A sure-fire way to get kids and adults excited for camping is by making it a little bit more comfortable than they expect.
Let’s be honest, it won’t take much for fussy kids or non-resilient adults to start complaining once they’re outside of their comfort zone.
So, here are 11 proven ways on how to make camping more comfortable.
1. Camp at an Established Campground
Probably the easiest and simplest way to make camping more comfortable is by starting off camping at an established campground.
A campground will have some of the comforts of home, including electricity, hot water, flush toilets, showers, and clean drinking water.
Plus, some campgrounds even have laundering facilities, activity centers, playgrounds, and/or equipment rentals such as canoes, paddle boards, and bikes.
And, if you forget anything at home, you can probably purchase it within the campground (or borrow it from a friendly neighbor).
2. Consider Camping in a Yurt
Sleeping outdoors and on the ground in a tent can seem pretty daunting, especially in the non-summer months or when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Well, instead of a tent, why not consider camping in a yurt! Haven’t heard of a yurt?
- Essentially, a yurt is a large fortified tent, usually circular in shape supported by poles and covered in a waterproof fabric.
- A yurt is constructed to shield occupants from severe weather, and acts like a semi-permanent home.
Traditionally, yurts have been used by nomadic peoples, such as Mongolians, as they tend to their animal herds across the Mongolian plateau.
When it comes to camping, or more appropriate “glamping”, a yurt is typically a permanent structure with beds or cots inside, tables, seating, and sometimes a fireplace or air conditioning. Some yurts are basically simple cabins that people can rent out.
A yurt can be a great way to enjoy camping because you don’t have to bring any shelter equipment – no tent, no tarp, no nothing!
Super easy and very comfortable for all ages, including babies, seniors and physically challenged individuals.
The only caveat is that yurts are extremely popular at campgrounds, so they get booked up fast!
3. Use a Bigger Tent
When you first purchase a tent, you’re probably mostly interested in how many people can fit inside. The manufacturer’s listed tent capacity states the maximum number of occupants without a lot of elbow room.
And, at times, sleeping in a tent can feel cramped and claustrophobic for some people.
So, a great way to make sleeping in a tent more comfortable is by using a tent that has a capacity of 1 to 2 people more than the number of people who plan to sleep inside.
Not only does this create more floor space for everyone, the actual tent height will also be higher as a result. This gives everyone a bit more space for personal items, allows for more blankets, and lets everyone have a little bit of space to roll around or spread out.
Large, family-sized tents like the Coleman Elite Montana or the Columbia Mammoth Creek with multiple internal compartments can be the way to go.
- You can store gear, change cloths or set up a games area on one side, and all your sleeping equipment on the other side.
- Larger tents also allow for more comfortable bedding equipment, such as full-sized blow-up mattresses or sleeping cots.
4. Sleeping Pad vs. Cot vs. Air Mattress
Getting a good night’s rest is a must for any camper. However, if it’s your first time sleeping outdoors, it might not be the most comfortable.
It all boils down to the sleeping surface, and there are three main types – foam or air pads, cots, and blow-up mattresses.
Foam or Air Sleeping Pads
Traditionally, camping in a tent means sleeping on a foam or air pad. Regular foam and air sleeping pads are extremely lightweight and portable, but are also fairly thin and don’t offer much support.
Couple that with the fact that you’re pretty much sleeping on the ground means uneven, rocky, or rooty surfaces that will wreak havoc on your body.
Foam and air sleeping pads are great for:
- Backpacking and backcountry camping trips
- Ultralight or alpine camping
- Kids, teens and young adults
- Short duration camping trips
Check out my buyer’s guide for camping sleeping pads if you’re interested!
Camping Cots
The next level up would be a cot. Camping cots are somewhat lightweight and portable, but not compact so you won’t be hiking into the woods with one in your backpack.
A camping cot keeps you up and off the ground and provides your body with the support it needs.
They are also better in cooler conditions compared to sleeping pads because you aren’t in physical contact with the ground, helping you retain your body heat.
Camping cots are great for:
- Cooler weather conditions
- Older adults and seniors
- Pregnant campers
- Campers with limited mobility or injuries
- Car camping
- Longer duration camping trips
- Festivals
- In-laws when there’s no room in your home (just kidding)
A great and inexpensive option is the Teton Sports Camping Cot. It folds up and collapses down for easy transport!
Blow-up Air Mattress
For the ultimate level of comfort while camping, a blow-up air mattress is the way to go.
No matter the tent ground conditions, an air mattress should provide you with the cushion and support you need to rest and recover after a long day in the woods.
Some blow-up mattresses have built-in pumps which are either electric or manually pumped (by foot or hand pump).
If it’s an electric pump, you would most likely need either a 12 Amp power connection (i.e., the circular connection found inside your car) or a standard electrical outlet.
Blow-up mattresses come in a variety of sizes, from single-person to double-occupant. You’ll need to ensure the one you get fits within the footprint of your tent.
Blow-up mattresses are great for:
- First-time campers
- Car or campground camping
- Older adults and senior
- Pregnant campers
- Longer duration camping trips
- Uneven or rocky ground
- Festivals
I recommend the Intex 2 Person Airbed for its extra comfortable sleep-top. The included hand pump allows it to be blown up anywhere. I used a similar twin-sized version and it was fantastic!
5. Bring Headlamps and Additional Sources of Light
Getting away from city and suburban light pollution and getting to see the night sky is one reason many folks go camping. But, when you get to your campsite and the sun eventually sets over the horizon, how do you see what you’re doing?
Well, if you’re like me, then headlamps and lanterns would be included in your camping checklist.
Having adequate lighting is very important for safely navigating throughout your campsite in the dark.
Tripping over tent guy lines, rolling an ankle on roots or uneven ground, or not spotting critters in the dark are just a few reasons you need to bring dedicated sources of light while camping.
A lot of campers tend to rely on their smart phones these days for light, using the built-in flashlight feature. The LED light is not bright enough (the output is typically 100 lumens) and it does not contain any optics to concentrate the light.
Plus you’re draining your phone’s battery. However, if you’re in a pinch it’s always there. A far better option is to use a headlamp or lantern that you can carry, hang or place somewhere around your campsite.
Whenever my wife and I camp, we always bring our Petzl Tacktikka headlamps as well as a couple portable LED camping lanterns.
This gives us plenty of light when we need it, and ensures we feel comfortable walking around in the dark, especially while camping in the backcountry!
Pro-tip: For more in-depth information about headlamps, check out The Best Sport Headlamps for Camping.
6. Setup a Tarp or Screen House
Being stuck in a tiny tent when the weather isn’t cooperating can get uncomfortable pretty quick. And for some folks, getting “cabin fever” doesn’t take much. So, having an alternative place to shelter other than a stuffy tent can be beneficial.
Well, setting up a tarp or screen house on your campsite can provide additional protection from rain and intense sun, as well as expand the area where campers can sit, stand, or lay down to rest and recover.
Before we got a screen house, we always set up a tarp over the picnic table to ensure our cooking and eating area was protected. Another tarp would be set up nearby to create an area for camping chairs and camping gear to stay dry.
However, now that we have the Eclipse Refuge Screen House (see my full review here), we typically erect it over the picnic table. Everyone can sit inside the screen house instead of huddling in the tent waiting out storms or getting respite from the intense summer sun.
7. Plan for Bugs and Insects
Excessive amounts of bugs and insects can quickly ruin an otherwise fantastic camping trip. The constant itchiness, discomfort, or even allergic reaction can shy a lot of people away from enjoying the outdoors more often.
Mosquitos, flies, and wasps are the three biggest culprits. What’s even worse is getting bit by more dangerous insects and parasites, such as ticks. So, how do you stop them?
Well, the best approach is to plan ahead for bugs and insects.
First, start off by knowing which critters are currently in high season. Before leaving, do a web search on the area you’re camping and include “bug report”. This should detail whether there’s high, moderate or low levels of insects so you’re not surprised.
Once at your campsite, follow my 9 Tips for Preventing and Stopping Bug Bites While Camping. I detail everything I know that has worked for me, including not camping near stagnant water and avoiding dawn and dusk periods when mosquitos are known to come out.
And, if someone is bit, check out How to Effectively Treat Mosquito Bites While Camping for some helpful tips.
After all, camping is about experiencing nature and existing comfortably within the ecosystem, sometimes that includes pesky insects.
8. Bring Camp Chairs
Whether you’re toasting a marshmallow over a campfire, reading a book, whittling wood into a spoon or just looking for a place to rest after a long day in the woods, it’s probably much more comfortable if you’re sitting on a proper chair.
Camp chairs can provide you (and your back) the support it needs when you want to kickback and relax. So, whether you are car camping, festival camping, or canoe camping in our case, bringing along a camp chair can make a world of difference when it comes to comfort.
I prefer camp chairs with full back support that are tall enough to support my head. I bought glamping style camp chairs. They are incredibly comfortable, and portable enough to take backcountry canoe camping, car camping, and picnicking!
Some camp chairs include arm rests with cup holders and pockets perfect for snacks, books or gear. Find one that suits your needs and bring it the next time you go camping!
9. Hang a Hammock
Similar to camp chairs, a hammock definitely elevates your overall camping experience and can make it a lot more comfortable.
Considered by some to be a luxury camping item, most camping hammocks are small and light-weight enough to be stuffed into a pack. And, they can be set up by a single person pretty quickly – usually under 5 minutes.
Personally, I bring my Therm-a-Rest Slacker Hammock on all my camping adventures. It’s the perfect way to relax. You can read a book, listen to nature, or just take a nap. Check out my setup video on YouTube!
A hammock can make your campsite feel extra comfortable, for all to enjoy!
10. Bring Extra Blankets
Staying toasty warm and dry while camping is key to feeling comfortable. One easy way to help boost the level of comfort inside a tent is by bringing along and setting up a few extra soft fleece blankets.
Walking around and laying on a fleece blanket can make kids and adults feel like they’re at home instead of a tent. Plus, at night, you can wrap yourself in the fleece blanket and sit outside to enjoy the stars without feeling cold.
So for car or festival camping, if the overnight temperature dips into low double or single digits, extra bedding in the form of fleece blankets can ensure everyone stays toasty throughout the night!
11. Plan Activities
Planning activities, especially when camping with kids, is super important. Activities help structure days, create peace of mind and stimulation for restless individuals, as well as provides mental and physical breaks from the monotony of camping chores.
So, to make your next camping trip more comfortable and enjoyable, check out my extensive list of 20 Fun and Engaging Camp Activities for Kids and Adults alike!
From the basics of fire making and fishing challenges, to food crafting and geo-caching, these are just a few examples of interesting things to do while camping!
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