Add your wigwam rental to this collection

Wigwam stays: the story behind the name and a practical guide to wigwam glamping

The word wigwam means two quite different things to travellers today. For many Indigenous peoples of North America, it is the name of a traditional home with a long and living history. For many holidaymakers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, it has also become the name of a cosy wooden glamping cabin on a campsite or farm. Both deserve a clear explanation, and knowing the difference helps you choose the stay that is right for you.

This guide starts with where the wigwam really comes from, then looks at cultural stays offered by Indigenous communities, and finishes with a practical look at modern wigwam-style cabins and what to check before you book one.

Where the wigwam comes from

The wigwam is a traditional dwelling of many Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Algonquian-speaking nations of the Northeast and the Great Lakes region. The word itself comes from an Eastern Algonquian language and simply means a house or dwelling. Related words exist in other languages; the Ojibwe say wiigiwaam, and the Wampanoag of southern New England call their domed home a wetu.

A wigwam is usually built on a frame of young, flexible saplings that are set in the ground in a circle or oval, bent over and tied together to form a rounded dome. The frame is then covered with materials from the surrounding land, such as sheets of birch or elm bark, or mats woven from reeds and cattails. A smoke hole at the top lets out the smoke from the fire inside. Designs varied between nations, regions and seasons, and some families used larger or longer versions for winter.

These were homes, not temporary props. Families slept, cooked, worked, told stories and raised children inside them, and the knowledge of how to build one has been passed down through generations. Many Indigenous communities still build wigwams today for teaching, ceremony and cultural gatherings.

A wigwam is not a tipi

The wigwam is often confused with the tipi, but they are different structures from different parts of the continent. The tipi is a cone-shaped dwelling of long straight poles covered with hides or later canvas, closely linked to the peoples of the Great Plains, where it could be taken down and moved with the seasons. The wigwam is typically a rounded dome built from bent saplings and covered with bark or mats, suited to the forests and lakes of the Northeast and Great Lakes. Using the right name for each is a simple way to show respect for the peoples who created them.

Cultural stays with Indigenous hosts

In Canada and the United States, a number of Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led tourism businesses welcome visitors to learn about their culture on their own terms. Depending on the community and the season, this might include staying in a traditional-style dwelling, guided walks on the land, storytelling, local food, crafts or language. Experiences differ from nation to nation, because every community has its own history, traditions and protocols.

If you want to experience a wigwam in its cultural context, booking directly with an Indigenous-owned business is the most meaningful way to do it. Your money supports the community, and the people sharing the experience are the ones who carry the knowledge. Go with an open mind, follow your hosts' guidance about photography and ceremonies, and remember that some things may not be shared with visitors at all.

Modern wigwam cabins: what they actually are

In the UK and Ireland, and increasingly elsewhere, wigwam has also become the name for a type of small wooden glamping cabin. These are not reconstructions of traditional dwellings. They are timber pods, usually with a steeply sloping or curved roof that reaches almost to the ground, giving them a shape loosely inspired by the original. You will find them on campsites, farms, holiday parks and in woodland, often in small clusters.

A typical cabin is compact. Inside there is usually room for a double bed and sometimes one or two extra single beds, bunks or a sofa bed, which makes them popular with couples and small families. Many are insulated and have electric heating, lights and power sockets, so they can be used well outside the summer season. More comfortable versions may add:

• A kitchenette with a kettle, a small fridge, a microwave or a hob, plus basic crockery.
• A private bathroom with a toilet and shower, sometimes called an en-suite cabin.
• A decking area with a picnic bench, and sometimes a fire pit, barbecue or even a hot tub.
• A small table and seating inside, useful on a rainy evening.

Simpler cabins may have only beds, heating and light, with guests using the campsite's shared toilets, showers and kitchen.

Private or shared facilities

This is the single biggest difference between wigwam cabins, and it is worth checking carefully. With shared facilities, you walk to a toilet and shower block, which may be a short stroll or further across a field. That is part of the camping experience for many people, but at night or in the rain it can be less charming. If you prefer not to leave your cabin after dark, look for one with its own bathroom. Families with small children often find a private toilet makes a real difference.

Weather, bedding and what to pack

• Bedding. Some sites supply bedding and towels, while others provide only mattresses and expect you to bring sleeping bags or duvets. Always ask.
• Warm layers. Even with a heater, cabins can feel cool in the early morning, especially in spring and autumn.
• Rain gear and boots. Paths across grass and fields can get muddy, and the weather in the UK and Ireland changes quickly.
• A torch. Rural sites are dark at night, which is wonderful for stargazing but tricky on the way to the shower block.
• Cooking basics. If there is no kitchenette, check whether a shared kitchen or barbecue is available and bring what you need.

Pets, children and campsite life

Many wigwam sites welcome dogs in some or all cabins, often for an extra fee and with rules about keeping them on a lead. Children usually love the small space and the outdoor setting, and some sites have play areas, farm animals or walking trails. Campsite facilities vary widely, from a simple field with a toilet block to parks with a shop, laundry, café and games room. Look at what is on site and what is within walking distance.

Questions to ask before you book

• How many people can sleep in the cabin, and what types of beds are there?
• Is bedding included, or should we bring sleeping bags and pillows?
• Does the cabin have its own toilet and shower, or are facilities shared?
• How far is the cabin from the toilet block and the car park?
• How is the cabin heated, and is it comfortable in the season we are visiting?
• Is there a kitchenette, a shared kitchen or a place to cook outside?
• Are dogs allowed, and are there any extra charges or rules?
• Are campfires or barbecues permitted?
• Is there electricity and phone signal or Wi-Fi on site?

Choosing your wigwam on this page

The wigwam stays on this page are grouped by continent, country and region, so you can easily find one close to the area you want to explore. Every link goes to the owner's own website, where you can see the details, check availability and book directly. Do you run a wigwam site or an Indigenous cultural stay? Add your link for free with the button above and let travellers find you.