Going on a date in nature is a great way to enjoy each other’s company or to bring the spark back to a relationship.
Making new memories always brings closeness and intimacy, and there’s nothing that I like more than going and spending quality time with my girlfriend outdoors.
Camping date can be a wonderful idea for you two if you are more of a nature type of person.
With a proper plan and preparation, you can have the best date ever, full of interesting and unexpected situations.
Do you know why it is a better idea than going on a date in a bar? You and your partner will experience nature and animals and learn more about each other where no one will listen.
I’m sharing my favorite camping activities for couples along with some tricks and tips to spark the romantic mood and kindle the romance.
Romantic camping ideas
Planning a camping weekend with your romantic partner can be your best date idea ever. What are fun couple activities that you can do while camping?
If you want to have a pleasant time together, follow the next romantic camping trip ideas for couples so your better half will be pleasantly surprised.
What should you bring on a romantic camping trip?
These are romantic camping ideas for couples and a couples camping checklist with the things that I recommend to bring on your outdoor date.
Romantic camping meals and drinks
Cooking together is one of the most romantic camping activities. It’s always fun to bring along a picnic basket full of goodies like comforting snacks that you both enjoy.
Surprise your spouse and make pancakes in the shape of the heart (buy a model in the shape of the heart to make them fast) and don’t forget strawberries.
Is it cold outside? Do you want good romantic campfire ideas? Grab some milk, marshmallows, cocoa, or chocolate to make hot cocoa or hot chocolate to enjoy over a warm and delicious drink over an evening campfire while watching the sunset.
Take your favorite bottle of wine and wine glasses. Plastic cups are generally very affordable and can even look like heavy-duty glass ones, but have the added durability to survive a rough trail.
Cooking accessories
Preparing a meal is a great idea to bond and to have fun while making a romantic dinner. To make it happen, consider investing in a camping cookware set that will make your cooking easier.
Outdoor cooking equipment is camping gear that will help you to make an outdoor meal so your stomachs will be fed and your bodies pleased.
These sets are foldable and portable so you won’t have any issues putting one in your backpack or in the car.
Camping entertainment ideas
Consider bringing a music device, and play your favorite songs. Listening to music that you love is one of the ideal romance ideas that you both will enjoy.
Bring along some portable-friendly games such as card games, board games, or travel-sized games; something that requires two players.
This is one of the camping date night ideas that you can do without extra light (a campfire should be sufficient).
However, you can put some ordinary string lights or LED string lights around the tent to set the mood and see the place where you play them.
For that reason, I don’t recommend bringing any video games or books because it’s too easy to get sucked in for hours and forget that your partner is there with you. I also don’t recommend super competitive games.
Sleeping arrangements
What stuff should you consider bringing on the romantic camping trip? The tent should be big enough for both to enjoy in comfort.
Consider bringing an air camping mattress where you will be able to sleep comfortably. You can also opt for a double sleeping bag where you will warm each other on cold nights.
If you already bought two sleeping pads, you can use a coupler strap. What is a coupler strap? It is a strap that connects two pads or mats together so they don’t shift apart when you move while lying on them.
Don’t forget about pillows, extra blankets, and other sleeping gear to stay warm and cozy through the night.
Go on a short camping trip
One of the easiest ways to ruin a nice date is to move too quickly. You can’t take a person who’s never been out of the city and expect to stay with you for a week in the most extreme of survival scenarios – that would make anyone miserable.
Consider partner’s needs. If he/she is a first-time camper then go outdoors just for one day.
If he/she likes it then you can go on a romantic camping getaway for more days next time. Ask what your partner wants to do and try to accomplish that.
Should you go camping if you are sick?
If you or your better half is sick, exhausted, or if the weather is bad, it’s not very likely that your romantic camping date will go well as the cards are already stacked against you.
It is better to plan a date so no contingencies will spoil your romantic time.
Is camping as a couple fun?
It is always more fun if you hang out with someone than being alone when camping. You can easily get bored as a solo camper but two of you can make great things together as mentioned in this article.
Can two people fit in one person tent?
I understand that you want to be as close to one another as possible but I don’t advise you to get a one-person tent for your romantic getaway. You won’t get comfortable in a solo camp tent that is meant for a camper’s night sleep.
I advise you to get a 2-person camping tent or even a 3-person one to have enough space for sleeping and activities. A bigger tent also gives you additional space to store your essentials and gear.
Romantic camping with kids and pets?
Children are wonderful but when they are present, your mind is pretty much focused on their needs.
Leave young kids with a babysitter, so you can enjoy time alone with your partner and take care of each other. The same thing goes for pets. Leave them at home so you can focus on a romantic camping trip.
How to make camping romantic?
Light the campfire, work as a team to help erect the tent, cook your meals together. Maybe even help tie one another’s shoes, use your imagination.
How can you make your tent romantic?
I like using some lights inside. You can use LED lights or place candles on the trays in the corner of the shelter.
Bear in mind that a candle’s fire can easily burn the tent’s floor so it’s better to put them on the tray or in a container.
I don’t go camping with my partner without some aromatherapy diffuser sticks. We love fragrances so we boost the mood and make a relaxing ambiance with them.
Watch the sunset together
How do you make camping special? I suggest you prepare a place where you will watch the sunrise and sunset.
Place a blanket on the ground, decorate it with some snacks and other food (serve those heart pancakes!) to prepare the mood.
If it’s cold, don’t forget a blanket to cuddle in it. This is a wonderful idea to have a romantic camping adventure that your partner will enjoy.
Sport activities
What activities can you do while being in the great outdoors? Date in nature isn’t just laying and cuddling in a tent, it’s much more.
Its purpose is to connect and have fun so I have a list of activities that you can do.
Use a boat or a kayak
Will you camp around the water? If there is an option to rent a boat or a kayak grab the opportunity. Make a plan of what will you take with you for spending time on the water.
You can go to another side of the lake and spend some quality time there.
The whole point of an outdoor date is to not get bored and to enjoy yourself with your better half in activities that you can’t find at home.
Go on a hiking trip
When you don’t know what to do, pack your essentials in a backpack, and go on the trails. Find out if there are any trails where you can walk or explore the surroundings by yourself.
A hike involves walking on different terrains so I suggest that you opt for a good pair of hiking shoes that will keep your ankles safe.
If you two are avid hikers then it is best to go for hiking boots instead of shoes as they will protect your feet while you walk long distances.
Phones down
Usually being out in the wilderness comes with no cell phone or internet signal.
However, if you happen to be in a place that still has one, it’s my recommendation that you turn your phone off, or at least set it to do not disturb mode.
There’s nothing that ruins the mood faster and easier than losing your focus on answering phone calls or text messages.
If you already have that self-control, maybe just bring a portable phone speaker for playing mood-setting music.
Prepare a cup of coffee
I’d also like to recommend my personal secret camping ingredient, coffee. Make a camping coffee in the morning and start your day energized and full of expectations.
It can be a weary experience to finally get to your campsite, and it’s easy to run out of energy too early.
Or, if you end up going to bed too late, your energy levels may not match your obligations the next morning.
Coffee gives you more control over your own alertness and readiness for everything that a camping trip might have to surprise you with.
Drink a cup of coffee if you consumed too much alcohol the night before. If this is the case, don’t forget about drinking water and C vitamin.
Romantic camping accessories
It’s a great idea to bring along some items that can help ignite the mood. Here is the stuff to consider.
Bring battery-operated candles, twinkle or dangle LED decorative lights, blankets and pillows, rose petals, fragrances, and anything else you can think of that might work well.
Think of what your partner loves and surprise him/her at the campsite.
Body massage oil
What should you bring along to have a romantic camping adventure?
Massage oil is a great idea, as it can help shed off the physical and mental stresses of normal life, as well as traveling to the campsite. Use it after you showered and have a romantic evening in the shelter.
Picnic backpack
I advise you to buy a picnic backpack where you will have all the eating accessories in one place. It is portable and organizes things like glasses, silverware, plates, picnic cloths, and other accessories.
How about packing it for that picnic on the other side of the lake? Take it with you in the boat.
Is camping a good date?
I hope that you and your romantic loved one have a great camping trip beneath the trees and night sky thanks to my tips to make your outdoor date more exciting.
Don’t let the planning phase stress you too much.
If you are an outdoor beginner, you’re never going to have everything perfect and you’ll always forget something but that’s okay.
As you get more experienced in camping, it won’t take as much energy or time to plan everything out. So while you’re just a beginner, go easy on yourself and learn to laugh at your mistakes.
Couple camping is a great idea for a date as you can experience the great outdoors as it is. Use my camping activities for couples and enjoy with your partner in peace and serenity.