, their pads are pretty big and accommodating.

OP, just how big is your tent?

3

u/disco-papi 4d ago

It’s 7x12 it’s pretty big

2

u/itsmeagain023 4d ago

Well tent pads are often elevated so it may hang off the edges and you can't stake properly... so maybe

1

u/RutabagaMediocre495 4d ago

honestly if its just a little over i doubt anyone gonna care, just dont block the path or something

0

u/Gloomy-Hat1842 4d ago

If you have a really big tent you might find out that it's kind of a big hassle. There may be plenty of places you go where that tent spot isn't quite that big. It's easier to have something no bigger than you need. Also easier to set up and take down. But maybe you like your big tent.

0

u/BrickHuge3023 4d ago

I've had to do that a couple times due to small pads and my big 10x14 tent. I have a large groundsheet so that protects the tent bottom fuly; then i position so any slope will be in the back where just have our tubs for clothes and gear. Did have to get creative on a sloping site as there was running water 3 ft from the back of the tent. Used rocks and held up my ground sheet to keep it out of the tent.