Canvas tents come with bedding and linens at the new Off Map campground near South Haven. Photo provided
Canvas tents come with bedding and linens at the new Off Map campground near South Haven. Photo provided
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To a pair of University of Notre Dame grads, glamping — aka, “glamorous camping” — means a dozen safari tents rigged up in more than 30 acres of meadow, surrounded by another 35 acres of woods near South Haven. All the fine bed linens of a hotel and wall decorations fit under the rugged, wood-framed white canvas, which drapes open for a wide view.

Glamping means a barn that has been converted to five full bathrooms, each with showers and such, a short walk, Mike Doyle says, on grass paths. Breakfast is served in the house, which is topped with two geodesic domes, where you can lounge about for your lazy hours, too. 

Off Map holds its grand opening Monday, a short drive from Lake Michigan beaches and the Kal-Haven Trail.

But ask anyone, and glamping is a matter of interpretation.

For some, such as those in the 21,000-member Facebook group Camping Indiana, the term could mean a tricked-out RV — maybe one that you’ve renovated yourself. It could mean a Class A motorhome. But, you may ask, what’s so trendy about that? The essence is this: Take camping and add comforts or luxury.
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