Best Outdoor Rugs For Camping Trips And RV Travel
Anyone who spends a significant amount of time camping knows how hard it can be to keep dirt out of the tent or motorhome. RV outdoor rugs are an easy solution to keep your gear and yourself as clean as possible.
Most RV patio mats are designed to be resistant to water, stains, and UV light, making them durable enough to last for years.
And unlike common household rugs, RV mats tend to be lightweight and easy to store. They are large enough to lounge on, and can effectively cover the space beneath your camping equipment, kitchen accessories, or dog cage.
- Inexpensive
- Large range of colors
- Breathable material
- Carry case included
Why Use An RV Outdoor Rug?
Though an outdoor rug can be especially handy for campers, any RV owner can find benefits in using outdoor camping rugs. These mats can keep your gear dry and add a touch of home. They can also make a great picnic blanket, a floor for the tent, playmat for children, or just a dry spot to lay back and watch the stars.
- Keep gear dry
- Smooth gravel surfaces
- Use as a picnic blanket
- Clean surface for kids and pets
- Give the area a more inviting feel
- Some mats allow sand to fall through
While a household rug could be used in lieu of an outdoor rug, it would likely end up being more of a hindrance than a help. Household rugs require special cleaning when stained or dirtied, and they don’t tend to be very water-resistant. Not to mention, common rugs can take up a huge amount of space, even when rolled up.
Where to Store Your Camping Rug
The average camping rug weighs less than 10lbs, and some even come with a nifty carrying case!
For these reasons, a camping rug can be stored nearly anywhere. Most are small enough to fit into a medium-sized backpack and can be folded or rolled up to fit beneath seating or between cupboards.
Features to Look For in an Outdoor Camping Mat
Before making a purchase, you’ll want to consider some of the most popular features of a quality outdoor mat. You should also give some thought to your intended use, as some mats are hardier than others.
Material
Most outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials, with polypropylene being one of the most common. Polypropylene has admirable qualities–such as toughness, heat resistance, and fatigue resistance–that make it such a popular choice for RV patio mat manufacturers.
High-density polyethylene is also a common material used. While not as naturally resistant to UV rays, heat, or cracking, this type of plastic is great at resisting cold temperatures, is incredibly strong, and has a low water absorption rate.
Synthetic materials are often reasonably breathable, ensuring that they don’t damage the grass or vegetation beneath them. Woven polymers can also help dirt and sand particles pass through the rug rather than collecting on the surface.
Natural materials, such as woven jute, are also popular for outdoor mats. However, jute is not nearly as resistant to mold, moisture, or wear as synthetic materials.
Size
RV mats come in many sizes. The smallest tend to be about 6ft x 6ft squares, while the larger models can range between 12ft x 12ft and 9ft x 18ft.
We prefer to size the mat to the vehicle. If you have a larger Class A motorhome, you may choose to opt for a bigger camping mat. Of course, the larger the rug, the bulkier it’s going to be so you want to consider the amount of storage space you have on hand.
Still, even the largest models tend to weigh less than 12lbs. Even better, most RV outdoor rugs come with a carrying case for easy storage and extra portability.
Intended Use
Your travel plans and habits can help you pick the best outdoor rug. For example, travelers who camp in established parks with concrete pads may opt for a heavy-duty or less breathable rug. You may want a large mat that can cover the area beneath a portable fire pit and a few chairs.
On the other hand, if you’re a frequent beach camper you may want to consider purchasing a sand-free mat.
Sand Free Mats
Campers who like to spend time at the beach may want to purchase a sand-free mat. These mats allow smaller particles to fall through while still leaving a clean surface to relax on.
They are great for relaxing at the beach or spending the night at a desert campsite.
How to Clean an RV Patio Mat
Because these rugs are designed for outdoor use, cleaning an RV patio mat is much easier than your standard rug. Listed below are a few steps to follow.
1. Shake and Wipe
Immediately after using your mat, give it a good shake. Be sure to do this in an open area away from others, furniture, or open food products. After you are certain that you have shaken all of the dirt from your mat, wipe any obvious dirt or grit from the surface of the mat.
Flip it to the other side and repeat. Most modern RV outdoor rugs will not require any more cleaning than this.
2. Rinse
Mud happens. When a neat and clean RV mat meets a muddy spot, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Cleaning the mat is as simple as taking a garden hose and rinsing it off. Doing this will rid the rug of all dirt and debris, except for the most set cases of encrusted mud, which may require soap.
3. Let Dry
Because these rugs are made of quick-drying synthetic materials, they don’t absorb water like floor mats or household rugs. Sometimes letting it dry in addition to a quick vacuuming will ensure that not a single crumb of dirt remains!
Best RV Patio Mats And Camping Rugs Reviewed
Most Popular: Reversible Mats Outdoor Patio RV Camping Mat Swirl
Most Popular: The Reversible Mats brand is popular among RV owners because of the large variety of colors. It’s made of breathable-yet-durable polypropylene. This ensures the mat will never harm any grass beneath it, and it will prevent mold and mildew growth. It’s also UV resistant, so the rug won’t fade or crack after repeated use.
We like these mats because they are reasonably priced and come in a large variety of colors. They are ideal for a range of outdoor activities, from backyard picnics to faraway campgrounds.
Features:
- Large range of color options
- It is soft-to-the-touch yet sturdy enough for many uses
- Breathable material doesn’t kill vegetation beneath the mat
Best Camping Mat: CGEAR Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat
If you’re looking for the most durable and versatile mat, our top choice is the CGEAR Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat. These rugs are available in four sizes and three bright colors.
Sand-free mats are designed to let small particles like dirt and sand fall-through while keeping a clean surface to lounge on throughout the day. These RV outdoor rugs are constructed of a high density polyethylene weave, making them water-resistant, mold-resistant, breathable, and resistant to sun damage.
A nice feature about the CGEAR rug is that it comes with D Rings to help secure it to the ground on windy days.
Features:
- It isn’t likely to rip or tear, even after many uses
- Comes in a variety of bright colors
- D Rings included for securing the rug to the ground
Biggest Variety: Reversible Mats Outdoor Patio RV Camping Mat
Another mat from the Reversible brand is the 119127 RV camping mat. This version comes in a large variety of sizes ranging from 6’x9′ to 9’x18′ to complement any type of camper.
The woven plastic material breathes well and is made of 100% polypropylene; ensuring that users don’t kill large swaths of grass or vegetation during every use. It’s also UV coated, allowing the rug to resist a high degree of UV damage, such as fading and cracking.
Reversible mats are one of the most budget-friendly options available to RV enthusiasts and campers.
Features:
- One of the most affordable options
- Large variety of sizes
- Carry case included
Most Decorative: Stylish Camping RV Home Mat
Most Decorative: For some, an RV is a home away from home. Even while seeing the sights and touring the country, a home on wheels can begin to feel a little impersonal. The Stylish Camping RV Home Mat brings a fun touch of the traditional to a conventionally untraditional RVing lifestyle.
We like that this mat has a cute design and friendly phrase, and because it is only available in dark brown, dirt isn’t likely to make a significant appearance on this model. Though this rug is only available in two size options, the largest variant only weighs 10.15lbs and comes with a carrying case.
Features:
- Cute and friendly design
- Doesn’t reveal dirt as easily as brighter models
- Gives the RV a more homey vibe
That’s A Wrap!
Outdoor camping mats are a great way to keep dirt and debris out of your tent or RV camper. You should choose a patio mat based on the size, material, and colors that you like. For the most popular option, many campers prefer the Reversible Mats swirl design.
CGear makes the best sand-free mats for camping, and Stylish designs makes a patio mat with the homiest feel.
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Hello – are you able to tell me where the campground/RV park is located that is pictured in the top photo? The photo with 2 vehicles overlooking the ocean and a picnic table and blue outdoor rug in between them? I would really appreciate it! Also, I found this article very helpful…thank you!
I used Reversible Mats RV Patio Mat a year ago and I want to buy a new one. I think a Stylish Camping RV Home Mat can become my next rug because it is so cute and I like the picture on it. Thanks so much for sharing!
I absolutely love Reversible outdoor carpets. My rambunctious lab has peed, ran, played, sleeps, lots of foot traffic on them, etc on these and they still look great! I never put the iron directly on the mat itself. If dirty I get the blower or hose them off, they clean super easy.