Have you decided to go glamping? Here are some glamping essentials that we recommend taking with you to get the most out of your glamping experience. In this blog post, we will share glamping must-haves for personal care, glamping supplies for food and beverage needs, and glamping ideas for enjoying the comforts of home.
In the same way that camping has become glamorous, so has camping attire. Manufacturers of outdoor gear have risen to the challenge of offering outdoor clothing that is both functional and fashionable. From hiking boots to ripstop pants and camping-themed sweatshirts, you can find chic outdoor gear no matter what activity you are (or are not) doing on your glamping trip.
Consider bringing a few extra glamping outfits in case you get caught in the rain or decide to stay an extra day. When packing clothing, the Royal George Cabins blog recommends dressing in layers so that you can be prepared for changes in the weather forecast.
Ditch the t-shirt and sweatpants that you wear around the regular campsite. It is time to upgrade to cozy, comfortable PJs for sleeping and lounging around your glampsite. Remember that it can get cold at night, so layer a boyfriend cardigan over your PJs. If you are glamping during warm weather, a pair of PJ shorts and a soft tank top will help you stay cool and comfortable. Toss your fuzzy socks and slippers into your bag to keep your toes warm at night.
Remember to toss a hat or two in your bag. A baseball cap or a bucket-style hat can protect you whether you are dealing with heat and sunshine or cold with or without precipitation. It’s a good idea to bring some extra socks if your feet get wet or you are prone to sweating. There’s nothing worse than having wet feet on a camping trip, so you can’t go wrong with several extra pairs of socks. A pair of gloves is also recommended, just in case temperatures dip down at night.
Although the word glamorous is part of glamping, you still might find yourself without all of the amenities that you would find in a hotel. You should bring some basic toiletries with you just in case they are not provided at your glampsite, including shampoo, conditioner, and soap or body wash. Of course, you will need to take your toothbrush, toothpaste, and daily skin care regimen, but this is a great excuse to let your face be free of makeup for several days. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug repellant, prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines that you use regularly, and a first aid kit.
It is extremely important to inquire about the cooking and food situation at your glamping site. Is there a place for you to cook, or do you need to pack a camp stove? If you are cooking your meals, do you need to take cooking utensils, pots, and pans? Is there a store nearby, or should you shop before you arrive? Or, will you be eating out or dining in a communal-type setting? Will you have a fridge, or do you need to bring a cooler?
If you are an experienced camper, you may already own all of these items. If you are new to camping and going out on your first glamping experience, this is a big consideration when booking a glamping site. If you are new to camping or glamping, look for some cooking tools and utensils so that you do not have to invest in these items before you know whether or not glamping is something you will love to do.
Even if your glampsite has a fully stocked kitchen (indoor or outdoor), there will always be some items to take from home. Water bottles have come a long way, and many of us have our favorite insulated bottles that keep things hot and cold for very long periods. The We 3 Travel blog has a great review of a two-in-one bottle that functions as an insulated cup and a water bottle.
Basic cleanup supplies like paper towels and cleaning wipes are always handy, and you can create a pretty table setting with a tablecloth from home. If you have beer or wine, remember to bring a bottle opener or corkscrew, especially if you head out to wine country in the bay area to take advantage of the September harvest. And, of course, don’t forget your smores-making kits, so we recommend picking up a long marshmallow roasting tool before you leave!
Even if your glamping site has basic lighting, you can take some extra battery-powered lanterns and flashlights just in case you need them. You can also set a certain mood in your tent or cottage with some specialty lighting. Lifehack.com offers some great tips, including, “Go for hanging lights, which can be placed around the camp to provide some light and keep the animals away. If you want to go posh, pick colored hanging lights or Arab-style ones, which will provide soft light and patterns. The more functional version is the bug repellent camping lantern, which lights up your way and repels bugs.”
Luxurious bedding is one of the main reasons to choose glamping over regular camping with a cot and sleeping bag. However, you may still want to bring your own pillow and an extra blanket or two. If you have one of those Snuggie blankets or Comfy Sherpas (as seen on TV), those are great for lounging around the campsite on chilly nights.
Remember to take towels for showering, shower shoes, and a bathrobe, especially if you share a communal bathroom. A bathroom caddy helps take all of your supplies back and forth to your glampsite.
If you have electricity, a fan is an excellent addition to your glamping experience. Additionally, don’t forget your phone charger so you can keep your phone battery charged in case of an emergency.
Even the most glamorous campsite has bugs if you are sleeping outdoors. Remember to take some bug repellent that you can spray on your clothing and skin. You can also find a variety of candles, citronella torches, and electronic repellants.
If you are camping or glamping in Florida in September, remember it is love bug season, so we recommend this love bug repellent from the Farmer’s Almanac, made from water, citrus dish soap, and mouthwash. If you’ve ever experienced love bug season in the sunshine state, you will thank us for that tip.
Don’t forget trash bags and recycling bags so that you can keep your glampsite clean. If you are traveling with your dog, remember to take some biodegradable poop bags.
We hope you can use these recommendations to make your own glamping checklist based on your own style of glamping and the amenities included at your destination. If you plan to go glamping regularly, you can put together a glamping kit so that you can grab it and go to your next destination.