If you love to camp, getting creative and ditching your tent is a must-do experience. You can camp under the stars or find alternate ways to make shelter. Before you do any of this, be sure to check your local laws and regulations.
Sometimes it’s better to ditch the tent and find alternate ways to make shelter. Ditching your tent makes the experience more interesting and gets you away from the usual routine. Here are some of my favorite alternate ways to make shelter.Those that love to camp need to know about creative camping shelters. We’ll cover camping under the stars and other ways to camp without a tent.
Get a Good Sleeping Bag
This is the biggest issue that most campers face. A tent is great, but a sleeping bag is the key to getting good sleep at the camp site. Don’t skimp on this purchase, as you can’t get a comfortable night of sleep without it. Depending on where you are camping and what the ground and climate is like, plan accordingly. Without a tent you may go for a sleeping bag that doubles as a shelter, like this one.
Think About Adding a Lightweight Sleeping Pad
If you are camping without a tent because you are hiking and want to bring as little gear as possible, you may think skipping the sleeping pad is necessary. But you can get a lightweight inflatable bed like this one that will make all the difference. Some pads even come with a built-in shelter that is like a tent, but isn’t technically a tent.
Consider Mosquito Netting or Thermacell
Without a tent, you’ll need to think of another way to protect yourself from insects so you can enjoy the night’s sleep. Using a mosquito netting is one way. Using a Thermacell to protect your sleeping area is another great way to keep pesky bugs away while you enjoy your open view of the stars.
Using a Tarp as Camping Shelter
When it comes to protecting your area from the elements and bugs, a tarp is one of the best ways to go. They are lightweight, easy to carry and can be used for a variety of purposes, including protection from wind, rain and sun.This lightweight Tarp is easy to carry and keeps you warm during the night time when temperatures are low. It can also be used as a blanket if the weather is warm. Its breathable fabric will keep you dry when the rain comes down. You can easily fold this tarp and carry it around to places where you go camping.String up a tent to provide covering over you or use two tarps to give yourself a floor as well as overhead protection. Make sure you have parachute cord so you can rig up this shelter between two trees.
Hammock Camping
If you don’t have a tent, you can use a hammock or find a way to rig one up. If you have no idea how to hang a hammock or what you need to purchase, watch a tutorial or ask at the camping goods store. Many hammocks come with a sunshade or canopy that goes overhead to protect you from the elements. Your hammock may come with everything you need to set it up. But if it doesn’t, make sure you have heavy-duty carabiners, parachute chord and have researched the right way to set up a hammock that will securely hold you all night!
Camping In Your Vehicle
If you have an SUV, van or pickup truck, you can make a pretty decent shelter. It’s great for long term travel when you want a more permanent setup. While the design of these vehicles are usually built for comfort, they are a great place to sleep while on the road.You’ll still need the good sleeping bag and the comfy sleep pad, but you won’t have to worry as much about insects, since you have a bug-proof shelter on wheels!If you are sleeping in a truck bed, you may want to use the tarp for cover or at least create protection from insects with mosquito netting. You can even use the Thermacell nearby to keep a bugless zone.
Alternatives to Camping Shelters
Crawling under a large bough or lean-to: This shelter is also known as a “Bear’s Den” and is easily constructed by crouching under a heavy growth of boughs and brush. This may not be your first option, but can always serve as a Plan B if you need one.
Conclusion
Camping without a tent is a wonderful experience when you’ve planned ahead to make sure you are safe and comfortable. If you have never camped without a tent, start off by using a tarp as shelter and ease your way to being directly under the stars. It’s a must-do experience you’ll never forget.