When we first opened Outside Inn Campground & Farm, we dreamed of creating a place where families, couples, and nature lovers could slow down, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy simple moments again. RV sites were the beginning. Farm animals and trails came next. But we always knew we wanted to add something special — a cozy, comfortable hideaway for guests who want the magic of camping without giving up a warm bed and soft lights.
And this winter, that dream is finally settling into place.
Let me take you behind the scenes of building our brand-new glamping tent in Santee, South Carolina, tucked right into the pines and overlooking the quiet rhythm of farm life.
Why We Decided to Add Glamping to the Farm
Every week we meet guests who love the idea of camping but don’t always want to haul an RV or sleep on the ground. Families with young kids, couples on weekend getaways, and travelers passing through South Carolina have all asked for something a little more comfortable — a place where they can unplug but still enjoy a warm, inviting space.
Glamping felt like the perfect fit.
A canvas wall tent brings together everything people love about camping — the sounds of the forest, fresh morning air, and wide-open skies — with the comforts that make a getaway feel relaxing. Adding glamping also opens the door for guests who don’t own RVs or who want a unique place to stay near Lake Marion, Charleston, or Columbia.
We knew it would take time, creativity, and a lot of hands-on work. But building something with meaning is kind of what we do around here.
Choosing the Tent + Its Perfect Spot
After researching dozens of options, we settled on a 16×20 White Duck Alpha Pro wall tent — tall, sturdy, beautifully made, and designed for four-season comfort. It has the classic canvas look we love, plus the durability to stand up to South Carolina weather and year-round use.
The location came next.
We wanted a quiet pocket of the property with tall trees, access to the trails, birdsong in the morning, and just enough privacy for guests to feel like they’re on their own little retreat. We walked the property more times than I can count before finally choosing a spot near the pines, close enough to everything guests love but tucked far enough away to feel peaceful.
Once the site was picked, the fun began.
Building the Tent: A Real Farm Project
Like everything else at Outside Inn, this build was a family project through and through. Boards were cut, the deck was framed, tools were passed back and forth, and everyone had a hand in shaping this new space.
Step 1: Preparing the Ground
We leveled the site, cleared out roots and debris, and mapped out the deck so it would sit just right. Fall weather made the air crisp enough to feel good while working — and the smell of pine definitely helped.
Step 2: Building the Deck + Porch
The deck is one of the most important parts of the glamping experience.
We built it long and wide with plenty of room for:
- Outdoor seating
- A cozy porch area
- A stock tank pool area (hello, summer!)
- Space to sip morning coffee and listen to the forest
The tall pines, the porch, the cozy layout — every piece makes the tent feel settled and inviting.
Step 3: Raising the Canvas
The day we unrolled the canvas felt like Christmas. The tent went from a pile of heavy fabric to a real structure with shape and personality. Watching it take form was one of those moments that makes all the work worth it.
Once the tent was up, we moved inside to start layering in the cozy touches.
Creating a Warm, Inviting Interior
When guests walk into the tent, we want them to feel like they’ve stepped into a soft, peaceful retreat. That meant choosing warm lighting, comfortable bedding, layered textiles, and natural colors that fit the surrounding woods.
The interior includes:
- A comfortable bed with plush blankets
- Lanterns and warm lighting for soft evenings
- Modern, simple decor that keeps the space feeling calm
- Room to relax, stretch out, and make yourself at home
It’s not fussy or overly styled — just warm, simple, and meant to feel like a deep breath.
What Glamping Feels Like in December
There’s something different about winter glamping in South Carolina. You still get mild daytime temperatures, but mornings start crisp and cozy. You hear farm waking up while the forest slowly brightens. The canvas walls glow in the early sunlight, and the porch becomes the perfect place to sip hot coffee and listen to the farm settling into its day.
By evening, the lanterns inside the tent make everything glow softly. The woods get quiet, the stars come out, and the farm takes on that gentle winter stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else.
If you’ve ever wanted a unique winter getaway — something peaceful, rustic, and warm — glamping in December is pretty hard to beat.
Opening Soon — Who This Tent Is Perfect For
This canvas tent will be ideal for:
- Couples wanting a cozy romantic getaway
- Families who love nature but want real beds
- Travelers looking for a unique farm stay near Charleston or Columbia
- Weekend adventurers exploring Lake Marion
- Anyone curious about glamping or farm life
Whether you’re new to camping or an outdoor lover at heart, this tent gives you a little taste of both worlds.
We Can’t Wait to Welcome You
Building this glamping tent has been a labor of love, and we’re excited to finally share it with you. If you’re dreaming of a calm winter escape, a farm stay with personality, or a unique place to unplug, our newest addition might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The porch is ready. The lights are warm. And the view is even better in person.
Stay tuned — booking details are coming soon.
