Why is Glamping So Expensive?

Jun 13, 2025

Ever paid hotel prices to sleep in a tent? Welcome to glamping—where luxury meets mud. It’s expensive because you’re getting real beds, hot tubs, and Instagrammable views without roughing it. From posh glamping pods and tents, here's why you're paying more—and why it might just be worth it.

The Upfront Investment: Building the "Glam" in Camping

The High Cost of Luxury Accommodations

Glamping has redefined how people enjoy the outdoors. It blends nature with comfort, offering a far more polished experience than traditional camping.

Instead of roughing it, guests enjoy high-end tents, domes, yurts, and glamping pods—each one offering a touch of indulgence. These accommodations are often bespoke, using quality materials and clever design to enhance comfort.

This shift from bare-bones camping to curated outdoor stays means prices go up—but so does the experience.

Wooden camping pod with arched black shingle roof and glass double doors, placed on a raised wooden platform in a grassy outdoor area with trees.

Beyond the Tent: The Price of Pods, Yurts, Domes, and Safari Tents

These aren't your average canvas tents. Glamping structures are often custom-built and designed to last.

Yurts offer charm and tradition, while eco-pods blend modern comfort with sustainability. Safari tents provide a classic feel with unexpected luxuries like heating or en-suite facilities.

All of these require high-quality materials, which adds to their cost—and to your nightly rate.

Building to Last: Foundations, Platforms, and Weatherproofing

The UK's unpredictable weather demands durability. Glamping structures must be windproof, waterproof, and insulated.

This often means raised wooden platforms, reinforced fabrics, and quality insulation. These aren't quick pop-ups—they're semi-permanent builds meant to last season after season.

That extra resilience adds to construction and maintenance costs.

The Price of Privacy: Land Acquisition and Site Development

Glamping locations are part of the appeal—and part of the cost. Beautiful countryside views and protected parkland don’t come cheap.

Acquiring land in these areas can be pricey. Plus, developers must clear plots, add access routes, and ensure the land is suitable for long-term use.

These behind-the-scenes expenses quietly raise the final price tag.

The Cost of Hotel-Grade Amenities

Real Beds, Premium Linens, and Stylish Furniture

Glamping skips the sleeping bags and flimsy mats. Instead, you'll find real beds with high-thread-count sheets and plush pillows.

Stylish furniture is chosen for comfort and Instagram appeal. From reading lamps to vintage armchairs, these finishing touches create a space that feels more boutique hotel than backwoods campsite.

Naturally, this elevates both comfort—and cost.

Installing Off-Grid Utilities: Water, Electricity, and Waste Systems

Luxury doesn’t stop at décor. Many glamping sites are off-grid, meaning providers must install alternative utilities.

That could mean solar power, compost toilets, filtered water tanks, and greywater systems. These setups aren’t cheap—but they’re crucial for remote or eco-conscious locations.

Going green while staying clean comes at a price.

Interior of a wooden glamping pod showing two sets of bunk beds with floral bedding and a central window.

The Ultimate Luxury: Private Bathrooms and Hot Tubs

Some glamping sites now offer en-suite bathrooms and even outdoor hot tubs. These additions turn camping into a spa-like experience.

Fitting plumbing, heating, and drainage into semi-mobile structures takes effort and expense. Regular upkeep adds further to operational costs.

Still, for many guests, the chance to stargaze from a hot tub is worth every penny.

The Price of Experience: Daily Operations and Exclusivity

The Daily Cost of Running a Glamping Site

Behind every glamping stay is a team working to keep it seamless. Unlike traditional camping, there's a strong hospitality element at play.

Daily cleaning, check-ins, restocking, and upkeep are all essential. Unlike a hotel, these sites often deal with unpredictable outdoor challenges—like storms or wildlife—which require responsive staff.

The result is high overhead for a small number of units.

Staffing for Service: Cleaning, Maintenance, and Guest Relations

Glamping aims to feel effortless for guests—but that requires a lot of behind-the-scenes effort.

Cleaners, groundskeepers, and hosts all play a role in keeping the experience smooth. Each guest expects a spotless space and friendly service.

All of this staffing adds up quickly in terms of cost.

Groundskeeping and Landscaping

The grounds themselves are part of the charm. Paths, gardens, and wildflower meadows don’t maintain themselves.

Seasonal upkeep is essential for first impressions. Whether it's mowing, weeding, or maintaining fire pits, keeping the site tidy and scenic takes both labour and money.

It’s all part of the curated outdoor aesthetic.

Consumables, Laundry Services, and Insurance

Glamping providers supply toiletries, fresh linens, and local treats. These consumables must be restocked regularly.

There’s also the cost of laundry services for every stay. Add business insurance and property cover to the mix, and it’s easy to see why nightly rates reflect more than just the bed.

Paying for Exclusivity and Convenience

Low Guest Density vs. High-Density Campgrounds and Hotels

A key part of glamping’s appeal is the peace and space. Sites are designed to feel secluded and special.

That often means fewer units across a larger area. Unlike hotels or campgrounds, this low density limits how many people a site can host—driving up the per-night cost.

But for guests, that privacy is part of the value.

The "Ready-to-Go" Factor: No Need to Pack or Set Up Gear

With glamping, you just turn up. There’s no faff with pegs, guy lines, or finding the mallet.

Everything is set up for comfort and ease. This “just arrive and relax” convenience is a major part of the experience—and why it feels more like a retreat than a chore.

Large barrel-shaped glamping pod with a green wooden front, black hexagonal shingle roof, and double glass doors.

Is Glamping Worth the Price? Comparing the Value

Glamping vs. a Luxury Hotel: The Cost of a Unique Experience

While glamping can cost as much as a boutique hotel, the experience is vastly different.

Instead of four walls and a minibar, you get open skies, birdsong, and nature at your doorstep. It’s not just a place to sleep—it’s a memory in the making.

For many, that uniqueness justifies the higher price.

Glamping vs. Traditional Camping: The Cost of Comfort and Convenience

Compared to pitching your own tent, glamping feels downright decadent. But you're also paying to skip the cold floors, damp clothes, and midnight toilet trips.

It's a price some might balk at—but for those who love nature and comfort, it hits the sweet spot.

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