Camping or Glamping? That is the question.
Most of us know what traditional camping looks like. To me, camping is spending a vacation in a camp, tent, or camper, and it’s often uncomfortable.
My earliest memory of camping is when I was about ten years old. My mother and some family friends rented a cabin in the woods. I have no idea where we were. All I remember is the roasted marshmallows and being outdoors with other children. We played many games of tag, went fishing, and did other “outdoorsy” 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 do everything else. Of course, everything was provided by the camp itself, but still, it was exhausting. I remember thinking this was cool, but I’m unsure why. There were no tents, just kids in the woods sleeping on the dirt in their sleeping bags.
My next experience was with my husband and his family. This was a big shindig for the whole family to enjoy! They went to Hershey Park Campgrounds and 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 parents’ 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 shared 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 and chatting the night away was the coolest experience of being “one with nature.”
After we got married, we kept the tradition alive, but as you get older, you realize you would rather go to a resort with all its beautiful accommodations and soft, fluffy beds. Sleeping in the woods, preparing your food a mile away, and then bringing it back to your limited campsite, only to wait even longer to cook it over a fire before you got to eat, didn’t feel as attractive.
So what about glamping?
We were nothing like my husband’s parents, who had always been well-prepared with their gadgets, portable stoves, and coffee makers. We never saw the value of investing in everything to camp properly 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 and found a beautifully manicured campground 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 same cabins had been upgraded to a full kitchen with flatware and silverware, a dishwasher, and even a TV with cable.
So perhaps at this point, we have removed the camp from the camping, but why does it have to be one or the other? What’s wrong with a little glam in your camp?
I see no other way to camp. 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 by it and show them there is another way. But until then, glamping is the way to go. After all, it’s my vacation, too—glamping every day!
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