Don't get me wrong, I love walking around REI so I can climb inside the tents, sit in the chairs, try on the camping gear.... But I'm also a lazy shopper, which is why I love having Amazon Prime. Since I can order anything and have it on my doorstep within two days, I usually rely on Amazon for most of my basic camping and glamping needs.
7 Glamp-Worthy Camping Cocktails
Picture your next camping trip: secluded woods or a scenic desert, wildlife hustling and bustling all around, maybe a babbling brook; and you're reclining in your hammock or camp chair, just soaking it all in. The sun is just going down and the fire is crackling beside you, and you have a nice cold drink in your hand.
Ahhhhhhh... those are the moments I live for.
For me, camping isn't quite the same without a splash of alcohol. Of course, I love my good old beer and wine, but sometimes a camping trip calls for something a little extra. Why shouldn't we be able to enjoy a well-mixed cocktail while camping? It's not rocket science; it just takes a little planning and prepping. Not all drinks are suited for the great outdoors, but I've gathered this list of my favorite camping drinks that you can pre-mix for your next big adventure. So break out the shaker set and garnishes -- we're going glamping.
Mountain Martini
Ingredients:
2.5 oz. gin
.5 oz. dry vermouth
orange bitters (optional)
1 green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Pour the gin and vermouth into a glass and stir -- or mix a large batch in a pitcher. Store in a sealable container; pour orange bitters into a separate container; pack desired garnishes in a Tupperware or plastic baggie. To drink, shake with ice and strain into glass, top with orange bitters to taste, and garnish.
The Muddy Mary
Ingredients:
3 oz. tomato juice
1.5 oz. vodka
.5 oz. lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Celery salt
Ground pepper
Hot sauce
Celery stalk/pickle/pepperoncini for garnish
Lemon/lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Mix liquid ingredients in glass (or sealable pitcher for large batches). Pack garnishes and spices in separate containers or baggies. To drink, pour over ice, and add desired spices and garnishes.
Glamp-Ed Gimlet
Ingredients:
2.5 oz. gin
.5 oz. simple syrup
.5 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a glass (or sealable pitcher for large batches) and mix. You can substitute lime cordial for both lime juice and simple syrup, if desired. Package lime garnishes in separate container or baggie. To drink, pour over ice and garnish with lime wedge.
Scenic Sangria
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (chianti, young garnacha, or pinot noir recommended)
12 oz. seltzer
1 cup orange juice
.5 cup brandy
1 orange, sliced thinly
1 apple, sliced thinly
1 cup blueberries
granulated sugar
Instructions:
Mix the liquid ingredients (except the seltzer) in a sealable pitcher; add sugar to taste (1/4 cup recommended). Stir in fruit. Pack seltzer in separate, sealable container. To drink, pour over ice and top with a splash of seltzer.
Twin-Peaks Punch
Ingredients:
3 cups amber rum
2 cups simple syrup
4 cups any fruit juice (orange recommended)
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
bitters
nutmeg
Instructions:
Combine rum, fruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in sealable pitcher. Add a splash of bitters and a dash of nutmeg to taste. To drink, pour over ice and serve.
The Glamparita
Ingredients:
Tequila
Limes
Agave nectar
Salt for garnish
Instructions:
This one can be made completely according to taste. My recommendations: combine equal parts freshly-squeezed lime juice and tequila. Add agave to taste for sweetness. Pack in sealable pitcher; pack lime wedges and salt in separate sealable containers. To drink, rim glass with salt, pour cocktail over ice, and garnish with lime wedge.
Moon Over Manhattan
Ingredients:
2 oz. rye whiskey
.5 oz. sweet vermouth
bitters
maraschino cherries
Instructions:
Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in glass (or pitcher for large batches) and stir. Pack in sealable container; pack cherries in separate container or baggie. To drink, shake with ice and strain into glass; garnish with maraschino cherry.
Comment below to share your favorite camping cocktail recipes!
7 Wine Country Getaways to Inspire Your Mother's Day
I don't know your mom, but I can only assume she's just as awesome and hard-working as my mom is. And I know what my mom wants this (and every) Mother's Day: a little reminder that she is loved and appreciated, and a whole lot of flippin' peace and quiet.
You wish you could buy your mom a private island, complete with her own mansion and yacht, because that's what she deserves, right? Unfortunately, you can't. But you can give her the next best thing by planning a quiet, scenic getaway to wine country. Whether it's Napa, Bordeaux, Willamette Valley, or Cape Town... there are amazing wine destinations all over the world.
I've put together this collection of some of my favorite wine country camping and glamping getaways to inspire you this Mother's Day. Find a vineyard near you and book a few nights for your amazing mother so that she can relax and unwind... and maybe get a little tipsy. Hey, she's earned it.
Ty Croes Farm Vineyard - Anglesey, Wales
Located on the beautiful beaches of Wales, this vineyard accommodates mobile homes, RVs, and tent camping. Guests can enjoy the beach on a warm day, observe the local flora and fauna, visit the 6th century church that stands at the entrance to the campgrounds, hike to visit Bryn Celli Ddu (a nearby ancient burial monument), or just relax and sip wine on the grounds.
Chateau Ramsak - Maribor, Slovenia
This remote paradise offers a luxurious tree house in Slovenia wine country. Guests can enjoy their intimate lodgings and take in the stunning scenery from their private Jacuzzi on the terrace. If they feel like venturing from their cozy tree house, they can enjoy the wine from the vineyard and the outdoor cinema on property. Other lodgings are available as well, including a huge tent for families and a more cozy tent for couples.
Hickman Family Vineyards - Bangor, CA
This scenic vineyard is located outside of Sacramento in Northern California. It caters to RVs and tent campers alike. Campers can enjoy local activities such as hiking, boating, and snowmobiling (if it's the right time of year), or they can entertain themselves on the grounds by tasting wine, picnicking, playing bocce ball, or barbecuing a delicious meal.
Slattery Vintage Estates - Nehawka, NE
This Nebraska winery offers fully-furnished bungalows on-site for their guests. The decor is delightfully antique, and the grounds themselves are gorgeous. They offer a variety of activities and events, including a Mother's Day brunch buffet, as well as live music throughout the season.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Roar & Snore - Escondido, CA
Near and dear to my heart, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in my city of Escondido in Southern California. The Safari Park is a fantastic destination for all animal lovers and offers a variety of packages for guests who wish to stay in their safari tents, which sit right on the edge of multiple animal exhibits. Snacks and wine are available throughout the park, as well as in your lodgings, and you can enjoy breakfast in front of your tent with a fantastic view of some of the world's most spectacular animals. While the Safari Park is not a vineyard itself, it happens to be located only ten minutes away from one of my local favorites, Orfila Vineyards.
Vineyard Yurt - Barcelona, Spain
This roomy yurt is both comfy and eco-friendly. A wood-burning stove keeps you cozy on chilly nights, and in warm weather you can venture outside to enjoy the private outdoor picnic area. It comes equipped with an outdoor kitchen and barbecue area, as well as a bath house. Best, it all runs on solar power. You can kick back and soak up the stunning Spanish vineyard all while helping save the planet.
Mendocino Grove - Mendocino, CA
Nestled in the wine country of Mendocino, California, this peaceful and secluded site consists of several fully-stocked safari tents. You can lounge outside on your private patio and listen to the gentle sounds of the forest while sipping some of the local wine, and at night you can roast s'mores in your fire pit or take a relaxing hot shower. If you're feeling adventurous, you could explore the nearby state parks, beaches, and coastal bluffs by going hiking, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
DIY Camping Hacks: Glamp with Household Items
My recent camping checklist is a great guide for the beginning camper or glamper. If you're just getting started with camping, it's important to have a fool-proof list of essential camping gear. If money and time are no issue, it's easiest to just order these items from Amazon or purchase from your local camping or sporting goods store.
But if you're like me, you're always looking for ways to DIY or cut corners. If I can avoid a trip to the store or save a few bucks by throwing together some household items, I absolutely will. Or, if you're not fully invested in camping yet and want some cheap alternatives to full-time camper gear, I have just the thing for you.
I've put together some of my go-to DIY camper hacks for both avid travelers and first-timers. These will save you money and time by using everyday, household items instead of expensive camping gear.
DIY Camp Lighting
Besides a few flashlights, you'll want to illuminate your site with lanterns or string lights -- after all, lighting is one of the most important aspects of camping and glamping. If you don't have any of these on-hand, you can pull together a few alternatives. Strap a headlamp to a jug of water, or drop a few glowsticks in, and you'll have an instant DIY lantern!
You can also grab any convenient lighting you have around the house, like flameless candles and tealights, and place them in mason jars or tin cans with holes hammered in the sides.
DIY Camp Decor
Sure, that IG-worthy glamping aesthetic comes at a price: designer furniture and bedding can be pricey. But your camp decor doesn't have to be. Take a trip to Ross or Marshall's and pick up a few cheap items, or grab what you have around the house! In the past, I've decorated my glampsites with old Christmas decor and other random items. Everything in this photo, I already had lying around! Fake plants, bath and welcome mats, entry rugs, throw pillows and blankets, and little figurines -- it's all fair game!
DIY Camping Storage
I've used a variety of camping storage solutions in the past: duffel bags, plastic bins, backpacks, you name it. One of my favorite camping hacks is using a storage tower to transport and organize your camping gear. It's great for small items, like underwear and socks, snacks, hand warmers, flashlights, paracord bundles, plates and cutlery, etc. You might have a decorative one around your house that you could re-purpose for your trip, or even a plastic one.
Another camping storage idea that I love is using a laundry hamper or basket to transport your gear while traveling. Once you arrive, you can unpack everything and use the hamper for dirty clothes, or whatever other storage you would like
DIY Tinder
There are so many good DIY fire starters out there, but if you want to stick with what you have around the house, try that old bag of Doritos in the pantry. Yes -- Doritos are flammable! Instead of throwing away those stale chips, bring them with you to toss under your fire logs to get that flame started. You can also bring a baggie full of your dryer lint. There's a reason you empty your lint trap after every use -- that stuff is crazy flammable. Or, grab a handful of cattails from your yard (or your neighbor's yard?) to use as tinder. If you want something more official, DIY some tinder by dipping cotton swabs or cotton balls in wax; or take an empty egg carton and place lumps of coal in each compartment, then light it under your logs. Like I said... so many good fire tinder options!
DIY Coffee Pods
Some hardcore glampers opt to purchase portable espresso and coffee makers. That's cool, but not necessary. For no-hassle morning coffee, just pretend it's tea. Prep coffee pods by bundling single (or double) servings of grounds in coffee filters. Tie off the bundles with dental floss, twine, or rubber bands, and trim the ends with scissors. There you have it — DIY coffee pods! Toss them in a jar or Tupperware for travel, then pop them into boiling water to brew some instant, delicious fuel.
DIY Camp Stove/Grill
If you don't have a fancy portable camp stove, or if you're just doing some light backyard camping/glamping, create a cheap DIY camp oven by following this tutorial. All you need is a large tin can, foil, coals, and a cookie rack. It's totally easy and really serves the purpose!
Or, create a long-lasting cooking surface by carving a log, like this. It will burn for hours and keep you warm while you cook.
credit: Make Life Lovely
DIY Furniture
If you want to get glampy, spruce up your site with some furnishings. Take anything and everything you have and turn it into camping furniture: bean bag chairs, sack chairs, folding chairs, armchairs, small ottomans, rugs, end and night tables, etc. You can even bring crates and boxes to turn upside-down, creating makeshift tables or stands.
No sleeping bag? No problem! Grab all of your favorite blankets and pillows and create a soft sleeping area in your tent. Get creative -- look around your home and figure out what you can do with the objects and furniture at hand!
DIY Food Solutions
Cooking can be tricky while camping. Many people - including yours, truly - have resorted to just eating beans out of a can to avoid all the hassle and mess. But creating delicious camping meals doesn't have to be a struggle. For breakfast eggs, pre-crack and scramble your eggs and store them in a sealed, spouted container like this one or even a water bottle. When the time comes, just pour into the pan and cook -- no mess!
S'mores are a camping necessity, so you'll need camp skewers. You could buy some, or you could do what I did growing up: make some out of wire clothes hangers. Just grab some old hangers and twist them into shape with pliers. Here's a good tutorial for you.
Your hands are bound to be sticky after eating a few S'mores, so create a nifty hand-washing station using an old laundry detergent container, a bungee cord, and a paper towel roll. Add a bottle of eco friendly hand soap... or take your average bar of soap and place it into a pouch created by sewing together an old washcloth -- this creates a foaming soap loofah that won't slip into the dirt!
DIY First Aid Kit
I'm a huge safety advocate, and I do encourage everyone to keep a fully-stocked first aid kit with their camping gear at all times. But in a pinch, you can create your own with an old, empty prescription pill bottle. Just fill it with a few bandaids, a small vial of antibacterial fluid, cotton swabs, a strip of gauze, and some alcohol swabs. Voila -- easy, travel-sized first-aid kit!
And there you have it... all of my favorite camping and glamping hacks and DIYs. Comment below and let me know some of your personal camping tricks!
The Bug-Out Bag: The Best Survival Item List
Recently, I shared my own personal camping checklist with an optional glamping upgrade. These are all of the items the average camper should bring with them on a trip. However, every camper is different: some of us bring our own tents, some of us travel to pre-furnished glampsites, and some of us camp in RVs. Depending on your style, your personal camping checklist might vary drastically from mine.
Regardless of how you camp, there is something that all travelers and vacationers should have packed in their vehicle: a bug-out bag. If you haven't heard of bug-out bags, they're pre-packed backpacks or duffels that contain survival gear necessities. I'm not talking about running out of wine in the middle of your camping trip; I'm talking about being stuck in the middle of nowhere in a life-or-death situation and no immediate rescue in sight.
Sounds pretty bleak, right? No doubt about it... the thought of having to use a bug-out bag is terrifying. But it's better than being in a bad situation and not having an emergency survival kit. If you pack smart and keep your bag with you wherever you go, your odds of making it through a survival situation go way up.
I'll preface the list with this: the items you put in your bag depend on your geographic location. This survival bag list contains all of the basics, but you may want to swap out or omit certain items, particularly the clothing. Consider your environment and think critically -- what would you need to survive out there? And remember: each item you include should be as small, lightweight, and practical as possible.
With that being said, read on and don't forget to download this printable bug-out bag list by clicking the button below.
Backpack
Aim for something lightweight, waterproof, and at least 30L. Durability is a must, since it will be towing a lot of heavy gear. Padded straps and waist straps are added bonuses. Try this one or this one.
Money
Cash ($200-$300 small bills)
Prepaid card ($100)
Gas card ($50)
Water
Water (at least 2 liters)
Water filter/purification tablets
Food
Clothing
1 pair sturdy shoes
2 pairs socks
1 pair long pants
1 t-shirt
1 long-sleeve shirt
2 pairs underwear
1 versatile jacket
1 set long underwear
1 hat
1 bandana/shemagh
1 pair work gloves
Sunglasses
First Aid Kit
Hygiene
Toilet paper/baby wipes
Feminine products
Miscellaneous
Compact mirror/flares
Solar power bank/power cords
Prepaid phone
GPS device/map/compass
Camp stove/fuel
Batteries
Notepad/pencil
Well, those are the basics. You'll notice that some of the items on my survival item list are two-fers, like the solar charger/LED light and the fire starter/compass. Again, consider editing this bug-out gear list to suit your needs. Or, you can head over to Amazon and buy pre-stocked bug-out bags if you don't have the time to build your own, like this one or this one! Or, this one comes with some of the basics and allows you to make some of your own additions.
These bags should be in your car or RV at all times. They're not just for travelers; a bug-out bag is an essential survival item for families and individuals. Whether you're with me in California, dreading the next big earthquake, or with Glamp-Ed co-founder Sophia in Texas, dreading the next big hurricane, everyone should have a pre-packed survival kit on hand. You really never know when the unthinkable may happen, and it pays to be prepared.
Download your copy of the printable bug-out bag survival list at the top of this page, or view the list below.
What are some of the top survival gear items you would include in your bug-out bag? Let us know in the comments. And as always, please like, share, and subscribe to support the Glamp-Ed blog!
The Only Camping/Glamping Checklist You'll Ever Need + Free Printable Checklist
Camping & Glamping Checklist
Camping Essentials
Tent and footprint
Extra tent stakes
Food and drinks
Sleeping bags
Sleeping mats
Pillow
First Aid kit
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Lip balm
Prescription medications or vitamins
Flashlights or headlamps
Lanterns
Camp chairs
Camp table
Jugs of water (1 gallon of water per person, per day)
Cash or credit cards
Personal ID
Cellphone or satellite phone and charger
Fire extinguisher
Hygiene
Toilet paper
Toothbrush and floss
Toothpaste
Tissues
Hand sanitizer
Deodorant
Face wash
Shampoo and conditioner
Lotion
Brush or comb
Earth-friendly soap
Feminine hygiene products
Toiletry kit
Tweezers
Hair ties
Razor
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
Bras or sports bras
Hat
Sunglasses
Bandana
Eyeglasses or contact lenses
Pants and/or shorts
Long sleeve shirts
Lightweight jacket
Sweater or sweatshirt
Hiking boots
Sandals
Athletic shoes or sneakers
Sleepwear
Rain or snow jackets and pants
Rain poncho
Rain or snow boots
Long underwear
Gloves or mittens
Beanie
Swimsuit
Watch
Kitchen
Mess kit
Cooking pot
Frying pan
Cooking utensils
Bottle opener and corkscrew
Can opener
Kitchen knife
Matches or lighter
Tinder
Stove and fuel
Oven mitt or glove
Thermos
Reusable water bottle
Cutting board
Cooler
Ice or ice packs
Earth-friendly soap
Sponge or scrubber
Trash bags
Dish towel
Paper towels
Water filter or purification tablets
Accessories
Backpack
Batteries
Hammock
Firewood (sourced locally) or charcoal
Duct tape
Paracord or rope
Mallet
Mattress and tent repair kits
Multi-tool
Saw or axe
Camping knife
Hand broom and dustpan
Binoculars
Compass/maps
Stuff sacks
Pet supplies
Towel
Blankets
Sewing kit
Whistle
Umbrella
Leisure
Portable WiFi
Bluetooth speaker
Books
Notebook and pen or pencil
Board games or toys
Cards
Outdoor lawn games
Drone
Laptop and charger
DVDs
Camera gear
Sports equipment
Radios
That covers the basics of camping essentials. Now let’s elevate the experience with these glamping must-haves. Keep in mind that glamping is totally open-ended, so bring whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy!
Glamping Essentials
Cast iron skillet
Grilling rack
Tableware and flatware
Roasting skewers
Mixing bowls
Reusable food storage containers
Sunshade or screen house
Camp sink
Coffee or espresso maker
Solar panels or generator
Pop-up privacy tent
Solar camp shower
Portably potty
Baby wipes
Mirror
Cosmetics
Table-cloth
Clothesline and clothespins or clips
Rug
Slippers or house shoes
Dry shampoo
Citronella candle
Quick-boil stove
Selfie Stick
Portable fan
Sheets and comforter
Scissors
Hand warmers
That sums up my recommended camping and glamping supplies. What’s on your camping packing list? Share below in a comment!
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