Camping is a time-old activity that seems to get more popular every year. Recently, a new camping trend has emerged – glamping. Glamping is a combination of “glamorous” and “camping.” This trend introduces a new way of experiencing nature by combining the excitement of outdoor activities with the luxury and comfort of modern-day amenities.
If you want to go glamping in Orlando, then you’ve come to the right place! Here’s what the experts are saying about glamping!
Glamping is a new style of camping that uses high-end amenities, which often include fully furnished tents or cabins with beds, running water, and electricity. Some even include built-in heating and air conditioning. Glamping allows people to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the amenities of a hotel.
Regular camping involves being in nature with minimal equipment. On average, campers only use a traditional tent, sleeping bag, and a campfire for cooking and warmth. Both glamping and camping are ideal things to do in Orlando for adults, and each one has its own benefits.
Ultimately, glamping or camping is a personal preference, and many people enjoy both! Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of each.
Glamping is often considered to be more advantageous than traditional camping. But like any other experience, there are pros and cons to consider.
1 | Comfort | Glamping takes comfort to a new level compared to regular camping. Having pre-set tents or fully furnished cabins lets you enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing convenience. Glamping is ideal for those who don’t want to rough it out in nature.
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2 | Amenities | A lot of glamping sites, such as Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, provide guests with luxurious amenities that make for an unforgettable experience.
Having modern amenities is what makes glamping so appealing to people who may not be interested in the traditional methods of camping, such as using communal bathrooms or cooking over a campfire.
3 | Unique Experiences | One of the most notable advantages of glamping is the unique experiences it offers compared to traditional camping.
For example, many sites offer fun activities, such as beautiful nature trails for some of the best horseback riding in Orlando, as well as fishing, boating, hiking, campfire cooking, and more outdoor activities to make your glamping adventure unique every time.
Furthermore, many glamping sites are situated in forests, near lakes and mountains. This gives glampers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with nature in an extraordinary way.
Price: Compared to traditional camping, where you have minimal equipment, glamping usually has a higher price tag because of the luxury amenities and services. You can expect to pay at least $100 per night to glamp somewhere, but certain locations can cost much more. You might find some glamping spots to be just as expensive as staying at a hotel or resort. While many guests don’t mind paying for the amenities and location, it is something to be mindful of when planning a trip.
Limited Options: Although the glamping trend continues to grow in popularity, there are limited options compared to a large number of traditional campsites. However, at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, there are plenty of options, including teepees, Conestoga wagons, tents, and more! There are significantly fewer glamping sites, and may even require booking a reservation far in advance, especially in popular areas.
Not Fully Immersed in Nature: If you’re looking for an authentic, by-the-books outdoor experience, you may not feel as immersed in nature with glamping.
Reconnect With Nature: It may be more convenient and luxurious, but glamping may not offer the same level of connection with nature that some campers want. This is further exacerbated by the inclusion of modern amenities, which can take away that sense of adventure.
Traditional camping is an activity that emphasizes simplicity and self-reliance. For many avid campers, traditional camping represents the opportunity to go off the grid for a little while and immerse oneself in nature.
But, similar to glamping, there are benefits and challenges to be aware of.
1 | Immersion in Nature | Unlike glamping, traditional camping gives people the chance to fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re sleeping under the stars or waking up to the sounds of rustling leaves and singing birds, traditional camping allows you to fully connect with the environment.
2 | Lower Cost | Traditional camping is far more affordable than glamping. This is due to having very little equipment. On average, you’ll only have a tent, sleeping bag, and simple cooking gear, so you can enjoy a budget-friendly getaway.
Furthermore, campsites are often inexpensive and even free in some cases, making traditional camping more accessible than glamping. The amenities available at most campgrounds can ultimately help you save money on your trip. Be sure to always research ahead so you know exactly what you’ll need to bring.
The total cost to start camping can be hefty, however. You may spend $300-$1,000 on initial supplies, such as a tent, hiking gear, camping equipment, proper clothes and footwear, sleeping bags, etc.
Keep this in mind as you budget for your trip.
3 | Self-sufficiency | Unlike glamping, where you have modern amenities, traditional camping actively encourages you to rely on your own skills and resourcefulness.
From gathering materials to start a campfire to setting up the tent yourself, camping is an activity that helps you build confidence and gain practical knowledge.
When you go camping for the first time, pick a campground that has a lot of people and amenities to make your trip easier. For example, a campground with a kitchen or grill will be much easier for a beginner than one that makes you rely on a camp stove or fire.
Lack of Amenities: Traditional camping means giving up modern conveniences like soft beds, gourmet meals, and private bathrooms. While unplugging and enjoying nature is rewarding, it can be challenging for those unprepared for a simpler lifestyle. For beginners, choosing a campground with amenities can make the transition easier. Avoid remote areas with poor cellular service or limited access to help. Beginner-friendly campgrounds offer a welcoming environment for easing into outdoor living.
Weather Dependency: Camping is highly affected by weather, with rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures posing significant challenges. Unlike glamping, traditional camping lacks weather protection, exposing you to the elements. Plan trips during favorable weather and avoid flood-prone areas to stay safe. Proper preparation helps ensure a more enjoyable experience.
Less Control Over Your Surroundings: Traditional camping offers less control over unpredictable elements like noisy neighbors, wildlife, and unfamiliar settings. Research local wildlife and pack appropriately to ensure safety. While some enjoy the unpredictability, it can cause anxiety for beginners. Opt for popular, well-reviewed locations to ease into camping with confidence.
Choosing between glamping and traditional camping depends on your goals, the type of experience you’re looking for, and your personal preferences. Many outdoor enthusiasts emphasize both options cater to different audiences. Glamping is a more optimal choice for people who want to prioritize comfort and convenience.
Traditional camping is better for those who are seeking out an immersive adventure where they can rely on their skills. Anyone who is new to the camping scene or traveling with family members who may not enjoy the rugged terrain makes glamping a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors.
Glamping is also ideal for those who are looking for a romantic getaway or want to take a celebratory trip. Traditional camping is the perfect option for people who are looking for a challenge that can hone their skills or are seeking out a more cost-effective approach to immersing themselves in nature.
Here’s a brief guide to help make your decision easier:
When You Should Go Camping
You want to fully immerse yourself and temporarily disconnect from the modern world.
You’re on a strict budget and prefer a cost-effective outdoor experience.
You want to challenge yourself by setting up your own shelter, cooking over a campfire, and want to embrace a minimalist lifestyle.
When You Should Go Glamping
You prefer having comfort and convenience during your outdoor adventure.
You’re traveling with people who don’t enjoy the challenges of traditional camping.
You want a more unique experience by staying in treehouses or safari tents.
You’re planning a romantic getaway or celebrating a special occasion.
You’re looking for a hassle-free trip where amenities and meals are pre-arranged.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Camping vs. GlampingThe key difference is comfort and amenities. Glamping offers luxurious accommodations like furnished tents or cabins with beds, electricity, and running water, while traditional camping involves minimal gear and a more rugged, back-to-nature experience.
Yes, glamping tends to be more expensive due to the added amenities and services, such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, and gourmet dining options. Traditional camping is typically more budget-friendly.
Absolutely! Glamping provides a safe and comfortable environment for families with kids who may not be ready for the challenges of traditional camping, making it a great way to introduce them to nature.
Yes! Glamping allows you to enjoy nature with activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and campfires—just with added comfort and convenience.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Spark Glamping.
Definitely! Many glamping sites offer unique accommodations like treehouses, yurts, or safari tents, making them perfect for couples looking for a cozy and memorable experience.
Most glamping accommodations come with private or shared restrooms, running water, and even spa-like facilities, depending on the location.
Yes, traditional camping requires more self-sufficiency, such as setting up a tent, building a fire, and cooking outdoors, making it ideal for those looking to develop survival skills.
Yes! Orlando has a variety of glamping sites that offer beautiful natural settings with modern comforts, perfect for a unique outdoor adventure.
It depends on the group. Glamping is great for those who want an easy, relaxing trip, while camping is ideal for adventurers who enjoy working together to set up camp and explore the outdoors.
Glamping is often the best choice for beginners because it provides a comfortable introduction to the outdoors. However, if you’re looking for a challenge, traditional camping can be a rewarding experience.
When deciding whether glamping is better than traditional camping, it’s important to keep your personal preferences and the type of outdoor experience you’re looking for in mind. Glamping provides people with a convenient and luxurious way to enjoy nature without having to sacrifice personal comfort.
Meanwhile, traditional camping provides an immersive yet rugged connection to nature, which is more appealing to those who want an adventure based on simplicity and self-reliance.
It’s important to note that there is no “objectively” better option. Both glamping and regular camping have their own unique charm and cater to different audiences. This is why it’s important for you to understand the pros and cons of each option, so you can choose the one that allows you to make the most of your time in the great outdoors!
From hiking the beautiful state and national parks to taking a ride on one of the many (occasionally haunted) hayrides in Orlando, get more tips and guides to Florida’s great outdoors on our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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My five-year-old daughter gazed skyward at the Milky Way, while nearby, my wife and I unloaded backpacks, a cooler, and an extensive collection of stuffed animals from our Subaru.
After a few “oohs” and “ahhhs,” we unzipped the safari tent, climbed into a comfy queen-sized bed, and passed out.
So kicked off our recent Memorial Day Weekend trip to Southern Colorado where we hiked, visited a national park, and (most importantly) caught up on our sleep. This last activity was made possible by our secluded glamping site.
That’s right: after decades of sleeping in ultralight tents or under the stars, I have recently embraced glamping (much like a few Outside contributors before me). And after a handful of glamping trips under my belt, I’ve come to some conclusions about this supposedly luxurious activity.
For one thing, glamping is the ideal gateway drug for getting your kids hooked on camping—cue the s’mores and fireside ghost stories. And in some areas of the country, glamping is actually more accessible than traditional tent camping.
But my biggest takeaway is that glamping has an identity crisis, or at the very least a branding problem—because most people still think of the pasttime as a glamorous one.
And it’s not.
I still remember the first time I came across the term glamping almost 20 years ago in a New York Magazine story about supermodel Kate Moss and actor Johnny Depp attending Britain’s Glastonbury Music Festival. They slept in lavish canvas tents, were served gourmet meals and booze, and generally had a fabulous (if overpriced) time.
As the years rolled by, the word entered the American lexicon to define a new type of resort experience in which the wealthy paid a premium to tiptoe right up to the edge of bonafide camping without, ya know, pitching a tent. Stories in The New York Times and other mainstream media outlets told of glamping destinations with five-star menus, massages, and even ornate tree dwellings that would make the Swiss Family Robinson drool with envy.
But today, glamping is no longer reserved for the affluent. To search “glamping” on the campsite finder Hipcamp is to come across a wide array of semi-permanent dwellings, from yurts, to TPU-coated polyester tents, to cabin-tent hybrids. Half of Hipcamp’s glampsites sit on properties that also offer traditional tent camping.
On the high end, you can pay several hundred dollars a night. On the low, less than $75.
“People think glamping is luxurious and exclusive, and that is such a loss for the outdoor industry,” says Alyssa Ravasio, the CEO of Hipcamp. “People assume it’s going to be expensive, and think, ‘If I’m going to spend that much money, I’ll just go to a hotel.'”
I recently called Ruben Martinez, who operates a glamping trade organization called The American Glamping Association. He told me that the majority of the businesses in his network are essentially semi-permanent tents erected on private land.
Even within this group, there’s a wide array of accoutrements. There’s probably a bed, and maybe even a port-o-potty, but not always, and you can pretty much forget about the massage.
“It’s not like a hotel or a bed and breakfast, where customers know exactly what they’re going to get,” Martinez said.” And right now, the wide range of experiences can cause confusion when people think about glamping.”
I am a terrible planner, and this deficiency means that holidays and three-day weekends always catch me by surprise. This is a huge no-no in Colorado, where reserving a traditional campsite is akin to scoring Taylor Swift tickets.
Every spring, thousands of would-be campers sit at their computers just before the booking windows open on Rec.gov and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation pages. Within a few hours, most campsites are booked out for all the major summer holidays.
But that’s not the case with glamping sites. In I started my search just one week before Memorial Day weekend, and I quickly found two open glampsites near Great Sand Dunes National Park.
This year I was even lazier. On the Wednesday before the holiday weekend, my wife and I made the rash decision to return to the Sand Dunes. After a brief search, we found a glamping site on a farm near Salida, Colorado. This setup was even more bare bones—no bathroom.
Why are glampsites available when traditional campsites book out months in advance? My experts listed a few reasons. For starters, there’s the perception problem I mentioned above.
“Some people just don’t want to be associated with the word ‘glamping,’“ Martinez said. “The branding is still a hurdle for them.”
And yet, the inventory of glamping sites is rapidly expanding. Martinez told me that he receives about five calls each day from private landowners who want to pitch a tent and start a glamping operation. Ravasio said the number of glamping sites on Hipcamp increased by 25 percent from to .
“Unfortunately we’re not building many more traditional campsites on public land right now,” Ravasio said. “I wish that wasn’t the case.”
Of course the price tag also keeps competition lower. I’ve paid between $65 and $100 a night for glampsites, double or triple the cost of a traditional tent campsite. But it’s still half the cost of staying at a hotel or an Airbnb. And I also didn’t have to buy a tent to replace the 35-year-old one in my garage.
“If you don’t already own all of the gear, glamping is the most affordable and accessible way to get outdoors,” Ravasio added.
Some parents can take their toddlers on long backpacking trips deep into the wilderness. And then, there are the rest of us.
My wife and I learned early on that we are in the latter group. So, when it came time to finally take our daughter to sleep outdoors, a glamping setup, with a bed and sturdy tent, seemed enticing.
Martinez, who has two older children, said he and his wife took their oldest daughter tent camping when she was just six months old.
“It was an absolute disaster,” he said. “It got colder than we anticipated, so my wife took her into the car and they tried to sleep there. I wondered, ‘Are we ever going to camp again?'”
Giving parents an easy entry point to camping is perhaps the most alluring attribute of glamping. According to Ravasio, families are the biggest group booking glamping vacations on Hipcamp, and the number of family glamping trips on the site has tripled since .
“If you are leaving town Friday after school and arriving that night, not having to set up a tent is a huge improvement to your experience,” Ravasio said. “For a lot of families, that’s the best way to give it a try.”
Our glamping trip fit this description. Our daughter reveled in roasting marshmallows and staring at the stars.
Our glamping tent included a thick comforter and even a propane space heater. These accoutrements saved our weekend when a late-May tempest blew across Colorado’s San Luis Valley one night. The temperature plummeted, and fierce winds buffeted the tent walls. Rain bucketed down and thunder echoed through the valley.
Squeezed between us in the bed, my daughter listened wide-eyed to the storm before drifting off to sleep. When it was light, the two of us strolled around the campsite inspecting the damage that the storm had caused to those with traditional tent setups: tarps and rainflies were strewn about, and some campers hung their rain-soaked sleeping bags on car hoods. People were bleary-eyed and grumpy.
My daughter, meanwhile, skipped through the parking lot toward the port-o-potty, a stuffed animal under each arm.
I recently came across a op-ed in the Times written by former Outside contributor Chris Solomon. In the piece Solomon wrote that glamping is “the worst thing to happen to public camping since poison ivy.”
“Not one fire ring should be cordoned off only for those who can pay triple-digit rates to sleep under the stars,” he wrote.
While I agree with Solomon’s sentiment, I feel like the contemporary glamping landscape no longer reflects the luxurious and pampered industry he was raging against a decade ago. And as I’ve quickly converted to glamper status, I’ve often wondered if the outdoor industry needs to either redefine the experience, or at the very least ditch the “glam” part of the word.
I posed this question to both Ravasio and Martinez, and it turns out they were both way ahead of me.
Martinez said his membership base has kicked around a few different terms, such as “Unique Structure” and “Direct Access,” but thus far, nothing has replaced the term.
Ravasio said Hipcamp has tried to loosely define the activity under the title “Structures” and “Outdoor Hospitality,” but that everyone eventually comes back to the 20-year-old word.
Even I have been unable to break free from the word’s clutches. During my call with Ravasio, we both attempted to come up with a new name. After a long pause, we were both stumped.
“Glamping—it’s like this jingle that just sticks in your brain,” Ravasio said. “It’s just too catchy.”
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