Are you tired of sacrificing comfort for the great outdoors?
It’s time to upgrade your camping experience with these must-haves that will transform your outdoor adventures into a true retreat. From outdoor rugs and canopy setups to convenient hand washing areas and portable camping chairs, discover the items that will make roughing it a thing of the past. Keep reading to learn what my family and I use and how you can enhance your outdoor living space, elevate your cooking game, and create the perfect ambiance with outdoor lighting. Get ready to turn your next camping trip into a luxurious getaway surrounded by nature.
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Outdoor Living
To further enhance your outdoor living space, consider investing in an outdoor carpet or rug to define your camping area, keep your area clean and create a cozy atmosphere. We enjoy using this RV mat, it is super easy to clean and comes with a bag for travel. Pair it with a portable canopy to provide shade and protection from the elements, allowing you to relax comfortably in the great outdoors. Additionally, a canopy can serve as a focal point for your campsite, making it a gathering spot for friends and family. Upgrade your camping experience with these simple yet effective luxuries that will make you feel right at home in nature. If you’re interested in the one we use, it is the 10 x 10 Z Shade. Other essentials for outdoor living are a portable trash can, they close up to store in your trailer and pop right up when your at camp! A good ice chest is a must, we use our fridge for our foods, since RV refrigerators are on the small side, it is nice to have an ice chest outside to keep drinks cold. That way there is no going in and out of the trailer. Just grab a cold drink white your enjoying the outdoors. We also like to have 2 folding tables near our trailer. They are perfect for when we are cooking to have near the stove to hold spices, utensils, etc.. Having tables are also great for playing games, and when it’s time to eat, move it close to the fire and enjoy a delicious meal while keeping warm. Last but not least is our generator, we dry camp, so where we go there is no power or water. We bring our own power and haul our water as well. The generator is stored outside our trailer but gives us the luxuries on the inside, so for instance at night when we go in for bed, we will power on the generator and watch some tv and charge our phones and devices. We have used our Honda generator for many many years, the particular one we have will not run our air conditioner, but where we go we don’t need the A/C. When it comes to water, we fill our trailer at home and bring 2 25 gallon water tanks to fill if we need it while we are out there. My family likes to take a shower every night before bed.
Hand Washing Area
A convenient and often overlooked luxury for your camping setup is a designated hand washing area. This can be as simple as a portable water container with a spigot and soap dispenser, or as elaborate as a collapsible sink station with multiple compartments for washing dishes as well. We like to make it simple and use old laundry soap containers. They are a budget friendly option, not only do they have leftover soap in them but when you fill them with water you can use the dispenser as a spigot. Place a bottle of hand wash or a bar of soap next to to it with some paper towels and you have an instant hand washing station. Having a designated area for hand washing not only promotes good hygiene while camping but also adds a touch of convenience and comfort to your outdoor experience. With this essential setup in place, you can easily keep your hands clean and fresh throughout your camping trip, allowing you to fully enjoy all the activities and meals you have planned.
Portable Camping Chairs
When it comes to creating a comfortable camping experience, portable camping chairs are a must when your camping. These chairs provide a place to relax and unwind after a day of hiking or exploring the great outdoors. Whether you prefer a traditional folding chair or a more elevated camping chair with built-in cup holders, we purchased ours from Costco, they are the Timber Ridge brand. Every year around summer they come out with a new version and if you’re lucky you can grab them while they are on sale. We have had ours for over 15 years and they are still going strong! Having a comfortable place to sit can make all the difference in your camping experience.
Not only do portable camping chairs offer a spot to rest and enjoy the scenery, but they also provide a comfortable place to gather around the campfire with friends and family. With a sturdy and supportive camping chair, you can fully relax and soak in the beauty of nature while sharing stories and making memories with your loved ones. Plus, having a comfortable chair to sit in while enjoying a meal can enhance the overall camping experience and make your outdoor adventure more enjoyable.
Outdoor Cooking
When it comes to outdoor cooking, having the right equipment can make a world of difference in your camping experience. A portable stove, griddle, and grill can open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities while you’re out in nature. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty breakfast to fuel your day of adventures or grilling up a feast for dinner, having the convenience of these cooking tools can elevate your camping meals to a whole new level. I prefer to do all my cooking outdoors, cooking in a travel trailer isn’t always the best option. Not only are you missing being out on the great outdoors but speaking from experience it can leave the smell of everything you cooked for a long time! Win win for me, my my husband does most of the cooking when we are camping, He whips up delicious pancakes over his griddle in the morning! Everyone around camp gravitates near our spot to enjoy the smells of pancakes and bacon. Luckily he always makes enough to feed a crowd. In the evening I will use the stove to cook one of my easy camping meals, check out my 5 Easy Camping Meals post!! We use the Camp Chef 2 burner stove with the Camp Chef griddle. If we are grilling we use a grill that swivels over the fire pit. My handy husband made ours for us. It goes over the grill and is pounded in with a stake. Just push it over the fire to grill, when you’re done push it out of the way and enjoy the fire!
Outdoor Lighting
As the day turns to night, outdoor lighting becomes essential for extending your camping activities well into the evening. Propane lanterns, like the Coleman NorthStar offer a warm and inviting glow that can illuminate your campsite, creating a cozy atmosphere for late-night storytelling or stargazing. The right lighting can also provide a sense of security and comfort as you navigate around your campsite in the dark. But when it comes to gathering around the campfire pit, a flickering flame takes center stage, bringing warmth and light to your outdoor oasis.
Campfire Ring
The campfire ring is not just a practical item for grilling meals or staying warm—it’s a focal point for creating unforgettable memories. We enjoy using the CountyLine fire pit from Tractor Supply. It’s convenient and can be put wherever you want your fire to be. The crackling sounds of burning wood, the dance of the flames, and the cozy heat radiating from the fire all contribute to the unique ambiance of a campfire. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with loved ones, sharing stories with friends, or simply enjoying the quiet solitude of nature, the campfire pit is where magic happens during your camping adventure. So make sure to stock up on firewood and keep the flames burning bright, as you gather around the campfire for a truly memorable experience in the great outdoors.
Upgrade your camping experience with the addition of these must-haves that will transform your outdoor adventures into a comfortable retreat. From outdoor carpets and canopy to portable camping chairs and outdoor cooking essentials, these items will ensure you don’t have to settle for roughing it anymore. Embrace the luxuries of home while surrounded by nature, and make memories that will last a lifetime. So, as you plan your next outdoor excursion, remember that camping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Invest in these essentials and elevate your camping experience to a whole new level.