The 2026 Summer Glamping Bucket List

Make This Summer Count

Summer goes fast. One minute it's the first warm weekend of the year, the next you're watching the leaves start to turn and wondering where the time went. The people who get the most out of summer are the ones who are intentional about it. They plan the trips, light the fires, catch the sunsets, and say yes to the spontaneous stuff.

Glamping is one of the best ways to do exactly that. It gets you outside, somewhere beautiful, without the discomfort that keeps a lot of people from camping in the first place. So here's a bucket list: 25 ideas to make the most of summer glamping, whether you own your tent, you're renting a site, or you're just dreaming about the season. Grab a few of these and go.

Under the Stars

1. Fall asleep watching the stars. If your tent has a skylight (the Astral's stargazer skylight is made for this), lie back in bed and drift off looking up at the night sky. It's the single best part of summer glamping.

2. Catch a meteor shower. The Perseids peak in mid-August and are one of the best meteor showers of the year. Plan a trip around them, get somewhere dark, and watch the sky put on a show.

3. Learn a few constellations. Download a stargazing app, point your phone at the sky, and actually learn what you're looking at. It's more fun than it sounds. Our stargazing guide has more.

4. Stay up for the sunrise. Or wake up for it. Either way, watching the sun come up over a quiet landscape with a cup of coffee is a summer moment worth chasing.

Around the Fire

5. Master the perfect s'more. Golden brown, not charred. It's a skill. Practice is mandatory.

6. Cook a full meal over the fire. Foil-packet dinners, cast iron skillet breakfasts, or something on a grill grate over the coals. Food tastes better outside.

7. Tell stories around the fire until it burns low. No phones. Just conversation, the fire, and the night. This is where the best memories happen.

8. Make campfire coffee in the morning. A percolator or pour-over by the fire, watching the light come up. Simple and perfect.

On the Water

9. Set up near a lake or river. Waking up to water is a different kind of summer. Swimming, floating, fishing, or just sitting by the shore.

10. Float a river. Grab a tube or a kayak and spend an afternoon on the water. Texas Hill Country rivers are made for this, but so are countless spots across the country.

11. Go for a sunrise or sunset swim. There's something about swimming when the light is low and the water is still.

12. Try your hand at fishing. Even if you don't catch anything, an hour with a line in the water is a good way to slow down.

The Slow Stuff

13. Have a lazy morning with zero agenda. Sleep in. Make a big breakfast. Sit outside with coffee. Do nothing, on purpose.

14. Read an actual book. In a hammock, in a camp chair, in the tent with the doors open and a breeze coming through. Summer reading hits different outside.

15. Take an afternoon nap in the tent. Open the mesh windows, let the breeze in, and nap through the hottest part of the day. Peak glamping.

16. Disconnect completely. Turn the phone off (or leave it in the car). A day or two fully unplugged is one of the most restorative things you can do all summer.

Get Out and Explore

17. Hike to a view you've never seen. Use the tent as a basecamp and explore the area on foot.

18. Visit a nearby national or state park. Set up glamping near one and spend your days exploring. Our national parks guide has ideas.

19. Find a swimming hole. Ask locals, search online, or just explore. Every region has hidden spots worth finding.

20. Watch for wildlife. Bring binoculars. Early morning and dusk are the best times to spot animals.

Make It Special

21. Plan a summer getaway with your partner. A cozy tent, string lights, a bottle of wine, and a beautiful view. Our couples guide has ideas for making it romantic.

22. Take the kids on their first glamping trip. The comfort of a real bed makes it easy, and kids remember these trips for years. Our family glamping guide covers the details.

23. Host friends for a group weekend. Multiple tents, a shared fire, group meals, and a whole weekend outside together.

24. Bring the dog. Summer glamping is one of the most dog-friendly ways to travel. Our pet guide has tips.

25. Set up glamping in your own backyard. No drive, no reservation, no planning. Just pitch the tent, string the lights, and have a summer night at home that feels like a getaway. You can even use a tent as a semi-permanent backyard space all season long.

Setting Up for Summer Success

A great summer glamping experience starts with a tent that stays comfortable in the heat. Look for good ventilation (mesh-screened windows and roof vents), and consider a tent with an AC duct like the Astral or Jellyfish for the hottest days. The Astral Cover blocks direct sun and keeps the interior cooler.

For the full rundown on keeping your tent cool and comfortable through summer heat, see our summer tent cooling guide.

Get Started

The best summer memories start with getting outside. Browse the full tent collection to find the right setup for your summer, from a cozy Astral for two to a family-sized tent for the whole crew.

Questions about the right tent for your summer plans? Contact our team. We'd love to help you get out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best summer glamping activities?

Stargazing (especially the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August), campfire cooking and s'mores, swimming and floating on lakes and rivers, hiking, fishing, and simply relaxing with a book in a hammock. The best summer glamping combines active outdoor adventures with plenty of slow, restful downtime. Setting up near water or a national park expands your options.

When is the best time for summer glamping?

Any time from late spring through early fall works, but each stretch has its highlights. Mid-August is prime for the Perseid meteor shower. Long summer evenings are perfect for extended fire pit time. If you're glamping in a hot climate, prioritize sites with shade and water access, and make sure your tent has good ventilation or AC capability.

How do you stay cool while glamping in summer?

Choose a tent with good ventilation (mesh windows and roof vents) and, ideally, an AC duct like the Astral or Jellyfish. Set up in shade, use the Astral Cover to block sun, swap to lightweight bedding, and use fans. Our summer cooling guide covers it all in detail.

Can you go glamping in your own backyard?

Absolutely, and it's one of the easiest summer activities on this list. Set up a tent in your yard, add string lights and a fire pit (where permitted), and you have a getaway without leaving home. It's perfect for a spontaneous summer night, a kids' campout, or testing your setup before a bigger trip. A tent can even serve as a semi-permanent backyard space all season.

What should I bring for a summer glamping trip?

Lightweight bedding, plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray, camp chairs, a cooler with food and drinks, firewood and s'mores supplies, a good book, and something for the water if you're near a lake or river. If you're bringing your own tent, don't forget the setup basics. If you're renting a furnished site, most of the essentials are provided.

Is summer a good time to start glamping?

Summer is the peak season for glamping, both for travelers and for anyone thinking about starting a rental operation. Demand is highest, the weather is best, and it's the ideal time to try glamping for the first time. If you've been considering buying a tent, summer is the season to get out and use it.