The Ultimate Family Glamping Setup: Bringing Comfort & Style to the Campsite
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Getting out of the thick Florida heat for a few days to disconnect and spend time by the river was exactly what our family needed this summer. But if you know me, you know I can't completely leave my love for interior design and organization behind! Roughing it certainly doesn't mean we have to sacrifice comfort, a beautiful aesthetic, or a tidy space, even with two kids in tow.
Over the years, we’ve thoughtfully curated our gear to create an outdoor living space that truly feels like an extension of our home. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway with your own family or just looking to elevate your old, tired gear, I am so excited to share all the details of our ultimate family glamping setup.
Tip: You can shop all of our camping and outdoor living must-haves here.
The Centerpiece: Our Inflatable Cabin Tent
When designing any room, I always start with the foundational pieces to anchor the space. The exact same rule applies to a campsite! We recently upgraded to the KNUO inflatable tent, and it has been an absolute game-changer for our family trips.
When we first started looking into inflatable cabin tents, we were instantly drawn to the beautiful Coody models. However, we hesitated to make such a big investment on a piece we weren't entirely sure we'd love long-term. Naturally, the hunt was on for a great look-for-less, and we stumbled across the KNUO tent on Amazon. I have to say, we have been so pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the aesthetic. We are now on our second year of camping with this tent, and it has held up beautifully without a single major issue.
Using an electric air pump, this tent practivally sets itself up.
Instead of wrestling with metal poles, the inflatable air beams make setup incredibly fast and structurally sound. Aesthetically, the bright canvas color mimics the light, airy feel I love in a coastal traditional home. It beautifully bounces the natural sunlight around the interior during the day.
The sheer size of this tent is a luxury. The high ceilings mean we can stand up completely straight, making changing clothes and moving around so much easier.
The Screened-In Porch Outdoor Living Area
Just like at home, having a dedicated outdoor living space is essential. We attached a massive mesh screen room to the front of the tent, which acts as our campsite mudroom and lounge area.
We laid down a breathable green ground mat to define the space and keep dirt and grass from being tracked into the main sleeping quarters. We set up our camp chairs and a small folding table here. It's the perfect bug-free zone to enjoy morning coffee or play cards in the evening, and our pup loves lounging here while keeping an eye on the campsite!
Interior Styling & Clever Camping Organization
Now, let's step inside! When you have four people sharing a single room, organization is the only way to maintain your sanity.
1. Home-Inspired Flooring To make the space feel cozy, we laid down a black and white geometric outdoor rug. Not only does it add a massive punch of style to the interior, but it’s incredibly practical for sweeping out dirt.
2. Camping Cots Over Air Mattresses We officially ditched the deflating air mattresses for elevated camping cots topped with matching green sleeping bags. Elevating the beds serves two huge purposes: it is much more comfortable for your back, and it creates a ton of hidden storage space! We slide our suitcases directly under the beds, keeping the walkways completely clear of luggage.
3. Comforts of Home for the Kids (and the Dog!) To helpour 10 and 7-year-olds settle in at night, we let them bring along a few of their favorite things. Seeing their Cinnamoroll and octopus plushies lined up on the cots instantly made the space feel familiar and safe for them.
And we certainly couldn't forget the dog! We brought along a plush gray dog bed so our pup had a dedicated, cozy spot to rest after long days of exploring by the river.
Powering the Campsite
We like to stay comfortable, which means having reliable power. We brought along our Anker portable power station, which is an absolute must-have. It easily powers our high-velocity floor fan, crucial for keeping the air circulating and keeping the tent cool on warm summer nights. It also keeps our phones, watches, and portable lights fully charged all weekend.
Final Thoughts
Taking a few extra steps to organize your gear and add touches of home can completely transform your camping experience. It allows you to focus less on the stress of roughing it and more on making memories by the water with your family.
What are your favorite family camping essentials? Let me know in the comments below!
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.