The main difference between camping and glamping is glamping’s added luxury—but that luxury can be what you make it. You’ll find glamping options with varying degrees of luxurious perks throughout the U.S.
All-inclusive resorts offer unique accommodations in the heart of nature with high-thread-count sheets, spa treatments, and fine dining. Some people prefer glamping in their own backyards or adding cozy updates to their van setups, like mattress toppers and string lights.
What’s the Difference Between Glamping and RV Camping?
There are glampgrounds set up with canvas tents, picnic tables, and fire pits located in forests and beach towns. While these glamping options may not offer private bathrooms or coffee delivery in the morning, they’re still an alternative to sleeping bags on the ground and going to the bathroom in the woods. Plus, they’ll typically cost you $100 to $150 a night, the equivalent of luxury RV campgrounds.
For those not trying to break the bank, here are some budget-friendly glamping locations for your next adventure.
Sandy Pines Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine
Travel north to Kennebunkport, Maine, and rent a glamping accommodation for $79 a night.
The cheapest glamping sites are the Hideaway Huts. These A-frame tent huts on wheels come with a full-sized bed, fire pit, and electricity, all tucked away into the Maine wilderness. This glampground also offers Airstream rentals, Conestoga wagons, domes, glasshouses, and other family-friendly sites for larger groups. Tent and RV sites are also available.
Sandy Pines Campground amenities include a saltwater pool, paddleboard and kayak rentals, lawn games, and a marsh location.
9 of the Best Campgrounds With Glamping Options
Huttopia, Albany, New Hampshire
This Huttopia location is an affordable way to glamp. At $85 per night, one of the cheapest accommodations is the Bonaventure, a simple canvas tent built on a platform for two people. It offers a double bed, electricity, and a kitchen kit. There are also other affordably-priced places to stay here, including waterside safari tents and large group chalets. Additionally, the glampground has a saltwater pool and an on-site bistro.
Guests have direct access to Iona Lake from camp, while the surrounding area is shrouded in the green hues of White Mountain National Forest.
8 Kid-Friendly Glamping Locations
El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas
Located in Marfa, Texas, El Cosmico welcomes guests for $89 a night. Choose between a stay in micro houses, teepees, trailers, canvas tents, or traditional camping, with safari tents offering the cheapest glamping option. Each tent is 120 square feet with wood floors, queen-sized beds, electrical outlets, and mattress warmers (for cold nights in the winter). There is a shared bathroom located on the premises.
Within the 21 acres of this campground, there’s a Lobby House, bike rentals, a communal outdoor kitchen, wood-fired Dutch hot tubs, and a hammock grove.
This small town in western Texas is an arts hub that merges the Southwest culture of cattle ranching and cowboys with Apache history. Guests are in proximity of Big Bend National Park, Chinati Hot Springs, the Davis Mountains, and stargazing.
Hotel Luna Mystica, Taos, New Mexico
Hotel Luna Mystica is a vintage trailer glampground that offers stays for $110 a night. The Esmeralda, Dennis, Castor, Pollux, and Terry trailers all offer affordable nightly rates. While a few amenities vary from trailer to trailer, most come with kitchenettes, an outdoor deck, a fire pit, and a half or full bath. Each trailer comes equipped with A/C and local goodies for guests. The campground also offers primitive RV and tent sites.
Hotel Luna Mystica is located outside of Taos, New Mexico, under the guise of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the high desert. It’s a stargazing haven and an outdoor oasis.
Honaunau Farm Retreat, Big Island, Hawai’i
The Teahouse Cottage at the Honaunau Farm Retreat is one of the more affordable stays on this farm at $114 per night. It’s a small suspended bungalow with a king-sized bed, kitchenette, a fully-stocked tea cabinet, and an outdoor shower. Plus, this glamping site provides views of the surrounding Hawaiian landscape. There are other accommodations across the 7-acre organic farm and more amenities, like a sauna and yoga space, in the main house.
Here are a few more tips for glamping on a budget:
- Glamp during the shoulder seasons for the best prices.
- Consider staying at a glamping location longer for a discount, or ask about any seasonal offers.
- Turn your backyard into a glamping oasis.
- Upgrade your RV glamping accessories.
