In our digital world, camping and re-connecting with nature can be a truly valuable experience. Sharing this with a special Bumble date could only make it better. But what if you have none of the gear and zero experience roughing it? Read on for our ultimate guide to camping date ideas.
How to plan a camping date
You know the saying—if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. Here are our top tips for planning a camping date night:
- Location. If you’re an inexperienced camper, choose somewhere close to home. You need to be able to get back to civilization if there’s a change of weather or if you forget something or feel in danger. If you want to try somewhere you haven’t been before, go and do a recon in the daylight beforehand to make sure it’s safe and suitable. Look up camping spots online and read reviews—you can never be too prepared.
- Permission. There’s no use finding the perfect camping spot if you aren’t actually allowed to camp there. Avoid private land (unless you get explicit permission from the owner) and stick to designated camping areas for ease. That way you can also make friends with fellow explorers.
- Weather. We cannot stress this one enough—check the weather forecast ahead of time. Putting up a tent in the pouring rain is enough to test even the strongest relationship.
- Timing. Decide in advance how long you want to go camping for—there’s a big difference between going for one night and one week. For a romantic camping date, we recommend sticking to one or two nights at the most.
- Check in with your partner. There’s no point dragging your Bumble date on a romantic camping date if they hate the outdoors. Have an open and honest conversation with them to see how they’re feeling or if they have any concerns about camping together. Just to be clear, we wouldn’t recommend camping as a first date— You should always put your own safety first and get to know someone before you decide to go on a camping trip with them.
What to bring on a camping date
Now it’s time to pack. This list is by no means exhaustive, but we hope it gives you a good idea of what you might need for a romantic camping date.
A tent
Fairly obvious, if we do say so ourselves, but you’ll need somewhere to sleep. If you don’t have a tent already, head to your local outdoor supplies store and ask for their recommendations. You could also order one online, but if it’s your first time camping, we think it’s best to get some expert help. The sales associate should be able to tell you what kind of tent you need based on the type of trip you’re planning. While you can get some fairly cheap pop-up tents, there’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night to rain dripping through the roof (trust us, we’ve been there). If you’re able to, splash a bit of extra cash to ensure comfort for you and your date. Some outdoors outfitters offer rental options, as well, which is great if you’re a newbie and not sure whether camping will be your thing. If pursestrings are tight, ask friends or family if they have a tent you can borrow. Top tip: If you’re using a tent for the first time, we recommend doing a practice run. You don’t want to get to your camping spot and realize you have no idea which pole goes where. Find a park or open space near you, and practice putting the tent up and taking it down. Your Bumble date will thank you for it (or better yet, they can help—it’ll mean more time spent together).
Sleeping bags
Again, another essential. Same rules apply as for a tent—head to your local outdoor supplies store or ask to borrow some. While the idea of sharing one sleeping bag between you and your date can seem romantic, in truth it’s probably a bit uncomfortable. Make sure you also pack some foam mats or inflatable camping mattresses to provide a buffer between you and the uneven ground. Extra blankets and pillows also won’t go amiss, and will add to the cozy vibes.
Food and drink
If there isn’t a store near your campsite, then you’ll need to bring all your provisions along with you. Opt for things that are easy to pack, like chips, granola bars, and nuts. If you’re able to build a fire, you could roast hot dogs for dinner and then treat yourself to the ultimate camping dessert: s’mores (be sure to pack chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers). Also don’t forget about breakfast—bagels, perhaps?—and avoid a caffeine-deficiency headache by bringing a couple bottles of cold-brew coffee. If you’re camping in a national park, or somewhere with plenty of wildlife, make sure not to leave food lying around when night falls—you don’t want any surprise visitors. Most camping sites will have an outdoor water tap available, so bring your reusable bottles. It can surprise you how often we rely on convenience stores and delivery apps, so keep this in mind before you head out and stock up while you can.
A change of clothes
Just when you thought we couldn’t get even more obvious... But seriously, you don’t want to wake up and realize you have no clean underwear in front of your date. Keep your designer wares at home, but do pack plenty of layers, such as sweaters, hoodies, and jackets, as well as gloves and hats in case it gets cold. Don’t cram your whole closet in your backpack, but it can’t hurt to pack more than you think you need—nature is unpredictable after all.
A flashlight
This is a must-have—especially when you’re trying to find the bathroom late at night. If you want to set a cozy mood inside the tent, buy an electric lantern (solar-powered ones are great) that you can hang from the roof.
Portable charger
Unless you’re staying at a campsite that provides electricity, you’re going to need one of these babies for your devices. Make sure you remember to charge it before you leave, and always tell your friends and family your whereabouts for safety purposes.
Entertainment
Yes, you have each other’s company and can spend the night sharing life stories and staring at the stars, but it won’t hurt to pack a deck of cards, a small board game, or a book in case boredom sets in.
At home camping date ideas
Don’t feel like prepping and packing? That’s where at home camping date ideas come in. If you have a rooftop, a balcony, or a backyard, you can create your own camping date night at home. Here are some ideas:
- Still do the tent. If you have outdoor space, set up the tent there. You may just be feet from your own bedroom, but the novelty of being outside will work wonders. Also, you won’t need to worry too much about having a pro tent—if it rains, you can just go back inside.
- Decorate. Strings of fairy lights, lanterns, and candles can add a really romantic feel to your outdoor space. It’s much easier to orchestrate when you have a power supply and proper safety measures.
- Cook. If you’re in your backyard, you can use your kitchen and just bring the food outside. Or better still, you can cook up a storm on the outdoor grill and even roast s’mores over it—no travel stove or fire building required.
- Bathrooms. A huge plus to organizing a backyard camping date night is easy access to a bathroom. In the morning, you can also have a hot shower. Pretty cool, huh?
We aren’t trying to deter you from taking a regular camping trip with your date, but at-home camping is much simpler. If you aren’t a confident camper, it can be a great way to get a taste for that experience without diving in head first. Once you and your partner have done an at-home camping date night, you can venture into the great outdoors. It may take a bit of forward planning, but it’s more than worth it.
