The Family Glamping Guide for Camping with Kids

When was the last time you had a family vacation? Chances are, it’s been a while. Finding time to get away from work and school is difficult, which puts a lot of pressure on planning the perfect family trip. Instead of stressing over plane tickets and fancy hotel prices, why not try something closer to home? 

Glamping offers all the fun of a destination vacation and all the comforts of home, making it the ideal option for families of all sizes!  Here’s our guide for planning a family glamping getaway.

What is Glamping?

Glamping, short for "glamorous camping," combines the outdoor excitement of traditional camping with all the amenities of a modern hotel. Unlike traditional camping, glamping allows families to enjoy nature without sacrificing cozy beds, electricity, or running water. It's the perfect way to introduce children to the wonders of nature while staying in a safe, stress-free environment.

Benefits of Family Glamping



We could all use a little more outside time and a little more time together. The fact is that spending time in nature is good for your mental health, and spending time with your kids is important for their well-being. Glamping as a family is the greatest way to do both! Here are some of the benefits that camping offers to kids and adults alike. 

Unplug and Reconnect

Without the distractions of screens and day-to-day responsibilities, glamping encourages families to spend quality time together. Whether it's playing games, telling stories by the campfire, or simply stargazing, camping fosters meaningful connections.

Safe Exploration

Unlike traditional campgrounds, family campgrounds and glamping resorts provide a safe environment for kids to explore freely. While supervision is still advised, most glamping locations offer amenities like walking trails, fishing ponds, and even swimming pools for kids of all ages.

Private Accommodations

Instead of staying in a private hotel sharing walls with strangers, glamping offers more private accommodations. Most family camping resorts offer stand-alone lodging that often includes their own bathrooms, living areas, fire pits, and even kitchens!

Types of Glamping

There is no one way to glamp. Camp lodging comes in all varieties and forms, which means that you can personalize your trip to fit your family’s needs. Whether you are all about ultimate luxury or prefer simpler comforts, there are many ways you and your family can enjoy your getaway. Here are some of the main types of glamping accommodations you can try.

Cabins

Cabins are one of the most traditional glamping options. They’re perfect for families looking for that “home away from home” feeling. They often include beds, a small kitchen, bathrooms, and even internet, making them a convenient choice for those new to camping.

RVs

For families who love the road, RVs combine comfort and mobility. Glamping on wheels adds flexibility to your trip by allowing you to bring your lodging along for the ride. You can go wherever the road takes you while enjoying all the standard luxuries of glamping at any RV park with full-service hookups. 

Tents

Tent camping is usually viewed as the epitome of  “roughin’ it”, but Luxury tents provide a traditional camping feel with added comforts like real beds, rugs, and lighting. You can even dress up your own tent to upgrade your family’s old tent from drab to fab.

Other

If you really want to try something new, there is no shortage of unconventional lodging. From treehouses and yurts to houseboats and geodesic domes, glamping accommodations come in all shapes and sizes. These unique lodgings make the experience even more memorable for kids and adults alike.

Kids Glamping Activities

Activities are an important part of any vacation. Kids learn through play, and families bond by spending quality time together - this means that planning fun and engaging activities is a must. The good news is that family glamping grounds tend to have a lot to do. Here are some ideas for ways to spend your days!

Out in Nature

Glamping sites are often surrounded by natural beauty, providing plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scavenger hunts. Kids can learn about local flora and fauna while enjoying the fresh air.

Around the Campground

Many glamping resorts offer kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming pools, sports courts, and indoor activity centers. Bring along a few balls and pool toys for some outdoor game time, or see if the campground has any equipment that you can rent. Some family-friendly campgrounds even host events for their guests!

Explore the Area

Most glamping locations are close to a tourist hotspot, which is perfect for families looking to make the most of their time together. Whether you want to keep with the nature theme by visiting state parks, see unique local attractions, or just spend some time in the city, glamping offers the perfect home base to do it all.

Family Time

After a day of fun, it can be nice to spend some quiet time together. Whether you are staying in a tent, RV, or cabin, glamping offers a cozy environment to bond. To keep with the camping theme, you can roast some marshmallows over the fire. Or, if you need a little time indoors after a day outdoors, you can play some board games or read together. Sometimes its the simple events that make the best memories.

Family Glamping Tips

All trips require planning, especially when it comes to traveling with kids. Whether you are staying at a campground close to home or taking a road trip, there’s a lot to consider before you go. While we can’t do all the planning for you, here are some tips to make your family glamping trip great.

Before The Trip



• Planning: Choose a location that fits your family's needs. Consider factors such as location, available amenities, accessibility, and activities suitable for kids.
• Packing: Pack essentials such as weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray, and first-aid kits. While glamping offers more amenities than traditional camping, it's still important to be prepared.
• Travel: Glamping locations aren’t as remote as traditional sites, but you’ll still want to make sure your vehicle is prepared for your adventures. Fill up on gas, snacks, and drinks for comfortable travel.

Setting Up Camp



• Setting Ground Rules: Upon arrival, establish safety rules and expectations with your kids. This should include campground policies in addition to your own instructions to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone.
• Unpacking: Take extra time to unpack and set up your lodgings before you start exploring. Kids may want to start playing right away, but getting things organized early on will save you a lot of time and frustration later.
• Have a Routine: Stick to a basic routine to help children adjust to their new surroundings. Keeping bedtime, meal times, and activities consistent can make the experience more enjoyable for little ones.

Heading Home



• Packing up camp: Get kids involved in packing up to teach responsibility and organization. Make sure you do a walk-through to double-check for any belongings to avoid leaving anything behind.
• Settling Back In: Give yourself an extra day to readjust to your normal routine. Unpack your belongings right away and get the kids back on their normal at-home schedule. This will help them get back into step without missing a beat.
• Reflect on your adventure: Encourage kids to share their favorite memories through drawings, journals, or photos. Reflecting on the trip helps build confidence and excitement for future experiences.

Glamp at Hartman Center Campground

Glamping with kids offers the perfect way to introduce them to the great outdoors in comfort, and there’s no better place for family glamping than Hartman Center Campground. 

Hartman Center is the ultimate family-friendly camping destination. Enjoy our swimming pool, fishing pond, hiking trails, activity center,  and more-- all a short drive from Penn State!  With lodging ranging from cozy A-frame tiny homes to rustic tent sites, and everything in between, we have accommodations for all kinds of campers and glampers. 

Experience family glamping as it should be when you book now!

About the Author

Amanda Orban is a local teacher and campground manager in Pennsylvania. In her free time, she loves nothing more than pitching a tent under the stars, hitting scenic trails, and cheering on the Nittany Lions at Penn State.