12 Things I’ve Learned About Glamping

My glamping career started very early, thanks to my folks. Here I am as a four month old slipping from my indifferent brother’s arms as he sticks his tongue out at the camera. Not much has changed.

My earliest memories are of glamping, or camping in a trailer or RV, rather than rustic camping. I always thought it was because my dad did not want to sleep on the ground. Later in life I learned his reason was to keep his family safe. Kind of scary when you think about it. I’ve never felt unsafe in a tent, especially in a campground full of people. Fast forward to today, having went full circle, childhood camping in an RV, tenting it in my 20s, then our first trailer was a 22 foot Holiday Rambler, and now a 36 foot Coachmen fifth wheel. You pick up tips and tricks over the years, so here are a few of my thoughts.

1. In the spring and fall, bring slip on shoes. On our last trip I only brought flip flops and hiking boots. It was 40 degrees and rainy so I had to constantly tie and untie my boots when going in and out of the trailer in order to not track mud.
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2. Always bring books or movies if the weather changes suddenly.
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3. Without packing the kitchen sink (it’s a balance!), bring it if you think you might want it. Better to have something and not use it than want it and not have it with you.
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4. At the same time, re-evaluate what you keep in your trailer, especially if you’ve added things over time – the weight adds up and will affect towing and gas mileage. Like this cast iron cookware I rarely use.
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5. Do as much prep at home (cook the ground beef and drain it, boil the pasta, chop the vegetables and fruit, etc.) I have a checklist that I’m always editing for each outing.
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6. Break out the crockpot, instapot, air fryer! If you’re not cooking over the fire, cook with electric to save your propane for heating.
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7. For that same reason, consider an electric blanket or space heater. Unless of course you have a rustic site.
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8. When walking the campground looking at future sites to reserve, pay attention to the types of trees – pines will drip sap all over everything during certain times of the year, and oaks will drop acorns onto the roof, driving you crazy and possibly do damage. Watch for low branches on the site that will impede trying to park your trailer. Speaking of trees, make sure you have enough room on either side when your slides come out.
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9. If possible, drive through a new park before booking your site online. The site photo might look good but might be misleading. Plus, low branches I just mentioned may not be on your site, but they might be hanging over the road on the way to your site and snag your air conditioner or antennae.
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10. I’ve learned to not trust what sites are rated in terms of trailer length. Ours trailer is 36’ and we’ve had to shoehorn it onto sites that were advertised to accommodate up to 45’. So again, visit the site in person if possible before booking.
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11. Two way radios have saved our marriage when trying to park. I no longer have to scream directions at my husband when I’m at the back of the site and he’s in the truck, or make sure he sees me in his mirror. Cell phones of course work, unless you’re camping somewhere the mobile signal is weak.
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12. Fall camping is great, but unless you can escape early, you’ll be setting up on the dark. No fun. Try to plan accordingly!

We’re winterized now and counting down until spring.  Do you glamp?  What can you add to my list?