Best RV Awning Accessories: Tie-Downs, Screens, and Mats

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 11, 2026· 6 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

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Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

Short answer

The best RV awning accessories for most campers are sturdy tie-downs, a sun-blocking awning screen, and a durable outdoor mat. Tie-downs protect the awning in wind, screens make the space usable in hot sun, and mats keep mud, grit, and tracked-in debris under control.

If you only buy one item, buy quality tie-downs first. Sources focused on awning safety consistently stress proper anchoring, durable materials like nylon or polyester, and secure ground stakes or anchors as the foundation of awning protection.[1] After that, add a screen if your campsite gets blasted by afternoon sun, and a mat if you care about keeping the area clean and livable.

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Best RV awning accessories at a glance

1. Best overall: Tie-down kit with strong anchors and adjustable straps
2. Best for shade and privacy: RV awning screen
3. Best for clean campsite living: Breathable outdoor RV mat
4. Best add-on for long stays: Awning lighting or bug control accessories
5. What to skip: Cheap single-point tie-downs, flimsy mesh screens, and plastic-y mats that trap moisture

1) Best overall: RV awning tie-downs

Tie-downs are the accessory that matters most because wind is what ruins awnings fastest. Guidance from awning-focused buying advice emphasizes selecting sturdy tie-downs made from high-quality materials and using anchors that are appropriate for the terrain, with diagonal placement for stability.[1]

What to look for

• Adjustable straps so you can tension the awning correctly.
• Heavy-duty webbing in nylon or polyester rather than bargain-bin elastic cord.[1]
• Proper anchors such as screw stakes for soft ground or sand-rated anchors where needed.[1]
• Corrosion-resistant hardware if you camp in wet or salty conditions.
• Enough strength margin so the system is not working at its limit; one awning guide recommends aiming for tie-down capacity that exceeds the awning’s weight by at least 20%.[1]

Practical buying advice

For real-world use, the safest setup is a pair of straps set at diagonal angles with secure ground anchors, then rechecked as wind picks up.[1] That matters more than brand names printed on the packaging.

What to skip and why

• Cheap bungee-style kits: They stretch, which is the opposite of what you want when the wind loads the awning.
• Tiny stakes: They are easy to yank loose in soft soil.
• One-strap-only systems: They do not control sway as well as a balanced setup.

Pros

• Best protection against wind damage
• Usually inexpensive compared with replacing an awning
• Easy to store and reuse

Cons

• Need proper anchoring and setup time
• Can be overkill for very calm, protected campsites
• Low-quality kits fail fast

2) Best for shade and privacy: RV awning screens

Awning screens turn an awning from “some shade” into an actual outdoor room. Retailers and RV accessory sellers consistently categorize awning screens as a common awning add-on for sun protection and campsite comfort.[3][4][7][9]

What they do well

• Reduce harsh direct sun under the awning
• Add privacy without fully closing off airflow
• Make the space feel cooler and more usable during long afternoon sits

What to look for

• UV-resistant material so it does not get brittle quickly.
• A weave that blocks sun but still breathes.
• Correct fit for your awning length.
• Secure attachment points that do not flog in the wind.

What to skip and why

• Ultra-cheap mesh that frays fast: It may look fine on day one and fail after a season of UV exposure.
• Oversized generic screens: Loose panels flap, wear out, and can become annoying in even moderate wind.
• Opaque products with poor airflow: They can trap heat and make the awning area feel stagnant.

Pros

• Better shade and privacy
• Improves campsite comfort in hot weather
• Can make a basic awning feel like extra living space

Cons

• Another fabric item to clean, dry, and store
• Can catch wind if not fitted well
• Less useful in small or tree-shaded sites

3) Best for clean campsite living: RV mat

A good mat is one of the most underrated RV accessories because it keeps the mess outside. While awning-specific retailers focus more heavily on hardware and shade products, mats are a standard campground comfort upgrade sold alongside awning and outdoor living gear.[2][7][9]

What to look for

• Breathable weave so the ground under it does not stay soggy.
• UV-stable construction so it does not crack or fade immediately.
• Easy shake-off cleanup for sand, pine needles, and tracked dirt.
• Appropriate size for the footprint of your awning area.

What to skip and why

• Thin plastic mats: They can be slippery, trap water, and age badly in the sun.
• Overly thick foam-like mats: Comfortable, yes; practical in wet weather, not always.
• Tiny “welcome” mats: They do almost nothing once a campsite gets busy.

Pros

• Keeps dirt out of the RV
• Creates a cleaner, more defined living area
• Makes barefoot camping more comfortable

Cons

• Needs regular shaking and cleaning
• Can blow around if not weighted down
• Cheap versions wear out quickly in UV exposure

4) Useful extras if you camp for more than a weekend

If you stay put for a week or more, the best awning accessories are the ones that make the space easier to use every day.

• Awning lights for evening cooking or reading
• Bug control add-ons for buggy shoulder seasons
• Ground stakes and anchor upgrades if your campsite soil is loose or sandy
• Storage bags so screens, straps, and mats do not become a tangled mess

How to choose the right combination

The right mix depends on how you camp.

• Windy, open sites: Buy tie-downs first, then consider a mat.
• Hot, sunny sites: Buy a screen first, but do not skip tie-downs.
• Dirty, dusty, or muddy sites: Start with a mat and then add tie-downs.
• Long-stay snowbird setups: Get all three, because they solve different problems.

What actually works best in the real world

The most useful awning setup is simple:

1. Secure the awning with proper tie-downs.
2. Add shade with a screen if sun is the problem.
3. Use a mat to keep the campsite clean and livable.

That order matters because a fancy screen does nothing if the awning is unstable, and a premium mat does not help much if the whole setup is miserable in wind and sun.

Buying checklist

• Match the accessory to your awning size.
• Favor durable materials over flashy features.[1]
• Make sure tie-downs can be anchored correctly in your campsite soil.[1]
• Check that screens still allow airflow.
• Pick mats that are easy to shake out and dry.
• Avoid anything that looks clever but is hard to set up or store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important RV awning accessory?

Tie-downs are the most important because they help protect the awning from wind damage. Awning buying guidance stresses strong materials, secure anchors, and correct diagonal placement for stability.[1]

Are RV awning screens worth it?

Yes, if you camp in sun and want more usable outdoor space. Retailers commonly sell awning screens as sun-protection and comfort accessories, and they are most useful on hot, exposed sites.[3][4][7][9]

What kind of mat is best under an RV awning?

A breathable outdoor mat is the best choice because it helps keep dirt down without trapping as much moisture as solid plastic mats. Look for UV resistance, easy cleanup, and a size that fits your awning area.

Can I use cheap tie-downs for a small awning?

You can, but it is not the smart place to save money. The difference between a cheap strap and a durable, properly anchored tie-down kit is often the difference between a stable awning and a damaged one in a gusty campsite.[1]

Do I need all three accessories?

Not always. If you camp mostly in calm, shaded parks, you may only need a mat. If you camp in open desert or windy areas, tie-downs should be non-negotiable, and a screen becomes the next most useful upgrade.

Final buying advice

If you want the short version, buy tie-downs first, then add an awning screen for shade, then finish with a good mat for comfort and cleanliness. That combination solves the three biggest awning problems: wind, sun, and campsite mess.[1][3][7][9]

For shoppers who want practical gear instead of gimmicks, that is the setup that earns its space in the storage bay.

All Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		Tentproinc RV Awning Sun Shade Screen Sunshade 8' X 15' 3'' (Fit for 16' Awning)- Mesh Sunscreen Motorhome Camper Trailer Awning Shade Screen UV Blocker Completed Kits - 3 Year Warranty (Black)	$64.89	★★★★★ (4,812)	View on Amazon
#2		Stylish Camping Outdoor Patio / RV Camping Mat - Swirl (Black/White, 9-Feet x 12-Feet)	$65.81	★★★★★ (19,379)	View on Amazon
#3		Heavy Duty RV Awning Tie Down Kit, Campers Awning Anchors Accessories	$33.99	★★★★★ (466)	View on Amazon
#4		Dulepax RV Awning Shade Screen with Zipper 8'X15'3'' -Second Generation RV Awning Screen Significantly Improves Shadew and Privacy.Universal RV Awning Sun Shade Screen with Complete Kits	$53.99	★★★★★ (2,064)	View on Amazon
#5		EEZ RV Products 9'x18' GW Heavy Duty Reversible/Durable Outdoor Patio/RVing Mats(9ft x18ft Grey) Come with Large Storage Bag & 6 Sets of Stakes and Washer	$139.00	★★★★★ (1,416)	View on Amazon