14 Tips & Tricks For Having Actually Good Camping Sex

Of all the places to have sex, there's something wonderfully primal and mystical about doing the deed in the great outdoors. And it can be—when you come prepared. But when you're not, your romantic romp in nature may just be more uncomfortable than anything. So, before you and your lover go on your next outdoor trip, here are some keys to keep in mind to make camping sex work.

Add that to considerations like poison ivy, ticks, and the potential of getting nature bits in your personal bits, outdoor sex gets a little tricky.

Make sure you bring options for layers, with easy access in mind, notes certified sex therapist Tammy Nelson, Ph.D. "Most likely you'll be cold when you're making love. Even in the desert it can be freezing at night, so wear layers."

"Bring along waterproof gear," Engle adds. "Be sure you're prepared to stay dry because no one wants to bang when they're cold and damp." One other thing that may be nice to have is a two-person sleeping bag, for extra closeness.

Here's a packing list if you intend to have camping sex:

As always with any hiking or camping trip, leave no trace. Whatever you bring to your campsite should be taken with you when you go, and that includes anything like the packaging from your single-use lube packets, any used condoms, wipes, toilet paper, etc. As soon as you get settled at your campsite, get a garbage bag going right away, to mitigate any sort of littering.

"Avoid anything that is too complicated," Engle tells mbg. "As fun as it may seem to get all adventurous, the sheer thrill of being in the great outdoors is plenty." Whether you're in a tent or you found a secluded spot in the woods, keep your positions simple and just have fun. "You don't need to get too acrobatic with it and wind up needing to call an ambulance in the middle of a forest," she adds. Check out the list of recommended outdoor sex positions, below.

On top of that, if you're at a public campground and there are other camps set up nearby, do try to be a good neighbor and keep it quiet. Remember to turn off any lanterns in your tent—shadows are a thing.

Out on a hike and a sexy moment strikes? No need to get back to your tent—as long as you're in a secluded and safe spot. Engle recommends standing doggy-style in this case, which is exactly what it sounds like. This position doesn't require you to get on the ground, and the person receiving can brace themselves on a tree or rock for support.

Another standing option for when you're actually outside as opposed to in a tent, Engle suggests, is three-legged dog. With both partners standing facing each other, one partner lifts their leg and wraps it around the hip of the other. If there's a height difference between you, this is a good opportunity to work with your environment and find something to stand on, such as a rock, to get you both at the right height.

Whether for foreplay or the main event, oral sex is a great option when you're in a tent because it doesn't require all that much space. Engle recommends it, and you can either take turns or do 69, but the point is, you won't be hitting your head on the top of your tent. Mutual masturbation is also a great option to keep in mind.

Spooning doubles as a sex and cuddling position, and it's done with both partners lying down. Again, the object here is to not require too much space. Spooning is romantic and intimate, and it's a great opportunity to break in that two-person sleeping bag. Just be sure you're prepared to clean up.

The lotus sex position is another good one to do in your tent, so long as your tent is tall enough to sit up in. One partner sits on the other's lap, cross-legged, and you have sex from there, or engage in other sensual things like nipple play, neck kissing, etc. Lotus is very intimate and can really deepen the already romantic experience.

The biggest thing here is to make sure the two of you aren't going to get yourselves in trouble should you get caught by a park ranger or an unsuspecting family on a hike. In most places, it's not legal to have sex outdoors. If you're willing to take the risk, heed these precautions seriously.

"Remember that wildlife is wild," Nelson notes. "Ticks, mosquitoes, snakes, and plants like poison ivy and poison oak are real." Be mindful of where you set up your camp, and/or where you stop for some sexy time during your hike. And with wild animals in mind, avoid any pleasant-smelling candles, lubes, or lotions, so you don't attract hungry critters.

"Bring real toilet paper and wipes to do your business in the great outdoors," Nelson says, adding to be sure not to use "any kind of leaf or plant against your skin," as it could be poisonous or have insects on it. If you want to use bug spray, definitely go for an all-natural option, and avoid any toxic chemicals down there.

"Don't put a ton of pressure on performance," Engle says. "Snuggle, kiss, jack each other off. Enjoy the intimate time together and the quiet of nature. Do whatever feels comfortable for you two."