Luxury Camping: What is Fancy Camping Called and What to Expect?
May, 11 2025
Heard the term 'glamping' thrown around? That’s the official label for fancy camping. Glamping basically stands for 'glamorous camping,' and it’s nothing like roughing it with a sleeping bag on hard dirt. Think cozy beds, electricity, WiFi, hot showers—even air conditioning, depending on where you go. It’s the kind of camping folks want when they love the outdoors but can’t stand bugs or missing their morning coffee fix.
So, why are luxury campsites popping up all over? People want adventure without sacrificing comfort. No wrestling with tent poles or searching for a flat spot to sleep. Instead, you show up and everything’s ready: a yurt in the woods, a safari tent with a view, or even a tiny house on the beach. You get the fresh air, starry skies, and crackling campfires, but also a real mattress and working plumbing. Let’s be honest—once you try it, pitching a plastic tarp over muddy ground feels like ancient history.
- The Real Name for Fancy Camping
- How Glamping Differs from Typical Camping
- Top Features at Luxury Campsites
- Tips for Booking a Fancy Camping Adventure
The Real Name for Fancy Camping
If you’re googling “what is fancy camping called,” don’t be surprised when every result shouts about glamping. That’s the buzzword everyone uses. Glamping is just a mashup of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping,’ and it’s become the go-to way to describe camping with all the extras. The word has been around since the mid-2000s, but the trend really exploded in the last decade as people looked for new ways to try the outdoors—without giving up their comfort zone. The United States actually leads the world in glamping searches according to Google Trends, and the industry’s become a serious part of travel, even making appearances on popular shows and Instagram feeds.
Some other names bounce around—luxury camping, boutique camping, posh camping—but none have stuck the way glamping has. If you see a place advertising tipi suites, safari tents with hardwood floors, or even Airstream trailers with private decks, it’s glamping, plain and simple. It’s not just the name, either; there are dedicated glamping booking sites now, like Glamping Hub and Canopy & Stars, making it easier to find these spots worldwide. You’ll see everything from Montana ranch resorts to treehouse villages in Costa Rica listed on these sites.
In a nutshell, if a campsite offers a plush bed, solid shelter, private bathroom, and sometimes even concierge service, you’re not just camping—you’re officially glamping. Nobody’s knocking traditional campground style, but if you want comfort with your campfire, you’ll want to use the glamping search term every time.
How Glamping Differs from Typical Camping
The gap between regular camping and glamping is huge—almost like comparing a motel to a five-star resort. Start with the basics: when you go camping the old-fashioned way, you’re usually rolling out a thin sleeping bag on the ground, maybe setting up a tent if the weather looks rough, and hoping it doesn’t rain. You have to bring all your gear, figure out your own meals, and often settle for a trip to the bushes if nature calls in the middle of the night.
Step into a glamping setup and things flip. Here’s what makes fancy camping a completely different animal:
- Ready-to-go accommodations: No tent wrestling or hammering tent stakes. Most places offer safari tents, yurts, airstreams, or even treehouses—all set up before you arrive. Walk up, unlock the door, and you’re in.
- Real beds and furniture: Instead of camping mats, you’re sleeping in a real bed. Some places even offer king-sized beds with top-notch mattresses and cozy blankets. Those plastic fold-out chairs? Forget them. Glamping setups often have sofas, dining tables, and patios.
- Modern bathrooms: Lots of glamping spots come with private bathrooms—actual showers, flushing toilets, and running water, not a quick rinse in the lake or holding it until sunrise.
- Climate control: Many luxury sites have air conditioning or heating, so you won’t sweat through the night or wake up freezing. Power outlets are standard. Charging your phone or laptop is never a problem.
- Meal options: Cooking over a campfire is fun sometimes, but glamping gives you access to mini-fridges, outdoor grills, or sometimes even personal chefs who’ll prepare meals for you. Some resorts offer breakfast baskets dropped at your door every morning.
Glamping is designed for people who want all the good stuff—nature, stars, fresh air—without giving up comfort and a few home luxuries. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to camp with family, especially if someone in your crew isn’t keen on bugs or back pain. Plus, it’s ideal for celebrating special occasions, like anniversaries or birthdays when you want something memorable and easy. Lillian and I once took a glamping trip in the Smoky Mountains—she got her robe and hot shower, and I still got my campfire. Win-win.
Top Features at Luxury Campsites
Glamping isn’t just about swapping a tent for a fancier shelter. These places are packed with perks that make regular camping feel basic. Some luxury campsites look more like boutique hotels, but there’s still fresh air and plenty of trees. Here are the features you’ll typically find if you’re ready to step up your outdoor game.
- Fancy camping means real beds, not thin mats. Most sites offer queen or king-sized mattresses, and many even add heated blankets or top-end linens.
- Solid shelter is the norm. Expect yurts, safari tents, Airstreams, tipis, or cabins with solid walls, locking doors, and weatherproof insulation. You won’t shiver or overheat.
- Bathrooms are private, spacious, and fully functional. Hot showers, flushing toilets, and running water are standard, sometimes even featuring soaking tubs looking out into the trees.
- Electricity is everywhere. Plug in a laptop, charge your device, or flip on an actual lamp. Some spots even have flat-screen TVs and WiFi for those who can’t unplug.
- On-site chefs or gourmet meal kits can turn dinner into an experience. No more burnt hot dogs—some places serve up wood-fired pizzas or farm-to-table meals right in your tent.
- Housekeeping services keep things tidy, so you actually get to relax. You don’t have to sweep out sand or fold towels.
- Many spots offer special amenities like hot tubs, fire pits prepped with wood and kindling, or private decks with mountain views. Extra perks can include yoga classes, guided nature hikes, and even spa treatments.
- Some luxury campsites are pet friendly, with dog beds, treats, and even fenced play areas for your four-legged pals.
Want to know what’s really popular in 2025? Here’s a snapshot of what people look for in luxury campsites across the US and Europe:
| Feature | % of Luxury Campsites Offering |
|---|---|
| Private bathrooms | 93% |
| Real beds (queen or larger) | 97% |
| On-site dining or meal service | 74% |
| WiFi access | 68% |
| Hot tubs or soaking tubs | 55% |
| Pet friendly | 41% |
| Guided activities (hikes, tours, etc.) | 62% |
Bottom line: you’re getting the fun of the outdoors without giving up the comforts of home. Honestly, that’s what keeps people coming back year after year.
Tips for Booking a Fancy Camping Adventure
So you’re thinking about giving glamping a shot? Booking a luxury campsite does take some planning if you want to make the most of the experience. You can’t just show up and expect a king-sized bed in a treehouse or a private hot tub in the woods. Here’s how to get it right the first time.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Glamping is seriously popular—especially on weekends and during summer. Some sites book up months in advance, especially if you have your eye on a safari tent with a killer view or a cabin with a jacuzzi.
- Check out the details before booking. Not all luxury campsites are created equal. Look at real photos, not just the staged ones on the main website. Read reviews. Some places call a canvas tent “luxury,” but really it’s just a tent with a rug.
- Know what’s included. Some glamping sites throw in breakfast, firewood, kayaks, or even guided hikes. Others charge extra for everything. If you’re expecting a gourmet meal and end up with DIY oatmeal, it can put a damper on things.
- Ask about what’s nearby. If you want to blend nature with town comforts, double-check distances to things like a grocery store or coffee shop. Some luxury campsites are deep in the wild, and others are just down the road from a tourist hub.
- Don’t ignore the weather. Amenities like air conditioning or heating vary a lot. A “heated yurt” in Minnesota is a lifesaver in March, while a breezy treehouse with a fan in Arizona can keep you from sweating through your PJs.
If you’re traveling with pets, check the rules. Some glamping sites are pet friendly and even offer dog beds or treats, but others ban pets outright. And if you’re booking for a group, make sure the place has enough space—like multiple tents or a bigger cabin—so you’re not crammed together watching Netflix on someone’s phone.
Booking platforms matter, too. Sites like Hipcamp, Glamping Hub, and Airbnb all carry different options, prices, and cancellation policies. Some offer actual customer support if something goes sideways—others, not so much. If an experience really matters to you (say, an outdoor shower or a pizza oven), message hosts directly before locking in the reservation. That way you avoid any surprises.