Glamping VS Camping – what does that phrase mean to you? Actually it can mean different things to various kinds of RVers.
But for now, lets define what both “glamping” and “camping” mean as used in the text of this article.
For instance, this article will consider that “glamping” is the kind of RVing that is linked to the comforts that full hookups bring. So if you are a glamper, you most likely will be spending most of your time in campgrounds.
On the other hand, “camping” in this article means that you like to spend much of your time without hookups. And probably a lot of your RV camping experiences will be out in nature away from campgrounds.
Table of Contents
- Glamping VS Camping – What It Means For You
- So What Is Glamping?
- What You Need To Know About Camping
- Glamping VS Camping – My Conclusion
Glamping VS Camping – What It Means For You
So why do you even need to be thinking about whether you are a glamper or a camper anyway?
Well, the answer to that question will affect almost every decision that you will make about RVing.
Glampers and campers both enjoy RVing, but they come at it from two different directions.
And neither direction is better than the other. They both work equally well depending on what you want to receive from the RV lifestyle.
For instance, a glamper is more focused on enjoying the comforts that can be experienced in a rolling home.
But a camper usually prefers more challenging adventures in their RV travels.
So, in the glamping vs camping dilemma, is there shame in either choice? Is one style of RVing inherently better than the other?
Not at all! So if you recognize yourself as either a glamper or a camper in the material below, own it!
Because once you know what style of RVing you naturally prefer, it makes a lot of your RVing choices much easier.
So What Is Glamping?
If you tend to be a glamper, the size of your RV doesn’t matter much. You can even get a big rig if you want because many commercial campgrounds can handle it.
In fact, the larger you go, the more comforts you will typically see in an RV. This is especially true in diesel pusher motorhomes!
So if you are usually in a campground connected to full hookups, consider these “Do and Dont’s”:
- Don’t worry much about solar power. I know that a lot of RVers may make it seem that if you don’t have solar power, you are missing out. But for those who spend the vast majority of their time hooked up to shore power, it’s just not necessary.
- Don’t feel that you need an expensive generator either. Again, if you are going to be enjoying the comfort of full-time shore power, it’s not needed. In that case, a generator just becomes a backup for times when shore power is not working. So buy accordingly.
- Don’t feel the need to invest in a lithium battery bank. That’s because lithium batteries are still very expensive. And they are overkill for situations where you are plugged into shore power most of the time. In fact, for those who spend most of their time in campgrounds, AGM batteries or lead acid batteries are fine.
- Do focus on slide-outs. They open up space inside an RV like nothing else. So if you like space and comfort, get as much as you can afford.
- Do get the best campground memberships. Glampers find that the most expensive part of camping for them is usually campground costs. So lower those costs with a good campground membership like Thousand Trails or RPI.
- Do accept that nature can still be enjoyed on your RV travels, but by day trips instead of camping there. Glampers can still see lots of nature as they travel by finding campgrounds close to nature. Then travel to see whatever you want to see when you want to see it.
What You Need To Know About Camping
If you are a camper instead of a glamper, the following Do’s and Don’ts apply instead:
- Do keep your rig to a manageable size if you like camping in nature. This probably means 30 feet or less. The smaller your rig, the more nimble you tend to be. And you can fit in more off-road spots when your RV is on the smaller side.
- Do keep your RV weight down if boondocking in remote areas in on your camping menu. That will probably mean fewer slide-outs and amenities.
- Do focus on power needs for your RV. If you are seldom hooked up to shore power, solar power and generators become more important. So do your research in these areas and buy quality equipment that won’t let you down.
- Do get holding tanks that are as large as you can for your size rig. That’s because your waste water tanks will force you to have to move from your campsite at some point. So the larger the tanks, the less you have to move.
- Do get familiar with ways to find good boondocking spots. For instance by using websites like Campendium. And get to know your way around National Park campgrounds. Learn about BLM land in the West and join boondocking groups on Facebook.
- Don’t worry about finding campground memberships so much. Passport America may be helpful, but campgrounds will not be your normal thing.
- Don’t get a residential refrigerator. You need the flexibility that a gas absorption fridge provides for boondocking.
Glamping VS Camping – My Conclusion
I see RVers making poor buying decisions all the time. And often it’s because they don’t base their decisions on the style of camping that they actually prefer.
Of course, some of the RV lifestyle influencers on YouTube don’t help much. Because some of them promote expensive equipment just to get higher commissions from the sale.
And they often make it seem that all RVers need this equipment regardless of the style of camping that they do.
But it’s simply not true. Glampers don’t usualy need solar power or lithium battery banks.
And campers don’t need campground memberships or residential refrigerators in most cases.
Instead, every RV buying choice that you make should be based on the style of camping you prefer. And if something doesn’t seem very useful for that kind of camping, you probably don’t need it!
I hope that helps, and as always, have safe and happy travels on your camping adventures!
