Glamping Cost Calculator
Calculate Your Glamping Experience
Glamping isn’t just camping with a fancy mattress. It’s a full-blown escape - think wooden cabins with heated floors, king-sized beds, private hot tubs, and views that make you forget you ever owned a TV. But how much do people actually pay for this kind of experience? The answer isn’t one number. It depends on where you go, when you go, and what kind of luxury you’re after.
Glamping Costs Vary Wildly by Location
If you’re booking a basic glamping dome in rural Scotland, you might pay around €80-€120 per night in low season. But step into a luxury treehouse in the Lake District or a geodesic dome in the Swiss Alps, and that same night jumps to €300-€600. In the U.S., a weekend at a high-end glamping site in California’s Napa Valley can easily hit €700, while a simple yurt in Colorado might run €150.
Why such a big difference? Location matters more than you think. Sites near national parks, coastlines, or popular hiking trails command premium prices. A glamping cottage in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains might cost €140 a night in spring, but during peak summer weeks, it’s €280. And don’t forget holidays - Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter weekends can double the rate.
What You Get for Your Money
Not all glamping is created equal. Some places just add a bed and call it glamping. Others go all-in. Here’s what you’re really paying for:
- Basic glamping: A tent or pod with a double bed, electricity, and a small outdoor seating area. Often shared bathroom facilities. €60-€120/night.
- Mid-range glamping: Private bathroom, kitchenette, heating, and decent insulation. Think wooden cabins with real windows. €120-€250/night.
- Luxury glamping: Full kitchens, hot tubs, fireplaces, smart thermostats, and concierge service. Some even have saunas or outdoor showers. €250-€600+/night.
For example, a €200/night glamping cottage in Ireland might include a fully equipped kitchen, a wood-burning stove, a private deck with mountain views, and complimentary local cheese and wine. That’s not just accommodation - it’s a curated experience.
Seasonal Price Shifts Are Real
Booking in November? You’ll likely pay 40-60% less than in July. Most glamping sites operate on a tiered pricing model:
- Low season (November-March): Best for budget travelers. Rates drop, but some sites close entirely.
- Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): Ideal balance. Mild weather, fewer crowds, and 20-30% discounts.
- Peak season (June-August): Highest prices. Book at least 3-6 months ahead.
In Ireland, glamping cottages in Connemara are often fully booked a year in advance for summer weekends. A couple who waited until June to book for August ended up paying €320/night - double what they’d have paid in May.
Minimum Stays and Hidden Fees
Don’t assume you can book just one night. Many glamping sites require a two-night minimum, especially on weekends. Some even enforce three-night stays during holidays.
And watch out for extra charges:
- Cleaning fee: Usually €30-€80, even if you leave the place spotless.
- Resort fee: Common in upscale sites - covers Wi-Fi, parking, or access to shared amenities like a sauna or hot tub.
- Pet fee: If you’re bringing your dog, expect €15-€30 per stay.
- Early check-in or late checkout: Often €25-€50 if available.
One couple in Wales booked a €180/night glamping cabin, only to be hit with a €75 cleaning fee and €40 for a late checkout. Total cost? €475 for two nights - not what they expected.
Glamping vs. Hotels: Is It Worth It?
Let’s compare. A 4-star hotel room in Dublin costs about €160/night. A luxury glamping cottage nearby? €220/night. So why choose glamping?
It’s not about saving money. It’s about experience. Glamping gives you:
- Privacy - no hallway neighbors or noisy elevators.
- Nature - waking up to birds, not traffic.
- Design - handcrafted furniture, stone walls, and big windows that frame the landscape.
- Unplugged vibes - many sites limit Wi-Fi to encourage real relaxation.
For couples, families, or solo travelers seeking quiet, glamping often feels more like a retreat than a stay. It’s not cheaper than a hotel. But it’s more memorable.
How to Save on Glamping
You don’t need to pay top dollar. Here’s how real people cut costs:
- Book shoulder season: April, May, September, and October offer the best balance of weather and price.
- Midweek stays: Monday-Thursday rates are often 20-40% lower than Friday-Sunday.
- Look for last-minute deals: Sites like Glamping Hub and Airbnb often drop prices a week before check-in if they have vacancies.
- Book directly: Skip third-party fees. Many glamping sites offer 5-10% off if you book on their own website.
- Go off-grid: Sites without hot tubs, saunas, or premium views are usually €50-€100 cheaper.
One family in Dublin booked a €260/night cottage in August. A year later, they went in October - same cottage, same view - for €140. The difference? Timing.
What Glamping Costs Around the World
Here’s a snapshot of average nightly rates (in euros) for mid-range glamping:
| Region | Basic (€) | Mid-Range (€) | Luxury (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 70 | 150 | 300+ |
| United Kingdom | 80 | 180 | 350+ |
| United States | 90 | 200 | 500+ |
| Canada | 85 | 170 | 400+ |
| France | 95 | 210 | 450+ |
| Japan | 120 | 280 | 600+ |
| Scandinavia | 110 | 250 | 550+ |
Japan and Scandinavia top the list because of their design focus - think minimalist cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and onsen baths. In contrast, Ireland and the UK offer more value for money, especially outside tourist hotspots.
Who Pays the Most - and Why
The biggest spenders aren’t just tourists. They’re:
- Couples celebrating anniversaries or proposals - they’ll pay extra for champagne, rose petals, and sunrise breakfasts.
- Families with kids - they book larger units with kitchens and play areas, often for multiple nights.
- Remote workers - they pay premium rates for reliable Wi-Fi, quiet spaces, and long-term discounts.
One digital nomad in Donegal stayed 14 nights in a €220/night glamping cabin. He got a 15% discount for the long stay and used the space as his office. For him, it was cheaper than renting a co-working space and hotel room separately.
Final Takeaway: You Get What You Pay For
Glamping isn’t a budget option. But it’s not just luxury either. It’s a middle ground - somewhere between a hotel room and a cabin in the woods. The key is knowing what you want.
If you just need a quiet place to sleep under the stars, a basic dome for €80 might be perfect. If you want to unwind with a glass of wine in a private hot tub while rain taps on the roof? Then yes, €400 is worth it.
There’s no single price. But now you know the range - and how to find the best deal for your style of escape.
Is glamping cheaper than a hotel?
Not usually. A basic glamping unit in Ireland costs about the same as a 3-star hotel - €70-€120/night. But luxury glamping (€250+) is significantly more expensive than most hotels. The value isn’t in saving money - it’s in the experience. Glamping gives you privacy, nature, and design you won’t find in a typical hotel room.
Are glamping prices higher in summer?
Yes. Summer (June-August) is peak season everywhere. Prices can double compared to spring or fall. In Ireland, a cottage that costs €140 in May might jump to €280 in July. If you’re flexible, aim for shoulder seasons - April-May or September-October - for the best balance of weather and price.
Do glamping sites charge cleaning fees?
Almost always. Most charge between €30 and €80, even if you leave everything tidy. This covers deep cleaning, restocking supplies, and checking for damage. Always check the fine print before booking. Some sites include it in the price, but many list it as a separate fee.
Can you book glamping for just one night?
Sometimes, but rarely. Most sites require a minimum two-night stay, especially on weekends. Some even demand three nights during holidays. If you need just one night, look for urban glamping sites near cities - they’re more flexible. Rural sites usually stick to minimum stays to reduce turnover.
What’s the most expensive glamping experience?
The most expensive glamping can cost over €1,000 per night. These are usually one-of-a-kind pods in remote locations - think private islands in Norway, glass domes in the Australian Outback, or safari tents in Botswana with butler service. In Europe, a luxury treehouse in the Swiss Alps with a private chef and helicopter transfer can hit €1,200/night. These are rare, but they exist.