What is Glamping? All You Need To Know (… and an Under Canvas Review!)
We’re answering the “what is glamping” question and reviewing Under Canvas, one the biggest U.S. based glamping companies. We’re also sharing 10 tips on how to make your glamping adventure one of your best family vacations ever.
When I was growing up, there were 2 kinds of travelers. Those who opted for campfires and tents. And those who didn’t use the words “sleeping bag” and “vacation” together in the same sentence.
Fast forward a few decades and outdoor adventures and vacationing have come together in brand new ways.
The travel industry reported nature adventures to be the most popular vacation choices for travelers in 2020-21. National parks are reporting record crowds. And some luxury hotels are even opting to bring the outdoors in.
There’s also a new word in the travel dictionary.
Glamping.
But what is glamping? Is it a good idea for your next family adventure vacation? What can you expect on a glamping family adventure? And just what places can you expect Google to reveal during your “glamping near me” search?
Bring your appetite for s’mores (and for sleeping in a real bed) and follow along on our Under Canvas trip. Because we’re answering the “what is glamping” question. And reviewing one of the most popular glamping choices for family travelers.
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What Is Glamping?
Your device’s spell check might not recognize the word “glamping”, but it’s a term that’s been around a while. And it seems to be set to stay on the travel scene.
The idea of outdoor adventures with the convenience of staying in a resort setting seems to appeal to many. In fact, Forbes called glamping one of the hottest travel trends. And Fox Business said glamping is a phenomenon that is taking over the travel industry.
But just what is glamping?
Glamping is the hybrid word created from the words “glamorous” and “camping”. Think of it as a combination of camping and … well… not. Or at least not the potty-in-the-woods and bath-in-the-lake type of camping. Because glamping combines the fun of pitching a tent with the comforts of the best hotels. Part luxury. And part nature-connected lodging.
What exactly does glamping look like?
The answer to that is … it depends.
Just as hotels differ vastly from one to another, so too does glamping. Glamping varies widely depending on the location and the company you choose.
Lodging can include tents, yurts, cabins or even more unique digs like the 33 treehouses recently featured in House Beautiful.
And the amenities offered by varies glamping options can differ greatly as well. Some companies and hosts offer a plethora of amenities. Others are more bare bones, while still being a big “step above” camping.
Take for example, the Resort at Paws Up, which offers glamping tents within their larger resort. Amenities include heated slate floors, massive en suite showers, and butler service (at costs starting at $1150 per night.)
Equally enticing (albeit for different reasons) places like Huttopia offer tents that include full-size beds, electricity and shared bathrooms. Midweek nightly prices start under $200.
What Can You Expect Glamping at Under Canvas?
A search for “glamping near me” probably reveals local campsites and more traditional campsites.
But one of the most popular glamping choices in the United States is Under Canvas. The company features glamping in 10 locations:
Bryce Canyon
Acadia
Lake Powell – Grand Staircase
Grand Canyon
Moab
Yellowstone
Glacier
Zion
Great Smoky Mountains
Mount Rushmore
Under Canvas locations are all open seasonally, with “the season” ranging from 4 to 8 months. Some spots open in March or April while others aren’t open until May each year. Closing times range from September to November, depending on the climate of the location.
All Under Canvas locations have a similar aesthetic with safari-style tents and West Elm furnishings. (Think plush bedding, animal print rugs, wood accents and leather sofas.)
Accommodation options vary slightly depending on locations but include suites, stargazer, and deluxe tents with in-tent toilets and showers. Safari tents and kid’s tent options share a bathhouse with other tents.
All of the tent options sleep 2 people, except for suites, which accommodate 4. Many tents can accommodate one extra cot though for kids.
Sans kid’s tents, all tents house a wood burning stove for the cool nights found at many of the locations.
A check-in tent provides a place for guests to grab a snack, meal or drink. And outdoor spaces in campsites have fire pits and outdoor games. These spaces are also where daily activities like yoga, live entertainment and craft hours are held.
Guests can expect to feel like they’re in a cross between a lux hotel and a camping site. Think trendy decor and bedding. Also think pull-string shower and no electricity inside guest tents. It’s a great way to unwind and disconnect without leaving behind too many of the conveniences of home.
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The Pros of Glamping at Under Canvas
With ten locations and counting, Under Canvas has developed a glamping model that works.
One of the biggest pros for our family, was the convenience factor. No need to schlep all the necessary equipment for camping, yet you’re still able to enjoy the outdoors.
Everything really is provided for you.
Rechargeable lanterns? Check.
Battery packs to charge phone? Check.
Linens, towels, and toiletries? Yep, check.
They’ve thought of it all and made sure all the conveniences have been covered. And the comfort of real beds and running water sure doesn’t hurt.
Outside of your personal tent, camp amenities sweeten the deal. Under Canvas features things like live music, outdoor yoga, craft time, and access to a small restaurant. The setting also provides a great opportunity for meeting other families by the fire pit.
All of this comes with the benefit of being rather eco-friendly too. Like many glamping options, Under Canvas reduces the negative effects on the environment compared to other lodging options. Use of less electricity, banning single-use plastics, and reduced water use are a few ways they do this.
We also loved the beauty of the resort. The natural beauty is matched by the clean and stylish aesthetic in the tents. The tents are fantastic, with wood floors and soft, natural hues. The camp sites and locations are some of the best settings we’ve experienced on family vacations.
And the customer service is top-notch in terms of friendliness. Under Canvas tends to attract employees who want to travel and adventure themselves. So they tend to :get: hospitality. Most are young and many we talked to use their experience working there to see different areas of the country. Everyone we’ve encountered has been friendly and provided great customer service.
The Cons of Glamping at Under Canvas
Adding the “glam” in glamping comes with an expected caveat.
Cost… at least when compared to traditional camping accommodation prices.
While Under Canvas costs less than many lux resorts, the affordability of camping is lost a bit with glamping. For example, weekend rates for a 4-person tent at many Under Canvas locations run about $500 a night during peak seasons.
As a seasonally-run resort, Under Canvas is also staffed by employees from areas other than the location in which they’re working. They’re hired to come in for the 4-8 months out of the year that the glamping site is open.
So while the concierge and reception desk staff are super friendly, they often aren’t extremely knowledgeable about the area. When we asked about local restaurants or things to do, the staff told us about what they heard was good. Not what they had experienced.
And getting information about the glamping site prior to travel was also not so straightforward. Again - super friendly staff members answer the general number for Under Canvas. But they don’t know a lot of information about specific locations. You’re not able to call the location directly either.
Larger families like our family of six may also find the tent options a bit limited. While specific kids’ tents are available, parents may not find them realistic for small kids. They’re separated from the main tent and require a pretty independent occupant (and possibly older child).
Kids tents also have no shower or toilet, dirt floors and can’t be zipped as securely as the other tent options. Additionally, there’s no wood stove. In other words… Bugs. Muddy feet. Cold nights. And wanting to be closer to mom and dad.
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Glamping Tips and Tricks
So are the cons of Under Canvas deal breakers?
Not for our family.
We still found the price to be in-line with other nice resorts. We found other resources for learning about the areas we were visiting so we could make plans. And we learned that booking 2 tents, although more expensive, kept the “glam” in glamping for everyone in our brood.
A few more know-before-you go tips can make a huge difference when glamping.
These 10 things are our tips for glamping at Under Canvas or another glamping spot in both style and comfort.
Book early if possible.
Ugh… the “early” word. Yes, it makes me cringe too because this one is always easier said than done. Don’t assume just because these aren’t traditional hotels there’s more availability though. Glamping accommodations, like other family vacation lodging, can book up. So booking early will give you the most options for your trip.
Research your destination ahead of time.
Being familiar with your vacation destination ahead of time can help you make the most out of your experience. Since some glamping sites are staffed with seasonal workers, they may not be as familiar with the area. And not as prepared to help you plan your itinerary. Spotty or nonexistent WiFi on site can also make planning challenging.
Knowing a little about your destination will make sure you don’t miss out on what there is to do there.
Pack light.
Remember that your glamping experience will be in the great outdoors. So paths to tents are made of dirt. There also are no closets inside the tents so your luggage will serve as your clothing drawer for your stay. Packing light can make schlepping your suitcase from your car to your tent easier. And it will help clear space for a more comfy tent stay.
Packing light is made a little easier because you really don’t need much. Under Canvas and most other glamping companies provide lots of the necessities for your trip.
Bring comfortable clothes.
No need to bring out the formal wear for this method of traveling. Because like camping, glamping is best suited for comfortable clothing.
Since glamping sites are almost exclusively located near National Parks and other outdoor attractions, casual is definitely the theme for dressing. Packing comfy clothes and shoes will best prepare you for your glamping adventure.
Pack layers.
Air conditioning and heat pumps aren’t exactly standard equipment in glamping tents. So packing in layers is often a must.
Many of the places where glamping spots are located also have warmer days with chilly nights. So layers can keep you comfortable throughout your stay.
Bring a pair of shoes you can get muddy, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a rain jacket.
Under Canvas really has thought of everything you’ll need for your stay there. So you can keep the flashlights, s’more sticks, and sleeping bags at home.
But there are a few personal items you’ll want to be sure you have.
It doesn’t take much rain to make a campsite pretty wet. So stick a pair of shoes that can get muddy in your bag for your trip.
And remember that bugs, sun and rain are three constant companions of outdoor enthusiasts. So don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sun protective clothing, bug repellant, and a rain jacket.
Prepare to be unplugged.
Know that many glamping sites, like ours at Under Canvas, have accommodations without electricity. (Although they provide rechargeable battery packs for guests and have electricity at the check-in tent.) And some are in locations without great cell service. While unplugging is one of the best parts of glamping, it might be something you need to prepare for too.
Keep in mind the rules for outdoor adventures.
Under Canvas and other glamping companies may operate like hotels. But their unique environments mean there are a few things to keep in mind.
To keep wildlife safe and nature preserved, the same rules apply for glamping as for camping. Don’t keep food in your tent. Make sure you properly dispose of all trash. And follow the local rules about how to interact with the environment and animals.
Plan for time at your glamping site.
Glamping vacations are a fun way to embrace the idea of slower travel. Skip rushing from one activity to the next. And remember to enjoy your time at the campsite.
Some sites have board games provided. Bringing your own deck of cards, a book, or some small games are a good idea too.
Get to Know Your Tent and Surroundings in the Daylight
One of the rookie mistakes we made during our first glamping trip was arriving past sunset for check-in.
Without electricity, it made it difficult to get familiar with the tent before we went to bed for the night. When the temperature dipped to the 40s later in the night, we were fumbling in the dark for the extra blankets and fire kindling.
Arriving in the daylight will help you learn where all the necessities are prior to Mother Nature turning off the lights.