Looking for a glamping packing list to make sure you have everything you need (and nothing you don’t!?) You’ve come to the right place. After years of glamping, we know just what you should pack – and what you should leave at home. Plus, we have a printable glamping checklist for you to download.
See also our printable holiday packing list
Why You need a Glamping Packing List
Hey, I don’t want to make myself feel too old but I’ve been on the glamping scene since before there was even a scene. Sure, in my youth, I trekked about with a tent on my back and nothing but a pack of dehydrated noodles and a suspiciously reluctant trangia.
But as soon as some wise soul saw fit to introduce a bed and a hot shower into the camping experience, I applauded their wisdom.
Whether it’s a yurt, a Shepherd’s hut, a treehouse or, indeed, a tent, I’ve slept in it, glamped in it and written home about it (if the end result seemed good enough.)
And over all those years, I’ve notched up an unbeatable glamping packing list.
Let’s make sure you enjoy your time in the great outdoors.
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Your Glamping Checklist Printable PDF
I’ve even made a glamping packing list printable PDF so you can cross things out as you race around the house. You can download that glamping checklist PDF here. And if that’s the kind of thing you find useful, then you are going to love your copy of the Travel Toolkit© too.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, let’s talk about the glamping packing list itself.
How to use this Glamping Packing List
Simply put, there are two types of glamping trips. The first is an ultra-luxurious affair where every little detail has been thought out for you. Think sumptuous tents with hot tubs, cafetieres, furniture and firewood ready to go. All the creature comforts you can think of.
Then, there are the ones where the owner is stretching the definition of glamping just a tad. Think a bed in a tent and not a whole lot else. For those, you’ll need to bring more gear.
But whether you call it a glamping experience or a glamping adventure, the process is much the same. Ask in advance and go through this checklist.
What is glamping?
Glamping is a glamorous kind of camping. In short, the tent should already be put up for you and there is usually running water and electricity. In many places, glamping includes furniture, towels and bedding. It’s just that the structure is surrounded by nature and fairly temporary – think yurts, cabins and houseboats.
So, when it comes to glamping, it’s always important to check which kind of trip you’ll be on and to ask in advance what you need to bring.
I’ve outlined the differences in this glamping packing list, so that you always have what you need and not what you don’t for your outdoor adventures. You can also find my packing recommendations on our Amazon shop here.
Personal Travel Items
Your glamping packing list should start with the things that are hardest to replace and unique to you. These are really the essential items.
They are:
- Prescription medication and paperwork for international travel
- Glasses and contact lenses and solution
Followed by:
- Sanitary products
- Underwear
- Hairbands
- Sunglasses
Clothing
A lot depends on the climate you’re in, obviously. But when it comes to your glamping checklist, make sure you have plenty of layers and plenty of options. This article on what to wear in the jungle will help you work out what you need to do when you plan to sleep in the (relative) wild.
- Long trousers and long sleeve shirts for most outdoor situations even in the heat. Consider shorts and short sleeved shirts only if there are no creepy crawlies that bite.
- Slippers or slip on shoes. There may be small guests in your tent and you don’t want to tread on them. Also consider some waterproof flip flops or sandals for the shower.
- Swimwear & cover up.
- Thermals if at all in doubt about the weather. Lots of layers really do pay off.
- Layers – jumper, jacket, hat, scarf, gloves depending on the weather. Remember, even deserts get cool at night so think layers, layers, layers for those chilly evenings.
- Sleepwear. Again, long sleeved and long trousers if you’re sleeping somewhere where insects may bite. You’re more likely to get a good night’s sleep this way.
- Socks: normal, hiking and thick woolly campfire ones.
- Raincoat and umbrella.
- Wellies if it’s likely to be muddy.
How to Find the best Glamping sites
I often find it useful to book through a dedicated luxury glamping collection, like Unique hideaways, because you can search and filter for options that suit you. Their properties are all fully equipped and many contain hot tubs, wood burners and other luxurious touches.
Glamping covers many different scenarios, from National Parks in the United States to this cosy houseboat in Cornwall and this straw cottage in Devon.
Explore the options and choose the one that you’ll enjoy the most. Pay attention to the style of glamping tents, the toilet facilities, outdoor activities and ease of getting to the shops.
Toiletries
When out in nature, pay particular attention to whether or not your travel toiletries will harm the environment. Sustainable glamping hotspots often provide their own, non-toxic shower gels, shampoos and conditioners since the bubbles run straight from your shower to the earth.
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Moisturiser
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Make up & make up remover
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Tweezers and nail scissors
- Shower gel
- Hairbrush
- Insect repellent or bug spray
Glamping Essentials
Glamping should mean that you don’t need to pack the whole tent, emergency blanket and pick axe kind of thing. But even in the most glamorous of camping environments, I’d recommend these things to take glamping:
- Torch – good places will supply these but it’s a good idea to have your own just in case. A flashlight or head torch would be ideal. Bring spare batteries.
- Spare tissues and toilet paper are always a great option. Again, just in case.
- Hand sanitiser. Useful for glamping, even before Covid.
- Reusable water bottles
- Hiking boots and hiking socks
- First aid kit. You can buy a preprepared travel first aid kit here.
- Flask for hot drinks out and about
- Daypack or backpack
- Rubbish or trash bags
- Citronella candle or plug-in insect repellent
- Compass and whistle if you will be somewhere remote
- Swiss Army Knife
- Small mirror
- Small sewing kit
Electronic Travel Items
Even when sleeping beneath the stars, we tend to have gadgets around these days. Of course, not every glamping destination has a plug socket, so it is wise to limit electronics as much as you can. You certainly don’t need everything I’ve listed below but pick and choose the ones that are most important to you.
- Mobile phone and charger
- Portable fan
- Travel kettle
- International travel adapter
- Multi plug power point
- Travel speakers for music
- Tablet and charger
- Hairdryer
- Power bank backup
- Selfie stick
Your Glamping Food List
Depending on the length of your journey, you may want to bring all your food with you or just sort yourself out once you arrive.
Some thoughts to add to your glamping checklist:
- Cooler for drinks and snacks
- Essential snacks for those with dietary restrictions
- Road trip snacks
- Tea, coffee, milk
- Spices, salt, pepper, stock cubes & sauces
- Oil and butter
- Beer, wine and spirits
- Aluminium foil, cling film or beeswax wraps
- Tin opener
- Bottle opener or corkscrew
- Scissors
If there are no cooking facilities…
This is unusual in the world of glamping as usually you’ll find a fairly well equipped kitchen or a full service restaurant on site. However, if you have neither of those then you will need more detailed glamping supplies. In particular, this glamping list:
- Camping stove and fuel
- Oven gloves
- Pots and pans
- Food storage containers
- Plates, mugs, cutlery, glasses, bowls
- Chopping board and sharp knife
- Spatula, spoon and fish slice
- Tongs and potato peeler
- Portable barbecue
- Washing up liquid
- Tea towel and/or paper towels
- Sponge
- Hand soap
The Glamping Checklist
Before you even start packing, contact your glamping accommodations provider and find out whether or not they will provide the following:
- Towels
- Bed linen
- Firewood
- Matches or lighters
- Toilet paper
- Water- will there be drinking water?
- Food – starter kits, nearby shops for milk, bread etc?
- Blankets and sleeping bags
Some Fun Glamping Must Haves
You don’t need any of these fun things to take glamping but so what?! Add them to your glamping checklist and have a great time!
- Speakers
- Lanterns
- Books and magazines
- Camera gear
- Portable wifi device
- Laptop and movies (and charger)
- Picnic blanket and folding chairs
- Picnic plates and camping cups
- Binoculars: make the most of those views!
- Garden games like cricket, quoits and frisbee
- A pack of cards and board games
- Chocolate, marshmallows and biscuits for smores!
Download this glamping essentials list here.
And enjoy your upcoming glamping trip!
More Glamping Travel Tips
We write about more than just what to bring glamping.
From packing lists to road trips, we have you covered.
- Find our complete international travel checklist here
- And download our holiday packing list here
- And the collection of travel resources that saved me hours and hours of planning and packing time.
- The only road trip essentials you need
- 101 Fun road trip questions for your next drive