Setting up Camp: Planning Your Glamping Experience

Planning your own glamping trip is an exciting adventure. Here's a quick tip to get you started: book your favorite glamping spot early to avoid missing out on the best spots. We’ve learned how to set up camp in style, without any stress. Instead of just surviving, we focus on being well-prepared and having fun.

From choosing where to go to sorting out the details, we have a simple plan to help you succeed.

Get ready, future glamper, let's make planning your outdoor getaway easy and enjoyable!

Let’s start with the basics: picking the right place. Not all campsites are alike. There are beautiful spots everywhere, from mountains to lakes, so take some time to think before you choose.

Consider what your family needs, especially if you have kids.

Look for places with things like playgrounds or shallow swimming areas. Being close to bathrooms is helpful for families too. Check if there are activities for everyone, like nature walks or adventure courses. Think about what kind of trip you want—maybe in the woods, by the beach, or in a treehouse. We’ve found that choosing the right spot really matters.

After you’ve chosen your spot, go ahead and book your campsite. Glamping feels relaxed, but the best places fill up fast.

Our advice once again is: book early!

We once had to hurry for a spot at a busy RV park, and grabbing the last one was quite the experience. Whether you want a yurt, a cabin, or an RV site, reserve as soon as you know your dates.

Next, get your family involved. Planning a glamping trip works best when everyone helps out. Sit down together and make a list of what you’ll need. If you want to make things easier, try using our Glamping Checklists. As you go through the list, ask each person what they want from the trip. Maybe one child wants to roast marshmallows, while another wants to try paddle wars on the lake.

Working together gets everyone excited and avoids any “remember when you promised...” moments later.

Now let’s talk about packing. A simple list is nice, but glamping is about comfort and fun. We tend to bring more gadgets than we need, but it’s important to focus on what will make your trip better. Pack comfy clothes, good cooking supplies, and things to keep everyone entertained. Some family favorites are board games for the evenings, portable fans for warm nights, and a hammock for relaxing. With over 35 years of camping experience, we’ve made checklists to help you pack.

Pro tip: if you think you’ll need extra snacks, bring double. Our kids were always hungry!

As you pack, add some creativity. One year, when our kids were small, we brought fairy lights for our tent and made it feel cozy. That inspired us to keep adding special touches. Now we enjoy hot cocoa from monogrammed mugs instead of old cans. Little details like these make the trip memorable, even if a few bumblebees come to check out your lights.

Finally, make a plan for when you arrive. A little spontaneity is fun, but a simple plan keeps things running smoothly. On one trip, our family had a quick meeting when we got to our favorite beachside spot. The older kids liked to explore, so we set up a schedule: hikes in the morning, paddleboat races in the afternoon, and a campfire at night. For the younger kids, we planned treasure hunts and nature scavenger hunts to keep them busy. For the teens, we had a photo contest to see who could capture the best sunset.

Having a plan helped everyone have fun and kept family drama low.

That’s it, fellow adventurers! Getting ready for a great glamping trip is a lot like making a special meal. With some planning, teamwork, and fun, everything comes together. You’ll enjoy time under the stars, full of laughter and memories.

Before you go, make sure you have chargers, batteries, and power banks; double-check your first aid kit; pack extra snacks and drinks; bring your travel documents; confirm your reservations.

Grab your gear, gather your loved ones, and get ready for an adventure you’ll remember!

Glamping Checklists

Happy glamping, friends!

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