Camping can be a cheap and flexible alternative to staying in a hotel. When many people think of camping they think of staying in a tent on a campsite, but in fact there are many different types of camping – some of which can be quite glamorous, while others can be fairly rugged. This post compares all the different types of camping, from most to least luxurious.
RVing
RVs (recreational vehicles) are vehicles with living quarters in them. Many have a bed, lighting, heating, kitchen facilities, bathroom facilities and more. Theyโre pretty much a vacation home on wheels. You can park up pretty much anywhere and get a good nightโs sleep, although if you want to use electricity without the battery dying, youโll need to find access to a charging station (although you can use solar panels). RVs can be quite expensive to buy and you need to maintain them, however they could save you money in the long run on hotel fees when planning a road trip.
Caravanning
While RVs are vehicles and living quarters all in one, caravans are separate living quarters that are trailed behind your vehicle. Caravans typically arenโt as spacious and luxurious as RVs, however many will still have home comforts such as a bed, basic kitchen facilities, heating and electricity. Caravans arenโt cheap to buy, but are generally more affordable than RVs. Make sure to factor in costs like caravan servicing. Like RVs, caravans need to be hooked up to electricity or require solar panels in order to get access to power.
Trailer camping
Camper trailers are trailed behind your vehicle like a caravan, but are typically smaller and more basic than caravans. Some contain nothing more than a bed. Theyโre still generally cozier than a tent. Camping trailers are cheaper to buy or rent than caravans.
Glamping
Glamping involves staying in a pre-erected tent, yurt or cabin on a site (no hassle putting the tent up yourself). Glamping accommodation often comes with a bed and occasionally other furniture and lighting. The cost of such accommodation can sometimes be as much as a hotel room, however glamping can still be worthwhile as it can provide the rustic outdoorsy feel of camping, while still getting a warm bed.
Car camping
Car camping involves sleeping in your car. If youโve got a large car and youโre able to store luggage in a roof box or trailer, you could take down the backseats and sleep here. If not, the less comfortable option is to sleep in the front with the seat leaned back. Car camping will save you money, but generally isnโt as comfortable as other forms of camping.
Campsite tent camping
This involves camping in a tent on a campsite. This is the most popular form of camping and is quite cheap – youโll need to buy a tent and pay campsite fees, but itโs otherwise much more affordable than glamping or having to buy a trailer or RV. You wonโt have a bed, although you can always bring an air mattress.
Wild camping
Wild camping is the most rugged form of camping – it involves camping in the wild in a tent or on a hammock. Not staying on a campsite means no campsite fees. However, you also wonโt have access to campsite bathroom facilities or running water. Itโs definitely not luxurious, however for many travellers it can be a way of getting back to basics and closer to nature. You also have the flexibility of camping wherever you want (providing itโs somewhere safe and legal, of course).
