If you’re reading this post, chances are you or a loved one had a brilliant idea a few months ago: “Hey, we should try something new—why don’t we go glamping?”
It sounded like such a great idea at the time, didn’t it? Toasting s’mores by the fire, curling up with that bestseller everyone’s been raving about, engaging in a friendly board game competition, maybe even taking a relaxing hike along a scenic trail.
So charming. So simple. So effortless.
Except now, as your glamping getaway approaches, you’re realizing there’s one thing left to figure out: what to pack. And suddenly, it feels like a lot.
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For most trips, forgetting something at home isn’t a deal-breaker. But with glamping (or any outdoor adventure), there’s a unique set of challenges: you’re often in a remote area with limited resources. And while you may have more amenities than standard camping, you’re still likely missing some of the comforts you’re used to at home.
Packing for a glamping trip can feel overwhelming, but as a fellow indoorsy gal, I’m here to help! Today, I’m sharing a big roundup of essentials and helpful tips to make your outdoor escape as seamless and enjoyable as possible. I’ve been in your shoes on quite a few occasions now, facing down a cabin stay as a city mouse, and I’m ready to serve as your guide.
Before we get into today’s post, you should know that the term “glamping” is broadly defined. “Glamping” could mean you’re staying in a cabin, a yurt, an Airstream, a tiny home, a treehouse, a geodesic dome… as you can see, there are quite a number of differences in layout and amenities. This packing list assumes you’ll have running water, electricity, and some semblance of a bathroom. It’s not exhaustive for every possible glamping scenario, but it will cover the basics.
Some of the items listed below may already be provided at your accommodation (in which case—yay! One less thing to pack!). But I’m guessing there are still plenty of essentials you haven’t considered yet.
Let’s get you on the right track:
YOUR ESSENTIAL GLAMPING PACKING LIST
Cooking and Dining
Let’s start with the most fun category: food.
Michael and I eat 95% of our meals at home, so I pretty much have a “no cooking on vacation” policy, but there are times when we are staying somewhere that’s so remote that dining out isn’t an option. You may find yourself in the same situation, or you may just want to give campfire cooking a try (love that for you!).
I’m a fan of easy, big-batch meals like a very classic breakfast (eggs, sausage/bacon, and toast), tacos for lunch, and pasta for dinner, alongside easy-to-transport snacks between meals. Popcorn, fruit, and chips are always easy, and s’mores ingredients are an absolute must. Imbibing? Stick to glass-free canned wine, beer, and cocktails, which are lightweight and won’t shatter if dropped.
In addition to the ingredients for meals, don’t forget things like cooking oil, spices, salt and pepper, cutting boards, plates, utensils, pans, and soap for washing up. Some of this may be provided so you won’t have to tote it all in, but don’t make assumptions. Instead, take a moment to double-check with your host or rental provider. No kitchen at all? You might consider hauling in a compact all-in-one unit.
While we’re on the subject, you may need to bring in your own grill, cooler (if you don’t have access to a fridge, you’ll want to bring a rugged one that keeps ice frozen for days), firewood, charcoal, a lighter and/or matches, and ice. And please make sure you always secure your food if you’re in an area with bears.
Health and Safety
From the most fun category to the least fun one: health and safety. Even if you don’t have plans to embark on an adventurous excursion, you should at least have a first aid kit with bandages and ointments, plus a supply of essential medications (both your regular daily pills and OTC medications). But if you end up buying a first aid kit for your trip, I recommend going ahead and getting a comprehensive one that you can store in your home or vehicle after your trip.
Other health and safety items to consider include flashlights (no tripping on the way to get forgotten items out of your car!), sunscreen, bug spray, and bear spray and/or an air horn.
Clothing and Accessories
Food is the most fun glamping category, but clothing is my favorite. When glamping, I like a mix of rugged outdoor adventure gear and cozy lounge clothes. No matter your style preferences, you should avoid bringing your finest clothing. Instead, rely on comfortable, elevated basics that perform well and make you feel good.
Let’s chat adventure gear first: Many glamping sites are set amongst nature’s recreational playgrounds, so consider bringing appropriate clothing and gear to experience it all, whether that’s your favorite leggings and hiking boots, parka and snowshoes, or swimsuit and a kayak. I don’t often recommend “just in case” items, but this is one instance where you’ll want to be able to act on a whim and explore safely!
For all the hours of lounging that await you, bring a few sets of comfy tops and bottoms that you’re comfortable wearing in front of other people, if you’re traveling with a group (I also just generally like having separate indoor and outdoor clothing, but maybe that’s just me). If it’s chilly, you’ll also want to toss in a hat, scarf, and gloves, plus a cozy jacket or cardigan for bundling up in. And while there’s a time and place for hard pants and underwire bras, now is not it.
What shoes should I bring? In addition to your outdoor adventure shoes, I recommend a pair of sneakers that can handle getting a little dirty and a pair of slip-on shoes for quick jaunts in and out of your accommodation (bonus points if you can rinse them or use them in communal showers!).
Glamping Activities
I consider this category the wildcard of the glamping packing list because your activity preferences will vary significantly based on your interests and your collection of travel companions. But a few ideas to get you started: games and puzzles, books, knitting and crochet kits, a portable speaker, arts and crafts, lawn games, and a projector.
That last one will be controversial for those envisioning a screen-free getaway, but if this glamping adventure is your first time gathering with loved ones in a long time, it is a good way to show family movies or stream a childhood favorite show.
Other Essentials for Glamping
Ooh… the miscellaneous category. This category includes both the fun, helpful extras and the essentials some glamping spots don’t provide (the takeaway: you need to provide them). Check with your host to see if they will provide linens for sleeping and showering (plus soap and shampoo!)—if not, I’m partial to quick-drying Turkish towels and breathable linen sheets for situations like this.
You also may need to BYOC—bring your own chair—for your time outside. Go with something lightweight and foldable or maybe even a hammock, if that’s your style. To stay comfortable indoors, you may want to bring a fan or heater, depending on the time of the year.
I also like to toss my white noise machine in my bag to help me sleep soundly. And finally, if you’re worried about being off the grid, consider adding a mobile hotspot to your glamping packing list. It is my hope you’ll enjoy yourself so much that you won’t need it, but I find having cell service adds a layer of security to any trip.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR YOUR FIRST GLAMPING TRIP
The bad news? That’s a lot of equipment to bring with you on your glamping adventure.
The good news? You may not need all of it! Many modern glamping options include the same level of comfort you’re used to at home, like a kitchen, full bathroom, and electricity, as well as heating and air-conditioning. After running through the list above, pull up your rental information and compare what it has and what it lacks. With all of that noted, you have your glamping packing list and are ready to gather everything for your adventure.
A little time and preparedness today go a long way to laying the foundation for an enjoyable trip. And who knows? You may just fall in love with glamping.
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Questions for you
What type of glamping accommodations are you staying in on your next trip?
What are your favorite activities to do while glamping?
Do you have a favorite campfire meal?
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