Creating a Camping or Forest Atmosphere Around Your Home

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means that I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you decide to purchase any of the products discussed in this post.

Some may find that having a camping or forest theme within their home a little… strange, but if that’s what you like and it makes you happy, why not? My husband loves being outdoors, but during the winter time it gets a bit stifling. So this is what we did to cheer him up!

The Forest

Some find the forest a peaceful place, a place where they are one with nature. The smells, sounds, and sights calm their soul, clear their mind and offer inspiration in unique ways. Being in the woods brings you back to nature, your roots so to speak as you experience the nuances of what it can provide.

Traveling the forest, you hear the wind gliding through branches and leave, the patter of critters roaming about, birds singing which allows you to calm your thinking, relax and enjoy the time you have. Some visit small patches of trees just to get this feeling of calm and peace.

Camping

Camping gives you a very similar experience as most campsites are within a forest setting. You have the sights and sounds of nature all around you as you enjoy life in the slow lane. Less distraction, notifications, and stress around as you relax by the fire, take a leisurely walk or just sit and take in the peace of the area.

When you have the time to enjoy life and not worry about the every day items, you have time to relax your body, your mind, and your soul. This is something everyone needs periodically in their life to rejuvenate and refresh their way of thinking. Watch the fires in the fire pit and eat some delicious s’mores. Just because you are rejuvenating you mine and soul doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a treat now and then.

Set Up Your Forest/Camping Atmosphere

Now that we’ve discussed camping and forest settings, let’s see how you can set up your atmosphere to fit. 

Away From Home

Obviously, traveling to the appropriate destination with the supplies that provide this environment is quite easy. You are able to create an environment as luxurious or minimal as you like. From a tent to a camper, fire pit or grill, sleeping bags or mattresses. You are in control of how “comfortable” you want your camping trim.

You could also take a day trip, you only need to think about that which you would need for a few hours. Whatever you want to drink, eat, maybe a notepad or sketchbook to jot down some inspiration, but nothing else is really necessary. You get the sights, sounds, scents, and more by just being in the area of your choice. Your destination provides nearly all the things you need for the atmosphere to be affective.

If you are anything like us, we try to plan a camping trip every year during the summer. It’s not only relaxing for us, but for our kids as well.

In the Home

Within the space of your home, including your backyard (if you spend time outside during this time) you can get bit more creative. As with any atmosphere you are trying to achieve, you can get as creative or simple as you wish. You can put a tent out in the back yard and if it’s in the colder months, you can do what we did, but more on that in a minute.

As you set up things outside, you can arrange camping chairs around a/the fire pit and bring out the items you need to make s’mores with a cooler of drinks. Allow yourself to be immersed in the atmosphere by listening to the surrounding nature (try not to pay attention to traffic, I know it’s hard, but when you enjoy yourself and focus on the scene, it can be done). Just being outside can do wonders for your mood.

Our Story

We have a very old home and drafts are a real problem in the winter. My husband really gets depressed in the colder months because we don’t do much outside and neither of us like the cold. One week he was just having a really hard week, so my kids and I decided to do something to cheer him up.

We weren’t going to put up a tent in the house, we didn’t have the room for that, but we did hang tarp over the walls to give the feeling of being in a tent. To our surprise they to kept the drafts at bay, so they stayed up a bit longer even after our environment fun.

After hanging the tarps, we made a fake fire with a small heater to simulate a fire pit. Then we went and bought hotdogs, soda and the items to make s’mores. We then set up an electronic s’more maker so we could roast marshmallow and make s’mores. When he got home he was happily surprised by what we created and we spent the night talking, having fun, and as it got later, we play movies on our projector.

Plan Your Space

This is your space (unless you are going away from home, of course) so you can make it as comfy or minimal as you want. Go crazy or keep it simple, your preferences count. 

If you want to keep it simple, but add a bit of camping flair, you can add a few camping chairs or S’more maker to the space. This will keep things simple, but add just a little bit of a change to inspire you. 

If you want to do a bit more, have at it. Decide what items you want and where. Make the space comfortable and encouraging, while keeping your senses in mind as you plan. Use scents to create the right smells, listen to nature or fire pit playlists, and just relax.

Remember your basics as well, you don’t want to forget anything as you move from place to place or while you are setting up. Keep hydrated and take care of yourself during this atmospheric season, take breaks when you need them and don’t forget snacks! 

If you are stuck we have a great guide on building your creative atmosphere as well as articles on creating one anywhere you may be, along with some creative areas you may not have thought of. You can check them out HERE!

Final thoughts

Remember you don’t need to go crazy and create an elaborate space to get the atmosphere you wish to have. A little can do a lot to create the right atmosphere for your goals during this time. 

Have you tried to create a camp-like atmosphere inside? Let us know and share pics of your creative atmospheres, we would love to see them!!