Where Nature and Luxury Meet

Sequoia High Sierra Camp | Instagram: @will.powah | Photography as noted.

For some people, the best kind of vacation is one spent immersed in the sights and sounds of nature. For others, it’s lounging poolside, feet up, with a drink in hand. While both types of retreats have their perks, there is another style of vacation that combines the best of these worlds: glamping.

Glamping is a relatively recent phenomenon, stemming from a growing number of travelers wanting to embrace nature without sacrificing comfort. Unlike traditional camping, which is usually done in a tent without the availability of modern technology and amenities, glamping often involves a luxury tent, yurt, or cabin that typically houses a full bed and even a small kitchen. Glamping also emphasizes sustainability and building with the land and natural surroundings in mind, as opposed to overtaking it.

If you’re put off by the thought of sleeping with nothing between you and the earth but a thin piece of nylon but still want to enjoy the beauty and relaxation that the natural world provides, glamping might be the perfect vacation for you. Luckily, the United States is home to countless glamping resorts that cater to visitors with a wide variety of interests and needs. You are guaranteed to find the perfect place to stay for you and your family, whether you’re looking for an A-frame cabin in Appalachia or a vintage trailer in the desert. The list that follows is a great starting point for finding a glamping destination near you.

Western US

Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Sequoia National Park, CA
Sequoia National Park in central California is home to spectacular forests and wildlife that make it a must-visit. The Sequoia High Sierra Camp was built inside the park as a way to provide visitors ample access to its numerous natural wonders while maintaining some of the creature comforts guests desire, including onsite dining and luxury cabins. The site offers access to the park’s nearby hiking trails, lakes and creeks for fishing, and, most prominently, its seven sequoia-tree groves.

The Vintages Trailer Resort
Dayton, OR
What could be more fun than staying in a 1950s-style trailer for your glamping experience? The Vintages Trailer Resort, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, transports you straight to the RVing experience of yesteryear, complete with a midcentury-themed general store, a clubhouse, and an adults-only firepit area. There are thirty-five distinct trailers to choose from, each with its own design style and amenities. The 1956 Spartan Royal Mansion trailer even includes an open-air tub for soaking under the stars.

Capitol Reef Resort
Torrey, UT
If true luxury is what you seek, a visit to Utah’s Capitol Reef Resort, located just outside Capitol Reef National Park, is a must. You can choose to spend your stay in one of its luxury cabins, or, for a more authentic experience, a Conestoga wagon, which is surprisingly spacious. There are nearly one hundred miles of canyons and other natural formations to explore in the landscape of the resort and park. Nearby trails offer horseback riding and hiking, and, for those who would prefer to cruise instead of travel on foot, Jeep safaris led by expert guides are also offered.

Central US

Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins
Elizabethtown, IL
There is perhaps no better place to view nature than from within the trees, and the tree houses at Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins put visitors right into the white oaks of Shawnee National Forest. If you’d rather be closer to the ground, the resort also offers traditional log cabins for rental. Nearby lakes are the perfect sites for kayaking and fishing, and, for a true taste of the wilderness, you can partake in a guided mushroom foray led by a certified mycologist.

Collective Retreat Hill Country
Austin, TX
Located between Austin and San Antonio in Texas’s Hill Country, this retreat offers a farm-to-ranch experience perfect for nature lovers with an affinity for fine dining. Guests have access to a complimentary breakfast, a wine bar, a curated BBQ experience, and a signature five-course dinner inspired by the local landscape. In addition, daily yoga and meditation sessions as well as hiking and biking excursions can help you work off all that incredible food.

Eastern US

The Lodge on Little Saint Simons Island
Little Saint Simons Island, GA
If exclusivity and privacy are on your list when it comes to your vacation, there is no better location in the eastern part of the country than Little Saint Simons Island—a privately owned, 11,000-acre expanse along Georgia’s coast. The island is only accessible by boat and accommodates a mere thirty-two guests at a time. If you are lucky enough to secure a stay, previous visitors rave about the quaint cottages, incredible wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere.

Huttopia Adirondacks
Lake Luzerne, NY
This soon-to-be-open resort is tucked away in the Adirondacks region of New York, near the Canadian border, and boasts a wide variety of activities for guests, including hiking, sports courts, and even a heated pool. If you’re looking for a glamping experience with the ability to venture into town, it’s also a short drive from the charming village of Lake George. There are four different tent styles for lodging to accommodate both couples and families, and the resort is even pet friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure.

For the latest info on glamping destinations near you, visit glamping.com