Do you love the idea of camping, but not quite ready to embrace the full "roughing it" experience? Or maybe you’re a seasoned camper looking to treat yourself during your next adventure. There are many ways to elevate your camping experience to make you feel more comfortable on any budget.

Glamping combines the thrill of camping with the luxury of a boutique hotel, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of nature. With a variety of accommodations, destinations, and activities, glamping appeals to a wide range of campers, promising comfort, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Here are some ideas for what to take glamping to make camping more luxurious:

CAMPSITE

Some of the glamor comes from the campsite itself! When choosing where to stay, consider the amenities available along with the access to stunning views. This could mean staying at a designated campground, or exploring platforms such as Hipcamp to discover unique camping spots often on private land.

One of the first ways to level up your campsite is to set the ambiance upon arrival. While an average campsite may have just a picnic table and a fire pit, imagine transforming this space into a cozy outdoor living room instead.

• Break out a portable speaker: Bring along your favorite music, ensuring the volume is considerate of neighboring campers.

• Outdoor Rug: Lay down an outdoor rug to add a touch of home and comfort beneath your feet.

• Upgraded Seating: Replace traditional camp chairs with a camping loveseat, couch, or star gazing recliners for elevated relaxation.

• Table Setting: Dress up the picnic table with a fabric table cloth and LED candles for a cozy dining experience.

• Thoughtful Lighting: Warm up the space and enhance the atmosphere by hanging USB or battery-powered string lights or adjustable LED lanterns around your campsite.

Upgrade your outdoor lounging experience with these essential items for maximum comfort:

• Sunshade or Rain Shelter: Essential for protection against various weather conditions, ensuring you stay dry and shaded.

• Screen Walls: A must-have to keep mosquitoes and other pesky insects at bay, allowing for a more enjoyable and bug-free environment.

• Cozy Blankets and Outdoor Slippers: Bring the comfort of home to the outdoors, perfect for keeping warm during cooler evenings.

• Hammock: Consider packing a hammock for a tranquil resting spot, subject to the availability of suitable trees at your campsite.

This thoughtful preparation of things to bring glamping bridges the gap between the rugged outdoors and the comfort of your home, ensuring that your outdoor adventures are as relaxing as they are memorable.

HOW TO GLAMP YOUR TENT

Transform your camping experience with a touch of home comfort by optimizing your sleeping arrangements and tent environment for the ultimate sleeping experience under the stars. Here’s ideas for glamping your tent to create a cozy, inviting space:

• Upgrade Your Bed: Swap the traditional sleeping bag setup for a cot, large air mattress or deluxe sleeping pad complete with sheets, comforter and extra pillows.

• Enhance the Tent Floor: Place an outdoor rug inside your tent to add warmth and an indoor feel to your outdoor living space.

• Welcome Home: A smaller mat outside the tent door serves as both a welcome mat and a practical solution for removing debris from shoes before entering.

• Keep It Cozy: A tent heater in colder months or a fan during warmer seasons will give you ultimate comfort similar to an indoor thermostat.

With these simple adjustments, you can make your tent feel like a cozy retreat, blending the adventure of camping with the comforts of home.

GLAMPING MENU IDEAS

Step up your camping meal game from simple to spectacular with a bit of extra planning and creativity. Want to know what to bring glamping for food? Here’s how to make every camp meal feel like a feast:

• Choose Fresh Over Freeze-Dried: Start by opting for fresh ingredients instead of the usual freeze-dried meals. This simple switch can drastically improve the quality and taste of your dishes.

• Try More Complex Recipes: Challenge yourself to cook more complicated meals than your standard camp fare. Consider dishes that involve multiple steps, a variety of ingredients, spices, and even multi-course meals that include appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts. Elevating your meal plan will add a touch of luxury to your camping experience.

• Enhance Your Breakfast: Move beyond instant oatmeal by adding fun toppings like thin apple slices, raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar to make your first meal of the day something to look forward to.

• Upgrade Your Snacks: Instead of store-bought snacks, prepare your own trail mix or bars at home. Personalizing these with your favorite ingredients ensures they’re not only healthier but also more satisfying.

• Glam Up Your S’mores: For a luxurious twist on the classic s’more, try high-end chocolates or substitute all three ingredients for gourmet alternatives. 

ELEVATE YOUR DRINKS

Here’s how to elevate your drinks so you enjoy special favorites in the beautiful outdoors:

• Coffee Lovers: Ditch the instant packets for French press or pour-over coffee, making your morning ritual a little brighter in a beautiful setting.

• Hot Chocolate Enthusiasts: Opt for quality hot chocolate or drinking chocolate, and consider toasting mini marshmallows with a crème brûlée torch for an added touch of elegance.

• Happy Hour: Pre-make batch-cocktails or mocktails and top with cute garnishes for that extra flair. 

• Spa Hydration: Adding cucumber or lemon slices to water can make hydration feel a little more indulgent.

LET’S GLAMP

Everyone has different goals for their camping trip, and while some prefer a minimalist approach, it’s just as valid to crave your comforts from home to make your experience more enjoyable. There are endless ways to make camping more comfortable and this glamping list has just a few ideas to get your imagination flowing. At Fridie Outdoors, we believe in a personalized and accessible approach to glamping that can be achieved at any price point, it’s just important that your trip feels special to you. Glamping can also be a treat rather than a go-to style of camping, so absolutely no need to splurge on fancy gear to have a great trip. Now it’s time to discover what glamping amenities make the biggest difference for you!