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If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature and its sounds this summer but don’t feel like pitching a tent, consider the latest crop of glamping and outdoor resorts. Whether it’s a treehouse, rigged tent, geodesic dome, or vintage Airstream, you can vacation near national parks and wake up surrounded by forests and mountains, all without having to crawl into a sleeping bag. Instead, sink into a memory foam mattress, chow down on French toast, and indulge in wine tastings and massages at these scenic getaways from New York to California.
Stone Wall, Texas
The beautiful interiors of this new 32-hectare site escapes in Texas Hill Country look more like hotel rooms than canvas glamping tents. They all have king beds (some also have extra single beds) and en suite bathrooms with rain showers, bathrobes and bath products from San Saba Soap Company in nearby Fredericksburg. Created by Outdoorsmanthe peer-to-peer camper rental company that has expanded into travel activities, including luxury outdoor accommodations. The property has 22 climate-controlled tents that sleep two to four people, with surrounding patios, fire pits, kitchenettes and minibars. If you’d rather have someone else make your favorite drink, head to the outdoor bar for local wines, beers, seasonal cocktails and snacks. There’s also a café for light bites. When you need provisions, such as a steak to grill, go to the country store near the check-in desk.
The property is nestled among the hiking trails and vineyards of the Hill Country and a short drive from the dance halls of Luckenbach And Albert. It’s also less than a half-hour drive to Fredericksburg, with its boutiques and striking 19th-century buildings. Prefer to stay in? Go to a movie night or play shuffleboard, darts and other games. Rates start at $300 per night.
Mornings at this new glamping accommodation — approximately 45 minutes drive from Yosemite National Park — Start with complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. There are 12 cabins and 30 tents on 36 acres. Inside the tents, which all have patios, you’ll find queen-size beds with memory foam mattresses (some tents also have bunk beds for kids), rugs, and nightstands with lamps. Opt for a premium tent and you’ll also get heated mattresses, a larger patio, and a gas fireplace. Bathrooms and showers are in a communal bathhouse, and outside there are large sinks and soap for washing cookware (don’t forget to bring your own). There’s also a shared barbecue area and fire pit.
Looking for more privacy? Try one of the 12 cabins, which have large windows, kitchens, bathrooms with showers, heating and air conditioning, and private outdoor seating with fire pits.
A clubhouse makes it a breeze to get food, wine, beer, and cider. You can also pick up s’more making kits and picnic supplies. When you’re not exploring Yosemite, check out downtown Mariposa, less than a five-minute drive away. There you can California State Mining and Mineral Museum and the Mariposa Museum & Historical Centeralong with shops and restaurants. At the end of the day, head back to Wildhaven’s pergola to watch the sunset from a hilltop. If you’re up for a hike, the property has a nature trail where you can enjoy views of the Sierra Mountains, hills and Mariposa. On-site activities may include yoga, live music, and wine and cider tastings. Tents range from $199 per night in summer (from $99 per night in low season); cabin prices start at $399 per night in summer ($199 per night in low season).
This outdoor resort in the breathtaking nature of Utah Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument recently added 20 luxury cabins to its 20-acre property, set against a backdrop of cliffs and the area’s magnificent rock columns, known as hoodoos. There are now 52 rooms, including vintage Airstreams that sleep up to three people and small cabins that sleep two. The new luxury cabins, which sleep four guests, are Ofland’s most spacious accommodations and feature queen beds and sofa beds, bathrooms (guests staying in the Airstreams and small cabins use communal bathhouses), private outdoor showers with heaters, and fire pits.
The property, which changed its name from Yonder Escalante this year, is located just under an hour’s drive from Bryce Canyon National Park and about an hour and a half from Capitol Reef National Park. You also get a list of recommended walks in the area at check-in. After a full day of exploring, you can return for a dip in the pool, soak in the hot tub, or watch a movie: Ofland Escalante is built on the site of a former drive-in movie theater and offers nightly screenings. Stationary classic cars and a vending machine set the scene. But that’s not the only place to grab a bite. The open-air lodge with fire pits offers complimentary breakfast items like yogurt and granola, fruit, protein bars, coffee, and tea. There’s also a food truck, selling hearty breakfasts like burritos and French toast, as well as a general store with snacks, picnic supplies, meal kits (each with a protein, veggies, and s’mores), and local wine, beer, and cocktail kits. Prices for the luxury cabins start at $249 per night (vintage Airstreams start at $175 per night; small cabins start at $159 per night).
Whitwell, Tennessee.
At this adults-only glamping getaway near Chattanooga, Tennessee, guests can stay in luxury mountaintop domes, cabins and treehouses. There are 18 rooms, including four new “honeymoon” treehouses (with 11 more scheduled to open this year) with bird’s-eye views of the valley below, private hot tubs, porch swings, Adirondack chairs, fire pits, grills, pizza ovens, kitchens and indoor/outdoor showers with heated floors. The property is set on 55 acres and includes other accommodations such as geodesic domes with sweeping views, fire pits and 1,175 square feet of space, including a deck, as well as “transom cabins” with glass walls that have glazing that reflects the surroundings.
Go for a walk on one of the property’s trails and schedule a massage, facial or body treatment through the spa for when you get back. When you’re in the mood for a drink or a bite to eat, you don’t have to leave the property to purchase beer, wine, champagne, cocktails or meals to cook in your own pizza oven. (The hotel can help you book a private chef if you’d like.) When night falls, use the projector in your room to watch a movie, or just step outside and gaze at the stars. Prices start at $545 per night.
The Catskills (Bethel, New York)
This long lasting location and location of the performance of the Woodstock festival in 1969, began offering glamping for event-goers on its rural grounds, a dose of nature and a quick walk to concerts at the Pavilion amphitheater.
The luxury glamping tents come in three sizes for one to six guests. They have beds, bathrooms with showers, wifi, electricity, fans, portable heaters and outdoor decks. You also get free access to the Museum in Bethel Woodswhere you can travel back in time through exhibits about the legacy of Woodstock and the culture of the 1960s. In addition to the luxury tents, there are basic glamping bell tents (for one to two guests) with beds and power strips. Shared restrooms and showers are nearby. Other Pavilion camping options include bringing your own tent or checking into one of the property’s “stay-put RVs.” (There’s also a separate camping area called Best Road Camping for all types of vehicles and tents, less than a half-mile from the Pavilion.) Prices for the new glamping tents start at $335 per night. To book, start by clicking on your favorite concert on the website camping page.
Little & Far
Different locations
A new initiative of the founders of the glamping company Under CanvasFew & Far started out creating outdoor and glamping experiences for private groups in places like Africa, Chile and, this summer, near some of the country’s national parks. In August, for example, the company offers a Luxury Tented Camp in Grand Teton journey set on a ranch in Daniel, Wyo., about an hour and 20 minutes drive from Grand Teton National ParkThe journey begins with a cocktail reception and western hat making before dinner Outside. Activities in the area can include fly fishing on the Green River, mountain biking, paddle boarding, horseback riding or climbing into a hot air balloon for a tour. A list of different trips is on the company’s website, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per person for a minimum week-long getaway.
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