Planning a romantic camping getaway for you and your partner but need some help crafting the perfect experience?
You’ve come to the right place.
As outdoor lovers ourselves, we know that there’s nothing more romantic than enjoying some time in the great outdoors with your partner. Planning that perfect wilderness retreat, however, can be a challenge since there are so many details that you have to get just right.
Luckily for you, we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with some of our top tips for planning a couple’s camping getaway. From cooking up a scrumptious 3-course meal to stargazing after a long day of adventure, here are 11 great romantic camping ideas to try out on your next outing.
1. Find a secluded campsite
If there’s 1 thing that you definitely shouldn’t overlook when planning a romantic camping trip, it’s the importance of picking a secluded campsite.
While it might seem easier to camp in one of the large campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, there’s no better way to ruin the atmosphere of your romantic retreat than to have a family with young kids running around outside your tent.
Now, don’t get us wrong – we love kids. But, they’re not exactly ideal when you’re trying to spend quality time with your partner.
So, as you plan your trip, try to find a more secluded campsite. This could be at a smaller campground in Joshua Tree National Park or at a backcountry site along the Appalachian Trail.
2. Create a romantic ambiance
Once you have the perfect secluded campsite, it’s time to turn your camping area into a romantic getaway.
Doing so starts with ensuring that your tent is as comfortable as can be. Therefore, we recommend investing in a spacious 4 person tent or even a glamping tent for your adventure.
After you set up your tent, consider accessorizing it with romantic items, like string lights, to help set the mood. Cozy blankets and pillows can also go a long way toward creating the ideal outdoor retreat.
3. Cook a multi-course meal
More often than not, cooking while camping is all about keeping things as simple as possible. But, when you’re on a romantic camping trip, it’s worth putting in a little bit of extra effort.
In particular, cooking a delightful multi-course meal can be a great way to show your partner that you care. Of course, no one expects you to get super fancy, but a bit of creativity during your trip can go a long way.
To make things easier for yourself, you could try making a 3-course meal. The first course could be as simple as a cheese and cracker platter and the dessert could be s’mores over the campfire. Then, all you have to figure out is a main course that you both love and enjoy.
As an added bonus, you could invest in a nice set of camping mess kits. Then, you could set the table before your meal to make it a romantic dinner for 2 in the backcountry.
4. Plan a sunset picnic
If you want to take your meals to the next level in terms of romantic quality, a sunset picnic is hard to beat.
All you need for your picnic is a set of blankets, your camping mess kits, a cooler with all your food, and a destination that’s ideal for viewing the sunset.
If you want to keep things simple, you can pre-cook your meal at your campsite and then pack it with you to your sunset viewing location. Alternatively, you can always cook at your scenic overlook if you remember to pack your stove, cookware, and other camping kitchen essentials.
5. Go stargazing
When the sun goes down, going stargazing is always a popular choice among camping couples.
If you happen to be in an International Dark Sky Place, like Death Valley National Park, you might be able to do most of your stargazing from your campground. Otherwise, it might be worth hiking or driving to a more remote section of a park to ensure that you’ll get a good view of the night sky.
That being said, there are a few things you shouldn’t go stargazing without. In particular, it’s often wise to bring your sleeping pads and summer sleeping bags to help you stay warm during the evening. Additionally, if it’s really cold outside, you might consider packing some heated gloves, too, to help you stay warm.
6. Pack a double sleeping bag
Your summer sleeping bag is an essential part of any camping gear list. But, being tucked away in a separate sleeping bag from your partner isn’t exactly romantic.
Thankfully, there’s a solution to this perpetual problem, a double sleeping bag.
With the right double sleeping bag in tow, you and your partner can enjoy a great night’s sleep in the outdoors together.
However, we would also recommend investing in a double-size air mattress or cot if you choose to use a double sleeping bag. That’s because using two separate sleeping pads under a double sleeping bag is a surefire way to create gaps of padding underneath you at night.
So, opting for a double-size air mattress or cot can help ensure that you stay cozy throughout the night.
Read More : How to Clean and Wash A Sleeping Bag at Home
7. Have a romantic evening by the fire
There are few things in this world that scream romance more than a campfire. Therefore, planning a campfire as one of your evening activities during your trip is sure to impress your partner.
The good news is that most campgrounds have fire rings or fire pits at each campsite for you to use during your stay. If this is the case, you’ll just need to get some firewood, tinders, and firestarters before your trip.
That being said, if you’re going on a backpacking trip with your partner, it’s important that you understand local fire regulations before your adventure. Be sure to check on the status of any ongoing fire bans before planning that romantic campfire during your trip.
Read More : 11 Tips to Have A Campfire Safely
8. Play silly games
Playing silly games with your partner is a great way to bond and enjoy time in each other’s company. After a long day of hiking and adventuring, playing a few games before bed can also be a nice activity to help you unwind.
So, before you head to your campsite for your trip, consider packing a few camping games. Even a fun card game after dinner can help set the mood for the rest of the evening.
Read More : 10 Popular Campfire Games for Adults
9. Enjoy some adult beverages
To help make your camping trip special, consider bringing a bottle of wine or some bubbly on your adventures. An evening toast around the campfire or a quick glass at the summit of your peak ascent can be a great way to cap off an amazing day outside with your partner.
However, do keep in mind that it’s generally best to avoid bringing glass into the great outdoors. So, it’s often worth investing in some unbreakable wine glasses or even some camping mugs to avoid any broken glass mishaps on the trail.
10. Bring a hammock
If you want to enjoy some lazy days around the campsite, packing a hammock for relaxation is often a great idea.
Even if you don’t want to sleep in your hammock, having a double hammock on hand can provide you with a quick and easy place to hang out while at your campsite.
You might also consider bringing a hammock bug net for your trip if you’re camping somewhere that’s particularly buggy. Doing so will give you a romantic and bug-free place to enjoy each other’s company during your trip.
Read More : 15 Tips and Tricks for Hammock Camping
11. Capture the moment on camera
Last but not least, don’t forget to take some photos of your adventure.
Although living in the moment is important while camping with your partner, you also want to have some photos from your travels to help you reminisce about your experiences down the line.
Your smartphone is always an option for taking photos, but if you’re looking for higher-quality images, you might consider a compact digital camera. If you do choose to bring a camera, though, it’s often best to bring a hiking camera strap, too. These camera straps can help ensure that your camera is always at the ready to help you capture that perfect moment.
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional mountain guide with a master’s degree in outdoor education. She works primarily in the polar regions as an expedition guide, though she can be found hiking, climbing, skiing, sailing, or paddling in some of the world’s most amazing places when not at work.