Camping in a tent can be an exciting adventure, but it can also have challenges. With these 24 tips, you can make your tent camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
How To Make Tent Camping More Comfortable And Fun
This article addresses those who wish to go car-camping in a tent and not those who want to hike out to a campsite in the backwoods, AKA backpack campers.
That means that your comfy camping equipment limit is your vehicle’s cargo capacity. I will show you how you can max that out, too!
This article isn’t about tent camping as much as it is about glamping. Follow my tips and you won’t stare at those fancy travel trailers next to you with envy anymore; instead you will pity them. After all, they are spending way more on gas, insurance, and licensing fees.
1. It Starts With Picking The Right Campsite
Privacy
We camp in a tent or a camper, depending on a few factors. When we tent camp, I am much more picky about how private the site is. I don’t want to be in a tent between two RVs with no trees or anything creating some privacy between the sites. It makes me feel like I am camping in a parking lot, which isn’t the goal of tent camping.
You want to feel like you are surrounded by nature. You can view campground images using reviews left on Google or at Campendium or The Dyrt. Or you could use Google Earth.
Tent Friendly
At one place we tent camped, the only flat ground was the paved driveway. We made it work, but it wasn’t ideal. You want to ensure that your site has level ground around the driveway for a tent.
The best tent sites we have stayed at have tent pads. These flat areas are made specifically for tents and lined with small gravel, sand, or sometimes wooden boards. Avoid wooden ones if you need to stake down your tent.
Amenities
Do you want electricity at your site? Since you are reading an article on comfortable camping, chances are you do.
How about access to hot showers, flushing toilets, and sinks with running water?
There are viable solutions for all these things, but they will cost you more money, require more space in your vehicle, and require longer camp setup and breakdown times, so getting them in a site already is helpful.
2. Next You Need A List
A good car-camping packing list ensures you won’t forget an essential item.
As a seasoned camper, I prefer to use a Google Doc that I can alter whenever we change our camping equipment list.
To make your first-ever list, use this blog post as a guide.
3. Your Tent Should Be Your Biggest Investment
Take it from someone who has thrown away several super cheap tents that broke after only a handful of camping trips before investing in a high-quality tent–price does make a difference in the world of tents.
Typically, the more you pay, the thicker the tent’s walls and floors. You will also get better zippers and higher-quality mesh panels and windows, making your camping adventure more comfortable.
That said, I get it if you do not want to pay $400 or more for a tent the first time you go camping. That is a lot to pay when you don’t know if you will ever want to go again. See tip 19 for help with that.
Size Matters
If you have never gone camping, I want to let you know that, in my opinion, tent manufacturers get their “sleeps” count based on the room for how many sleeping bags can fit side by side. So if a tent says it sleeps two, it will, but that is it; there will be no room for your supplies or to get more than a few inches away from your snoring spouse.
I am big on personal space, so I prefer to double the “sleeps” number – meaning if there are two of you, look at tents that say they sleep four or more people.
Don’t go too overboard, though! We have found that most tent sites are not made for tents bigger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
You also need to know that if you intend to camp in colder temperatures, a larger tent takes longer to warm up. In point 11, I cover ways to stay warm in a tent.
Height Matters
Putting your clothes on while hunched over in a tent is not comfortable. To avoid this, ensure your tent is tall enough to stand in, even if it is just in the middle section.
Material Matters
Thicker tent walls mean less flapping tent sounds in windstorms. They also mean better weatherproofing and fewer condensation problems.
I am a big fan of canvas tents as they don’t flap in the breeze and you don’t wake up with wet walls that can make everything in the tent feel damp, but I realize they are not for everyone; they take up much more vehicle space than nylon tents and weigh considerably more.
But they give you as close to a cabin feel as possible in a tent.
This is the tent we have. We have also written a review that shares our honest thoughts about it.
Ventilation Matters
This is especially true for nylon/polyester tents. Ensuring there are plenty of windows to crack at night will prevent you from waking up in a stuffy and damp tent.
If you don’t want a canvas tent, this polyester tent has great reviews on Amazon. I have seen plenty of them while out camping, and they look to be of good quality.
Waterproofness Matters
Cheap tents will probably leave you wet during the wimpiest rainstorms. However, you can increase their waterproofness by using a waterproofing spray.
If you buy a canvas tent, you must season it first to increase its waterproofness.
4. Flooring Makes All The Difference
A comfortable sleep inside your tent starts with flooring. We recommend four layers for a super homey feel.
Layer one is the ground itself. You want it to be as level as possible and free of roots, rocks, and anything else bumpy or prickly.
Next comes the ground sheet. We use an inexpensive tarp. This layer protects your tent floor from holes caused by small rocks or other items you might have missed. Your tent maker may sell a ground cover specifically for your tent.
Once the tent is set up, put down a canvas drop cloth. This will protect your tent floor and make it easier to clean out all the dirt that gets into the tent when tearing down your campsite. You can also use a tarp, but a canvas drop cloth is more cozy.
The last layer can be skipped. However, if you want a more luxurious tenting experience, lay down a rug, moving blankets, or puzzle-style gym mats on top of the floor canvas.
If you want to go big, put the gym square mats and a rug on top.
5. Don’t Forget About Lighting
A headlamp per person is excellent for around the campground and nighttime runs to the potty, but we are going for cozy vibes, which requires a bit more.
We have this super bright lantern for our tent, which is great for playing card games inside the tent and getting ready in the morning.
For something a little less bright, consider fairy lights.
6. Consider Night Time Bathroom Needs
A few years ago, I declared to my husband that I was too old to go outside in the middle of the night to use the restroom and then be expected to fall back asleep.
At first, we addressed this issue with a dedicated nighttime pee jar that we emptied each morning in the campground restroom.
When we purchased our ten-by-ten canvas tent, we upgraded the jar to a cassette toilet.
7. Keep It Clean
Bring a dustpan and brush set to sweep the tent each morning and evening. I also recommend bringing a container of cleaning wipes and paper towels to address any spills.
Placing a small RV mat outside the front door and getting people to wipe their shoes and then take them off before coming inside will help keep your tent cleaner.
Some people suggest leaving a bucket outside for shoes. If you do this, make sure it has a secure lid. Creepy crawlers who can bite love snuggling up in shoes and don’t like being disturbed.
8. Keep It Organized
My husband and I each get a reusable grocery bag that stands up on its own for our clothing, and we have a small plastic tote with a lid and handle for our personal products.
It works for us and it is what we have room for in our vehicle. However, if we had more room, I would love to use stackable plastic drawers instead. I think they would keep things even more organized and would double as side tables.
Others swear by tent pocket accessories, but I have found that they either hang into your living space or make the tent wall sag.
9. Pick The Right Sleeping System For You
To get a good night’s sleep in a tent, you must make your sleeping system as cozy and inviting as your bed at home.
What Do You Want Between You And The Hard Ground
I see many people at campgrounds using air mattresses in their tents. They are inexpensive and easy to transport, but at home, generally, most people sleep on a foam mattress. So, if you have the space to transport it, I suggest purchasing a tri-fold foam mattress pad.
We have two 25-inch wide by 4-inch thick tri-fold mattresses that we have used for several years. We are happy with how they have held up, and we get a great night’s sleep.
If you prefer to be a little off the ground, a camping cot paired with a foam sleeping pad that rolls up like this one might be a better combo. This sleeping setup also allows you to gain storage under your bed, an awesome added bonus.
If you are tight on space in your vehicle, consider these hybrid mattresses that mix an air pad and a foam pad.
Sleeping Bag Or Camping Friendly Blankets?
Down or wool blankets make great camping blankets. You can also use a moisture-wicking sheet on your sleeping pad.
If you are short on space, a sleeping bag can be compressed for travel. We each have a wide, comfortable sleeping bag.
We have never paid much attention to the r-value of these bags. Instead, when it is cold, we bring an extra blanket (I like this Merino wool one) and take the measures found in tip 11.
In warmer temperatures, we skip the sleeping bag and use a top sheet and a light blanket.
Pillows
We bring our pillows from home and recommend you do the same. If you are short on space, I recommend a compressable camping pillow. Another solution would be down-filled throw pillows thrown into pillowcases, as they’re smaller than regular sleeping pillows, but just as comfortable.
Sleepwear
When thinking about sleepwear, you need to consider comfort, temperature, and the greater likelihood of someone seeing you in your PJs at a campground than at home.
When camping, I wear a T-shirt dress that comes down to the mid-calf. My husband sleeping in a t-shirt and joggers.
If the weather is considerably cold, consider sleeping in a base layer of Merino wool, warm socks, and a winter hat.
10. Add Some Luxuries
Side Tables
A bedside table holds morning medications, a water bottle, etc., giving a more at-home feel. We use this collapsible table as a side table; it is the perfect height for our sleeping set-up.
If you use a cot, this folding table may be a better height.
Earplugs
If strange noises easily awaken you, try using earplugs. If you struggle with the foam type falling out of your ear, use silicone earplugs.
White Noise
If you don’t like wearing earplugs, another way to block out unfamiliar sounds is to use a white noise app.
Eye Mask
Tents don’t block out as much morning light as house walls. If you are a light-sensitive sleeper, consider wearing an eye mask.
Portable Power Station
Whether you get an electric site or not, a portable power station will allow you to plug in items like your phone overnight inside your tent without creating an opening for an extension cord, which might also allow pesky mosquitos in. Ours is one made by Anker and we are happy with its quality.
11. When Camping In Cold Weather
Nalgene Bottle As A Hot Water Bottle
Nothing feels better after a full day of hiking on a cold day than a bed pre-heated with a hot water bottle. Thanks to its thick plastic, a Nalgene bottle can also be used as a hot water bottle. We prefer the narrow mouth style.
Hothands
HotHands has a line of products with skin-friendly adhesives that last up to 13 hours. These are wonderful for keeping you warm all night.
Warm Hat To Sleep In
A snug-fitting winter hat is essential for staying warm when sleeping in cold temperatures.
Warm Socks or Booties To Sleep In
Thermal socks or down booties made specifically for winter camping will keep your feet warm and toasty all night long.
Tent Friendly Heater
Only use a tent heater if your tent doesn’t come with warnings against it and you have plenty of room to avoid accidentally hitting it as you toss and turn in your sleep.
If your tent heater is propane, crack a window or two for proper ventilation. Please read and follow all safety recommendations.
To be extra cautious, warm up your tent with your heater before bed, turning it off before falling asleep. When you wake in the morning you can turn it back on again. Do not leave the heater running while you sleep; use the above methods to keep you warm all night.
12. When Camping In Hot Weather
Fan
A battery-operated or rechargeable fan inside your tent on a hot night will circulate warm day air out of your tent and bring in cooler night and morning air.
Bug Spray
I prefer natural-based bug sprays, but you do you.
Bug Zapper Paddle
These things are awesome at killing that one mosquito that made it into your tent and is causing havoc.
Sunscreen
Trying to sleep with a sunburn will not make camping more comfy.
Air Conditioning
Yes, even in a tent, you can have air conditioning. Low-energy rechargeable units are made specifically for tents, but they are pricey.
If you have a canvas tent, you could buy a standing portable unit and sew a stove jack cover with a rain flap into your tent or pay a seamstress.
13. Create An Outdoor Living Room
Screened tent
A screened tent provides bug and sun protection.
This is another item where spending more upfront will mean spending less in the long run. Take it from someone who has walked around campgrounds numerous times after a storm—the more expensive clam shell-shaped style seems most durable. That said, it is still best to take down these shelters if strong winds are in the forecast.
Comfy Camp Chairs
Your favorite type of camp chair is as individual as you are. As dog owners, we prefer this style of collapsable loveseat chair where the arm is attached to the seat so our pups can sit on our laps and not fall out of the hole between the seat and the arm of the chair.
I also have a hammock stand and hammock that easily comes apart for storage. It is my favorite item for relaxing around the campsite. It requires no trees!
Small Table
A small collapsable coffee table is great for holding drinks or as a footstool with a camp chair. I got one similar to this on clearance years ago and we use it on all our trips. It is still in great shape.
Camp Stools
Another great footstool alternative is folding camp stools. These are also great for sitting on if you are tending food that is cooking over the campfire.
14. Create An Outdoor Kitchen
Rain & Shade Cover To Cook Under
You could put up a table in your screen room big enough for a camp stove and a bit of cooking prep room, just in case it rains.
Or you could purchase a camping canopy (beware, I have seen these get mangled in storms) that fits over a picnic table and use that.
Table to prep food on
Most campgrounds have picnic tables, but when you encounter one that doesn’t, you will wish you had brought a table big enough for food prep and cooking.
Picnic Tablecloth And Pegs
Picnic tables in campgrounds get some yucky stuff plunked on them. To avoid getting that yucky stuff in your food, cover it with a tablecloth and secure it with tablecloth clips to prevent the wind from picking it up.
And if you want to glamp that picnic table up, consider getting stadium seats for rear and back support.
Campstove
A classic two-burner camp stove is all you need. If you are short on space, a one-burner stove is enough to cook simple meals.
A Way To Keep Food Cold
A cooler with enough insulation to keep food cool for five days is a good choice.
A Way To Store Food That Doesn’t Need To Stay Cold
For your pantry food, I recommend one of two things: Buy one or two giant zippable insulated bags or use another cooler without the ice. Why? The great outdoors has greater temperature swings than your kitchen. Storing pantry food in an insulated container will reduce the temperature swings it receives. No more super squishy granola bars and warm fruit cups.
Basic Cookware
Decide what cookware and kitchen utensils you need based on what you cook.
Basic Dishes
We bring two sets of cutlery per person, two stainless steel plates with sides we can balance on our laps without food spillage, two insulated mugs for hot drinks or soup, and two large insulated tumblers for cold drinks.
Allow Yourself Some Luxuries
If you love coffee, don’t take instant (unless you are one of those who like instant). Instead, bring a collapsible pour-over, a couple of paper inserts, and your favorite coffee (pre-ground to avoid bringing one more item).
If you love chocolate, pack it. If you love tea, bring it. Camping seems so much more chill when you bring all your favorite snacks.
15. Kitchen Clean Up Supplies
Water
We bring along a 5-gallon water container with a manual pump on top. This will last us roughly two to three days for drinking, washing dishes, and hand washing.
Dishpans
Bring one dishpan for dirty dishes, one for washing, and one for rinsing.
Dish Scrubber
Avoid the hassle of finding a way to dry wet dishcloths or sponges; use a silicone dish scrubber instead.
Biodegradable Soap
Be kind to the earth and use biodegradable concentrated camp soap.
Dish Towel
A quick dry towel like this will ensure your dish towel dries completely before using it again.
16. Don’t Forget The Campfire
Fire Starter
You can use Pinterest to learn how to make your fire starter or you can be like us and bring a pre-made one.
Lighter
We like the ones with longer handles to keep our hands safely out of the first flames of the fire. Even if you do not have a campfire, you will need this to light your camp stove.
Cast Iron Skillet
Since cast iron skillets are heavy and can get greasy, I wrap ours in a plastic bag and place it in the footwell of the back seat to transport them.
These are worth the weight though, as they hold up well on propane camp stoves and on top of the campfire grill.
Roasting Sticks
If you want to have s’mores or roast hot dogs over the fire, bringing along metal roasting sticks is a lot easier than making your own out of sticks you find around the campground.
17. Don’t Forget To Bring Along Some Fun
What do you like to do at home that it never seems like you have enough time for? Bring it. Examples are books, drawing materials, crossword puzzles, card games, coloring books, and pencil crayons.
18. How To Make It All Fit In Your Vehicle
Plastic Totes Are Your Friend
Measure the cargo space in your vehicle, noting width, length, and height. Gather everything you want to pack and get rough measurements of the largest items.
Now, head to a store that sells plastic tubs and purchase the sizes that best fit your car and equipment. Remember to leave space for your cooler and other items that may be too big or heavy for totes.
Extend Your Cargo Space With A Roof Rack And Roof Storage
If you have a small car, you might need more space for your ultimate glamping set-up. Generally, the least expensive way to increase cargo space in a vehicle is to purchase roof storage. If your car comes with a roof rack, you will need to find out its weight capacity before adding roof storage to it. If it doesn’t, you can still use a roof bag with straps that go around the entire roof of your vehicle.
Hard shell roof storage is more expensive than roof bags, but it does tend to last longer.
Consider Adding A Tow Hitch Storage Tray
If your vehicle doesn’t already have a hitch, this will be a major investment. Make sure you love to camp before considering doing this. However, a rear cargo carrier basket can add a significant amount of storage space to a vehicle.
Create A Tent Camping Trailer
Again, make sure you have decided to stick to tent camping before investing in this. Small SUVs and even some cars can tow a small utility trailer. With a little time, creativity, and cash, you can convert that into the ultimate place to not only transport all your camping gear but also store it and act like an outdoor kitchen at the campground.
19. If This Is Your First Camping Trip, Don’t Buy Everything
There is a small chance that all the camping hacks in the world will not make you like camping enough to go again. This is why I advise the following.
Borrow
Borrow all you can, especially exclusive camping items like the tent, sleeping pads, etc.
Rent Equipment
If you can’t borrow it, try renting it. Places like REI offer rentals for tents and more.
Try A Glamping Site
There are many glamping sites listed on Hipcamp. Usually you get a canvas tent with a real bed and many of the comforts of home. Before investing in equipment, it will give you a good idea of if you are okay with comfy camping.
If you are not yet a member of Hipcamp, sign up using my referral link and receive $10 in Hipcamp credit (offer may change at any time).
Make Do
Bring the blankets and pillows you have. Create a menu that doesn’t require you to have a camp stove.
Do Without
There are many things on this list that you could camp without, such as a portable power station, earplugs, face masks, string lights, etc. Start with the basics and build up to your personal comfort level.
Buy Only Things You Will Use Outside Of Camping
For your first trip, spend money only on things you will use elsewhere. For instance, you will probably use camp chairs and coolers for more than just camping. This way, if you never camp again, you will still get use out of your purchases.
20. Always Try New Equipment Out At Home
Try setting up the tent at home first to avoid the awkward moment at the campground when you feel like everyone is watching you struggle.
Go one step further by setting up your beds. This will allow you to see how much room you have left for extra items like a side table or plastic totes full of your clothing.
21. The Weather Forecast Might Be Wrong
Never leave weather-related items like a rain jacket or a warm sweater at home, even if the weather forecast calls for no rain. Weather changes quickly.
22. Bring Your Sense Of Humor And Adventure
Camping is not always Instagram-worthy. However, those frustrating moments will become some of your greatest memories if you go in with a sense of humor and adventure.
23. After Each Trip
Dry Out Camping Gear
You invested a lot of money into the right camping gear for your comfort. Protect that investment by cleaning, drying, and putting all your gear away properly.
Store Everything Together
This will make it easier to get on the road to the campground.
Reflect
Once you get home, or perhaps even on the way home, take a minute to write down things that you felt you were missing at the campground, as well as things you brought but didn’t use.
Edit Your List
Add the items you thought you were missing to your packing list for next time and remove those you didn’t end up using.
24. A Few Ways To Save Money On Camping Supplies
Buy Only What You Need
The list of glamping items you can add to your equipment is endless. But there is a thin line between comfort and too much. Once you have crossed that line, getting out there becomes too stressful. Always evaluate if the item is worthy of space and time.
Buy Used
Check Facebook Marketplace for secondhand tents. Yard sales are a great place to find lightly used camping items. Thrift stores often have secondhand sleeping bags. The used gear section on the REI website also has secondhand sleeping bags.
Wait For Sales
Tents, camping pads, and other bigger camping equipment often goes on sale.
Use Cash Back Sites
Become a Rakuten member and have their cash back browser tool installed on your computer. Whenever you go to an outdoor site having a sale to purchase an item, this tool will alert you to whether or not the store is offering a cash back deal to Rakuten members. This is a great way of stacking savings.
Another cash back tool I use is the Swagbucks browser tool. I love that Swagbucks offers many ways to earn points, including cash back. The points add up fast and can be cashed in for gift cards.
Use Promo Codes
Become a Capital One Shopping member and activate their browser tool. When you do this, they will run valid promo codes for you during checkout and if one works, you save instantly.
I hope this post has taught you all you need to know about camping comfortably.
Read Our Honest Review Of The Kodiak Canvas Tent
Looking For Unique And Private Campsites? Read Our Review About HipCamp
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