When you want to get away for a weekend or more, trading your normal routine for something more adventurous can bring you back to life. Some of us choose to simplify our days down to the bare necessities, while others prefer to surround ourselves with creature comforts. This elevated way of spending time outside has become known by the buzzword “glamping.”
When it comes to camping versus glamping, there’s no right or wrong way to spend your time outside. You might enjoy sleeping on the ground and connecting to the earth, but we don’t blame you if you’d prefer to sink into a plush mattress with a roof over your head.
Let’s talk about what differentiates glamping from regular RV camping, what you might bring to a glamping overnighter, and where you can get a glamping experience.
What is Glamping?
Glamping is the combination of the words “glamor” and “camping.” Glamor camping. Glamping. You get it. Glamping exists on a spectrum, just as camping does. On one end of the spectrum, adding string lights and a down comforter to your regular setup could be enough to elevate your typical camping experience. On the other end, you could stay in an expensive five-star-level canvas tent with a wood-burning stove, spa within steps from your door, and chef-prepared meals at the restaurant next door. Comfort and glamor is in the eye of the beholder.
When it comes to differentiating between glamping and staying at a hotel though, the difference is your proximity to nature. Rather than taking an elevator to your room, you’re walking through the forest along a gravel pathway. You’re showering in a semi-outdoor bathroom instead of a tiled room attached to your bedroom. You’re cooking your meals instead of ordering room service. You’re cozying up by the campfire instead of gathering around the lobby bar.
In summary: Glamping is a creative alternative to staying at a hotel and an accessible way for spending time outdoors without sacrificing indoor comforts.
What Do You Need for Glamping?
Like we talked about, you don’t necessarily have to add new gear to your camping kit in order to go camping. Use what you already have to add touches of home to your space. Bring all the pillows and blankets, your biggest cooler, the heavy lantern, and a warm pair of slippers. Don’t skimp on the little luxuries that will boost your comfort at the campground.
If your glamping trip is an excuse to update your gear, here are a few items we’d suggest:
–Decorative string lights
Is Glamping Family-Friendly?
Yes, absolutely! Just like regular camping, glamping is fun for the whole family. Here are a few ways to make sure each member is involved in the trip: First and foremost, encourage everyone to pack an item that makes them feel cozy and comfortable at camp. Then ask them to suggest a snack, side dish, or dessert that feels indulgent on a camping trip.
When you’re not worrying about AC or warmth, having enough light, getting a good night of sleep, and being close enough to bathrooms, you can stress less, feel rested, and spend more of your time away making memories with your loved ones.
Where Can You Go Glamping?
You can go glamping in an Outdoorsy rig at any campground. Just bring those extra items to enhance your coziness. Looking for something more curated? Across the country, you can find all-inclusive glamping-specific getaways that prioritize your ease in the outdoors.
Outdoorsy Stays
Outdoorsy Stays is our shiny new platform featuring glamping stays like yurts, cabins, treehouses, and more that are hosted by nature-loving folks on their properties. You can book Stays in California now and will soon be able to book spots in Texas and Colorado.
We have big plans to grow quickly and get Outdoorsy Stays anywhere you roll.
In addition to Stays, we’ve just opened a few of the first Outdoorsy-owned campgrounds where you can camp in style:
Outdoorsy Bayfield
Located between Pagosa Springs and Durango in Southwestern Colorado, Outdoorsy Bayfield is a 36-acre park with private fishing, RV hookups, and brand-new glamping tents. Every tent features AC, contemporary furnishings, and restful views of the private lake and river. Forget something? Pop into the cafe and retail store for a snack and swag.
The riverside setting is beautiful all year round, but the campground becomes a sought-after destination in the summer for its vibrant blooms. Book a visit for a romantic getaway, quiet retreat, or basecamp for fishing, mountain biking, and hiking in the nearby San Juan Mountains.
Book a glamping stay at Outdoorsy Bayfield
Outdoorsy Yosemite
Within 18 miles from the national park’s south entrance, Outdoorsy Yosemite is a year-round destination in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevadas. In addition to full hookups and tent sites, we’re renting out rustic cabins with AC and heat, a full kitchen or kitchenette, and indoor-outdoor spaces. Bring your own string lights, charcuterie board, and slippers to glamp up your experience. You can also get an RV delivered and set up for you right at Outdoorsy Yosemite.
Book a glamping stay at Outdoorsy Yosemite
Outdoorsy Hill Country
COMING SOON: On the higher end of the glamping spectrum, Outdoorsy Hill Country is opening fall 2023 with luxurious accommodations. Located outside Fredericksburg, Texas, our newest location will have spa-like bathrooms, the finest linens, AC, and care products from the apothecary of Malin+Goetz. Rest, restore, and rejuvenate at Outdoorsy Hill Country.
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Be forewarned: Once you go glamping, you’ll always want to bring your string lights and slippers camping. And we encourage it! Glamping is for everyone, and camping in comfort means even more people get to enjoy spending nights under the stars.
