Luxury Camping: Your Guide to Not Roughing It
Just because we’re in the woods doesn’t mean we can’t be civilized. This is my mantra as I arrange the baked brie, apples and Dutch oven stuffed mushroom caps on the tablecloth. So what if the picnic table has bird poop on it? All the more reason for optimism and fine linens.
Meanwhile, far from his caveman beginnings, my husband fires up the batter-powered blender and digs into the cooler for ice, tequila and tripe sec. Aaah! A relaxing evening around the campfire. After a gourmet dinner of grilled salmon and roasted asparagus with almonds sautéed in butter, we’ll break out the homemade marshmallows and make banana caramel s’mores.
The trick to not roughing it is simple: plan ahead and have the right gear for the tasks at hand.
Want a hot shower? You’re not going to find it in the lake. You’ll need an Ozark Trail Shower Utility Room, which serves as a shower, changing room, and – if you happen to have a portable toilet on hand – a bathroom.
Got hot feet and a dead cell phone? What you need is a pair of thermoelectric wellies (boots) that charge your mobile phone using heat from your feet.
And for the camper who has everything: a personal air mister to keep cool on hot summer days.
Bird poop, slivers and dirt notwithstanding, there is something for everyone in our Top 10 Luxury Camping list. Bonus links: Recipes for gourmet s’mores and homemade marshmallows. Cheers!
Top 10 Luxury Camping Must-Have Gear
Designed to suit every need – camping, tailgating, home and marine – the rechargeable and portable blenders from Coleman ($59-$79) can make 48 ounces of drinks in around 30 seconds. All models have a rubber non-skid base and are hand-washable for hassle-free cleanup anywhere.
Sticks that are 30" long so everyone can stay at a safe distance from the fire, with a child-friendly, semi-tapered ends that can easily poke into marshmallows or hot dogs, but are not dangerously sharp and pointy ($14.50).
This one-of-a-kind cookbook ($11.55) offers 70 delicious variations on everyone's favorite campfire classic. Whether you crave cool mint or warm coffee, tangy raspberry or cinnamon-sugar, this cookbook has a recipe that will leave you begging for s'more.
Turn plain vanilla recipes into a variety of tasty treats. Flavors homemade ice cream, shakes and smoothies. Suitable for use in blenders, smoothie makers and ice cream makers of all types ($12.99).
Put this portable patio atop cold, wet, muddy or hot surfaces. Made of durable plastic, each square has unique "cap-and-plug" interlocks that connect easily to create a large square pad or a long, rectangular deck that runs the length of your RV or trailer ($45).
Enjoy air-conditioned comfort wherever you go. No more uncomfortable nights in hot tents or campers. This unit uses ice, a potent fan and misting technology to lower a room's temperature ($200).
Essential gear for any avid camper. Large mesh roof panels provide excellent ventilation. With a center height over seven feet tall, it makes a great changing utility or shower room ($36.99).
The Aquaclip® seal (ultra-secure, rustproof, injection-moulded plastic) opens and closes with a simple twist of two levers. The touchscreen on your iPad will work perfectly. Also protects from dust, dirt and sand ($40.92).
See in it action: YouTube Video
Thermoelectric wellies that charge your mobile phone using heat from your feet. (Not yet available for purchase.)
Provides excellent shelter from the wind, but will also add a sense of style to your camp. In pale and golden yellow stripes with narrow stripes of pink, green, turquoise and red, it makes for a superb retro windbreak (£56.99).
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