42 Romantic Camping Tips for Couples

 
 
couples romantic camping on Valentine's Day
 

A romantic camping adventure with your significant other is a great way to stoke the embers of your relationship.

But planning a romantic camping trip as a couple takes a bit of forethought (gentlemen, I’m talking to you) and the right mood-setting gear to pull off successfully.

In this post we’ll discuss several romantic camping ideas for how to romance your outdoor-loving significant other by planning appropriately for your adventure, as well as provide some tips for gear that will bring you closer together as a couple and create a romantic atmosphere at camp - whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a romantic weekend getaway.

How to Plan A Romantic Camping Date

Location Selection:

Let’s start with the destination - selecting the right campsite is pivotal to creating a romantic atmosphere. An ideal location will:

  • Be isolated, ideally away from light pollution (so you can stargaze) and with few or preferably zero neighboring campers

    • Surprisingly many of the FREE campsites we’ve frequented have been excellent locations. If you need help finding a good location for your romantic camping adventure check out our guide to finding free camping.

  • Have access to a natural water source such as a river, stream, hot spring, lake, ocean, etc.

    • This isn’t a deal breaker, but who doesn’t like to go for a midnight swim - clothing optional ;)

  • Elevation is excellent for views, but know that generally the higher up you are the more temperature variation becomes a factor

Temperature/Weather:

Nothing will kill the romantic camping date faster than being ill prepared for the elements.

  • Pack appropriate clothing for the temperatures you’ll be camping in

    • Sunglasses, cold-weather hats and gloves, coats, swimsuits, and rain jackets are all things easily forgotten in a rush so make a list and check it twice.

    • Bonus points if you can pack appropriately for both yourself AND your significant other

  • Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the lowest temperature you’ll be camping in, nobody likes to wake up freezing

Food & Drink:

When planning a couple’s romantic camping getaway, food selection is a crucial part. Keep it as simple as possible, and make sure to pack more than enough, because hangry & romantic don’t go together!

  • Meals:

    • Consider bringing some delicious precooked meals that you’ve prepared at home in advance and that can easily be reheated at camp

    • Or grab some take-out from your favorite restaurant on your way to camp

    • If you plan to cook a full meal, keep it simple (here’s 60 simple camping meal ideas) and make sure you pack ALL the ingredients necessary. Make it an experience - put some music on, open a bottle of wine, etc.

    • Bring more than enough snacks!

  • Drinks:

    • Pack your significant other’s favorite adult beverages

    • Warm drinks like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa are great in cooler weather

    • Water - make sure you have enough for not only drinking, but cooking, dishes, and bathing if necessary

Romantic Camping Activities:

While it may sound romantic to stare lovingly into one another’s eyes the whole time, the truth is you’re going to want something to do - together as a couple! So here are some ideas for activities that will keep your romantic camping trip on course:

  • Hiking - while this is a camping staple, you’ll want to select a mild hike with little elevation change and keep more of a strolling pace. Because no one’s going to feel romantic if they’re drenched in sweat.

  • Kayaking/Canoeing/Paddle Boarding - if you have the gear (or can borrow or rent) a leisurely paddle around a lake in the evening or a half-day float on a river is an excellent choice

    • PRO TIP: gentleman, only bring one paddle if canoeing together and let your lady relax and enjoy the ambiance while you steer the ship - this will both add romance and avoid a fight over paddle technique

  • Explore Dirt Roads - nothing like a little adventure to spark the romance, hop in your vehicle and see where the nearest dirt road leads. Put on some of his/her favorite music or just enjoy conversation as you drive.

  • Play Games - bring along a couple favorite board games, most have a travel-size version* that are great for camping dates

  • Watch the Sunset or Sunrise - have coffee or wine ready and enjoy the view together

  • Stare at the Sky - find shapes in the clouds during the day, or brush up on your astronomy at night looking for constellations

 

*(This post contains affiliate links. This means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See our full disclosure.)

 

Ideas For Creating a Romantic Camping Atmosphere

There are tons of ways to create a romantic camping atmosphere to set the mood for the evening. And while the night will end cuddled up as a couple in your tent or truck bed (hopefully!), there’s a lot you can do to set the mood around camp to make sure your date is comfy and the ambiance is right.

Lighting is Everything:

  • LED String Lights - these warm-white solar rechargable string lights* can be strung around camp and/or your tent or truck bed camper to create a romantic atmosphere

  • Solar Mason Jar Lanterns* or Tiki Torches* - strategically placed around camp can really set the mood

  • Table-top Fire Pit* - sometimes a traditional campfire is too much work or simply not an option - these are a great alternative and you can still indulge in some roasted marshmallows for s'mores!

  • A Good Old Fashioned Campfire - Nothing is more romantic while camping than cuddling up together beside a well-stoked campfire.

    • But gentlemen - this is not the time to impress her with your fire-starting survival skills. The goal during this camping trip is to establish the campfire as quickly and effortlessly as possible so you can get back to romancing your date:

      • Use an easy Fire Starter Log* to avoid having to spend time gathering tons of kindling

      • Bring pre-cut firewood, so you don’t have to gather it or worse not find any (but maybe split a few with the axe for her)

      • Consider investing in a Solo Stove Smokeless Firepit - or one of the portable propane fire pits we cover in our guide: How To Choose the Best Portable Fire Pit for Camping - nobody likes climbing into their sleeping bag reeking of smoke.

 
 

Make Sure Your Date is Comfortable:

  • Keep the Bugs Away - nothing will kill the mood faster than a swarm of mosquitoes, but don’t go straight for Deet or Picaridin bug spray! Consider using something like the Thermacell MR450 Portable Mosquito Repellent* first to avoid being oily and smelly when you climb into your sleeping bag.

  • Hammock - if your campsite has the trees to support it, lounging together in a hammock underneath the stars is an excellent way to kick up the romance. We love our Eno Doublenest*! Don’t forget to pick up some hammock straps* too.

  • Loveseat Camping Chair* - these are great for cozying up together as a couple beside the fire and pack up easily

  • Outdoor Blanket* - great for a romantic picnic lunch around camp, or to take on a hike

  • Double Sleeping Bag - when the evening is over and the romance is at its peak, nothing beats cuddling up together in a double sleeping bag for the night. We’ve used and highly recommend the Big Agnes Dream Island 15* or the Thermarest Vela 20*

  • If you’re truck camping, pack extra blankets and over-sized pillows so you can create a more luxurious lounging space in the truck bed

Ditch the Cell Phone:

  • If you’re going to have a successful romantic camping adventure as a couple, you’ll need to give your date your undivided attention. So eliminate the temptation, put your phone on airplane mode, or better yet pick a campsite without cell service!

Mood Music:

  • Outdoor Speaker* - this is one gadget that can help set the mood, they’re great for establishing a romantic atmosphere at camp or dancing together in the moonlight.

  • Serenade Your Date - If you’ve got the musical ability (or even if you don’t), pack your guitar or just sing along to a romantic song. Even if your date can’t stop laughing, the gesture will still win his or her heart.

  • Appreciate Nature’s Music - the bubbling of a river, the hoot of an owl, the rustling of the leaves in the wind, a coyote’s howl; there’s plenty of romance in the simple sounds of nature, make sure you take time to enjoy them together!

Give Your Date A Romantic Camping Gift

A surprise camping or adventure related gift for your date is a surefire way to spark romance, and even better if he or she can enjoy it right away during your camping date! Here are some ideas to help get you started.

Romantic Camping Gift Ideas:

Just know that you don’t have to break the bank to romance your date while camping. A handmade gift can be just as heartwarming. And besides, the true gift is the quality time and memories you’ll create together during your romantic camping adventure!

With all the beauty and freedom that comes from being in the great outdoors, it’s not difficult to infuse romance into any camping trip with your significant other. But we hope these romantic camping ideas have helped you to plan and create the perfect romantic camping adventure - whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a first date, or just a weekend getaway together.

And as always, thanks for reading! And we’d love for you to SUBSCRIBE for post updates!


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