Traditional camping, which we used to associate with caravans, tents and shared toilets, has undergone a radical transformation. What was once a simple way to stay during the holidays has become a more sophisticated form of accommodation. This now includes discreet luxury, entertainment, technological innovation and even a commitment to sustainability. Although it is always difficult to decide which came first, the chicken or the egg, it is true that there is a growing demand for campsites that combine nature with comfort.
Bungalows with bioclimatic architectural design, cabins suspended among trees or geodesic domes under the starry sky; extra-large beds, rainwater showers and construction with local materials; cuisine from their own vegetable gardens; swimming pools like natural lagoons with biological filtration; or treatments with local clays in spas; yoga at sunrise; astro-tourism with large telescopes… These and many others are the additions to the accommodation and services offered by campsites, which are therefore becoming glampings.
And it’s not that they want to encourage digital disconnection, no. Quite the contrary, the new campsites have understood that technology is an ally. Automated registration using QR codes eliminates queues; apps that allow one-click bookings and high-speed Wi-Fi — discreet but efficient — satisfy both nomadic teleworkers and reluctant teenagers. And IoT (Internet of Things) sensors optimise energy consumption in real time, easing the conscience of environmentally conscious travellers. Meanwhile, centralised management platforms allow dynamic rates to be adjusted according to occupancy.
The good news for new campsites is that their commitment to sustainability reduces their environmental impact but also increases their profitability. Solar panels and greywater recycling systems are no longer an extra, but a standard demanded by conscious guests. Certifications such as the EU Ecolabel or Biosphere Responsible Tourism have become selling points.
This transformation does not mean the end of traditional camping, but rather the creation of a new niche in the outdoor tourism subsector. Success lies in balancing three pillars: authenticity (nature remains the protagonist), innovation (technology at the service of the experience) and responsibility (a replicable model without degrading the environment). Now, the scope of competition for new glamping sites overlaps with that of boutique hotels. And perhaps they have the advantage. After all, you can’t emulate the real whisper of the wind through the pine trees when you open your eyes in the morning.
By Francisco Lozano, MEP engineer in the Architecture Department at Amusement Logic
