Glamping vs Camping Cost: Which Is More Expensive in 2025?
Picture the hush of a dewy morning, the smell of pine needles, and the promise of adventure—now, is your morning coffee served in a stainless mug over a campfire, or are you sipping a frothy cappuccino in a plush canvas tent under fairy lights? That’s the core difference between camping and glamping. But here’s what throws people off: a whole lot of glamping fans swear you can do it on the cheap, and purists claim even DIY camping racks up bills faster than you’d expect. So, does glamping really drain your wallet more than regular camping in 2025? Turns out, the answer isn’t so simple—or predictable.
Breaking Down Costs: Camping vs. Glamping in 2025
Let’s start with the hard numbers, since nothing stings quite like an unexpected bill on your getaway. Classic tent camping, at face value, still looks thriftier. According to the 2024 North American Camping Report, the average tent campsite fee in the U.S. hovers around $36 per night in a state park, sometimes dipping as low as $15, or spiking to $50 if you need a prime lakefront spot. Now, factor in gear. Sure, you can get a basic two-person tent for about $60, a couple of sleeping bags for $80, and a cooler for $30. But once you start adding camp stoves, lanterns, weather-appropriate clothing, car-top carriers, and (let’s be real) that fancy hammock you just had to have, most first-time campers shell out $350 to $700 before they even leave home.
Glamping, though? The story’s different. The base price is usually a lot higher—expect $95 to $450 per night for a yurt, safari tent, treehouse, or Airstream at a well-reviewed glamping site. However, that price usually includes everything: the plush bed, pre-made firepit, running water, sometimes even a welcome basket with snacks or a bottle of wine. No tent to pitch, minimal gear required. You might just show up with your duffel and a phone charger.
But if you have to fly or drive a long way, both camping and glamping rack up travel costs. National parks, especially the top-rated ones like Yosemite or Acadia, see peak-season rates and limited availability for both styles. Many glamping locations have cleaning fees or require a two-night minimum, inflating costs for quick escapes.
| Cost Breakdown | Camping (per night for 2) | Glamping (per night for 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Campsite or Glamping Unit | $36 | $180 |
| Gear Rental/Purchase | $25 (pro-rated) | $0 (included) |
| Meals | $20 | $40 (if on-site dining provided) |
| Extras (firewood, activities) | $10 | $20 |
| Total | $91 | $240 |
At first glance, camping pays off, especially for repeat trips. But if you’re not a gearhead, value comfort, and only plan one outdoor getaway a year, glamping’s steeper cost trades hassle for plush convenience.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
The classic camping budget goes into what you bring and what you do. You’re paying for gear, campsite fees, and sometimes parking or park entry. If you’re handy, know your knots, and don’t mind skipping showers for a weekend, camping almost always comes out cheaper. But what doesn’t show on receipts is the time and effort—sorting gear, prepping food, and sometimes bracing for a rainstorm in a leaky tent (I’ve been there, with my dog Oliver giving me the side-eye as I frantically patch the seams!).
Glamping bundles comfort into the price—but also exclusivity. Those gorgeous eco-domes in Joshua Tree, or the treehouses in rural Scotland, cost more because they’re rare. They often include perks: private hot tubs, firepits you don’t have to build, bathrooms (with actual plumbing!), and quadruple-stitched, insulated tents that laugh off storms. Fancy? Yes. Cheap? Not usually. But if you sit back in a hammock watching the sunset, drink in hand, without a care about bears or bug bites, maybe that’s worth it to you.
Here’s a curveball: some “glamping” websites offer low-cost options, like pre-pitched tents or budget bell tents, at only $60–$90 per night. If you score one off-season or midweek, you could get almost hotel-style comfort for not much more than you’d pay for camping. The catch? They book up fast, especially near festivals, coastlines, or popular parks. Off-peak glamping is a genuine bargain, but snagging a spot requires ninja-level planning.
A cool fact: In 2025, KOA (Kampgrounds of America) rolled out more than 50 new glamping sites across North America, sometimes in parks where regular camping books up a year in advance. Glamping pods and cabins are now popping up almost everywhere—from Texan ranches to English fields—sometimes as cheap as $110 for two, with linens and heat included. Want to keep costs down? Look for places that toss in bikes, canoes, or yoga classes at no extra charge.
Hidden Costs and How to Dodge Them
Surprise charges can blow your budget, whether you’re roughing it or living in dome-shaped luxury. Campsites often tack on $6 to $20 for things like extra cars, firewood, or showers (bring quarters!). Not to mention the campground store, which quadruples the price of bug spray, snacks, and ice. If you forget a sleeping pad or find out you’ve packed a missing tent pole, nearby outfitters can charge a premium for last-minute essentials.
With glamping, the "all inclusive" description is sometimes smoke and mirrors. Watch for cleaning fees (some sites charge $40 to $75 per stay), taxes, or "luxury use fees." If your glampsite lists linen and towel rental separately, double-check the fine print or you’ll be forking over more for basics. Some extravagant properties, like those Instagram-famous domes, require golf-cart shuttles or activity passes that can double the price of a two-night stay.
To avoid being nickel-and-dimed:
- Read every line of the reservation policy. Ask about cleaning fees and taxes in advance.
- Bring your own meals. Even glampsites with kitchenettes let you save big by cooking simple food rather than ordering catered platters.
- Don’t get tricked by fancy add-ons. That $70 “romance package” is usually a bottle of cheap fizz and some faux petals.
- Pack travel essentials—even at posh glampsites, snacks and toiletries tend to cost double.
A quick tip: If you’re new to camping and think you’ll go more than once per year, buying decent gear (especially on sale or second-hand) saves more in the long haul, even with storage or maintenance costs factored in. Flip side—if going outdoors is a rare treat, glamping makes sense since you avoid having a garage full of unused tents and tarps.
Saving Tips and Making Your Outdoor Getaway Worth Every Penny
Scoring good value out of either camping or glamping is more about knowing what matters to you than chasing the lowest sticker price. Here’s what actually moves the needle:
- Book early for both campsites and glamping pods, especially in spring, summer, and early fall. Last-minute deals happen, but most bargains get snapped up months in advance.
- Go midweek or shoulder season—think May and September. Prices drop by 20–30% and you skip crowds (and mosquitoes!).
- Travel light. More gear means more costs and more hassle. Choose multi-functional items or share equipment with friends.
- Look for new glamping startups or small sites that are building a reputation—they sometimes offer deep discounts for early birds or social media reviews.
- For camping, borrow gear if you can, or check local buy-and-sell groups for gently used essentials. Gear libraries are springing up in cities like Portland, Austin, and Vancouver.
- If you’re bringing pets like my dog Oliver, check policies carefully—some charge $10–$25 per night for pets, while others allow furry friends for free.
Don’t forget comfort matters—not just in bedsheets or pillows, but in how relaxed you feel. If glamping means you fall asleep under the stars without a worry (or heavy rain dripping in), that extra cost can feel worth every cent. If fiddling with tent stakes and waking up with pine needles in your hair feels like victory, classic camping’s your jam—and a much lighter lift on the bank account if you camp often.
Outdoor trips shouldn’t break the bank unless you want them to. The secret: figure out what brings you the most joy in nature—a plush mattress, or just a night sky free of city lights—and plan your trip around that. Don’t let Instagram or travel trends pressure you. Glamp if you want comfort in style. Camp if you want classic, affordable adventure (and can handle a bit of mud). Either way, the fresh air’s free—and that’s priceless.