Glamping Vs Camping: What Is The Difference?

Glamping Vs Camping: What Is The Difference? 2

What do you do, if you want to experience nature, but really aren’t the “camping type”?

Hotels and resorts don’t really give much of an outdoor experience, but they sure have some great amenities.

Well, we’ve got the perfect answer for the person who likes to enjoy nature, but doesn’t really want to rough it in a tent – Glamping.

Yes, that’s right, we said glamping. No, it’s not a made-up thing, over the last few years, glamping has taken hold as a real, popular alternative to camping.

So what exactly is glamping (other than an odd word)?

Glamping is luxury camping. It’s the perfect trade-off for the person that really loves being outdoors, but would rather have a real bed and a real, private bathroom.

It may sound a bit like staying in a hotel, but glamping is a great way to pamper yourself while experiencing nature.

And while we are always fans of a good night in the woods, in a simple tent, sometimes a bit of luxury is just what we all need.

Glamping Explained

what is glamping

Since we’ve cleared things up, and you now know that glamping is a real thing, not just a silly word, we’d like to delve into some of the details of glamping, and how awesome a luxury camping trip can be.

However, before you pack your bags, you should know a little bit about the ideal glamping spots.

Let’s be clear about one thing, glamping isn’t for the minimalist. You’re going to need some gear to really do glamping right, so backcountry glamping isn’t a thing.

If you want to glamp, but also keep it rustic, pick a really nice, developed campground. Yes, you can glamp in a tent, but you want all the extras, so pick a good spot.

In reality, to glamp well, you need to rely on the expertise of others. We recommend doing some research and finding a great glamping resort.

Yep, they exist, and some can be a luxurious as a 5 star hotel, with the added bonus of being off the beaten path, and closer to nature than your run-of-the-mill resort.

Many glamping resorts sell themselves as “eco-resorts”. Places where you can experience nature, have more than the basic comforts, and be environmentally responsible.

Glamping resorts are all over the world, so you can easily find a spot to glamp in that dream destination or even in your backyard.

Pick Your Glamping Style

kitchen glamping

You’ve got some choices to make before you head out on your glamping adventure. But before you head out, you should decide on your glamping style.

Since glamping ranges from really nice tents or even teepees to luxurious cabins and treehouses, you need to know what you are looking for in your glamping adventure.

Before you pick a spot, you should ask yourself a few questions:

  1. How close to nature do I want to be?
  2. What amenities are essential for my comfort?
  3. Do I want someone to cook for me?
  4. Do I still want to be the creator of my adventure?

The answers to these questions will guide you through selecting the right glamping style for you.

If you still like to be in control, you probably want to create your own glamping adventure. If you need something more luxurious, you may want to select a beautiful glamping resort.

If you want something in between, maybe an RV glamping adventure is right for you.

No matter your preference, make sure to do your research to ensure that you have all the essentials for a great glamping adventure.

Essential Glamping Style

So, if you’ve found your glamping style and you’re ready to head out on your own, here is what you need to know about the glamping options that are available to you.

Later in this section, we’ll give you some great gear options that you’ll want to have if you’re going to create your own glamping adventure.

Tent Glamping

glamping in a tent

Don’t think that just because you’re sleeping in a tent, that you can’t have luxury. Tent glamping is high class stuff.

Hard floors, vaulted ceilings, and enough space for chairs, a regular bed, and even a stove or heater, tent glamping is camping in a tent but better.

If you’re tent glamping on your own, find a campground that has tent platforms, instead of pitching your tent on the ground.

Then, bring the extras – a good bed, some nice chairs, and don’t forget the kitchen and bathroom. Glam up your tent with soft rugs, cozy bedding, and a generator to power lights, a heater, and a hot shower.

RV Glamping

glamping in an rv

This is probably the original glamping, however, today’s RVs and travel trailers take comfort up a notch, even from just a few years ago. Don’t have your own RV? Rent one for your next adventure.

Today’s RVs come complete with multiple televisions, king-size beds, gourmet kitchens, and bathrooms that would put your home to shame.

There are even cool campgrounds that provide extra amenities for RV Glamping like swimming pools, quality restaurants, and well-manicured landscaping and parking areas.

Cabin Glamping

glamping in a cabin

Don’t think that just because you’re in a building, you can’t be close to nature.

Look for those remote cabins that have surprising amenities, like hot tubs, luxurious bathrooms, and well-stocked kitchens.

Tree houses are becoming a great way to glamp in a cabin but with a bit of added fun.

Perfect for families, tree houses and cabins give you plenty of luxury, keep you close to nature and gives that added protection from the elements.

Glamping Resorts

glamping resorts are popular

If you really aren’t into making your own glamping adventure, or if you just want a romantic weekend getaway, consider a glamping resort.

These spots are generally off the beaten path, have all the amenities of a hotel resort, but give you opportunity to be closer to nature.

Teepees and yurts are very popular options at glamping resorts, but they aren’t your average tent. Hardwood floors, running water, feather beds and soft couches and chairs make your tent, feel more like a 5-star resort.

We’ve even heard of glamping resorts that use upgraded travel trailers (usually old Airstream campers) for rooms. The best part of resorts is that you are free to relax without having to worry about keeping up your space, or cooking meals.

Glamping resorts are complete with housekeeping services and full service restaurants.

Glamping resorts aren’t just an American thing either, if you’re looking for a global adventure, and want to be close to nature, there are plenty of options for glamping outside of the U.S.

Essential Glamping Gear

So, if you want to glamp on your own, and don’t want to rely on a resort to make your next camping trip, extra comfortable, here’s some great gear that you’ll want to take along.

Oh, and fair warning, glamping isn’t for the frugal, expect to spend some extra cash for your glamping adventure.

Tent

glamping tent recommendation

If you’re not in an RV, you’re going to need a tent.

This isn’t your average tent.

For added luxury check out the Danchel 4-season family tent.

This tent is big enough for a bunch of people, or just all the comforts of glamping. It even has and opening for your wood stove.

Bed

glamping bed

What you sleep on truly is the difference between camping and glamping. Make sure you have a great bed to sleep on.

Our suggestion, the Coleman Queen Airbed.

The perfect combination of cot and air mattress, this bed is perfect for do-it-yourself glamping.

Combine with plenty of cozy bedding and lots of pillows, and you have the perfect place to sleep.

Generator

glamping rv generator

If you really want to take your camping to glamping, make sure you have a generator.

Powers everything from lights in your tent to your portable hot shower.

Go with a silent power generator. It’s super quiet and makes plenty of electricity for all of your glamping needs.

Shower

showering while glamping

Don’t leave home without a hot shower.

The Ivation portable shower brings the joy of a hot shower to any glamping adventure.

Comfy Chair

comfy chair for glamping

For any glamping adventure, you’ll want something more luxurious than your standard camp chair.

Comfy, yet portable, try the CORE Padded Moon Saucer Chair.

This soft chair has plenty of space, an inflatable headrest and a cup holder.

Kitchen

glamping with a kitchen

If you’ll be cooking your own meals while glamping, you’ll need a great kitchen.

Start with the Camp Chef Camp Oven. Gives you two burners and an oven, perfect for creating gourmet meals.

Combine your stove/oven with a great workspace like the Happybuy Portable Camping Kitchen, you’ll have the perfect cooking area, which is a recipe for success!

Glamping Vs Camping: Which One Is Better?

Well, glamping is your normal camping adventure, made extra comfortable, with some luxurious extras.

When glamping, you’ll never sleep on the ground, and you’ll never have to worry about an icky bathroom, a cold shower or a mediocre meal.

Glamping is everything you love about being in nature and everything you love about home.

Whether you make your own glamping adventure, or you leave the details to the experts, glamping is the perfect way to experience the great outdoors with more than creature comforts.

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