Turning a traditional camping experience into glamping involves adding comfort and luxury to your outdoor adventure. Here are some steps to help you transform your camping trip into a glamping experience:

1. Choose the Right Location:

   • Start by selecting a camping destination that offers glamping amenities. Many campgrounds, resorts, and private sites now offer glamping options.

2. Accommodations:

   • Instead of a regular tent, consider staying in a pre-furnished glamping tent, yurt, cabin, treehouse, safari tent, or airstream trailer. These accommodations often come with real beds, comfortable bedding, and sometimes even air conditioning or heating.

3. Furniture and Decor:

   • Add comfortable and stylish furniture to your glamping space. Consider rugs, throw pillows, and other decorative elements to create a cozy atmosphere.

4. Bedding:

   • Invest in high-quality bedding, including comfortable mattresses, soft sheets, and plush blankets or duvets.

5. Lighting:

   • Enhance the ambiance with soft lighting. You can use battery-operated LED string lights, lanterns, and candles (safely placed in holders) to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

6. Dining Setup:

   • Instead of cooking over a campfire, bring a portable camp stove or grill for cooking. Consider packing gourmet food and utensils to elevate your dining experience. You can also bring a folding table and chairs for a proper dining setup.

7. Food and Drinks:

   • Plan and prepare gourmet meals ahead of time or bring pre-packaged gourmet camping food. Don't forget to pack your favorite beverages and perhaps a selection of wines or craft beers.

8. Entertainment:

   • Bring entertainment options like books, board games, a portable speaker for music, or a projector for outdoor movie nights.

9. Comfort and Convenience:

   • Consider adding conveniences like a portable toilet or a nearby restroom facility with modern amenities. Bring a portable shower or look for accommodations with private bathrooms.

10. Power and Technology:

    • Glamping can still include technology. Bring power banks, solar chargers, and any electronic devices you might want for entertainment or communication.

11. Pampering and Wellness:

    • Bring spa-like amenities such as a portable hot tub, massage table, or essential oils for relaxation. Some glamping sites even offer on-site spa services.

12. Outdoor Seating and Relaxation:

    • Include comfortable outdoor seating options like lounge chairs, hammocks, and picnic blankets for enjoying the outdoor surroundings.

13. Activities and Excursions:

    • Research and book guided activities or excursions that are available in the area, such as hiking, horseback riding, or stargazing tours.

14. Dress the Part:

    • Pack stylish and comfortable clothing suitable for a glamping experience. Consider fashionable camping attire and accessories.

15. Capture the Moment:

    • Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the memories. You can set up a designated photo booth area for fun photo sessions.

16. Safety:

    • Don't forget about safety. Bring a first aid kit, have a plan for emergency communication, and be aware of your surroundings.

17. Cleanliness:

    • Maintain a clean and organized campsite to enhance your glamping experience. Pack trash bags and cleaning supplies for easy cleanup.

By incorporating these elements, you can elevate your camping trip into a glamping adventure that combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of luxury accommodations. Remember to research glamping sites or destinations that offer the amenities you desire and match your idea of a perfect glamping experience.

Make Your Overnight Setup More Comfortable

I stuck my head out of our desert fortress and watched the stars glimmer in the sky. My partner and I were in New Mexico on a climbing trip with our dogs. We spend many nights a year in a tent, near home in the Blue Ridge and beyond, and although we love roughing it, sometimes a little luxury goes a long way. So on this particular night, my partner hung string lights inside our tent and we packed our full-sized pillows, which stretched across a large, inflatable mattress. Nearby, insulated mugs sat waiting to warm us from the inside out. While there are glamping resorts out there that offer plenty of creature comforts, the price for an overnight stay can be quite steep. So here are five DIY ways to upgrade your camping experience. 

1. Level Up Your Lights

Lights create ambiance. And many outdoor lighting products don’t require a power source since they re-charge themselves via solar during the day. Aspiring glampers can line their campsite or tent with a string of fairy lights like the MPowered Luci(R) Solar String Lights. You can also add lanterns or tiki torches to amplify the magic of the evening. 

2. Bring a Bigger Shelter

A common source of camping discomfort is the cramped size of smaller tents. If you choose an option that’s too small, you’ll feel like you’re stuck in a coffin. But bringing a bigger shelter like the new six-person MSR Habiscape gives you and your camping partners more space to relax comfortably inside—a complete game changer when rough weather rolls in. While in New Mexico, my partner and I used a four-person tent in which we could stand up. This made routine things like sorting gear and changing our clothes much easier. 

3. Don’t Forget a Big Blanket and Pillows

In extremely cold temperatures, sleeping bags are an efficient camping tool, but they can restrict sleep mobility. During the warmer months, most campers will find that bringing a big blanket and pillows will substantially increase their sleep comfort. Bring a classic comforter or throw. And if you still want to feel like you’re roughing it in the backcountry you can bring a wool blanket like the Pendleton Wildland Heroes Firefighters Blanket, which will wick moisture away and fight off the camping stink with its naturally microbial properties.

4. Upgrade Your Kitchen

Backcountry campers are often limited by their cook systems. But if you have a front country spot with room for amenities, switching to a full camp system like the Camp Everest 2X stove with a table can open up a variety of cooking opportunities. A versatile stove gives you the ability to simmer and boil just like your at-home stove.  Additional kitchen tools that can maximize backcountry comfort may include a coffee AeroPress and an insulated mug like the Kleen Kanteen 14 oz Rise Mug. Or pack a mason jar and make a few backcountry cocktails. 

5. Pack Your Camp Furniture

Another good way to enhance your glamping comfort is packing camp furniture. A high-quality camp chair like the Cascade Mountain Tech High-Back Chair is typically too heavy to carry on backpacking trips. But it’s the perfect piece for a casual glamping setup, allowing you to relax and unwind. Amenities like an electric cooler can also keep your food cold for longer, allowing you to pack more temperature-sensitive items like meat.