Glamping vs. camping – your questions answered
Spring and summer are the prime seasons to enjoy the great outdoors in all its splendor. There are many ways to do this, but the most immersive experience lies in camping. Of course, camping isn’t for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be challenging or uncomfortable. In fact, a new trend has emerged in recent years — glamping. This allows you to enjoy a rustic camping experience without having to give up the conveniences of home. Read on to learn more about the distinctions between regular camping versus the more upscale glamping.
Where will I stay? One of the nice things about camping is flexibility. When you’re out on your own, you can set up your camp anywhere you like. Pitching a tent can be time-consuming, though, especially if you’ve never done it before. On the other hand, glamping usually means staying in a prefabricated shelter like a yurt or cabin.
What am I going to sleep on? When you’re camping the old-fashioned way, you sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag inside a tent. Savvy campers might also bring an inflatable mattress or foam pad to make the night a bit more comfortable, but that is only if it can fit inside of the tent. Glamping is a bit different — you’ll tuck yourself into a real bed. Some accommodations include luxurious queen size beds that come with fresh sheets and a view of the night sky above.
What are bathroom accommodations like? Using the bathroom and bathing is basically free-form when camping: find a private spot to take care of business, and a clean water source to freshen up. Glamping, by contrast, means you’ll have a full bathroom and running water, possibly even inside the cabin. Some glamping experiences offer spa-like amenities for those looking to feel especially pampered.
What about eating and drinking? When camping, you bring your own food and drink as well as cooking supplies, and you have to prepare the food yourself. Using an open fire to prepare meals can be a fun, one-of-a-kind opportunity for people who love cooking. Those who prefer eating out might enjoy glamping more, because some glamping experiences might include catered meals.
Will I make new friends? Unless you’re on a campground of some sort, the chances of you meeting someone else, let alone someone who’s interested in hanging out, are not great. The nice part about camping is that, for the most part, you can have peace and quiet, and enjoy quality time with whomever else you’re on the trip with. Glamping, on the other hand, offers more structure, and it’s more likely that you’ll have “neighbors” during your stay, making it more of a social experience.
What will I wear? Camping calls for comfortable, durable clothing like jeans, hiking boots, and all-weather jackets. Glamping has no such clothing requirements. Feel free to pack things you’d normally wear, including heels and dresses.
Camping vs Glamping: What Would You Rather? [Peter Greenberg]
11 Differences between Camping and Glamping [RVC Outdoors]