From Lawn to Luxurious Lodge: Your Hilariously Hip Guide to Backyard Autumn Glamping

Alright, gather ‘round, you magnificent outdoor enthusiasts (and those who secretly prefer the indoors but want the Insta-worthy pics), because autumn is officially here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to ditch the drab routine and embrace the slightly-less-chilly embrace of the great… ish outdoors. Forget pitching a leaky tent and battling rogue acorns in your sleeping bag. We're talking GLAMPING, baby! And guess what? You don't need to trek to Patagonia or shell out for a fancy resort to experience it. Your own backyard (or that slightly overgrown patch of your friend’s property they never use) can be transformed into a cozy, autumnal oasis of fun.

So, ditch the vacuuming, postpone that awkward family dinner, and let's dive headfirst into the glorious world of DIY autumn glamping.

Step 1: Location, Location, (Back) Location!

While your backyard is the obvious go-to for ease (hello, indoor plumbing!), don't limit your adventurous spirit! Consider these equally glamorous (and potentially hilarious) locales:

• The “Slightly Wild” Corner of Your Friend's Acreage: Just make sure they’re cool with it and maybe offer them some gourmet s'mores in exchange for their… wilderness.

• A Local Campsite That Allows for Extra Flair: Some campsites are more “rustic chic” than others. Find one with decent amenities and then unleash your inner interior designer (outdoors edition).

• Your Balcony/Patio (Urban Glamping FTW!): Okay, maybe not full-on tent pitching, but string up some lights, bring out comfy blankets, and BAM! Instant cozy vibes. Just watch out for overly curious pigeons.

Step 2: The Glamorous Abode (aka Not Your Uncle's Musty Tent)

Forget struggling with tangled poles and missing stakes. For true glamping glory, consider these upgrades:

• The Bell Tent: Oh la la! These beauties are spacious, stylish, and relatively easy to set up. Plus, they look amazing in photos.

• An Oversized Pop-Up Tent: If ease is your priority, a large pop-up tent can still be glammed up with the right interior.

• Even a Fort! Embrace your inner child and construct a magnificent blanket fort in your living room or on your porch if the weather isn't cooperating. Hey, it's indoor glamping!

12'x10'x8'Dome Camping Tent 5-6 Person 4 Season Double Layers Waterproof Anti-UV Windproof Tents Family Outdoor Camping Tent

(More Colors are Available)

$165.95

Inflatable Tents for Camping - Easy Blow Up Glamping Tent with Hand Pump, Waterproof PVC Air Inflatable Tent House

$299.99

PORTAL 6 | 8 | 10 Person Family Camping Tent with Porch, Big Family Camping Tent with Tall Height, Good Ventilation, Water Resistant Large Tent for Outdoor Camping

$269.99

Laylala® Indoor Privacy and Play Tent

$43.99

CO-Z Larger 85" H Kids & Adults Teepee, 2.1m Large Indoor Canvas Teepee Tent with Storage Bag

$109.99

Step 3: Cozy Up, Buttercup (The Interior Design of Dreams)

This is where the magic truly happens. Forget lumpy sleeping bags and embrace the plush life:

• Air Mattress Extravaganza: Say goodbye to aching backs! An inflatable mattress is a glamping game-changer.

• Layers of Luxurious Linens: Think soft blankets, fluffy pillows, and maybe even a faux fur throw for extra snuggle factor.

• String Lights Galore: Twinkling lights are essential for creating a magical ambiance. Wrap them around trees, drape them inside your tent, or create a starry canopy overhead.

• Cozy Seating: Bring out some comfy outdoor chairs, poufs, or even large floor cushions for lounging.

• A Cute Little Table: Perfect for holding drinks, snacks, and your essential beauty supplies (more on that later!).

SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress with ComfortCoil Technology & Built-in High Capacity Pump for Home & Camping- Double Height, Adjustable, Inflatable Blow Up, Portable - Queen Size -

(Many Sizes Available)

$149.95

iDOO Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump, 18 Raised Comfort Blow up Mattress, Upgraded Four Chamber Inflatable Mattress, Portable, 650 lbs Max

$115.99

Coleman ComfortSmart Big & Tall Cot with Mattress Pad, Folding Steel Camp Bed with Plush Pad for Comfortable Sleeping

$156.99

Genovega 2 in 1 Extra Large Outdoor Picnic Blanket Waterproof Woven Boho Blanket

(More Colors Available)

$58.99

Picnic Blankets Waterproof Sandproof Foldable & Machine Washable, 80''x 100'' Extra Large, Simple Stylish Gingham Outdoor Blanket

(Many Colors, and one additional Size Available)

$42.99

Cozy Bliss Faux Fur Throw Blanket for Couch, Fuzzy Soft Plush Thick Bubble Blanket for Sofa Bedroom Living Room, 50 * 60 Inches - Burnt Orange

(Many Colors Available)

$55.99

Lanpn Fall Pumpkin Flannel Throw Blanket, Soft Warm Flannel Sherpa Fleece Throws Orange Pumpkins & Leaves Blanket, 50"x60"

$22.99

2-Pack Camping String Lights, 3 in 1 Upgraded Retractable RGB Outdoor String Lights with 19 Lighting Modes, Quick 30s Recovery, 32.8 FT Portable Tent Light, Rechargeable Camping Lantern (White)

$35.99

XZAI Globe Fairy String Lights, 33Ft 100 LED Battery Operated with Remote, IP67 Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Hanging Crystal Beads

$19.99

Codi Floor Pillows for Adults Set of 2, Large Boho Meditation Cushions with Memory Foam, Round Mandala Seating, Washable, 32 Inch, Coral

(Many Colors Available)

$62.99

COSTWAY 81" Folding Picnic Table, Portable Bar Table with Carry Bag, Lightweight Aluminum Food Prep Station with 2 Shelves, Quick Set-up

$129.99

Step 4: Fueling the Fun (Glamping Grub)

Forget lukewarm hot dogs cooked over a sputtering flame. Glamping cuisine is all about deliciousness with a touch of flair:

• Gourmet S'mores Bar: Elevate your s'mores game with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, white!), flavored marshmallows (strawberry, caramel!), and fun dippers (graham crackers, cookies, pretzels!).

• Campfire Pizza Packets: Prepare individual pizza ingredients in foil packets and cook them over the fire. Easy, delicious, and minimal cleanup!

• Charcuterie Board Under the Stars: Assemble a beautiful spread of cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits, and nuts for a sophisticated snack session.

• Warm and Cozy Drinks: Think hot cocoa (with extra marshmallows, obviously), spiced cider, or even mulled wine (if you're feeling fancy). Bring a portable thermos to keep things toasty.

Zulay Sturdy Marshmallow Sticks for Fire Pit Extra Long - Great Smores Sticks Smores Kit Fire Pit - Marshmallow Roasting Skewers - Hot Dog Fork Bonfire Glamping Camping Accessory 32" 8 Pack Bundle

$11.99

Charcuterie Boards Gift Set Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set, Cheese Tray Magnetic Charcuterie Boards Set, 15 x 13 x 2 Inch for Cheese Meat Fruit

$76.99

Divided Serving Tray with Lid and Handle,8 Compartments Snacks Box,Snack Fruit Tray,Veggie Tray,Portable Platter for Candy Fruits Nuts Snack Party Entertaining Picnic (2PCS Pink)

$35.99

Pizza Oven Outdoor 12" Wood Fired Pizza Ovens Pellet Pizza Stove for outside, Portable Stainless Steel

$132.99

Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder, 32 oz

$38.85

Uno Casa Small Double Pie Iron Sandwich Maker Set of 2 - Japanese Sandwich Maker with Recipe Book - Durable Campfire Cooking Equipment for Grilled Sandwiches, Pies, and Breakfast Treats

$50.99

Step 5: Entertainment Extravaganza (Boredom? Never Heard of Her!)

Glamping isn't just about looking good; it's about having a blast!

• Spooky Story Time (with Flashlights!): Embrace the autumn chill with some classic scary stories. Bonus points for dramatic voice acting and strategically placed sound effects.

• Stargazing Spectacle: If the skies are clear, lie back and marvel at the celestial wonders. Download a stargazing app to identify constellations.

• Outdoor Movie Night: Hang a white sheet or bring a portable projector and screen a favorite fall flick. Don't forget the popcorn!

• Board Game Bonanza: Pack some fun board games or card games for some friendly competition under the fairy lights.

• Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural items to find around your glamping site (colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones, etc.). A fun activity for all ages!

EverBrite 9-LED Flashlight 6-Pack Impact Handheld Torch Assorted Colors with Lanyard 3AAA Battery Included

$15.99

Greatest Horror Stories from Around the World (Deluxe Hardbound Edition)

$19.99

Odoland 30000mAh Camping Fan with LED Lantern, Rechargeable Battery Operated Oscillating with Remote Hook Storage Bag, Portable Tent Fan with Timer, 4 Speeds

$44.99

BETTER US Catch Up! Girls Night 18+ Party Game | Spicy Thought Provoking Conversation Starters for Fun

$19.99

Outdoor Movie Mini Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth,1080P Portable Projector

$74.99

Star Projector, 15 Sounds & 15 Colors & Bluetooth Speaker, Galaxy Light Projector for Bedroom, Star Lights for Ceiling Projector

$25.99

Step 6: Pampering in the Pines (or Backyard Birch)

Just because you're "roughing it" (sort of) doesn't mean you have to abandon your self-care routine:

• Sheet Mask Sanctuary: Bring along a selection of hydrating and refreshing sheet masks for a relaxing beauty treatment under the stars.

• Eye Mask Escape: Combat any lingering light (or the exhaustion from all that glamping fun) with a comfy eye mask.

• Mini Manicure Moment: Pack some nail polish and give yourselves impromptu manicures while enjoying the fresh air.

• Essential Oil Diffuser (Battery-Operated, Of Course!): Set a relaxing mood with calming scents like lavender or chamomile.

Also, see my post: Over 40 & Fabulous: Your Guide to Glowing Skin & Glorious Hair!

I share DIY face and hair masks that are perfect for your glamping extravaganza.

ZealSea Collagen Face Mask Skincare for Anti Aging, Hydrating Face Masks, Oat Peptide Face Mask for Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Beauty Sheet Mask, Self Care Gift for at Home Spa Party pack of 2

$33.99

grace & stella Under Eye Mask Variety Pack - 18 Pairs of Under Eye Patches for Dark Circles - With 6 Colors (3 Pairs/Color) - Gel Masks Puffy Eyes for Women - Vegan Cruelty Free

$25.95

Manicure Set Personal Care, Nail Clipper Kit, Professional Nail Clipper Pedicure Set, Nail Tools with Luxurious Travel Case, Gifts for Men Women Family Friend, 31 Pieces (Pink)

$16.99

Step 7: Capture the Magic (Insta-Glam Approved!)

Let's be honest, if you didn't document it, did it even happen?

• Set the Scene: Arrange your glamping setup to be visually appealing. Fluff those pillows, light those lanterns, and make it look inviting.

• Golden Hour Glory: Take advantage of the beautiful soft light during sunrise and sunset for stunning photos.

• Action Shots: Capture candid moments of s'more making, storytelling, and general merriment.

• Don't Forget the Details: Close-ups of your cozy setup, the twinkling lights, and the delicious food can add a lot to your visual story.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Blossom Pink + Fuji Film Value Pack (40 Sheets) + Shutter Accessories Bundle, Incl. Compatible Carrying Case, Quicksand Beads Photo Album

(Many Colors Available)

$165.95

Sony ZV-1F Content Creator's Ultimate Kit: 128GB Extreme Memory, Mic, Video Light, Editing Software U-Grip, and Tripod Bundle (21pc)

$598.00

Bonus Tip: Embrace the Imperfection!

Things might not go exactly according to plan. A rogue squirrel might try to steal your marshmallows, or the wind might decide to redecorate your string lights. But hey, that's part of the adventure! Embrace the unexpected, laugh it off, and create memories that are uniquely yours.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends, your fluffiest blankets, and your sense of adventure, and transform your backyard (or beyond!) into the ultimate autumn glamping escape. You might just find that roughing it… isn’t so rough after all. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a gourmet marshmallow and a starry sky. Happy glamping!

You can find more of my Amazon Shopping Recommendations on my Amazon Storefront HERE.

Until next time!

xoxo,

Maria De Jesus Chapa-Berry