As much as I like roughing it, adding personal touches to your campsite is a lot of fun. It really makes camping a more memorable experience. Plus, if your campsite is welcoming, then your campground neighbors are likely to stop by and visit. Last year I struck up a conversation with a couple a few campsites over because I liked their papasan chairs. Funnily enough, when we returned to the same campground this year, we ran into them again! It was fun chatting with them and hearing about their adventures camping in the Canadian wilderness.
Here are seven glamping gear ideas that I love:
1. Classic Tableware
Paper plates and plastic forks are convenient, but they’re also wasteful. You worked too hard on that gourmet meal to serve it on paper plates. Instead, opt for classic enamelware and real silverware.
This dish set from GSI is great because the stainless steel rims protect against chipping. The matching cutlery is also adorable.
When it’s time for tea (or instant coffee), you can reach for this enamelware teapot.
2. Set A Pretty Table
The best tablecloths for camping are made of PEVA. PEVA is PVC-free, chlorine-free, phthalate-free and biodegradable, so it makes a great choice for your campsite.
Opt for a tablecloth without a flannel backing. Flannel can soak up water and snags easily on a picnic table.
For an affordable, non-toxic option, try this tablecloth from Walmart or this tablecloth from Menards.
3. Sip in Style
I love these glasses made from mason jars from Anthropologie. However, the punched lid design is less than practical. There’s nothing glamorous about bugs in your beverage.
Aladdin mason jar tumblers have a closed top. They’re made of BPA free plastic and you can find them at Cabela’s, Target, Kmart and Walmart.
Or you can make your own mason jar tumbler with this DIY from A Farm Wife’s Life.
4. Decorate
Some bunting can easily take your campsite from ho-hum to awesome. Check out this bunting on Etsy.
If you’re feeling crafty, let this DIY Bunting post over at New Wave Domesticity be your guide.
5. Snuggle Up
Whether new or vintage, a wool camp blanket is useful and beautiful. I have a vintage yellow camp blanket with cream stripes ($3 at an estate sale, yay), as well as two Pendleton camp blankets from REI. I use them in the summer for camping. Come winter, I use them for extra warmth on our beds at home.
You could go for the legendary (but pricy) Hudson Bay 6 Point Blanket.
Pendleton also has a lovely series of wool blankets inspired by National Parks.
6. Take a Seat
Though we have the plasticky chairs with cup holders, I’ve had my eye on these classic camp chairs from Byer of Maine for a while.
These camp stools are super cute and have great reviews as well! Just add a little table and you’re all set.
7. Enjoy the Comforts of Home
Well, most of them anyway. If your site has electric, you can bringing a variety of creature comforts from home. A box fan is awesome to have; it will chase away bugs and keep you cool. Bring your crock pot for easy meals. I’ve even seen someone camping with her coffee maker. I guess she couldn’t do without a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. Just one request: please leave the TV at home 🙂
What do you do to make your site extra-special? I’d love to hear your ideas. Also, be sure to check out my glamping board on Pinterest for more ideas!
Might I suggest a French Press to the lady with the coffee maker? 🙂 Haha! & It beats instant coffee any day.
French press is the way to go, and now you have the excuse to buy the very expensive but will only need to buy it once in a life time stainless steel one. I was so glad when I final broke my 3rd glass Bodum. My husband could (wouldn’t) see the point of buying the stainless when we had a perfectly good press. Now we use for home until its time to camp and off it goes with us 🙂
I love the idea of the bunting! Great suggestion. My husband will think I am looney but I will love it! 🙂
Go for it! And send me pictures!