The Ultimate Guide to Having Sex in the Outdoors

Is camping sexy?

We all know camping can serve as an escape from your everyday routine—think work, home, responsibilities. And that’s also what makes it a great time for some adventurous alone time. While many people settle for privacy behind actual closed doors, fresh air and incredible scenery make the right kind of setting for new adventures—including sex in the outdoors.

You might think that you aren’t at your sexiest while camping. Maybe you haven’t showered for a while, and your surroundings are less than hygienic. But don’t let that hold you back if you’re both feeling into it—check in with your partner. Having great sex while camping is all about your attitude, whether it happens on the fly or you’re able to do a bit of advance planning for maximum comfort and easy cleanup. Either way, we’ve got the camping sex tips to help you out—let’s get to it.

Your camping sex packing list

These items are essentials for any romantic camping trip—just pack them in and out.

• A loungewear set: Keep this set of clothes for campsite use only to avoid bringing smelly hiking clothes into bed.
• Toothpaste: Fresh breath makes all the difference.
• Wet wipes: You can never have enough! Use these to wash off the day’s sweat, sunscreen, and bug spray in advance, and use them after sex too.
• Condoms: Protect nature, protect yourself. Bring lube too, if that’s your thing!
• A camping towel: You’ll be happy to dry off after freshening up.
• Flashlight: This is not to be used during the deed (spare your neighbors!), but will certainly help you navigate along the way.
• A garbage bag: Keep this on hand for your used wet wipes and condoms.

How to make camping romantic

So maybe you want to set the mood a bit. Any camping trip can be a romantic getaway! Start by choosing an uncrowded destination with great scenery, and keep things fun. After all, foreplay begins long before your clothes come off—indoors or out.

Choose mind-clearing activities.

Completing a stellar hike together can give you both an extra endorphin rush, while stargazing back at camp can also bring you closer. No matter what, agree to leave your usual stressors at home. Give yourselves a break to rediscover the things you love about each other. And know nobody says no to a post-hike massage to work out the day’s kinks.

Plan your favorite camping meals.

We all know that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so consider a camping menu of your collective favorites—nothing fancy required. And if you drink, try whipping up a camping cocktail to impress, or opt for the ever-easy beer and wine, perfect for car camping. Then, enjoy your feast by lantern or campfire. Even an LED lamp with some fabric thrown over the top will set the mood.

Tips for great outdoor sex

There’s nothing quite like making love under the stars—sneaking away from the trail into the trees, feeling the breeze against your skin, hearing the sounds of nature all around. Living this fantasy is easy (and safe) if you follow a few simple tips.

Find a hidden spot.

There’s no doubt about it: Nobody wants to see or hear what you’re getting up to (and you could be breaking the law if you’re in a public place!), so make sure you are away from shared spaces or busy trails.

This is easiest for backpackers and paddlers who can make camp far away from others, but it’s especially important in a designated campground—let’s all respect our fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Look for spots farthest from facilities and trails, ideally somewhere on higher ground so you’ll be able to spot anybody wandering over before they spot you.

Try these tips for the tent.

Making your tent into a little love nest is likely your simplest option. But tents are not the sturdiest structures, and we’re here to help you have sex in your tent without destroying it.

1. If you’re within sight of others, make sure to turn off all of your flashlights and lanterns to avoid casting shadows. And be aware that any nearby neighbors can likely hear everything—even a vibrator can sound loud at a quiet campground, and nobody wants to have to explain your shadow puppet show to their kids. Deflate your air mattress if you get the chance—the squeaking and subsequent laughing are a dead giveaway.

2. Try to bring a relatively spacious tent, and declutter it by keeping most of your gear in the vestibule or under a tarp outside. This will open up more options for you by providing room to change positions.

3. This isn’t the most spontaneous detail, but we highly recommend gathering everything you’ll need ahead of time to keep within reach. Don’t interrupt the action to go searching through your pack if you don’t have to.

4. If you can, consider investing in a double sleeping bag, as separate bags are pretty much the equivalent of separate beds. Double bags are even better in chilly climates to keep you warm during foreplay and snuggling.

Go beyond the tent—you may prefer hiking sex.

Sex in a tent is one thing, but if forgoing this shelter, who wants to take a roll in the hay when that hay is ground covered with rocks and sticks? Use a sleeping pad, foam pad, tarp, towel—anything relatively soft—to put at least a bit of distance between you two and the ground. This will help you avoid getting stabbed by branches or rocks, and stop sand and dirt from getting lodged in uncomfortable spots. Nothing to put on the ground? Try up against a tree or boulder (Just don’t say we told you it’d be comfy).

Leave it better.

Remember that you are in the wilderness, where you’ll want to avoid leaving out anything that could attract wildlife. Use a condom to avoid the mess, clean yourselves up with wet wipes, and most importantly, pack it all out. Take nothing but pleasure, leave nothing but bum prints!

Trading in your bedroom for the wilderness can take your sex life to a whole new level and make your relationship stronger than ever. Camping and hiking sex don’t have to be all gross or uncomfortable—just pack smart, pick a prime destination, and have some fun with it.

More on romantic camping and glamping getaways

Check out these articles for more romance in the outdoors.

• 10 Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Camping Destinations in America
• Relationship Goals: Tips and Ideas for Camping as a Couple
• Romantic Hideouts in Canada
• The Ultimate Guide to Having Sex in the Outdoors
• Romantic Getaways in Hawaii
• 7 Top-Notch Outdoor Date Ideas