There are many ways to enjoy the wilderness. And whether you’re an indoor girl or guy (guilty!) or a person that loves roughing it, glamping is not camping. If you are wondering what the difference is between camping and glamping, here are some easy answers.
Glamping Is Not Camping – Does an RV Count as Glamping?
For those who love the idea of spending time in nature but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, an RV is a perfect way to experience glamping. Unlike traditional camping, where you sleep on the ground in a tent, an RV provides a cozy bed, climate control, and even a kitchen and bathroom. Instead of struggling to build a fire in the rain or shivering in a sleeping bag, you can enjoy a warm meal and a comfortable night’s sleep inside a fully equipped mobile home.
One of the biggest advantages of RV camping is convenience. You can drive to a beautiful RV park, hook up to electricity and water, and enjoy all the comforts of home while still being surrounded by nature. Many parks have amenities like showers, WiFi, and even swimming pools, making the experience even more enjoyable. However, RVs require maintenance, fuel costs can add up, and finding parking in remote areas isn’t always easy. Still, for those who want to explore the outdoors without giving up modern luxuries, an RV offers the perfect balance between adventure and comfort.
So does an RV count as glamping? Absolutely. With comfortable beds, air conditioning, a full kitchen, and even entertainment systems, RVs provide a luxury outdoor experience far from traditional camping. Staying at an RV park adds even more convenience, offering amenities like power hookups, WiFi, and well-maintained facilities to make the adventure stress-free.
Glamping Is Not Camping – What’s the Difference Between Camping and Glamping?
Outdoor enthusiasts come in many flavors. There are the rugged individualists who prefer to “rough it,” carrying everything they need for a few peaceful days in the wild in a backpack. These folks are prepared to protect themselves from changes in weather, insects, and bears and make their own fresh meals with wild game they catch themselves.
Then there are those who love a starry night sky as much as the next person but prefer to sleep off the ground and have their meals prepared for them. If you’re contemplating traveling to a wilderness destination, understanding the difference how glamping is not camping can help you select the type of trip you’ll truly enjoy.
Glamping Is Not Camping – Traditional Camping
Classic camping is a retreat from the stresses of modern living. It gets you out into the wilderness with just what you need to survive. You’ll bring a tent, a sleeping bag, rain gear, bug and bear spray, a change of clothes, and perhaps some freeze-dried and canned food and prepared mixes to supplement the fish you catch.
You’ll build your own fire, cook your own food, and maybe be out of range of WiFi and cell service for a few days. If that’s the case, make sure you’ve told your family exactly where you plan to go and when you expect to be back.
Make sure to have an emergency plan to get help if something goes wrong. Additionally, even if you’re out of cell range, download maps of the area you’ll be in just in case and make notes on how to get there and back should you not be able to pull the maps up on your phone.
Camping lets you get back to the basics, enjoy the beauty of the wilderness, and detach from the relentless schedules of work and home. It’s just the essentials: no camper or bathroom facilities—just you, your tent, the woods, and the sky.
Glamping Is Not Camping – Glamping Facts
The word “glamping” is a mash-up of “camping” and “glamor” or “glamorous.” It still gets you into the great outdoors without renouncing the comforts of home.
Glamping destinations may feature large tents on platforms or cabins or even yurts!) with private bathrooms and comfortable beds with mattresses. More exotic versions include tree houses, yurts, or a tent over a wooden platform standing in a calm, blue ocean cove.
Full-service glamping can be expensive, comparable to a luxury vacation. But you may find it’s worth it when someone shows up to build your fire for you, cook your food, clean your tent, and supply fresh linens for your bed. You may still be able to connect to WiFi and cell service.
If you’re attending a glamping retreat, you may find your hosts have provided luxury restroom trailers with sinks, porcelain flush toilets, and air conditioning. There may even be mobile shower trailers and laundry units.
The difference between camping and glamping is largely a matter of degree. Whether you prefer the independence and simplicity of traditional camping or the amenities of glamping, you’ll feel more relaxed and centered after some time spent communing with nature.
Now that you’ve read the story on why glamping is not camping, hopefully it will help you to decide your next outdoor adventure!