Glamping Tents: Your Luxury Escape in Nature

Over the course of the past ten-ish years, modern “glamping” has become a popular way to enjoy the great outdoors. While the concept itself isn’t new (think back to kings and queens during the Renaissance), the modernized take on glamping combines luxurious accommodations with ruggedly beautiful outdoor retreats to create a unique experience. Curating a truly glamorous camping vacation is made possible by one key component: choosing the right tent. In the sections that follow, we’ll walk you through the types of glamping tents available, key features to look for in each, our favorite glamping destinations, and our favorite packing tips. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to choose the right glamping tent for you.

What is Glamping?

“Glamping” is a word and concept that came about as the intersection of “glamourous” and “camping.” It’s the idea that you can go stay in a tent in the middle of the woods without having to sacrifice basic creature comforts. You can still sleep under the stars, but the idea is that you’d still have access to running water, heat and air conditioning, gourmet foods, luxury spa treatments, five-star activities…the works. 

What’s so Special About a Glamping Tent?

Comfort & Luxury

The most appealing part of choosing to go with a glamping tent is the potential they all possess for comfort and luxury. Imagine getting to sleep in a king-sized bed on a camping trip, complete with plush blankets and feather pillows. Glamping tents can accommodate room dividers, so you can set up a separate living room area complete with couches, chairs, beanbags, throw pillows, and even televisions. Decorating your tent is part of the luxurious experience as well, as you can curate your own individualized vibe. Glamping accessories can be so fun! Get crafty.

Connection to Nature

While the inside of your tent can be made as fancy and comfortable as you like, the great outdoors is still just one step away. Just because you are nixing discomfort doesn’t mean you are sacrificing a true reconnection to nature– you just have to choose to truly experience both. Pitch your luxury digs in a remote spot with great views and no sounds except the blowing wind, flowing stream, and chirping birds; still, get the reset you came to the woods for. We’d venture to argue that glamping might enable you to connect even deeper to the great outdoors than traditional camping, as you’ll be well-rested and unbothered by griminess. 

New, Exciting Experiences

Oftentimes, depending on your destination, going luxury camping means that you’ll have the option to choose an established glamping campsite. These are host facilities that operate like a hotel for outside tents rather than a primitive campsite or RV park. They may include concierge services, and activities like guided hikes, wildlife tours, or even spa accommodations.

Quality Family Time

Not unlike traditional camping, glamping encourages togetherness and quality time with family and friends. Enjoy the serene outdoors, go on a family hike, or hang out and play games in your heated/air-conditioned glamping tent. Work together to decorate and organize your glamping space to suit your group’s vibe for cohesiveness. Being comfortable means everyone will be in better moods as well, so expect lots of laughter and relaxing memory-making time.

Key Features to Look for in a Glamping Tent

Let’s dive into the real reason you’re reading this post–how to decide which tent you’re going to take along on your glamping trip. While we won’t tell you there’s only one right choice, we will point out some of the key features to consider when trying to make the right choice for the preferences of your crew.

Spaciousness

Standard camping tents are designed with mere practicality in mind. Glamping tents are designed with spaciousness and comfort as the top priorities. Glamping tents maximize overhead space and open floors to provide the most moving-around room possible.  Because the goal of a glamping tent’s design is to provide openness, you won’t feel claustrophobic or restricted like you might in a standard camping tent. If you choose to insert room dividers, you can strategically place those to maintain flow in your glamping space. It can be helpful to the feng shui of a space to have designated sleeping/eating/socializing areas. Moral of the story: in a glamping tent, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Furnishing Capacity

When going glamping, comfort is key. Make sure the glamping tent you choose is big enough to fit your favorite bedding and furniture. Remember, we are prioritizing coziness and luxury! Think of the highest-quality mattresses for each member of your group. Pillows. Rugs. The works. You may even choose to add plushy armchairs or a sectional sofa. Light fixtures, organizational pieces, and personalized decor are important to think about, too. Be sure your tent can accommodate all the things you’ll want.

Bathroom Accommodations

Lots of times, glamping tents will feature ensuite bathroom facilities and running water. If not, and you are glamping at an established campsite, you’ll at least have a communal bathhouse at your disposal. If you do want the capacity for a tent bathroom, evaluate the tent for shower/toilet installation. This could be as simple as a composting toilet and portable shower. Depending on how permanent your setup is, you could even install a fancy rain shower and a real toilet! This is a convenience that draws so many to the glamping life. I’m no stranger to a midnight trip to the bushes, but I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t prefer to use a real bathroom! Convenient hygiene significantly elevates the outdoor experience.

Private Outdoor Space

Glamping tents are often equipped with their own private decks or patios. Some tents also have built-in awnings so you can sit outside rain or shine. This enables you to enjoy the fresh air within the privacy of your own home-away-from-home. Some glamping sites provide fire pits for each tent spot, hammocks, and/or hot tubs. Relax and rejuvenate in private luxury.

Glamping Tent Designs We Love

Wall Tents

Wall tents are an awesome option for glamping. These are extremely spacious, tall tents with four vertical walls. You won’t sacrifice an inch of corner space. Tall family members will appreciate a wall tent, too, as the high flat ceiling makes for plenty of headroom. Choose a wall tent with lots of windows for optimal view enjoyment and ventilation.

Bell Tents

When you imagine the classic glamping scene, you’re probably picturing a bell tent or a yurt tent. Bell tents are super simple to pitch, even for solo campers or a couple. They involve a single central pole which you will stretch the canvas tent cover over to create the “bell” shape. Inside, they are open and circular in shape, making for a fun interior design project. Since half the glamping fun is seeing just how over the top you can get, bell tents are a fun space for the crafty decor types.

Beyond the Tent: Packing & Planning for Your Glamping Adventure

A successful glamping trip takes planning. To make sure your glamping tent is decked out fully to your preferences, it will take some preparation. Compare this to a simple, traditional camping trip which is typically pretty bare-minimum. For some, this is where the drawbacks of glamping begin. It doesn’t have to be so high-maintenance or demanding, though. Here are a few tips to simplify the task and ensure that your glamping trip goes as smoothly as possible, and packing doesn’t ruin the fun.

Choose Your Destination

Research various destinations to find the one that fits the personality and preferences of your crew. Consider how close your destination is to recreation, scenery, and amenities. Decide whether you prefer mountains, forests, or beaches– this will help narrow down the options. Once you decide on the vibe, the rest of the trip will fall into place. Book your spot well in advance! Accommodations fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.

Pack Smart

Established glamping sites offer plenty of amenities you won’t have to pack. But even if you don’t plan to glamp off the beaten path, you should make sure your personal gear bases are covered. Pack warm layers and rain ponchos, as well as down jackets and windbreakers for changing weather. Comfortable footwear is key. Hiking boots, waterproof rain boots, and wool socks are must-have essentials! Don’t forget slippers inside your tent or around your campsite. Toss in some sunscreen, insect repellent, and reusable water bottles while you’re at it.

Engage with Nature

Just because you’ve got fancy digs to hang out in doesn’t mean you should miss out on nature! Soak up as much outside adventure time as possible. Engage with your surroundings by hiking, fishing, relaxing by the campfire, or hounding cool rocks and other natural treasures. Immerse yourself in nature, and pay attention to how relaxed you feel when you fall into your cozy bed each night.

Conclusion

Glamping tents are key to providing an enjoyable experience for the whole camping crew. So long to sleepless nights on the hard ground! Say goodbye to dirty, itchy days of unshowered grossness. Adios to minimalist tents with one measly lantern to set the mood! Glamping tents provide a unique, cozy way to experience the ruggedness of the outdoors without totally leaving comfort behind. Whether you’re on a hunt for solo relaxation or quality time with the family, the right glamping tent is out there. Happy glamping!