For those who love the wild outdoors, but don’t love to sacrifice modern conveniences, glamping is the ideal getaway. With guaranteed hot showers, heated blankets, and memory foam king beds, luxury camping in ultra modern tents, treehouses, and yurts allows travelers to be immersed in pristine wilderness without having to rough it. Sleep under the stars and wake up among the trees in these elevated campgrounds for the ultimate luxurious outdoor adventure.
Mendocino Grove, California
Open through to May through November, the sweeping 37-acre Mendocino Grove sits atop a forest bluff along the northern coast of California overlooking the waves of the Pacific Ocean. The glampsite’s 60 safari-inspired tents come in an assortment of sizes to accommodate families, couples, and solo travelers, and all come complete with cozy with wool blankets and down comforters. The site features a number of thoughtful touches including personal outdoor picnic tables, fire rings, and a pair of leather butterfly chairs that greet you at the entrance to your tent. You can even explore the local art galleries and rows of elegant Victorian and New England-style homes that make up the vibrant seaside town of Mendocino nearby.
Little Raccoon Key, Georgia
As part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, glamping on the reef island of Little Raccoon Key is an exclusive experience. Situated 10 minutes from Jekyll Island, Little Raccoon Key boasts only one tent, but promises private access to the entire island for the duration of your stay. The glamping experience begins with a River of Dolphins boat ride to your glampground, where you'll get to spot pods of dolphins and marine wildlife on your journey to the island. Your weatherproof Luxury Canvas Tent is outfitted with a memory-foam mattress and pillows and a wood-burning stove for a relaxed stay. Accepting reservations year-round, Georgia’s Golden Isles are perfect for those in need of an escape from reality.
Westgate River Ranch, Florida
Open year-round, the 1,700-acre Westgate River Ranch in Polk County, Florida offers glampers a western-themed experience. Overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River, this glampground doubles as an authentic dude ranch, which hosts weekly rodeos featuring bull riding and barrel racing. Go glamping in the property’s fully-furnished tents or opt for the 650-square-foot, Native American-themed Luxe Teepee, furnished with a range of upscale amenities like porcelain, cast iron claw bathtubs. Embark on a guided Airboat Ride along the nearby Kissimmee River for sightings of wildlife, or, if you have little ones, spend an afternoon at the onsite petting zoo which houses llamas and peacocks.
Under Canvas Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Accepting reservations until December 1 this season, this Smoky Mountains locale is one of the latest additions to the Under Canvas label. Newly introduced to glampers in summer of 2018, this 182-acre Gatlinburg glampsite in Tennessee offers a host of safari, deluxe, and suite tents and sits in close proximity to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Take part in an ATV tour or horseback ride through the more than 800 square miles of wild terrain accessed directly from the glampsite, where you'll discover verdant forests and sweeping mountain views. Opt for the Stargazer tent, aptly named for the viewing window placed above its plushy king bed for romantic evenings of stargazing.
Firelight Camps, New York
Nestled in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region on the grounds of La Tourelle Resort and Spa, Firelight Camps is dedicated to inspiring adventure with a commitment to sustainable practices. Glampers are greeted inside the lobby tent before being acquainted with one of their luxury, safari-inspired sleeping tents. Outfitted with hardwood floors, king or queen-sized beds, and lit with battery-powered lanterns, Firelight Camps invites you to sleep soundly among the trees. Greet the birds each morning on your private balcony that opens into the woods and then indulge in a wholesome breakfast made from locally-sourced ingredients. Spend your days browsing the specialty shops of downtown Ithaca by touring the premiere wineries of the Finger Lakes region or hike the trail to Upper Buttermilk Falls accessible from the glampsite. Unwind in the evenings with a glass of artisanal wine at the on-site bar or meet other glampers at the communal fire that’s lit at sundown. Firelight Camps is accepting reservations until November 2 this year before the close of the season.
Fireside Resort, Wyoming
Surrounded by the pristine Teton wilderness in Wilson, Wyoming, Fireside Resort offers 25 lodging options that artistically blend elements of rustic and modern design. This glampground is built to accommodate a variety of getaways. Accommodations include a private deck and inviting queen-sized bed in the Road Haus option for two, a cozy fireplace and convenient kitchenette in the Wedge Cabin for groups of four, and a loft in the spacious Caboose Cabin for up to six glampers. Go white water rafting in the area or tour the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks safari style by renting a jeep. Later, share the stories you’ve accumulated throughout the day at your personal fire pit.
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
Western Montana’s Resort at Paws Up is situated on a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch, with some of its 30 luxury camping tents nestled atop a rugged bluff overlooking the meandering Blackfoot River. The glampground offers a variety of tents that sleep up to six guests at a time, but regardless of size, all tents come equipped with a personal butler to cater exclusively to glampers’ every need. From mid-May through mid-October each year, glampers can base themselves at The Resort at Paws Up for exploring the 100 miles of wilderness trails and 1.5 million acres of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. Whether by hiking, horseback riding, or hurtling across the terrain on a roaring ATV, glampers can look forward to returning to the glampground for a nightly bonfire and kicking back with some much deserved s’mores and refreshing cocktails.
Dunton River Camp, Colorado
Nestled in the striking San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the 500-acre Dunton River Camp sits on the site of Cresto Ranch, a former cattle ranch dating back to the late 1800s. Now a glampground, Dunton River Camp offers eight luxurious tents with a choice between the River Tents — where glampers fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the West Fork of the Dolores River — and the Mountain Tents — where glampers sleep among the Aspen trees with spellbinding views of the 14,000-foot El Diente Peak. Begin the morning with a private yoga class, then try your hand at fly fishing in the Dolores River, or explore the surrounding mountain ranges with the mountain bikes that come complimentary with every stay. Unwind at the glampsite by contemplating nature on your shaded deck or by visiting the riverside spa. Indulge in a sumptuous locally sourced dinner at the glampsite and end the evening with a hot cocoa by the fire. As a summer-only destination operating between June and mid October, Dunton River Camp can also be reserved for private use for up to 16 people.
