Glamping vs camping – which would you choose?

The glamping vs camping debate is a lot like asking whether you’re team Melbourne or Sydney. There’s usually a distinct winner for each individual. While I have my preference, ultimately, it completely depends on the situation. Where will we be? What sort of getaway is this? These are the questions I’d typically ask myself before making a decision. Read on to find out what to expect when choosing between glamping vs camping for your next outdoor adventure.

How is glamping different to camping?

Glamping: Luxury meets nature

You might have already guessed from the name, but glamping means ‘glamorous camping’. Typically, glamping sits somewhere between a hotel room and a camping tent, but instead of your traditional tent, you’ll sleep in a teepee, yurt, safari or canvas bell tent. Within your upmarket four walls, you can also expect a whole heap of comforts already set up for you. Think a big double bed, lovely linens, cushions galore, fairy lights and depending on where you’re staying, sometimes power too. Glamping also lends itself to a more pleasant bathroom experience, either as an ensuite or nearby facilities.

Essentially, glamping is perfect for those who are seeking time outdoors but aren’t willing to buy camping gear, sleep on the floor or ‘rough it’. It’s also great for a completely hassle-free nature getaway, particularly if you’re introducing friends or family to the outdoor lifestyle without the intimidation factor of traditional camping.

Camping: Freedom and flexibility

Camping in a tent, however, is a different ball game – one where the ball is really in your court. The cool thing about camping is, it’s totally up to you how luxurious you make it. When I’ve been camping, our setup has been super basic. We bring the bare minimum to eat, sleep comfortably and make a good coffee in the morning. Other people, however, might like to set up a home away from home with plenty of comforts. With camping, you get to decide where to camp, what your setup looks like and everything in between. With one caveat – you have to do it all yourself.

When would you go glamping?

Luxury glamping getaways

Some glamping sites can be spectacularly luxurious. Take Currajong Retreat for example. The farm boasts three private eco cabins complete with an opulent modern bathroom, a cosy living space, a kitchen and a balcony fitted with an outdoor bathtub, deck chairs and a dining table. It’s next-level luxury, but you’ll still go to sleep with the sounds of nature. You’ll find similar setups all across Australia, and many caravan parks now offer this style of accommodation too, blurring the lines between glamping vs camping entirely.

Experience glamping for special occasions

Experience glamping is huge. I’m talking weddings, festivals, multi-day hikes and even excursions abroad – those moments when you’re looking for a touch of nature without the faff of carrying a lot of gear, setting up and packing down. I’ve done both at festivals and these days, I always opt for glamping. Sure, it’s more expensive, but you’ll get VIP access to showers, bathrooms, power and food stalls, all thrown in on top of your ready-to-go tent. It beats packing down a wet tent on a hangover.

I’ve also been lucky enough to glamp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a huge wilderness conservation park in Africa. Given that our tent was surrounded by lions at one point during the night, I’m pretty glad we were in a robust glamping safari tent!

The pros and cons of glamping

The pros

• No setup or pack down
• Extra comforts that you might not have been able to carry
• A proper bed with quality linens
• Usually, extra comforts are thrown in like VIP bathrooms
• Better temperature regulation
• It’s less stressful, particularly for first-timers
• You don’t need any gear
• Robust tent structures (safer in remote areas)
• Not as much to pack (great for multi-day hikes)

The cons

• You usually don’t get to choose your spot
• You can be right next to other campers (less privacy)
• It can be very expensive
• You don’t get quite the same back-to-nature experience
• Limited availability at popular times

When would you go camping?

If you’re reading this on RV Daily, you’re most likely on team camping. As much as I love a glamping getaway, nothing beats that liberating feeling you get when you’re truly in the wilderness, fending for yourself. Ok, maybe I sound a little dramatic. But seriously, there’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with camping. Plus, I find I breathe a little deeper when I camp. It allows you to tune into your surroundings and let go.

The glamping vs camping choice ultimately comes down to what you value most – convenience and comfort, or freedom and connection with nature. Both have their place in an outdoor lifestyle.

The pros and cons of camping

The pros

• Hello, nature! Genuine immersion in the outdoors
• You can typically choose where you put your tent (unless you’re in a super busy campsite)
• You’ll have more freedom to pack up and go whenever you like
• You can choose your setup and customise it to your needs
• It’s cheaper, especially if you’ve already got good gear
• It offers a chance to disconnect from everyday luxuries and tune into your surroundings
• You have so many more locations to choose from across Australia
• Great for teaching kids outdoor skills and self-sufficiency

The cons

• Pack up and setup time
• There’s more to pack and organise
• Initial gear investment can be expensive
• You’ll need to do your research and plan ahead
• Weather exposure can be challenging

Making the choice: Glamping vs camping

Both options have their benefits, and the glamping vs camping debate doesn’t need to have a permanent winner. For me, camping offers an extra sense of adventure, but having said that, it depends on what sort of trip you’re looking for and where you are. If you’re willing to splash on a stress-free getaway or introducing someone to outdoor travel, glamping could be a great option. But if adventure calls and you want that genuine connection with nature, pack up your tent and get ready to go camping.

Just do your research first – I’ve had plenty of camping fails! Whether you choose glamping or camping, Australia offers spectacular options for both. The important thing is getting outdoors and experiencing the incredible landscapes this country has to offer.