An in ground trampoline can completely change the way your backyard looks and functions. Instead of having a large above-ground trampoline sitting on top of the lawn, an in ground trampoline becomes part of the yard itself. It looks cleaner, feels more permanent, and creates a more premium backyard setup.
But before you start digging, it is important to plan the project properly. An in ground trampoline is not just a trampoline placed in a hole. The location, drainage, retaining wall, finishing materials, access, and trampoline quality all matter.
If you are thinking about adding an in ground trampoline to your backyard, here is what to consider before installation begins.
Start With the Purpose of the Space
Before choosing the exact location, think about how your backyard is used.
Is the trampoline going to be the main feature of the yard? Will it sit near a patio, pool, play area, or outdoor kitchen? Do you want it tucked into a corner, or should it be part of a larger backyard entertainment space?
One of the biggest advantages of an in ground trampoline is that it fits naturally into the yard. It does not block sightlines the same way a traditional above-ground trampoline can, and it can be worked into the overall design of the space.
This is similar to the difference between an above-ground pool and an in-ground pool. Both can be fun, but the in-ground version feels more permanent, more polished, and more intentionally designed. An in ground trampoline gives your backyard that same kind of upgrade.
Choose the Right Location for Your In Ground Trampoline
The location of your in ground trampoline is one of the most important decisions in the planning process.
You want an area that is easy to access, visible enough for supervision, and clear of major obstacles. Avoid placing the trampoline too close to fences, trees, retaining walls, sheds, patios, or other hard surfaces.
You should also think about how the trampoline will look from different areas of the home and yard. Since an in ground trampoline sits much lower than a traditional trampoline, it can be placed in a way that feels more integrated with the landscape.
A good location should have:
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Enough open space around the trampoline
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Clear visibility from the house or patio
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Good drainage potential
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Room for excavation equipment if needed
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Enough distance from trees, fences, and hard landscaping
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A layout that works with the natural flow of the backyard
The goal is not just to fit the trampoline somewhere. The goal is to make it feel like it belongs there.
Think About the Finished Look
An in ground trampoline should look like part of the backyard, not like an afterthought.
This is where planning the surrounding area matters. Grass, turf, stone, pavers, mulch, or other landscaping materials can all be used around the trampoline to create a clean finished look.
Crazy Ape can also provide extended pads that reach beyond the perimeter of the trampoline. This helps create a sleeker edge and makes the in ground trampoline feel more integrated with the surrounding yard.
The finished look is one of the main reasons families choose an in ground trampoline in the first place. It is less visually intrusive, more premium, and easier to design around than a traditional above-ground trampoline.
Decide Between a Pit Setup and a True In Ground Trampoline Installation
Not every in ground trampoline is installed the same way.
Some trampolines are installed as freestanding units inside a pit. In this type of setup, the trampoline sits inside an excavated area. This can work in some cases, but it is not always the best solution. The pit still needs to allow for airflow, drainage, maintenance access, and proper clearance around the trampoline.
A true in ground trampoline installation is usually mounted to a retaining wall or support structure. This creates a cleaner and more permanent installation. The retaining wall supports the surrounding ground, helps define the finished opening, and allows the trampoline to feel more built into the yard.
If you want the most premium result, the retaining wall style is usually the better direction. It creates the finished look most people imagine when they think of a high-end in ground trampoline.
Plan for Drainage Before You Dig
Drainage is one of the most important parts of an in ground trampoline installation.
Because the trampoline sits below ground level, water needs somewhere to go. If drainage is not planned properly, water can collect in the pit after rain, snowmelt, or irrigation.
The right drainage solution depends on your yard, soil type, slope, and local conditions. Some yards may only need a basic drainage bed. Others may require a more complete drainage system to move water away from the trampoline area.
This is one of the reasons it is important to plan the entire project before excavation starts. The hole should not be dug first with drainage figured out later. Drainage should be part of the original installation plan.
Understand the True Cost of an In Ground Trampoline
An in ground trampoline is a premium backyard feature, so the cost is usually higher than a basic above-ground trampoline.
The trampoline itself should typically start around $4,000 and can cost up to $20,000 or more for premium multi-trampoline backyard park setups. These larger setups can create a backyard trampoline park feel, with multiple jumping areas built into one custom design.
Installation is separate from the trampoline. Depending on the yard, soil conditions, retaining wall design, drainage needs, and contractor fees, the hole, retaining wall, drainage system, and installation work can often range from $2,000 to $6,000.
That means the total project cost depends on both the trampoline and the installation. A properly planned in ground trampoline is a long-term backyard investment, not a temporary purchase.
Do Not Put a Cheap Trampoline in an Expensive Hole
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is spending thousands of dollars on excavation, drainage, and landscaping, then trying to save money by using a cheap trampoline.
This creates a problem: you are building a permanent set-up around a not-so-permanent trampoline.
The hole, retaining wall, drainage system, and landscaping may cost more than a low-end trampoline. If the trampoline wears out, rusts, shifts, or needs to be replaced sooner than expected, the entire installation becomes more frustrating.
A cheap trampoline may not be designed for long-term in ground use. It may not handle moisture exposure, airflow needs, frame support, or future maintenance access properly.
If you are investing in an in ground trampoline, the trampoline itself should match the quality of the installation. Crazy Ape in ground trampolines are designed for homeowners who want a premium, long-lasting backyard feature, not a temporary trampoline dropped into a hole.
Consider Safety and Enclosures
Safety is another reason families consider an in ground trampoline, although it is not always the main reason.
Because the jumping surface sits close to ground level, an in ground trampoline removes the large gap between the trampoline and the yard. This makes falling off the trampoline less of an issue compared with a traditional above-ground trampoline.
For many families, this can also eliminate the need to purchase a tall enclosure. Without the same height difference between the trampoline and the ground, the trampoline feels more natural to enter and exit.
That said, an in ground trampoline still needs to be used properly. Jumpers should follow safe jumping rules, avoid overcrowding, and use the trampoline responsibly. The lower profile helps with one major concern, but proper use still matters.
Think About Weather and Long-Term Durability
A traditional above-ground trampoline can be more exposed to wind because it sits above the yard on legs. In extreme weather, this can create concern about the trampoline shifting, tipping, or being blown around.
An in ground trampoline reduces that concern because it is installed into the ground. It has a lower profile and becomes part of the yard rather than sitting on top of it.
This is another reason families often see an in ground trampoline as the more premium, long-term option. It looks better, feels more permanent, and is less likely to become a large object sitting exposed in the middle of the lawn.
Make Sure the Backyard Still Works
A trampoline should improve the backyard, not take it over.
Before choosing the final location, think about mowing, landscaping, walking paths, patio access, garden areas, play zones, and future backyard plans. An in ground trampoline is easier to design around than an above-ground trampoline, but it still needs to be placed thoughtfully.
Ask yourself:
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Can people move around the trampoline easily?
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Is there enough space around the edges?
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Will it interfere with patios, decks, or future landscaping?
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Can you still maintain the yard?
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Is the trampoline visible enough for supervision?
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Does the location feel natural?
The best in ground trampoline installations feel like they were always meant to be part of the yard.
Why Choose Crazy Ape for an In Ground Trampoline?
A proper in ground trampoline starts with proper planning and the right trampoline system.
Crazy Ape in ground trampolines are built for families who want a premium backyard feature that looks clean, feels permanent, and is designed to fit into the yard. With options like extended pads for a sleeker finished edge and premium trampoline designs for larger backyard park setups, Crazy Ape gives homeowners a better way to create a high-end trampoline space at home.
If you are already investing in excavation, drainage, retaining walls, and landscaping, the trampoline should not be the place to cut corners.
An in ground trampoline is not just about jumping. It is about building a backyard feature that looks great, lasts longer, and creates a space your family will actually want to use.
Read More About In Ground Trampolines
Want to keep researching before choosing the right in ground trampoline for your backyard? These guides can help:
