Are you planning your next big vacation and not quite sure what type of lodging is right for you? The struggle is real. This gets especially tricky if you’re looking to spend time in the great outdoors. That’s why our great Northwoods vacation specialists put together this quick, at-a-glance guide to understanding the pros and cons of camping accommodations. (We even included a third option for those of you who just can’t decide!)

 

Tent Camping

We can’t imagine a world without camping – it’s a timeless classic. Walt Whitman once said, “Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” You can’t get much closer to that secret than when you’re tent camping. That being said, it still has both pros AND cons:

Pros:

  • Getting up close & personal with nature
  • Much more “unplugged”
  • Tent campsite cost is typically lower (under $50 a night)
  • Completely customizable

Cons:

  • Potentially more equipment to travel with
  • Longer set-up time
  • Weather has a more direct impact on your stay
  • Equipment can be expensive and require repairs/replacement

If you are new to camping and unsure if it’s the right fit for you, we recommend taking your first trip with a few precautions. First, borrow as much equipment as you can from friends or family. This will allow you see if tent camping is a good fit for you before making a long-term financial commitment. Second, book your trip in a location that’s close to home. That way, if you end up wide awake and full of regret at 2a.m., you can be home and in your own bed before sunrise and then return well-rested for campfire coffee if you wish.

 

Cabin Renting

Depending on where you stay, cabin renting can range from rustic to extravagant (or anything in-between). The one element that most cabins typically have in common, however, is the ability to enjoy 5-star accommodations away from the hustle and bustle of an urban setting. (We love the Northwoods cabin rental Wisconsin experience so much we made it permanent. Read more about our story on our About Edenwood page.)  Here are a few of the pros and cons to be aware of with this option:

Pros:

  • Luxurious, convenient amenities
  • Electricity and (sometimes) WIFI
  • Protection from the elements and insects
  • Less set up and tear down time at the beginning and end of your vacation

Cons:

  • Higher cost per night
  • Slightly more removed from nature
  • Less unique/remote location options
  • Potentially more access to technology which may decrease the ability to “unplug” or disconnect from day-to-day stressors

 

The Ultimate Mash-Up: Glamping

There are a few times in life when you can have your cake and eat it too. When it comes to lodging for an outdoor vacation, this is called Glamping. Glamping is a mash-up of two concepts: Glamour and Camping. It is an excellent option for those of you who love the unplugging aspect of tent camping yet still crave the luxury and comfort of a cabin or hotel.

At Edenwood, we love the flexibility that glamping offers. It’s the very best way to outdoor vacation WI-style. When you stay with us in our glamping tent, your amenities include:

  • Full Bathroom – Single sink and shower
  • Kitchen – gas cooktop refrigerator
  • Living and Dining area
  • Coffee maker
  • 1 King size bed and 1 sleeper sofa
  • Approximately 1200 Sq. Ft.
  • Running water
  • A real bathroom
  • Electrical outlets
  • Firewood and ice
  • Luxury bath towels and robes
  • Pets Welcome! ($50 fee/night)

To learn more about this option, visit our page dedicated specifically to glamping at Edenwood or read all about how to plan a glamping trip in our blog!

 

Outdoor Vacation WI

Science has proven that time spent in nature makes us happier, kinder, less stressed and more creative people. That’s exactly how we should all feel while on vacation. There’s a lot of nature to explore on Edenwood’s 500-acre nature preserve. Go on a hike, rent a UTV, experience the thrill of guided hunting or just chill out by the lake. There’s something for everyone of all ages to enjoy! Call today to book your stay.