5 Great Gazebo Ideas for Camping & Beach Adventures
There’s nothing like going outdoors for a camping or beach trip, especially in a country like Aotearoa. Every inch of this land is covered in either forests or beaches, and there’s always a special spot to find to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This means loading up camping gear and trekking out into the great unknown, ready to face the elements.
But in many cases, those elements can be pretty stubborn. Outdoor shelters are a necessary part of any camping setup to keep the rain or sunshine at bay, and a heavy duty gazebo is one of your best options to take out into the world with you. That’s why, in this blog post, we’re gearing up to help you hit the trails with the right equipment. Today, we’re unpacking the best gazebos for camping. Specifically, five great ways to get the most out of your gazebo on camping and beach adventures.
How to Select the Perfect Camping or Beach Gazebo
Before we dive into the fun stuff, it’s worth taking a moment to understand how to select the best gazebos for camping and beach days in Aotearoa. Gazebos are our bread and butter, so here’s what we’d suggest you look out for:
- Portability: You want a temporary shelter that’s lightweight enough to take in the car, but sturdy enough to stand up to the elements once you’ve got it set up.
- Durability: A heavy-duty gazebo that uses waterproof materials and corrosion-resistant frames are best, especially if you’re heading to the coast where salt air can wreak havoc on cheap materials, especially after storage over winter.
- Ease of setup: Inflatable gazebos save valuable time, especially if you’re arriving just before sundown.
- UV protection: A sun shelter isn’t worth much without proper UV resistance. Look for canopies rated UPF 50+ for sun-smart protection.
Once you’ve got your solid base model, the real fun begins.
5 Ways to Make Your Gazebo Beach or Camping-Ready
The best gazebos for camping or days at the beach are only as good as the accessories you pair them with. While a standard temporary gazebo is fantastic for keeping the elements off, there are a few things you can do to make your temporary shelter that much more comfortable. Here are some of our favourites!
1. Add sidewalls for privacy and extra protection
Gazebo walls are absolute game-changers when camping in unpredictable weather or when you want to create a private space to change, nap, or store gear. At the beach, they double as wind blocks. Choose mesh sidewalls for airflow in summer, or solid panels for winter and rain shelter. Velcro attachment systems make them easy to install and remove as the weather changes.
2. Install LEDs for night-time ambience
If you plan on using your gazebo after dark, string lights or clamp-on LED lanterns will make your shelter feel like a home away from home. Battery-powered LED lighting is energy-efficient and safe, and can be looped around the frame or attached to centre poles.
3. Use interlocking mats or flooring
The ground can be muddy, sandy, or just plain uncomfortable. Adding an interlocking foam mat floor, groundsheet, or roll-up camping mat under your gazebo can upgrade your comfort significantly. These flooring solutions protect your gear from moisture and grime while making barefoot wandering a lot more pleasant. Bonus: they’re easier to clean than sand-ridden tarpaulins and offer some insulation from cold ground.
4. Don’t forget shade extensions or awning kits
For extra protection from the harsh midday sun, consider attaching a gazebo awning or shade extension. These optional add-ons give you extra cover, perfect for creating a seated dining space, gear drop-off zone, or shaded nap area. We’ve got these in stock to make your gazebo the perfect instant shelter.
5. Bring along your favourite beach or camping comforts
Finally, once you’ve set up everything, the only thing left to do is to kit out the space with everything that makes outdoor life more enjoyable. While open flames under gazebos aren’t recommended, you can still enjoy items like bean bags, chilly bins, and your favourite snacks to make the most of your shelter.
There you have it! Not only do you have a way to find the best gazebos for camping, but you’ve also got all our best tips to transform them into the most helpful outdoor shelters a camper could ever want. You can rent these for temporary use, but the best approach is to pick one up to use again and again, especially if you’re the kind of person who loves to spend time outdoors.
Find the best gazebos for camping with Hercules
We’re the team to trust when you need instant shelter. From temporary marquees to gazebo replacement canopy options, we provide everything our customers need to enjoy their big days out on the beach (or camping). Browse our range to find the best gazebos for camping and days at the beach, or get in touch with us so we can match you with the perfect solution.
