For many, the phrase ‘romantic camping trip’ sounds like an oxymoron. When you think of romantic getaways, you tend to think of resorts or five-star suites or private islands with all expenses paid. The reality is this is not everyone’s scene. Some couples prefer to do away with all the frills and laces by getting back to nature. And, if you think about it, there’s really nothing more romantic than kissing in a light drizzle, snuggling by a campfire, or falling asleep beneath a star-studded sky.
Does your ideal anniversary celebration consist of waking up next to your loved one, sharing a steaming hot pot of campfire-warmed billy tea, and taking many romantic strolls and hikes through the secluded wilderness? If so, this blog post is for you. Here’s how you can make your romantic camping getaway that extra bit special.
What to pack for camping
If you’re going to bring a few extra frills and laces, you’ll need to come prepared! Granted, it may be difficult to slip these items away unnoticed, but you can only try. If you’re comfortable enough to camp with your partner, we’re assuming the airs and graces of an early relationship have worn off at least somewhat. So if a slip-up happens, just laugh it off in the same way you’d laugh when your partner falls in a mud puddle—or when whatever other camping mishaps happen to go down.
Two-person sleeping bag
Even the most high-maintenance person has to admit that a two-person sleeping bag is romantic. Plus, we’re fairly certain that this is the warmest way to sleep. Imagine sleeping beneath the stars, snuggling up to your partner, cocooned in a warm sleeping bag. You’ll be on cloud nine until morning comes.
Wine or champagne with plastic wine glasses (or champagne flutes)
Okay, so you can’t bring many breakables camping, but you can meet halfway with durable alternatives. Wine or champagne are classy beverage options associated with romance. They usually have no place on camping trips, which is why bringing the bubbles can be such a delightful surprise. It will show you’ve gone above and beyond. (Pro tip: be sure to store your bottle carefully, as this is a breakable item.) Even if you and/or your partner aren’t drinkers, you could always bring some sparkling grape juice or similar. This will be infinitely more romantic than drinking from a Pepsi or VB can.
Bluetooth speaker
What’s a romantic evening without a little mood music? Bring your UE Boom (or other portable speaker) and play some tunes to set the atmosphere. You could play some acoustic guitar music or even curate a playlist of your partner’s favourite songs. The plus side? Bluetooth speakers are light and so easy to pack. And for items that take up so little space, they provide a world of entertainment.
LED fairy lights
String fairy lights: it’s such a simple touch, and yet it can really brighten up a space—literally. Up the glamping vibes by draping a string of fairy lights—preferably neutral-coloured—over your tent, from your camper trailer (or RV), or over a nearby tree branch.
Pro tip: when camping, it’s best to bring solar-powered or battery-operated lights. If you’re camping on a powered site, you will have the option to use plug-in lights. This will mean, however, that a) you’ll have less flexibility as to where to hang the lights, and b) your lights will be occupying half or all of your power supply. This is something you may wish to avoid.
Polaroid camera
Camera phones are a double-edged sword: yes, they allow you to take large volumes of photos, but they make us less selective of which photos we take. We are also far less likely to generate tactile versions of our favourite photos. This is the beauty of Polaroid cameras. Not only do they create physical photos, but they do so instantly. Remember the days when you had to submit your camera film to the newsagent and wait at least a week until you could see your snaps?
Physical photographs of your time away are the best souvenir you could ask for. When you get back home, display them on the wall or put them into a scrapbook. There’s something inherently romantic about pictures taken on an old-timey camera.
Things to do in your romantic camping bubble
Now that you’ve got your instruments for some loved-up time away, it’s time to plan your moves. Give these romantic camping ideas a whirl.
Location, location, location
Because this camping trip is going to be romantic, you can’t just pick any old spot. Keep away from commercial holiday parks, which are usually overrun by families. You’ll want somewhere secluded and scenic, like somewhere in the mountains or by a body of water. Is there a location that is significant to the both of you? Perhaps you could camp near the place you first met. Awww.
Campfire-lit dinner
If you’re camping somewhere secluded, chances are you won’t be within a convenient range of any five-star restaurant. You don’t need to replicate five-star quality, but you should at least put some thought into your evening meal. What’s your partner’s favourite food? What was the meal you ate on your very first date? These questions may give you some cooking inspiration.
Romantic pastimes
Plan what, if anything, you’re going to do on the trip. Maybe you’re an adventurous couple who love to hike hand-in-hand through peaceful and secluded land. Maybe a thoughtful kayak or canoe down a soft-flowing stream could be romantic. Maybe you could swim in a private waterhole.
Alternatively, you could forgo the planning and just see where the trip takes you. Perhaps you’d rather enjoy each other’s company and limit distractions. Put the phone away and focus more on one another.
Getting there
The camper trailer we’d recommend for romantic camping getaways? The Weekender. The lightest of our range, the Weekender is good for light off-roading, and ideal for small- to medium-sized cars (including SUVs). If you’re not up for buying a more heavy-duty, otherwise ‘tow-happy’ vehicle, then this may be the model for you. Quick and simple to set up, the Weekender is the perfect no-fuss camper trailer for a getaway for two people. Get on it!
