A mother shares her experience of glamping with her son, highlighting the joys and ease of this camping alternative.
Washington DC, United States Jul 15, 2026 ALN: While my Scottish husband joined the Tartan Army in Boston for the group stages of the FIFA World Cup, I wanted to do something equally exciting with my 9-year-old son. A few of his friends had recently gone camping and came back with fun stories. Their tales of roasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories, and sleeping under the stars sparked a desire in my son to experience the great outdoors. Camping, however, was not something I had done in years. In fact, I hadn’t camped since I was in my 20s. The idea of just the two of us in a zip-up tent in the middle of nowhere felt intimidating and daunting.
As a mother, I wanted to create memorable experiences for my son, but I also had my reservations. Memories of my past camping experiences flooded back, including the discomfort of sleeping on the ground, the potential for encounters with wildlife, and the overall unpredictability of being in nature. I knew he would love a night out under the stars, but the thought of being a solo parent in the woods, managing both my fears and his excitement, was a challenge. Therefore, instead of jumping straight into the wilderness, we opted for a more comfortable alternative: glamping.
Glamping, or glamorous camping, combines the experience of camping with the luxuries of a hotel stay. It allows individuals to enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort. I booked a one-night stay at The River Electric, a glamping site nestled in the woods in Guerneville, California. I described it to my son as fancy camping, emphasizing the comforts we would have, such as a real bed and electricity.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the serene beauty of the site, surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of nature. We threw our bags into a yellow wagon and wheeled it to our canvas tent, which had a typical zip-up door and was flanked by two wooden lounge chairs. Inside, we found two double beds, a nightstand with a small lamp, a bright red locker to store valuables, and a couple of outlets, which was a pleasant surprise. This setup alleviated much of my anxiety about the trip.
Initially, I was nervous about sleeping in a tent with no door to lock, the possibility of encountering a wild animal, and the general unpredictability of the outdoors. However, seeing my son’s little face light up when he saw where we would be sleeping helped me push all that apprehension aside. Right away, he claimed the bed on the right and started unpacking his stuffed animals, clearly delighted with our accommodations. His excitement was infectious, and it made me realize that this trip was about more than just overcoming my fears; it was about creating lasting memories with him.
Surprisingly, at least for me, we both slept fantastically. Although we were in a tent, we certainly weren't roughing it. The experience felt more like a boutique hotel — but in nature. The sound of rustling leaves and the gentle chirping of crickets provided a soothing backdrop that helped us drift off to sleep.
Our first day at the glamping site was filled with activities that helped ease my nerves and fostered a sense of adventure. My son and I swam in the on-site pool twice. We raced from one side to the other, splashed one another, and danced to the faint sounds of 90s pop music playing in the background. The laughter and joy we shared in the pool reminded me of the simple pleasures of childhood and how important it is to embrace those moments.
After our swimming sessions, we warmed up at a nearby fire pit, where we roasted marshmallows and shared stories. I challenged my son to a game of ping pong, pushed him on a rope swing, and we dined on smash burgers, fries, and ice cream at the on-site restaurant. Each activity brought us closer together and allowed me to shed my initial apprehensions about the trip.
That evening just so happened to be pub quiz night, so we entered as a team of two. Our team name was the River Dogs, named after both our glamping site and our shared favorite animal. Although we came in last, we had a blast. In our defense, we were competing against teams of six or seven, and I think we had more fun than everyone else. The experience taught us that winning isn’t everything; it’s the enjoyment of the activity and the memories created that truly matter.
After our pub quiz defeat, my son and I strolled along the dirt trails to our cozy tent for a night of games and chats. We played a travel version of Guess Who (perfect for two people), Bananagrams (because learning to spell is more fun in the woods), and we flipped through a few magazines and activity books. It was refreshing to disconnect from our usual digital distractions and connect more deeply with one another. The absence of screens allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations and share our thoughts and dreams.
Turns out, all the best parts of glamping are the things that regular camping has, too — sleeping in a tent, no screens, and being surrounded by nature. The experience of being outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and appreciating the beauty of our surroundings was invigorating. It reminded me of the importance of taking a break from our fast-paced lives and reconnecting with nature.
We left the next afternoon in time to catch Scotland's match against Morocco on TV. My son tried to find his dad at the game, searching the crowd for a familiar face. He didn’t succeed — there were just too many people in the stands — but we did manage to get a FaceTime call so we could feel the Tartan Army magic together. Sharing that moment with my husband, even from a distance, was a lovely way to conclude our adventure.
Reflecting on our mother-son adventure in the woods, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. For me, it proved that sometimes when you do things that you're scared of, they don't seem quite so scary anymore. The trip allowed me to confront my fears and embrace the unknown with my son by my side. Who knows? We might even try regular camping soon. The experience of glamping has opened my eyes to the joys of outdoor adventures, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for us as we continue to explore the great outdoors together.
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