Camping vs Glamping: What’s Really Different and Which One Fits You?

When you think about spending a night under the stars near Loch Ness, you’re probably weighing two options: camping, the classic, no-frills outdoor experience where you pitch a tent, sleep on the ground, and rely on your own gear. Also known as traditional camping, it’s the go-to for people who want to feel close to nature without any distractions. Then there’s glamping, a blend of glamour and camping that gives you outdoor vibes with real beds, heating, and sometimes even en-suite bathrooms. It’s not just camping with fancy pillows—it’s a different kind of escape altogether. Both let you wake up to mist over the water and the sound of birds, but that’s where the similarities end.

Let’s talk about what actually changes when you swap a tent for a yurt or a safari-style pod. Camping, typically costs less than £30 a night, and you’re carrying everything: sleeping bag, stove, water, food, and a mat that never feels flat enough. You’re doing the work. Glamping, on the other hand, often runs £80–£150 a night, but you walk in and find real beds, electricity, a kettle, and sometimes a hot tub outside. You’re not here to survive—you’re here to unwind. And that matters. If you’ve ever woken up soaked because it rained overnight, or spent two hours trying to light a fire in the wind, you know why glamping isn’t just a trend—it’s a reset button for tired travelers. It’s also not just for couples or luxury seekers. Families with young kids, older travelers, or anyone who’s ever thought, ‘I love nature, but not the part where I’m cold and wet,’ find glamping makes outdoor trips possible again.

And here’s the thing most people don’t say: glamping doesn’t mean you’re giving up nature. Some of the most eco-friendly stays in the Highlands are glamping sites—solar-powered pods, composting toilets, locally built structures, and zero plastic policies. Sustainable camping, whether it’s a tent or a dome, is about how you live in the wild, not how much gear you bring. You can glamp responsibly. You can camp with care. The real question isn’t which is better—it’s which one lets you show up rested, happy, and ready to explore the loch.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons—costs, comfort levels, hidden fees, and what people actually do when they book either option. No fluff. Just what you need to pick the right kind of stay for your next trip to the Highlands.