Glamping can be as expensive (or not) as you want it to be.
As can any holiday, though.
Glamping, which is a blend of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’, tries to redefine outdoor living by combining nature’s allure with luxurious amenities. Unlike traditional camping, where you have to set up a tent, often endure unpredictable weather, sleep on thin sleeping bags on hard and/or bumpy ground, glamping doesn’t compromise on creature comforts.
Glamping can be whatever you want it to be. You can choose from safari tents, yurts, treehouses, geodesic domes, refurbished cabins, or more. These accommodations could feature en-suite bathrooms, plush bedding, heating or air-conditioning, and sometimes even private hot tubs or fire pits.
Gourmet meals are often part of the package, and can be provided by on-site chefs or available through well-equipped kitchens.
Glamping transforms what most campers think of as ‘the traditional camping experience’ into a retreat that appeals to a broad range of travelers, from those with adventurous spirits, to couples trying to find that extra romantic oomph to their relationship.
In recent times, its popularity has surged as many people look for unique, beautiful looking escapes that, yes, might look good on Instagram, but also live long in the memory banks of all who experience it. Families enjoy the convenience of ready-made accommodations, while couples appreciate the intimacy of secluded, high-end settings.
So … is glamping expensive? It can be, yes, but the question is, is glamping worth the investment of a few extra bucks, considering the experience it provides?
Factors That Influence the Price of Glamping Expeditions
If glamping can be expensive, what causes that extra expense? There are several factors that could be involved. Understanding these factors help prospective glampers align their budgets with their expectations and priorities.
Location
This is true with any holiday. The location of a glamping site can play a significant role in determining its price. Glamping accommodations in remote wilderness areas, such as national parks or private reserves, may charge a premium due to their exclusivity and logistical challenges in providing amenities.
Also, if you decide to glamp somewhere closer to urban centers or to tourist hotspots, like coastal retreats or vineyards, that too might also command higher rates due to their accessibility and scenic appeal.
But think about it? Even regular holiday goers spend a premium for beautiful mountain views or beachfront proximity, and they do it because, to them, it is worth it.
Seasonal Pricing Variations
When you go glamping also determines costs. It’s simple supply/demand. During peak tourist seasons like summer or holiday periods, prices tend to surge as demand increases.
Off-season, when demand decreases, prices are often slashed with significant discounts, making luxury more affordable.
Accommodation Types
Your accommodation also affects the price of glamping. If you pitch your uncle’s cheap rat-gnawed tent, that obviously keeps the price down, but if you’re going glamping, you are probably leaving that tent at home.
There are still options for more budget oriented glampers. A basic canvas safari tent may be more budget-friendly than an elaborate treehouse. You can then spend more money on ‘glamping it up’ (see next topic), or on special bedding, or air-conditioning or whatever might interest you.
But for those willing to spend more on the accommodation, you can choose between a treehouse tent, or a geodesic dome, or a yurt, or an inflatable tent, or a glamping pod, or a floating cabin, or a … well, there are many options.
Customization, size and the inclusion of unique features like private hot tubs or en-suite bathrooms also add to the overall expense.
Amenities and Services
Additional services and amenities are critical factors in determining costs. High-end options such as private chefs, spa treatments, guided tours, and adventure activities can elevate the price considerably. Sites offering fully furnished interiors, gourmet meals, and enhanced privacy often fall into the premium category.
Even what we think of as little things, like high-speed wi-fi or an outdoor fire pit can influence the overall cost.
So, the question of this post remains: is glamping expensive? Well, absolutely, it can be … if you want it to be. But, if you go off season, find a great location, select a cheaper accommodation and perhaps give up on a few of the spa treatments, there are ways of bringing the costs down.
Glamping vs Traditional Camping: A Cost-Value Analysis
We continue to dive into the question of whether glamping is expensive, by comparing Glamping to Camping in terms of the different areas of costs. It is not a spoiler alert to say Glamping is more expensive than Camping. That is obvious.
But at least you can find out the areas where glamping is more expensive and come up with ideas of how to lessen the expense.
If you really want to, of course. It’s your holiday, it’s your money.
Upfront Costs: Gear vs Accommodations
Traditional camping usually involves purchasing or renting equipment like tents, sleeping bags and cooking gear. That can be a significant upfront cost, but assuming you are not a ‘go-camping-once-then-throw-it-away’ type of person, you’ll use that gear for a significant period of time and get some mileage out of it. This spreads the cost out over years and multiple trips.
Usually, though, glamping accommodations are owned by the glamping business, and are fully furnished with beds, linens and amenities such as private bathrooms. While there is less up-front cost in that you didn’t buy the tent/yurt/treehouse/whatever, it does mean a higher nightly cost and no ability to reuse the product, unless you pay the nightly cost again.
Ongoing Costs: Food, Travel, and More
Camping usually involves preparing meals over a fire or portable stove, which is economical but requires effort. Glamping often includes gourmet meals or on-site dining, which can increase the price but is quicker, which means you are back doing whatever it is glampers like you want to do with your time.
Transportation costs are similar for both, although remote glamping locations may require additional transfers or guided tours, raising costs further.
Types and Costs of Glamping Accommodations
We’ve seen how glamping offers a diverse array of accommodations that merge the beauty and splendor of nature with modern comforts like comfortable beds and air conditioning. We’re now going to look at the different types and costs of glamping accommodations to try and see that there is something for everyone.
Types of Glamping Accommodations
Probably the most popular choice for glamping is the safari tent. A safari tent is a type of canvas tent that combines the practicality of traditional camping with the added comfort and style of glamping. They are usually larger than traditional camping tents so that you can add furniture, beds, and even separate living areas. They usually include a high ceiling for better ventilation and comfort.
Yurts are a circular, portable structure traditionally used as a dwelling by nomadic peoples in Central Asia, such as the Mongolians. The round shape promotes stability, making it resistant to strong winds and heavy snow. Glamping yurts often include amenities like electricity, heating, air conditioning, and luxurious furnishings. Some even have en-suite bathrooms or decks.
Treehouses, as the name might suggest, are elevated accommodations built among or around trees, designed to provide a unique, luxurious outdoor experience. They are built on stilts or anchored directly into trees, and offer stunning views of surrounding landscapes like forests, mountains, or lakes.
Another option includes geodesic domes. They are semi-spherical structures designed to provide a unique and luxurious outdoor accommodation experience. The dome shape maximizes interior space while minimizing material usage, making them eco-friendly and energy-efficient. As they are usually equipped with large windows or transparent panels, they are ideal for stargazing, especially in remote or dark-sky locations.
In future blog posts, we’ll go further in depth into those types of accommodations, plus others like overwater bungalows, vintage trailers, bubble tents and inflatable tents, but for now just know that the ability to produce a unique camping experience when glamping begins with choosing the type of accommodation.
Budget vs. Luxury Options
Budget-friendly glamping accommodations, such as safari tents, yurts, vintage trailers, inflatable tents may typically cost $50 to $150 a night during the off season, and $150 to $500 a night during peak season. Treehouses, geodesic domes and bubble tents might be a little more expensive, ranging from $100 to $300 a night during off-season and $250 to $700 a night during peak season.
And overwater bungalows might cost $400 to $800 per night during the off season and $800 to $2500 per night during peak season.
Cost Comparisons
We’ve seen how location, season and amenities can significantly influence glamping costs. Safari tents in rural areas are generally more affordable than those near coastal regions. In the same way, a yurt in a national park might cost less than a luxurious mountain lodge.
If you are particularly conscious of your budget, but still want to experience the thrill of modern day glamping, booking off-season, and exploring less touristy destinations, and perhaps limiting the luxury amenities a little, can help you keep the costs down.
Beware the Hidden Costs of Glamping
Glamping promises an all-inclusive experience … but beware the hidden costs that can make it difficult to keep to your budget.
Hidden Fees
Many glamping sites will charge for cleaning, resort fees, or activity add-ons. Cleaning fees could easily range from $25 to $100, particularly for larger accommodations. Resort fees, which cover costs like wi-fi and pool access, could add $20 to $50 a night.
Activities like guided hikes, or things that require equipment rentals will also add to that cost, so investigation ahead of time so you are not surprised when you get that bill.
Premium Services
Luxury glamping sites will likely offer optional services such as spa treatments, private chefs, or exclusive excursions. As you might expect, these can come with steep price tags, so keep that in mind.
Evaluating the True Worth: Is Glamping a Wise Investment?
We can’t answer that for you? For some people, the blend of nature and luxury justifies the higher cost, as does the memories the unique experiences create. For others, you might feel it is excessive compared to the low costs of traditional camping.
Experiential Value
Instead of roughing it in a tent, you can enjoy plush bedding, climate control, and gourmet meals while still waking up to stunning natural views, and experience the beauty of nature and the adventures it contains. Personalized touches like stargazing decks or guided hikes can enhance the experience, and for many people that experience is priceless.
Nature with Comfort
Glamping provides an immersive yet relaxing escape. Travelers can enjoy panoramic landscapes and fresh air without the physical challenges of traditional camping. It’s particularly appealing for those seeking a rejuvenating break from city life.
Individual Priorities
Whether glamping is worth it depends on your priorities. If comfort, convenience, and memorable experiences are high on your list, the investment can be worthwhile. For those who value simplicity and self-reliance, traditional camping might be a better fit.
Conclusion and Tips to Enjoy Budget-Friendly Glamping
We’ll end this post re-asking the question we’ve asked a couple of times before.
Is glamping expensive?
The answer, as we’ve said before, is ‘it can be’.
So, the better question is ‘Is glamping worth the cost?’
Glamping offers you unique experiences in beautiful landscapes and creates amazing memories that you can remember forever, and incredible stories that will be the envy of your friends and family.
Only you can tell how much those memories and experiences are worth.
But to lower the costs of glamping, to make the decision easier, you can follow some of these tips. Glamping doesn’t have to be costly.
With a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy luxury on a budget.
Locate Deals
Search for early-bird discounts, off-season rates, or bundled packages on travel platforms like Expedia or Airbnb. Following glamping sites on social media or signing up for newsletters can also reveal exclusive promotions.
DIY Glamping
There are no glamping police that say you must reach a certain level of glamorous or your experience is not glamping. You can take any tent you already have, or invest in a safari tent of your own, and add some glamorous touches. Add cozy bedding, string lights, and decorative touches to create a luxurious ambiance. This approach is budget-friendly and allows you to customize your experience.
Alternative Platforms
Platforms like Hipcamp offer unique accommodations at affordable prices. Renting directly from hosts often yields better rates than large resorts.
Plan Ahead
Packing your own food and supplies can save money on dining costs. Research locations and prioritize your must-haves to ensure a satisfying experience without overspending.
We hope you have enjoyed this post. Please comment below with some of your favorite glamping experiences. We look forward to hearing from you.