the stakes should go between the boards and keep the tent up. was thinking that if you camp at the end of indian mound thats the area that we will be froging and then the boats would be able to see the camp fire for the most part and know where to go but thats up to you i'll take you by a bounch of sites and you can pick it out if you get here early I could take you out to spade and you could unload and set up camp if you would like.we will go threw indian mound so you can look there first just let me know.