Why We Ban Plastic Tarps: Protecting Campsite Grass and Nature
If you love arriving to a lush, green pitch, this post is for you. At Camping Drei Spatzen, we care deeply about the health of our grass and the nature that surrounds it. That’s why we ban plastic tarps and root canvas under awnings and canopies. In their place, you may use special breathable camping ground sheets or tent carpets. Below, we explain the ecological reasons behind this rule, what happens under non‑breathable plastics, and how to set up your space in a grass‑friendly way—without sacrificing comfort.
Our Policy, In One Glance
- Not permitted: Plastic tarp or root canvas in the awning or under the canopy.
- Permitted: Special breathable camping ground sheet or tent carpet.
This simple rule helps keep our pitches healthy for you and future guests.
What Plastic Tarps Do To Grass (And Why It Matters)
Plastic tarps feel practical in wet weather, but they create conditions that are harsh on living turf. Here’s what typically happens under an impermeable plastic sheet:
- No airflow, no oxygen: Roots and soil organisms need gas exchange. A plastic barrier suffocates the turf, stressing or killing roots.
- Trapped moisture and heat: Water can pool, temperatures spike, and turf becomes prone to rot and fungal issues.
- Compacted, sealed soil: Without permeability, water runs off instead of soaking in. The surface seals, reducing resilience and recovery.
- Loss of soil life: Beneficial microbes and invertebrates decline in low‑oxygen, waterlogged conditions, slowing regrowth.
- Bare patches and erosion: Once turf thins, bare soil is more vulnerable to wear, dust, and erosion.
By contrast, a breathable groundsheet allows air and water to pass through, greatly reducing these issues when used with care.
Why Healthy Grass Elevates Your Camping Experience
Well‑kept grass isn’t just pretty—it improves your stay and protects the surroundings:
- Comfort underfoot: Even, resilient turf is more comfortable for relaxing and play.
- Cleaner pitches: Healthy grass helps filter dust and mud, keeping gear and interiors cleaner.
- Natural cooling and drainage: Living turf cools the area and supports natural water absorption.
- Wildlife and biodiversity: A thriving sward supports insects and birds in our forested, hilly Southern Eifel landscape.
Keeping grass in top condition is part of our commitment to nature and to your camping comfort.
Allowed vs. Not Allowed: Quick Reference
| Surface/Materiel | Impact on Grass | Status at Camping Drei Spatzen |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic tarp or root canvas | High damage risk (air/water blocked) | Not permitted |
| Breathable camping ground sheet / tent carpet | Low impact with good practice | Permitted |
Tip: If you aren’t sure whether a mat is breathable, look for an open‑weave or permeable design that allows both air and water to pass through.
Smart Alternatives To Plastic Tarps
You can keep your living area comfortable and your pitch healthy—without plastic tarps.
- Breathable camping ground sheets: Purpose‑made, permeable mats designed for awnings and tents. They allow gas exchange and drainage.
- Open‑weave awning mats: Mesh‑style rugs that feel stable underfoot yet let turf breathe.
- Targeted doormats and runners: Place small, breathable mats at high‑traffic spots instead of covering the entire area.
- Furniture coasters or pads: Distribute weight under chair and table legs to reduce point pressure on turf.
How To Choose A Breathable Groundsheet
- Permeability: Look for “breathable,” “air‑permeable,” or “open‑weave” designations.
- Right‑sized coverage: Match the mat to your awning footprint; avoid excessive overlap.
- Durability and care: Opt for rot‑resistant materials that are easy to clean and quick to dry.
- Light color, low heat: Lighter tones reduce heat buildup on sunny days.
Best‑Practice Setup: Keep Grass Alive Under Your Awning
Use these grass‑friendly habits to complement your breathable mat:
- Cover only what you use. Resist the urge to carpet the whole pitch. Smaller coverage = healthier turf.
- Lift and air daily. Shake out your mat and let the ground breathe for a few minutes.
- Move the load. Shift tables and chairs slightly each day to prevent pressure spots.
- Protect high‑traffic edges. Place small, breathable runners at doors and along narrow walkways.
- Keep heat off turf. Use proper stands for grills and stoves; avoid hot items directly on grass.
- Let water drain naturally. Don’t create dams with gear or coolers; keep flow paths clear.
- Clean before packing. Shake off soil and organic debris to prevent smothering when you set up again.
These simple steps add up: you enjoy a drier, cleaner living space and the pitch rebounds quickly.
FAQ: Plastic Tarps, Groundsheets, and Grass Care
Why does Camping Drei Spatzen ban plastic tarps?
Because impermeable plastics suffocate grass and damage the soil. To protect pitches and the nature around us, we don’t allow plastic tarp or root canvas under awnings or canopies. Breathable camping ground sheets or tent carpets are allowed.
What counts as a “plastic tarp” in this context?
Solid, non‑permeable sheeting such as polythene, PVC‑coated tarps, or root/weed‑control membranes that block air and water.
Can I put any mat under my awning?
Yes—if it’s a special breathable camping ground sheet or tent carpet. These are designed to let the turf breathe and drain.
How do I keep things tidy in wet weather without a plastic tarp?
Use a breathable mat for the main area, plus a small scraper/doormat at the entrance. Elevate shoes on a rack, and funnel foot traffic onto narrow, breathable runners instead of covering the whole pitch.
I’m in a campervan—what should I do with grey water?
On our RV site pitches, you have a 16A power connection, a water point, and a drainage point for grey water. Please use the provided drainage point rather than discharging onto grass.
Plan Your Setup Around Your Pitch Type
Different pitch types call for slightly different approaches. Here’s how to make the most of what’s available across our campground in the Southern Eifel:
- RV site: Centrally located, close to the main building and nature, with a 16A power connection, water tap, and drainage for grey water. Keep your footprint compact and use breathable mats under your awning area.
- Comfort camping pitch (80–100 m²): On designated fields with connections such as electricity, Wi‑Fi, water, and drainage. Use a breathable groundsheet, and rotate furniture to protect turf across the stay.
- Tent site (car‑free): Along the lovely Michelbach stream and near playgrounds. These pitches follow the natural valley’s shape and vary in size (S to XL). A breathable tent carpet keeps things tidy while letting the ground recover.
- Safari or Bell tent rental: Prefer to travel light? Choose a furnished tent with the comforts of home—then add a small, breathable mat at the entrance to minimize mud.
Not sure which pitch suits your setup best? We’re happy to think along with you by email or phone.
Practical Takeaways: A Quick Checklist
Use this 60‑second checklist before you roll out a mat:
- Is my mat labeled breathable or open‑weave?
- Am I covering only the space I truly use?
- Do I have small pads/coasters for chair and table legs?
- Will I lift and air the mat daily?
- Is my grill/stove on a proper stand, not on grass?
- For RVs: Do I know where the grey‑water drainage point is on my pitch?
If you can tick these boxes, you’re set for a comfortable stay that’s kind to nature.
A Shared Commitment To Nature
Camping Drei Spatzen is a friendly, nature‑rich family campground in the wooded and hilly Southern Eifel, between Bitburg and Vianden (Luxembourg). By following the plastic‑tarp policy and using breathable alternatives, you help keep our pitches green and welcoming—for your holiday and for the guests who follow.
- With an SVR or CKE/ADAC card, you can camp extra affordably. Discounts are not always valid in high season and not stackable. Feel free to ask us for details.
- Exploring stay options? Read more about our RV site, Comfort camping pitch (80m²), Tent site (car‑free), and Safari tent rental.
Conclusion
Banning plastic tarps protects living turf, reduces erosion, and keeps pitches comfortable and beautiful. When you switch to a breathable camping ground sheet or tent carpet—and follow a few grass‑friendly habits—you’ll notice cleaner gear, better drainage, and greener grass underfoot.
Ready to enjoy a greener stay in the Southern Eifel? Book your pitch now or contact us for help choosing the right spot.
- Book now on our website
- Email: info@camping-dreispatzen.eu
- Phone: +49 (0)6564-9649999