How to Choose a Flagpole For Camping

There’s nothing like setting up camp and cracking a cold one with Old Glory flying high overhead. We’re going to show you how to choose a flagpole for camping so you can enjoy the great outdoors like a true patriot! There are really just four decisions to make:

• Material
• Pole style
• Size 
• Mount type

We typically recommend a telescoping flagpole because it can be set up in minutes and breaks down to just around 7 feet, which makes it easy to take along for any camping trip. 

HD Flagpoles has an awesome selection to choose from, with heights ranging from 17 feet all the way up to 25 feet. They come backed by our 10-year warranty and world-class customer service. 

Key Takeaways

• Aluminum telescoping poles are the best choice for a camping flagpole.
• You can use either a hitch mount or tire mount to fly a flag from your vehicle without drilling.
• Most campers choose a 20-foot flagpole because it’s tall enough to clear other RVs and still fairly light.
• HD Flagpoles makes the best flagpoles for camping no matter what you’re looking for.

Different Ways to Display a Flagpole at the Campground

Let’s start by figuring out how you’re actually going to display a flagpole at your campground, because that will influence which camping flagpole is right for your vision. You have three options.

Ground planting works on soft terrain. You can slide a PVC ground sleeve into the dirt, pack it tight, and drop the pole in. Super simple. But you have to be able to dig deep enough (usually two feet, minimum) to get a stable grip. Otherwise, crosswind will bring the pole down fast.

Vehicle mounting is usually your best bet. You can mount a flagpole either to your vehicle or your RV. It’s more practical since you don’t have to dig a hole and hope the ground will work with you. A hitch mount slides into any standard receiver. You can also use a tire mount if a hitch mount isn’t an option. Basically, you drive your vehicle over the base plate. The vehicle’s weight will keep it secure. Then you can slide the pole into the sleeve.

The third option is more permanent and only makes sense for cabins or seasonal campsites you return to time and time again. You can install a permanent wall-mount or ground-mount and bring your pole with you (assuming it’s telescoping).

How to Choose a Flagpole For Camping

Now, let’s get into how to choose a flagpole for camping. There are only a handful of things you need to consider to narrow it down to the perfect camping flagpole.

Figure Out Materials First

Aluminum is the way to go for pretty much any type of flagpole, but especially one you camp with. Steel is heavy and rusts easily. Fiberglass chips and bends too much. Wood is obviously not practical because it rots. 

On the other hand, the 6005-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum we use in our flagpoles is capable of withstanding lake air, campfire smoke, UV exposure, and the constant loading and unloading that comes with camping season. It’s super lightweight, though - just 24 lbs for a 20-foot pole.

Why Telescoping is the Way to Go

You need something you can set up and tear down in minutes when you go camping, which is why a one-piece flagpole is not an option. You can’t necessarily fit a 20-foot pole in the bed of your truck - and it definitely won’t fit in the trunk of your SUV. 

You’ll want to choose between a sectional vs telescoping flagpole. Sectional flagpoles break down into segments, but then you’re dealing with loose hardware and sleeve connections. Not fun when you’re trying to enjoy every precious minute at the lake or in the woods.

On the other hand, a telescoping flagpole goes from full height to just 7’3” in minutes. It’s super portable. You can weigh other types of flagpoles, but nothing else is as travel-friendly or easy to set up.

Sizing Your Flagpole

A 20-foot flagpole is the sweet spot for most campers. It’s tall enough that you can see your flag above neighboring RVs and maybe even over some of the trees nearby. But it’s still pretty lightweight, so you can easily set it up yourself. You can fly a 3x5 or 4x6 flag from it. 

That said, a 25-foot flagpole gives you a little more height if you really want to make a statement at the campground. It also lets you fly a 5x8 flag if you want something with a little more presence. 

Picking the Perfect Mount

Figuring out how to choose a flagpole for camping is just the first step. Then you have to figure out how to display it. The ideal flagpole mount depends on your vehicle and your site.

The HD Telescoping Flagpole Tire Mount is a cool option if you are tent camping and don’t have a hitch on your vehicle. You can drive the tire of your vehicle onto the front of it to hold it down securely. Then, slide your flagpole into the slot. It’s that easy!

The HD Telescoping Flagpole Hitch Mount is a solid fit for vehicles with a hitch, including RVs. It accommodates the same telescoping flagpoles as the tire mount. 

Tips on Showing Off Your New Flagpole at the Campsite

All that’s left to do now that you know how to choose a flagpole for camping is fly Old Glory with pride! Keep the flag at the top of the pole. Not halfway down. A tight halyard will prevent it from sagging in still air. 

Our flagpoles are rated for winds up to 85 MPH, but you should still break down the telescoping flagpole before a storm rolls in. It takes just 5 minutes. 

Make sure you give the flagpole enough clearance from neighboring sites so that your flag can fly freely without swinging into trees or disturbing fellow campers.

Be sure to illuminate your flagpole if you’re flying it at night, too. Otherwise, you’ll want to break down the flagpole before turning in for bed. We have some super simple solar flag lights that clip onto the top of any telescoping pole for 10 hours of illumination.

So, what are you waiting for? Shop the best selection of flag poles made in USA today and enjoy your next camping trip to the fullest! The perfect camping flag pole kit is just a few clicks away.