DIY Glamping Ideas + a Free Planner for a Luxurious Camping Experience

Last updated on February 1st, 2024 at 02:54 pm

If you like camping, but roughing it’s not your thing, we have good news. You can enjoy the great outdoors and many of the comforts of home with our do-it-yourself glamping ideas.

If you’re like me, you love nature, but you also love comfort. Don’t be ashamed–who says you have to enjoy a camping trip that includes sleeping on the cold, hard ground!

If you crave a little bit of luxury in your outdoor adventures, glamping is the perfect solution for you!

More and more people are discovering the joys of glamping, or glamorous camping. With a few of our easy glamping ideas, you can experience the beauty of the great outdoors while enjoying some of the comforts and amenities of home.

Keep reading to learn how to create your own DIY glamping experience, complete with tips for choosing the perfect location, creating a comfortable setup, and enjoying fun activities.

We also have a handy printable planner, so you’ll be totally prepared for your next glamping vacation.

Ready to get started?

DIY Glamping Ideas & Tips

Find Your Perfect Location

One of the first things to consider when planning your glamping adventure is the location. Here are some tips for finding your ideal glamping spot:

• Research campsites: More and more campsites now offer glamping options, so do your research to find one that meets your needs. Look for a site that offers comfortable accommodations, access to nature, and any amenities you may need, like bathrooms and showers. Many campsites offer everything from fully furnished tents to luxurious yurts and cabins. You might also want to note the distance to the nearest town or convenience store in case of “emergency” snack or coffee runs.

• Find private land: If you’re looking for a more secluded and private experience, consider renting private land. If you have friends or family with land, or can find someone who is willing to rent out their property, you can create your own glamping site. Or, check out sites like Tentrr that allow you to book private land for camping. Some even come with pre-set glamping accommodations.

• Set up on your own property: If you have your own property, setting up your own glamping site is always an option. Whether you have a big backyard, a farm, or a piece of land in the woods, you can create your own little oasis in nature. This is a great option if you’re short on time or don’t want to travel far. It’s a money-saver too!

Create a Comfortable Setup

Once you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to create a comfortable campsite. Here are some ideas to think about:

• Choose the right tent or RV: If you’re glamping in a tent, make sure it’s spacious enough to accommodate everyone in your group plus all of your gear and furnishings. Look for a tent that’s easy to set up and has good ventilation. If you’re glamping in an RV, make sure it’s clean, well-maintained, and has all the amenities you need.

• Decorate with comfortable and stylish furnishings: Make your glamping site feel like home by adding comfortable and stylish furnishings. Think cozy blankets, fluffy pillows, and comfortable chairs. You can also add decor elements like solar-powered string lights, candles, and colorful rugs to make your site feel more luxurious.

• Set up a camp kitchen: While you can certainly cook over the campfire, having a dedicated cooking space will make meal prep easier and more enjoyable. Make sure you have a well-equipped camp kitchen with all of the necessary cooking utensils and equipment. You can set up a portable stove or grill, and bring along a cooler for your favorite snacks and drinks.

• Determine sleeping arrangements: While it may seem silly, it’s very important to determine who’s sleeping where, on what, and with whom. This is especially true if you’re glamping with family and kids. If you are taking the tent route, you will need to make sure you have enough sleeping pads, bags, and ensure everyone is comfortable with their situation. If you’re glamping in an RV, you simply need  be sure you have a sufficient number of RV mattresses in the rig to accommodate everyone. If not, someone might need to bunk up!

Fun Activities & Entertainment

One of the best things about glamping is the opportunity to enjoy fun activities in nature. Here are some ideas you might like:

• Outdoor games and activities: Take along some outdoor games like horseshoes, frisbee, cornhole, or bocce ball to enjoy as a family. You can also bring along equipment for hiking, biking, or fishing if those are activities you enjoy.

• Hiking and exploring: Take advantage of your surroundings, and go for a hike or a nature walk. This is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to grab this camping scavenger hunt list for the kids.

• Relaxing by the campfire: After a day of outdoor activities, there’s nothing quite like relaxing by the campfire. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and reconnect with your loved ones as you enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the campfire.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

Finally, it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips to remember:

• Prepare for inclement weather: Always check the weather forecast before your trip, and pack accordingly. Bring rain gear, extra blankets, and warm clothes in case of chilly weather or unexpected rain.
• Proper food storage and disposal: Keep your food in a secure container or cooler to avoid attracting wildlife. Dispose of food waste properly, following the guidelines provided by your campsite or local regulations.

First Aid

• first aid kit
• aloe vera gel
• hand sanitizer / wipes
• bug spray

Miscellaneous

• phone charger power bank
• games

Ready to Print?

The helpful glamping pages shown below will print full-size on letter-sized paper, or use your printer’s settings to fit them to your page size.

Click here print to your glamping organizing and checklist pages.

To make the pages hold up a little better, print them on cardstock, or laminate them with a lamintor like this one.

Are you ready to plan your glamping trip? Leave a comment!

If you liked these glamping ideas, also read:
The Ultimate Family Camping Trip Checklist: 20 Items You Need
Camping for Beginners (Our 5 Best Tips) + Print Your Camping Checklist
Easy Camping Meals Roundup: 15 Tasty Grilling Recipes

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