Have you ever been camping?
It can feel like two different experiences, depending on your age.
As a child, the concept of camping is thrilling. Trekking through lush trees, stepping over the uneven jungle floor and pausing to listen to the sound of nature’s various wonders peacefully existing. The thought of sleeping in a tent, out in the open, is an adventure all on its own. There are no worries or concerns, just the simple joy of being in nature and absorbing as much as you can. What’s not to love?
As an adult though, your needs and expectations with camping can look vastly different. You’re responsible for far more than just your enjoyment, and oftentimes planning for the trip becomes tedious enough that your excitement for it wanes. The joy of camping comes from the peace and quiet that nature provides, far away from the constant noise of urban lifestyles. But how do you enjoy a trip when planning for it can be a task in itself?
To quote Eben Diskin from the Matador Network, ‘Camping is whatever you want it to be. Don’t let anyone define it for you.’ And truer words have never been spoken. A recreational activity that you do or commit to, absolutely has to be beneficial and enjoyable to you, in whatever form you deem it to be.
Perhaps it’s time to relook at camping as an enjoyable activity as adults, without worrying about the logistics. Only the stars in the sky, your loved ones by your side and a roaring fire to roast some marshmallows. There is nothing that would make the experience better, or is there?
Every form of recreation seems to have a luxury option these days, so it’s unsurprising that camping also has a version of it.
We’re sure you’ve heard of ‘glamping’, perhaps in passing or when a friend has mentioned it. But do you know exactly what it entails? Were you intrigued but too busy to put in the effort to find out more about this new camping style?
Let’s dive in!
WHAT IS GLAMPING?
A portmanteau of ‘glamour’ and ‘camping’, glamping is a form of camping that involves a little more luxury than traditional camping. It can range from a tent set up with running water and small electricity outlets, to luxurious accommodations with full services one would find in a hotel or resort. While the interest in camping has made a resurgence over the last few years, the popularity of glamping has also considerably shot up.
Glamping has a two-pronged appeal. The first being the simplicity and joy of being close to nature, surrounded by it and all the wonders it bestows on the glamper. The second, is the convenience of having running water, a well-equipped modern kitchenette, a spacious lounging area and comfortable beds that one may not ordinarily enjoy while camping. It’s a win-win scenario for those wishing to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city, but also without forgoing some simple creature comforts.
To people who want to enjoy the serenity of nature but would also like a fully functional washroom nearby, glamping is more than ideal. It also offers a good go-between amongst people who like to rough it out while camping, and people who prefer far more comfortable vacations. One aspect of glamping that may appeal to you is that you can really customise the level of ‘glam’ you would prefer. You can make it as elaborate or as minimalist as you desire, giving you full control over the logistics of your trip. Even the smallest additions to your tent, like a fan or easy access to a nearby washroom counts as glamping.
When it comes to glamping, a little bit can go a long way. By simply jazzing up your tent with some fairy lights, having comfortable bedding instead of sleeping bags, and setting up a mini fridge, you have already made your foray into glamping.
When it comes to glamping, a little bit can go a long way. By simply jazzing up your tent with some fairy lights, having comfortable bedding instead of sleeping bags, and setting up a mini fridge, you have already made your foray into glamping.
But even as things improve for glamping fans, there has to be a line drawn between a full luxury vacation and preserving some of the essence of traditional camping.
That’s where we come in.
CAN YOU ‘GLAMP’ IN AN RV?
In 1915, the Conklin family travelled from New York to San Francisco in a custom-built vehicle, fondly dubbed the ‘Gypsy Van.’ Equipped with all the essentials needed while ‘roughing it’ on their cross-country journey, the Gypsy Van was something of a novelty. Inspired by the Conklin family, the period of 1915-1930 saw a considerable increase of camper vans, camping trailers and customised vehicles built for camping trips in the United States. (Young 2018)
Using a recreational vehicle or a motorhome for camping was one of the first forms of glamping. In fact, it is often preferred over other forms of luxury camping due to its ease of use and amenities. From the most basic of caravans that have a small kitchenette, washroom and sleeping area, to a fully equipped luxury motorhome that’s decked out with modern technology and palatial amenities, glamping in an RV is an unbeatable experience.
Think of it this way, if whatever hesitation you had regarding camping is being cancelled out by the existence of a motorhome, then isn’t it the best way for you to camp? An RV gives you the liberty of picking your own camping site, setting it up to your comfort and allowing you to stay there for as long as you like, without running around to pick up necessities or to clean yourself up.
In an RV, glamping can be an ongoing adventure. Consider it an extended road trip, where there is no concrete destination planned and you can stop to enjoy the sights along the way. With weather conditions not hindering you, the world is your oyster and you are the captain of your own ship. (Or should we say, the captain of your RV 😉 )
GLAMPING WITH AN RV: HERE’S HOW TO PLAN FOR THE LONG HAUL
Step one is to understand your destination and requirements. If you’re visiting an isolated campsite or a hidden spot with no network, you should be adequately prepared. Make sure you have everything you need onboard your motorhome, like groceries, batteries for torches, enough water and weather appropriate clothing and bedding.
One of the best parts of camping is sitting under the open sky and enjoying the unfiltered view of the starry skies. Some foldable chairs and a blanket can be a great accompaniment to a bottle of wine and some snacks. If the weather changes, or you feel the need for a little more comfort, you can always take the party back to your RV and enjoy the luxurious interior spaces provided by JCBL’s Signature RV.
With a customised motorhome, you enjoy the best of both worlds and manage to upgrade your glamping experience with little to no effort. The interiors designed to your preference, spacious sitting and sleeping areas and a modular kitchenette will only further elevate your camping experience.
Living in the city has us used to certain amenities that could be classified as luxuries while camping. However, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature does not have to preclude comfort of any kind. Your comfort does matter, and there is no need to hesitate in doing what feels right for you and your family.
While planning a glamping trip with an RV, remember to be cognizant of where you can park and if your presence may cause a disturbance in the surroundings. A motorhome may be cumbersome to navigate in some remote areas, but there is always an easy fix around it. You can park it at a distance from the campsite, and set up a temporary shelter to enjoy your surroundings, and then head to the RV as and when you need to.
Maybe you don’t particularly enjoy the rustic charm of camping, and we completely understand that. But perhaps, with the magic of a motorhome you just might learn to like it. The next time you want to plan a camping (or glamping) trip, consider giving JCBL RVs a shot. Who knows, you just might discover your newest indulgence!
