Glamping: The Exact Word for Luxury Camping
Oct 13, 2025
This is an estimate based on typical pricing. Actual costs may vary depending on location, season, and specific provider.
When you picture a night under the stars but with a king‑size bed, a hot shower, and gourmet meals, the term you’re hunting for is glamping. It blends the thrill of outdoors with the comfort of a boutique hotel, and it’s the go‑to phrase for anyone describing upscale camping experiences.
Glamping is a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping" that describes a style of outdoor lodging offering hotel‑level comforts while preserving a connection to nature. It can range from a fully equipped safari tent with air‑conditioning to a designer yurt with polished wood floors. The core idea is the same: you get the experience of being outdoors without sacrificing sleep quality, privacy, or basic conveniences.
Travel writers began using the term in the early 2000s, especially after a series of articles in British outdoor magazines highlighted high‑end tented retreats in the African savanna. By 2005, the phrase appeared in mainstream media and quickly spread online. The rise of social media platforms, where photos of Instagram‑ready tents gathered likes, cemented glamping as a cultural phenomenon.
While glamping is the umbrella term, several related concepts often cause confusion. Below is a quick breakdown of each.
| Aspect | Glamping | Camping |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Safari tent, yurt, treehouse, boutique cabin | Canvas tent, hammock, basic RV |
| Bed comfort | Real mattress, linens, pillows | Sleeping bag or air mattress |
| Facilities | Private bathroom, heating/cooling, Wi‑Fi | Shared or no facilities, rely on campgrounds |
| Cost per night | $150‑$500 (varies by location and unit) | $20‑$50 (basic sites) |
| Typical guest profile | Couples, families seeking comfort, event planners | Backpackers, outdoor enthusiasts, budget travelers |
When talking about your next upscale outdoor getaway, drop the word glamping in these contexts:
Avoid using “glamping” to describe any regular campsite; the term implies a higher level of service and amenities.
Most tourism boards now have a “glamping” filter on their accommodation portals. Search terms like “glamping near me,” “luxury tented safari,” or simply “glamping” on major travel sites will pull up curated listings. Look for the following signals that a site truly offers glamping:
In the UK, the “Luxury Campsites” category on our site already aggregates many vetted glamping spots, ranging from coastal yurts in Cornwall to forest treehouses in the Lake District.
Like any travel choice, glamping has trade‑offs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable sleep and private facilities | Higher cost compared to traditional camping |
| Beautiful natural settings with minimal setup | Limited availability during peak seasons |
| Often includes extra services (breakfast, tours) | May feel less ‘authentic’ to hardcore campers |
| Environmentally friendly designs (solar, composting) | Travel distance to remote sites can be longer |
Yes. Dictionaries such as Oxford and Merriam‑Webster now list glamping as a recognized term for upscale camping.
A glamping tent usually includes a solid floor, insulated walls, electricity, heating or cooling, and a private bathroom, whereas a regular tent is just canvas with no built‑in amenities.
Absolutely. Most glamping locations provide a kitchen or kitchenette, so you can cook your own meals. Some even offer on‑site chefs if you prefer a fully catered experience.
Many are, but policies vary. Look for listings that specifically mention “pet‑friendly” and check any additional fees.
Prices range from $150 to $500 per night, depending on location, accommodation type, and season. Luxury resorts in exotic destinations can exceed $1,000 per night.
If you’re convinced that glamping is the experience you want, follow these quick actions:
Happy glamping!
