Blessed are the "classic campers" who find heaven in a tent and a firepit in the wilderness. But for us lesser mortals, a few creature comforts make getaways so much easier. "Comfort camping" can still be low-budget and outdoorsy; it can also act as budget lodgings near a destination-- For ex., we stayed at a "camping resort" just a short bus ride from Rome.
1. Family Camping in Comfort - Yurts at Campgrounds
Photo courtesy of Yosemite Pines, California.
Ok, so it's not really "camping". But it's a wonderfully easy easy way to stay at a campground: no need to pack tons of gear, or set up a tent in the dark... Just step into your yurt, or tipi.... Many campgrounds now offer such alternatives to tents. (And some offer full-fledged cabins too.)
2. Camping Resorts
Photo courtesy of Eurocamp.
Going up a notch: camping resorts can offer amenities, watersports and many other activities, while families still enjoy a beautiful outdoors setting and a budget-friendly price. In Europe, camping resorts reach startling levels of "resort-ness": Eurocamp, for instance, has over 180 holiday parcs in France, Italy, Spain and more; stay in your own tent or in Eurocamp's spacious three-room tents, or in bungalows or holiday homes; enjoy pools, restaurants, pizza parlors, shops, watersports, kids programs....
3. Glamping - Glamorous Camping
Our Guide for Honeymoons / Romantic Travel sets the scene: your tent's all prepared, with luxury linens on the beds; someone builds a fire, cooks a gourmet meal, cleans up... "that's glamping." (Don't expect a budget-friendly getaway, though.) For a family example of glamping, check out Clayuquot Wilderness Resort in BC.4. Family Camps
Photo courtesy of Medomak Family Camp.
Like summer camps for kids, "Family Camps" provide lots of fun activities in the Great Outdoors, with meals and lodgings included. Families might stay in tent-cabins, wooden cabins, or even lodges.
