What Is RV Glamping?

RV glamping is a relatively new form of camping that’s grown dramatically in popularity. Glamorous camping (i.e. glamping) happens when certain luxuries are present that one wouldn’t usually expect in the outdoors. For example, plush beds, soft linens, stocked kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, and more. 

Glamping RVs are campers that feature these upscale amenities. Let’s build a better understanding of RV glamping and discover ways to try it at a campground near you. 

How To Define RV Glamping

RV glamping is camping with luxury amenities. Many RV campers fall into the glamping category, but certainly not all. A simple way to define RV glamping is camping that offers many of the same amenities as you’d find in a nice vacation rental.

For example, pop up campers, rooftop car tents, and bare-bones camper vans almost never pack in luxury amenities like spacious bathrooms, plush linens, ample kitchen space, and upscale interior finishings. On the other end of the spectrum, luxury RVs like these help you glamp to your heart’s content. 

What To Look for in a Glamping RV

You have two options when searching for a glamping RV: renting or buying. 

The pros of renting over buying are: 

• You can try RV glamping before buying to make sure that you enjoy it 
• Insurance is included with the rental
• The owner covers maintenance 
• Delivery and setup of the RV are sometimes offered

The cons of renting over buying are: 

• You have to give the glamping RV back even if you fall in love with it
• Frequent rentals can add up to the same cost as ownership payments
• You won’t be able to personalize and customize a rented RV

Whether you rent or buy, seek these characteristics when looking at an RV for glamping: 

Luxury finishings — Glamping should feel more luxurious than camping. It should also be a unique experience compared to your home. That’s why you might look at RVs featuring amenities like outdoor kitchens, high-end cabinetry, and dual vanity bathrooms.

High-End RVs — RVs featuring multiple slide-outs, modern RVs with vintage vibes, RVs with large, high-quality awnings, and luxury RVs all feature elements that take camping to a higher level.

Outdoor amenities — Portable fire pits, outdoor RV rugs, cafe lights, and bamboo folding tables help give that glamping vibe.  

Plush beds — It wouldn’t be RV glamping without cloud-like sleep. That’s why you should seek RVs featuring the crème de la crème of sleeping spaces.

Larger RVs — Smaller campers may have difficulty fitting in the features needed to create a glamping experience. The bigger ones usually pack a better punch. 

Recognizing an RV Glamper Versus an RV Camper

So, how do you differentiate glampers from regular campers? The differences can be hard to spot, but they certainly exist. 

There are some who say that all RVing is a form of glamping. For these hearty souls, ‘camping’ only happens between a tent and the ground. 

While we love rugged adventurers, we also appreciate that there are many different forms of camping. From bivvy camping to tent camping to pop up camping to hardshell rooftop camping to glamping in a luxury RV, there’s a camping style out there for everyone.  

Here are a few ways to differentiate an RV glamper from an RV Camper:

RV campers and RV glampers span a wide range of options and features. And as you can tell, the lines between them are often quite blurry. Finding a rig that best matches your camping style is more important than asking for a glamper over a camper – or vice versa. 

Where To Find Glamping RV Rentals

You’ll find glamping RVs for rent in every corner of the United States. Renting an RV is a splendid way to test before you buy or borrow a glamper without the ongoing payment and maintenance expenses. 

Good Sam RV Rentals offers a quick and easy way to find a glamping RV near you. Use the RV Class and Amenities filters to zero in on a decked-out rig with the features you want. 

Our Favorite Glamping RV Parks

Much like RV campers and RV glampers, RV parks cater to a wide range of camping styles. These parks are ones that offer amenities befitting of a glamping RV: 

Western Glampgrounds

• Grand Canyon RV Glamping — You don’t even have to bring your own rig to this RV glamping spot in Williams, AZ. Simply arrive and start relaxing in one of their fully equipped and modern RV glampers. Each unit features a full kitchen, spacious bathrooms, and outdoor fire pits and grills. The whole park is dog-friendly and sits a stone’s throw from its namesake canyon.
• Zion White Bison Glamping RV Resort — Nestled outside Zion National Park, you can bring an RV to this spot or glamp out in a luxury teepee, covered wagon, or ‘cliff dwelling’ tiny home. All RV sites come with spectacular views, fire pits, and pool access.
• Misty River RV Park and Glamping — This riverfront RV resort sits on the banks of the Wilson River in Tillamook, OR. This tree-lined park offers spacious sites and easy fishing access.
• Beaverhead River RV Park — Get into Big Sky Country at this Montana RV park where you can fish the river just off your front door. Sites feature standing grills and fire pits.
• Colorado River Oasis — Camp right on the water in Bullhead City, AZ, in massive RV sites that feature boat ramp access, tropical landscaping, and a sandy beach for the whole family.
• Angels Camp RV Resort — Bring your RV glamper to this resort just outside Yosemite National Park to enjoy oversized campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and natural surroundings.
• Coachella Lakes RV Resort — Easy access to Palm Springs, spacious sites, and spectacular views of Palm Desert mountain ranges exemplify this glampground.

Midwestern Glamping

• Dancing Fire Glamping and RV Resort — This Great Lakes resort in Port Huron, MI, offers guests easy access to some of the best outdoors in the Upper Midwest. You can also try your hand at glamping in vintage Airstreams, a renovated school bus, cottages, and safari tents. Or, bring your own RV to glamp at one of their spacious sites featuring fast Wi-Fi, fire pits, and picnic tables. 
• Bull Creek RV Park —  Luxury camping in Branson, MO, featuring RV sites with patios, fire pits, picnic tables, and private access to Bull Creek.
• Black Hills Trailside Resort — Visit Mount Rushmore and other sites in South Dakota’s Black Hills from this centrally located resort featuring generously sized RV sites and access to the 109-mile Mickelson Trail. 

Southern Glampgrounds

• Glamp on the Gulf — Oceanfront glamping in Destin, FL.
• Boyd’s Key West Campground — Because nothing says RV glamping quite like backing your camper into a panoramic view of the ocean.
• Stone Mountain Park — This massive RV resort outside Atlanta has it all. Nature trails, a golf course, large picnic areas, and more get you glamping in no time. 

Northeastern Glamping

• Red Apple Campground — This spot in Kennebunkport, ME, has many luxury features, chief among them being ‘Fresh Lobstah’ delivered to your front door.

Other RV Glamping Types

Until now, we’ve spoken mainly about ways to bring your own RV glamper to a campground. However, there are many spots that have everything set up for you.

Glampgrounds like The Vintages Trailer Resort in Oregon and The Shady Dell in Arizona are two examples of parks that come with glamping included. Campgrounds all over the US are following suit by offering stationary glamping RVs for rent. These resorts are a swell way to test drive this camping experience without having to tow or drive a large rig. 

What to Pack for RV Glamping

These items will help you make the most out of your glamping trip:

• Outdoor patio mat
• Cafe lights
• Picnic kits
• Portable fire pits
• Tiki Umbrellas
• Macrame Hammock Chair
• Camping grill
• Posh camping chairs
• Luxury outdoor tables

FAQS About RV Glamping

Here are answers to some of the most common  questions about glamping in an RV:

Is RVing considered glamping?

Yes, it can be. There are many different camping styles out there, and while RVing isn’t always glamping, luxury RVs offer amenities that bring traditional camping into this new category. 

Which is better: camping or glamping?

This depends on which you prefer. Some people love the thrill of getting into nature with only the basics. Others enjoy glamping in the outdoors with all the amenities of a luxury cabin. Many people want something in between. 

Can I rent my RV for glamping?

Yes! You can rent out your RV for glamping with Good Sam RV Rentals, and they’ll help guests find it. They also offer insurance coverage for the rental period along with low commissions. 

Glamping is transforming the way many people camp. It’s also opening the natural world to a generation of folks who previously wouldn’t have thought camping was for them. Whether you rent a rig, buy one, or post up at a resort with glamping RVs included, we’re sure you won’t regret trying this new adventure. 

What are your thoughts on RV glamping? Share them in the comments below.