Happy Campers: how to get your glamp on, according to the experts

Sleeping under the stars sounds idyllic until you consider the flies, cold showers, and sandy sleeping bags. With summer finally here, now is the time to consider elevating your camping game.

We asked the experts for their top tips for a pitch-perfect camping experience to remember.

Camp to glamp

A love of stargazing sparked Cathryn van der Walt and husband Brad Middleton’s idea for Mirumiru Bubbletent, Australia’s first off-grid bubbletent camping experience near Tenterfield in New South Wales. “We wanted to create a relaxing environment that refreshes you with all the equipment and comforts you need if you don’t want to rough it or purchase camping equipment,” says van der Walt.

Each Bubbletent sleeps two adults, and kids sleep nearby in a cloud-like Tiny Bubbletent suspended in the gum trees. Turbine-powered to keep it inflated and fresh with clean air, each Bubbletent has an internal eco-toilet and hand basin, a queen-sized bed, a telescope and reading lights. The deck areas, fire pits and vintage outdoor baths are located to take in the stars for the ultimate in cosmic thrills, making this stay a five-star foray into nature and beyond.

A well-organised campsite is key for a comfy, stress-free getaway, says Van der Walt. “Space is always tight, so ditch the clutter and provide enough storage to help guests unpack clothes and have an area for prepping food, sundowners and cheese plates,” she says.

For content creator Bohannah Gerritsen from The Simple Folk, quality basics are essential, starting with a stylish and durable tent.

“Camping is about the joy of living simply and being fully immersed in nature,” she says.  “We love Homecamp’s bell tents, and their foldable canvas Fenby chairs are comfortable and aesthetic. Dometic’s adjustable bamboo camp table and portable fridge and freezers are also incredibly practical. Recycled plastic camping mats from Salty Aura are also a favourite for keeping our camping area looking clean and elevated.”

Home away from home

A memorable camping experience relies on the perfect location.

“The WikiCamps  app is the best way to find all styles of caravan parks, free sites and national park camping,” says Gerritsen.

“HipCamp is also a great website for booking beautiful, affordable campsites. Of course, some of the best sites are the unexpected and free ones you find along the way!”

Comfort and style

Luxe up your camping experience by indulging in a good night’s sleep, which, for Gerritsen, means a bed as beautiful as her own.

“Luxurious linen might seem over the top for camping, but there’s nothing better than jumping into a comfortable bed at night,” she says. “GlamSwag‘s linen swags, pillowcases and throws are the perfect combination and our go-to on the road.”

Van der Walt agrees and draws style inspiration from the great outdoors.

“The secret to keeping glamping stylish and comfortable is a colour palette and textures that reflect the natural environment, so think natural fabrics that help you relax and sink into a deep sleep,” she says. “We love cashmere sheets, linen bedding from Adairs and Aura Home, silk quilts from Ecosa, and, for the most fun of all, GlamSwags.”

Founder Rebecca Johnson says her luxurious, feather-filled take-anywhere GlamSwags are designed to be lighter than a futon but more substantial than a sleeping bag.

“They make camping a comfy and beautiful experience,” she says. “They are designed to be used inside and out, are beautiful in 100 per cent French flax linen, washable and easily rolled up for easy transportation.”

Lit up

“Starlight is the best ambience mother nature can provide,” says Van der Walt. “Minimise torches and outside lighting, and just after dark is the best time to spot stars, planets and space stations.”

Seasoned camper Malika Calder adds ambience by stringing festoon lights from the trees, and fellow camper Olivia Poushkine gets busy decorating with LED fairy lights. “I like to trail them along the path to our tent and hang a torch from its centre opening for easy navigation at night,” she says. “It looks very pretty too.”

Warm LED bulbs add cosiness and are less likely to attract insects and bugs.  “We use solar-powered ones around our awning and tent,” says Gerritsen. “Warm lighting also helps us sleep easier than cool.”

Gourmet grub

Curating a kitchen with home comforts and essentials makes preparing campsite meals stress-free. “Prepare dinner in a slow cooker in the morning, so it’s ready to serve after a full day of activities,” says Calder. “I like to dish up on some gorgeous, durable enamel serving ware.”

Van der Walt says good eating relies on meticulous planning. “Pack vacuum-packed meals that can be popped into a pot of boiling water and heated,” she says. “I like to glaze a tomahawk steak with bush spices and roast over the fire for a meal for the family.”

Poushkine uses Yeti coolers for ice, cold drinks and freeze-dried citrus slices for her afternoon gin and tonics. “I pack ready-prepared meals from our local cafes that we reheat on the camp stove,” she adds. “Risottos are perfect and easy to eat around a fire.”

Gerritsen makes coffee using a high-quality hand grinder and a Moka pot on the gas cooktop and always has freshly roasted coffee beans on hand.

“I have an organised spice rack and kitchen drawer, full of all the utensils and essentials I need, as well as vinegar, oils and good cast iron pots and pans,” says Gerritsen. “Small pot plants with fresh herbs such as parsley and coriander elevate my kitchen experience.”

After dinner, Gerritsen says nothing beats an outdoor movie night under the stars. “We love our Pixxie Projector,” she says. “Just hitch up a white sheet, throw down some pillows and heat some popcorn over the fire,” she says. “I finish the space with solar-powered festoon lights from Amazon. They add magic to any camp space.”