Planning the Ultimate Bachelorette Party Camping Trip

Planning a bachelorette party doesn’t always involve booking a hotel on the strip in Vegas or buying plane tickets to Cancun. Sometimes it looks like heading into the woods with your besties for a weekend full of adventure and relaxation. Plus, bachelorette camping parties are the perfect thematic compliment to an outdoor or campground wedding. If you’re considering planning a bachelorette camping trip, this is the guide for you. Keep reading for destination showcases, theme ideas, activities and more.

Initial Planning Stage

Once the bride decides she wants to spend her bachelorette weekend on a camping trip, it’s time to start the planning! Here are a few tips.

Setting the Date

The first step in the planning process is nailing down a date that works for the bride-to-be and all of the bridesmaids. This part may be tricky with so many schedules, especially if there’s a large bridal party, but once you have a date nailed down, you can start booking everything you need for the party.

Setting the Budget

Another important step in the planning process if defining a budget. Usually all of the attendees cover their own costs and split most or all of the bride’s costs, so be sure to get in touch with everyone who will be there and find out what they’re comfortable spending.

The great part about hosting a camping bachelorette party is that it’s way easier to keep the costs low than if you were headed to Vegas or another big party city.

Choosing a Destination

The last step in the initial planning phase is nailing down a location and booking a property. The bride-to-be should definitely be involved in picking the general location and style of camping, whether its a more traditional campsite, an upscale glamping retreat, or something in between. But it can be fun to let her be surprised by the specific campsite or cabin that you book. Check out our top picks for Bachelorette camping destinations below:

1. Moab, Utah

Moab is an outdoor lover's dream, with its red rock landscapes, national parks like Arches and Canyonlands, and adventure activities like hiking and river rafting. The area is also dotted with luxury glamping sites that offer a comfortable base to explore the rugged beauty of the region.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines the charm of a vibrant artistic community with the natural beauty of the surrounding forests and waterfalls. Glamping here means elegant treehouses, dome houses, and canvas tents. It's perfect for groups interested in a mix of outdoor adventures, art galleries, and craft breweries.

3. Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Colorado's Rocky Mountains provide a stunning getaway for outdoor activities year-round, from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Glamping sites here range from cozy, heated tents to upscale mountain lodges, offering access to nature without sacrificing comfort.

4. Flathead Lake, Montana

The lake's crystal clear waters and the surrounding wilderness serve as a stunning setting for reconnecting with nature, making it an unforgettable locale for a bachelorette party that combines relaxation and outdoor excitement. The area around Flathead Lake offers a variety of camping and glamping options, from cozy lakeside cabins to luxurious tents nestled in the woods.

5. White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains in New Hampshire are a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With rugged terrain, scenic hikes, and clear, star-filled skies, it's perfect for a more adventurous bachelorette party. The area boasts a variety of glamping sites and cozy cabins that offer a comfortable base to explore the surrounding wilderness, including the famous Mount Washington. Ideal for hiking, skiing, and exploring local attractions, the White Mountains provide a memorable destination for celebrating.

Preparations and Packing

Now that the big picture planning is done, it’s time to hone in on the details of the camping trip. This means paying special attention to gear, food, drinks, and thematic elements to make sure the outing is as comfortable as it is memorable.

Essential Camping Gear

This list will depend heavily on what style of camping you choose for the bach party. If you opt for a more luxury glamping bachelorette party trip, you won’t need nearly as much camping specific gear. But if you’re all in for a more rustic camping trip, this check list is a great place to start to ensure you have everything you need:

• Tents: Opt for spacious tents that can accommodate your group comfortably. Consider one extra tent for communal activities or as a backup.

• Sleeping Bags and Pads: Choose sleeping bags suitable for the season and sleeping pads or inflatable mattresses for extra comfort.

• Cooking Gear: Portable stoves, lightweight cookware, utensils, and reusable dishes and cups are must-haves. Don't forget biodegradable soap for easy cleanup.

• Lighting: Pack headlamps LED lanterns to light up the campsite.

• Safety Kit: Include a first aid kit, a map and compass (or GPS), and bear spray (if applicable).

Food and Drink Planning

Again, this will depend on the accommodation you book. If you’re staying in a fancy cabin with a full kitchen you’ll have a lot more options than a campsite out in the woods with nothing but a fire ring. Here are some camping-specific recipe collections to get the ball rolling:

• Meals and Snacks: Plan simple, nutritious meals that can be easily prepared over a camp stove or fire. Think pre-made sandwiches, wraps, and hearty salads for lunch; skewers, grilled veggies, and foil packet dinners for evenings.

• Bachelorette Beverages: Celebrate with champagne for mimosas in the morning and your favorite spirits for evening cocktails. Non-alcoholic options should also be available, like sparkling water, tea, and coffee.

• Dietary Restrictions: Cater to all guests by planning meals that can be adjusted for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies. Label food items clearly to avoid mix-ups.

• Recipes:
  10 Summer Fruit Recipes For Your Next Camping Trip
  Easy One-Pot Camping Meals
  Summer Camping Drinks and Treats to Beat the Heat
  6 Campfire Meals That Will Leave You Craving S’More

Decorations and Themes

Adding a theme can turn a regular camping trip into an unforgettable weekend. Here are a few suggestions to spark your creativity:

Last Trail Before the Veil

This trendy theme is a blast if the bride-to-be is an avid hiker. Decorate with rustic, outdoor-inspired elements like floral garlands, burlap, and lanterns. Incorporate "trail" elements like custom trail mix stations or a map for a scavenger hunt, and of course, plan a hike on an iconic trail in the area. Ideally one with a great view at the end for a photo op!

Summer Camp-Themed Bachelorette Party

This theme is great if the bridal party met at summer camp as kids and want to relive old memories. Embrace the nostalgia of camp with badges for completing "camp" activities, matching team bandanas, and personalized water bottles. Set up areas for classic camp activities: a s'mores station, a tie-dye shirt station, and a games tables.

Retro-Themed Camping

Retro-inspired camping gear, polka dot tablecloths, and classic string lights set the stage for nostalgia. Put together a throwback playlist filled with hits from the past to play through a portable speaker and cap off the evening with a retro movie night under the stars, using a projector to screen iconic films that match the era.

Camping Activities and Entertainment

A bachelorette camping trip is only as good as its activities and entertainment. Use this list of ideas for daytime adventures, evening activities, and party games to create an unforgettable weekend:

Customized Daytime Adventures

Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt

Create a custom scavenger hunt tailored to the bride-to-be's life and interests, with tasks ranging from fun and silly to sentimental.

Themed Outdoor Workshops

Organize a workshop like outdoor photography, wilderness survival skills, or even a "wilderness mixology" class featuring camping-friendly cocktails. If you really want to go above and beyond, coordinate with a local expert or creatively facilitate the session as a group.

Adventure Race with a Twist

Design a light-hearted competition with obstacles or challenges that incorporate elements of the bachelorette’s journey to marriage (e.g., "The Relationship Obstacle Course").

Evening Festivities

Campfire Bachelorette Roast

Host a friendly roast of the bride-to-be, sharing funny stories and fond memories. Transition to heartfelt toasts where each guest can express their wishes for the bride's future.

Glow-in-the-Dark Party

Turn the campsite into a dance floor with glow sticks, LED lights, and portable speakers for a night of dancing under the stars. Include a playlist of the bride's favorite songs and classic bachelorette hits. Just be sure to follow all camp quiet hours and be mindful of close-by neighbors.

Memory Lane Movie Night

Set up an outdoor movie night featuring films that hold special significance to the bride and her friends or compilations of videos/photos from the bride's life. Pack cozy blankets, popcorn, and themed snacks for a relaxed and nostalgic evening.

Bachelorette Party Games

Campsite Karaoke

Bring a portable karaoke machine or use a smartphone app connected to a Bluetooth speaker. Choose songs that fit the camping theme or are favorites of the bride-to-be.

Bridal Bingo

Customize bingo cards with events or items likely to occur during the trip like seeing a shooting star, hearing a specific song, or someone telling a campfire story.

"Most Likely To" - Wilderness Edition

Sit in a circle and take turns saying "most likely to" scenarios that relate to camping and the outdoors like "Most likely to get lost on a nature walk" or "Most likely to catch a fish and not know what to do with it."

S'mores Creation Contest

Challenge your guests to create the most inventive s'more using a variety of gourmet chocolates, different flavored marshmallows, and other fun ingredients. The bride-to-be judges which creation wins the title of "Ultimate Glamping S'more.”

Special Touches for the Bride-To-Be

Beyond planning an unforgettable location and activities to keep everyone busy and entertained, the party planner needs to put a little something extra on top. From bachelorette party favors to extra special experiences, consider adding in some of these special touches to make it the bachelorette party of a lifetime.

Bridal Wishes Lantern Release

End a night with the symbolic release of lanterns, where each guest shares a wish or piece of advice for the bride's married life. Make sure this activity is done safely and in a way that is environmentally friendly and legal in your destination.

Personalized Etsy Trinkets to Match the Theme

Personalized Etsy trinkets that not only match the theme but also add a special touch to the celebration are also a fun extra touch. Customize a variety of items like fun straws and printable templates, bridal sashes and goodie bags for each guest, along with personalized confetti to sprinkle around the picnic table.

T-shirts or swimsuits with the bachelorette party's slogan, along with stickers for personal items, also make for memorable and long lasting party favors.

Themed Custom Cocktails

Create a menu of custom cocktails that celebrate the bride-to-be. Use her favorite flavors to inspire the drinks, and give them fun, personalized names. Set up a stylish outdoor cocktail bar with all the ingredients needed to make the signature drinks and include recipe cards so guests can mix their own concoctions.

Memory Lane Campfire

Arrange a sentimental evening around the campfire where each guest shares a favorite memory of the bride. Compile these stories into a beautiful keepsake book as a surprise gift.

Polaroid camera

Polaroid can be a super fun way to capture memories of the camp bride’s special night! Be sure to take photos throughout the night, and put them together in a scrap book to give to the bride as a wedding gift.

Star Map

Order a custom star map from the night of the bride's engagement or another significant date in her relationship. This unique piece of art can be a beautiful reminder of her journey to marriage.

Wellness Retreat

Organize a morning of relaxation with outdoor yoga, meditation sessions, or even a mobile masseuse who can come to your glamping site for private sessions.

Private Chef Experience

For one night, hire a private chef to prepare a special dinner at your glamping site. This can be a unique way to enjoy fine dining in the heart of nature.

Backup Plans and Contingencies

While camping trips can provide some of the most fun and memorable parties, mother Nature can be fickle. You can do all the planning in the world and compulsively check the weather forecast right up to the day of the party, and she still might decide to rain on your parade.

This is where your role as maid of honor/party planner/bridal bestie takes on the most importance. When planning something as monumental as a bachelorette party, it’s important to leave nothing to chance.

Your backup plan could be locating a hotel nearby that you could run back to for an impromptu location change. Or it could include bringing a tent with a sturdy rainfly and enough space to fit the entire group inside on a rainy night.

Booking the Perfect Bachelorette Party Getaway with Spot2Nite

If you follow all the tips we’ve outlined in this post, your bachelorette party is guaranteed to be a hit. Start the planning process now and find the perfect destination on our easy-to-use, interactive booking platform. Browse top tier tent sites, glamping accommodations, RV sites, and more all across the country. Customize your search with a wide range of amenity and experience filters and only see campsites that are available for your selected dates.