DIY Glamping Ideas
Once in awhile I start obsessing daydreaming about something and I go into full on research mode. Currently, I’m scouring the internet for DIY glamping ideas. I am so excited to set up the ultimate backyard glamping site for our family!
We were lucky enough to get to spend a weekend at Under Canvas, an award winning glamping resort a few years ago and something about the experience just spoke to my soul.
I like being outside, but I like being comfortable a little too much to fully relax into the kind of camping that involves “roughing it.”
When we got home I decided I wanted to be able to recreate the experience at home, in our own backyard. I researched canvas tents and landed on this brand of canvas bell tent (we went with the 16-ft version).
5 years later, we have used it several times at home as well as on the road. summer I am still absolutely in love with it.
It is super easy to set up and so roomy inside. We have even used it as a “party lounge”! The sides unzip, enabling you to use it as an open air canopy as well.
Now that we have our feet wet in bell tent camping, I’m ready to step up our game and go full-on GLAMPING this summer.
I’m planning to set up our tent in a semi-permanent fashion… leaving it up for a week at a time and using it for playdates and sleepovers while it’s up. I also booked a few nights at a local lake campground to take the fun (a little ways) down the road too.
I have been busy researching the best diy glamping ideas to create a functional (and stylish) setup wherever we decide to set up camp
Here are the glamping accessories I have (or plan to buy) to complete our diy glamping setup
Glamping Lighting
Solar String Lights
I am a huge proponent of ambient lighting…just because. Nothing makes a backyard or campsite feel more magical than a string of warm white cafe lights! These ones are solar, so you can hang them anywhere without a cord.
Vintage Style Lantern
These lanterns are only look vintage. In reality they are perfectly modern and easy to use. They operate on a dimmer, put out great light, and utilize easy USB charging… no gas to worry about!
I plan to place them on the sides of the main bed as bedside lamps and put them on the picnic table at dinnertime.
They are also just generally great to have around; when our power goes out I always grab these because they are BRIGHT and make a lot of light.
Mini Lanterns
Did I mention I love mood lighting? The more light the better!
I picture these mini lanterns hung from simple black Shepard’s hooks on the outskirts of a campsite. They can mark important spots and make it easier to find your way around in the dark!
Glamping Essentials
Bell Tent
The foundation of the glamping experience! I went for the 16 foot size, but this comes in a smaller 12 foot version and a HUGE 20 foot version. Another thing I love about this tent is that you can unzip the bottom and just use the top part as a canopy, as I mentioned above.
I often put twin mattresses inside for sleepovers, and you can comfortably fit 5 twin mattresses on the floor of this tent. I usually push two together at the back like a queen bed and tuck two on the sides, which is the perfect setup for a family of 4 with room for a table and seating area near the entrance.
If you use cots you will have even more space.
Outdoor Rugs
Indoor/Outdoor rugs make your campsite feel more homey and glamorous, but they also help keep things more clean and protects the floor of the tent from scrapes and scratches!
I love a neutral tan rug that mimics seagrass. I put it down in the center of the tent BEFORE I raise the main pole so that it is under the pole and protects the liner even more.
Camping Cots
Some people love air mattresses, but I haven’t had great luck with them in the past. My dad loaned us camping cots and once we tried them I was hooked.
They are easy to pop up, sturdy, and they keep you off the ground!
I’ve even had the kids sleep on them at home when they have sleepovers with friends.
You can also use them as a sofa/bench in your bell tent if you are making more of a “lounge” setup.
Camping Pads
These camp pads have great reviews (and they match our tent) so they were a no brainer for me. They roll up easily and make the cots so much more comfortable!
Camping goods stores have a wide selection of self-inflating pads like these that roll up for easy transport and provide a cozy layer of protection if you’re sleeping on a cot, the ground, or even in your car!
Pendleton Blankets
I love old camp blankets. The heavier the wool, the better! Plus, I feel like Pendleton’s classic designs are a perfect way to add style to your glamping setup.
These Motor Robe blankets are great because they roll up with their own strap and are soft and durable to throw over beds or use around the campfire.
Rolling Footlocker
We have a few of these plastic footlockers for lake storage, and I love their functionality. I am planning to buy 2 and use them to permanently house our camping supplies for easier packing.
I love them because they:
- roll
- stack
- latch shut
- double as side tables or bench seating
Glamping Kitchen
Cast Iron Pan
Admittedly, my idea of GLAMPING has previously excluded most cooking.
Helloooooo Grubhub!
BUT I’m looking to branch out and expand my repertoire this season, so I’m investing in one multipurpose cast iron pan (and a good cleaning brush) for pancakes and eggs al fresco.
Insulated French Press
There are many ways to go about campfire coffee, but this French press has so many good reviews…it’s the one I’m going with (plus it’s super affordable!).
According to the reviews, you just put in some coarse ground coffee, pour some hot water on top and in a few minutes you’ll have a few hot cups of coffee (that will stay hot in their own container).
Stylish Cooler
I love the matte black of this cooler. I have some awesome Yeti Coolers (which I’ll also use) but I think one of these gorgeous Coleman coolers would be an ideal drink cooler to set by the fire (and serve as a side table or an extra seat).
Camp Stove
This camp stove is a classic and has consistently good reviews. You can set it up on a folding table and get cooking!
Enamel Dining Set
This dining set is so beautiful… I could use it as my indoor set too. I went with the charcoal set, but they have several other earthy colors that would be at home in a range of color palettes.
Glamping Campsite
Camp Chairs
I looked at A LOT of camping chairs. And they all looked too much like… camping chairs. Until I stumbled upon these beauties; they perfectly fit the or the glamping vision I had in mind.
They come in white or my favorite Olive drab. I’m in love.
Bunting
Zero percent necessary. But I’ve found that fun flags and buntings can make a great design statement when draped over tent lines… plus they help make them more visible so people don’t trip over them!
I do flag ones in July, but these monochromatic black ones would be stylish all season long.
Smokeless Fire Pit
Sure, there are cheaper ways to make a fire. But this is glamping after all. And there is nothing glamorous about getting blinded by errant smoke. This keeps the heat and the fire central and cuts way, way down on the amount of smoke so everyone can enjoy their campfire experience a little bit more.
Log Carrier
Come prepared. This just makes life easier, and will prevent bark from chipping off and sticking all over your car upholstery on the drive to your destination.
Hanging Toiletry Kit
Keep all toiletry items in one place, with a handy hook for hanging. If you’re staying somewhere with a bathroom facility, it’s great to be able to just grab this and go. If not, hang it from a hook in your tent or car so everyone can easily find what they need.
Boat Tote
These are classics for a reason, and I love them for road trips and camping.
Pack one with games and activities for kids to pull out, or maybe dedicate one purely to snacks?
First Aid Kit
Not sexy… but important. If you’re leaving home, it’s wise to pack one,
Solar Generator
Total disclaimer… this one is an investment.
But if you’re going to be glamping, this generator has the ability to power all your devices for a weekend trip and just generally make life easier.
We invested in one more as an emergency preparedness measure… but we might as well use it to make our camping trips more enjoyable too, right? You can recharge it using your car, a wall outlet, or the solar panels.
They make a variety of sizes depending on your needs… check out the info on their site to help you find one that suits your needs.
And there you have it… my diy glamping ideas for a summer full of fancy camping fun!
xoxo,
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