One of the most overlooked ways to spruce up your outdoor camp area is with a patio mat or RV outdoor rugs. With the wide range available, taking your camper’s patio from basic to beautiful is easier than ever. Enjoying the outdoors is perhaps the biggest perk of RV life, so why not ensure your outdoor living space checks every box?
Plus, camping patio mats help you keep your RV cleaner inside. Especially when camping on dirt or grass, you’ll track less in and enjoy a cleaner space when you step out under your awning. There are several factors to consider to find the right RV rugs for outside. Let’s dive in and help you find the perfect foundation for your camper’s outdoor patio.
Key Takeaways
- RV patio mats enhance your outdoor living space by adding comfort, style, and functionality while also helping to keep your RV interior cleaner, especially when camping on dirt, grass, or other debris-prone surfaces.
- Choosing the right mat involves material and size considerations—polypropylene, polyester, and natural fibers like jute/sisal are common options. Depending on your patio layout and furniture needs, typical sizes range from 6’ x 9’ to 8’ x 20’.
- Proper placement and care are essential—use breathable rugs on grass or concrete, hang mats to dry regularly, and complement your setup with step covers and welcome mats for added cleanliness and safety.
What Are RV Outdoor Mats Made Of?
Images by Camping World
The best RV patio mats and outdoor RV rugs are made of long-lasting materials that resist stains, delay fading, and hold up to various weather conditions. Here are a few of the best options:
- Polypropylene. One of the most durable and popular options, polypropylene camper rugs are UV-resistant and come in many patterns and color combinations. This material can handle moisture and heavy foot traffic, plus it’s super easy to clean and maintain.
- Polyester. Polyester is a long-lasting, durable camping mat material that withstands most stains. It is also fade-resistant, affordable, and available in many colors.
- Jute/Sisal. Jute and sisal are natural plant fibers used to create firm, eco-friendly outdoor rugs. Rugs made of these materials are comfortable underfoot and are biodegradable, but they are prone to fading in direct sunlight and can lead to mold and mildew growth.
What Is the Best Size for Outdoor Rugs for Campers?
The ideal size for an RV patio mat depends on the space available in your camper’s patio area. It should provide a large enough area to fit a few comfy camping chairs, a provided picnic table or a folding camp table, and any other outdoor RV furniture you use.
While you’ll find smaller and larger options, these are the most common RV patio mat sizes:
As a rule of thumb, it’s smart to find an RV patio mat that covers the entire area under your awning.
Consider how you’ll use the space and how you want it to feel.
Cozy and quaint? Try using a smaller RV outdoor mat with a folding coffee table. Ensure enough space for the front legs of all the chairs to fit around the table.
Spacious and charming? Try a larger outdoor RV rug that covers most of your patio. Then, group your outdoor camping furniture in separate conversational areas.
Hosting a tailgate party? Use multiple patio mats outside your camper to expand the space and keep everyone clean. Set up chairs, games, and an outdoor meal prep area so everything stays neat and organized.
Regardless of how you use your outdoor patio, the perfect RV outdoor rug keeps the space cleaner and elevates the decorative outdoor vibes.
Inside Out or Outside In?
Many of the best RV patio mats are reversible. This gives you options to change your exterior decor whenever you reach a new campsite. As you shop, look for reversible outdoor camping rugs to enjoy this flexibility.
In addition, smaller RV outdoor rugs can work inside, too. They’re already stain-resistant and long-lasting, so if you see one that would be great inside, go for it. However, the opposite is never a good idea. Indoor rugs won’t last outside. If you use a mat or rug on your patio, it must be rated for outdoor use.
What Are the Best RV Outdoor Mats?
Our favorite patio mats for RV camping offer dual-sided reversibility and integrated LED trim lighting to make your campsite stand out. Lighted RV patio mats also make your campsite safer and easier to find when wandering back from a neighbor’s site after dark. Venture Forward, Faulkner, and Lippert are three of our favorite RV patio mat brands.
Where Should I Use My RV Patio Mat?
Before deciding the type, size, or design of the outdoor rug you want, you first must decide where to put it. The surface under your rug often determines the other factors. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect patio mat only to discover it won’t work in your intended space.
Here are the three most popular surfaces on which outdoor rugs are placed, along with a few things to keep in mind when choosing your rug.
- Grass. While super convenient, placing a rug on a grass surface can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew over time. Opt for a breathable rug and consider using temporary plastic or wood composite flooring between the grass and the rug to serve as a barrier. Also, make a point to hang the rug and allow it to dry completely, especially after a rain shower.
- Concrete. Similar to grass, concrete is often porous (unless sealed) and can trap moisture underneath an RV outdoor rug, leading to mildew. Choose a breathable material that allows moisture to evaporate, and hang your rug periodically to thoroughly dry it out.
- Wood-stained deck. While wood-stained decks dry fairly quickly after rain, the section underneath an outdoor rug will remain wet longer than the rest of the deck. This leads to uneven fading of the deck stain and mildew growth. Aim for a natural fiber rug that absorbs water, and hang your rug to dry often.
What About Welcome Mats & RV Step Covers?
Nothing says home like a welcome mat, even if you’re living out of your home away from home. Patio mats get all the attention for making the outdoors feel like an extension of your living room, but don’t underestimate the power of RV step covers or a doormat with a message.
Smaller RV doormats are practical, convenient, and keep campsite dirt out of your RV. No one likes tracking the day’s crumbs into their living space, so a well-placed mat provides a place to wipe your feet before stepping inside. The same is true of step covers, but they add the benefit of providing more grip to make it safer and easier to get in and out of your camper.
Want to take your patio to the next level? Check out the posts below:
What do you look for in a patio mat or outdoor rug? Tell us in the comments below.
Do you have approximate 30 ft mats
Hi Claire!
The largest patio mats that I currently see on our site are about 20′ long. Here are direct links to them:
https://www.campingworld.com/cgear-comfort-rv-sand-free-patio-mat-125123.html
https://www.campingworld.com/prest-o-fit-aero-weave-breathable-outdoor-mat-629926.html
You can also browse our full selection and filter by size in the right column (on desktop): https://www.campingworld.com/outside-rv/patio-mats-step-rugs/patio-mats