First Time Glamping? Here's Exactly What to Expect

Never glamped before? Here's what a glamping stay at a Pinnacle Lifestyles resort actually includes, what to pack, and who it's really for.

“Glamping” gets thrown around a lot, and most of it doesn't tell you anything useful. So here's the plain version: at Pinnacle Lifestyles, glamping means a real bed, heat, A/C, table and chairs, set up in a dome, in the middle of the same mountain forest scenery our RV and cabin guests get. You're not roughing it. You're also not checking into a hotel. It's the middle ground, and it works well if you've never camped a day in your life but still want the campfire-and-stars part of the experience.

What's actually in a glamping unit.

A real bed (not an air mattress), heat for cooler nights, A/C for the hot afternoons and an eating area. At our Revelstoke location, glamping tents are the newest accommodation option alongside chalets and log cabins. What's not standard: a full kitchen. If cooking your own meals matters to you, a full cabin is usually the better call, glamping is built more for people who want the experience without the logistics.

One thing to know before you book: pets aren't permitted in glamping tents. If you're bringing the dog, a cabin or RV site is pet-friendly (leashed, waste picked up); glamping is the one exception.

What to actually pack.

Sites are gravel and grass among the trees, a nature resort, not a paved lot — so bring shoes you don't mind getting a little dusty. Bring your own toiletries as you would for any hotel stay. Plus, any cooking items, we provide a BBQ and firepit for your meals. Beyond that: less than you think. That's the point of glamping.

Who this is actually for

First-time campers who want to try it without committing to a tent. Couples who want a “quiet weekend away” without the setup. Parents who want their kids to experience a campfire and a lake view without worrying about a leaky tent at 2am. If you're an experienced camper who genuinely enjoys the process of setting up a site, you might find glamping almost too easy, that's not a complaint we hear often, but it happens.

Is it worth the price?

Starting around $275+/night, glamping costs more than an RV hookup site ($65+) or a rustic evergreen cabin ($140+). What you're paying for is zero setup and zero teardown — you show up, you leave, and everything in between is handled. For a one- or two-night trip where you don't want to deal with gear, that math tends to work out. For a week-long stay, some guests find a full cabin (similar price, often with a kitchen) makes more sense.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own tent or sleeping bag for glamping?

No. Glamping units come with a real bed already set up — you don't need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad.

Is glamping too “soft” for someone who camps a lot already?

It can feel that way if you love the process of pitching a tent and cooking over a fire. Glamping is built for people who want the setting without the setup, so experienced campers sometimes prefer a tent, an RV site or rustic cabin instead.

Can I bring my dog glamping?

No — glamping tents are the one accommodation type at Pinnacle Lifestyles where pets aren't permitted. Every other stay type (RV, cabin, tent) allows leashed pets.

Does glamping include a kitchen?

No. A BBQ and a fire pit are provided. If cooking your own meals is important, the chalet is a better fit for you.

How much does glamping cost per night?

Glamping starts around $275+/night, similar to a full cabin, and more than an RV hookup site ($65+) or rustic cabin ($140+).

What should I pack for a glamping trip?

Your own toiletries, comfortable shoes for gravel/grass terrain, and layers for cooler evenings. Any food or cooking items you need for a BBQ or firepit meal.

Ready to book your glamping stay in Revelstoke? Click Here