Every summer I am asked if I want to go camping with friends…and every summer I hesitate (ever so slightly) before replying with some version of N.O.. I don’t know about you, but camping is just not my style. But glamping on the other hand….I am all for that.
Fast forward to the Summer of 2020 and once again everyone seems to be all about camping…an easy way to escape the city and stay safe. But have you actually looked into finding a great campsite that has all the chic (and necessary) amenities that you crave (like an indoor washroom)?
Sold Out! So I figured why not great my own great campsite (aka glampsite) on my rooftop patio?
And I did it all for under $50. Here’s how:
Shopping List:
- 1 piece 2″x2″ lumber – 5 feet long
- 2 pieces 2″x2″ lumber – 4 feet long
- 4 pieces 2″x2″ lumber – 8 feet long
- 2 bolts with nuts – 4″ long
- 12 wood screws – 2″ long
- 1 set of tab top curtains
- Black paint or stain (and paint brush)
Step One: Paint all your lumber black (or you can leave it natural if you prefer)
Step Two: Create two c-shaped frames with your 2″x2″ lumber. To do this, connect two of the 2″x2″ wood 8 foot lengths to each end of one of the 4 foot lengths.
Step Three: Drill a hole at the top end (the end of the 8 foot lengths that are not attached to the 4 foot piece of lumber) of your 8 foot length lumber. I would recommend making the holes 12″ down from the top of the boards. These are the holes you will use to attach both ‘c-frames’ together with your bolts.
Step Four: Attach your two C-frames together with your bolts. This will hold the frame together. And great an A-frame shape.
Step Five: Stand Up your A frame.
Step Six: Loop your tab top curtains over your 5 foot bar (2″x2″ lumber). To do this, alternate between each side of the curtains when sliding your tabs over the bar.
Step Seven: Place the 5 foot bar (with curtains on it) atop your A Frame. You can add in some screws if you want this bar to be more secure at the top (but this is not necessary).
Step Eight: Pull the curtains taut on each side of the tent. Best (and easiest) way to do this is to pull over the outside of the bottom bar and under (4 foot 2″x2″ lumber) on each side. You should be able to pull it under (and to the inside of the tent) and wrap it around the wood. Tuck it in. This will hold itself (or you can add some quick staples here if you like)
Step Nine: Style it Out.
- Add in a mattress.
- Some bedding and pillows
- Lighting ( I opted for some solar lamps to avoid any electrical)
- A small pop up bedside tray ( great for drinks and snacks)
And if you are in an area with lots of mosquitoes, I would recommend a Thermacell mosquito repellent. They work great!