Whether you’re trying to create the perfect romantic setting or trying to have a good time at the beach with friends, having one of the best beach & picnic blankets is a crucial part to pulling It off.

They instantly make sunbathing or enjoying a picnic much more comfortable!

Read your book, enjoy lunch or a glass of wine without having to worry about bugs, getting wet or burned from the hot sand.

So, what are you waiting for? We have them all right here!

Best Picnic & Beach Blankets

	Pittsford Outfitters Outdoor Blanket	Scuddles Picnic & Outdoor Blanket	Chillax Sandfree Beach Blanket
Dimensions:	78” x 55”	60” x 79”	9’ x 10’
Material:	Fleece/Polyester	600D Oxford / PEVA	Parachute Nylon
Water Repellancy:	Waterproof	Waterproof	Water Resistant
Colors:	Grey, Teal	Blue, Yellow	Blue, Pink, White/Blue

For more of my beach gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Beach Carts, Beach Tents, Beach Umbrellas.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Picnic, Camping & Beach Blankets

1. Pittsford Outfitters Spectator Outdoor Blanket
2. Scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket
3. WellaX Sandfree Beach Blanket
4. ONIVA Picnic Time Brand Outdoor Picnic Blanket
5. Zeele Outdoor Sandproof Large Beach Blanket
6. PortableAnd Large Waterproof Outdoor Picnic Blanket
7. Kahuna Parachute Beach Blanket

Our reviews of the top rated picnic blankets with a comparison table and our buyers guide below will help you choose the right blanket for you.

Picnic & Beach Blanket Reviews

#1 Pittsford Outfitters Spectator Outdoor Blanket

Whether you’re planning on using it for picnics, the beach, camping, the park, or at a music festival, the Pittsford Outfitters Waterproof Blanket has your back.

Marketed as the only 100% completely waterproof blanket available out there today, we were a bit skeptical, but were pleasantly surprised.

It’s ultra-soft being made with Polar Fleece for keeping you both dry and warm, while even adding a bit of cushioning between you and the ground.

The polyester waterproof backing is coated with polyurethane, which also makes it quite durable and perfect for the outdoors.

Aside from that, the size of this waterproof picnic blanket is pretty big. It can fit 3 adults, so you can share the comfort, but of course, is also great for just one person, too.

As it is quite large, it can be a bit difficult to carry on its own, but thanks to the portable, water-resistant bag with a handle that they’ve so thoughtfully included, you can easily take it with you.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a weather-proof, warm, comfy blanket perfect for you and your loved ones,  the Pittsford is the best picnic blanket!

#2 Scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket

The Scuddles Waterproof Beach Blanket is another great option for staying dry and warm at the beach, thanks to the puncture-resistant, waterproof, sand-resistant, durable, lightweight design.

It’s made with breathable, 100% Fleece fabric, which will withstand countless uses, as well as keep you and another nice and comfortable. However, even on those super hot days, the blanket manages to stay cool to the touch.

They’ve made it so sand doesn’t stick to it, making it so much easier to keep the car and home free of sand.

While the material is fast to dry thanks to the waterproof PEVA backing designed to keep out moisture,  but you can also toss it in the machine if you’d like.

Once you’re all done using it, or are ready to take it out to the beach, it packs up into a compact 10 x 10 size.

Thanks to the handy carry strap, you can just carry it like a bag and you’re ready to go. In addition, it comes in either blue or yellow, with a tartan/strip design that looks fashionable, as well as being the best beach blanket!

#3 Chillax WellaX Sandfree Beach Blanket

If you’re searching for a compact, lightweight blanket than the more luxurious blankets we’ve featured, then you may want to take a second to check out the Wellax Chillax Ground Cover.

At 9’ x 10’ you can use this blanket for the entire family, or a bunch of friends and yourself. Despite it covering so much ground, it collapses into a compact shape, and folds into an integrated sack, making it incredibly easy to carry with you or keep in the car.

The quick-dry 100% Parachute Nylon fabric is very durable, and perfect for all kinds of adventures.

It’s water-repellant, and anti-heat, making it cool and nice against the skin – perfect for hiking, at the beach, picnics, music festivals, and much more.

Not only is it a normal blanket, but it also comes with four built-in pockets to keep it where you need it, and a Universal Waterproof Case for you to hold all of your valuables!

If you’re looking for the best camping blanket that’s bargain priced, it would be hard to go wrong with the Chillax!

#4 ONIVA Picnic Time Brand Outdoor Picnic Blanket

Hands-down the most cozy beach and picnic blanket for us, is the ONIVA Picnic Time Outdoor Blanket/Tote XL. If you’re looking to stay cozy, dry, and also have a blanket that looks absolutely beautiful, then look no further.

Coming in an array of different patterns and colors, you’ll have everyone turning heads. You’ll find more classic English plaid, with Red Checks, Black Tartan, and much more, to give a stunning twist on the “classic” picnic blanket look.

With polyester fleece and water-resistant backing, you have the perfect combination of warm and cozy.

Combined with dryness and durability that make it an excellent choice for picnics, star gazing, or just for keeping in the car in case any occasion comes up where you need a clean place to sit.

Measuring 70” x 80”, it can easily fit smaller families, a couple, or some friends. The shoulder strap finishes it off by making it convenient and simple to take this large picnic blanket anywhere you need to go.

#5 Zeele Outdoor Sandproof Large Beach Blanket

The Zeele Outdoor blanket is another beach cover very similar to the Wellax Chillax, except for the fact that it comes in a few more color schemes

It comes with 5 sand pockets and 4 corner loops with included stakes to make sure that your blanket doesn’t go anywhere you don’t want it to. The huge 9’ x 10’ size can seamlessly accommodate around 6-7 full-sized adults, so everyone has a place to relax and hang out.

Made of 210T Nylon, it’s resistant to punctures, and is also triple-stitched at the seams to give it extra durability and strength.

It also doesn’t overheat in the sun, making it perfect to use on the beach, or anywhere else you’ll need it.

You’ll also find that it comes with a blanket stuff sack to fold it up and easily transport, and when it’s all laid out, you can use that pocket as a storage pouch to keep your valuables and other personal items handy.

The only real complaint we had, was that it had absolutely no padding, so you can feel every rock or uneven surface under it.

#6 PortableAnd Large Waterproof Outdoor Picnic Blanket

The PortableAnd Large Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is an excellent option if you want one of the best beach and picnic blankets, but don’t want to break the bank. Immediately, you’ll notice the sophisticated design.

It’s made up of three layers: soft fleece on the top, cushy sponge in the middle, and a PEVA backing layer to keep things waterproof, sand-proof, and easy to clean.

This outdoor picnic blanket comes in three different patterns/colors: Black and White Stripe, Gray and Black Checkered, and White and Blue Stripe. It’s finished off with two beautiful PU leather handles for your convenience.

The substantial size can comfortably fit around 4 adults, making it great for all outdoor family/friend outings, like to the beach, camping, as a play mat for kids, climbing, outdoor concerts/festivals, and more.

When you’re all finished using it, all you have to do is quickly shake it out to make sure nothing got on it, roll it up, and use the straps to carry it back to the car!

Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s probably the best outdoor blanket on our list!

#7 Kahuna Parachute Beach Blanket

Last on our list but certainly not least, is the Extra Large Kahuna Parachute Blanket, perfect for your time at the beach!

Coming in four different colors, just looking at it will get you in the mood to play in the sun and surf! As the name would suggest, it’s quite large, at 8 by 8 feet – an excellent size for around 4 people.

If you’re looking for a extra large picnic blanket to provide you with more comfort and plushness, then this probably isn’t the one for you.

However, if you’re looking for a thin barrier that will keep your group dry and sand-free, then this is an excellent option. Made of sturdy, premium-quality, ultra-light parachute nylon, it will last you for years to come

It’s super lightweight and folds up into a tiny package so it’s easy to transport! The sand pockets and extra ground stakes will ensure your blanket stays in place, even on breezier days.

Picnic & Camping Blanket Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Picnic & Beach Blanket – Buying Guide

• Material
• Size
• Comfort
• Absorbancy
• Style
• Ease of Cleaning
• Price
• FAQs For Picnic Blanket
• Tips For Beach Blankets

Now that you’ve taken a look at all of our favorite camping, beach and picnic blankets, if you still haven’t decided on one, we’ll cover some things to look for. We’ve gone ahead and come up with this buying guide to ensure you know exactly which blanket to select, and why!

Material

As with practically anything to do with the outdoors, material is a huge factor in how well it’s going to perform, and thus, your satisfaction with it. If your blanket is all wet or sandy, you’re just not going to enjoy it. Who wants to relax on a soggy, scratchy surface?

No one!

Typically seen in these kinds of blankets, is parachute nylon. As you can imagine, the fabric is both extremely durable and lightweight, making it super easy to transport, and use for years of adventures.

They’re tear-resistant, making them perfect for the beach with little rocks and twigs being of no issue. However, if the blanket is made of this one alone, it’s probably not going to be the most comfortable.

Another big one, is fleece. Fleece is notoriously soft and comfortable, and excellent at absorbing moisture. Many feel that fleece is an odd option for the beach, as it’s so warm, but it can also work well to stay cool, even under the sunlight.

Fleece won’t be the only layer, and will typically also be combined with a type of waterproof base. Some even include a third layer of foam between the two other layers, to add to the comfortability and luxury of a product, however, this will also make it heavier.

Size

Who or what are you going to use your new blanket with? If it’s just going to be you and one other person, then you’re not going to need a very big blanket. However, if you’re going to use it with the entire family or group of friends, then you’ll definitely want to consider a large size.

The standard size of a beach blanket is typically around 6’ x 9’, which is good enough for a couple of people. However, blankets can get so big that they can fit around 14 people, which is huge, and perfect for large gatherings of people.

Keep in mind that the larger the blanket is, the heavier it is, too.

Comfort

Everyone wants to be comfortable, right? However, this will also depend greatly on your environment. Are you going to be using it on a sandy beach?

Then you probably aren’t going to require a whole lot of extra cushioning, as sand usually moves with the weight of the person on top of it. However, if you’re going to use it on the hard ground, such as grass, then you’ll probably want to consider getting a thicker blanket.

As we just mentioned, thickness is going to add to the weight, so if you’re going hiking and bringing your beach blanket, you may want to consider a thinner product.

Absorbancy

You definitely do not want to go for a blanket that is absorbent, if you’ll be using it at the beach. If you do get one, it’s just going to soak up all of the water it comes into contact with, leaving you with a damp mess rather than a protective blanket.

You should go with a blanket that will repel water, or at least wick the water from the top layer through the back.

Style

What kind of picnic and camping blanket did you have in mind? Do you just want a plain ground cover that’s made out of parachute nylon?

Or do you desire a more stylish, soft plaid look with leather straps? The style is all up to you, as well as the color.

Some products only come with one color, but there are a few that will give you a wide array of color scheme selections, and even patterns.

We do suggest avoiding or minimizing the use of darker colors, however, because they work to absorb heat through the sun’s rays if you plan on using it at the beach.

Ease of Cleaning

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything was easy to clean? The beach is notorious for being difficult, with the water, the stickiness of beverages, and of course, the sand.

However, cleaning and maintaining your new beach and picnic blanket shouldn’t contribute to the issue.

The best products are nice and easy to clean, thanks to fabric that wicks away water and sand, so you don’t bring the entire beach home with you. All single-layer beach blankets are simple to clean, as all you have to do is hose it off.

Price

How much do you want to spend on your new product? This is something you should ask yourself beforehand, and be completely honest. Keep in mind that the more expensive products are oftentimes going to be worth the higher price, due to how much better the construction is, and how much longer it will last you.

FAQs For Outdoor Blankets

Q: Makes a blanket, a beach, camping or picnic blanket?

The blanket will first of all, be water-resistant or completely waterproof, to keep you and your loved ones nice and comfortable at the beach. Secondly, it should be sand-proof, or dirt-resistant.

Make sure the blanket doesn’t absorb these materials, but rather makes it easy to shake them off. The size will generally be large enough to fit at least two or three people, making it ideal for get-togethers. You’ll also want to make sure it’s easy to carry with straps or an included bag/sack design.

Q: Does fleece get too hot at the beach?

Surprisingly, no. It may seem to go against common sense, but it is actually quite good at staying cool to the touch in the warm sun.

Tips For Beach Blankets

#1: Don’t choose blankets with only dark colors

We mentioned this briefly above, but don’t choose a primarily dark-colored blanket, as it will absorb the heat and leave you just feeling hot.

#2: Always clean your blanket

You don’t have to clean it after each use, but it is recommended if it comes into contact with seawater or sand regularly, as they can both break down the materials in the blanket over time.

Final Thoughts

No matter which one of the best beach and picnic blankets you choose, you can rest assured that you’re going to receive one of the top on the market, today.

It all comes down to your personal preferences, and what you’ll be doing with it. We hope that this has helped you, and we look forward to seeing you again soon! Have fun out there in the sun!

How We Researched

To come up with the top picnic beach blankets, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Target, Lowes, Bed Bath & Beyond and Walmart along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in adventure travel, hiking and backpacking.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow travelers and tour guides.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources