Glamping: Glamorous Camping in the Wilderness

Glamping is the fairly new term for a growing trend of glamorous camping. Think of it as camping with amenities. For those who don't want to deal with bugs, leaky tents, wild critters, and other hazards of camping, this new trend may be what the doctor or should I say, therapist ordered.

Some camping purists may feel that glamping runs counter to one of the main purposes of camping - roughing it, getting back to nature, and leaving many of the creature comforts at home.

Glamping could range from very high end camping and facilities to something closer to regular camping. It all depends on what the camper is looking for and whether they are familiar with camping to begin with.

Some glamping experiences may revolve around the location of the camping activity such as a safari or location that would appeal to the high end spender or jet set crowd. The Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia offers luxurious accommodations that may appeal to glampers. It markets the resort as "an ultra-luxurious eco-resort in Canada's untamed wilderness" according to its website, www.wildretreat.com. The resort located in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere reserve near Tofino, British Columbia has become popular for its unique offerings and luxury in the wild.

In the world of glamping, a resort such as the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort wouldn't be too different from the ski lodge atmosphere at a tony ski resort where many patrons may not ever get on the slopes but are there to enjoy the mountains, the people that frequent a ski resort atmosphere, and the nightlife.

Other glamping situations may involve the equipment, accommodations, and amenities that the camper desires such as tents that have designer colors, electrical hookups, full-size mattresses with luxury linens, and things of that nature.

A glamping resort such as the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort may be the high end of glamping with its Persian rugs, fine furniture, electricity, and even a thermostat to control the temperatures in its tents. It offers what the website terms as a soft adventure despite its remote location.

Many have already led the way to what has become glamorous camping or glamping via the luxury RV's that populate the national parks and other areas in the wild. These hotels on wheels often feature some of the same amenities that the glamping resorts offer yet it provides the camper the opportunity to experience nature but have the comforts of home.

Glamping may become even more popular as society changes. As the middle class and upscale baby boomers continue to age, they will more than likely expect to take their lifestyle with them wherever they go. The younger generations may want to have their Wi-Fi, plasma TV's, and other high-tech gear nearby. For many in these groups, why should the wilderness be any different?

While I'm not advocating that this method of camping become predominate, I do think that glamping may become another means of encouraging more people to visit the great outdoors and experience nature. Glamping will be just one more facet of outdoor travel.