5 Wooden Tent Platforms Essential Tips

At some point in your hiking escapades, you might find yourself facing a wooden tent platform. These are common in several parts of the world, including Tasmania, the new Wild South Coast Way at the southern end of the Heysen Trail, the O circuit in Patagonia, and on some trails in the USA and Canada.

Wooden tent platforms aim to minimise the environmental impact on fragile ecosystems by preventing soil compaction and plant damage, providing a sustainable solution for hikers and campers pitching their tents.

It's essential to maintain the tent platform's integrity, so refrain from driving nails or making any alterations that could damage the wooden surface.

I first encountered tent platforms on the Overland Track in Tasmania, using my Big Agnes Copper Spur, a freestanding tent. Like many hikers, I had to figure it out as I went along.

But now, I believe I've mastered a few techniques that I’d like to share with you.

As well as this comprehensive Guide to Wooden Tent Platforms you might also like:
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Understanding Wooden Tent Platforms

A typical wooden tent platform is a flat wooden structure, slightly elevated from the ground, using posts, to protect the earth beneath it. It features evenly spaced planks, separated by gaps, and framed to potentially include points for securing guy lines.

In Australia, wooden tent platforms often come with a chain and hook system for anchoring your tent, as well as a small metal sheet in one corner for safely placing your camping stove.

Tent platforms in other countries may include a variety of fixtures, such as wires, hooks, eyelets, and rings, accommodating different tent securing methods.

Tent platforms provide a stable levelling surface that is particularly beneficial in locations where natural, flat campsites are not readily available, or the terrain is too uneven and rocky.

Freestanding Tents vs Non-freestanding Tents

A freestanding tent is often the preferred choice for pitching on wooden tent platforms, but a taut pitch can also be achieved with non-freestanding tents. These often rely on trekking poles for structural height and require tight guylines to ensure the tent remains upright.

The first time I saw a non-freestanding tent erected on a tent platform was on my third night on the Overland Track, and I must admit, I was quite impressed.

With freestanding tents, secure to avoid condensation issues between the tent fly and the inner layer. However, on clear and dry nights, there's the chance to forgo the fly entirely, which allows you to gaze at the stars as you drift into sleep.

Now, let's look at the various ways you can secure your tent to wooden tent platforms.

1. Use Tension and Weight and the BRLR Method

You can simulate the effect of stakes by leveraging tension and weight. 

Extend the guy lines from your tent's loops and pull them tightly across the tent platform. Then, anchor these lines with heavy objects like rocks, backpacks, or pre-packed sandbags if they're available on-site.

The Big Rock Little Rock method, commonly known as BRLR, is a useful technique – not only for wooden tent platforms, but also any hard ground where it's difficult to use tent stakes.

To effectively use the BRLR (Big Rock Little Rock) method for securing your tent, follow these steps:

1. Begin by tying a loop at the end of the guy line. This will allow you to wrap the line around a smaller rock.
2. Securely fasten the guy line around the smaller rock by looping it through the tied end.
3. Position a larger rock on top of the guy line, between the tent and the smaller rock.
   The weight of the larger rock will pin the smaller rock in place, thereby ensuring that the tent's lines remain tight and stable.

2. Make Use of the Tent Platform Features

Often, tent platforms will have built-in features like eyelets, loops, or rings to aid in securing a tent. Use the extra cord from your utility kit to attach your tent directly to these points, creating a stable anchor that takes the place of traditional stakes.

Many wooden tent platforms in Australia come equipped with a chain and hook system. It's pretty simple to use—just attach the provided hooks to the anchor points on your tent and carefully feed the chains through the allocated holes on the tent platform.

This method is great for fine-tuning the setup, as you can adjust the tension link by link until it's just right. When I’m using this system, my approach is to connect all the chains and hooks first, then go around the tent tightening each one until the tent is perfectly taut.

Keep in mind, some tent platforms are meant to fit more than one tent, leading to a possible shortage of chains and anchor points. Or, as is often the case, the chains and anchors are not in the ideal location.

You might also find old screws or nails in the wooden slats left by previous campers. Instead of adding new ones, use these existing impromptu fixtures to secure your tent, making sure not to damage the wooden tent platform or leave any trace.

3. Use the Gaps

The gaps between the wooden slats can be used to hook your tent’s loops or guy lines. By threading your guy lines or extra cord from your utility kit, through these openings and tying them tightly, you create natural anchor points.

However, be careful that the cord isn't cutting into the tent platform wood, which could lead to damage over time.

You can position a tent stake horizontally underneath the tent platform (if there's a ledge) to secure the cord. Tie the guy line around the middle of the stake, and then pass it over the tent platform ledge, threading the guyline between the slats. This makes for a sturdy anchor point.

You can also use sticks that have naturally fallen from trees (following Leave No Trace principles). Wedge these sticks into the gaps between the slats to act as a stake for your tent’s lines without causing harm to the tent platform or environment.

This approach is especially useful when trying to anchor the tent farther into the middle of the platform.

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4. Use the Ground and Trees Beyond the Tent Platform.

If your wooden tent platform is surrounded by soil or grass, you could extend your guy lines with extra cord from your utility kit.

This allows you to anchor them beyond the tent platform's perimetre—either with stakes in the ground, or tie the guy ropes to sufficiently heavy or stable objects like ground branches.

You can also use the Big Rock Little Rock method (BRLR) as described above.

Just make sure that you don’t secure your lines to living vegetation as that can cause damage, which goes against Leave No Trace principles.

5. Fishbone Stakes

It was the guy with the non-freestanding tent on the Overland Track who introduced me to these gems. No wonder I was impressed.

Fishbone stakes are specifically designed for wooden tent platforms and slatted deck patios.  The stake (shaped like a fishbone) is inserted between the platform slats and rotated 90 degrees, providing a secure hold against the platform.  

These stakes work well with freestanding as well as non-freestanding tents, providing a taut line easily and without causing any damage to the tent platform or surrounding environment.  

Fishbone stakes are very small (normally 7.5 cm/3 “)  and they accommodate a maximum wood depth of 5 cm / 1.97 inches, with a gap range between 0.5 – 2.5 cm / 0.12 – 0.99 inches. Generally made from alloy, they are extremely lightweight and are sold in packs of ten.

Just be careful you don’t let go of them when setting up or striking camp as they can drop through the cracks – speaking from experience!  

Fishbone stakes are definitely worth investigating if you’re planning to camp on wooden tent platforms.

Considerations for Tent Platform Camping

When setting up your tent on a platform, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Research your destination beforehand to check if you will encounter wooden tent platforms. This will enable you to bring the suitable gear and mentally prepare for the setup process.
  
  Suitable gear may include additional cord for extended guy line or fishbone stakes.

• Make sure your tent's footprint or tarp fits within the confines of the platform to avoid overhang and potential water pooling issues during rain.

• Using a tent footprint is still essential. Although the platform offers a smooth surface, there may be splinters in the wood that can easily tear the base of your tent.

• Since air can flow beneath a platform, it can be chillier than camping on the ground. Bring an extra layer of insulation such as an ultra-light closed-cell foam pad for your sleeping arrangement.
  
  These ultra-light closed cell foam pads also make great yoga mats!

These Guides for Multi-Day Hiking are Recommended:
Complete Multi Day Hiking Packing List
What to Wear When Hiking (Winter and Summer)
Complete Nutrition Guide for Multi Day Hikes
Hiking in the Heat
The Essential First Aid Kit

Adapting to Local and International Grading Systems

When comparing the Australian trail difficulty rating and walking grade system to other international grading systems, the idea of camping on designated tent platforms is not usually a factor. 

However, understanding how to deal with such specifics is part of adapting to local conditions and practices. Adhering to site-specific guidelines and employing non-invasive methods to secure your tent shows a level of respect for the environment and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

The Final Word on Securing Your Shelter on Tent Platforms

If you're venturing into the backcountry and planning to pitch your tent on a wooden tent platform, it’s a smart move to get acquainted with the variety of methods you can use. 

From experiencing the O circuit in the rugged beauty of Patagonia to hiking the pristine wilderness in Tasmania, the use of tent platforms is a solution that marries convenience with eco-consciousness.

These wooden tent platforms are much more than just a flat surface to set up your tent; they're about reducing our footprint and keeping those special places unspoilt for years to come. 

It's also about learning to adapt—with the Big Rock Little Rock method providing a reliable way to anchor down where stakes won't do, or the simplicity of the Fishbone stakes delivering stability with minimal fuss.

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Navigating the ins and outs of platform camping can be as exciting as the hike itself. Whether you're pitching a freestanding tent and admiring the starlit sky or finding just the right configuration for your non-freestanding setup, there’s an undeniable satisfaction in overcoming the challenges posed by different tent platforms.

So when you plan your trip, research if you'll be setting up with wooden tent platforms along your route. Remember to bring along appropriate gear – extra cord for extended guy lines or those handy Fishbone stakes, or if you're a cold sleeper – an extra closed cell foam pad.

And finally, remember that these principles aren’t just guidelines; they’re a pact with nature. By respecting Leave No Trace principles and adapting to the environments we're guests in, we demonstrate a profound respect for the precious ecosystems that provide us with so much.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to the trail, there's always something new to learn about tent platform preparedness and etiquette. 

So pack your bags, grab your tent, and prepare to tackle those tent platforms like a pro, leaving nothing but footprints and taking nothing but pictures—and the satisfaction of a well-pitched tent.

Not Just Hiking Tents

You may have spent a night in a glamping tent which would have been set up on a wooden tent platform. If you have come to this page and after a more sturdy, permanent tent, perhaps the Wall Tent Shop might be a great place for you to shop.  Veteran owned, the Wall Tent Shop sells a great range of heavy duty canvas tents, bell tents, wall tents, platform tents, and glamping tents. They also sell a range of tent stoves and other accessories. Free shipping for many items, within the USA, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

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