Travel Guides Outdoor Adventures
Melissa Szaro
If you’ve never been glamping before, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Thanks to the pandemic, the last several years have seen an increase in the number of people flocking to campgrounds and national parks, many of them newbies to the great outdoors. Spending time in nature and avoiding crowded cities seems like the best solution to satisfy your travel itch while also being COVID-cautious. Glamping helps make nature feel accessible to those who might not identify as typical lovers of the outdoors. Still, it’s a great way to allow practically anyone to dip their toes in the water when it comes to spending the night outdoors.
If your idea of a vacation includes not sleeping on the ground, you can still get that camping experience without having to rough it. Glamping is also the perfect option for those who don’t have any camping gear — like most people in America, according to Forbes. Many glamping spots come with everything you need, plus some bonus items you might never have packed yourself.
What is glamping?
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Glamping is a portmanteau of the words “glamorous” and “camping,” offering you a nature camp-like adventure without skimping on amenities. Glamping is like camping in that you are spending a lot of your time outdoors and enjoying the environment, but you also have the option to retreat to a comfortable space whenever you like. It’s basically like a luxury hotel experience that takes place in a beautiful, natural landscape.
Glamping set-ups come in a wide range of dreamy options, including airstreams, tiny cabins, yurts, tricked-out canvas tents, vintage trailers, tree houses, and more. Many of these options offer amenities that level up your camping experience, like comfy beds, electricity, kitchens, bathrooms, couches, porches, hot tubs, fire pits, and so on (via Forbes). Most places allow pets, so you can bring your furry friend along, and they are typically located in a natural destination with awe-inspiring views. Due to increased popularity, glamping stations are popping up everywhere, and there are options catered to every budget.
The pros of glamping
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There are countless benefits to a glamping experience. Spending time in nature has been shown to help reduce stress and depression, while also supporting your emotional and mental health (via Healthline). It’s also known to help boost your immune system and respiratory health. Glamping helps you disconnect from fast-paced city life and put down your phone, unplugging from social media and cutting out doomscrolling entirely. Plus, reducing your screen time has its own set of health benefits and provides more time for reconnecting with both your glamping companions and yourself.
A cozy place to rest and a comfortable bed will also increase your chances of getting better sleep, meaning you’ll likely be more rejuvenated and ready to explore your surrounding natural landscape (via The Wandercamp). You’re also likely to get more exercise than you would on other vacations. A glamping trip in the great outdoors inspires hiking or other physical activities in nature.
What to pack
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If you’ve never been camping or glamping before, it can be hard to know what to pack. Luckily, many places supply you with the things you need, like cookware, drinking water, bedsheets, pillows, and more. However, every place is different — read the fine print to ensure what’s included and what you need to bring. Check with your accommodation if there’s a place to cook food or restaurants nearby, then plan accordingly. Even if there’s a fridge on site, you’ll want to pack a cooler with food and drinks for the drive. And if you get cold easily, packing a sleeping bag or extra comforter won’t hurt.
When it comes to clothing, bring layers. Weather can be unpredictable and it can be difficult to find a precise weather forecast for remote places. Don’t forget to bring slip-on shoes like crocs or sandals for quick bathroom trips or for wearing in a public shower. Some places supply toiletries, but you’ll want to pack your own just in case, like biodegradable soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, and toothpaste. It’s also a good idea to bring a headlamp, flashlight, or lantern — even though many glamping spots have electricity, you’ll want one in case you need to roam around outside at night (via Inside the Travel Lab). Other good things to have on hand include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, a reusable water bottle, trash bags, a backpack, a Swiss army knife, a first aid kit, and a phone charger.
Book your glamping adventure
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Booking your accommodation can be one of the most exciting and tedious parts of planning your trip. Luckily, due to the booming demand of glamping destinations, there are no shortage of options out there. Booking.com has a glamping search section and Airbnb has categories like off-grid, cabin, treehouse, tiny home, A-frames, earth homes, yurts, domes, and even campers. There’s also Glampinghub.com, which provides awesome getaway options worldwide. Hipcamp connects travelers with campgrounds and glamping places that are off the beaten path, with locations all across the states. Search results can be filtered by price, amenities, activities, and accessibility.
If you’re looking to disconnect in a tiny cabin in the woods with no hassle, you can book a Getaway House and let the staff take care of everything else. The cabins are outfitted with cozy beds, fresh sheets, bath towels, biodegradable shower toiletries, and a fully stocked kitchen. There’s even a fire pit, picnic table, and chairs. There are locations all across the U.S. and each cabin pod can be reached by car in under two hours from a major neighboring city. Don’t know exactly where you want to go yet? No problem. Let’s explore some of the most dreamy and popular places to go glamping.
Under Canvas has 11 locations
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If you have a national park on your list of things to do, chances are you can go glamping there, too. Under Canvas claims to be a leader in the glamping industry, offering canvas glamping tents neighboring eleven different national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Each safari-inspired set-up is outfitted with hot, running water, private bathrooms, luxury beds, and a wood-burning stove. Some even come with private decks and lounging areas. The communal areas are decked out with an area to enjoy home-cooked meals from the cafe, picnic tables, BBQ grills, live music, yoga classes, activities for kids, and more.
All tents are pet friendly and come with USB battery packs, organic toiletries, and everything you need to roast s’mores over your outdoor fire pit. Under Canvas offers different sizes of canvas tents to suit your group’s needs, and some locations even have tree houses to sleep in.
AutoCamp has nine locations
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If you’ve always daydreamed of staying in an airstream, look no further than AutoCamp. They have nine locations scattered throughout the U.S., with some in iconic places near Zion, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite. AutoCamp offers overnight lodging in airstreams and glamping tents, both outfitted with upscale amenities. Every option is decorated with an appealing modern design and includes comfortable beds, fresh sheets, and your own fire pit.
The airstreams offered by AutoCamp also have a mini-fridge, basic cookware, plates, and utensils, along with an outdoor grill you can use to cook meals. You can bring your own food or get what you need at the on-site general store. Or, if you don’t feel like cooking, there are restaurants nearby ready to serve you. Some locations are also decked out with a community area complete with a fireplace, Wi-Fi, and complimentary coffee and tea. Depending on the location, there may also be a free bicycle rental program available, as well as a heated pool. Yoga and fitness classes, live music, and wine tastings are held onsite as well.
Sou’wester Resort in Seaview, Washington
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The Sou’wester is a historic lodge nestled on the northwestern U.S. coastline that offers rooms in the lodge, along with stays in outfitted vintage travel trailers, cabins, and even an old school bus. The amenities in the trailers range from roughing it to full-on luxury, while the 1950s renovated cabins have a private bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Each trailer boasts a romantic, vintage design with modern renovations for a comfortable off-grid getaway. The bus comes with a cozy bed, clawfoot bathtub, toilet, breakfast nook, and many kitchen amenities like a stovetop, oven, fridge, and sink with running water. For the set-ups that don’t come with many resources, there is a community kitchen and bathing area with toilets and showers free for use.
The Sou’wester grounds also have a garden spa and sauna, complete with a cold-plunge bathtub, showers, and a private garden. The resort is located right on the beach, so it comes in handy that there are free bicycle rentals to help you sightsee along the ocean boardwalk. The resort also offers artist residencies at a weekly discounted rate, so you can escape to the ocean to work on your creative projects. They even have a motor home converted into an analog recording studio for musicians looking to get away and finally record that album.
Alvord Desert Hot Springs in Oregon
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The Alvord Desert is one of the most underrated and often overlooked natural wonders of Oregon. Tucked in a remote location in the southeast corner of the state, right along the Steens Mountains, the desert is an evaporated salt lake bed that spans 12 miles in one direction and 7 miles in the other (via Local Adventurer). Gaze at the horizon and it seems like the desert never ends. It’s located somewhat in the middle of nowhere, but once you get there, you won’t be disappointed. The stargazing here is otherworldly and the desert is jaw-dropping. That being said, remember to fill up on gas in Burns or Fields before heading into the desert, and consider bringing extra gas if you plan on staying out there for a while. Also, be sure to bring your own drinking water and be prepared for no cell service.
The Alvord Hot Springs are located on the northwestern edge of the desert. The area is privately owned, with two average-sized concrete pools being built there back in the 1940s (via Miss Rover). The property has several steel bunkers you can stay in, but this is your barebones glamping experience — the bunkhouses provide respite from the desert wind and beds, but that’s about it. Make sure to bring your own pillows and bedding, as well as food, a cooking stove, and anything else you’ll need to be comfortable. They do have a very simple — but expensive — general store on site in case you forget anything.
Camp Long Creek in Ridgedale, Missouri
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Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge is a truly unique glamping experience where you are guaranteed not to get bored. Located right alongside the beautiful Table Rock Lake, you can choose from cabins or raised glamping tents, complete with a king-sized bed, kitchen, and full bathroom. Other perks include chandelier lighting, heat and air conditioning, and a private patio with a fire pit and outdoor bathtub. The establishment offers amenities comparable to a luxury resort, like an infinity pool, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, a bocce court, and a playground for kids (via Forbes). You can cook your own food in your private kitchen or grab a meal at the food truck on site.
Overnight guests are also welcome to explore Big Cedar Lodge, which has up-scale amenities that include not one, but five golf courses, as well as a shooting and archery range, full spa, bars, and restaurants. Nearby, there are many outdoor activities to choose from. You could go hiking through a cave or nature reserve, or you can check out the marina that is fully equipped with boat rentals and anything else you may need in order to go fishing or dabble in other water sports (per Forbes).
Fireside Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a popular destination any time of year: In the summer, it’s a great home base for exploring both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, while in the winter it’s the perfect place to stay while skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village (via Forbes). In Wilson, the Fireside Resort provides rustic tiny homes for overnight lodging that will make your up-scale cabin dreams come true. The single-room cabins are built with sustainability in mind and are LEED-certified.
The amenities are seemingly endless, including a private patio with a fire pit, grill, and picnic table; a full kitchen; flat-screen TVs; WiFi; a fireplace; and beds with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, cozy duvets, and feather pillows. There’s even a hot tub on site for all guests to access. You can cook in your private kitchen or walk a short distance to an Italian bar and restaurant nearby. And just an hour’s drive away is Granite Hot Springs, perfect for a day of soaking and relaxation.
Alila Resort in Big Sur, California
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There’s nothing quite like Big Sur on the California coast. Driving along Interstate 1 as it wraps along the coastline will leave you speechless, especially as you drive into Big Sur. While there, you can visit Andrew Molera State Park and hike along the giant redwood trees. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the forest or the beach, you’re sure to get awe-inspiring views at every moment.
Alila Resort offers an outdoor-centric glamping experience that’s chock-full with luxury. The resort has glamping tent cabins spread out on a 20-acre campground that is surrounded by redwoods. Cabins come with a deck featuring a wood-burning and propane fire pit; a sink with potable, running water; lamps; power outlets; towels; lanterns; and a picnic table with chairs. The shared bath house with toilets, hot showers, and sinks is cleaned often and guests are also encouraged to enjoy the swimming pool, fitness gym, and dining areas on the resort grounds.
Mohicans Treehouse Resort in Knox County, Ohio
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Finally fulfill your childhood fantasy by staying overnight in a luxury tree house at the Mohicans Treehouse Resort in Knox County, Ohio. Due to high demand, you’ll want to book plenty in advance for this destination. There are nine whimsical tree houses to choose from with a variety of amenities, or you can book a night at the airstream or cabins on site. Many of these glamping options are sustainably built with passive solar and radiant heat.
All tree houses are outfitted with comfortable beds, fresh linens, towels, air conditioning, and heating. All treehouses have a toilet, and some include indoor showers, while others feature outdoor showers that are perfect for the warm weather. Some tree houses come with a basic kitchen set-up, like a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. There are also TVs inside, but you should plan on bringing DVDs because the resort does not offer any Wi-Fi — instead, guests are encouraged to unplug and enjoy being off-grid for a bit.
Borealis Basecamp Igloos in Fairbanks, Alaska
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If seeing the aurora borealis is on your bucket list, Borealis Basecamp Igloos in Fairbanks, Alaska is the place to go. The tricky thing about the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, is that winter is the best time to catch a glimpse. This is because the skies are darker and nights are longer between the months of November and February (via Discover the World). As you can imagine, wintertime in Alaska is the coldest time of year, with the average temperature ranging between 0 and -35 degrees Fahrenheit (per Alaska Tours).
The Borealis Basecamp Igloos are equipped to handle the winter in Alaska, and there’s nothing quite like staying in an igloo surrounded by a frosty wonderland. The modern, geodesic igloos are nestled in a remote, boreal forest in the Alaskan wilderness and outfitted with 16-foot wide windows on the ceiling — perfect for staying warm and cozy in bed while viewing the majestic aurora borealis. The igloo domes come with heat, electricity, and full bathrooms with hot showers and toiletries provided. While they do not have a kitchen, there is a restaurant on site, aptly named Latitude 65.
Dunton River Camp in Dolores, Colorado
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The only thing that could make a glamping weekend better is a dip in the hot springs. Dunton Hot Springs is not exactly glamping, with full-on luxury cabins, but right next door is Dunton River Camp, with eight different luxury tent rentals perched on a retired cattle ranch. Some of the tents line the Dolores River, while others are tucked into the trees with epic mountain views. Each glamping tent includes a 6-foot clawfoot tub to soak in, as well as cozy beds, heating, Wi-Fi, hot water, double vanity mirrors, a full bathroom, and even towel warmers.
Each rental also comes with two mountain bikes that guests are encouraged to use to explore the surrounding wilderness. The booking price includes the use of the nearby sauna, as well as all drinks and meals, which are packed with locally sourced organic food like lamb, wild mushrooms, and fruits and vegetables. And of course, guests can soak in the nearby hot springs, or visit the neighboring town of Telluride, a cute mountain town to visit any time of year that boasts world-class skiing in the winter.
