What is Glamping
When considering Glamping vs Camping, the first question is usually what is Glamping? Glamping is a luxurious form of camping that usually involves staying in a pre-built tent, yurt, cabin, or tiny house where beds, toilets, kitchens, and air conditioning are already available. The idea of glamping is to provide the comforts of home while you’re out in the wilderness.
What is Camping
A traditional camping trip usually involves bringing a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking food on a grill or on an open fire. While camping hygiene is challenging due to the limited availability of bathrooms.
In the glamping cases, the campers have the safety of knowing that there is a bed and they can sleep in it at night. In addition to this, they can enjoy luxuries such as a shower and toilets with running water. Camping doesn’t have any of these luxuries available to you which is why some people believe that it’s not worth it to go camping when these luxuries are available to you in glamping.
11 Key Differences of Glamping vs Camping
Let’s look at some of the main differences between camping versus glamping. Here we explore eleven of them to give you a good understanding of what to expect with each.
1.Type of Structure Glamping vs Camping
There are two types of camping: traditional and glamping. Traditional camping is defined as “a short stay in a tent, camper, or other similar shelters.”
Glamping is defined as “glamorous camping” which is a more upscale opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
The main difference between these two types of camps is that traditional camps usually have low-cost, basic facilities. On the other hand, Glamping sites are offering luxury treehouses, safari tents and even hobbit homes for people to spend the night and enjoy nature. These campsites offer a wide variety of amenities such as Wi-Fi, hot showers and fire pits.
2.Sleeping Accommodations
Glamping, short for glamourous camping, is a lifestyle choice that includes an elevated level of comfort. Glampers often enjoy the comforts of home while they are camping in the wilderness. Some of these comforts may include beds, furniture, indoor plumbing, and electricity.
Sleeping in a tent while camping can be a great way to get in touch with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Sleeping in a sleeping bag makes for a comfortable rest, and there is nothing like waking up to the sounds of nature.
3.Glamping vs Camping type of Bathroom
Glamping bathrooms are the modern-day version of camping bathrooms. They provide a more sophisticated and luxurious experience. Some glamping bathrooms offer state-of-the-art appliances, such as heated tile floors and sinks with filtered water from the tap. This makes it easy for those who want to use their bathroom without leaving their tent or trailer.
Camping bathrooms tend to be more rustic, with some even going as far as using a hole in the ground as the bathroom. Depending on your campsite of choice, you may have community bathrooms with shower and sink amenities.
4.Cooking Areas Glamping vs Camping
Glamping offers many advantages for your cooking area. Glamping will often offer a full kitchen environment with a cooktop, stove, and possibly a microwave. Glamp sites are often set up with electricity which can provide similar comforts to home like coffee makers. Some Glamp sites even have restaurants on-site you can take advantage of.
Camping usually only offers open-fire cooking. While this rustic type of cooking is challenging, it can add fun to your outdoor trip. When done correctly, open flame cooking can add flavor to your meals.
5.Glamping vs Camping: How to Shower
Glamping provides a more comfortable and luxurious experience when compared to camping because you have access to private bathrooms and showers, which make it easier for you to clean your body. Showers are typically located inside the cabin or camper, so they provide an added sense of privacy.
Living in a tent means that you have to take a shower outside in the open. The idea of taking a shower in the open might not appeal to many people. Hygiene while camping is more challenging because water sources can be limited. Portable camp showers are an excellent alternative for campers and work well with proper planning.
6.Coffee while Glamping vs Camping
Often glamp sites will offer a way to make your coffee during a stay. If they do not, then we suggest considering a french press. It’s easy, easy cleanup, and can be used with any kind of coffee that you might have on hand. A French press will require boiling water, but that shouldn’t be an issue at your glamp site.
When it comes to making coffee while camping, there are two main options available. First is coffee on an open fire and the second is camp coffee makers. Coffee on an open fire is great if you just want a quick cup of joe. With camp coffee makers you have a variety to choose from, they offer everything from gas to using an open flame.
7.Glamping vs Camping Temperature Controls
When you are glamping, many glampsites have their own heating and cooling systems to provide you with perfect comfort. Being able to adjust the temperature in your structure is a luxury over camping.
When you are camping, you will typically use a tent. In many cases, campers will have an extra layer of clothing or blankets at night, in addition to their sleeping bag to warm up from the cooler temperatures outside. Also utilizing a campfire during cold nights is a must while tent camping. The heat of summer camping can uncomfortable and many campers rely on batter-powered fans to help keep them cool.
8.Where to Store your Supplies Glamping vs Camping
When glamping you often have furniture in your tent, yurt, or camper. This gives you a great place to store your clothing. Glamping tends to offer refrigerators to store your food. So you shouldn’t have to worry very much about bringing extra coolers or other types of storage containers while glamping.
Camping on the other hand is more rustic and you will want to plan the containers you will need while at your campsite. Backpacks are good to store your clothes and camping accessories. A cooler may be needed to keep your perishable food. Also consider how to keep your food away from animals, and secure your belongings from other humans that may be around.
9.Glamping vs Camping Meal types
Glamping meals can offer a wide variety due to the cooking amenities offered. Depending on your glamping site you make have a full range and oven, microwave, or grill with your glamping unit. These types of appliances offer the advantage of cooking just about any meal you may want.
When camping, you have the option of cooking on an open fire or bringing a camp cookstove with you to cook food on. If you are new to camping these cooking methods will be challenging. However, once you get use to this type of cooking you may find it offers some out-of-this-world flavors.
10.Potable Water Glamping vs Camping
When glamping, water is often provided. Most often your tent will have running water in it for showers, toilets, and the kitchen sink. Depending on the location, you may want to bring a filtration system and filter the tap water for drinking.
While camping, water can be more challenging. Some campsites offer potable water. It is important to be mindful of the quality and safety of this water. If you are uncertain of how safe it is, bring your own bottled water or boil the water before drinking.
11.Glamping vs Camping Neighbors
When glamping, you should expect to have a variety of neighbors. You will be vacationing next to other glamping sites. Typically the glamp site lays out the living areas for you. Normally, your neighbors will be other travelers who want to experience the same thing as you.
Camping is different in the fact that you can choose a location that is isolated from others. If you choose wisely you can feel like you are the last people on earth. If you want to feel part of a community, you can choose a campsite that has other campers near you. Most often people who take advantage of campsites are seeking the same feeling you are. Be sure and check the site’s policy on camping with dogs. Depending on your pet preference you can choose wisely.
What to Pack
Choosing what to pack for glamping is quite different from camping. We have a complete article on the subject including a downloadable packing list for glamping.