Last updated on November 30th, 2022 at 08:25 am
6 Unique Camping Shelter Ideas That Make Your Trip Fun
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have fun. But, camping can be more fun if you get the right equipment. The right equipment includes a shelter.
When you go camping, you should consider making your very own shelter with simple DIY tricks. You can use a variety of materials found around your home to create a temporary tent-like structure that will keep you dry and comfortable while you sleep.
In this article, we’ve got some camping shelter ideas to help you choose which one is best suited for your next outdoor trip.
Table of Contents
Plan Before Choosing a Shelter Type
There are many different types of shelters, but they can generally be categorized into three different types: tents, tepees, and lean-tos. No matter which one you choose, the most important thing is to start with a plan. The wrong kind of shelter can make your trip miserable.
The first step is to determine how many people will be in your group and the number of days you plan to be out. A good rule of thumb is that you should have a shelter for every two people, plus one. If you are traveling with more than four people, make sure your shelter has enough room for everyone to sit comfortably and sleep on their backs without bumping into each other.
When choosing a location for your shelter, make sure it is at least 100 feet from any water source. Water attracts animals, and you don’t want to attract the wrong kind of animal.
Another important consideration is shelter location with respect to your planned route. If you are going to be moving every day, you will need a shelter that can be quickly broken down and moved. A lean-to or tarp tied between trees will work for this purpose. On the other hand, if you plan on staying in one place for several days, such as while hunting or fishing, you will want a more substantial shelter. A tent or other structure with a solid roof is ideal for this purpose.
One important deliberation is the availability of water. You should have a plan for getting and storing water, or have a way to purify any water you find in the area.
DIY Camping Shelter Ideas
A DIY camping shelter is a great way to introduce yourself to backpacking or living outdoors in general. It’s a simple project that requires only a few supplies and takes less than an hour to build.
Whether you’re building a basic lean-to or something more elaborate, this guide will show you how to make your own shelter for camping on the cheap. You’ll learn how to choose the right materials, find a good spot, and build a sturdy shelter that can protect you from the elements.
The Basics of Building a Shelter
Shelters come in all shapes and sizes, but most are made up of the same basic components: walls, a roof, and a floor. There are many different ways to build these components, but there are two main approaches to building shelters: stick-framing and tarping.
The stick-framing method involves using sticks and other materials found in the wild to create a sturdy structure. It’s typically easier to build, but it can be time-consuming and require some practice. You also need to have the right materials available. If you don’t have enough sticks, for example, you might need to travel further to find more.
The tarping method involves creating a bug-proof structure quickly. It’s good for campers and hikers, but it’s especially valuable for those who are trying to survive the outdoors on the cheap.
1. Stick-Framed Shelters
In the old days, shelters were constructed using sticks and other natural materials. Today’s survival experts still use this method in many cases because it’s simple, effective, and easy to learn. There are a few different styles of stick-framed shelters that you can choose from. Each one has its pros and cons depending on your situation. The following are some of the most common types:
Lean-to Shelter
This is the easiest shelter to build using the stick. In this method, the ridge pole is slanted away from the direction of the prevailing winds. This allows for maximum protection from rain and snow.
The lean-to is usually used as a temporary shelter, but it can be easily converted into a permanent structure by adding more walls to create an A-frame.
Teepee Shelter
The teepee has been around for centuries and is still one of the most popular shelters in use today. It’s easy to build and effective at keeping you warm and dry.
There are many different ways to build an authentic tepee. A tepee is traditionally made of seven to twelve buffalo hides. Today you can use any sturdy material, such as canvas or nylon.
The structure of a tepee is very simple. It consists of a cone-shaped frame made from wooden poles and covered with skins or cloth.
A cone-shaped frame can be easily built using four strong wooden poles that are placed in the ground at equal distances apart. The size of the poles will depend on how large you want your tepee to be. A large tepee may have up to 30 poles, while a small one will have around 15.
If you want your tepee to be very sturdy, then use strong wooden poles (such as the ones used for building houses). If you want it to be lighter and easier to carry, then use smaller poles. Poles can be easily cut from branches of trees with a sharp knife or saw. To make the frame more rigid, lash the tops of the poles together.
The next step is to attach the cover. The easiest way to do this is to take a bunch of long thin branches (such as willow) and lash them together into a bundle. Then place this on top of the frame, and tie it with string or lashing around the edges. You can also just drape your material over the frame, then tie it in place. Either way works fine.
2. Tarp Shelter
Tarps are ideal for those who want a tent-like structure without having to buy a tent. If you can tie knots, then you can make a tarp in no time. The best thing about tarps is that they are cheap, easy to make, and lightweight.
You need sheets of plastic and some rope. You can use some old tarps that you have around the house or get them from any store.
3. Wooden Pallets Shelter
Wooden pallets make good walls for your shelter, but they must be covered on the outside with plastic for insulation. It is a good idea to build a frame for the pallets first so that you can place the pallets on top of it.
4. Plywood Sheets Shelter
Plywood sheets are very good for making walls for your shelter. The plywood sheets need to be covered with plastic sheeting and insulated with something like Styrofoam panels. Make sure you have enough space between the sheets to let air circulate freely in your shelter.
5. Old Doors Shelter
Old windows or storm doors can be used as a frame for your shelter. You can also use doors from your house or from a shed.
Conclusion
By using your imagination and a few readily available items, you can create a camping shelter that’s just as comfortable and functional as any tent or RV.
You’ll also save money on gear and lodging by building your own shelter. And if you’re traveling to someplace new, you can just pack up your shelter and take it with you, leaving the rental gear behind.
We hope you enjoyed reading our camping shelter ideas and found them useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of a tent for camping?
There are a variety of different options that you can use instead of a tent for camping. Some of these include tarps, hammocks, bivy sacks, and more. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
What is it called when you camp without a tent?
Cowboy camping is a type of camping where you don’t use a tent. Instead, you simply find a spot to camp and set up your sleeping gear. This can be a great way to save weight and space when you’re camping, as you don’t have to carry a tent with you. Cowboy camping can be done in a variety of places, from your backyard to the backcountry.
What makes a good survival shelter?
There are a few key things to look for in a good survival shelter. First, it should be large enough to accommodate you and all of your supplies. Second, it should be well-insulated to protect you from the cold or heat. Third, it should be sturdy and well-built to keep you safe from the elements and any other threats. And finally, it should be hidden from view to keep you safe from prying eyes.
What is the easiest shelter to build?
In general, the easiest shelter to build is a simple shelter made of materials that are readily available. For example, a lean-to made of branches and leaves is a very simple shelter that can be easily built in a short period of time.
Of course, the type of shelter that is easiest to build will also depend on the specific situation. If there is a severe storm looming, for example, it may be better to build a sturdier shelter that will better withstand the high winds and heavy rains. Similarly, if you are stranded in a remote location with no tools or materials, it may be necessary to build a more complex shelter that can be constructed with the resources that are available.
What is the best size tarp for survival?
It depends on a variety of factors such as the environment you are in and the number of people in your party. However, a good rule of thumb is to choose a tarp that is large enough to shelter all of the people in your party plus some extra gear.
Additionally, you will want to consider the weight of the tarp when choosing its size – a heavier tarp will be more difficult to carry, so you will want to balance its weight with its sheltering capacity.
