9 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Camping Tent Comfortable

Of all things you’d love to experience as a camper, sleeping inside an uncomfortable tent certainly isn’t one of them. Your tiny temporary abode ought to be your comfort zone – a place to duck into and doze off immediately.

But while you won’t equate an ordinarily luxurious apartment life with a typical outdoor camping experience, you deserve to stay in a warm, dry, and comfy tent. It is the only place that can give you that much-needed solace, cheer you up and ensure you enjoy your little vacation is your tent.

It simply has to be cozy, ambient, and just perfect to spend a couple of days inside. Or, more specifically, your little “heaven” away from home!

How can you make your camping tent a bit more comfortable?

1. Bring the right tent

You should buy a tent that is built for your preferred camping conditions. If you are camping in a hot and humid area, pick a lighter tent with lots of mesh so that cool air can keep you feeling comfortable. Cold, snowy conditions demand that you bring a heavy, well-insulated tent.

There are several different types of tents that you can choose from. You could go for a dome tent, tunnel tent – especially if you are camping as a family, a backpacking tent, geodesic, the beautiful bell tent, ridge tent, cabin, or an inflatable tent.

While the hunt for a comfortable tent to buy, don’t forget to pick from reputable tent-makers. Quality outdoor gear providers aren’t too hard to find, although I’d highly suggest that you go for legendary brands. Remember that you are shopping for a tent that would guarantee endless moments of comfy, worry-free stays.

Size is the last and perhaps the most important tip. If you choose an optimally sized tent, all your luggage will be comfortably stored inside, and you will still have a little room to keep warm, turn around and access all your stuff. Don’t forget to buy a water-resistant tent – it is essential.

2. Choose a good camping ground

Having found the right tent to go camping with, enjoying your stay in it starts with where you pitch it. The ground should also be clean and free from jutting objects, including tree stalks, branches, small stones, and large tree roots. If it is in an open, grassy field, far from trees, cliffs, and water bodies, the better.

However, I’d prefer an area that’s calm, cool, and perhaps raised a bit so that even if it rains, the water doesn’t get in. Pitching it in a low-lying area or near a vast water body could spell disaster if a torrential rain descends on it at night or if alligators decide to explore the surroundings and stumble upon your tent.

3. Spread a tarpaulin sheet underneath the tent

After you’ve set it up, pitched it, and tightened the rainfly, don’t start moving your valuables inside right away. To make your stay inside a warmer, cozier, and a bit more comfortable, ensure you properly plan how you will keep your sleeping bag comfortable to lie on.

That means you should spread a tarpaulin sheet so that it helps keep your sleeping bag clean and well-insulated from the cold ground. The additional layer that the tarpaulin sheet provides is excellent against the hard, cold, and wet ground below. Lying on your sleeping mat, you will not feel the hard, rocky ground.

4. Make your bed comfortable

Essentially, what you will be doing inside all the time is to lie down and relax, sleep or read a novel. And because your tent would be too small to bring in your camp chair, make sure the bed is pretty comfortable.

With a mattress, a few bedding essentials, including a warm blanket or a duvet, and a pillow, you can make your bed look warm, homey, and welcoming. The best mattress for a camping enthusiast is often an inflatable one as it adds versatility and extra padding, making it more comfortable to lie on it. As for the duvets, any one type that’s warm and soft is suitable to go with.

5. Decorate the inside

You are trying to make it look as soothing to stay in as possible. So, don’t hesitate to hang a couple of multi-colored ribbons from the roof, along the walls down to the base and streamers, at the entrance. You can even modify your water jug to diffuse cool, soft light by wrapping your headlamp around it and hanging it above your bed.

For your kids, hang several solar-powered twinkle lights over their beds so that the beautiful lights can comfort them as they sleep. Let your little portable stereo play, but on moderate volume so that you don’t disturb your fellow campers.

6. Set up a little table

Remember when we said your little temporary abode should be your “heaven?”

Well, even with the limited space available, you should try to squeeze things a bit until you find some corner for your table. The table should be located adjacent to your bed – you will be sitting on the bed.

Atop your little indoor side table, arrange your novels, writing materials, pens, and toothbrushes and toothpaste, meds, and all those must-haves. And then its bottom – the underside, should keep your cups, dry food, bottled drinks, mementos, and such other items.

7. Are you a foodie?

Even if you aren’t, I’d prefer you have something to munch right inside your tent. It could be your favorite cookies, warm food you prepared earlier, or a cup of coffee. Keep them within reach so that you can grab them whenever you feel like. Provided it keeps you feeling comfortable, of course!

8. Don’t forget to light some scented candles

Who wouldn’t want their lovely tent to smell fantastic?

Scented candles, especially those you are used to, are the best to make your camp feel comfortable. Aromatic scents are relatively easy to find, and the best part is that they make a campsite smell more civilized and refined. However, do let them burn when you are around – don’t leave them unmonitored.

9. Lastly, keep your feet warm and dry and your tent clean!

Sometimes, wearing warm socks isn’t enough to warm your feet. Ensure your tent is dry and never damp at all times, and even if it feels cold, don’t hesitate to think outside the box. You could stack more blankets, pour hot water into your used beverage bottle and throw them into your sleeping bag or do anything that can make you warm.

A clean camp tent is a calming, comfortable shelter worth staying in. So, make sure you keep your muddy boots outside and your wet hiking gear away. As soon as you are back from your adrenaline-packed outings, take a shower and wear a fresh, clean outfit. That way, your camping tent will remain as homey and comfortable as you love.