Glamping: what it is and how it differs from camping

Key takeaways

• Glamping combines the beauty of the outdoors with hotel-level comfort, merging nature with a resort-like experience.
• Unlike traditional camping, glamping accommodation comes fully set up with real beds, bathrooms and amenities, with no gear to pack or tents to pitch.
• Glamping properties can run all year round thanks to climate-controlled structures built to handle any weather.

Ever wondered what it's like to sleep under the stars without giving up your comfortable bed? That's glamping. Short for "glamorous camping," glamping lets you enjoy nature without roughing it out.

Think cozy safari tents, treehouses, yurts and even glass domes with breathtaking views, all equipped with real beds, electricity and sometimes even private bathrooms.

Unlike traditional camping, where you're pitching a tent and cooking over a fire, glamping accommodation comes fully set up and ready for you. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend escape or a family adventure, a glamping rent gives you the best of both worlds: the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of a boutique hotel.

In this article, we'll cover what glamping is, its key benefits, how it differs from camping, popular accommodation options, pricing and how to run a successful glamping business.

What is glamping?

Glamping is a style of camping that combines outdoor experiences with luxury amenities and comfort, offering a more glamorous alternative to traditional camping.

Glamping is a relatively new concept, with the term first coined in 2005 in the U.K. and added to the Oxford Dictionary only in 2016. It is designed to appeal to those looking for the disconnection of the outdoors but wanting real mattresses, running water and an actual toilet instead of an outhouse, as well as a one-of-a-kind experience.

Glamping comes in many forms, from safari tents to yurts, camping cabins and tree houses.

Amenities change depending on the type of accommodations, but can be kitchenettes, electricity, running water and more – all of which you would not expect with regular camping facilities. It's a way of providing a singular experience in nature with the comforts of a hotel.

Benefits of glamping

Glamping has grown in popularity for good reason. Here are the top reasons travelers keep returning:

Hotel comfort with no hassle

For many, a holiday doesn’t mean spending the night on the floor in a sleeping bag. This is where glamping comes in.

It's a convenient way of exploring the outdoors while still having the comforts of a hotel-type accommodation. You get all the benefits of camping without having to blow up an air mattress, pack a ton of supplies or set up a tent.

The ideal nature-luxury balance

With glamping, you can immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying modern comforts such as a comfortable bed and running water.

Additionally, you get to be in an incomparable location, like on a safari in Africa. These destinations might not have the infrastructure or permits available to build traditional hotels in such conditions.

All-season comfort

Unlike camping, which is not ideal in cold weather or extreme heat, glamping is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. Accommodations are typically built to withstand any weather conditions. They may include floor heating, space heaters or even a fireplace to keep you warm in cold weather.

When you go camping in the summer, the morning sun can turn your tent into an oven before you even wake up. Glamping properties typically take care of this with fans, air circulation or other cooling options built into the accommodation.

Family-friendly adventure

While kids tend to love camping, adults with limited vacation time want to enjoy themselves with some simple luxuries. This is why glamping is ideal for the whole family.

No matter what type of accommodation you manage, meeting your guests’ expectations is essential.

Key differences between glamping and camping

Glamping and camping get you outdoors, but the experience could not be more different.

Here's a quick breakdown of where the two really part ways:

As glamping continues to grow, the gap between the two experiences is only getting wider. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that combine the beauty of the outdoors with comfort, convenience and memorable accommodations.

Popular glamping accommodation options

Glamping comes in many shapes and sizes, giving operators plenty of options to match their location and target guests.

Here's a look at the most popular accommodation styles and what to keep in mind when setting your pricing:

Different glamping tent styles

• Safari tents are a popular choice, typically built on wooden platforms with real beds and enough space to move around comfortably.
• Bell tents offer a circular layout with a central pole design, making them a good fit for couples looking for a romantic outdoor getaway.
• Yurts bring together traditional design and modern comforts like electricity and heating, and their insulation makes them a strong option for year-round use.
• Geodesic domes are growing in popularity for their striking look and ability to offer guests an open, panoramic connection to their surroundings.

Glamping tent rental costs

• Glamping rent pricing depends on several factors, including location, the amenities on offer and the time of year.
• Operators should research what similar glamping accommodation types are charging locally before locking in their rates.
• Seasonal demand, operating costs and your property's unique selling points should all shape your final pricing strategy.
• Premium glamping tent rentals can command higher rates when backed by standout service and an exclusive setting.

How can you convert camping into glamping?

Turning a campsite into a glamping property does not require a complete overhaul. A few key upgrades can make a big difference in the experience you offer guests.

Here is where to start:

1. Get the right software in place first, as a reliable reservation management system like Mews helps you track bookings, manage guest requests and keep every reservation accounted for.

2. Upgrade your sleeping setup by replacing blow-up mats with real mattresses, adding feather duvets and swapping basic pillows for softer, hotel-quality ones.

3. Give your guests the hotel comforts they love, even in the great outdoors, including controlled temperatures and luxurious bedding.

4. Plan bathroom access in advance, and if your tents or cabins don’t have private bathrooms, ensure that shared facilities are clean, well-maintained and conveniently located near guest accommodations.

The glamping boom is not slowing down, and the upgrades you make today are what will set your property apart tomorrow.

Power your glamping business with seamless operations using Mews

Running a glamping property comes with its own set of challenges. You are managing multiple accommodation types, handling seasonal pricing and trying to deliver a guest experience that lives up to the premium you charge. The last thing you need is clunky software slowing you down.

That's where the Mews cloud-native property management system (PMS) comes in.

Unlike traditional property management systems, it runs entirely in the cloud, meaning you can manage your glamping operation from anywhere, on any device and at any time.

Here is what Mews helps you do:

• Manage reservations across different glamping accommodation types from one central dashboard.
• Automate guest communications from the moment they book until check-out.
• Handle dynamic pricing to match seasonal demand and stay competitive.
• Process secure payments without manual follow-up.
• Connect to 1,000+ integrations to build a tech setup that fits your property.

From small setups to large properties, Mews keeps your operations seamless and your business growing. Book a demo today and see how we can help you run a tighter, more profitable glamping operation.

Get Ready for the Growth of Glamping

Glamping is booming. Do you have the hospitality technology to scale and streamline your glamping business?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through five primary ways future-looking tech solutions can help you keep up with growing demand and stay ahead in the expanding marketplace by meeting evolving guest expectations. 

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