Wary of camping? Try these glamping spots
What happens when couples are split on camping? One loves it, the other hates it. Sure, the camping lover can go without the camping hater, but it would be nice if it was a shared experience. Enter: glamping. Camping with a little more structure to the living quarters, but without being a five-star hotel. Here are some glamping spots sure to satisfy everyone’s needs.
Asheville Glamping – Asheville, North Carolina: Not just fancy tents, Asheville Glamping has a 1952 Royal Spartanette (the “Glaminal”), domes and even a treehouse you can stay in. Dome 3, which sleeps eight, even has a 9-foot slide attached to the loft sleeping area. Every unit has air conditioning, and some even have heat, some have hot tubs, several have private fire pits, and while none have bathrooms inside, about half have private bathhouses outside.
Autocamp Yosemite – Mariposa, California:
Located about 40 minutes west of the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite National Park, Autocamp Yosemite offers classic Airstreams, luxury tents, cabins or base camps, which provide a travel trailer with a luxury tent for extra space. Airstreams and cabins have private bathrooms, while visitors staying in luxury tents can use the shared “midcentury modern, chic Signature Clubhouse” bathrooms. Autocamp offers a pool, daily events like yoga, wine tastings, and storytime for the younger guests, or you can use one of the complimentary bikes available.
Capitol Reef Resort – Torrey, Utah:
While Capitol Reef Resort has traditional hotel accommodations
and cabins, it’s their tepees and Conestoga wagons that give it full glamping status. That’s right, you can stay in a covered wagon, based on 19th-century designs. Tepees and covered wagons have Wi-Fi and private bathrooms, completing your luxurious camping experience in the Red Rock Cliffs.
Collective Yellowstone – Big Sky, Montana:
Collective Yellowstone offers in-tent massages, kingsized beds, 1,500 threadcount linens, en suite bathrooms, daily breakfast and more. Plus, you’ll have access to the Moonlight Basin Club, where you can use the moonlight basin pool, hot tub, fitness center, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. There is also hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting and other more traditional camping activities for you to enjoy.
Collective has locations in New York City; Ghent, New York; Wimberley, Texas; and Wolcott, Colorado, as well.
Ventana Big Sur – Big Sur, California: If soaking in an infinity hot tub while gazing at the beauty of redwoods is on your bucket list, then Ventana Big Sur is the spot for you. Besides the infinity hot tub, there are Japanese baths and a meadow pool to relax in. Your luxury tent has a custom-designed mattress, fire pit, Adirondack chairs, electric lamps, power outlets, and access to the bath house. Located within the Ventana resort, guests typically have access to all resort facilities, however, that has been limited due to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, so be sure to check what the current policy is before you book your stay.
El Cosmico – Marfa, Texas: You have your pick from a kasita, trailers, yurts, tepees and safari tents for your glamping experience at El Cosmico. All vintage trailers have A/C and heat, and you can choose from small, medium, large and extra large, depending on how much room you need. All accommodations have electrical outlets. El Cosmico has several events to choose from during your stay: yoga, karaoke, cornhole, plus various festivals and special events throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the Marfa Mystery Lights, Chinati Hot Springs, and, of course, Prada Marfa, the mock Prada store.
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee:
There is nothing like a tent with a private bathroom, which
is exactly what you will get at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains. Located just minutes from the entrance to the National Park, tent options include suites, which sleep up to four people, a stargazer tent, which has a viewing window above the bed so you can stare at the night sky while you fall asleep, and you also have the option of a suite, stargazer or safari tent with a kids tent adjacent, giving plenty of room for everyone. Safari tents have a shared bath. Amenities include a fire pit, picnic area and grills, USB battery packs, and on-site dining.
Westgate River Ranch and Rodeo – River Ranch, Florida:
Complete with air conditioning, ceiling fan and private bathroom, you may forget you are in a tent when you glamp at Westgate River Ranch
and Rodeo. Choose from a canvas tent, luxury canvas tent, luxe Conestoga wagon or luxe tepee, Since you’ll be right on the ranch, there are loads of activities to choose from, like archery, horseback riding, and even an Adventure Park where thrills include bungee jumping, a mechanical bull and a zip line.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge – Vancouver Island, Canada:
Glamping at its finest, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is an all-inclusive resort that will bring you close to nature. Choose from rainforest deluxe tents or waterfront tents, both with en suite options. Tents that are not en suite have private bathrooms just steps away from the tent. Your stay includes one 60-minute massage, food, drink, a horse-drawn wagon shuttle and other amenities.