I am sure that you have heard a conversation similar to this, “I’m going glamping this weekend.” “Oh, you mean camping?” “No, glamping. I don’t camp!” Are you scratching your head yet? Glamping vs Camping, what’s the difference? Are they really 2 separate things? How could they really be that different? Let me explain.
The difference between Glamping and Camping
Glamping is like camping, but you bring items with you that are completely unnecessary other than to make your experience more comfortable. Technically, even an air mattress could be considered a glamping item. However, for the most intense of glampers, a simple air mattress just won’t do!
Our love for glamping has definitely evolved over the years. We started out as tent campers with sleeping bags on the ground. The next time we went away, we added an air mattress and chose a campground with water and electric hookup so we could blow up the air mattress AND use a portable coffee maker. This trend of adding little conveniences continued until we purchase a pop-up camper. The air-conditioner and refrigerator (no matter how small it was!) felt like such luxurious upgrades! Three years ago we traded the pop-up for our travel trailer and gained a bathroom. No turning back from this glamping lifestyle now!
Obvious Differences Between Camping and Glamping:
Where you stay. There is a big difference between the accommodations for camping and glamping. When you go camping, normally, you are out in the woods or on a campsite, with a fire ring and a tent. When you go glamping, you are usually in digs that are a little more cozy, such as a heated/cooled cabin, yurt or tee-pee. You might even have some nice Adirondack chairs to sit in and enjoy your coffee.
Sleeping arrangements. This could be one of the most obvious of the differences between camping vs glamping. While camping, you most likely sleep in a tent, with a sleeping bag. That bag is the only thing in between you and the cold hard ground. Glampers, on the other hand, usually sleep in beds (or air mattresses) with pillows, blankets and sometimes, even comforters!
Restrooms and showers. Campers know that they either have to use the woods or, if they are at a campground, there may be public restrooms available. They also know that they may not shower or it might be a very cold shower. Going to the bathroom in the woods?! A glamper would NEVER! Many glampsites, yurts and cabins are equipped with plumbing, private facilities and hot showers! Or if you are in an RV, you likely have indoor plumbing inside your domicile.
Simple differences between the two:
Campers use open campfires or cook stoves to cook their meals. They also need to take extra measures to protect their food from the local wildlife.
Glampers eat home cooked meals and simply lock their doors to keep their property safe.
Campers have to entertain themselves like it’s 1995, with conversation, music from a battery-operated radio and, MAYBE, a cold soda from the cooler!
Glampers drink chilled wine out of stemless wine glasses and giggle about the newest RomCom they’re watching on Netflix!
Obviously I’m having some fun with the comparisons and campers can certainly enjoy chilled glasses of wine at their campsite and bring electronics and all that good stuff. At its core, glamping is anything that one considers “glamorous” in comparison the primitive camping in the wilderness.
Camping vs glamping, yes, there are differences. However, whether you prefer a tent or an RV, as long as you are enjoying yourself, that is all that matters.
Although I agree with most of you said about glamping vs. camping, I am a tent camper that camps with a queen size blow up mattress that is the height of a normal bed. I decorate my tent with beautiful rugs, flowered camp chairs, and storage containers, that double as end tables. I have most of the comforts of home including a camp kitchen that I put under a separate screen room, which sits near the electrical box so I can run all my electrical appliances. (coffee maker, electric fry pan, induction burner and a small electric toaster oven. Not all of us glampers need to lock our doors at night.
I wholeheartedly agree! As I said in the post, “At its core, glamping is anything that one considers “glamorous” in comparison to primitive camping in the wilderness.” Sounds like you have tent glamping perfected! 🙂