It's possible to put stakes into a luxurious camping experience for less than US$50 per night. Here are four areas to consider when glamping on the cheap:

Location: Campgrounds and state parks often provide electricity and water hookups at affordable prices. KOA (koa.com), a national chain, offers privacy, picnic tables and open-air cooking areas for roughly US$30 a night. Near the Everglades, the Seminole Tribe of Florida rents out cabins and provides RV camping grounds with amenities. Billie Swamp Safari, for example, offers overnight stays in traditional "chickee" cabins for US$35 per night. At many places around the world, it's possible to pitch a tent for free, or pay a nominal price to camp at a world-class heritage site. Skipping the amenities can be worth the sacrifice if you wake up to views of Petra from the tomb of Aaron, lounge by a secluded waterfall, or the view the floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca.

Amenities: Some camping chains provide swimming pools, shower and laundry facilities, wi-fi and more. At Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County, US$55-a-night cabins include electricity, air conditioning and perks such as beaches, a fishing pier, butterfly garden and nature trails. Affordable RV and tent camping grounds are also available at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where amenities include heated pools, playgrounds and laundry facilities. Go off-season for the best rates.

Gear: A large two-room tent with an electrical port can provide privacy and night entertainment. Just bring your laptop and a Netflix account. A pop-up pavilion with screened in walls can create a bug-free setting for an evening meal. Use foam mats under your sleeping bags for extra padding, and splurge on a cushy pillow. Those low-cost perks tuck you in with luxury while camping. Travel-sized headlamps provide hands-free lighting when you are digging for warm socks or rain gear in your pack.

Meal planning: It's possible to enjoy fine food while roughing it. With a single-burner stove, you can prepare pasta and pesto, gourmet coffee and more. Cooking necessities include utensils, a French press coffee maker, pepper grinder, cutting board and a corkscrew. Add candlelight and a nice tablecloth for extra glamour.