Glamorous Camping On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Camper Glamour

Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a great way to experience the beauty of nature without sacrificing luxury. If you're looking to glam out your camper affordably, there are plenty of DIY tricks you can try. From adding a pop of colour with fairy lights and rugs to creating a cosy sleeping space with comfy bedding and pillows, you can easily turn your camper into a glamorous retreat.

For a more extensive makeover, consider repainting the interior, adding new curtains, or even building your own cupboards to save money. You can also spruce up your camping dinner table with cloth napkins, flowers, and solar-powered lights for a romantic touch.

With some creativity and effort, you can achieve a glamorous camper setup without breaking the bank. So grab your floral wellies and a glass of wine, and let's get started on transforming your camper into a glamorous getaway!

Lighting: Use fairy lights, solar-powered lanterns, or battery-powered candles to create a warm and deluxe feel

When it comes to lighting, there are several options to glam out your camper affordably. Fairy lights, solar-powered lanterns, and battery-powered candles are excellent choices to create a warm and deluxe feel.

Fairy lights, also known as string lights, are a popular choice for adding a touch of magic to any space. They are easily accessible and can be found almost anywhere. Battery-operated fairy lights are a safe and convenient option, eliminating any concerns about electrical issues. Drape them around your camper, create a whimsical canopy, or wrap them around nearby trees to extend the enchantment beyond your living area.

Solar-powered lanterns offer a sustainable lighting option that harnesses the power of the sun. Ensure they are fully charged to illuminate your space without the need for a power source. Place them along pathways, hang them as decorative accents, or opt for campfire-style lanterns to create a cosy ambiance without the open flames.

Battery-powered candles provide the romantic and ambient glow of candlelight without the hassle of traditional wax candles. They are a versatile option, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Place them inside decorative lanterns, scatter tealight holders around your space, or set the mood for a romantic dinner under the stars.

Additionally, you can incorporate festoon lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Drape them around your camper, hang them overhead to mimic the twinkling stars, or wrap them around nearby trees or bushes for a whimsical touch.

With these lighting options, you can transform your camper into a magical and deluxe retreat, creating lasting memories beneath the night sky.

Bedding: Invest in a comfortable bed, duvet, and pillows for a cosy and luxurious experience

When it comes to glamming up your camper van on a budget, creating a cosy and comfortable sleeping environment is essential. Here are some tips to help you achieve a luxurious and stylish space:

The Bed

The bed is the focal point of comfort in your camper, so it's worth investing in a good-quality mattress. Look for mattresses designed specifically for camper vans, as they're often made to fit the unique dimensions of camper van beds. You can also consider adding a mattress topper, which can enhance comfort and make your bed feel more luxurious. If you want to keep costs low, a self-inflating sleeping pad or an air mattress can be a great alternative to a traditional mattress.

The Duvet

When choosing a duvet, it's important to consider both comfort and space efficiency. Camper-specific duvets are designed to provide warmth without taking up too much room. Look for duvets that fit your camper bed snugly, and consider getting separate duvets for you and your travel partner to cater to individual preferences and needs. Don't forget to add a fitted sheet to keep your mattress clean and add an extra layer of comfort.

The Pillows

Complete the cosy bed setup with some comfortable pillows. Look for pillows that offer good support for your neck and head, especially if you're an avid side sleeper. You can find pillows specifically designed for campers, which are often compact and easy to store. Don't forget to add some decorative throw pillows to enhance the glam factor!

Bedding Storage

Storing bedding in a small space like a camper van can be challenging. Look for vacuum storage bags to reduce bulk, or invest in dedicated storage solutions designed for camper vans to keep your bedding organised and maximise space.

By investing in comfortable and space-efficient bedding, you'll create a glamorous and inviting space to retreat to after a long day of adventures.

Food: Prepare gourmet meals, cocktails, and charcuterie boards for a glamorous camping dining experience

Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards are all the rage and are perfect for camping as they can be prepared ahead of time and transported easily. The key to a good charcuterie board is to include a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, dips, and crackers or bread. Here are some specific ideas for what to include:

• Meats: sliced pepperoni, salami, prosciutto, cubed meat from the deli, canned meats (e.g. Vienna sausages, Spam), or leftover ham or turkey.
• Cheeses: sliced, cubed, spreadable, or squeeze cheese. Go for a variety of sharp, mild, and creamy cheeses.
• Breads: rolls, sliced bread, pita pockets, sandwich thins, bagels, or naan.
• Sandwich toppings: tomato slices, lettuce leaves, mayonnaise, mustard, peanut butter, and jelly.
• Crackers and chips: potato chips, fish crackers, pretzels, woven wheat crackers, round butter crackers, and cheesy puff pastry sticks.
• Dips: ranch dip, salsa, queso, onion dip, or hummus.
• Fruits: berries, grapes, apples, pineapple, figs, or dried fruits.
• Vegetables: carrots, black olives, snow peas, cherry tomatoes, celery, cucumber, olives.
• Decorations: a red checkered tablecloth or napkins, wooden boards, parchment paper, cutting boards, or a plank of wood.

Gourmet Meals

When it comes to gourmet meals, preparation is key. Here are some ideas for meals that can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time:

• Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese: a simple and comforting dish that only requires seven ingredients and can be made in a Dutch oven over coals.
• One-Pot Pasta Primavera: a creamy vegetable pasta that can be made in a single skillet.
• Campfire Nachos: an easy and tasty meal that can be made in a Dutch oven or as foil packet nachos.
• Chicken Tzatziki Skewers: Greek-inspired grilled chicken skewers that can be prepared ahead of time and grilled at the campsite.
• Kielbasa Potato Foil Packets: a hearty and easy meal with minimal cleanup that combines potatoes, sausage, spicy mustard, butter, and seasonings.
• Shrimp Boil Foil Packets: a summery dish with shrimp, smoky sausage, buttery corn, and lemon, all cooked together in foil with no dishes to clean.
• Sweet Potato Peanut Stew: a popular, low-prep dish with minimal ingredients that can be chopped and prepared ahead of time.
• Cheesy Asparagus One-Pot Orzo: a versatile one-pot dish that can be adapted with a variety of vegetables.
• Camp Stove Chilaquiles: a simple dish made with tortilla wedges, spicy tomato sauce, poached eggs, and toppings like avocado, cheese, and lime.
• Lime & Cilantro Grilled Chicken Tacos: chicken marinated in a zippy citrus marinade and served in tortillas with toppings.
• Pineapple Chicken Skewers: tropical chicken kabobs that can be chopped and prepared ahead of time.
• Banana Bread Pancakes: a delicious breakfast treat where the dry mix can be made at home and the remaining ingredients added at the campsite.
• Pie Iron Pizzas: a fun camping meal where everyone can make their own personal pizza pocket using store-bought dough and toppings.
• Pesto Pasta: a simple dish where the pesto can be made ahead of time or store-bought, and fresh vegetables, pasta, and Parmesan can be added at the campsite.
• Carnitas Tacos: smoky carnitas that can be made in an Instant Pot ahead of time and served in corn tortillas with toppings.
• Sausage and Tortellini Soup: a hearty soup for colder weather that can be chopped and prepared ahead of time and cooked in a single pot.

Cocktails

Camping cocktails can be made ahead of time or prepared at the campsite. Here are some ideas for glamorous camping cocktails:

• Hazy Shandy: mix a New England-style IPA with a citrusy soda like San Pellegrino.
• Dark & Stormy: a simple combination of dark rum, ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice.
• Michelada: spice up a Mexican lager with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and a chile-lime salt rim.
• Smoky Campfire Moscow Mule: a twist on the classic Moscow mule with vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and toasted marshmallows for garnish.
• Hipcamp-arita: a spin on the classic margarita with tequila, pear brandy, agave nectar, lime juice, and a pinch of Tajín Clásico seasoning and hibiscus powder.
• Camper's Pine Cone Punch: a fruity and fragrant make-ahead cocktail with dark rum, liqueur, and unsweetened pineapple juice.
• Winter Hiker's Make-Ahead Hot Toddy: a warm cocktail perfect for cold-weather hiking with whiskey, honey, and lemon juice, garnished with a cinnamon stick.
• Cold Weather Camper's Orange Hot Chocolate: a boozy hot chocolate with cognac, orange juice, milk, cocoa powder, and orange zest.

Entertainment: Bring board games, cards, and a projector for outdoor movie nights to keep everyone entertained

When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options to glam out your camper and keep everyone happy.

Board games and card games are a great way to bond and have fun with family and friends. There are numerous options available, from classic games like Charades, Scrabble, and Monopoly, to more modern games like Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Happy Salmon, and Try Not to Laugh Challenge. For camping-themed games, you could consider Campsite, a strategy tile-laying game, or Hershey's S'mores Perfectly Toasted Game. If you're looking for a quick and simple game, you could try Spoons or a deck of playing cards for games like Go Fish, Crazy 8's, and Slap Jack.

For a more modern entertainment option, you could invest in a portable projector to create a cinematic experience outdoors. Projectors like the XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro and the XGIMI Halo+ offer high-quality picture and sound, with the ability to project up to 200 inches, providing an immersive movie night experience. These projectors are designed with portability and durability in mind, making them ideal for camping trips.

To enhance your outdoor movie nights, consider the following tips:

• Ensure your projector is fully charged before leaving, or bring a compatible cable to charge it through your car batteries.
• Bring a portable hotspot to ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection for streaming.
• Start your movie nights after dusk to ensure the best picture quality, as sunlight can wash out the image.
• Consider investing in a projector screen, tripod, and external speakers for an even better viewing experience.
• Don't forget the snacks!

With these entertainment options, you'll be sure to create lasting memories and have a glamorous camping experience.

Decorations: Look for second-hand decorations and thrift store finds to add unique touches to your camper

When it comes to decorating your camper on a budget, second-hand decorations and thrift store finds are a great way to add unique touches. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Throw Blankets and Decorative Pillows

Adding some throw blankets and decorative pillows is a great way to bring colour and comfort to your camper. Look for blankets and pillows in complementary colours and patterns that will make your space feel inviting and cosy. You can often find these items at thrift stores or second-hand markets.

Kitchen Backsplash

A unique kitchen backsplash can brighten up your camper's kitchen and make it more homely. Consider using sticky tiles, which are easy to install and can be changed out later if you want to switch up your style.

Plants

Bringing some greenery into your camper is a great way to add life and colour. Look for low-maintenance plants like succulents, pothos, and peace lilies that will thrive in your space. You can find second-hand plant pots at thrift stores or even make your own hanging planters from recycled materials.

String Lights

String lights can create a cosy and magical atmosphere in your camper. Look for battery-operated lights that can be easily hung up without worrying about electrical issues.

Mirrors

Hanging a mirror in your camper can make the space feel larger and brighter. It's a simple way to add a decorative touch and create the illusion of more space.

Artwork and Photos

Adorning the walls of your camper with artwork and photos is a wonderful way to make it feel like home. Consider supporting local artists in the van life community or framing some of your favourite photos from your travels.

Curtains

Curtains are a functional and decorative addition to your camper, especially if you want to block out light or create some privacy. You can find unique curtains at thrift stores or even make your own with second-hand fabric.

Bookshelves

Building a bookshelf into your camper is a great way to store your books and add a homely touch. Consider using second-hand wood or repurposing old shelves to create a unique bookshelf that reflects your style.

Maps

Maps are a fun way to decorate your camper and document your travels. You can mark the places you've been or plan your future adventures.

Coffee Mugs

Hanging your favourite coffee mugs in the kitchen is a unique way to decorate and also keep your mugs easily accessible. Look for mugs at thrift stores or second-hand markets that reflect your style.

Macrame

If you want to embrace a boho vibe in your camper, consider hanging some macrame artwork. You can even make your own macrame pieces using yarn and driftwood.

Remember, when decorating your camper, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. By mixing second-hand finds with your own personal touches, you can create a unique and cosy space that reflects your style.

Frequently asked questions