Spring has sprung, and in some places, recoiled. As the vestiges of Winter make their final lap, people are getting antsy to get into the sunshine and let their pale skin soak up vitamin D like pouring a glass of water out on desert sand. Although there may be some residual chill, planning for a camping vacation now allows for last-minute trips later. Preparing for a camping trip doesn't have to be an involved process. In fact, you could place a single order on Amazon and be ready to head out in less than 24 hours.
From budget camping to glamping, outdoor activities are going to be the name of the game this year. So look at the 7-day forecast while topping off your camping supplies, and get ready for a restorative Spring and Summer.
Go Camping for Under 100 Dollars
In just one Amazon order you can go from camping novice to Bear Grylls without breaking the bank. This short list of essential items will help get you up and out the door. So during times when the Wednesday hump seems insurmountable, fast shipping will allow for rapid recharge in the out of doors.
Wakeman 2 Person Tent - Wakeman has pulled off one of the most affordable tents on the market, and it comes in many different colors to boot. Further, this tent has no problem fitting a queen-sized air mattress and is known to stand up to gusty wind like the best of them.
Favorland Sleeping Bag - The low price of this super-soft microfiber-lined sleeping bag is pretty much unbelievable. Additionally, it comes in many different sizes and colors. Protip: bring a few throw blankets from home to layer over or under the sleeping bag, or to drape over other camper's shoulders around the fire.
YSXHW Thick Sleeping Pad - If you or a friend don’t already own an air mattress, a few of these cheap sleeping pads will do the trick.
Coleman Cooler - It’s always nice when high-quality name-brand items are also the most affordable. Pair this cooler with a cast iron pan or even just some metal skewers and food prep will be taken care of. There’s nothing like cooking over an open fire.
Solid Gear Options and Glamping Substitutes
KAZOO 2-4 Person Tent with Porch - The most affordable tents are perfect for all your tenting needs, but if you spend just a bit more money, the options increase. A good example is an increase in capacity with a very thin increase in price. Like this tent from Kazoo that sleeps more people comfortably and also has a covered porch to help keep the great outdoors, outdoors.
Glamping Option: Danchel Yurt Tent - This is basically a yurt that is portable and is also designed to accommodate a tent stove! It’s already sized perfectly for a campground, but imagine setting this durable tent up overlooking a vast valley of green studded with craggy stone. Spend the day hunting or just going on an epic hike, then come back to a tent warmed by a GBU Tent Stove that you can cook an amazing carbonara over…. Yeah, it’s that kind of tent.
Coleman Gas Stove - Cooking over a campfire is fun and should always be a part of camping with or without an additional stovetop. Fire pits are perfect for grilling meat, corn, and for making smores and sausages. While a stove puts ease into boiling water for hot cocoa and coffee and even pasta for a killer pasta salad to go with steaks and burgers. Further, having a stove allows for a quick and easy breakfast that doesn’t interfere with daily activities. Once back from a long day of hiking, swimming, or hunting, the evenings can be set aside for more casual meal prep that includes both the fire pit and the stove. Don’t forget the classic camping coffee pot.
Glamp Option: Camp Chef Two Burner - This stove is for the real foodie in the family. Each burner has 30,000 BTUs which will not only cook every classic camping food available but, paired with a legit carbon steel wok kit or a classic cooking kit, will make people think your campsite is a fancy pop-up restaurant.
Coleman Camping Chairs - Having some solid camping chairs for around the fire is often overlooked. And once again, Coleman is coming through with perfect, comfortable, fold-up camping chairs featuring a 4-can cooling pouch and beverage holder.
Glamping Option: Alpha Camp Oversized Padded Camping Chair- These giant comfy chairs are basically the most comfortable camping chairs on the market. They are so cozy that it will probably be a good idea to keep these out on the patio even once you get back home.
Glamping Extra Credit
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker - AeroPress has been a long-time companion of travelers who love a good cup of coffee. The new immersion technology allows for high-quality coffee and espresso to be made virtually everywhere. Protip: drizzle espresso over ice cream from this Ice Cream Ball for some top-notch affogatos. Don't forget the coffee bean grinder.
Garlands - It’s pretty simple, these cool vintage fabric garlands will bring the ambiance of any campsite to the next level, (and they are super affordable).
Hanging Tent Fan and Light - So you have your stove-heated yurt, but what happens if it gets a little too hot in there? Simple, turn on this little fan-light combo to move the warm air out or around.
Get Outside
Camping does not have to be an expensive outing. With one simple order, you can get everything you need to just glide right out the door and into the beauty of nature. Or, if you want to do it up, there are many options to bring camping trips to the next level. Try planning ahead with a big group of people and reserving a bunch of campsites that are side by side, or head out solo and get some refreshing alone time. Either way, the time is now to top off the camping supplies from last season and bring new energy into the rest of Spring and into Summer.
