The Rise of Glamping Pods
Glamping has long been popular in the United Kingdom as well as other parts of Europe, but over the past five years it has been gaining tremendous momentum here in North America as well. Although there are many types of glamping accommodations, from luxury tents to cabins, one of the newest and most popular has become the camping pod or glamping pods.
As people have shifted toward adventure and wellness tourism as well as eco-tourism, the glamping market size has experienced large yearly gains. In 2018, the glamping market had a value of USD 2.1 billion. By 2025, that number is expected to rise to USD 4.7 billion according to a market analysis report completed by Grand View Research.
The reasons behind the growth are plenty. Camping as a whole has been on the rise as people look to connect with the outdoors and spend more quality time with family. The health and physical benefits of being outdoors are quite obvious, but with more people than ever living in cities, spending time outdoors in the fresh air for extended periods of time can be a challenge.
Glamping as an Alternative
While many people enjoy being outdoors in nature during the day, they may prefer to spend the night on a bed rather than the ground. Having a solid, dry location for times of bad weather such as rain or high winds is also an appealing item that glamping offers.
Glamping pods offer the best of both worlds. They provide a comfortable space to spend time when needed, keeping all of your gear safe and dry. At the same time, these pods are located in camp grounds around the world which allow you to experience nature at its core and seek all of the adventure activities you can handle throughout your stay.
So What are Glamping Pods?
Glamping pods are small wooden structures used for luxury camping accommodations. They typically are offered in sizes of approximately eight feet wide by 12 feet long, but can be custom built to suit any needs.
These pods are most often made of local wood materials and crafted by local carpenters. They can be built with many design features like verandas for extra seating space.
The use of wood as the primary building material means that they are built strong. And with the added benefit of insulation, they will stay rather warm and protect you from the elements outside.
Furthermore, glamping pods are safe. They come equipped with lockable windows and doors which provide peace of mind that your gear will remain safe, even if you are away on a daily adventure of hiking or swimming.
Glamping Pod Amenities
When you book your stay in a glamping pod, be sure to review the included amenities listed on the site or send a quick message to the host to see what’s provided. The pods might come empty, in which case you will need to bring any desired items you’ll want in order to enjoy your stay. Items such as sleeping bags and mats, cooking equipment and eating utensils along with anything else you will need.
However, many campsites will have the pod equipped with at least the basics. There might be a bed with a mattress available. There could also be a small desk or table to eat at and a BBQ outside for cooking. The campsite might also have free firewood available for your evening campfire.
Many pods are equipped with electricity and if so lighting has most likely been included. You can also bring along your laptop, charge your phone and cook on a hot plate if you desire.
Most, if not all sites, will provide some form of bathroom facilities outside of the pod and provide the basic bathroom amenities as well. What a relief!
Convenience of the Glamping Pod
Camping shouldn’t feel like a chore. The core purpose of why we go camping in the first place is to relieve stress, relax and enjoy our natural surroundings. But if the thought of setting up a tent and attempting to have your two and four year old’s sleep a full night on the ground brings more anxiety than relief, then a stay in a camping pod might be a good start or better option for your families needs.
When staying in a glamping pod, there is no setup work! Just drive up to your campsite and start enjoying your vacation immediately. There will be no tent to set up, no raking the needles away or attempting to flatten the ground underneath your sleeping area.
There is less packing! Again, no need to pack a tent or a tarp, or a whole host of other bulky items that we typically bring along in case of bad weather.
What about Winter?
The beauty of glamping is that it can be just as much fun in the winter as it is in the summer. Campgrounds might have hiking trails that become perfect for snowshoeing. Or lakes that freeze over for ice fishing. They might be near a local ski hill that you can spend the day at and return to the pod to relax for the evening.
As already mentioned, the pods are well insulated to reduce the effects of the cold and wind. Because they often come with electricity hooked up, if they are open for the winter, they will usually come with a small electric fireplace or heater provided as well. And due to their eco-friendly size, it won’t take very long to have the area toasty warm.
Where Can I Find a Glamping Pod Campsite?
As the pods become more and more popular, the places that they are provided are increasingly growing as well. Glamping has long been popular in the UK and so you’ll find the most glamping pod campsites scattered throughout England, Scotland and Ireland.
There are also plenty of locations throughout the United States and Canada. Anywhere from the Mojave Desert in California to a romantic getaway in North Carolina or even a nature adventure on the outskirts of Algonquin Park in Canada.
As the industry gains further traction, you can bet that there will be more sites added every year. Check out GlampingHub for a comprehensive list of locations as well as booking information.
There is no doubt that the idea of camping has evolved over time. As people are seeking adventure, nature, wellness and eco tourism more than ever, accommodation types have been created to suit the needs of everyone. And glamping pods are here to stay.
