Glamping checklist: top essentials for a glamorous trip | Great Lakes Guide

Environment and Education

Glamping checklist: top essentials for a glamorous trip

Published June 27, 2018

Have you ever wondered, “How can I combine the comforts of staying at home with the glorious wilderness of camping…without having too rough it?” If you have, glamping may be the perfect solution for you!



What is glamping?


Glamping is a funny word that combines the words “glamour” and “camping.” It’s exactly what it sounds like: a type of camping that incorporates all of the necessities (and some luxuries) of camping without you having to tote them around yourself. It is the perfect middle ground between adventure and comfort.



Benefits of glamping


Glamp-sites often feature amenities and unusual accommodations you won’t find with more traditional camping: yurts, cabins, trailers, suspended tents, treehouses…you get the picture.

    As with camping, glamping can take place in settings that are as unique and diverse as the natural landscapes themselves.

The pre-assembled and accessorized accommodations can range from comfortable lodgings to fully-serviced grounds. Some lamp-sites even offer wifi, fridges, king-sized beds, and hot tubs under the stars!



What to pack for glamping


Depending on where you’re planning to go, you’ll either want to bring the bare necessities or pack a fuller suite of gear and necessities.

Some sites remind glampers to “be sure to bring all your own food, cooking supplies, and sleeping bags.” Other glamp-sites have you all covered with everything except hiking boots, bathing suits, and toiletries. It’s always best to check with the campsite when booking so you know what to expect.


    But don’t worry! The checklist below will help you plan everything you need for the perfect glamping trip.



Your Complete Glamping Checklist:


Survival items to bring for glamping


Okay, so maybe “survival” is a bit dramatic for glamping, but there are still some basic necessities you should bring on your trip.


  • Backpack or Bag
  • Even though you’re glamping, you’ll still need to carry your stuff.

  • Sleeping essentials
  • This includes sleeping bags, air mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets. Whether or not you need to bring this will depend on the campsite you’re going to. Some places will provide all of your bedding — just like a hotel!

  • Maps
  • For glamping, we’re sure you’ll bring your phone. But bring a paper map, just in case something happens.

  • First aid kit
  • Okay, we know you’re glamping, but it’s better to be prepared than not, right?

  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • Headlamps work too, but they are less glam…



Personal items to bring for glamping


  • Clothes
  • You’ll obviously need clothes for your trip, but exactly which clothes will depend on your level of glam. If you’re planning on lounging all day, enjoying the sun and the fresh air, then you probably don’t need to bring too much.

    But if you plan to do some hiking or other more vigorous activities, then you should bring more durable shoes and extra socks.

    Remember to pack for all types of weather, so bring rain gear just in case. And lots of layers for those hot days and cool nights. Never forget your swimsuit!

  • Towels
  • Bring a couple towels, one for after a shower and one for after swimming.

  • Insect repellent
  • When you’re glamping, you don’t want to deal with any annoying pests. Your insect repellent can be in the form of bug spray, bug-repellent candles, or even a mosquito net.

  • Sunscreen
  • It’s important to protect your skin, even if you’re covered by the shade of trees.

  • Shampoo and Soap
  • Just because you’re outside in the dirt doesn’t mean you have to be dirty.

  • Toiletries
  • you want to stay hygienic, so bring your toothbrush and anything else you need to feel good in the morning.

  • Cosmetics
  • Whether it’s make-up lotion, you’re glamping! Own that glam!

  • Razors and shaving cream
  • This is personal preference, of course.

  • Brush or comb
  • You don’t want to look disheveled in all your glamp.

  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • If you use eyeglasses or contact lenses, you will be very happy by bringing extra, just in case.

  • Small mirror… or big mirror…
  • How else will you look at your glamorous face?

  • Medications
  • Medications we take everyday are often the most forgettable. If you have a need to bring any medications, make sure you remember.



Cooking items to bring for glamping


Before you jump into this list, you should start by looking into your glamp-site to see what’s already available to you. Then, you should plan your meals for your whole trip. That will help you narrow down exactly what cooking supplies you need so you don’t overpack.

Especially for glamping sites, there are a lot more amenities, so you can probably cut a lot of things from this list.


  • Water and water bottles
  • Check the campsite to see if there is a place to refill any water bottles you have. Also if there is no filtered water available, make sure you bring a water filtration system or treatment tablets.

  • Ingredients for your meals
  • Once you have your meals planned out, you’ll need to have the basic ingredients.

  • Mess Kit
  • This includes plates, bowls, mugs, and utensils.

  • Tablecloth
  • Not only does a table cloth make your eating experience nicer, it also makes cleaning a breeze.

  • Camp stove/grill and fuel
  • Bring this if your campsite doesn’t already have a place to cook your meals. Remember to bring fuel, if you camp stove requires it.

  • Pots and frying pans
  • If you plan your meals ahead of your trip, then you’ll know exactly what kitchen supplies you need to bring.

  • Oven mitt
  • How else are you going to pick up your pots and pans from the stove? If you have pots or pans without handles, you can use a pot gripper.

  • Cutting board
  • This is useful for cutting your ingredients. Of course, you can always use a wooden stump to slightly un-glamp your experience.

  • Paring knife, spatulas, spoons, strainer, tongs, potato peeler, etc.
  • What you bring will depend on the meals you plan to cook. Don’t forget to bring measuring cups and spoons!

  • Dishpan
  • This is as simple as a plastic container or bin. You fill it with water to wash your dishes.

  • Biodegradable dish soap
  • Please make sure you’re using environmentally-friendly dishwashing soap. Also make sure to not dump your dirty dishwasher on the ground or in lakes or rivers. Always find a sink or a drain.

  • Sponge/Dishcloth
  • You need something to clean your dishes with, right?

  • Cooler
  • You can keep any food that needs to be stored in a cooler. But be careful about wildlife!

  • Can opener
  • You’ll thank us later.

  • Aluminum foil
  • Foil is super handy for cooking over a fire and wrapping up leftovers.

  • Food storage containers or bags
  • You can use small bags to carry snacks on a hike, or a larger food container to save food overnight.

  • Corkscrew
  • For you wine loves…

  • Bottle opener
  • For you beer lovers…

  • French press or portable coffee maker
  • For you coffee lovers…

  • Paper towels
  • The versatility of paper towels is very useful while camping. You can use paper towels to clean up spills and messes, or use them as napkins.

  • Garbage Bags
  • These are super important to keep your campsite clean and lessen your footprint on the surrounding nature.



Fun items to bring for glamping


  • Books/magazines
  • Camera and charger
  • Cards or other boards gamnes
  • Musical instruments

If you have electricity


  • Phone charger
  • Fan heater (in case it gets cold)
  • Kettle
  • Hair dryer
  • Coffee maker
  • Extension cord


Where can I go to get my glamp on?


Here are some examples of great glamping spots in the Great Lakes Region:

  • The Canvas Tent / Fronterra - Prince Edward County, ON (Lake Ontario)
  • Northern Edge, Algonquin Park, ON
  • Cyprus Lake, Bruce Peninsula National Park, ON (Georgian Bay)
  • Long Point Eco-Adventures, St. Williams, ON (Lake Erie)


When you visit these spots, make sure you tag us in your posts using @greatlakesguide and #greatlakesguide.