Glamping Tents Set Up for a Memorable Stay

Jun 28, 2025

Forget wrestling poles at 2 a.m. or waking up in soggy socks—glamping tents are here to save your camping dreams.
The short answer? Set up smart, stay comfy.
Read on for tips, tent types, and luxe hacks that turn “roughing it” into “loving it.”

Glamping Tents Set Up: How to Pitch Like a Pro

Before You Begin: The Preparation Phase

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Finding Level Ground for a Comfortable Sleep

Pick a flat, even patch of ground before setting up.
Sleeping on a slope or uneven surface leads to poor rest and awkward furniture placement.
Your comfort starts at ground level—literally.

Considering Drainage and Avoiding Low-Lying Areas

The UK’s weather can change quickly.
Avoid dips or hollows where rainwater may pool.
It’s best to find slightly raised ground with decent drainage to keep your tent dry.

Beige glamping tent under large tree with autumn leaves covering the grassy ground.

Using Natural Shade and Windbreaks to Your Advantage

Natural features like trees or hedges offer extra comfort.
They block harsh sunlight and help shield you from wind gusts.
Think of them as nature’s version of air conditioning and fencing.

Clearing the Area of Sharp Objects and Debris

Before laying out your groundsheet, do a quick check.
Remove sticks, stones, or anything that could poke through the tent floor.
A clean site means better comfort and less risk of damage.

Unpacking and Getting Organised

Doing a Quick Inventory of All Tent Parts

Lay everything out and make sure nothing’s missing.
Check your poles, pegs, guy ropes, and any tools included.
It’s easier to sort issues now than halfway through setup.

Orienting the Tent Door Away from the Prevailing Wind

Try to face the entrance away from the wind.
This helps reduce draughts and keeps the interior warmer and more stable.
It’s a small trick that makes a big difference.

Laying Out the Groundsheet as Your Foundation

Your groundsheet acts as the base layer—don’t skip it.
Lay it flat and centred where the tent will go.
It offers protection from cold, damp ground and keeps things tidy.

The Main Event: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pitching

Pitching a Classic Bell Tent

Step 1: Pegging Down the Groundsheet

Start by pegging down the floor at all corners.
Make sure the fabric is pulled tight but not overly stretched.
This gives the structure a solid foundation.

Step 2: Installing the Centre Pole and A-Frame Door

Carefully insert the centre pole and lift the tent into shape.
Next, secure the A-frame at the door for stability and easy entry.
Double-check that the frame stands upright and well-aligned.

Symmetrical beige bell tent on a misty open field with bare trees and green grass.

Step 3: Securing the Guy Ropes for Stability

Guy ropes keep everything stable, especially in bad weather.
Peg them out at an even distance from the tent.
Adjust the tension so the canvas holds shape without straining.

Step 4: Final Tensioning and Adjustments

Walk around and tweak as needed.
Ensure all ropes are evenly tightened and fabric isn’t sagging.
This final check ensures your bell tent stands strong and looks sharp.

The Final Touches: Setting Up Your Glamping Interior

Laying Down Rugs and Flooring First

Start from the ground up.
Rugs, mats, or layered flooring make the space warmer and more inviting.
Plus, they help protect the tent floor from wear and tear.

Positioning the Bed and Main Furniture

Place the biggest items first, like the bed.
Keep furniture spaced so you can move easily.
Most campers put the bed in the centre or to one side, depending on layout.

Arranging Lighting, Storage, and Personal Décor

Once the basics are set, it’s time to add your flair.
Use soft lighting, hanging lanterns, or fairy lights for ambience.
Add shelves, baskets, and throws to create a homely, luxurious feel.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tips for a Flawless Setup

Why Keeping the Canvas Off Wet Grass Is Important

Canvas left in contact with wet grass can develop mould.
Try to lift or adjust the edges slightly for airflow.
A breathable base helps keep everything fresh.

Open triangular tent pitched on a grassy field near a road, with trees and scattered leaves in the background.

How to Achieve Even Tension for a Perfect Shape

Spacing is everything.
Guy lines should be evenly pegged and pulled at matching angles.
It stops the tent from leaning and maintains its iconic bell shape.

The "Weathering" Process for a New Canvas Tent

Canvas needs to be “weathered” when new.
Let it get wet once, then fully dry.
This swells the fibres and seals gaps naturally, improving waterproofing.

Common Setup Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Don’t rush the setup or skip key pegs.
Over-tightening ropes can distort the frame.
If the tent seems off-centre or unstable, recheck your poles and anchor points.

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