Camping Versus Glamping

May long weekend is British Columbia’s busiest camping weekend of the year. Spring has finally arrived after another Canadian winter and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere can’t wait to get back out into nature. Most have already reserved their spots months ago. Literally hundreds of families will be packing their cars and trucks with enough food and supplies to last the weekend. Kokanee Creek Campground is the nearest provincial campground in our area and boasts 189 sites in total. It is likely the number one choice in the West Kootenays and typically fills immediately when online booking opens in February.

Is it the best option though? Have you considered glamping? I’m not talking about luxury units with private baths and kitchenettes that come at a hefty price. I’m talking mid-range glamping that provides an authentic connection to nature but with more comfort than camping. If you’re not a regular camper or have never tried camping, glamping can deliver the experience you want without breaking the bank. A mid-range glamping retreat will provide a private tent already set-up, a comfy bed with bedding and other amenities only steps away such as washrooms with flushing toilets and camp kitchens with fridges and BBQs. Even the propane is included. For this type of glamping, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per night.

Now let’s consider the cost of camping and then compare it to glamping. Just the price of a campsite per night is averaging around $45 per night these days. If you’re out of province, add another $20 per night. Private campgrounds are often more and if you add electricity hookups there is a cost to that too. Fees can easily total $80 per night. Then you need to factor in the cost of equipment, food and travel. Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, cooking equipment and lanterns can quickly add up to $500 on a budget and up to $1500 for quality. Food ranges from $50 to $150 for a family of four for a weekend depending on how much preparation you put in. Then you have to load all that into your vehicle, pay for fuel, travel to your destination, set-up and pay for all the extras like firewood and ice for your cooler. 

Let’s say your family of four invested $1000 in camping equipment and goes camping at least five weekends over the summer. Averaging out the cost would come to $200 per trip. Then add campsite fees at $45, food at $100, fuel at $120 (one tank), incidentals like firewood at $34 ($17 for 2 bags), and $5 for a bag of ice for a grand total of $548 for two nights. Alternatively, you could book a two day glamping getaway with us at Bear Spring Eco Retreat for $165 per night and sleep in a Stargazer canvas tent. No assembly required. Just show up and enjoy. Add in two sleeping mats for kids $10 ($5 per mat), $8 for 4 towels, $100 of fuel for travel (one tank), food for $100, and firewood for $15 totalling $555. Only $7 more than camping. And way more comfort and convenience.

 For almost the same price, you could connect to nature with less impact on the environment too. Just like nature, no ground has been left uncovered. There are no dirt or gravel pads, just beautiful gardens. Bear Spring's off-grid, canvas tents include pillow top queen beds and natural cotton bedding all line dried by the sun. Flushing toilets with a sink and hot outdoor shower, supplied by spring water, are only steps away. Other amenities include edible gardens, hiking trails, communal fire pit with the most stunning mountain view, lawn games, an event venue for family reunions or hanging out on rainy days and a fully equipped camp kitchen with all the necessary dishes and cooking utensils to prepare and eat meals. There are no crowds of people. Our boutique size makes communal cooking spaces possible. With our amenities you’ll be creating less waste as well. You don’t need a big vehicle to get here. No investment in consumer products that you might only use once. There are no RVs with generators or vehicles idling. Just relaxing scenery and quiet breezes. You'll gaze at stars from your bed and fall asleep to the sound of crickets.

To add to the magic of the glamping experience, Bear Spring grows a kitchen garden just for guests to pick fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from, operates a camp store (the Trading Post) on-site where you’ll find gifts and other conveniences. Bear Spring is a working farm as well. You’ll see first-hand, how flowers, nut trees and a market garden take shape throughout the season. Even better, add a meal kit to your stay. Meal kits are designed to provide guests with a local food experience while also achieving a significant reduction in food packaging waste. 

By creating a unique boutique glamping experience, Bear Spring is able to provide guests with a meaningful connection to nature in comfort at an affordable price. We know we’re not for everyone. We’re not luxury either. But, if you are not into roughing it, have never tried camping and want to, or are looking for something more authentic than a hotel, we are it. We guarantee you’ll enjoy the outdoors in comfort at our retreat.

Learn more here.