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10 Reasons Why Camping Is the Perfect Romantic Date

Break away from the cliche date of dinner and a movie. Find out if your date is "the one" by taking them on a romantic camping date in the great outdoors.

By: Alex E + Save to a List

Today people don't seem to be very creative and the "perfect romantic date" is a candle light dinner and a movie. Every date turns into this revolving door of uncomfortably eating dinner with perfect manners, complaining about our jobs, sitting through a movie you really don't care to watch, then hoping to get lucky at the end of the night. Well, if you want to break away from the dull and boring dating scene, then step out into the great outdoors. Dare to be different, and take your date on an unconventional night out. The new candle light dinner will be made over a fire in a dutch oven. Wearing jeans and a flannel is always more comfortable to eat dinner in than a coat and tie at some stuffy restaurant. In the outdoors, there is no need to talk about work, because your only job will be to plan the next day's adventures. Forget the movie theater, you will have the world's largest movie screen as you lie there looking up at the stars. Be bold because whether it fails or is a success you will definitely make a lasting impression on your date!

1. It's Not The Cliche Date

Taking someone camping as a date is original and takes preparation that your date is sure to notice! Everyone loves that "wild man/woman" who can build a fire, catch fish, or set up a tent! Your date will be impressed that you actually took the time and effort to make the night special and personal.

2. Cheap In A Good Way

Being cheap on a date usually isn't a good thing, unless you can justify it. A picnic style dinner can be romantic if you prepare accordingly. Throw down a blanket, break out that dusty bottle of wine around the camp fire and surprise him/her with their favorite dish. You can always have the 5 star restaurant prepare a meal to go if you are terrible at cooking, then bring it to camp!


Photo: Alex Anderson

3. A Romantic Sunrise And Sunset

Nothing is more romantic and breathtaking then watching the sky change multiple, different colors while sipping coffee or wine, and enjoying a sweet treat. Remember that chocolate, wine, and honey are a few aphrodisiacs you can snack on before or after dinner.

4. Cool Nights Equals Cuddling

Staying warm while camping is sure to be priority number one. Since the best way to keep someone warm is to use your own body heat, cuddling and snuggling are a must. Snuggle up with hot cocoa by the fire and cuddle up under a blanket for the perfect end to the night.

5. The Night Sky

While you lay there snuggling, enjoy shooting stars and take the time to find different constellations in the night sky that you can't see in the city! And if rain clouds move in, that just mean more "tent time."


Photo: Alex Anderson

6. Get Out of The Same Old Routine

Whether you have been married for 40 years or dating someone new, taking them on a camping trip can be that spark you are looking for! Get out of that same old 9-5 job routine, the boring date nights at the same crusty restaurant and go somewhere new and exciting. Change things up and surprise yourself and your date. Whether you plan a detailed trip or just jump in the car on a wild hair, just get up and go. Leave those city lights in the rear view mirror as you head up into the mountains or down to the beach!

7. Anniversary/Date Gifts

Buy your date a new camping hoodie, or a cozy sleeping bag they can keep using. Give a gift that your date will continue to use, hopefully on more adventure dates with you. Also, each time they use the gear, they will think of that first adventurous date with you.

8. Privacy

While the restaurants and movie theaters are packed, the real romance begins when you can be alone. When you go camping with your date you will have the outdoors all to yourself. Don't worry about waiting in line for a show or having to fight for reservations! There are no reservations needed for the outdoors and you always get the best seat in the house.

9. Get Lucky

After all this hard work, and such a romantic evening, of course everyone hopes to get lucky. Out in the wild, under the stars,with the birds and the bees, it will definitely be a memorable night. If you still can't get lucky after the previous steps, then I don't know what to tell you... maybe you will be rich one day?

10. Find Out If They Are "The One"

Maybe you thought this significant other was the perfect match, your soul mate! Well now you'll know for sure if he or she is the only one that can hang with you in the outdoors forever! Maybe it went the other way and they complained the whole time and hated the experience, but at least now you'll know before you popped the big question and had to retire your camping gear all together. And if you already found the one, then you are just rekindling those vows.


Photo: Alex Anderson

Cover photo: Kevin Kaminski

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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