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How to Camp in Luxury

Camping looks different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. While primitive and rustic camping options were the norm for many, modern campers find some campsites offer more luxurious and comfortable options. The days of roughing it while camping may be a thing of the past.

We have a few tips for your next trip if you want to enjoy more luxury while camping. Let’s get started!

What Is Luxury Camping?

Many use the term “glamping” when referring to luxurious camping. Because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to settle for turn-of-the-century amenities. Glamping embraces comfort and modern technology to provide campers with a unique and relaxing experience.

These experiences typically come with a premium price tag, but it’s worth it for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

Is Glamping Still Camping?

Some purists feel that any camping style that involves modern comforts couldn’t be legitimate. However, glamping is a camping style that is gaining popularity. Whether sleeping on a memory foam mattress or the hard ground, as long as you’re out in nature, it’s camping. 

Don’t let an angry purist ruffle your feathers and tell you that your glamping experience isn’t “real” camping. The most crucial part is enjoying the outdoors and having a relaxing natural experience.

Friend group enjoying a meal while glamping at Joshua Tree.
Camping in luxury allows all the fun of a camping adventure, but still provides the comforts of home.

Why Do People Camp in Luxury?

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of luxury, even if you’re camping. Modern amenities can make it easier to enjoy being out in nature and help you make the most of the experience. Sleeping on a comfortable mattress or enjoying air conditioning can help you get a solid night’s sleep.

Camping in luxury can allow you to accomplish some of the most challenging camping tasks with ease. Why worry about making the perfect campfire when you can turn on the propane and cook a delicious meal on your Blackstone griddle? People who enjoy glamping can spend more time enjoying campsite activities and less time tending to a fire.

Pro Tip: Make sure to pack these 5 Luxe Glamping Accessories for Living the High Life on your glamping adventure.

Glamping tent set up
Ditch the sleeping bag and snooze in a proper bed while glamping.

How to Camp in Luxury

If you want to camp in luxury, there are a few things to consider. Overlooking or neglecting one of these can make or break your glamping experience. Let’s take a look!

Location, Location, Location

You need to be picky when making a reservation. Find a campground or spot that provides a glamping experience or makes it easy to create one. You can find campgrounds that offer a very luxurious experience with covered patios, fancy stone fireplaces, and elegant lighting. However, if you find the right spot, you can have a private glamping trip in state park campgrounds.

Be mindful of what amenities the campground offers. If you want to sit poolside or soak in a hot tub, ensure the campground has them before making a reservation. If specific amenities make or break your trip, call the campground to confirm that they operate correctly.

Have the Right Gear

A campground may offer many amenities, but there is some gear you’ll need to bring with you if you want to camp in luxury. Many luxury campers use hammocks, propane grills, or TVs during their glamping trips. 

Glamping is about comfort and enjoyment in nature. If there’s something that will make your trip more enjoyable, bring it with you. Camping doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable.

Bring Plenty of Lights

Setting the mood of your glamping site is essential. One of the best ways to create the perfect atmosphere is plenty of lights. Many glampers prefer the look and feel of Edison string lights hanging between trees across their campsite.

This creates a welcoming, fun, and comfortable atmosphere for great social media content. Even if you’re not trying to go viral, you and your glampsite will be the talk of the campground. 

Mother, father, and son eating meal in a glamping tent.
Enjoy some time with your friends or family in nature while you camp in luxury.

Splurge on Comfort

Glamping means not sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for a luxury camping experience, you’ll want to spend a few extra bucks optimizing your comfort during future trips. Getting a hammock or picking quality camping chairs will cost a few extra dollars, but they’re typically worth it. 

Every second of your glamping trip should be comfortable. You don’t want to sit around a campfire in a camping chair that you want to launch into the fire. So splurge on items that will enhance your trip.

Try Gourmet Recipes

Glamping means not settling for hot dogs over the campfire. Plan your meals to be more gourmet during your trip. Take advantage of the amenities to create a delicious meal. You may wow your fellow campers, make friends with neighbors, or inspire others to embrace your luxurious camping style.

Embrace Technology

One of the many benefits of camping in luxury is using technology while camping. When you embrace technology while camping, you can watch movies on projectors, listen to music, and create a vibe at your campsite that makes it easy to enjoy. Take advantage of airplane mode on phones so you can disconnect from work or everyday life during your glamping trip.

Technology can enhance your camping experience. Don’t be afraid to embrace tech in any way that allows you to be more efficient or spend time doing things you love. That’s what camping in luxury is all about!

Pro Tip: Glamping not for you? Try out these other 11 Types of Camping.

Camping Can Be a Luxury Experience

You can have an incredible time and enjoy nature while still having luxuries. Camping can be a luxury experience that you and your loved ones appreciate to create magical memories.

Decades from now, we may listen to stories of nights under strings of Edison lights and meals you prepare over Blackstones. Perhaps then we’ll realize that people embracing glamping isn’t going to kill camping for everyone.

What will you take with you on your glamping trip? Tell us in the comments!

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: