CAMPING vs. GLAMPING | Choosing the Best Outdoor Adventure & 24 Must-Haves to Match

by Lindy Kleivo

WHICH ONE IS A MATCH FOR YOUR FAM

Summertime is the best time for a family getaway. And what could be more exciting than spending it outdoors, reconnecting with nature? Camping and glamping are two popular options for families looking to have an outdoor adventure. Camping is roughing it out in the wilderness, while glamping is a more luxurious camping experience. So, what's the difference, and which is better for your family? We've compared the two below to help you make an informed decision.

Accommodation: Camping is all about minimalism. You'll be sleeping in a tent or a camper, which means you won't have the luxury of running water, electricity, or a comfy bed. On the other hand, glamping provides the comforts of home in the great outdoors. You can choose to stay in a yurt, treehouse, or even a cabin. These accommodations often feature amenities like en suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and heat or air conditioning.

Activities: Camping is the perfect choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming. You can bond around the campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy stargazing. Glamping resorts offer a variety of activities in addition to the typical outdoor activities mentioned above. You can enjoy spa treatments, horseback riding, and even wine tasting.

Shop Below for 25 Camping Trends to Make Your Experience Super Memorable

Cuisine: When camping, you'll be cooking your meals outdoors on a grill or campfire. You can keep things simple with hot dogs and s'mores or get creative with campfire pizzas and hobo packs. Glamping resorts often feature on-site dining experiences with gourmet cuisine crafted by professional chefs. Some resorts even offer private chefs who will create customized menus based on your dietary preferences.

Cost: Camping is the more affordable option, as you're responsible for bringing your own gear and food. Glamping can be more expensive, as it includes luxurious amenities and activities. However, glamping resorts often offer all-inclusive packages that include meals and activities, which can make it a better value.

Accessibility: Camping can be done just about anywhere, including national parks, state parks, and private campgrounds. Glamping resorts are often located in remote areas that are more difficult to access. While this provides a sense of seclusion and privacy, it also means you may have to travel further to reach your destination.

To Sum It Up

Camping and glamping both offer unique and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Which is right for your family depends on your preferences, budget, and overall goals for the trip. Do you want to rough it out and get close to nature, or enjoy nature's beauty from a more comfortable perspective? Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to spend quality time together as a family and create unforgettable memories. Happy camping (or glamping) from our family to yours!

Shop these 25 Camping Trends to Make Your Experience Memorable

1. The Chillbo Shwaggins Camp Chairs

Take your inflatable couch anywhere. Perfect camping accessories for hikers, campers and outdoor Lovers. The Chillbo Shwaggins inflatable lounger is available in 13 unique patterns. Don't be caught lounging in something boring!

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2. KENOBEE Picnic Table and Bench Fitted Tablecloth

Functional & Beautiful: With bright colors, flannel backing and classic red-white Buffalo checkered patterns, this vinyl tablecloth not only gives your table a new stylish look, but also protects your table from scratches, beverage spill, and kids arts & crafts mishaps, making your table last longer. The elasticized edges keep the vinyl tablecloth tightly fitted and stay free from moving / falling off. It works in both dining room and outdoor settings.

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3. Sili Wraps Unbreakable Silicone Wine Glasses

These 100% Silicone Glasses are all made from BPA free silicone that is both heat and freeze resistant. They are dishwasher safe but can also be hand washed easily. A wide base provides stability, and a heavy weight thickness longevity. Perfect for outdoor use–especially camping!

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4. Slsy Sleeping Cots for Adults

The Slsy folding chaise lounge with triangle locking system, which allows you to lock the reclining cot in 5 different positions, you can recline or lay flat. Perfect for camping!

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5. Retractable Travel Clothesline

Suitable for camping, the heavy-duty clothesline can be fixed by two sturdy stainless steel material hooks, and there is a mobile anti-slip buckle, which is more convenient to fix. It can not only hang thin clothes, but also dry heavy clothes such as jeans, coats, etc.

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6. CHILLOUT LIFE Skinny Can Cooler

A must-have for your camping experience! These fit all 12 oz slim cans: hate warm beer? No matter how hot your camping or fishing trip gets, this slim can cooler will keep your canned drink ice-cold and fresh for hours. This skinny can cooler is specially designed for all slim-style 12oz canned beer, energy drinks, and soda (doesn’t fit Heineken cans).

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7. TXZ Outdoor Queen Size Air Mattress

This camping inflatable air cushion bed is soft and comfortable, and the surface material is comfortable PVC flocking vinyl waterproof fabric. The inflatable sofa mattress is large enough to accommodate two people. At the same time, it has a strong load-bearing capacity and can bear 440 pounds

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8. Camping Toilet w/Toilet Bag

Every camping family needs a privacy potty! This black portable camping toilet & carry bag is the perfect mobile outhouse that is easy to pop up & collapse. These camp toilet bags feature grip handles to carry and store this compact portable toilet with ease.

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9. Inflatable Luxury Camping Tent

This tent provides plenty of space for you and your friends or family to easily accommodate 4-6 people, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with friends or family. The AISUNSS Oxford cabin Tent is a waterproof and windproof camping tent that strikes a balance between breathability and water repellency, providing you with comfortable and breathable outdoor experiences.

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10. FLY2SKY Portable LED Tent Light

The perfect little camping light! Palm-sized (5.7 X 2.1 inch) portable led tent light, takes up very little room, easy to carry and grip for kids.

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11. Tabletop Fire Pit

The HOMEIVA mini fire pit is a stylish and practical addition to any environment. The white concrete exterior with a marble effect base not only looks stunning, but also helps dissipate heat to protect your surfaces. Add some warmth to your camp site this summer.

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12. TOSY 36 & 360 LED Flying Disc - Extremely Bright, Auto Light Up

As the original and patent-pending invention, our TOSY UltraLED Disc is 1000x brighter than any other light-up flying disc. It looks super cool, especially when you throw it outdoors at night. Perfect for camping!

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13. Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

These marshmallow roasting sticks are perfect for making s'mores. The must-have camping accessory is great for bonfire & camping trips, roasting outdoors or in any roasting experience. The campfire skewers can also be used as hot dog sticks and come in vivid colors.

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14. Vaverto Camping Pillow

This pillow is easy to carry around for all kinds of activities like camping - fishing -backpacking - hiking- beach - and more! Its lightweight design and travel bag with 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon and 60% polyester provides supreme breathability. Compressible and self-inflatable, it can easily be fitted inside its compact and small travel bag and rises to its full shape once taken out in a matter of seconds.

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15. Brightech Ambience Pro USB Powered String Lights

With flexible installation, these bistro lights are perfect for camping. The 2700K soft white light is enough for lighting the whole campground up for greater safety. Use Brightech USB powered outdoor lights string to get ample light to keep animals away, find things in your tent & or even read. Walk easily between tents, avoid tripping on uneven ground or debris and set up the BBQ.

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16. Campfire Metal Wine Tumbler "Let's Get Toasted"

Perfect for campers: This wine tumbler is the perfect addition to any camping adventure or trip to the cabin. Brave the woods and keep it for yourself or gift it to your favorite outdoor enthusiast before they head out on their camping trip.

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17. LETRY Outdoor Table Lamp

The outdoor solar lamp Matte texture, comfortable to touch, style is simple and elegant. It can provide a warm light embellishment space anywhere.

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18. BOTE Aero Seating Suite Inflatable Couch

Seriously! Don't go camping without this water resistant blow up couch. Perfect for your upcoming camping trip. Be sur eto check out BOTE's other inflatable must-haves.

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19. HULISEN Large Grill Caddy

HULISEN launched a new bbq caddy, equipped with a cover can play the role of insulation or keeping chilled, while preventing the air floating dust or animal fur fall into it. The top can also be removed separately when not needed. This caddy is amazing!

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20. Tranquillo 2-Peron Portable Hammock

Something every camper will love! This revolutionary folding hammock stand offers maximal compatibility with adjustable 3-notch design caters all heights and preferences. The versatile design offers endless customizations to best fit your activities: reading, watching shows, or simply napping.

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21. LEADALLWAY Folding Camping Table

These folding tables are a must-have! The oversized camping tables fold up and are lightweight. The portable picnic table is perfect for toys, snacks, magazine and bags. Offers enough seating room for 4-6 people.

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22. Wealers Unique Complete Messware Kit Polished Stainless Steel Dishes Set

This set comes with the ability to set up and use for 4 people. This mess kit was made exclusively out of high-quality stainless steel material and is good for anyone that needs to host 2 or 4 guests for a meal. A must-have set for your upcoming camping trip.

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23. Camping Fan for Tent with LED Lantern

TYZU camping fan for tents has strong U-shaped aluminum alloy handle, supports 3 placement methods - hang / stand / tripod. Using as a tent fan, You can hang it on branches, wall, tent etc. The handle works as a stand, you can put the camping fan on picnic table or top of a rock etc. With the retractable tripod, The tent fan supports 360 degree rotation and changes the height to achieve multi-directional air supply. This portable tent fan is a ideal camping accessories.

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24. TABOXOBOG Cooler Backpack

This backpack cooler keeps your beverages and food items at the perfect temperature throughout the day and it has plenty of room. Besides used as excellent soft cooler bag, it is also a perfect lightweight gear for lunch backpack, hiking backpack, camping backpack, fishing backpack, travel backpack, hunting, trail, cycling, overnight stay and other outdoor activities. Suitable for both men and women.

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25. JHY DESIGN Set of 2 Metal Cage LED Lantern Battery Powered Cordless Accent Light

Perfect for setting up your glamping tent, adding a touch of home with retro lighting.

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