15 Best Glamping Destinations in The USA
If you’re anything like the other millions of American’s your day might consist of racing from meeting to meeting while chugging coffee and shoveling a quick, random meal down all while trying to respond to an email on your phone. Our days pass quickly and many of us seek to slow things down and be more present and mindful. Many of us are seeking to spend more time outdoors with friends and family, to make meaningful memories that you will laugh and talk about for years to come.
So, Why Glamping?
Saving up for a long and expensive destination can be frustrating and for many Americans. Gone is the desire to book a stay at a large resort hotel. There is nothing about a populous hotel that can stimulate the senses, wake you up, excite you.
Millions are now opting out these oversized, all inclusive hotels and looking for something that offers more of an involved experience when it comes to a place to sleep while away. We’re craving experiences in nature while still having the convenience of amenities with an amazing nights rest.
Glamping and the Benefits of Nature
We want to be outside. We are craving to breathe deeply in the woods and smell the scent of the tall pines, to pack up and dust off our hiking boots. We are needing nature now more than ever. According to an article in Time Magazine written by Dr. Qing Li (who is the author of
Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness “Never have we been so far from merging with the natural world and so divorced from nature. By 2050, 66% of the world’s population is projected to live in cities. According to a study sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of his or her time indoors.”
After all, many recent studies in 2019 have shown time and time again how nature can actually alter the state of our brains for the better. One recent study from Science Daily stated that “Spending at least two hours a week in nature may be a crucial threshold for promoting health and wellbeing, according to a new large-scale study.”
So, here we are. Where are you bringing your spouse, friends or family for your next getaway? Are you going to choose a Glamping destination that is more remote or one that offers outdoor adventures at your doorstep? Are you craving a rugged experience or are you searching for luxury glamping? Are you looking to hike vast mountains or paddle crystal clear lakes? Whatever you are dreaming up right now is possible and we’ve done the research for you to make it easy to add a Glamping getaway to your bucket list.
Best Glamping in the USA
Safari Tents Near Arches National Park, Utah
Utah is climbing in the charts as one of the most stunning places to explore in the USA. Endless, changing landscapes, sprawling vistas and desert rock formations towering above make you feel how small you really are in this world. These Safari Tents Near Arches National Park are what we call luxury glamping and have full amenities including flushing toilets, sinks and showers. The tents sleep up to four and are incredibly close to all the outdoor adventure Utah has to offer. Sit on the deck with a glass of wine in hand and watch the sunset. Wake up and choose from rafting, biking, zip lining, horseback riding and countless more adventures for everyone in your group.
Dog Friendly? Yes! The safari tents are pet friendly.
Safari Tents near Arches National Park. Photo from Glampinghub.com
Private Treehouse Retreat
Get ready to stimulate your childhood senses with this next best glamping destination in the USA. This Treehouse Retreat is located on the beautiful Columbia River in Washington and offers some of the most incredible views. It sleeps up to 3 people and provides full amenities to its guests, including a shower, toilet, sinks, coffee maker, mini fridge, binoculars, kitchenette and breakfast bar. Relax inside with a giant tree through the middle of the room or head out to your patio 35 ft up and gaze out at the incredible river and landscape of the Pacific Northwest. It’s the perfect location to explore all that this amazing area has to offer including biking, wine tasting, boating, hiking, kayaking and access to endless more outdoor adventures.
Dog Friendly? No, pets are now allowed.
Private Treehouse Glamping Retreat in Washington, overlooking Columbia River. Photo from Glampinghub.com
Cuyuna Cove Glamping Minnesota
Minnesota has been written up by National Geographic and endless outdoor magazines as one of the top places to visit. It’s landscape up North is unlike anywhere else in the USA with it’s thousands of lakes and towering 200ft pines and lack of immense crowds and people. We’re honing in on an up and coming adventure hotspot called Cuyuna State Recreation Area. What was once an old mining area has now turned into a stunning outdoor adventure mecca. With over 35 miles of MTB certified single track trails to draw in the mountain biking enthusiasts, the area has made a name for itself world wide. But when you come to visit, you’ll find there are over 15 turquoise lakes to paddle, canoe, snorkel and dive, hiking trails, beaches, and snowshoeing and fat biking in the winter. The historic Main Street of Crosby, MN has had incredible shops, restaurants, bars and even a brewery pop up. At Cuyuna Cove, you can stay in either a luxury glamping cabin on stilts (with a full glass front) or in a beautiful safari tent. The cabins are fully equipped, modern and offer incredible design. They have a queen bed and a full bathroom, shower, toilet, kitchenette. The tents are beautiful and provide a stunningly designed shared shower/bathroom facility.
Dog Friendly? Yes! Cuyuna Cove is Pet friendly.
El Cosmico in Marfa, TX
We love a good Texas getaway. And there is something so attractive about El Cosmico’s set up. They are located on the edge of the tiny art town of Marfa, where people from across the world travel to in order to experience the mystical magic that is held behind each unassuming door in town. Stay in one of the renovated trailers, a towering turt or a safari tent. You can also rent out a unique hot tub which is heated by firewood. Wake up to community brewed coffee and an adorable merch shop. Showers are outdoors for the yurts and tents and offer an incredible outdoor experience.
Dog Friendly? Yes! El Cosmico is pet friendly.
El Cosmico Glamping in Marfa, TX. Photo from www.elcosmico.com
Under Canvas Zion
If you’re on a mission to check off all the National Parks in the United States, Under Canvas is a great option for a place to stay. They have numerous locations now and offer great amenities to their guests with close access to the National Parks. One of our favorites is Under Canvas Zion. The camp is located on 196 acres which border the park of Zion. They offer on site dining, organic bath products, and on-suite bathrooms for each tent including a shower, sink and toilet. Most of the tents also include a wood stove to keep you toasty at night. Enjoy stargazing on your front porch with a glass of wine after a busy day of adventure.
Dog Friendly? Yes! Under Canvas Zion is pet friendly.
Under Canvas Zion, UT. Photo fromUnder Canvas
Under Canvas Smoky House
Immerse yourself in nature and wake up in a glamping tent on 132 acres just minutes from one of America’s most beautiful destinations: The Great Smoky Mountains.Under Canvas Smoky Mountains offers onsite dining, daily housekeeping, organic bath products and luxury bedding. Each tent has it’s own on-suite bathroom witha flushing toilet, sink and shower. You’re going to love staying at any of Under Canvas’s locations. They also offer adventure packages you can book or feel free to plan your adventure out on your own.
Dog Friendly Glamping? Yes! Under Canvas Smoky Mountains is pet friendly.
Under Canvas Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN. Photo from Under Canvas
Secluded Glamping Pods in Mojave Desert, California
This property is more secluded and is on 360 acres of stunning Mojave Desert. However, you’ll still have access to incredible outdoor adventures. There are 3 Secluded Glamping Pods total and they are smaller but incredibly cozy with a retractable garage-like window which offers a warm breeze and remarkable views of the desert and mountains. The 3 pods are connected by a wood walkway and have easy access to the shower and toilets. Nearby tours include: Wine Tasting, Biking, Horseback riding, Jeep Tours, Climbing, Meditation and so much more. Dog Friendly? Yes! The Eco-Pods of Mojave desert are pet friendly.
Eco-Friendly, Off Grid Pods in Mojave Desert, California. Photo from Glampinghub.com
The Vintages Trailer Resort in Williamette Valley, Oregon
We are so excited about this glamping destination and not just because Willamette Valley is one of the best places for wine tasting. It’s a throw back in time with luxury amenities and the location is unbeatable. The Vintages Trailer Resort offers unique trailers which are grouped together in their own neighborhood of 14 acres next to the vinyards. During your stay you’ll have your own private trailer and bathroom with access to dining, wine tasting and a memorable, unique stay. You’ll also have your own pour over coffee from Caravan coffee to wake up to in the mornings while snuggled in terry cloth robes.
Dog Friendly? Yes! If you decide to bring your dog along on the adventure, there’s even a dog park next door where you can let them run while you pick blackberries.
The Vintages Trailer Resort in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Photo from The Vintages
Voyage Camping Vans
We all follow and think about what it would be like to live in a van, free from city life responsibilities and having a home on wheels. Voyager Camper Vans allows you to ‘rent the vanlife’ and experience some incredible adventures doing so. You first choose the city you want to rent from as a starting point, and then off you go! They have wonderful recommendations on what outdoor adventures to seek with each starting city. One of our favorites is Nashville. From here, it’s a quick 2 hour drive over to the Tennessee River Gorge. You can hike around Signal Mountain or even rent Stand Up Paddle boards to paddle around with views of the Gorge above.
Dog Friendly? Yes! Voyager Camper Vans are Dog Friendly.
Voyager Camper Vans allow you to ‘rent the vanlife’. Photo from www.voyagercampervans.com
Rustic A-Frame Cabin in Walden, CO
Is there anything more charming than a cabin in the mountains? This Rustic A-Frame Cabin is located in Walden, about 3 hours NW of Denver. It can accommodate up to 5 guests with 2 bunk beds and a single bed. The decor and style is rustic and minimal with perfect views of the Rocky Mountains. There is a small living space with table and chairs, a kitchenette and a wood burning stove (wood is provided) to cuddle up around in the evenings. There is also AC and Heat and an area to charge your phones. The bathroom is an outhouse and the shower is an outdoor shower. It’s not what we would call a luxury glamping experience but it is an incredible outdoor option with a more rustic appeal. the cabins are on the edge of Routt National Forest and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. They are also minutes away from both the Delaney Butte Lakes and the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead and their surrounding rivers and streams.
Dog Friendly? Yes! This tiny A-Frame is pet friendly.
tic A-Frame Cabin in Walden, CO. Photo from www.glampinghub.com
Papa's Treehouse in Bozeman, MT
If you’re looking for a true ‘off the grid’ glamping experience in the USA, we highly recommend checking out Papa’s Treehouse near Bozeman, MT. We’re in love with how simple and beautiful this little Airbnb cabin in the trees is. There is no running water, no electricity and no Wi-Fi. However, there is a non-flushing toilet with bio gel disposable bags and a wash station to clean up. The treehouse sleeps up to five and has a great kitchen and table area to gather around. There is a 2 burner gas stove top with a broiler for warming up rolls or danishes. There is a percolating coffee pot with coffee, hot chocolate and any dishes you may need. What we love the most is that it is a great destination for all seasons and close to all the outdoor adventure Bozeman and surrounding areas have to offer
Dog Friendly? No, this treehouse is not pet friendly.
Papa’s Treehouse near Bozeman, MT. Photo from Airbnb.com
Ventanna Glamping in Big Sur, California
Big Sur in California is a must see on anyone’s bucket list. This ocean cliffside destination is remarkable and Ventanna Glamping is nearby to offer an extraordinary place to stay during your visit. Choose from Glamping tent sites that are drive-up in the Redwoods or a more remote and private tent deeper into the canyon. The most incredible thing to note about Ventanna are the amenities. Unlike any other Glamping Destination, Ventanna offers 5 star luxury amenities such as a spa house, Upscale onsite ocean-view dining at The Sur House, Two heated outdoor swimming pools—one with an infinity-edge hot tub, Japanese hot baths and much more.
Dog Friendly? Yes! Ventanna Big Sur is pet friendly.
Ventanna Glamping Big Sur. Photo from Ventanna Big Sur.
Auto Camp Yosemite National Park, California
There are several locations to stay at Auto Camp now, with the newest location opening up Fall 2020 in Cape Cod. However, one of our favorites is still the Auto Camp Yosemite Location. They offer a variety of glamping options, vintage Airstreams being their main and most popular option. They also offer small luxury cabins and tents. We are in love with their amenities and their daily shuttles which take you straight to Yosemite National Park. Unwind in style or check out their mid-century modern club house, pool, dining and more.
Dog Friendly Glamping? Yes! Auto Camp is pet friendly.
Airstream Suite at Auto Camp in Yosemite, California. Photo From Auto Camp
