Here’s the difference between glamping and camping

It’s only been a few short years since the word glamping was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Back in March 2018, the dictionary listed the word with the accompanying definition “outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping.” And, according to other linguistic lore, the word itself was first used sometime around 2005. But, some people have been glamping for years while others are wondering what this “glamping” is all about. Consider the following your quick guide to all things glamping: 

Why should you glamp instead of camp? If you are a seasoned camper, giving glamping a go may be just the thing needed to change things up. Another reason to glamp is not everyone enjoys tent camping and rising to greet the day after a rough night on the hard ground. Some people are looking for the perfect mix of outdoor adventure with some of the comforts of home.

For the most part, glamping involves a bit more of sleeping structure than the average tent or even those super high-end tents that sleep the whole gang and are “guaranteed” to keep you warm and cozy despite the outdoor weather. To glamp, you might consider overnighting in a yurt, a tiny home, a cabin, or cottage. 

There’s also the luxury of the indoor facilities that often accompany a glamping trip. No flashlight-required treks to the facilities at 3 a.m. or cold food because the campfire won’t light or the camp stove is on the fritz. Glamping rentals typically have indoor bathroom accommodations as well as well-appointed kitchens. Another plus to a glamping accommodation is that many of them have private fire rings, decks, and outdoor areas designated specifically for enjoying the art of socializing. 

What are good glamping accessories? Most glampers feel the need to up the ante when it comes to accessorizing and some of the most popular glamp gear includes tablecloths, area rugs, comfy camp chairs, and outdoor string lights and solar lanterns to create the perfect glamping ambience. Food and drink options also take a step up and glamping accessories in this category might include a charcuterie board, an espresso maker or French coffee press, as well as Dutch ovens and other “cuisine” cookware for camp. As for outdoor fun, glamping could include an outdoor projector and screen!

When it comes to glamping activities versus camping activities, they are pretty much the same. Most glamping accommodations are in areas that give the glamper the full opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Hike, bike, fish, swim, canoe, or kayak – here’s where glamping and camping meet. Take in beauty of nearby national parks, raft the rapids, paddle serene waters, horseback ride or zip through the trees. We have glamping locations near all these great outdoor adventures. 

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village
Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

Where to glamp? Try our tiny house options in Leavenworth, Washington, Oregon’s Mt. Hood area, near Nashville, Tennessee, or Sedona, Arizona, or the Florida Keys. A spring, summer or fall glamping trip to New Hampshire’s Tuxbury Tiny House Village is a plan-ahead trip. Glamping in a yurt can be an option any time of year at several locations in California, Oregon, and Washington State as well as spring through fall yurt accommodations in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. What about glamping in a teepee? Or a covered wagon? Both are unique accommodations that can be found when glamping with Petite Retreats. Check out our website to see where we have glamping opportunities – whether it’s your first glamping adventure or you’ve been a glamper long before it was an official dictionary entry!

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Glamping – It’s all the Rage!

Yurt • Circle M RV & Camping Resort

It may have become official when the word was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2018, but “glamping” has quietly become quite trendy over the past several years. The word itself it’s a combination, or portmanteau, if you will, of glamour and camping. The concept is simple, combine luxury amenities and accommodations with the outdoor activity of camping, and voila, you’re glamping.

But why has it become such a big thing in the last few years?  Simply put, American’s are looking to combine two of their favorite things – relaxing, and being outdoors with the caveat of making it less stressful when it comes to the accommodations part. No more making sure you arrive before dark so you can see all the tent poles, or waking up with an aching back which may wreak havoc on daytime activities like hiking and canoeing. According to a market research study done by Arizton, the glamping market will reach roughly $1 billion by 2024 in the U.S. Glamping is here to stay!

Glamping certainly amps up an outdoor experience in many ways. Accommodations for glamping are designed to give you the maximum amount of luxury, while staying true to the concept of communing with nature. What today’s glamper is looking for is camping amenities that include unique and quality sleeping options, onsite private kitchens and bathrooms, and a location that is near major attractions but still provides that “off the beaten path” feeling, while not sacrificing resort amenities and facilities.

Yurt Yosemite Lakes Groveland, CA

Of course, whether your camp or glamp, the benefits are still the same. The reduction in stress levels when you go off grid and spend time outside is tremendous.

So, how do you glamp?

First off, unique accommodations such as yurts, cabins, teepees and tiny houses are considered glamping accommodations. Yurts are spacious, and typically can accommodate queen-sized beds, bathroom suites with showers and kitchenettes. Similarly, cabins provide ample space for more luxurious amenities and plenty of space to relax and enjoy your camping company. Teepees are unique, and well, just plain cool. As for the tiny houses, these little darlings are so well-appointed they feel just like home.

Location is also a factor for your outdoor foray to be considered glamping. To be glamping-worthy, your campground should have clean, accessible bathrooms (if your accommodations do not provide private bathrooms), electric hook-ups, onsite amenities like pools and laundry rooms and should be pet-friendly (after all, if you’re a pet-lover, you wouldn’t consider adventuring without your four-legged bestie along for the ride.) Access to recreation should also be available, whether at the location or nearby.

Horses RanchoOso Photo By JulieVader

Some Petite Retreats glamping locations to consider would include:

Yosemite Lakes (Groveland, CA) – Check off access to recreation with Yosemite National Park just up the road, and the campground is pet friendly. As for accommodations, check out the yurts here.

Rancho Oso – The scenery surrounding the campground, which includes Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Ynez River, provides relaxing vibes, while the teepees are ultra-cool for bedding down after a day spent horseback riding or hiking. And yes, pets are welcome.

Mt. Desert Narrows (Bar Harbor, ME) – The rugged east coast location, proximity to Acadia National Park, the cozy cabin accommodations, and the pet friendly attitude make this campground a glamping possibility.

Other items that can make you a glamper include interesting menu items other than traditional camping fare that can be created over your campfire or camp kitchen, fun cocktails, or mocktails, to relax after the day’s events, cozy blankets and chairs to relax in, and aromatics or incense to keep things smelling fresh!

Sunset • Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort

Check out other Petite Retreat locations and get your first glamping experience under your belt. You don’t want to be left out in the cold on this trend!