What to Pack for a Glamping Weekend: The Complete Checklist

Guides — Packing

Glamping removes most of the hassle of traditional camping — no sleeping bag, no sleeping mat, often not even your own bedding — but it's still an outdoor stay with its own logic. Your packing list shouldn't look like a camping trip, and it shouldn't look like a hotel weekend either: it's somewhere in between. Here's what to actually pack, and what you can leave behind.

Before you leave: check what the site provides

This single check saves the most suitcase space. Many lodge and dome tents include bedding, towels, a private bathroom, and sometimes even bathrobes, just like a hotel. Simpler sites (basic safari tents, bell tents) may charge extra for these or expect guests to bring their own. Always check the listing or ask before you go — it settles half the checklist in one message.

Clothing: think in layers, not sizes

Even in high summer, nights under canvas — especially in hills or near woodland — can be cooler than expected. Pack in layers: a light jumper or fleece for the evening, long trousers to guard against insects and undergrowth, and comfortable closed shoes for uneven campsite ground. A swimsuit is almost always worth packing, since many sites have a pool, lake or coastline nearby. Travelling in spring or autumn, add a light waterproof jacket — many sites stay open outside peak summer but the weather is less predictable.

Electronics and lighting

Not every tent has convenient or multiple power outlets, so a charged power bank is close to essential for your phone and camera. A headtorch or small lantern makes a real difference for evening walks to shared bathrooms, or simply for moving around after dark. If the site has limited Wi-Fi (often part of the appeal, not a flaw), download offline maps and entertainment in advance.

Packing for kids or dogs

Travelling with young children, bring a few outdoor toys, age-appropriate insect repellent, and a basic first-aid kit — our family glamping guide covers this in more detail. Bringing a dog? Beyond a lead and collapsible bowls, check the site's pet policy in advance; our dog-friendly glamping guide explains what to expect in terms of space and extra fees.

What you can leave at home

The "don't pack" list is often more useful than the "pack" list. A sleeping bag and sleeping mat aren't needed at most sites: the bed is a real one, usually with linens included. The same goes for a camping stove, almost always replaced by a shared kitchen area or an on-site restaurant. Heavy hiking gear is rarely necessary either, unless you already have specific hikes planned.

In short: pack light but smart. Check what the site includes, bring one extra layer for the evening, don't forget a power bank and torch, and leave behind anything that belongs to traditional camping. That's the whole point of glamping — nature, without the gear.