Camping can come in many shapes and forms. Some will simply sleep on a roll mat in a sleeping bag, whilst others will prefer a proper bed in a furnished bell tent. 

There is no right or wrong way to go camping. It just depends on which style suits your lifestyle better. When it comes to glamping vs camping, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you decide which is the right option for you. 

What is traditional camping?

Traditional camping is often thought of as your classic tent set-up with a sleeping bag, cooking on a BBQ or camp stove and living in the outdoors with just your basics and very little fuss. 

Traditional camping is one for the nature lovers and those who enjoy the simpler things in life. There is something about stripping things back that really does take you away from the day-to-day for a bit. 

People love it for its simplicity and that feeling of genuinely being out in the open. It also helps that it’s one of the more affordable ways to get away, once you have all the gear sorted. 

The right kit makes all the difference; making sure you have a tent that is large enough for your group and equipped to handle the weather conditions you are likely to face will make or break the experience. 

What is glamping?

Glamping, short for glamorous camping, is a step up in comfort from your traditional style. 

This term can cover a range of accommodation, from bell tents and yurts all the way through to shepherd’s huts, treehouses and pods, depending on how fancy you want your glamping experience to feel. 

The key difference from traditional camping is that the accommodation is already set up and furnished when you arrive, so there is no pitching, no guy ropes and no hunting for a level patch of ground. 

This style of camping appeals to those who want the outdoor experience without the setup. Particularly families with young children and first-timers who are curious about camping but not quite ready to commit to a tent just yet. 

The key differences

Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are the key differences to help you decide:

Cost

Traditional camping is considerably cheaper than glamping. At the top end of the comfort scale, glamping can rival hotel prices. 

For those looking for an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors and get away from home, traditional camping is hard to beat.  

Comfort and setup

Glamping is generally considered the more comfortable option, thanks to proper beds, furnishings and often heating. That said, traditional camping does not have to mean roughing it; it really does depend on the kit you bring with you.

Traditional camping requires packing, pitching and a bit of planning. Glamping is largely done for you – you will still need to pack your personal belongings and home comforts, but there is no need to worry about finding a good pitch, as it will be set up and ready to go when you arrive. 

Flexibility

With a traditional tent, you can go almost anywhere. Camping gives you the freedom to pack up and move to a new site whenever you feel like it, which makes it ideal for longer trips or anyone who likes the idea of not being tied to one location. 

Glamping is site-specific, so if you are planning a longer road trip with multiple stops, you’ll need to book accommodation at each location separately. For a short getaway in one spot, though, it is perfectly suited. 

The outdoor feel

Some argue that glamping softens the outdoor experience, whilst others say it is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without roughing it. Both are fair points; it really comes down to what you are looking for from a trip away. 

The weather is always a factor with either option. But traditional camping does not have to mean a wet and soggy trip; a well-equipped tent with good kit can handle whatever the British weather throws at it rather well.

Which is right for you?

To work out which option suits you best, it is worth asking yourself a few simple questions.  How important is comfort to you? Are you travelling with young children? Is this your first time camping? What is your budget? And do you want the flexibility to move around freely? 

Your answers will naturally point you in one direction. Traditional camping is the cheaper option – it asks a little more of you in terms of setup and kit, but gives you a stronger connection to the outdoors and the freedom to go wherever you like. Glamping offers a more comfortable, hassle-free experience, but comes with a higher price tag and less flexibility on where you can go. 

Getting the most out of traditional camping 

A lot of people assume that traditional camping means cold nights, uncomfortable sleep and a fiddly setup, but that is rarely the case with the right gear. Here is what we would recommend to make sure you are comfortable whatever the weather:

• A good quality tent suited to the season. Most tents are built to be weatherproof across most conditions, but it is worth checking the waterproof rating before you buy. A reliable waterproof tent will make or break your trip if the rain arrives. 
• A proper sleeping bag with the right tog rating. This will vary depending on the time of year. A higher tog rating for colder nights, something lighter for summer trips. Getting this right makes a huge difference to how well you sleep. 
• A self-inflating mat. These save time and effort at the end of a long day, and being elevated off the ground makes for a noticeably more comfortable night’s sleep compared to a basic foam roll mat. 
• A comfortable camping chair. Having somewhere to sit and relax after a long day outdoors makes all the difference. Especially at the end of a full day of walking or exploring. 
• A camp stove for proper meals. A warm meal at the end of the day is one of life’s simple pleasures when camping. A compact stove opens up a lot more options than relying on a BBQ alone. 

Camping gear at Norwich Camping & Leisure

Whether you’re a committed traditional camper looking to upgrade your kit, or someone who has tried glamping and wants to take the plunge into doing it yourself, Norwich Camping & Leisure has everything you need. 

Browse our tents and accessories online, or come and visit us at our showroom in Blofield. Our showroom has one of the biggest ranges of tents in the area, and our team is always happy to help you find the right kit for your next trip.