Autumn Glamping Hacks

Who loves camping? I know I do! Camping is one of those wonderful bonding experiences that if done right, can truly set you up with wonderful memories that you'll want to relive again & again. At least once a year, Dohnovan & I like to go "Glamping" at a little place called Defa's Dude Ranch in Hanna, Utah. It's not quite as grimy as camping, because we have four walls & a bed, but it's still not very glamorous either, because all you have is four walls & a bed. WE LIVE FOR IT! 

Although it's always fun to take these trips spontaneously, we have learned that a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring that our vacation is much more comfortable & fun for everyone involved! Here are a few things we have learned over the past couple years that have made the biggest difference in our "Glamping" experience!

#1 BE PREPARED FOR ANY KIND OF WEATHER

If you have ever spent any time in Utah, you'll know as well as we do that we can (and probably will) experience several seasonal changes in a single day! It's best to make sure that whatever shoes you choose to pack will keep your toes warm & are durable enough to survive rain, snow, & lots of dirt! Dohnovan & I prefer to go glamping during the off-season because it's likely that we will have the campground to ourselves, but it's also very likely that we will experience much colder temperatures during that time of year so we always pack plenty of warm socks & double up on them at night to ensure that our toes stay nice & toasty!

Pack a heavy duty coast & a lighter coat. This always comes in handy because the temperature varies throughout the day & in the evening I like to throw on something a little thicker while we roast marshmallows around the fire. It also makes the world of difference to somebody else if they didn't come prepared & need an extra layer! It's also nice to keep a rain poncho on hand in case you're surprised by a rainstorm while you're away from your campground. The hubby doesn't mind braving the weather, but I prefer to keep one in my coat pocket just to be safe!

#2 KNOW WHAT YOU'RE COOKING WITH

When I think of cooking while camping, I usually think of roasting hot dogs or throwing hobo dinners into the fire & hoping for the best. This year we discovered the power of meal prepping & the added bonus of having an old fashioned wood burning stove! We cooked everything from hamburgers & breakfast burritos to chili & steak with potatoes, & all we needed was a cast iron skillet & some tin foil! If you are traveling somewhere you've never been before, always inquire about their heat sources when you are booking. If you only have a fire pit to cook with, bringing a little grill will make the world of difference to your stomach! If you are fortunate enough to have access to a wood burning stove, you will be able to cook most of the same things you make at home. Just throw them in a skillet or wrap them in tin foil & set them on top. Soon you'll be enjoying your first tasty meal in your cabin!  

BONUS GLAMPING HACK

If you have access to any outlets, a little coffee maker would be a great addition to your camping gear. You'll be able to heat water for soup, hot chocolate, or even wash any dishes you might have brought with you AND you'll be able to have fresh coffee in the morning by a nice toasty fire! Now THAT sounds like Glamping to me!

#3 BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD

This one should be a no-brainer if you're already a camping expert, but for those of you who aren't; most campgrounds DO NOT PROVIDE FIREWOOD! Chances are, by the time you've arrived at your campground, you are miles away from any gas station or local store that would carry it, so be prepared to bring an axe or purchase wood beforehand. Defa's Dude Ranch does carry firewood, but if you go during the off-season (like us) then you might find that everything is closed up & there is no way to access it without an employee so BE PREPARED. 

#4 BRING EASY FIRE STARTERS

Technically I suppose this is still part of hack #3, but make sure to bring easy fire starters, such as lighter fluid & easy kindling. We bring paper plates & cups so we can use them in the fire afterwards. It cuts down on cleanup tremendously! We also recommend bringing duralogs to keep the fire burning longer throughout the night. Your cabin will still be nice & toasty when you wake up!

#5 DON'T FORGET TO ENJOY YOURSELF!

This should go without saying, but remember that you are there to have fun! Don't be afraid to explore, take lots of goofy pictures, stuff your face with smores & cuddle up by the fire sharing stories. Camping doesn't have to be stressful - remember, you are there to get AWAY from the stress of everyday life! These are memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime, so don't sweat the small stuff!