More people went camping in 2021 than any previous year. Part of this growth may be because our definition of camping has expanded with time. Examples include “glamping,” “stealth camping,” and several other ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
What is glamping, and how does it differ from traditional camping? Why is it significant, and where should one go with their glamper camper? We’ll answer all of those questions and more here.
Key Takeaways
- Definition of Glamping: Glamping, or glamorous camping, combines the beauty of nature with modern comforts, often involving RVs, campers, or cabins, suitable for those who prefer not to ‘rough it’.
- Variety in Glamping: Glamping options range from using RVs and campers to staying at resorts and RV parks with glamping accommodations, providing flexibility for different camping preferences.
- Yurt Camping: A unique form of glamping, yurt camping offers a sophisticated, traditional Central Asian tent structure equipped with amenities like indoor stoves, electrical plug-ins, and internet access.
- Activities in Glamping: Glamping locations, especially resorts, offer a range of activities like swimming and hiking, with the added comfort of reduced risks and modern conveniences like more accessible food storage.
- Bringing Home Comforts: Glamping is about bringing home comforts into nature, making outdoor experiences more enjoyable for those who prefer not to sacrifice their usual amenities, like watching TV while camping.
What is Glamping?
Glamping is short for glamorous camping and describes something people have been doing for decades. Perhaps you’re fond of nature and its beauty but don’t want to be near potentially dangerous animals. Maybe you love camping but can’t sleep on the ground or refuse to go somewhere without a camping vault toilet.
The thing about glamping is that almost everybody does it to some extent, although many don’t admit it. While any instance of camping that includes modern technology could count as glamping, it usually refers to camping in an RV, camper, or cabin.
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Key Differences Between Glamping and Camping
While both glamping and traditional camping involve spending time outdoors, there are several key differences in the accommodations and amenities offered:
Sleeping Arrangements
Glamping accommodations typically feature real beds with comfortable mattresses, pillows, linens and bedding. These sleeping setups are a far cry from the sleeping bags and pads used in traditional camping. Glamping prioritizes a good night’s sleep in cozy, home-like comfort.
Shelter and Structures
Glamping sites offer unique and luxurious structures like yurts, safari tents, treehouses, domes, Airstreams, and tiny cabins. These are sturdier and more spacious than standard camping tents. Many also include lighting, electricity, heating and cooling for a more pampered outdoor experience.
Private Bathrooms
One of the biggest upgrades glamping offers is access to private or ensuite bathroom facilities. Instead of shared campground bathhouses or portable toilets, glamping bathrooms have running water, flushable toilets, and often showers or even tubs. Some may provide toiletries, towels and other comforts of home.
Dining and Food
Campers can expect dining options at glamping sites well beyond hot dogs and s’mores cooked on a fire. Gourmet meals and drinks may be delivered to their accommodation or available at on-site restaurants. Kitchenettes allow them to prepare their own meals without the challenges of campfire cooking.
Resort-style Amenities
Many glamping destinations offer amenities similar to boutique hotels or resorts, like pools, spas, organized activities, and concierge services. This brings the comforts and luxuries of a resort vacation to a natural, outdoor setting in a way that traditional camping does not.
While traditional camping requires sacrificing creature comforts to immerse yourself in nature, glamping aims to provide the best of both – a chance to enjoy the outdoors without giving up the amenities and small indulgences of home.
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The History Of Glamping
While the term “glamping” is relatively new, the concept of luxurious camping has been around for centuries. Throughout history, royalty and wealthy adventurers have sought ways to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts and amenities of home.
In the early 1900s, wealthy European and American travelers would embark on African safaris, bringing along lavish accommodations and large crews of staff to cater to their needs. These extravagant camping setups included large canvas tents with proper beds, furniture, and even portable bathrooms.
Similarly, in the 16th century, the Ottoman Turks would set up opulent tent cities as they moved their court from one place to another. These imperial tents featured silk fabrics, ornate furnishings, and even libraries.
The modern concept of glamping as we know it today began to take shape in the early 2000s. In 2005, “glamping” was added to the dictionary, defined as “camping with glamour.”
The rise of glamping coincided with a growing interest in experiential travel and eco-tourism. Travelers were seeking unique, immersive experiences that allowed them to connect with nature without giving up the luxuries and conveniences of home.
In response to this demand, various glamping accommodations began to pop up around the world, from tree houses and yurts to safari tents and Airstream trailers. These accommodations offered a way for travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature in comfort and style.
Today, glamping has become a global phenomenon, with luxury camping resorts and retreats available in destinations around the world. From the African savannah to the American Southwest, travelers can now enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.
As the popularity of glamping continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative and luxurious camping accommodations emerge in the years to come, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in nature without compromising on comfort or style.
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The Comfort and Convenience Of Glamping
Glamping has become so popular because it offers travelers the opportunity to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts and conveniences of home. Glamping accommodations are designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience in a natural setting.
A Comfortable Night’s Sleep
Unlike traditional camping, where you might sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag, glamping accommodations typically feature real beds with comfortable mattresses, pillows, and high-quality linens. This means you can enjoy a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors without waking up with a sore back or stiff neck.
Protection from the Elements
Glamping accommodations are designed to provide shelter from the elements, with sturdy structures like yurts, safari tents, and cabins that can withstand wind, rain, and other weather conditions. Many glamping sites also offer amenities like heating and air conditioning, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather.
Modern Amenities
Glamping accommodations often come equipped with modern amenities like internet access, electricity, running water, and private bathrooms. This means you can enjoy the convenience of home while still being immersed in nature. Some glamping sites even offer luxury amenities like spa services, gourmet dining, and concierge services.
Quick Tip: If your Glamping spot does not include wi-fi, read How to Get Internet While Camping.
Minimal Setup and Packing
One of the biggest advantages of glamping is that it requires minimal setup and packing. Unlike traditional camping, where you need to bring your own tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, glamping accommodations come fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. This means you can spend less time setting up camp and more time enjoying your surroundings.
A Soft Landing for Nature Novices
For those new to camping or hesitant to rough it in the great outdoors, glamping offers a soft landing. It allows travelers to experience nature’s beauty and tranquility without sacrificing the comforts and conveniences they are used to. This makes glamping an accessible and appealing option for a wider range of travelers.
Glamping offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature, all while enjoying the comforts and conveniences of a luxury vacation. Glamping offers a comfortable and convenient way to experience the great outdoors, whether you’re a seasoned camper or a nature novice.
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Top Glamping Destinations in The United States
From the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest to the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the United States offers a diverse array of stunning natural landscapes that are perfect for a glamping getaway. Here are some of the top glamping destinations across the country:
1. Dunton River Camp – Dolores, Colorado
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, Dunton River Camp offers luxurious glamping tents along the banks of the West Fork of the Dolores River. Each tent features a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and private deck with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can enjoy fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and gourmet meals prepared by the camp’s private chef.
2. Collective Retreats – Multiple Locations
With locations in Vail, Colorado; Hill Country, Texas; Hudson Valley, New York; and Governors Island, New York, Collective Retreats offers a variety of glamping experiences across the country. Each retreat features luxurious tents with plush bedding, chandeliers, and private decks. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, outdoor activities like hiking and yoga, and evening campfires with s’mores.
3. Under Canvas – Multiple Locations
Under Canvas has glamping locations near some of America’s most iconic national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Moab, Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Their spacious safari-style tents feature king-size beds, wood-burning stoves, and private bathrooms. Guests can take part in guided hikes, jeep tours, and other outdoor adventures.
4. Treebones Resort – Big Sur, California
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Treebones Resort offers a variety of unique glamping accommodations, including yurts, treehouses, and even a human-sized nest. Each unit features comfortable bedding, redwood decks, and stunning ocean views. The resort also has an outdoor sushi bar, heated pool, and hot tub.
5. Asheville Glamping – Asheville, North Carolina
Located just outside the vibrant city of Asheville, Asheville Glamping offers a variety of vintage trailers, domes, and tents nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each unit is uniquely decorated and features comfortable bedding, private decks, and access to shared amenities like fire pits and hiking trails. The property is also just minutes from downtown Asheville’s restaurants, breweries, and art galleries.
6. Sinya on Lone Man Creek – Wimberley, Texas
Situated on a secluded creek just outside of Austin, Sinya on Lone Man Creek is a single safari-style tent offering the ultimate privacy and luxury. The tent features a king-size bed, clawfoot tub, and a private deck with a hot tub overlooking the creek. Guests can enjoy the property’s hiking trails, swimming hole, and outdoor fireplace.
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Final Thoughts on Glamping
Glamping has emerged as a popular travel trend that combines the beauty and tranquility of nature with the comforts and amenities of a luxury hotel.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper looking for a more upscale experience or a nature novice seeking a gentle introduction to the great outdoors, glamping offers a unique and appealing way to immerse yourself in some of the world’s most stunning natural environments.
Glamping accommodations cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from the plush beds and private bathrooms of a safari-style tent to the gourmet meals and on-site activities of a full-service resort.
And with destinations spanning from the red rock canyons of the Southwest to the misty mountains of the Pacific Northwest, there’s a glamping experience to suit every type of traveler.
So why rough it in a cramped tent with minimal amenities when you can enjoy the great outdoors in style and comfort?
Whether planning a romantic couple’s retreat, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, glamping offers an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature – all while indulging in the creature comforts that make travel so enjoyable.
As the glamping trend continues to grow and evolve, one thing is clear: this unique blend of luxury and nature is here to stay. So pack your bags, leave the sleeping bag at home, and get ready to experience the great outdoors like never before. Your glamping adventure awaits!
FAQs
What exactly is glamping?
Glamping, short for ‘glamorous camping’, combines the beauty of the outdoors with the comforts of home. It’s ideal for those who enjoy nature but prefer the convenience of modern amenities, such as comfortable sleeping arrangements and facilities like camping vault toilets. Glamping often involves staying in RVs, campers, or cabins, incorporating technology and comfort into the camping experience.
Are there different ways to go glamping?
Yes, glamping can vary greatly. Besides using RVs or campers, many resorts and RV parks offer glamping accommodations, providing a luxury camping experience without the need to own a camper. These resorts can be a great option for occasional glampers, while regular campers might consider investing in their own RV or camper for frequent trips.
Is yurt camping the same as Glamping?
Yurt camping is a unique form of glamping. Yurts are sophisticated, durable tent structures with a Central Asian origin, often featuring a wooden frame and amenities like indoor stoves, electrical plug-ins, and wireless internet. This type of camping offers a blend of traditional camping elements with modern comforts, elevating the overall outdoor experience. See our post what is yurt camping for more information.
How does glamping compare to traditional camping in terms of activities?
Glamping often takes place in environments like RV parks or resorts, where there are more controlled and convenient settings. These locations offer traditional camping activities but with added safety and comfort. For example, walking paths are well-maintained and the risks associated with wilderness camping, like encountering wildlife or getting lost, are minimized. Additionally, modern conveniences make certain tasks easier, such as food storage and preparation.
Can you bring electronics like a TV while glamping?
Absolutely. Part of the glamping experience is bringing home comforts into the natural setting. This means you can enjoy nature without completely disconnecting from your usual amenities, such as watching TV. Some glampers choose to bring televisions or other electronic devices to stay entertained during their outdoor retreat.
What essentials do I need for a glamping experience?
When preparing for a glamping experience, it’s essential to have the right items on your glamping checklist. Make sure to bring a comfortable tent, cozy bedding, portable lighting, cooking supplies, and appropriate clothing for the outdoors. With these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for a luxurious camping trip.
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