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What is Glamping?
Glamping is a combination of the words “camping” and “glamour.” The word has grown in popularity alongside the rise of the internet. Glamping focuses on keeping the comforts and luxuries of home while still offering the experience of being in nature. It’s a great option for people who aren’t quite ready to rough it outdoors but still want to reconnect with nature and their loved ones. Glamping allows you to enjoy the outdoors without the typical inconveniences and discomforts that come with traditional camping.
There are many different styles of glamping accommodations, ranging from fully-equipped tiny houses with all the amenities of a vacation home to rounded tents, called yurts, traditionally used in dwellings in East Asia. Below, we highlight some of the most popular glamping accommodation types and the unique features of each.
Popular Glamping Accommodation Types
Yurts
Inspired by traditional Mongolian dwellings, yurts are circular tents built with wooden frames and covered in canvas. Today’s glamping yurts often include queen-sized beds, skylights, wood-burning stoves, and stylish furnishings. Their round shape with a conical roof contributes to their sturdiness in more extreme climates.
Domes
Geodesic domes have a futuristic yet earthy appeal. These structures often feature panoramic windows, modern interiors, and efficient insulation, making them suitable for year-round stays. Domes are popular in remote areas where guests can stargaze through skylights or large viewing panels from the comfort of their plush beds.
Tiny Homes
Tiny homes offer all the amenities of a traditional home but in a compact, clever layout. Expect fully equipped kitchens, indoor bathrooms, climate control, and curated décor. They’re perfect for travelers who want a more private, self-contained stay without sacrificing creature comforts.
Tepees
Drawing inspiration from Indigenous architecture, modern glamping tipis are thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. While they maintain their traditional conical shape, the inside might feature hardwood floors, cozy rugs, heating, and a full bed setup. It’s a nostalgic, nature-connected stay with a touch of modern luxury.
Treehouses
Glamping treehouses bring childhood dreams to life, only this time with running water, plush bedding, and stunning views. Elevated in the trees and often surrounded by forest, they offer a peaceful, secluded escape with the added fun of sleeping among the branches. Great for couples and families alike.
Luxury Tents
These are tents, but not as you know them. Often built on raised wooden platforms and equipped with full bathrooms, electricity, and designer interiors, luxury tents give you the “camping” aesthetic without the hassle. Think hotel suite, but canvas-wrapped and nature-facing.
Airstreams
Vintage yet modern, Airstreams are sleek aluminum travel trailers that have been lovingly restored and outfitted with everything from spa-style showers to gourmet kitchens. They offer a nostalgic road-trip feel with all the modern amenities you’d expect from a boutique hotel.
What is Camping?
Camping is a broad term that refers to any outdoor activity involving overnight stays in nature, typically with basic temporary shelter like a tent. Camping is best suited for those who are rugged and open to dealing with the possible discomforts of being outside. Traditional camping often lacks many of the modern amenities we’re used to, such as beds, bathrooms, and climate control, in order to offer a more authentic outdoor experience. Campers usually bring their own supplies, including sleeping gear like tents and sleeping bags, cooking items like pots, pans, and coolers, and safety essentials such as flashlights and first aid kits.
That being said, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all for camping, as it is a general term that can encompass many different styles of outdoor accommodations. In fact, there can be overlap between certain styles of camping and glamping as you get into accommodations that provide more amenities, such as with certain RVs and campers. Many of the glamping styles covered earlier also draw inspiration from traditional camping accommodations, for example, tents, tepees, and treehouses.
Types of Camping
Hammocking
Minimalist and lightweight, hammocking is perfect for adventurers who want to feel completely immersed in nature. All you need is a durable hammock, a couple of trees, and a good bug net. It’s a favorite among those who want to travel light, sleep under the stars, and pack up quickly the next day.
Backpacking
This is the classic image of “true” camping—carrying everything you need on your back, hiking through trails, and setting up camp wherever you find the perfect spot. It’s for those who crave a deep connection with nature and don’t mind trading luxury for the thrill of exploration.
Car Camping
Ideal for those who want flexibility without the physical strain of carrying gear long distances. You sleep in your car or just use it as your basecamp, setting up a tent nearby. It’s a great entry point into the camping world, offering both freedom and security.
RV Camping
A comfortable hybrid between camping and staying in a house, RV camping gives you the ability to travel while keeping many comforts of home. You can bring your own bathroom, bed, and kitchen, and stay at dedicated campgrounds that offer electric, water, and sewer hookups.
However, this option requires more planning ahead of time, as it typically requires a hookup and rental of a unit in a campground. That being said, RV camping is the most customizable, as you have full control over the amenities in your camper.
Additionally, this is where the line between camping and glamping becomes blurred, as RVs come packed with many comforts and amenities of a glamping unit, such as a mattress, television, stove, shower and bathroom.
What are the Key Differences?
Camping
- Focuses on a rugged, back-to-basics experience in nature
- Typically involves tents or minimal shelter
- Requires bringing your own gear: sleeping bags, tents, cookware, etc.
- No built-in amenities like beds, bathrooms, or climate control
- Appeals to adventure-seekers comfortable with outdoor discomforts
- Popular among younger to middle-aged travelers
- Less accessible for older adults or people with mobility issues
- Offers a more traditional, immersive nature experience
Glamping
- Combines “glamour” and “camping” for a more luxurious outdoor stay
- Accommodations often include beds, electricity, bathrooms, and even AC/heat
- Little to no setup required
- Provides the feeling of nature without sacrificing comfort
- Great for people new to the outdoors or those who prefer convenience
- More inclusive for families, older adults, or people with physical limitations
- Ideal for relaxing getaways, romantic trips, or group vacations
- Pairs outdoor experience with hotel-like amenities
What is the best fit for you?
When it comes to choosing between camping and glamping, the best option really depends on your personality, preferences, and what kind of experience you’re hoping to have.
If you’re the type who loves to disconnect completely, embrace the unpredictable elements, and find joy in the simplicity of roughing it, then traditional camping might be your perfect match. It offers a raw, unfiltered connection with nature. It’s an adventure that requires a bit more effort, but for many, that’s part of the reward.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing comfort, then glamping could be your ideal getaway. Maybe you want a soft bed at the end of the day, your own private bathroom, climate control, or a place that feels serene and stylish. Glamping is perfect for couples, families, or even solo travelers who want to relax, recharge, and reconnect—with nature and each other—without hauling gear or dealing with the unpredictability of traditional camping.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to experience nature without having to give up the luxuries of your home, consider staying with Sojourn Lodging. Each of our units come equipped with all of the amenities to complete a comfortable stay, such as fully-stocked kitchens, walk-in showers, private bathrooms, lofts with queen beds, smart TVs, decks, and easy access to the city. Located less than 5 minutes away from Sevierville and under 30 minutes from the Smoky Mountain National Park, Sojourn Lodging offers a chance to reconnect with nature without having to disconnect completely.
