The Overrated and Underrated Glamping Amenities (A Strong Opinion)

The Overrated and Underrated Glamping Amenities (A Strong Opinion)

I remember the exact moment my opinion on glamping amenities crystallized. I was shivering in a bell tent in Vermont—under 40°F outside—and my partner had just tripped over a mini-fridge cord in the dark, sending a jar of pickles shattering across the plank floor. The fridge, which we’d specifically sought out, hummed and rattled all night. Meanwhile, the outdoor shower, which I’d almost skipped because it looked rustic, was the only thing that made the morning bearable: hot water cascading under a gray sky, steam rising as snowflakes melted on my shoulders. Since then, I’ve stayed in over 50 glamping properties—from geodesic domes in Colorado to treehouses in Tennessee—and I’ve developed strong, possibly unpopular, opinions. Here’s my ranked hot-takes list of glamping amenities: what’s overrated, what’s underrated, and why you should care.

The Overrated: Mini-Fridge

Let’s start with the sacred cow. Mini-fridges are the first amenity most glamping sites advertise: “Each tent comes with a private mini-fridge!” And every time I see that, I sigh. Here’s the truth: a mini-fridge is a noise machine, an energy hog, and a crutch that prevents you from truly glamping.

The noise. Glamping is about listening to crickets, wind, maybe a distant owl. Not the steady drone of a compressor. I’ve had fridges that click on every 15 minutes, shaking the floorboards of a yurt. In a canvas tent, the sound is muffled but still there—a low hum that reminds you of civilization when you want to escape it.

The false promise. You think you need it for cold drinks and leftover pizza. But most glamping sites have communal kitchens or fire pits where you can cook and store food. A high-quality cooler with ice packs works just as well, and it’s silent. Plus, it forces you to plan meals better—which is part of the experience. My best glamping meals have been cooked over coals, not reheated in a microwave.

The maintenance nightmare. Mini-fridges fail. I’ve stayed at a site in Florida where the fridge iced up so badly the door wouldn’t close. Another time in Oregon, the fridge was so warm our cheese went moldy. When a fridge breaks, you lose all your food—and the site staff often can’t fix it quickly. A cooler, if it fails, is just cold water.

The exception: If you have dietary restrictions (e.g., insulin, medications), a mini-fridge can be necessary. But for most people, it’s a convenience that undermines the adventure.

The Underrated: Outdoor Shower

Now for my hill: the outdoor shower. Underrated doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’d trade a mini-fridge, a TV, and a hot tub for a well-designed outdoor shower.

The experience. There’s something primal about bathing under the open sky. I’ve showered at dawn with mist rising from a river in North Carolina, under a canopy of stars in Arizona, and in a light rain in Oregon—and all were transcendent. The sound of water on your body, the feel of cool air on wet skin, the sight of trees or mountains—it’s the closest most of us get to a natural baptism.

Practical perks. Outdoor showers are almost always more spacious than indoor ones. No claustrophobic fiberglass stalls. Many are made of reclaimed wood or stone, with a view that makes you linger. And they dry quickly—no mildew issues common in damp indoor bathrooms.

What to look for: Good water pressure and hot water are non-negotiable. Check reviews for “lukewarm” complaints. The best have a separate changing area or a hook for your towel. And privacy matters: some outdoor showers are open to the site, but many have high fences or are tucked in a forest corner. [California glamping spots] often nail this—think redwood enclosures with a view of the Pacific.

Bespoke tip #1: Shower right before sunset. The changing light is magical, and you’ll sleep better. Also, bring a pair of cheap flip-flops—the floor can be cold or muddy.

Bespoke tip #2: If you’re shy, try a treehouse with an outdoor shower. The height adds privacy, and the experience of showering among the leaves is unmatched.

My Ranked Hot-Takes List

Here are more overrated and underrated amenities, based on my travels:

Overrated (in order of hype)

1. Private hot tubs. They sound luxurious, but they’re often finicky: chemical smells, noisy pumps, and you have to wait hours for them to heat up. Plus, they waste a lot of water. I’ve had way better soaks in natural hot springs.
2. Wi-Fi, labeled “high-speed.” Glamping is about disconnecting. If I need internet, I’ll use my phone. “High-speed” in a remote area usually means 5 Mbps—enough for email, not for streaming.
3. “Gourmet” s’mores kits. Overpriced and underwhelming. Just bring your own marshmallows and chocolate. The kits often include weird flavors like lavender—which is fine, but you’re paying triple.
4. Electric fire pits. No crackle, no smoke smell, no ambiance. A real wood fire is essential. If a site only has electric, I reconsider.

Underrated (in order of impact)

1. Outdoor shower (as discussed).
2. A proper wood stove or fireplace inside the tent. In cold weather, this is the difference between a miserable night and a cozy one. I once stayed in a dome in Colorado where the wood stove kept us warm at 0°F—and the glow was hypnotic.
3. A private fire ring with a grill grate. Many sites have communal fire pits, but having your own lets you cook dinner while stargazing. Bonus: the grate means you can grill directly over coals.
4. A reading nook or window seat. A simple bench by a window with a view can transform a tent into a sanctuary. I’ve spent hours reading in a yurt in Vermont, watching snow fall through the clear panel.

Why Mini-Fridges Keep Winning

You might ask: if mini-fridges are so overrated, why do sites keep offering them? Marketing. “Private mini-fridge” sounds like a luxury upgrade, like a mini-bar in a hotel. But glamping isn’t a hotel—it’s a hybrid. The best glamping sites understand that amenities should enhance, not replace, the outdoor experience.

I’ve stayed at a safari tent in Texas that had no fridge, no electricity, but had an incredible outdoor shower and a wood stove. It was my favorite stay of the year. The owner told me, “People come here to get away from their kitchens. They don’t miss the fridge.”

Final Thoughts

My advice: when booking a glamping trip, prioritize experiences over conveniences. Ask yourself: will this amenity bring me closer to nature or further from it? An outdoor shower, a wood stove, a private fire ring—they’re not just amenities; they’re the point. A mini-fridge is just a fridge. Go for the shower.

And if you’re still on the fence, try a dome with an outdoor shower and see if you ever go back to indoor bathrooms. I guarantee you won’t.

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Have you had a transformative outdoor shower or a miserable fridge experience? Email me—I’d love to hear your take.