For decades now, there has seemed to be a common misconception that there is only one way to camp, and that is simply by roughing it in the outdoors. And while this may have been true in certain times due to a lack of accessibility to a variety of options and accessories, this couldn’t be further from the truth today. Now more than ever, camping in style and with certain added amenities has created a whole new hobby for an entirely new demographic of people. Whereas before camping only interested the outdoorsy type who liked sleeping outside, taking bucket showers, getting dirt underneath their fingernails, and building their own fire, now it has become accessible to a demographic of people who don’t like bugs and don’t like roughing it. This is an exciting development for the camping world because it means that the great outdoors is now being enjoyed by so many more people, not just of a certain personality type. The term glamping recently came into popularity, and with it came the rise in popularity of outdoor vacations and trips which incorporated a majority of the elements of camping while still utilizing toilets, running water, stovetops, and air conditioning. The term combines the word camping and glam if that wasn’t entirely obvious.
All that said, if you are someone who hates bugs and a lot of the elements that come with camping, but you still love the outdoors and want to spend as much time out there as possible, we are here to tell you that now more than ever that the opportunities for you to enjoy out there are endless.
1. Explore Van Life
Van life has become the newest trend available amongst camping options. These sprinter vans are outfitted to have a bed, storage, and sometimes even a mini sink and countertop. People spend years outfitting their van for adventure, to have a hybrid experience in which they have both amenities and fresh outdoor air. Sprinter van accessories include kitchen galleys, upper cabinets, bed systems, and more. If you’re not sold on outfitting your own van for adventure, there are plenty of services that will allow you to rent a sprinter van for your newest adventure. There’s something incredible about being on the road and stopping when you please.
2. Book a Glamping Trailer
There are so many glamping trailers that exist out there. Glamping trailers are usually little air-conditioned tiny homes that are set up on campsites. They are typically one bedroom and include air conditioning, a bed, a stovetop, a sink, a toilet, and a shower. This gives you a chance to get away from the bugs and stay clean, all while experiencing the joys of outdoor living. Each campsite typically has a picnic table and an outdoor stove top, if you still decide you want to roast marshmallows. Similarly, you can always rent an RV for the weekend and take it to an RV park to have the best of both worlds.
3. Buy a Larger Tent
It sounds so simple, but the size of the tent makes a huge difference in comfort levels. Having extra space for quality sleeping arrangements, extra gear, and a small sitting area can make your tent feel homier. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the number of people that will be sleeping in the tent by two and buy a tent that is made for that number of people. Prioritizing a nice bed is another amenity that is going to make all the difference in your overall comfort and enjoyment while camping. Using a cot with a quality pad is definitely the way to go, as it lifts you off the ground.
4. Make sure you have a Stove
A large stove goes a long way when it comes to eating. You definitely don’t want to skimp on food when it comes to camping. Many people feel stressed about the hassle of starting a fire every time they need to heat up food, so having at least a small burner stove will allow you to feel like you are eating real food with real recipes. A two-burner griddle will allow you to cook multiple things at once, and keep you full and happy.
5. Create Alternate Bathroom Options
Lastly, if you go camping and want to turn it more into a glamping scenario, creating a handwashing station by installing a Shower System makes a huge difference. Shower tents and a portable instant hot water heater allow you to still continually feel clean while being in the glory of the outdoors. Similarly, a pop-up privacy tent with a portable toilet can make a big difference in having a private spot to use the bathroom, especially when many shared campground bathrooms are not properly maintained.
