There are tons of knots. Too many for the average person to memorize. Fortunately, the average person doesn’t need to know all these knots. For beginning and intermediate campers and glampers, really only a handful of knots are necessary to tie down tents, cinch gear, and hang hammocks. First, though, you’ll need some rope or cord to practice with. This TOUGH-GRID 750lb. paracord is what I use because it’s sturdy and comes in several color options, including natural tones and high-vis (no one likes tripping over guy-lines). But there are lots of similar options available online and in stores ..read more

As winter sets in and the snow-covered landscapes beckon, it's time to gear up for an unforgettable winter glamping adventure. Unlike traditional camping, winter glamping requires specialized gear to keep you warm, comfortable, and entertained in the chilly outdoors. Let’s explore some must-have winter camping equipment that will elevate your cold-weather camping experience to new heights, keeping you as snug as a bug in a rug (oh, don’t forget to pack a rug for your tent). Must-have cold weather camping gear Heated Sleeping Bag: It might sound a little bougie but hey, that’s what glamping ..read more

While the idea of winter camping might send shivers down your spine, embracing the cold during a winter glamping getaway can actually provide lots of health benefits! Beyond the charming snow-covered landscapes and crackling campfires, spending time outdoors in colder temperatures can positively impact your physical and mental well-being. Discover some surprising health benefits of winter glamping and why it's worth bundling up for a chilly adventure. Boosts Immune Function: Cold exposure has been linked to increased production of white blood cells, potentially enhancing the immune system's ab ..read more

As the winter chill settles in, there's no better time to elevate your glamping experience with some festive and cozy campsite decorations. Adding a touch of warmth and holiday spirit to your outdoor retreat can transform your winter glamping getaway into a magical escape. Here are a few of our favorite - and super simple - DIY camping decorations to elevate your winter glampsite. Pinecone Garland: Materials: Pinecones, twine, acrylic paint, paintbrush, ribbon. Steps: Collect pinecones of various sizes. Paint the tips with white or metallic paint to mimic snow. Once dry, tie each pin ..read more

If you’re new to the wide world of camping, you might hear the term “KOA” floating around in the community. Even if you’ve been camping or glamping all your life, you may have never stayed at a KOA. Though there are conflicting opinions (different camps of thought, if you will) about KOAs and their authenticity as a camping experience, it’s impossible to deny how widespread and accessible these campgrounds are. So let’s review the facts about KOA so that you can decide for yourself if it’s the right choice for your next camping or glamping vacation.   What are KOA campgrounds? KOA stands ..read more

What is Pantone’s Color of the Year? Many things come to mind with the end of one year and start of the next: resolutions, change, improvement, a fresh start, exciting new possibilities. Beginning a new year should feel thrilling and bold, a joyous opportunity to tackle new goals and find a renewed enthusiasm for life and happiness. With that in mind, Pantone’s new 2023 Color of the Year is particularly appropriate. Viva Magenta, as described by Pantone, is a bold shade of red that “vibrates with vim and vigor… expressive of a new signal of strength.” The shade is intended to convey joyful sel ..read more

What’s camping without storytelling? Picture it: shadows are growing long, a chill is creeping into the air, and you’re all gathering close to the fire as darkness swallows up everything outside the small ring of flickering orange light. All is silent except for the crackling and popping of the flames dancing on wood, until someone jokingly asks, “… so anyone know any good scary stories?”               The group laughs and someone offers up that old hook-hand classic, in one of its many variations. It elicits groans and eyerolls ..read more

Southern California has been my home for nearly twenty-six years now. During that time, I have discovered countless hidden gems in the form of campgrounds, hiking trails, scenic spots, and more. However, after my recent trip to Mt. Laguna, I'm shocked that I was never aware of such a stunning area -- and so close to home! During my search for new and unique camping spots in Southern California, I came across an intriguing listing for tree tents in Julian. The listing boasts hassle-free glamping in Tentsiles, complete with a kitchenette and all the necessary accessories. I've had my eye on Ten ..read more

Road-trips, road-trips, road-trips! Have you noticed that this is my most recent infatuation? I am so excited for summer -- not for the weather, because I actually love chilly, rainy winter days, but because I have been absolutely dying to take a road trip. I'm in the process of planning mine, and if you're smart then you should do the same! I've already outlined the steps you should take while planning and prepping for your road trip. These are the basic essentials: picking your car and preparing it for long distances, creating a budget, and other general road-trip best practices. What that b ..read more

After long last... it's finally almost here: summer! The first official day of summer is actually June 21st, but for those of us in SoCal, it has felt like summer for a while now. Besides those occasional rainy days (it rained all day Tuesday, but it's 80 degrees and sunny right now), the weather has been consistently warm and bright; people are trading pants for shorts and jackets for tanks, and the tourists have begun flocking to the beaches.  There's really no questioning the fact that summer is road-trip season. The fine weather makes for great road-tripping conditions, and of course ..read more