Glamping Cost: What You Really Pay for Luxury Outdoor Stays

When you hear glamping, a blend of glamour and camping that offers comfortable, stylish outdoor stays without sacrificing comfort. Also known as luxury camping, it’s not just tents with fairy lights—it’s real beds, proper heating, and often private bathrooms. This is the kind of stay people choose when they want nature without roughing it. But here’s the real question: how much does it actually cost?

Glamping cost varies wildly depending on what you’re getting. At the low end, you might pay £80–£120 a night for a well-equipped pod or yurt with a double bed and basic kitchenette. But if you’re looking at a fully insulated, wood-fired hot tub-equipped cottage with panoramic sea views in Croyde, you’re looking at £250–£500 a night. The price isn’t just for the structure—it’s for the location, the design, the sustainability features, and the quiet. Some places use reclaimed wood, solar power, and rainwater systems, which all add to the cost but also make the experience feel cleaner and more responsible. That’s why eco-friendly glamping, glamping that prioritizes low environmental impact through materials, energy use, and waste reduction. Also known as green glamping, it’s not a buzzword—it’s a building choice. These sites don’t cut corners on comfort, but they do cut waste. And that’s why they often cost more than a standard hotel room.

Then there’s the glamping cottages, small, cozy, often detached lodges designed for short stays with full amenities and a strong connection to nature. Also known as luxury outdoor cabins, they’re the middle ground between a B&B and a villa. These are the ones you see with big windows, underfloor heating, and kitchens stocked with local food. They’re not cheap, but they’re also not a one-night splurge. Many families and couples book them for weekend getaways because they offer privacy, no noise from other guests, and a real sense of escape. You’re not paying for a bed—you’re paying for silence, space, and the sound of waves just outside.

Season matters too. Book in July or August, and you’ll pay top dollar. But if you go in April, October, or even November, prices can drop by 40% or more. Some sites even offer midweek discounts because they know not everyone can take a full weekend off. And if you’re looking at a place that’s off-grid—no mains electricity, no sewer hookups—you’ll usually pay less upfront, but you might need to bring your own supplies or plan around limited water use. That’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s something to ask about before booking.

What you’re really paying for in glamping isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s the feeling of being away from it all without having to sacrifice comfort. It’s waking up to birdsong instead of an alarm. It’s stepping outside in slippers to a hot coffee on your deck. It’s knowing your stay supports local builders, sustainable materials, and quiet tourism. That’s why the best glamping spots don’t just list their prices—they explain their story. And when you understand that story, the cost starts to make sense.

Below, you’ll find real insights from people who’ve stayed in these places—from what’s included in the price, to the hidden costs, to which spots actually deliver on the luxury promise. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you book.