Five things to bring for a cosy camping experience

Camping doesn’t have to mean bringing the bare essentials and sleeping under the stars. Anyone can enjoy spending a night in nature, and there are things you can bring to make sure you have a comfortable getaway.

Upgrade your camping trip to a glamping trip with some of our favourite luxuries.

An eye mask and ear plugs

Waking up surrounded by nature can be a lovely experience, but it can also be an unwelcome alarm clock for light sleepers. The canvas of tent walls doesn’t do much to block the sun out as it rises, and noises from nearby animals can cause a disturbance. Be sure to pack a comfortable eye mask and ear plugs to maximise your lie in.

Citronella candles or incense

When camping, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll encounter some bothersome bugs like mosquitos and midges. Citronella oil can act as a repellent against these insects. Bringing along citronella candles or incense is a great way to keep the creepy crawlies at bay in a humane way. Plus, they let off a nice scent while they burn, adding a little touch of comfort to your outdoor stay.

Make sure you never leave candles unattended and don’t light them in your tent.

Fairy lights or bunting

Bring the cosy vibes to your set up with fairy lights and bunting. Hanging bunting is a great way to add a bit of decoration for more of a homely feeling and makes your tent stand out from all the others. As for fairy lights, not only does their twinkle add to the atmosphere, there’s the added bonus of making it easier to spot your tent if you’re coming back to it at night. We recommend finding solar-powered lights so they can charge up throughout the day, and you don’t have to worry about bringing batteries.

Comfortable bedding

There’s nothing worse than feeling as though you’re sleeping on the cold, hard ground. Investing in a comfortable camping bed is a necessity for a five-star camping experience. As well as this, a warm sleeping bag or duvet will help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. A sleeping bag liner can add an extra layer of warmth in chillier weather, too.

A hot water bottle or portable fan

Temperatures can vary throughout the day while camping, no matter what time of year you go. Sunny days and long walks might leave you feeling warm, and with no respite from heat in a tent, bringing a handheld fan will help you stay cool. On the other hand, the temperature can drop in the evenings, even during summer. A hot water bottle will keep you warm while you stay up chatting and when you go to sleep.