Are you vying for a unique outdoor adventure but roughing it in a tent on the wet ground isn’t your idea of fun? But also, you really don’t want to stay in some stuffy hotel? Glamping getaways are just what your outdoor soul is looking for! Just pack your bags, and experience these quintessential camping adventures that take you above and beyond the typical dirt floor tent.
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Glamping Getaways Luxury Camping Outdoors
What is GLAMPING?
According to Forbes, Glamping is recognized as one of the hottest travel trends of 2020.
Glamping, short for glamorous camping, is a form of camping but with a the comforts of home; all while enjoying nature, literally, right outside your door.
You get a bit of upscale amenities not typically associated with traditional tent camping without going overboard like stuffy hotels.
- In 2019, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) reported nearly a third of North American travelers have taken a glamping trip. KOA claims that glamping frequency is highest among travelers who reside in the western U.S.
Interesting to note, the glamping trend seems to be fulfilling travelers’ desire for a unique vacation experience as 64% of travelers agree that glamping provides a unique outdoor experience.
These nontraditional camping alternatives may offer more comfortable mattresses, kitchenettes, private showers and bathrooms. And most have beautiful patio decks to enjoy your morning coffee alongside a lake or stream with million dollar mountain views.
In other words, these type of glamping experiences are a fun alternative to camping without waking up crippled from sleeping on the ground or getting dirt everywhere you don’t want it.
So, where are these types of glamping experiences? Well, get your bags packed because we’re going to go on a little trip and see!
Why Glamping Getaways are better than…?
First, traditional camping requires you to either buy or rent a plethora of camping gear; including a tent, sleeping bags, campfire cooking tools, and everything under the sun to make your camping adventure fun and memorable.
But EEESH!! First, you have to pack it all into your so-called SUV like Tetris. Then, cart it all to the campground, set it all up. And once you finish living in the dirt and mud like Bigfoot, it’s time to take it all down again.
Finally, when you get back home, you have to unload it all again, clean and dry it all out, and pack it all away.
By then, I know what you’re thinking. You think in your mind, “it will be a long day in hell before I do that again.” All that money spent on camping gear and time could be used for a better solution.
On the flip side, while posh hotels are luxuriously nice, they are just a place to sleep and get a long hot shower.
Other than providing your own cozy room locked in a multi-story, stone building, hotels bear expense of offering very little peace and minimal scenic atmosphere. Rarely do hotels offer that step outside to the wilderness vibe.
And let’s be honest here. Hotels are most often are crowded with noisy kids running up and down the hallways.
Or, they’re jumping on the bed in the room above you while your trying to catch some sleep. And that free breakfast of sugar-packed day-old pastries and what is that crap that they call coffee?
But if you do want a hotel in a highly scenic or tourist area close to hiking and outdoor recreation.
But guess what? After enjoying a day of paddling the river or hiking, you still have to go back to that generic stone building with masses of crisp, white sheet-seeking tourists who are doing the same.
Well, did that paint the picture of your ideal outdoor getaway that you’re vying for?
You’re probably now wondering are there other options to enjoy the outdoors without setting up all that camping gear or staying in some over-priced hotel?
Where are these places where can you wake up from a comfy night’s sleep in a real bed but with nature literally right outside your door?
Well, glamping getaways may be what you’re looking for. They are a great way to enjoy the ritzier side of camping, yet still enjoy the campfires, lightening bugs and waking up to the great outdoors!
Types of Glamping Getaways
Glamping styles vary. Typically, Glamps are sturdy shelters that protect you and your family from the elements yet still give you that camping ambiance.
Campgrounds, RV parks and RV resorts have jumped on board in offering glamping experiences to traditional camping.
These so-called glampgrounds are still in the vicinity of those camping in tents and RVs. They are for those who want to share the same principle of peace.
Country Living magazine even shares their 28 of the absolute must-see glamping destinations across the U.S.
From geometric mountainside pods to decked-out shelters and charming getaways by the ocean, you’ll want to keep these venues in mind when you’re planning your next vacations. So, why wouldn’t you want to try this new form of camping?
Many campgrounds and RV parks now offer glamping options in cabins, cottages, and casitas.
There’s even a sprinkle of campgrounds renting out yurts, tipis and room tents for a unique glamping experience! National campground chains like KOA and Jellystone Parks have cabins and cottages for rent.
And now, glamping is even reaching into the motocamping sector.
In fact, we wish we would have known about this nontraditional camping when we were motorcycle nomads! They sure would have beat the expensive hotel lodging we mentioned in the beginning of this article.
But, let’s not forget that these can also be sources to those traveling via bicycle or if you need a break while on your summer hiking adventure.
We’ve even learned that HipCamp affords members opportunities to search for and book glamp camps and more luxurious camping options such as cottages and cabins.
They even offer camping in beautiful tree houses in the woods!
So, if you are looking for a nontraditional camping adventure, glamping getaways may be the answer to prayer!
And you know what the best part is? You don’t have to fork out a ton of money on an RV. And you certainly don’t have to spend a wad on camping gear and a leaky tent that you’re only going to use once.
Let’s see what those five glamping options that may interest you and your family.
Tipis, Room Tents and Luxury Tents
Did you even know tipis, room tents and luxury tents are even such a glamping thing?
For those campers who still want the feel of tent camping but want the comforts of a real bed and mattress with a coffee pot by their side, this is tent camping…I mean tent glamping at it’s best!
These luxury tents remind me of the tents used in the Civil War reenactments. But today, they have more modern amenities.
Also called room tents, they are typically less expensive than cabins as they don’t have a kitchenette nor bathroom.
So, if you’re going to rent one, our advice is to make sure it’s within comfortable walking distance to the campground bathroom.
But, if you’re wanting more luxury complete with a bathroom and more modern features, you can channel your search and find more posh amenities like this luxury tent rental above just 7 miles from Glacier National Park!
Check out these tent lodging options in the United States:
Yurts
Yurts have existed for thousands of years in Central Asia. A yurt is a circular heavy-duty tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework that’s still used by nomads in Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey.
Today, they are ideal dwellings now for outdoor recreation and camping. These camping alternatives have become quite popular in the United States. Yurts typically consist of a single room that includes bed, a sleeper sofa and seating areas.
These round tents are a fun, more traditional camping alternative but without being bound by four hardwood walls like cabins.
You still can hear all the sounds that go bump in the night or crickets that serenade you to sleep. But with spaciousness and comfortable bed (some even come with bunks!) all in one room.
We’ve noticed that yurt glamping has become quite popular in state parks and campgrounds all around the United States.
Cool Yurt Glamping Getaways:
Pocahontas State Park – Chesterfield, Virginia
Lake Raystown Resort – RVC Outdoor Destination – Pennsylvania
Cabins
Cabins are great glamping options if you’re more into the camping seen. They are typically a small wooden house situated in a more naturalistic campground. They usually have a small kitchenette and small bath with a shower. Cabins most often, consist of a bedroom or two. Some may offer multiple bunk beds for big families. and seating area.
While some cabin rentals may provide bedding and towels, most require you to bring your own sheets, blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.
Cabin rentals can be found everywhere. For example, KOA campgrounds and Jellystone RV Resorts have their signature log cabins peppered throughout their campgrounds nationwide.
Both make fantastic glamping getaways for families to make great vacation memories. You can rent a cabin with one bedroom to several depending on your family’s needs and wishes.
We’ve also notice them available to rent at various State Parks as well as private campgrounds. They even can be rented on Booking.com.
While they are still offer a similar camping experience with chuck wagons, campfires, pools, and scavenger hunts, they offer those homey amenities without worrying about waking the couple sleeping in under your room.
Affordable cabin glamping getaways opportunities:
Cottages
Camping meets tiny house! Cottage glamping is stepping it up from the traditional cabins found in campgrounds. Now, RV resorts have caught on that not everyone wants to own a $300,000 RV to enjoy the posh life in resorts.
These cozy cottages are glamping getaway favorites for younger couples and small families.
They are typically under 400 square foot but with all the amenities of a home; including the coffee maker, crisp white linens and comfy couches to enjoy an evening movie.
Newer cottages like the ones above at Live Oak Landing in Florida are trailered in like an RV with all the hookups but with the appeal of a home. Their are set on blocks on a site with utilities hooked up underneath.
These tiny house cottages may have short lofts; perfect for little ones to camp out upstairs or play quietly while Mom and Dad sip coffee or wine on the outdoor deck.
Casitas
Casitas are typically a southwest form of hospitality venue. They include a small bedroom and kitchenette. The main room is living quarters by day and turns into a bedroom at night.
Casita glamping is more of a rendition of a studio apartment bound by four walls of a separate home-like dwelling. They are generally found arranged in uniform rows at RV resorts or higher end campgrounds.
They have their own driveways that lead onto a small patio deck made into an outdoor living space.
Read your contract
As well, just like any lodging rental, they may have holiday, weekend and seasonal rates which are usually higher.
Usually the full amount will be required at the time the reservation is made for reserved stays during a federally recognized holiday or holiday weekends (U.S.).
Also keep in mind that most glamping getaway destinations require a minimum of a 2-night stay; especially during high seasons and holidays.
They typically don’t allow pets except for ADA compliant Service Dogs. That said, if they do allow pets, guests may incur an additional pet charge.
Oh, and since we’re full-time RVers, we want to share this cool tip with you.
If you wish to have your family or friends meet with you at a cool destination, these glamp lodging options are the perfect venue. They can have their own comfortable space while still enjoying being near you!
There are great more rustic sleeping quarters at KOA (Kampgrounds of America) and Jellystone RV camping resorts that have cottages and cabins. As well, many State Parks may offer cabins, cottages or even yurts to rent.
In my opinion, they are far better lodging alternatives than staying in some roach motel or stuffy high-priced hotel that sits on a concrete slab alongside the highway.
Worldwide Glamping Getaways
Booking.com lists their top worldwide glamping getaways where you can enjoy the outdoors vibe without sleeping on the dirt.
- United Kingdom – 1014 Glamping Sites
- South of France – 713 Glamping Sites
- South-East France – 425 Glamping Sites
- Adriatic Coast – 410 Glamping Sites
- India – 582 Glamping Sites
- Italy – 554 Glamping Sites
- Croatia – 422 Glamping Sites
- Colombia – 391 Glamping Sites
- Australia – 278 Glamping Sites
- Germany – 232 Glamping Sites
- Spain – 226 Glamping Sites
- South Africa – 265 Glamping Sites
- Morocco – 296 Glamping Sites
Are you ready to experience a glamping getaway?
So, what do you think about all of these non-traditional camping alternatives? All of these glamping getaways can be rented out just like a hotel, campground or RV site.
I hope by showing you these unique alternatives to nontraditional camping, that you will get you out to enjoy nature without the hefty hotel bill or sleeping in a bag on the ground in a tent.
Not that tent camping is a bad thing but when you’d prefer a little more comfort, these are great places to relax in the outdoors.
To be quite honest, glamp camping in its’ own sense is more peaceful. Isn’t that the point of glamping?
Other cool camping articles
Family Camping Safety Tips and Tricks
LEAVE NO TRACE: Pack in Pack Out Rules of Camping
Best Camping and RV Trip Planning Resources
Campground Etiquette: Camping Rules to Remember
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