Glamping On Valentine’s Day

It doesn’t matter if you’re lovey-dovey or just look forward to candy sales on February 14th… Valentine’s Day is here to stay. You might be wondering how you and your partner will celebrate, wracking your brain as you check off idea after idea, unsure what to do. There’s no reason to despair!

Take your partner glamping! It’s the ultimate outdoor adventure, as luxurious or au naturel as you’d like. You can sleep in a tent, or rent a vintage Airstream if you don’t want to lay on the ground. Whichever you choose, you can create a memorable evening to cherish for years to come.

1. Determine Your Date’s Preference

Maybe you love to sleep under the stars in nothing but a bag. But your sweetheart might prefer something a little more upscale. Before you pick out a new tent for your adventure, consult your partner on what they want. After all, if your darling spends the night shivering on the cold ground, they’re not going to feel great the day after.

Remember! this evening is about both of you. If your significant other expresses doubt about the weather or their comfort, honor their concerns. It is February, after all, so renting a cabin for the night can create more romance — and coziness — than retreating to your car to run the heater.

2. Select the Right Campground

To maximize your comfort, select your campground carefully. Yes, going completely off-the-grid holds appeal for some, and if your sweetheart is interested, go for it. However, many people prefer campsites with clean and accessible bathrooms, especially if you get sweaty on a hike earlier in the day. That way, you can shower up before a romantic evening meal around the fire.

Decide whether you want to remain connected to the outside world during your outing. Some campsites offer electrical hookups and Wi-Fi. However, if you intend to focus entirely on each other select a site where you can power down your cellphone and leave it off.

3. Set the Mood With Romantic Lighting

You might think the light of the moon and the stars is enough — until you struggle to read a recipe by the campfire. Plus, lighting creates an overall atmosphere of romance.

You can find battery-operated light strings that you can control with an app on your smartphone. Use these to decorate your tent or cabin. Most major retailers also sell electric candles. These create ambiance without posing a fire hazard, so stock up. You can find bags of inexpensive tea lights at most dollar stores, as well.

4. Prepare a Rugged-Yet-Elegant Meal

Yes, you can toast marshmallows, but Valentine’s Day deserves a proper meal, even if you’re in the wilderness. Try the following recipes for a rustic-yet-elegant dinner and a delicious dessert or snack.

• Spicy ranch chicken grilled foil packets: You can prepare these packets perfect for cooking over the fire in advance. If you or your loved one doesn’t enjoy all the veggies in this recipe, they can swap them out for alternatives. All you’ll need to prepare this is a pan to hold over the flames or a small camp barbecue. Take a stylish picnic set with you so that you have proper plates and utensils that are also reusable and eco-friendly.

• Smoky spiced paprika popcorn: If part of your evening’s activities involves telling ghost stories around the fire, you need something for a snack. These delightful treats won’t leave your hands as sticky as marshmallows. Plus, any portions you have leftover can provide ready fuel for your morning hike.

5. Plan Some Games and Activities

Who says you can’t act like a kid merely because Valentine’s Day is an adult holiday? Why not break out the flashlights and play a game of tag in the dark? If either one of you gets scared in the woods, you have an excuse to race to the other for comfort. You can also get to know each other more deeply with games like two truths and a lie.

6. Enjoy Comfort Under the Stars

After you pulled off the perfect evening of glamping on Valentine’s Day, it’s time to retire and watch the night sky. Hold hands by the campfire as you make up new names for the constellations together.

Pick out a star and make a wish together. Then, head to your cozy retreat of choice for the night.

Enjoy a Romantic Valentine’s Day Through Glamping

You don’t have to drop a bundle on a pricey hotel and restaurant combo to celebrate the holiday. Enjoy uninterrupted romance by choosing to glamp this Valentine’s Day.

About the Author

Dylan Bartlett, aka, “The Regular Guide,” writes about the outdoors, romance, and more on his blog. Check out Just a Regular Guide to read about similar topics, or follow Dylan on Twitter @theregularguide for frequent updates on his work.