Why is it Called Glamping? Unravelling the Glamour

Jun 13, 2025

Why is it called glamping? Short answer: it’s glamorous camping — where glamping pods and tents swap your sleeping bag for a mattress and your torch for mood lighting. If you’ve ever wanted marshmallows without back pain, stick around — we’re unpacking how camping got a first-class upgrade.

Deconstructing the Word "Glamping"

A Portmanteau: The Blend of "Glamorous" and "Camping"

"Glamping" is a playful fusion of glamorous and camping. It merges the appeal of nature with the comforts of luxury.

It’s camping without the struggle. That means no assembling tents, no sleeping on cold, uneven ground — and no soggy toast unless you really want it.

This shift lets people enjoy the outdoors without losing the perks of civilisation.

Camping pod with curved roof and open glass door, showing interior bench seating with green cushions.

When the Term Was Coined (Early 2000s)

The word glamping first appeared in the UK during the early 2000s. It was used to describe upscale camping that offered more than just a patch of grass and a canvas roof.

Early adopters included sites with real beds, proper lighting, and even stocked kitchens. The trend quickly caught on, especially among those seeking nature with a touch of indulgence.

Official Recognition: Its Entry into the Dictionary

As glamping gained traction, the term was officially recognised. It found its way into dictionaries and travel publications alike.

Now, it's a widely accepted word used across the globe. Whether you're in the UK countryside or an eco-retreat in Australia, glamping means the same thing — comfort meets the great outdoors.

What "Glamorous Camping" Truly Means

Bridging the Gap Between Roughing It and Resort Stays

Glamping offers a middle ground between sleeping bags and resort bookings. You still get the stars, the open air, and the rustling trees — but you can also get a mattress and central heating.

It's an ideal option for people who want a break from the city, without sacrificing their creature comforts.

Arched glamping pod with double glass doors and black shingle roof, placed on a grassy field among pine trees with a bicycle leaning against the side.

Key Elements: Comfort, Convenience, and Style in Nature

From glamping pods to bell tents, today’s sites are fitted with real beds, stylish interiors, and working bathrooms. Some even feature wood-burning stoves or outdoor hot tubs.

It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about a stress-free experience in the wild. The goal is to blend comfort with nature, not battle the elements.

These features turn a night under canvas into something genuinely special.

How it Differs from Traditional Camping

Regular camping often means packing half your house, setting up in the rain, and brushing your teeth in a communal sink. Glamping skips all that.

Everything is ready when you arrive — no pegs, no poles, no panic. You just turn up, unwind, and enjoy.

It makes outdoor living accessible to more people, especially those put off by the fuss of traditional methods.

The Historical Roots of Luxurious Camping

Centuries of Comfort in the Wild

Royal Precedents: From Ottoman Sultans to European Kings

Luxury camping isn't new. History is full of examples where powerful figures brought their wealth outdoors.

Ottoman sultans, for example, travelled with opulent tented camps. European royalty also indulged in elaborate encampments, complete with furniture, servants, and feasts.

For them, camping was never about roughing it.

The Lavish Safaris of the Early 20th Century

Fast forward to the early 1900s, and African safaris became a symbol of elite adventure. Wealthy travellers brought chefs, bathtubs, and silverware into the savannah.

These experiences offered excitement, but not without a touch of class. It was the golden age of colonial luxury outdoors.

The essence of glamping was already alive and well.

The Rise of Modern Safari Lodges and Eco-Resorts

Eventually, safari setups evolved into permanent lodges. These offered similar grandeur but were rooted in sustainability and design.

From there, eco-resorts and boutique retreats began to flourish globally. They brought the safari spirit to forests, beaches, and mountains everywhere.

This development helped normalise the idea of nature combined with luxury.

Why the Term "Glamping" Emerged in the 21st Century

A Growing Desire for Experiential Travel

Travel trends have changed. People now seek experiences, not just destinations.

Glamping taps into that desire — it offers a unique way to explore nature while enjoying a luxurious stay. It’s the antidote to sterile hotels and cookie-cutter holidays.

It's camping, reimagined for the Instagram age.

Barrel-shaped wooden camping pod with dark green shingle roof and single entry door, situated on a raised deck near a brick house, hot tub, and white gazebo.

Making Nature Accessible to Those Who Crave Comfort

Many want to enjoy the outdoors, but aren’t keen on the “rough” part of roughing it. Glamping pods and safari tents offer a way in.

They provide privacy, security, and warmth — all without compromising the scenery.

That’s why glamping continues to grow: it’s nature on your own terms.

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