For some people, camping is about what you're willing to endure—the more uncomfortable the outing, the fiercer the flex. It can also be an opportunity to reconnect with nature without modern luxuries. But not everyone wants to "rough it" when overnighting outside—and that's OK too. For those who prefer cozy sleep setups, elaborate camp feasts and other festive fun in nature, glamping might be your calling.
What is glamping?
A portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping," glamping is the latter with a little more personalization, comfort and/or technology than a primitive camper might have.
"In general, at the highest level, I think glamping is an elevated camping experience," said Andrew Kronen, senior product manager for REI Co-op Signature Camping experiences. "But to what degree that elevation manifests itself is a matter of opinion."
Glamping is often done while car camping as opposed to backpacking, given that the additional comfort items usually equal extra ounces (or even pounds) of gear. But you can also rent a cabin, yurt, treehouse, geodesic dome or other accommodation for your glamping experience. Hipcamp is a great resource for finding and securing these sites.
In practice, glamping can look a little different for everyone. One person may focus on their campsite's aesthetic by hanging string lights and adding colorful throw pillows and blankets to their tent. Another may focus on comfort by bringing an extra cozy camp chair or a portable air conditioner. Someone else may bring a comprehensive camp kitchen setup, swapping the hot dogs and beans with fancy crackers and brie melted in a cast iron skillet (Related reading: Camp Recipes).
Who is glamping for?
Glamping is great for anyone, but especially so for people who want to up the cozy factor of their camping trips, for those whose bodies need a little more cushion outside or for anyone who wants to lure their least-outdoorsy friends into sleeping under the stars.
With glamping, you can enjoy nature's offerings without sacrificing your own creature comforts. What's better, it allows you to pick and choose which comforts are most important to you, while leaving the less-important ones behind in favor of an unplugged weekend away. Of course, it goes without saying that glamping can be more expensive than roughing it, particularly if you decide to invest in lodging or nonessential gear (more on that below).
What gear do you need?
Start with the same gear you would bring on any camping trip, including the Ten Essentials. You can refer to our Camping Checklist for a comprehensive guide to the gear you may need. Beyond that, get creative. What you need—or want—for glamping will depend on your style and preferences.
If you want to feel at home while at camp, for instance, consider a palatial tent, a supportive camp chair or even a camp toilet. Love your gadgets? Keep them charged with a solar-powered light and charging station. Outdoorsy aesthetes and cozy campers might want to recline in a hammock, illuminate their surroundings with creative lighting or decorate their space with colorful pillows. (Those couch throw pillows from home work as well.)
Chefs have myriad ways to bring the joy of the kitchen to the campground, with outdoor knife sets, a camp oven and colorful picnic supplies. And because extra ounces matter little when you're glamping, you can bring those special coffee and tea accessories, like grinders, a pour-over maker, a French press and titanium cups to keep your brew warm for hours. Speaking of drinks, anyone who enjoys a libation at camp can consider packing a cocktail shaker, wine tumblers or pint glasses.
Read more: Three Classic Cocktail Recipes—With a Camp Twist
Feel overwhelmed by the options? Try this: Think about what singular item or luxury you miss most while camping, then tailor your experience to fill that gap. For example, if you love sleeping under the stars but don't love the dirt, you might appreciate a camp shower or cot.
Just remember that glamping is very personal. Whether it's a gourmet feast or a string of twinkle lights, ask yourself what will take your connection with nature to the next level. The answer will help you figure out how you want to glamp up your site.
