Glamping with MaryJane: Glamour + Camping

by MaryJane Butters

MaryJane Butters’ go-to guide for putting glamour into camping

"Glamping, or glamour camping, one of the MaryJane's pet concepts, is about the juxtaposition of rugged and really pretty, grit and glam, diesel and absolutely darling."-The New York Times.

Glamping-unleashing your inner wild while wearing a pair of fishing-lure earrings-is for every woman (or man!) who ever had a get-away-from-it-all fantasy (with a few frilly embellishments thrown in). Learn about the never-fail campfire, cooking with cast iron, how to change a flat, and much, much more. Follow the growing Glamping movement at maryjanesfarm.org and nationalglampingweekend.com.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Reference

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

MaryJane Butters is the internationally recognized organic farmer, book author, environmental activist, and food manufacturer behind the self-titled MaryJanesFarm magazine. Working from her family farm in Moscow, ID, and through her websites, Butters has achieved success through a variety of business ventures relating to the domestic arts, organic farming, and a grassroots self-sufficiency movement directed at creating a rural revival.

Reviews

[Amy]

A few months ago, I was doing a search in Google, when I stumbled across this subject called Glamping. I was intrigued, so upon further "research," including looking through some Google images, I discovered that Glamping = Glamour + Camping aka glamorous or luxurious camping, an oxymoron if I ever heard (or in this case, saw) one. Some destinations go all out in providing their customers with a unique camping experience, while still treating them to an almost hotel=like stay -- bed with bedding often on a platform, sometimes in a pod-type structure. Sometimes the furniture is the stuff you would find in a hotel or your own living room! I was simply amazed!

I decided I wanted to get a little more information on this subject, so I borrowed this book (through Interlibrary Loan at my local library), and although it was interesting, I didn't find the information to be as "glamorous" as what I found online. Of course, the book is five years old, so that may have something to do with it. Still, these [camp]sites are popping up across the country and around the world.

I recommend going online for more information.

[Jessi]

I picked this one up thinking I would enjoy a few chuckles at extravagant camping lifestyles. Instead, I became immersed in a world populated by women who are simultaneously tough as nails and elegantly and unabashedly feminine. There are some excellent tips and ideas for camping with style and whether or not you enjoy the outdoors, this book is a fascinating look into a niche world and a lot of fun to read through.

[Luciana]

When I saw the cover of this book, I had to borrow it from the library!

It is fun, informative, great tidbits of information, recipes, ideas galore, etc. I thought it would be entertaining and that it was! Mary Jane talks about choosing campers and ideas on how to "glamp" it up as well as how to "glamp" your spot. It has great information on picking up a trailer, fixing it up, glamping it up, then backing up, hitching up, and hitting the road! So much to read; so much to learn & so much to enjoy!

[Vivian]

What a riot! Apparently "glamping" is taking off like a rocket. (visit www.internationalglampingweekend.com for more info). I've been "on the 'hold' list" for this book at our library since it arrived in October last year and my number finally came up! Whether you think you'll be joining the ranks of the 'glamping' or not, this is a hoot to peruse. Chapters include helps on purchasing/renovating a "glamper" of your own, and loads of tips and checklists, as well as sources for equipment and supplies. Okay, if you're a "picture reader"(you know--skimming National Geographic a`la caption)you're going to love this book. You'll be all "I wanna' do that", "I wanna' have that," "Who woulda` thunk?". There's even a cookin` recipe section. Or, if you prefer, you can even vacation this way without any investment, inventory, or training. Just contact one of the "Glamping Getaways" mentioned. (GlampingGirl.com)

Here's a sneak peak at the flavor of this book... On one page there's a photo of a sign that says "The Woman's Guide to Love and Lasting Relationships" 1. find a man who makes you laugh. 2. find a man who has a good job and can cook. 3. find a man who is honest. 4. find a man who will pamper you and give you gifts. 5. find a man who is awesome in the bedroom. 6. most of all, it is VERY IMPORTANT that these five men NEVER meet!

My daughter says EVERY GIRL'S CAMP LEADER NEEDS TO HAVE THIS BOOK!!!

[K. Quincey]

This was a treat. The author has great camping and "glamping" guides. I had not realized that there was a true Glamping culture rising but it's hard to argue with some of the tricks and tips presented. I took so many notes! Any one who is an avid camper or those who like the comforts of home in the wilderness I can't recommend this more. It's fun and has brilliant sass.

[Jane]

Man, Just One More Reason to Wish I Was a Girl

Dear men of the US (and elsewhere): Get a grip. I’m not saying you should get jazzed about the prospect of running off to the nearest yard goods store and picking up a bolt of gingham, but is making your RV comfortable and, dare I say, “homey” categorically criminal? I mean even our hunter-gatherer ancestors didn’t shy away from a nice grass mat if one became available!

In “Glamping with MaryJane,” Butters sketches out just enough of the basics to make RV living tantalizingly possible (I know: my wife and I have been doing it full-time for years.) It’s fun, it’s whimsical, it’s supportive. It’s a worthy read even for the inveterate indoorswoman (and man, if he has the guts to go there).

...And to the women of the US (and elsewhere): Rock on! Keep being you. (Elsewise, there’ll be no one left to save the rest of us.)

[Relyn]

Oh, I love the idea of Glamping. I love the eye candy and practicality of this book. I love daydreaming about glamping. Truth? I'd never go to all that trouble and effort. But, I sorta wish I was the kind of person who does.

[Lynn Coullard]

Not at all what I expected. I think I expected an anecdotal memoir kind of thing; this was a hard core manual on do-it-yourself trailer buying, repairing, outfitting, traveling, and even cooking. Like, it would actually be useful to have this with you if you ran into trouble while you were camping.

[Rogue Reader]

Fun, retro look at camping with the intention of a girls-only experience. Some devices and helpful tricks, but way too heavy a load for me.

[Ashley]

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I love it nonetheless. Where to start?

First, I wish that it had more GLAMPING in it. I would have loved a book of nothing but gorgeous campsites and trailers. In that regard, the book was a bit of a tease. It provides loads of inspiration and definitely set me daydreaming.

The author really wants to share a lot of information tho. Like how to hitch a trailer, how to change a tire, why it may be a good idea to carry a firearm, etc...Things that are undoubtedly important when camping, but this is hardly the resource I think anyone would go to to try and learn those things.

There's also a lot of use of parenthesis. (It gets a bit much. Why not just have another sentence. When I keep seeing things in parenthesis it makes me want to whisper. Used excessively it makes me think of Mare Winningham's Mother in St. Elmo's Fire).

It's not quite a manual. Not quite a coffee book. It's some bizarre mix in-between and I wish there had been a bit more focus one way or another.

So why 4 stars? Because 4 stars means I really liked it, and I did, despite it's shortcomings. I am making plans to glamp up my back garden now. And this season when I take something pretty on our camping trips, I will feel a tad less silly.

[Erika Mulvenna]

I'm not sure what I expected from this book, but it was a fun read. Chapters on every subject of camping from how to hitch up a trailer and change a flat tire to the art of peeing in the woods. I'm not big on camping, but my husband is and he spent just as much time flipping through this book as I did!

[Sara]

Boy, does this ever make we want to DIY a trailer.
A good mix of many different things touching on the topic, which I've come to expect from MaryJane: this book includes everything from whimsical doo-dads to decorate your camper with, to explicit instructions on how to back your camper into a driveway by yourself.

[Regina]

For any independent woman experiencing the urge to pick up and go with her 'glamped out' trailer, this book includes the tips and tricks necessary to make it a reality. This complete guide covers all areas of trailer renovation and camping, from the basics of trailer maintenance, to finding the best 'glamping' locations. I enjoyed the photos and reading through and finished it in an evening.

[Emily]

This was a cute book on "glamor camping" as they are calling it these days, cute reconditioned trailers, not your average camping meals (though she does have hobo dinner!)... mostly now i have to go and stay at her bed and breakfast solely so i can take an en plein air bath!!!

[Wendy]

Cute book about camping with style. Would be much more interested in the idea of renovating a vintage camper if I wasn't taking on renovating a condo right now. Might need to revisit this in a few years- I think it would be an interesting way to travel the country!

[Nicki C Houser]

She's Got Me Hooked

So much great information! Wonderful girly girl vibes! Want a vintage trailer of my own now fixed up the way I like it so I can hit the road in MY style! Super book! Highly recommend!

[Natalie]

This book makes me want buy an old trailer to fix up! I liked how MaryJane included an entire section on HOW to fix up a trailer, step-by-step.

[Callie]

This is just a smidge ridiculous. A fantastic idea, but something I am a long way from doing.

[Trish]

Non-Fiction; Travel
4 stars

[Khristiey]

cute book with great pictures and lots of inspiration. trying to figure out if an outdoor bathtub would work in my yard......

[Mary-Susan]

Not at all what I expected. This would be a good book for ladies starting to camp.

[Ana]

A very detailed and helpful how-to guide for the beginning "glamper".

[Sam]

I will give it 2 stars because I loved the retro pictures. Other than that, I read it in an hour and thought it was just kind of sillyl.

[Valerie]

This book makes me want a vintage camper!

[Abby]

Fun to visit the glampers even though but I would prefer to live in the world of Moonrise Kingdom. Still, the wall tent plan--swoon! Also some interesting recipes.... Hmmm.

[Heidi]

I'm totally buying a vintage Airstream, adding a cast iron claw foot tub and girly accoutrements, and going on the road. Sorry, no room for my kids.

[Kristine Franklin]

I want a glamper!!

[CompassBookRatings]

See full review at http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...

[Ellen]

I loved the lay-outs and pictures interspersed with some great camping tips. Plus, how can you go wrong with dutch oven recipes?

[Thia]

awesome ideas for trailer living