If you enjoy the outdoors and watching films and want to combine your loves, then you might consider planning an epic camping trip and movie marathon at your favorite campsite. It’s easier than ever to set up a movie night, even in the middle of nowhere, without an internet connection. The key is to be prepared, especially if you plan to camp during the colder season. After all, safety is just as crucial as your movie enjoyment.
The tips and advice below will help you to stay safe, warm, and entertained during your next camping movie night.
Prepare For Safety And Colder Weather
Camping is an incredible experience that allows you to be one with nature. To enjoy the adventure to its fullest, pack the camping essentials.
Unless you rent an RV or camper, the basics you’ll need include a tent, pillow, sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad to put underneath for extra comfort. To prepare meals, you can cook over a fire or bring a grill or portable stove. It’s also wise to bring bug spray to keep pests at bay. Always bring sunscreen to avoid harmful UV rays that will hit you even if it’s cloudy for most of your trip.
If you’re camping during winter, you’ll also want to plan to stay safe. There’s more danger in the woods than just Jason Voorhees. You’ll also need to prepare for cold, wind, and snow. To stay warm, bring long-sleeved shirts and pants and check the weather where you’re going in advance because layering may be necessary for the coldest temperatures. You’ll likely feel the urge to explore the wilderness between films. When you return, change out of your sweaty clothes and put on dry alternatives to build up your body heat. Consider hand warmers, heated gloves, and boots to complete your winter warmth package.
You’ll also want to prepare for the drive to the campground, especially if you’ll be traveling on ice and snow. Remember that there is no hurry. Leave early and drive the speed limit or slower if it’s snowing, and keep a distance between you and the vehicle in front, as it could slow down at any time. If you need to slow or stop, do so gradually because slamming on the brakes could cause your tires to lose traction. Keep your headlights on throughout the drive, even during the day, for maximum visibility.
Watching Movies Without the Internet
Photo by Jeremy Yap on Unsplash
So, how do you watch “The Great Outdoors” while enjoying the great outdoors without an internet connection or Wi-Fi? One way is to plan and download your movie choices to your computer or tablet.
You can download movies from most of the major streaming platforms. Just beware that some downloads have expiration dates, and some TV shows have download caps. Also, not all devices will support playing downloaded videos, so check ahead of time. You may even be able to download the films you want to watch en route to your destination, as you can get Wi-Fi in your car. Many newer vehicles offer an internet connection you can access simply by clicking Wi-Fi in the connections menu.
Many adventurers prefer viewing their movies on a tablet since it’s incredibly portable, easy to charge and can be laid flat against a wall. Planning is essential before your trip because there are several movie-watching issues you’ll want to mitigate, including the potential to run out of battery. Look into a solar charger energized by the sun’s power so you never run out of juice. If anything happens to the solar charger, you can also invest in a power bank for an extra battery.
Another way people enjoy watching movies outside is by investing in a projector that can be displayed on a sheet or rock face. If you plan on many more camping movie nights in the future, buy a projector online and learn how to use it before you go, including how to keep it running without a power outlet.
Creating A Viewing Setup
Photo by Samet Özer on Unsplash
With the right equipment and planning, you can set up a fully functional outdoor movie theater wherever you go camping.
If you want to sit under the stars, bring camping chairs because they’re comfortable and have pockets for your soda and popcorn. If it’s cold, you can build a fire and sit near it. Turn on and set up the projector and aim it towards a flat surface, which could be a white sheet or the side of a tent. Just ensure that everyone can see it. Most projectors will allow you to adjust the display to the correct screen size, so take the time to set it just right. Your projector may also have internal speakers, but they may not be loud enough in a wide-open area. So, consider packing external speakers to make the experience just right.
You may also be able to use your vehicle as part of your camping and movie night environment. A truck bed is an ideal camping setup, especially when sleeping. A large truck may allow you to put the entire tent on top of the bed or cab to keep it off the ground and away from predators. Another option is to use a truck bed to lay down sleeping bags. Then, you can put the projector on the tailgate and watch your favorite film as you eventually drift off to sleep. You can also make it an official dinner-and-a-movie type of night by purchasing a hitch grill and making your favorite food while you enjoy an old classic.
Conclusion
There are various ways to plan the ultimate camping movie night, even if the temperatures are less than ideal. Preparing in advance is essential, but enjoying a great film under the stars will be well worth it.
