If you’ve never heard of it before, “glamping” is exactly what it sounds like: traditional camping with a little glam. As a woman who was once the girl who requested a “clean stick” on which to roast her marshmallow during a family camping adventure, I understand the appeal of glamping.
I love the outdoors, but I don’t necessarily love all the creatures that freely roam about. And while I can rough it, I don’t feel that camping needs to be gritty. After all, not everyone enjoys hunting for a “bathroom” at 3 a.m. Justin Bieber doesn’t. He’s a wannabe glamper.
I haven’t actually been glamping, but I intend to change that (although I’d want to skip some of the amenities like TVs, computers, etc.). After a few hours of online research, I found five luxury camping spots in the U.S. that I’d most like to visit.
Most spots include family-friendly amenities, and a few would be perfect for a romantic retreat. Here’s a look at five places to go glamping in the U.S.
The Lodges at Eagles Nest
This beautiful luxury camp resort is located in Banner Elk, N.C., in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its long list of amenities include an art studio, the quaint Tee Pee Village and Spa, and equestrian center, a library, an archery range, a community garden and more. Younger glampers are sure to love the enormous toy barn filled with games and sporting equipment. Some guests love the community so much, they never leave.
Sequoia High Sierra Camp
The Sequoia High Sierra Camp just opened last month in California’s Giant Sequoia National Monument. The camp appears to be the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern comfort. The tranquil accommodations include plush beds, premium linens, toiletries and daily maid service. Family-friendly activities like horseback riding, fly-fishing and evening campfire social hours are just a few things glampers can do for fun.
Camp Orenda
You can find Camp Orenda in New York state snuggled between the Hudson River and the Adirondack Mountains. Orenda is a family-owned property that offers guests custom-made canvas tent cabins. Activities include horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing, spelunking, myriad activities for kids and more. The campground also has its own restaurant and a not-so-rustic outdoor shower.
Sinya on Lone Man Creek
This elegant safari-style retreat is located on a high ridge overlooking Lone Man Creek in the Texas Hill Country, a few miles from Wimberley, Texas. The resort was designed to balance comfort and luxury with an eco-friendly lifestyle. No need to bring your own toiletries to the Sinya — they provide all their guests with specially selected milk bath, shampoo, conditioner, etc. The retreat also is equipped with a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient air conditioning and heating system. The amenities and private location would be perfect for a romantic getaway.
The Resort at Paws Up
Paws Up is the Ritz-Carlton of glamping. It’s located along Montana’s Blackfoot River, and like Sinya, it’s a safari-style resort. It features private tents with heated floors, luxurious bathrooms, and butler and laundry service. The resort’s extensive offering of activities is a wonder of its own. Glampers can enjoy hot-air balloon rides, rappelling, archery, shooting, horseback riding, fly-fishing, geocaching, guided tours, equestrian lessons, wilderness workshops, the zorb ball, river adventures and more.
You can find many other places to go glamping in the U.S. and abroad. Have you ever glamped? If so, tell us your favorite glamping location.
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