OK so which it the best type of groundsheet for under your tent or softfloor camper.
There are several types out their , we have both shadecloth mesh type and also a tarp based solid cover unit.
The mesh one is really good on grass and lets water go thru it and not pool, hence staying drier.
It also doesn't kill grass quite as quick but there isn't much in that unless its used under an awning as the tent base is solid PVC anyway.
My tarp based one seems to be generally better provided you have it a couple of 100mm smaller the the tent floor. Even when water pools,
well you just flip if off, it dries quick and doesn't matter anyway.
I have come across some issues for both types hence the questions.
First camping recently at "Farina" we went to bed under clear skies and it rained from midnight.
The red soil quickly turned to a sticky red mud and was every where.
With a mesh groundsheet the mud would likely seep thru and cover the tent floor.
With the pvc tarp groundsheet the tent floor (except the edges) doesn't get mud on it and can be packed up clean. With care even the tarp can be folded to minimze the sticking mud.
Putting down a tarp has however proved to be difficult without helpers in wind , whereas a mesh type has much less wind issues, particularly if its made a little bigger than the tent floor, such that tent pegs can be driven into it without making holes as it would with tarps.
If the groundsheet gets really dirty then the mesh one cleans easier but only if you have lots of water !
The Tarp ones are so cheap and light that you can carry a spare if it really got serious mud.
This might be the best answer for when your in a hurry !
I note you can also buy mesh type in a rubber material by the metre , it seems to be mostly used under Van awnings.
On sand the mesh types can apparently just be shaken and most sand will come off (but is sand left on the tent base? ).
Some special mesh ones are treated to shed dirt faster - wonder how they would go with sticky mud ?