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Guest author: Lynny Young

There’s not much more I enjoy where romance is concerned than snuggling up to my favorite camper and falling asleep in his arms. This past week as we journeyed through the inner banks region of North Carolina, we came across a beautiful area of Kure Beach that spawned all sorts of future romantic camping ideas.

As we walked along the beach, we recognized how amazing it would have been to have arrived prepared to share a fire as the sun settled over the sparkling waters. I imagined a future moment with my valentine, snuggled close warming hot cocoa and browning sweet marshmallows as we prepared s’mores to share. These simple moments are the kindling needed for planning romantic camping getaways.

Here are some simple tips for spicing up a camping trip:

– Research camp sites that allow you ample privacy to be alone and out I’d the watchful gaze I’d other campers and families

– Bring along a bundle of firewood and kindling to make starting a fire a snap

– Setup your tent and if you do not already have one, purchase a two-person sleeping bag that will allow you to slip inside and find interesting ways to stay warm. Remember, women are all about “touch” and sparks will ignite more easily if you aren’t rustling around in layers of clothing trying to keep warm!

I can recommend the “Bonnie and Clyde” double sleeping bag. It has ample room for two though it can be separated for singular sleeping. The sleeping bag comes with two pillows, is lined with soft flannel and is suitable down to 30 degree temperatures.

– Speaking of keeping warm: if you are Winter camping, you may need to consider bringing along your propane heater to keep your tent a comfortable temperature.

– Bring along ample lighting to cast a warm glow inside your tent

– Bring along food items that you have prepared at home to remove some of the camping set up stress. No camper feels particularly romantic when rushed or exhausted by setting up camp. Think pic-nic food or simple groaning board foods that you can set out on a platter and share: previously prepared and chilled pasta salad, olives, sliced cheeses, deli meats, French rolls for easy sandwiches, seedless grapes (always romantic for offering food to your mate). If you aren’t a cook, a quick trip to the deli counter at your local market will offer you many pre-made and fresh options to choose from.

Don’t forget dessert! Sweeten up the ambiance by roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Another simple but sweet option is to share strawberries and chocolates while sipping a nice white wine.

– Wake up with the sunrise and enjoy some hot coffee and a nice breakfast before enjoying a hike together in the woods. Who knows you may be inspired to test out your double sleeping bag once again before breaking camp and going home with a new sweet memory in tow.

Don’t be shy. Share your romantic camping ideas in the comment section below.