I have a confession to make.
I love the outdoors. I love beautiful scenery, exploring new places, hiking through the woods, getting out on the water, and having adventures.
But sleeping on the ground in a tent? Not really my idea of a vacation.
That’s one reason I understand the appeal of glamping. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and outdoor experiences that make camping special without necessarily giving up a comfortable bed, electricity, or even your own bathroom.
And glamping doesn’t have to mean an elaborate luxury resort.
While filming our London, Kentucky episode of Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine, I discovered an entirely different version of the idea at a horse campground, where adorable little A-frame cabins offered a simple way to enjoy the camping experience without actually sleeping in a tent.
That I could do.
What Is Glamping?
The word “glamping” combines glamorous and camping, but there really isn’t one standard definition of what a glamping experience has to include. For some travelers, it might mean a beautifully furnished canvas tent with a real bed and private bathroom. For others, it could be a yurt, treehouse, tiny house, vintage camper or rustic cabin.
The common idea is simple: you’re still connected to the outdoors, but with some of the comforts you normally wouldn’t have with traditional tent camping.
And there’s a huge range between roughing it and staying at a luxury resort.
Glamping Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy
When people hear “glamping,” they sometimes picture enormous safari tents filled with expensive furniture, chandeliers and elaborate bathrooms. It certainly can be that. But I think some of the most interesting outdoor accommodations are much simpler.
A tiny cabin with a couple of beds can be enough. So can a furnished yurt or a little camper parked somewhere with an incredible view. You still wake up surrounded by nature and spend your day outdoors. You simply have somewhere a little more comfortable to sleep at night.
For someone like me who loves adventure but isn’t particularly interested in sleeping in a tent, that’s a pretty good compromise.
Unique Camping and Glamping Experiences to Try
One of the fun things about glamping is that you can choose an experience that fits the kind of trip you want to have.
Tiny Cabins
Small cabins can give you the feeling of camping without requiring you to bring a tent or sleep on the ground. Some are extremely simple, while others have kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning and many of the comforts of a hotel room. Always check exactly what’s included before you book.
Yurts
Yurts have become popular at campgrounds and outdoor destinations around the country. They’re generally round structures that provide considerably more protection and comfort than a traditional tent. Depending on the location, they can range from very rustic to surprisingly luxurious.
Canvas and Safari Tents
This is probably what most people picture when they hear the word glamping. Large canvas tents can contain real beds, furniture and electricity, and some even have private bathrooms. Just remember that you’re still sleeping inside a tent. Weather, insects and nighttime temperatures can all be part of the experience.
Treehouses
If you dreamed of having a treehouse as a child, this may be your chance. Today’s treehouse accommodations can range from simple cabins elevated among the trees to elaborate retreats with kitchens and bathrooms.
RV Camping
An RV gives you the freedom to travel with your accommodations right behind you. For travelers who want their own kitchen, bathroom and bed but still want to spend their days outside, RV camping can provide a nice balance between camping and comfort.
Camping Near State and National Parks
You don’t necessarily have to stay inside a park to enjoy the experience. Camping, cabins and other outdoor accommodations around state and national parks can give you access to hiking, wildlife, waterfalls, mountains, forests and other natural attractions while allowing you to choose the level of comfort you want.
Equestrian Camping
This was one of the most interesting types of camping I discovered while filming Love Eat Travel.
Equestrian campgrounds are designed for travelers who are bringing horses along on their outdoor adventure. That means you’re likely to see horse trailers and riding equipment mixed in with the RVs, campsites and other things you’d expect to find at a campground.
And in Kentucky, I got to experience it firsthand.
My Horseback Riding Adventure in Kentucky
While filming our London, Kentucky episode of Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine, we visited Rustling Pines Campground, an equestrian campground surrounded by beautiful Kentucky scenery near Daniel Boone National Forest.
The concept immediately fascinated me.
There were RVs, tents, horse trailers and plenty of open space for people traveling with their horses. The campground had a wonderfully rustic feeling, and once we headed farther into the wooded areas, it became incredibly peaceful.
I wasn’t staying overnight at the campground. We were there to film my horseback-riding experience and learn more about equestrian camping.
And I was more than ready to get on that horse.
Learning Horseback Riding Safety
I’ve ridden horses before, but that didn’t mean I was getting out of my lesson. Before heading onto the trail, one of the owners talked with me about horseback-riding safety and showed me the proper way to get onto a horse. I also spent some time with the horse I would be riding before we headed out.
There is something about standing beside a horse that reminds you very quickly just how large and powerful these animals are.
I actually have black-and-white photographs of myself as a little girl with a pony on our family farm, so being back on horseback in Kentucky brought back some wonderful memories.
Only the scenery was considerably different.
Horseback Riding Near Daniel Boone National Forest
Once we hit the trail, the experience became one of my favorite outdoor adventures from our London filming. The Kentucky scenery was magnificent! We rode through a landscape of woods, hills and caves near Daniel Boone National Forest, and there were moments when everything around us felt incredibly peaceful.
This is the part of camping I absolutely understand. Being away from traffic and buildings, surrounded by trees and beautiful scenery, and experiencing a place from the back of a horse is very different from simply driving through it.
I took a LOT of photos that day.
The Cutest Little A-Frame Cabins
Back at the campground, I got to tour one of the newly built A-frame cabins. These weren’t giant luxury glamping suites. They were small, simple and absolutely adorable.
Inside were two twin beds, one along each side, along with a little bathroom. The cabin was fairly bare-bones, but it had been decorated so nicely that it felt cozy rather than plain.
We filmed inside, too, so you’ll probably see that little cabin pop up in one of our short videos.
I didn’t stay overnight, so I can’t tell you what it’s like to actually spend the night there. But would I? For a night or two, absolutely. Give me a little cabin, a real bed and a bathroom, and suddenly I’m much more enthusiastic about camping.
Cowboy Food at the Campground
There was another part of the experience I wasn’t expecting: cowboy food. The campground had an outdoor cooking area with big metal pots hanging over the fire, and we got to eat there during our filming day. It fit the setting perfectly.
Horses, trails, Kentucky woods, outdoor cooking and cowboy food are about as far removed from checking into a traditional hotel as you can get. And that’s exactly what makes an outdoor getaway like this memorable.
Explore London, Kentucky with Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine.
Glamping Tips Before You Book
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming the word “glamping” tells you exactly what you’re getting. It doesn’t. Before booking any outdoor accommodation, find out what is actually included.
Check the Bathroom Situation
This would be rather high on my personal list.
Does your accommodation have a private bathroom? Is there a shared bathhouse? Is the bathroom located in another building?
Find out before you arrive.
Ask About Air Conditioning and Heat
A beautiful cabin or canvas tent can feel very different when temperatures climb or drop.
If climate control matters to you, don’t assume it’s included.
Find Out What’s Provided
Does the bed have linens?
Are towels provided?
Is there electricity?
Can you charge your phone?
Is there running water?
Is there a refrigerator?
Glamping accommodations vary tremendously, so read the details.
Check the Wi-Fi and Cell Service
A remote location can be wonderful precisely because it feels remote.
But that can also mean limited Wi-Fi or cellular service.
If you need to stay connected, check before you go.
Know How Far You Are From Food
If your accommodations don’t have cooking facilities, find out where you’re going to eat.
That secluded cabin in the woods may look incredibly romantic until you’re hungry and discover the nearest restaurant is a very long drive away.
Look at the Nighttime Weather
Don’t just look at the afternoon temperature.
If you’re staying in a tent, yurt or rustic cabin, nighttime temperatures can make a big difference in what you need to pack.
Bring Insect Protection
You’re outdoors.
The insects know this.
Bring repellent.
Pack a Flashlight
Even if your accommodations have electricity, the path between your cabin and your car, fire pit, bathhouse or other campground facilities may not be well lit.
A flashlight or headlamp is an easy thing to pack and something you’ll be glad to have.
Ask About Accessibility
If you or someone traveling with you has mobility concerns, ask about the terrain before booking.
Gravel, hills, stairs, muddy paths and long walks from parking areas can make some outdoor accommodations considerably more challenging than a traditional hotel.
Learn the Wildlife Rules
Depending on where you’re staying, there may be specific rules about food, garbage and wildlife.
Follow them.
Leaving food where animals can reach it isn’t good for you or the animals.
Read the Weather and Cancellation Policies
Outdoor vacations are particularly vulnerable to weather.
Find out what happens if severe weather makes your planned activities impossible or affects your accommodations.
And Please Wear the Right Shoes (or should I say, boots)!
I learned this one in Kentucky.
If you’re going anywhere involving horses, wear boots or other appropriate closed-toe shoes.
Not just because you’re going horseback riding.
There is another very practical reason.
Horse poop.
Lots of it.
I managed to step in it more than once.
Consider that your helpful travel tip from me to you.
What to Pack for a Glamping Trip
Your packing list will depend on how rustic your accommodations are, but a few things are useful for almost any outdoor getaway.
Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, layers for changing temperatures, rain protection, sunscreen, insect repellent, a flashlight, a reusable water bottle and a portable phone charger.
I would also bring a small first-aid kit and any medications you may need rather than assuming you’ll be close to a store.
And if horses are involved, bring the boots.
I cannot emphasize the boots enough.
Camping or Glamping: Which Is Right for You?
Some people genuinely love traditional camping.
They enjoy pitching the tent, rolling out the sleeping bag, cooking over a fire and spending the entire night surrounded by the sounds of nature.
If that’s you, wonderful.
I’ll wave to you from my little A-frame cabin.
For travelers like me, glamping provides a way to have the outdoor adventure without giving up every creature comfort.
And that’s what I discovered in Kentucky.
I could spend the day horseback riding through gorgeous scenery, eat cowboy food cooked outdoors, enjoy the peace and quiet of an equestrian campground and still have the option of crawling into a real bed at the end of the day.
Now that’s my kind of camping.
Discover more of London, Kentucky in our Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine episode.
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