By Bonita Wilborn
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, Glamping is a combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping’ – “Glamping”.
Glamping is all about making your camping experience comfy and luxurious. Electricity, plush blankets, running water, mood lighting, delicious meals — all these creature comforts and more make Glamping an ideal vacation for many people.
If you’re trying to decide between a glamping trip versus a more traditional camping adventure, each has its own distinct benefits and qualities to enjoy. It just depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a more traditional experience in the great outdoors, camping may be for you. Or, if the idea of doing without running water, electricity, or a mattress – “roughing it” – is too much to endure, then Glamping may be the answer.
As a part of Alabama State Parks’ effort to continue to boost tourism, Glamping is now available, or soon will be, at DeSoto State Park, Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin, Chewacla State Park, Lake Guntersville State Park, Cheaha State Park, and Monte Sano State Park.
Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, explained that Glamping has become increasingly popular during the last few years. “We already have many other types of overnight options for our guests, so it made sense to add Glamping as a new amenity. This is another exciting way people can enjoy the amazing scenic beauty available at our Alabama State Parks.”
Alabama State Parks has partnered with Timberline Glamping to manage and operate the new sites. The company also offers Glamping at multiple sites in Georgia and Florida. Owners Nathan and Rebeka Self wanted to find a way to spend more time in the beauty and refreshment of the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort and style.
According to Timberline’s website, the Glampsites provide a very comfortable bed with linens, comfortable chairs, a place to eat, electrical outlets, a Keurig coffee maker with four K-Cup pods, heaters\air conditioners (depending on weather), extra spacious Safari Tents with a floor, rugs, lamps, diffusers, and other home décor, a mini fridge, and ceiling fans. Glampers enjoy a large gravel site outside the tent, two hammocks, two camp chairs, a charcoal grill, a wood fire pit, a picnic table, and string lights. A bathhouse with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities is a short walk from the sites and is maintained by park staff.
You can also customize your stay with glamping extras. Available for rent are paddle boards, kayaks and bicycles, giant Jenga and Cornhole games, and Little Glamper Bags with games, scavenger hunts, magnifying glasses, binoculars, etc., for youngsters. You can arrange to have your Glampsite stocked with firewood, extra K-Cup coffee pods, and kits to make s’mores.
For more information, visit alapark.com and timberlineglamping.com.
