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Glamping Safety Map
Glamping is having a moment right now, and many people are trading hotel rooms for chic-canvas tents and cozy, tucked-away cabins under the stars.
But even with the plush bedding and warm lighting, you're still out in nature, and that comes with its own set of unpredictable, oftentimes overlooked risks.
Staying safe doesn’t mean overpacking, stressing out, or even throwing in the towel and booking a hotel room. It just means being a little smarter about your setup, your surroundings, and the basic things to keep close by.
Whether it’s your first time glamping with the gals or your tenth glamp romp with the fam, these quick, practical tips can help you enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the fresh air while staying safe.
Campground Check
Campground checks simply mean walking around the camping site to see the lay of the land. Things to note are where your neighboring glampers are, isolated and therefore dangerous areas, lit areas, and the location of park rangers or other personnel.
Noting some environmental factors can also be important later on such as tree lines, slopes, brush, water sources, and animal tracks.
Tent Tips
Stake your tent in a visible yet semi-sheltered spot so you get the best of both worlds: deterrence and accessible help due to visibility, and privacy from a quiet tent spot.
Position your tent so the entrance is facing a clear, open view, not a wall of trees or an unlit path, so you have better visibility if something or someone approaches.
For in-tent storage and organization, keep a flashlight or headlamp near the entrance of the tent for quick access. If you're using a lockbox or have self-defense gear, tuck it just inside the flap, so it's easy to grab without needing to dig into a bag. Something as small as an emergency whistle can provide reassurance and peace of mind for your safety when you're in the of the forest. Establish a nighttime routine like who zips the tent up and secures it, who checks the site before sleeping, what time everyone will wake up, etc.
Some tents have multiple exits or mesh windows which will provide additional tools for your safety. Mesh vents let you hear better at night, and a second zipper means you have an escape route just in case. Of course mesh windows and secondary exits also mean more access, so make sure to secure these openings as well.
Lastly, if you’re using a luxe glamping tent with more structure, like a canvas yurt or dome, always anchor it securely with long stakes, and check that it latches tight.
Safety Tools
Equip yourself and your glamping group with tools that provide multiple functions both for emergency, survival, and outdoor activities, but also for safety and self defense.
This just means you carry tools smarter, decrease the weight and bulkiness of your glamping gear, and choose tools that are simple, practical, and discreet.
Some versatile and glamping-friendly tools include:
- A loud personal alarm or whistle
- A small but bright flashlight or headlamp
- A sharp knife
- Pepper spray or gel, or bear spray
All four (4) safety tools above provide multiple uses with basic survival and emergency functions, as well as safety and self defense functions.
As mentioned above, keep your tools handy. Keep some of them by the opening of the tent, and keep some of them by your pillow/head while sleeping. If you're camping with others, let them know where everything is so they can access them if needed.
Nature Prep
Even if it's glamping, it's still done outdoors, and there will be some engagement with the environment, weather, and elements.
Before your glamping trip, research the local wildlife like raccoons, snakes, bugs, or even bears, depending on where you're heading. Store your food in secure coolers and boxes, dispose of trash in air-tight bags or proper locations, and take note of signs to watch for if animals are nearby.
Bring bug spray, sunscreen, bacitracin, tums, and a general ibuprofen for basic preventative measures and emergencies. Check your shoes and bags before putting them on in the morning if you’ve left them outside the tent since little creatures love warm, dark spaces.
It’s also smart to prepare for changes in the weather. A glamping site can feel safe in sunlight and turn unfamiliar after a windy night or sudden rain. Pack a roll of duct tape, some zip ties, a rain poncho, and some slip-on shoes if you have to move quickly. Mother Nature is unpredictable, and glamping works best when you stay one step ahead.
Bonus: Glamping Camp Fires
No glamp or camp trip would be complete without some s'mores over a fire.
While fires are beautiful and relaxing, they can create an open invitation to anything nearby from both animals and strangers. These fires make your site visible from a distance with a glow that can be seen far into the woods or from nearby roads. If possible, set up the firepit deep into the ground and make sure to put it out when you're finished or going to sleep.
