What is Glamping?

Synonyms, definitions, and answers to that important question: What is glamping?

Imagine going camping without having to set up your own tent. Without having to pack all the camping gear. Without sleeping on the ground. With glamping, you can show up in a beautiful location with everything ready for you to start relaxing and exploring immediately. There’s no right or wrong way to camp—Hipcamp is all about camping your way—so read on to find out why glamping might be the perfect camping style for you.

What is glamping? A definition

Short for “glamorous camping,” glamping is an outdoor escape that combines the natural setting of a traditional camping experience with some of the luxuries and conveniences of home.

Surprisingly, the term wasn’t officially defined by Merriam-Webster until 2018. Here’s how they put it in their glamping definition:

Glamping (noun): Outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping.

Often thought of as luxury camping, glamping encompasses much more than the photo in your mind of a fancy safari-style tent. Those glam canvas tents are just one of dozens of ways to go glamping—other options include Airstream trailers, cabins, yurts, and all kinds of creatively converted vehicles and containers.

And many of them come with special features like hot tubs, ensuite bathrooms, saunas, private kitchens, air conditioning or heating, and wifi. That’s why glamping is also sometimes called “luxury camping” or “luxe camping.”

Types of glamping

Glamping is a broad term—and while some forms of glamping tents have clear similarities to traditional tent camping, not all are as obvious. But no matter the structure, to be considered glamping, the site should have a genuine connection to the outdoors and offer the chance to splash in rivers, jump in a lake, sit around a campfire, stargaze, or have other nature-loving experiences we associate with camping.

Glamping options vary widely, so you can find an adventure to match your comfort level. (Absolutely no shame in wanting to come back from a long hike to a luxe duvet on your king-sized bed!) Below are some of the many types of accommodations that provide those extra amenities for an extra-special getaway. Just note: While many of these structures come with their own bathrooms, a lot may provide those amenities in shared spaces with other glampers.

Canvas tents

Made of heavy canvas that sits on a flat surface, a canvas tent is usually one room and might include a rug, a bed and a flap closure.

Bell tents

A canvas tent that’s cone-shaped with one central pole, these luxury tents are typically one spacious room with a rug and a bed or two. They likely include lighting.

Safari tents

A rectangular canvas structure with an extended canopy, raised floor, and often more than one room, a safari tent is the quintessential glamping accommodation. Most include rugs, beds, deck chairs, and often electricity.

Yurts

A circular tent on a platform with a lattice frame and cone-shaped top, a yurt is one spacious room that typically includes a rug, a bed or two, and usually lighting.

Cabin rentals 

A cabin stay gives you the most creature comforts of home. Along with beds, think warm showers, a kitchen, a toilet, heat—and maybe even a hot tub.

A-frames

A small cabin with steeply sloped sides that form a triangle shape, an A-frame is typically one or two levels, with the upper level being much smaller, like a loft. Electricity and some sort of plumbing (regular or composting) is often included.

Airstreams and other trailers or RVs

These run the gamut from chic, revamped vintage Airstreams to modern RVs with bells and whistles. Parked in one spot, they are often hooked up to electricity and water, and often include an outdoor hangout area with a fire pit or picnic table.

Domes

A circular structure that can be portable or permanent, a glamping dome is often partially transparent—providing a large “window” to take in views of the natural beauty surrounding you. They usually feature beds and rugs, and bigger ones might have more furniture or even a wood stove. Electricity might also be included.

Tiny homes 

A compact house no bigger than 400 square feet, a tiny home is possibly one of the cutest ways to go glamping. All kinds of creativity go into these structures that usually include electricity and small but efficient kitchens and bathrooms.

Glamping pods 

An arched wooden structure with a proper front door, a glamping pod looks like a very small cabin. They are usually built with their own attached decks, and often come with electricity and plumbing.

Other unique sites

Not every form of glamping follows the popular designs listed above. For a quirkier, more memorable glamping experience, consider spending the night in a bus, a shepherd’s hut, or a shipping container that’s been converted into accommodation. To truly get back to nature, look for an earth house or treehouse.

What’s the difference between glamping and camping? 

Traditional camping typically involves sleeping in a tent or an RV (requiring a bit more work for your reward), while glamping is a more luxury style of camping, one that pairs the outdoors with some luxuries. The biggest benefits of glamping vs. camping? You don’t need to bring or set up your own tent, and you don’t need to worry about an uncomfortable night of sleep. The canvas tent is already pitched. The cabin is already built. The deluxe linens are already on the bed.

Glamping can also be done all year long—you’ll be sheltered from rain, snow, wind. and freezing temps in a cozy yurt, safari tent, or Airstream trailer. And while many traditional campsites provide toilets, showers, and running water, these types of amenities are often nicer at glamping sites—you may even have your own private bathroom.

5 reasons to try glamping

It’s no wonder why glamping has gone from a tiny niche to something well-known—glamping has massive appeal, giving you the chance to really immerse yourself in nature and step directly from your comfy abode into your natural surroundings. Here are just a few reasons why we love it.

1. Less packing. Forget the tent, sleeping bags, and camping chairs. Most glamping sites provide what you need to sleep and relax. 
2. A good night’s sleep. There is no reason an outdoor getaway has to mean sleeping on the lumpy ground. Glamping gives you a real bed with plush bedding.
3. More time for adventure. Pitching a tent is not a quick job. Neither is searching through your trunk for all your gear. Skip the hassle and get straight to exploring. 
4. Staying warm. From wood-burning stoves and electric radiators to underfloor heating, most forms of glamping are made to keep you warm, no matter the time of year.
5. A special ambience. Whether it’s Adirondack chairs on the private deck of a yurt, twinkle lights strung up outside an RV, or a fire pit and s’mores kit next to a bell tent, glamping campsite hosts tend to go out of their way to create a magical environment for your stay.

Book your own glamping adventure

Ready to give it a go? Check out Hipcamp’s top trending glamping destinations across the United States—from Yosemite National Park to upstate New York—or explore all of the best glampsites near you below.