Glamping: A Stylish Twist on Traditional Camping
Ever heard of 'glamping' but you’re not quite sure what it's all about? You're in the right place!
Ever heard of 'glamping' but you’re not quite sure what it's all about? You're in the right place! Glamping, or glamorous camping, is the trendy way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're curious if you're a glamper at heart, or just exploring new ways to camp, we've got you covered.
What is Glamping?
Glamping encompasses any type of camping that includes comforts and amenities not typically embraced by traditional tent campers. This could be any range of luxuries from plush mattresses to heated tents, and in some cases, upscale amenities like an in-room spa.
If tent camping isn’t really your thing, but you don’t currently own an RV, glamping might be a great middle ground! This form of camping still affords you access to the great outdoors while introducing some of the comforts traditionally reserved for RV campers.
Common Types of Glamping Accommodations
Glamping accommodations come in all shapes and sizes, but the common thread is that they generally take an already existing camping style accommodation, and add a touch of luxury and comfort. Let’s take a look at some common glamping options available.
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Glamping Tents: These are upscale canvas tents often equipped with amenities like real beds, quality linens, and sometimes even ensuite bathrooms. They provide a more refined camping experience while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
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Yurts: Originating from Central Asia, yurts are circular structures with a sturdy wooden frame wrapped in weather-resistant material. They typically have windows, a skylight, and are furnished to offer a cozy living space.
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Teepees: Inspired by the nomadic homes of Native American tribes, modern teepees at glamping sites are often luxuriously equipped with interior decorations, fireplaces, and comfortable bedding.
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Treehouses: Treehouse accommodations merge childhood dreams with adult sophistication. They vary greatly in design but often feature balconies, integrated bathroom facilities, and plush interiors.
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Glamping Pods/Cabins: These are small, eco-friendly cabins designed with comfort in mind, often featuring all the amenities of a hotel room, set in seclusion within natural landscapes.
Glamper Amenities vs. Tent Camper Amenities
Now that we have a better understanding of what glamping entails, let’s explore some of the key differences between glamping and traditional tent camping.
Bedding
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Traditional Camping: A camper might use a sleeping bag on a pad or a simple inflatable air mattress.
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Glamping: A glamper usually enjoys creature comforts like a comfortable bed with a proper mattress, often within a spacious tent or cabin.
Restrooms
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Traditional Camping: Traditional tent campers tyipcally have access to a very simple, communal structure, varying from simple pit latrines to shared bathroom facilities without showers.
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Glamping: Private, en-suite restrooms with hot showers are commonly provided, affording a level of convenience and privacy not found in traditional camping.
Shelter
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Traditional Camping: Traditional campers or backpackers will generally settle in with a compact tent, hammock, or even enjoy a night without shelter under the stars.
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Glamping: The shelter might be a luxurious canvas tent, yurt, cabin, tiny home, or even a treehouse. Glamping accommodations are almost always equipped with electricity and air conditioning, and feature some kind of kitchen and an en-suite bathroom
Meals
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Traditional Camping: Campers often revel in the simplicity of campfire meals — from something as simple as freeze dried food, to a one-pot feast [one pot blog link here] cooked over an open fire.
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Glamping: Glampers don’t always skip out on the campfire experience, and may even roast the occasional hot dog or s’more, but in general, part of the glamping experience is having access to a real kitchen in which a glamper can make a full meal any time they choose.
Utilities
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Traditional Camping: Campsites for tent camping or RVs may include hookups for electricity and water, but these are not a given and sometimes require additional fees.
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Glamping: Glamper accommodations typically include all necessary utilities as part of the experience, ensuring access to electricity, water, and often Wi-Fi.
Is RVing Considered Glamping?
RVs, from motorhomes and travel trailers to camper vans and fifth wheels, offer all of the comforts of home while on the road. And given that RVing is a big step up from tent camping or backpacking, some campers may consider it a form of glamping. But the question gets a little more complex when you consider that RV parks can range from a simple open field with no hookups to full scale luxury RV resorts with on-site pools, spas, and other upscale facilities that surely fall into the glamping category.
RVers have diverse perspectives on whether RVing is synonymous with glamping. Traditionalists might assert that RV camping, unless accompanied by upscale amenities, stands apart as its own unique form of outdoor recreation. On the other hand, those who equip their RVs with opulent features may indeed be partaking in a form of glamping. Ultimately, whether RVing is categorized as glamping depends on the level of comfort and luxury involved. It remains a matter of personal interpretation and the specific circumstances of each RVing experience.
Our Favorite Glamping Destinations
Check out some of our top glamping destinations across the country with a diverse range of upscale accommodation options:
Moab RV & Glamping Resort — Moab, UT
Check out Moab RV & Glamping Resort for a unique camping experience with furnished glamping tents and teepees, featuring queen-sized beds, essential amenities, and outdoor cooking facilities. The resort also offers cozy cabins accommodating up to five guests, complete with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and cable TV, all within a short walk to communal bathrooms.
Lago Valle Wine Glamping Eco Resort — Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California
Nestled just south of the border in Baja California, Lago Valle Wine Glamping Eco Resort offers an elegant glamping experience with tents and cabins overlooking beautiful mountain and lake views. Guests can enjoy king or queen beds, private patios, and communal activities, including hiking and darts, all brought together by the scenic wine country setting.
North Haven Campground — Bonners Ferry, ID
North Haven Campground brings you a glamping experience like none other with luxurious log cabins, fully-equipped kitchens and modern amenities, suitable for families and pet-friendly. And while the cabins are great, the real unique draw is the campground’s old-west Conestoga Glamping Wagons with hotel-style beds and private bathroom facilities, along with a complimentary continental breakfast.
East Side Glacier Park RV and Campground — Babb, MT
East Side Glacier Park RV and Campground provides a serene escape near Glacier Park with modern offsite cabins, offering stunning mountain views, fully furnished kitchens, and comfortable sleeping arrangements for families. The campground also includes spacious tipis equipped with queen beds, futon couches, and essential amenities, providing a unique and comfortable outdoor experience.
Strawhouse Resorts and Cafe — Junction City, CA
Escape to the charming storybook setting of Strawhouse Resort and Cafe! A collection of colorful cottages on the banks of the Trinity River provides a cozy getaway with elegant indoor and outdoor furnishings. The Pacific Yurt sleeps 5 and features a luxurious clawfoot tub to relax and unwind, and a loft below a domed window for stargazing.
Redwood Meadows RV Resort — Crescent City, CA
Nestled within the ancient redwoods and minutes from the pristine waters of the Smith River, Redwood Meadows RV Resort offers luxury glamping tents situated in a spacious haven for relaxation. Spacious glamping tents include a large furnished common area for enjoying the outdoors, with plenty of storage space and open floor plan for comfort.
Splash RV Resort & Water Park — Milton, FL
Trade tents for covered wagons! Splash RV Resort offers a one-of-a-kind glamping experience with Conestoga glamping wagons that sleep four, plus waterpark thrills and beach access nearby. It's the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for a memorable family getaway.
Roamstead — Cosby, TN
Ditch the dirt and embrace luxury camping at Roamstead! Escape to modern cabins like "The Spruce," featuring spa-grade toiletries and kitchenettes, or cozy yurts in a wooded setting. Amenities like a saltwater pool and fireside cocktails make an unwinding effortless right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Holston Hideaway — Church Hill, TN
Escape to Holston Hideaway, a charming riverside campground perfect for families! Relax in a spacious fully furnished yurt, complete with comfy beds, cozy rugs, and a grill for campfire cookouts. Enjoy stunning river views, explore the great outdoors, and create unforgettable memories under the stars. This primitive campground offers a rustic experience with essential amenities, ideal for those seeking a mix of back-to-nature adventures and unique glamping opportunities.
Wanderland Campground — Menlo, GA
Wanderland Campground isn't your average campground. This 72-acre oak forest sanctuary on Lookout Mountain is primed for immersive outdoor experiences. Canvas glamping tents come with a private deck, hammocks, and firepits perfect for taking in the soothing sounds of the surrounding watershed.
Booking Your Stays With Spot2Nite
Ready to plan your ultimate glamping getaway? Check out our easy to use, interactive booking tool to see all the top RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping destinations along your route and near your destination. Only see parks that are available for the dates of your trip, customize your search to find the perfect spots, and book all your stays in one easy transaction. Happy glamping!
