Camping vs. Glamping

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campingCamping or Glamping? That is the question.

Most of us know what traditional camping looks like. I actually googled “camping” and a few things came up: Camping is the activity of spending a vacation living in a camp, tent, or camper. Camping is to lodge temporarily, especially in an inappropriate or uncomfortable place.

For most of my life we didn’t really camp. I think my earliest memory was at about 10 years old. My mother and some family friends rented a cabin in the woods. I have no idea where we were. All I really remember is the roasted marshmallows and being outdoors with other children. We played many games of tag, went fishing, and some other “out doorsy” things.

Fast forward to my summer camp counselor days. This was more of a rustic setting to say the least. As counselors we had to build the fire, cook the food, and pretty much do everything else in between. Of course everything was provided by the camp itself, but still it was kind of exhausting. I remember thinking this is kind of cool, but I’m not sure why. There were no tents, just kids in the woods sleeping on the dirt in their sleeping bags.

My next experience was with my then boyfriend (now husband) and his family. This was a big shindig for the whole family to enjoy! They went to Hershey Park Campgrounds and literally had everything but the kitchen sink. Stoves, food, lanterns of all kinds, I mean everything you can imagine to make outdoor living feel like home, but with tents and sleeping bags. 

It was amazing with about 30 people and all this “stuff.” I really couldn’t believe these things even existed just for camping. I remember his parent’s tent being like a master suite with a queen sized air mattress, lamps, and nets to keep the creatures out. Not too far off from a hotel! On the other hand, my husband and I ended up sharing a tiny tent with two little sleeping bags and woke up feeling like we got hit by a truck in the middle of July (picture that beaming sun). Still I loved being in the outdoors smelling fresh air. Gathering around the fire with all the cousins just chatting the night away was the coolest experience in order to be “one with nature.”

After we got married we kept the tradition alive, but as you get older you start to realize you would really just rather go to a resort with all its beautiful accommodations and soft fluffy beds. Sleeping in the woods and preparing your own food a mile away, and then bringing it back to your limited camp site, only to wait even longer to cook it over a fire before you got to eat, just didn’t feel as attractive. 

So what about glamping (I just like that word glamping lol)?

We were nothing like my husband’s parents who had always been so well prepared with their gadgets and portable stoves and coffee makers. To be honest we just never really saw the value in investing in all the stuff to properly camp like a pro. So I turned to my computer and we began to explore glamping. I remember seeing a commercial about Yogi Bear Jellystone Park, so I googled (again) and found a beautiful manicured camp ground complete with cabins, beds, a pool, a grill, and even a microwave. Let’s not forget the best part – air conditioning! I was completely sold. It was so relaxing to have just about everything you need in one place. More time for fun and less time prepping and bringing everything from home.

Then when the kids came along it got even fancier. The very same cabins had upgraded to a full kitchen with flatware and silverware, a dishwasher, and even a TV with cable. So perhaps at this point we have taken the camp out of the camping, but why does it have to be one or the other? What’s wrong with a little glamp in your camp?

That same Yogi Bear Park now has a huge splash pad for the kids. Personally I see no other way to camp, and why would you want to? I guess it’s possible that one day my kids will ask me for a more traditional camping trip and I will have to abide and show them there is another way. But until then glamping is the way to go. After all, it’s your vacation too. Glamping all day every day!

Do you go camping? Have you ever tried glamping? Let us know in the comments!

1 COMMENT

  1. Hi! Alexis, those were great memories, we would have lots of fun, it was all worth it and out of all my three children your husband, Samuel Jr, my baby, Lol, was the only one that appreciates, the outdoors like we did, at least you both have this to share, as we shared these experiences with you both

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