Ultimate Glamping: Solar Power, Hot Showers, & AC Tent Setup

When it comes to tent camping, comfort is often traded for portability. But what if you could have both? I recently put together a camping setup that brings many of the comforts of home to the great outdoors, complete with robust solar power, climate control, and running hot water.

What I Built

My setup centers around two main tents: a sleeping tent and a living/kitchen tent. For sleeping, I use the **Springbar Family Camper** tent, enhanced with a **Stormfly** accessory. This addition provides extra protection from both rain and sun, and with its multiple guy points, it makes the tent incredibly strong and sturdy. Inside, it’s spacious enough to stand up comfortably, and I’ve equipped it with a **Mr. Buddy Heater** (fed by a propane tank outside), a queen-size cot, an air mattress, a mattress topper, and warm sleeping bags. It’s a truly comfortable sleeping arrangement.

The second tent is a **Quick-Set Pavilion by Clam**, which serves as my living and kitchen area. On sunny days, I keep some panels open for ventilation and others closed to block direct sun. The secret to keeping this tent cool, even under direct sun, is my custom-made **“Sunfly”** on top. This Mylar cover reflects 99% of the sun’s rays, completely eliminating the typical “greenhouse effect” that can make tents unbearable. Inside, it’s shady, cool, and pleasant.

Within the pavilion, I’ve set up two 6-foot tables, several zero-gravity lounge chairs, an air fryer, and a camp stove. For food storage, I use two 12-volt compressor fridges—one set as a fridge and the other as a freezer. To power all this, I have a “power central” station consisting of a **Bluetti EB3A**, an **Ecoflow Delta**, and an **Ecoflow Delta 2 Max** portable power station. The Delta 2 Max also powers an **Ecoflow Wave 2** unit, which provides both air conditioning and heating.

Finally, for water, I built my own camp sink. It uses a heavy-duty **SeaFlo 12V pump** to draw water from a large jug. The water is then split to a cold water faucet and a cold water sprayer. For hot water, I use a **Gasland tankless water heater** connected to a hot water sprayer. The pump is powered by an 18V Makita battery, stepped down to 12V via a converter.

Why It Works

The combination of the Stormfly and the custom Mylar “Sunfly” on the tents is key to maintaining comfortable temperatures. The Mylar reflects nearly all incoming solar radiation, ensuring the living tent remains cool and preventing heat buildup, which is especially critical when running appliances like the **Ecoflow Wave 2** for AC. This climate control, paired with the propane heater for cold nights, makes the tent interior comfortable regardless of external conditions.

The multi-power station setup (Bluetti, Ecoflow Delta, Ecoflow Delta 2 Max) provides robust energy for all electrical needs. The **Ecoflow Wave 2** efficiently handles climate control, while the compressor fridges keep food fresh or frozen with minimal power draw compared to traditional ice coolers. The ability to run an air fryer and camp stove enhances cooking options significantly.

My DIY camp sink and hot water system transform basic water access into a convenient, running water experience. The 12V pump ensures steady water pressure, and the tankless heater provides on-demand hot water for dishes or quick washes. To manage water supply, I utilize gravity-fed filters to process creek water for non-potable uses, reducing the need to haul large quantities of drinking water.

Parts & Specs

• Sleeping Tent: Springbar Family Camper Tent with Stormfly Accessory
• Heating (Sleeping Tent): Mr. Buddy Heater (propane)
• Sleeping Comfort: Queen-size cot, air mattress, mattress topper, sleeping bags
• Living Tent: Quick-Set Pavilion by Clam
• Sun Protection: Custom Mylar “Sunfly” roof cover
• Seating: Zero gravity lounge chairs
• Cooking Appliances: Air fryer, camp stove
• Refrigeration: 2x 12V compressor fridges (one fridge, one freezer)
• Portable Power Stations: Bluetti EB3A, Ecoflow Delta, Ecoflow Delta 2 Max
• Climate Control: Ecoflow Wave 2 portable AC/heater
• Solar Panels: 2x 200W rigid solar panels, 4x 100W folding solar panels, 1x 160W folding solar panel
• DIY Camp Sink: SeaFlo 12V pump, large water jug, faucet, cold sprayer
• Hot Water: Gasland tankless hot water heater with hot sprayer
• Pump Power: Makita 18V battery with 12V converter
• Water Filtration: 2x Gravity-fed water filters (for creek water)

Math & Run-Time Numbers

My solar array provides significant power. I have two 200-watt rigid solar panels (400W total) connected to one of the MPPT charge controllers on the Ecoflow Delta 2 Max. Another 400 watts comes from four 100-watt folding panels, routed to the second MPPT on the Delta 2 Max. Additionally, a 160-watt folding solar panel feeds into the standard Ecoflow Delta.

This setup provides a total of 960 watts of solar input on a sunny day. With this substantial power, I can easily run both compressor coolers, recharge all my electronics, operate the Ecoflow Wave 2 for cooling or heating, and even use the air fryer without any issues. The Makita 18V battery, when converted to 12V, powers the SeaFlo pump for the camp sink for a nice long time, making water access reliable.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unmatched comfort for tent camping with climate control (AC and heat).
• Ample solar power keeps all modern conveniences running, including full refrigeration.
• On-demand hot and cold running water greatly enhances hygiene and dishwashing.
• Filtered creek water reduces the burden of hauling all water for washing.
• The Mylar “Sunfly” effectively combats heat buildup, making the living tent genuinely cool.
• Despite the advanced features, the system is designed for relatively easy setup and breakdown.

Cons:

• This is a “glamping” setup, requiring a significant amount of gear to transport.
• Initial investment in multiple power stations and specialized equipment can be costly.
• Hauling water from the creek, while filtered, still requires physical effort.
• Setup time is longer than a minimalist camping trip.

When To Use This vs. Alternatives

This setup is perfect for campers who desire the immersive experience of tent camping but refuse to compromise on comfort and modern amenities. It’s ideal for families, extended stays at established campsites, or anyone looking to brave varied weather conditions (hot or cold) in comfort. If you’re planning a multi-day trip and want to enjoy fresh food, climate-controlled spaces, and running water, this is a fantastic option.

However, if you’re a minimalist backpacker focused on lightweight gear and quick setups, this is not for you. Similarly, if your budget is extremely tight, the investment in multiple power stations and specialized equipment might be prohibitive. In those cases, traditional tent camping with basic amenities or opting for an RV might be more suitable alternatives.

Bottom Line

This “glamping” setup truly transforms the tent camping experience, elevating it far beyond simply roughing it. By integrating solar power, climate control, and a functional running water system, it offers a truly pleasant and convenient outdoor adventure, regardless of what the weather may throw at you. It’s a sweet setup that delivers tons of electricity, hot and cold water, and comfortable living spaces.

Final Wrap-Up

I hope this tour of my ultimate tent camping setup has given you some great ideas for your next adventure. If you have any thoughts or recommendations on how to improve this system, please share them in the comments below—I always appreciate hearing from you. For more camping videos and a master list of all the gear seen here, check out the links in the video description. Thanks for watching, stay safe, and have a great spring and summer ahead!