What’s the difference between glamping vs camping? Glamping is when you stay in an RV, cabin, yurt, or tent, but still have all the modern amenities like electricity, AC, TV, running water, a bathroom, and others. In contrast, camping is more about “roughing it” or going without most of the creature comforts found at home. So, which one should you choose? Let’s compare the benefits and drawbacks of each to decide.
Glamping vs Camping
Glamping and camping each have their pros and cons. I’ve done a lot of both. Growing up, my parents took my brother and me to state parks to tent or RV camp several times a year. My mom preferred glamping, while we boys didn’t mind roughing it.
Glamping Pros
- Have most or all of the amenities from home
- More comfortable
- Great for young families or less adventurous folks/beginners
- Less to pack
- Safer
Glamping is so popular because it offers many benefits. First, you have access to most or all of the things you would at home, such as a bathroom, kitchen, internet, and electric appliances to keep you comfortable.
Speaking of comfort, glamping is much more comfortable than camping because you’re sleeping in a bed, have AC/heating, and are often near civilization for easy access to food.
Glamping is for you if you have a young family or are uncomfortable with the increased risk of camping. You don’t need the skills of an experienced camper to have a great time.
You also don’t have to pack as much for a glamping trip because the destination has most of what you need to bring.
Lastly, glamping is often safer because you’re not as exposed to nature, and you’re closer to civilization. So, if an emergency does occur, you won’t be too far away from help.
Glamping Cons
- Can’t get off the beaten path for real adventures
- More costly per trip
- Less interaction with nature
- Less environmentally friendly
While glamping is fantastic for some people, it also has many cons that make it less desirable to most outdoor enthusiasts.
Glamping anchors you to a place that many other tourists frequent, so you won’t be able to get off the beaten path and have a unique experience.
One of the most significant drawbacks to glamping is its cost. Renting a cabin or a place to stay is more expensive than camping and setting up a tent.
Glamping might give you a taste of nature, but your nature experience is minimal. So, if you’re one for adventure and an authentic experience with nature, then I recommend camping over glamping.
A deal breaker for a majority of outdoor enthusiasts is how detrimental it is to the environment. Since you have all the modern benefits, you also have all the ways those benefits harm the environment.
Camping Pros
- Less expensive long-term
- More adventurous
- Improves relationships
- Promotes physical fitness
- Unplug from the rush of modern life
- Connect with nature
- Develop new skills
I’m a much bigger fan of camping vs glamping because of all the benefits camping offers. The first is the overall lower expense. Yes, you have to purchase a lot of gear up-front, but the overall cost goes down as you use it repeatedly.
My wife, daughter, and mother are less adventurous than I am, so they prefer glamping to camping. But there’s just something about experiencing the natural world as our ancestors did (or as close as possible) that excites me.
I’ve made many friends while camping and can honestly say my family always feels closer while camping.
Camping is great for your physical well-being because we’re often hiking and playing games that require physical exercise.
My favorite part of camping is the ability (or more like requirement) to unplug and relax. I’m always much less stressed while camping because I’m not constantly checking emails or scrolling social media. Unplugging also helps you connect with nature better. I’ve seen many amazing things I would have missed, had I not been unplugged and camping.
Lastly, camping forces you to grow and develop new skills, which keeps your brain sharp.
Camping Cons
- More risk
- More to pack
- Less comfortable
- Lack of amenities
- Need to purchase a lot of gear ahead of time
- Need to develop special skills
Camping also has several cons that deter many people from experiencing the amazing benefits.
The biggest is the increased risk involved. Since you’re farther away from civilization and more exposed to the elements, you’re at an increased risk of injury.
When camping, be prepared to pack more than you would for a glamping trip. You’ll need to pack food, gear, and safety equipment.
Due to the lack of a bed and electricity, camping is less comfortable. However, I often sleep better while camping than at home, even without the fancy modern amenities.
The biggest hindrances to camping vs. glamping are the need to buy so much new gear and develop unique skills. If you’re up for a challenge, it’s not a big deal, but it can be overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin.
Final Verdict: Glamping vs Camping
Regarding glamping vs camping, my vote is for camping, but I understand it’s not for everyone. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks that make it enticing to various people. If you’re more adventurous, camping is probably your thing. However, glamping is likely your cup of tea if you like to experience nature in small doses. Whichever you choose, get out there and enjoy it.
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