Gone Fishin’: A Girls’ Trip Guide to Fireside Feasts, Fisherman Sweaters & Ralph Lauren Charm This Cozy Season
Gone Fishin’ Girls Trip Guide is our CAMP VR ode to the outdoorsy girls’ getaway that smells like one part cedar and one part freshly poured martini. It’s less about catching trout and more about slow mornings by the lake, knit sweaters over swimsuits, hot tubs and saunas steaming in the cold, tartan blankets, and dinners that feel straight out of a Ralph Lauren ad campaign. Think L.L. Bean meets Lake Como.
This is your guide to doing Fall and Winter in “the great outdoors” with polish: beauty routines that survive both humidity and the dry chill of the cold, capsule wardrobes that mix linen with flannel and fisherman sweaters, and hotel picks to match the mood where we’re doubling down on the coziness. Bonfire season isn’t just an activity, it’s a lifestyle. Picture wool blankets, spiked cider, soft lantern light on rosy cheeks, and s’mores that feel more “gourmet après-ski” than “summer camp sticky.” We’re sharing 15 chef-approved gourmet bonfire recipes (because bonfires, s’mores, and cozy camp vibes don’t hibernate, they just get better with snowflakes), stylist-approved travel tips, and makeup advice that pairs well with bug spray and Bordeaux.
And let’s not forget the bunk beds, yes, bunk beds. The unofficial mascot of Camp VR girls’ trips. There’s something hilariously nostalgic and weirdly bonding about climbing into a top bunk in a great outfit after a day of hot toddies. Shared cabins, late-night chats, matching pajama sets… it’s adult slumber-party energy with better snacks. From Eastwind Windham to Camp DeForest, and Two Capes Lookout on the Oregon coast, these are the stays where you can cast a line or just cast a mood. Whether you’re sipping rosé in waders or swapping fishing rods for flatware, Gone Fishin’ is less about the catch and more about the company.
Beauty tips from makeup artist: Erica at Makeup 10.11
When it comes to packing beauty for a CAMP VR girls’ trip, less really is more. Travel is the perfect excuse to let your skin breathe, embrace an effortless glow, and give your hair a well-earned break from hot tools. But editing your routine doesn’t mean sacrificing polish. It means choosing smarter staples that work lake-to-cocktail without a mirror in sight. With a little intention, your beauty bag can be skin-friendly, weather-proof, and bonfire-approved. - Erica Beukelman, owner & professional makeup artist 10.11 Hair and Makeup
Erica’s Fireside Beauty Picks (aka: the ones that earn a permanent spot in her CAMP VR bag):
- The Brush No. 2, Crown Affair: Erica’s go-to for soft, brushed-out hair whether you’re air-drying after a sauna or smoothing flyaways before dinner by the fire.
- Priming Moisturizer, Glossier: A true camp classic. Lightweight, hydrating, and glow-giving enough to double as skincare and makeup prep, because one product should do at least two jobs on a girls’ trip.
CAMP VR Style Note:
- Emmeline Watch, Cendre: Because every “Gone Fishin’” moment deserves a little Ralph Lauren polish — even when you’re wrapped in flannel and holding a hot toddy.
Our Venue Report editor ear's perked up when professional makeup artist Erica Beukelman said "vacation skin is really simple." She says that "the goal is to glow with dewy, I-woke-up-like-this-because-I’m-on-a-girls-trip glow."
Look for products that double as skincare and reach for the overachievers: tinted moisturizers and BB creams with skincare built in, like IT Cosmetics CC Cream, Bye Bye Foundation, or Jones Road Tinted Moisture Balm.
For color that looks like you’ve been outside (even if you’ve only been in the hot tub), tap on a cream blush like Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush. Add a little beam with Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick or any cream highlighter you love. And seal the whole thing with a hydrating spritz. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray is basically a fresh-faced look in mist form. - Erica Beukelman, Owner of 10.11 Hair and Makeup
Erica Beukelman, owner of 10.11 Hair and Makeup always starts with this rule: Keep your hair routine minimal and fuss-free while traveling. Take note of the climate where you will be visiting and pack for those elements (hello, humidity or winter dryness).
Pack travel-sized versions of your go-to essentials. Opt for multi-use products like Ouai hair oil that can smooth the hair and add shine, protect from dryness, and double as a little to extra dew or hydration when patted into your skin. Grab some texturizing spray like Maria Nila’s Ocean Spray to enhance your curls or add a little texture to your style. Klorane Dry Shampoo keeps hair fresh between washes, and Dream Coat humidity spray by Color Wow will help minimize any frizz. We also love R&Co Dart pomade stick, a tiny little wax stick, to keep your flyaways in check. Toss in a mini brush and you are set.
*Pro-tip: If you don’t feel like policing frizz or flyaways, reach for a bucket hat or a claw clip. Both are cute, practical, and fish-friendly for a day on the water.
Erica also recommends editing before you pack. Instead of tossing your entire makeup bag (or vanity) into a travel pouch, take a moment to think about what you actually use day-to-day. Vacation mode is all about smart swaps.
10.11 Hair and Makeup Rule: reach for multi-use products that can pull double (or triple) duty. Think a cream blush that works as a lip tint, a brow pencil that doubles as a softly smudged liner, or a highlighter that adds a subtle sheen to the eyes. These are your space-saving heroes.
Erica’s Multi-Tasking Must-Haves:
- Eclipse Glow Stick, R.E.M - for cheekbones, lids, and anywhere you want a soft, candlelit glow
- Benetint Lip/Cheek Stain - a classic for flushed cheeks and bitten-lip color that lasts
- MUA Brow Defining Pencil, Makeup Academy - fills brows and works beautifully as a soft liner in a pinch
We’ve got beauty covered, and now we’re tossing in the last-minute essentials that always earn their seat in the duffle. According to wardrobe stylist Carson Love, it’s the small, smart extras that make a girls’ trip feel pulled together the moment you unzip your weekender. Pieces that balance comfort, function, and a little cabin flair.
Carson says a bandana is the unsung hero of outdoorsy weekends. Tie it in your hair on a windy boat ride, wear it around your neck for a bit of warmth, or knot it on your tote so it’s easy to grab. Keep a pair of over-ear headphones in your weekender for the trip up (and for tuning out any snoring in the bunk room). And don’t forget a good book; the kind you can read in short bursts between casts, hot tub dips, and snack runs.
Professional Wardrobe Stylist, Carson Love's top 5 stylist tips for travel-friendly capsule wardrobe:
1. Start with Prep: Luggage & Trip Itinerary: Before you get to packing, first choose your suitcase or carry‑on before selecting clothes—understanding space helps guide your wardrobe choices. Have your itinerary and travel app handy- packing decisions are based on destination, itinerary, weather, and trip length.
2. Only Bring Your “Bests”: Trips are not the time to pack items you “might” use or hardly ever wear. Bring only your favorite or best staples, rather than packing duplicates for variety. Prioritize essentials before filling in extras.
3. Create a Mobile “Lookbook”: This is what Carson does when packing for her clients to ensure effortless dressing! Photograph each complete outfit you plan to bring and save it in an album on your phone. Helps streamline dressing decisions on the go. Bonus: also extremely helpful to do for any kiddos on the trip!
4. Travel Outfit Strategy: Choose your travel‑day outfit in advanceand wear bulkier or delicate items (like a blazer or boots) on the plane to free up luggage space.
5. Limit Shoes & Accessories: Shoes are always the nemesis when it comes to like packing! Only pack a few pairs that coordinate with most outfits, less is more. Same goes for bags and clutches.
Wardrobe stylist Carson Love approaches camp dressing with one rule: function first, but never at the expense of style. Here’s how she builds outfits that can handle nature, movement, and group photos, all in one weekend.
Best Footwear Forward: If fly fishing specifically, you’ll likely be wading in tall grasses and waters. Rubber boots, cowboy boots or waders are a must! You can call ahead to the resort and see if they provide these for you.
Lean into Light Layering: A lightweight knit or gauzy button down can be a welcomed layer for chilly mornings by the water, as well as offer bug or sun protection. Stick with loose layers that can easily be pulled over a swimsuit. We are loving this The Fisherman's Daughter Sweater in Greenpoint by Dairyboy.
From Day to Dinner: Tall boots take up prime packing real estate, and therefore should be styled in multiple ways! I love pairing tall boots with a midi length dress for a chic, elongated look. A blazer is a perfect “third piece” to elevate a cotton dress into evening. I love adding a thick belt when styling thicker layers like this.
Pro-tip: Bring in a friend to help you pack: She’ll keep you sane, shake up espresso martinis, lay out cozy fall snacks, and serve as your personal outfit-sounding board so nothing gets left behind.
If you’re ready to take this “Gone Fishin’” energy out of the group text and into real life, start here. These are the stays and roundups built for cabins, campfires, and weekends where the itinerary is optional but the setting is not. Expect nostalgia with actual comfort: good beds, good design, and enough on-site texture to keep everyone together. Save these for when you want a trip that feels outdoorsy, but still pulled-together.
- A Former Motor Lodge Turned Into Maine’s Most Charming Grown-Up Campground
- What Happens When a Century-Old Picnic Ground Becomes the Coolest Camp for Your Next Lakeside Celebration
- Camp, Cabin Culture & Lodges: The Upstate New York Guide to the Best Spots for Group Trips & Gatherings
- Mountaintop Movie Nights and Forest Picnics: 12 Boutique Hotels Across the U.S. Made for Group Trips
This guide is earning all the merit badges. Gone Fishin’ fits into Camp VR because it’s the most accurate version of what a girls trip looks like in the wild: half practical, half playful, and fully committed to looking put-together while pretending we know how to cast a line. Think a quiet nod to the Ralph Lauren countryside aesthetic, cable-knit layers, a good boot, maybe a plaid moment, but interpreted through the lens of women who treat a tackle box like an accessory. Fall is where this mix works best; good layers, good skincare, and cabins that make “outdoorsy” feel surprisingly civilized.
Your Field Guide to CAMP VR
💄Lifestyle and Wellness Guides: More packing lists, travel-friendly routines, and beauty tips [Right this way →]
🌾 Camp VR: Explore lakeside stays, nostalgic glamping spots, and countryside settings that bring autumn gatherings to life. [Right this way →]
🏕️ Outdoor Celebrations: Browse venues made for tented dinners, field ceremonies, and weekend escapes with friends. [Right this way →]
🍂 Fall Stories: Get inspired by more seasonal editorials that celebrate the romance and charm of the great outdoors. [Right this way →]
🛎️ Group Bookings & Room Blocks: Planning a fall escape for a group? We’ll match you with the right stays, block rooms, and help you host with ease. [Right this way →]
