Trampoline Anchor Kits: How to Keep a Trampoline Grounded in High Wind

Every spring, somebody in Ohio learns that a trampoline is basically a very large kite with a steel frame. The storm rolls through, the mat catches the wind, and the next morning the trampoline is resting against the fence, the shed, or the neighbor's minivan.

A trampoline anchor kit is the cheap insurance that keeps that from happening. Below, we compare the main types of trampoline anchors, explain which one fits your soil and your yard, and walk through installation so the kit actually holds when the weather turns. If you own a Springfree, the Springfree Ground Anchor Kit is made for your frame and fits every model we carry.

Do You Need a Trampoline Anchor Kit?

Yes. Every above-ground trampoline that lives outside should be anchored, even a heavy one. The jumping mat works like a kite in strong wind: air gets underneath, the frame lifts, and once it's moving there's nothing to stop it. An unanchored trampoline can cause serious property damage and hurt anyone in its path. A properly installed kit also keeps the frame from shifting when kids jump near the edge.

In Ohio and Kentucky, the risk isn't hypothetical. The National Weather Service classifies a thunderstorm as severe once it produces winds of 58 mph or more, and our spring and summer storm lines deliver those gusts with little warning. If your yard is open, sits on a hill, or funnels wind between houses, treat anchoring as part of the setup.

Types of Trampoline Anchors Compared

Most trampoline stakes, ground anchors and tie-down kits fall into one of five designs. The right choice depends on your soil, how exposed your yard is, and what surface the trampoline sits on.

Corkscrew Ground Anchors: The Best All-Around Choice

For most backyards, corkscrew or spiral anchors are the best trampoline anchors for high wind. The spiral grips the soil along its full length, so it resists being pulled straight up, which is exactly the force a wind gust applies.

Look for heavy duty galvanized or stainless steel, since the anchor stays in wet ground year-round and cheaper plated steel rusts. Universal kits usually pair four anchors with tie-down straps, one for each leg. Basic four-piece sets start under $20, while longer heavy duty spiral anchors cost more.

U-Shaped Trampoline Stakes: Fine for Sheltered Yards

U-shaped trampoline stakes are the budget option. Multi-packs often sell for around $18 to $23, and the typical stake is about 12 inches of galvanized steel. They're quick to drive in and do a reasonable job in a sheltered garden with firm soil.

The trade-off is holding power. A U-stake relies on friction, so a hard gust in saturated ground can pull it straight out. Treat any "withstands 50 mph winds" claim as a sales figure unless the listing explains how it was tested.

Can You Use Tent Stakes or Shed Anchors?

Tent stakes made for camping tents are too short and thin for a trampoline. Heavy duty ground anchors sold for sheds, canopies and swing sets are a different story: many use the same corkscrew design, so they work if they're long enough, galvanized, and have an eye or strap you can tie to the frame.

Brand-Specific Kits

Some trampolines are designed around their own anchors. Springfree trampolines, for example, use a ground anchor that sits over the middle of each leg, and all of our Springfree trampolines work with the same kit.

The Springfree Ground Anchor Kit is $114.99 in our store. Each kit contains four anchors that work for all Springfree models, and the manufacturer notes they're tested to withstand pull-out forces of approximately 900 N. Jumbo models may need two sets, depending on the wind in your area.

What to Look for Before You Buy an Anchor Kit

Before you purchase a trampoline anchor kit, check:

• Length. Longer ground anchors grip more soil, which matters in loose or sandy ground.
• Material. Heavy duty galvanized or stainless steel lasts for years in wet ground.
• Straps. UV-resistant webbing and a secure buckle or ratchet hold up to a full season in the sun.
• Count and price. Match the kit to your leg count, and compare the price per anchor, not just the sticker.

How Many Anchors Does a Trampoline Need?

The baseline is one anchor per leg, which is why most kits come with four. From there, size and exposure decide whether you need more. As a rule of thumb:

A larger mat catches more wind, so extra anchors are worth it on big trampolines. If you're unsure, go up a set. It costs far less than a new fence panel.

How to Anchor a Trampoline, Step by Step

The best way to anchor a trampoline is to screw a heavy-duty corkscrew anchor into the ground at every leg, strap each one snugly to the frame, and recheck them after storms. Here's how to anchor a trampoline so it stays put.

1. Check Your Soil and Call 811

Soil decides which anchor will hold. Firm clay and loam grip corkscrew anchors well, sandy soil needs longer anchors, and rocky ground may need a pilot hole. Ground anchors go in best in moderately soft ground, so water a hard lawn the day before. Call 811 to have underground utilities marked, and mark sprinkler lines or buried dog fencing yourself.

2. Position an Anchor at Each Leg

Place each anchor right beside or over the middle of a trampoline leg, not out in the lawn. The strap should pull straight down, so the frame is held to the ground rather than dragged sideways. Space the anchors evenly on opposite sides of the trampoline.

3. Drive the Heavy Duty Anchors to Full Depth

Screw corkscrew anchors in until the top eye sits at or just above ground level, using a screwdriver or bar through the eye for leverage. Drive U-stakes fully so the curved top clamps down over the leg. An anchor that's only halfway in holds a fraction of its load.

4. Tension the Straps

Loop the strap around the frame leg and cinch it snug. You want no slack, but don't crank it so tight that it bends the frame. Tuck loose strap ends so nobody trips on them.

5. Check After Storms and the Spring Thaw

Check the anchors after every big storm and again in spring. In our region, freeze-thaw cycles cause frost heave, which slowly lifts anchors out of the ground over the winter. Mow carefully around the anchor points, too.

How to Keep a Trampoline From Blowing Away in a Storm

If you want to know how to keep trampoline from blowing away when a big system is coming, anchors are the foundation, but a few extra steps help:

• Take down the enclosure net. The net catches wind like a sail, so unclip it or roll it down before severe weather, and keep the kids off until you've checked the anchors.
• Add temporary weight. Sandbags over the legs add extra hold for a single storm.
• Use windbreaks. A fence, hedge, or house wall on the windward side reduces the force on the mat.
• Consider going below grade. In-ground trampolines sit flush with the lawn, so there's no air gap under the mat for wind to lift.

Anchors are one of the best trampoline accessories you can buy, but they work best alongside good placement.

Can You Anchor a Trampoline to Concrete?

Yes, you can anchor a trampoline to concrete by drilling masonry anchors (such as wedge or sleeve anchors) into the slab and connecting them to the legs with brackets or tie-down straps. Pavers need anchors set into the base beneath them.

That said, we don't recommend setting a trampoline on concrete. A fall onto a hard surface is far more dangerous than a fall onto grass, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises placing trampolines away from structures and other play areas. Our guide to the safest trampolines for kids covers placement and other safety features.

Find Trampoline Anchor Kits and Trampolines Near You

The right anchor kit depends on your trampoline, your soil, and how much wind your yard takes. At Recreations Outlet, we carry Springfree trampolines, the Springfree Ground Anchor Kit, and in-ground trampolines, with professional delivery and installation across Ohio and Kentucky. Visit our Cincinnati (Milford) or Columbus (Powell) showroom, or buy online, and we'll help you keep your trampoline on the ground where it belongs.