26 of the Best Glamping Destinations Across the United States That Are Seriously Gorgeous Now this is our idea of luxury.Yes, we can all appreciate the great outdoors—but some of us enjoy it more from a distance.Just because we love reading nature quotes and staring out the window at our own backyard doesn’t mean we’ll jump at the opportunity to rough it in the woods for a weekend.After all, taking a chance on Mother Nature is serious business—as beautiful as she is.
Enter glamping, the luxury camping trend that’s attempting to make the outdoors a little more manageable for those who may balk at the idea of pitching a real camping tent .While the portmanteau of “glamour” and “camping” was first coined in 2005, the trend has since taken the country by storm and rewritten the rules on outdoor adventures.Does your ideal version of “being one with nature” involve sipping wine in an Adirondack chair outside of a yurt campsite ? Then you’ve come to the right place.Here, we’ve compiled the absolute must-visit glamping destinations across the U.S.
From geometric mountainside pods to decked-out shelters and charming getaways by the ocean, you’ll want to keep these venues in mind when you’re planning your next vacation—because even camping adversaries will take one look and want to pack their bags ASAP.(While you’re at it, check out the best places to camp in national parks too.) Desolation Hotel Hope Valley Desolation Hotel Hope Valley, CA The family-owned, eco-conscious hotel brand Desolation Hotels opened its flagship location in South Lake Tahoe last summer, and recently expanded to Hope Valley with a second location made for glamping.
Formerly known as Sorensen’s Resort, this mountain retreat dates back nearly a century.It has 28 lovingly resorted cabins with custom furnishings made by regional artisans and top-end kitchen appliances; studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts are available.
The property also has seven luxe yurts, and a fully resorted 1951 Spartan trailer, plus campgrounds.On site is a wood-fired sauna, telescopes for stargazing, fire pits, lawn games, and seasonal gear for outdoor adventures is included.West Beach West Beach Orcas Island, Washington Easily accessible via ferry from mainland Washington in the Pacific Northwest, Orcas Island is part of the San Juan archipelago—and it’s a goldmine of adventure potential, with whale watching, pristine beaches, lakes, and mountainous hiking trails.On the island, stay at the West Beach glamping resort, which offers charming cabins situated on the water and roomy pet-friendly safari tents, perfect for enjoying the island’s natural beauty with the comforts of home.Beverly Wilshire Harris Charalambous Beverly Hills, CA If a five-star hotel is your idea of camping, your campsite awaits at the famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel (or the “Reg Bev Wil,” for the Pretty Woman fans).The rooftop tent here, outfitted with a glittering chandelier and a Four Seasons bed, overlooks Rodeo Drive.
Access this epic urban glamping experience through a hidden entrance.Complement the gold-dusted s’mores with a vintage champagne flight.The Vintages Trailer Resort Gregor Halenda Willamette Valley, OR This glamping hotel comprises 36 fully restored vintage trailer accommodations.Modern details include top-end linens and furnishings, local wines, and pour-over coffee from local roastery Caravan Coffee in each trailer, flat-screen TVs with Roku streaming devices, and outdoor soaking tubs in the larger trailers.The site is located along a tree-lined road illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights at night.A full-sized, heated outdoor pool recently opened for guests to enjoy during their stays.
Backland Luxury Camping Brook Hendricks Williams, AZ In northern Arizona’s backcountry, near the Grand Canyon, you’ll find this luxury glamping eco-resort.During the day, treat yourself to a massage at the tented spa, go kayaking or fishing, or simply take in the gorgeous scenery on a nature trail.In the evening, have dinner—prepared with seasonal local ingredients by a gourmet chef—in the glass-walled restaurant, or on the patio, before retreating to your skyview tent to stargaze from your comfy bed.(Don’t miss the complimentary s’mores around the fire first though!) Timberline Glamping at Hillsborough River Timberline Glamping at Hillsborough River Thonotosassa, FL Just moments away from downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park features miles of nature trails and wildlife viewing.
Timberline Glamping’s super spacious—and fully furnished—safari tents and ball tents offer solid glamping options for large groups, with bunk beds for the littles.Explore the park via hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking exploring suspension bridges, or strolling along the river rapids.Windy Hill Farm BEN FINCH Loudon, TN This year marks the first full summer season for the new Windy Hill, an all-inclusive getaway destination located within driving distance of some of major Southeast metros, including Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and Lexington.Come for luxurious accommodations, three daily meals, and tons of on-site activities including kayaking, yoga, cooking classes, clay shooting, beekeeping.
Fairy Stone State Park Chad Williams Stuart, VA Known for its uniquely shaped, imagination inspiring—and purportedly lucky—stones, Fairy Stone State Park is located just minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway.Take in the magic of the park by renting a yurt, which each have a private deck area ideal for sipping coffee while taking in the mountains’ majesty.Camp Sarika amangiri Big Water, UT When you require serious luxury to get into the concept of camping (and when budget is no object), your dream destination is Camp Sarika by Amangiri in the Utah desert.
The property accommodates just 30 guests in 10 tented pavilions over 136 acres.Each pavilion has its own private plunge pool and deck.Sarika is a 30-minute hike (or five-minute drive) from its ultra-posh sister resort, Amangiri.(Camp guests also get full access to the resort’s facilities.) Camp Aramoni Camp Aramoni Tonica, IL This boutique campground and events space is located a mere 90 minutes from Chicago, right outside of Starved Rock State Park in Illinois.It offers 11 safari-style tents — spaced out for privacy — all outfitted with hotel-like amenities including air conditioning and heat, hardwood floors, king-sized beds, a cozy seating area, en suite bathrooms, mini fridges, and personal campfires.On site is Bricks and Stones, the property’s rustic lodge, and the Burlington, a restored 1971 Airstream converted into a coffee bar.Sandy Pines Campground Sandy Pines Kennebunkport, Maine Located in a serene salt marsh in Southern Maine, Sandy Pines Campground offers a fun array of glamping options, including retro mobile homes, expansive tents, and even renovated covered wagons.
Think air conditioning, mosquito nets, electricity, and other comforts.A retro general store sells snacks, alcohol, s’mores ingredients, and even the fixings for a lobster roll.The property also has a heated saltwater pool, clean bathhouses, and a modern lounge space with board games and a fireplace.
Camp Wandawega Matt Scheffer Elkhorn, Wisconsin Think of this 25-acre lake retreat overlooking Lake Wandawega as a retro-tinged throwback to childhood summer camps, with canoeing, campfires, and glamping accommodations that have a distinct Wes Anderson film vibe.There are vintage side-by-side cabins, an A-frame cabin, tipi-style tent options, and the newest hickory tent cabin.Activities on site include fire building, archery, embroidery, outdoor movies, hikes, and more.
There’s also a cute little library, a dry goods store, a poker room, and even a van offering free beer.The Kentucky Castle The Kentucky Castle Versailles, Kentucky The Kentucky Castle’s stunning glamping site overlooks majestic horse farms—just minutes from downtown Lexington, Kentucky.Over the past five years, this 110-acre estate has been transformed into a boutique hotel, and has just recently added the glamping experience and a farm-view cabin to its accommodation options.A farm-to-table restaurant, pool, and a spa are all among the luxurious options on the property.
El Capitan Cabin El Capitan Cabin Goleta, CA Located on 350 acres surrounded by nature, El Capitan Canyon is an elevated clamping experience in a stunning Southern California location.Book a stay in one of the cedar cabins, complete with bathrooms, kitchenettes, and comfortable bedding, plus a private picnic table with fire pit and removable grill.Or choose a stay in a yurt complete with a domed skylight for stargazing.
On-property amenities include a heated pool and complimentary bikes.Firelight Camps Audrey Spears Ithaca, New York This luxury safari-inspired site puts the glamour in glamping, thanks to hardwood floors, king- or queen-size beds, battery-powered lanterns, and private tented balconies.That’s not all—located on La Tourelle Resort and Spa—Firelight also boasts complimentary locally sourced breakfast, a lobby tent that doubles as a reception desk, and access to the nearby Upper Buttermilk Falls hiking trails.Plus, you and your friends can bond at the central “fire circle” with fellow campers.Ventana Big Sur Alila Ventana Big Sur Big Sur, California When Ventana shut down for renovations after the only bridge into Big Sur was destroyed, they decided to add 15 luxury tents to the 20-acre redwood canyon below the main part of the resort.
Not only do the safari-style tents include real beds and luxe white linens, but there’s also hot running water in each one plus daily housekeeping services to boot.Bellfire Tipi Bellfire Tipi Roxbury, New York The small town of Roxbury in New York’s Catskills mountains is one of the best places for stargazing in the state.Make a weekend of it by camping at the Bellfire Tipi, which is decorated with custom-made furniture and has a fire pit at its center.
Unlike many of the other glamping sites on this list, the Bellfire Tipi does not have electricity—but that’s better for stargazing anyway, right? Mendocino Grove Mendocino Grove Mendocino, CA The overwhelmingly five-star ratings on Airbnb and TripAdvisor speak for themselves.
Mendocino Grove’s sprawling 37 acres feature an assortment of tent sizes (whether you’re leaning toward a couples getaway or family vacay), all outfitted with cozy beds and linens.Wind down for the day on the shelter’s wooden platform seated on leather butterfly chairs.Moose Meadow Lodge & Treehouse Carolyn L.Bates Photography Waterbury, VT Nestled on 86 secluded acres in the Green Mountains, Moose Meadow Lodge offers the quintessential Adirondack-style lodge experience with four luxury guest rooms (plus a treehouse!) that can accommodate up to 12 guests.The property’s central location is just a short distance from some of Vermont’s most popular attractions including skiing, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, antiquing, and fine dining.AutoCamp Aubrie Pick Guerneville, California Choose your own glamping adventure at AutoCamp’s Russian River location in northern California.
Whether you’d prefer to stay in a classic Airstream trailer, luxury tent (pictured here), or miniature Happier Camper , each type of accommodation comes with Casper mattresses, Malin + Goetz bath products, and access to the Russian River.Country Living US Lyndsey Matthews is the Destination News Editor for AFAR; previously she was a Lifestyle Editor across all of Hearst Digital Media’s brands, and a digital editor at Martha Stewart Weddings and Travel + Leisure.
Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY and countless other online and print outlets.Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.Watch Next 25 Best Places For Beautiful Engagement Photos This Summer’s Best Travel Hack Is Just $29 Etiquette 101: Are You the Group Mooch? A Look Inside Villa Mabrouka in Tangier.
