There is a large variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. One of those ways is to go camping. Though, not everyone finds a thrill in sleeping outside amongst nature and giving up all the luxuries they have grown accustomed to. But, wait – there is good news! You can go luxury camping!
Believe it or not, it is possible to go camping and not miss out on anything! All you must do is take your camping experience to the next level. For example, forego things like sleeping bags and cans of beans for much more luxurious items.
Are you ready? Here’s how to go luxury camping to both enjoy the outdoors without giving up the lavishness of being indoors.
Most important necessity: a tent
Sleeping under the stars can be exciting and freeing, but it isn’t necessarily on everyone’s bucket list. Therefore, if you are going camping, you are going to need a tent.
Tents provide a lot of things for campers. Here are two of the most important:
- Tents will protect you from the outdoor elements. Inclement weather can strike at any time, but a tent can help keep you safe and dry. They also keep your belongings safe, too.
- Tents also work to keep bugs away. When you take up residence in the middle of the woods, you are no longer in your home, you are in nature’s home. Nature includes things such as insects, rodents, and other furry creatures. Tents can help you keep all unwanted beings out while keeping you safely in.
So how do you take a tent a make it luxurious? First, it depends on the tent. Sure, you can go to your nearest outdoor store and purchase a small tent in a box, but that will lead you to rough it. If luxury is what you want, then you will need to rent a customized tent.
Customized tents allow you to choose the size that is right for you – and however many people will be joining you on your luxury camping trip. These tents include roofs and sidewalls but can also include flooring. If you don’t want to deal with the ground and the potential for a dirty, wet mess, you will want some type of flooring. This, alone, will take you from feeling like you are sleeping on the ground to the feel of an indoor space. Lastly, if you want to go all out, you can always rent a tent with climate control. Stay warm or cool, no matter what the outdoor conditions are!
It’s all about the comforts
There are just certain things that bring comfort. For instance, a sleeping bag on the hard ground is not one of them. However, creating yourself a bed out of an air mattress (or even a regular mattress) with soft, snuggly blankets is! In other words, leave the sleeping bags at home.
Here are a few other comforts that can make your camping experience luxurious:
- Whether you camp near a place that allows you to hookup to electricity, or if you must bring a small generator, you will want some form of electricity to make you feel a bit more at home. Make sure you bring the wire directly into your tent so it can be used for things such as charging cell phones, lighting, etc.
- Rugs! Because you are renting a tent with hard flooring, you will want to bring some rugs to allow your feet to bask in softness.
- Some campers unzip their tents and crawl in. Not you. A luxurious camping experience calls for seating that will make you feel like the outdoors is your living room.
- Lighting. Don’t be stuck using flashlights or little old lanterns. Bring some lamps or string lights and hookup to the electricity. Light your tent and surrounding area in a soft glow.
Dine in elegance
Have you ever held a hot dog on a stick over an open fire? Well, now is not the time to start. Instead, this luxury camping experience calls for some classy cooking.
- Bring fruits, veggies, and all sorts of greens. These will stay fresh without having to be refrigerated and can be used to spruce up any meal. Not to mention, flame-grilled veggies are super delicious!
- Don’t leave the spices at home. It is all about those extra touches that can take a meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Bring the garlic, the chili pepper, the cumin, the oregano, etc.
- Choose one pot meals that have big, bold flavor. Such as Three Pepper Chicken Chili or even this tasty power breakfast.
- Foil can be used to grill many things. Choose your favorite and then wrap all the ingredients in foil. Place on the grill or fire. Then, voila! You have a tasty meal (that didn’t come from a can).
Don’t miss out
Just because you are camping, doesn’t mean that you can’t take in some non-outdoorsy fun. So, don’t forget to bring things such as:
- Books for reading and relaxing.
- Laptop computers or tablets for movie watching. Imagine taking in some of your favorite scary movies while surrounded in nature’s darkness!
- Board games are always a fun way to pass time.
- Painting tablets or sketch books.
- Take turns pampering yourselves. Bring lotions and peels for massages and facials, as well as apolish for nails and toes!
- Make sure you join in some outdoor fun – go swimming, hiking, play horseshoes, fishing, canoeing, etc. After all, it’s not every day you can do these activities.
Location, location, location
The location is perhaps the most important part of a luxury camping trip. You can have the nicest tent and tastiest meal in the campground, but if you don’t choose the best location, the rest doesn’t matter.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to wake up to a beautiful sunrise? Or relax in the evening to a magnificent sunset?
- Do you prefer to be near the water?
- What type of landscape are you looking forward to sitting outdoors and soaking your eyes in?
There are so many places to camp – you need to choose the one that is just right for you. Once you find it, set up your glamorous camp and relax!